My OperaThe Importance of Invoicing Systems
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:06:44 PM
By Ron D Salone
You're starting up a marketing or business consultancy and crossing off all the things you need to set up and prepare before you really get business going and start working with all your new clients. Consulting reports, proposals, and a solid invoicing system are just a few of the systems that you'll need to set up to ensure the smooth operation of your new consulting company.
Because your invoice is so important since that is how you end up getting paid I decided to write some basic tips for you to follow if you want to make this process a bit more full proof. Even though invoicing sounds like such an easy task you would be surprised how many times I've seen companies doing it all wrong and when it comes time to finding out where an invoice is located, guess what? It's no where to be found.
First off if you have a small company then make sure the job of invoicing is left to one person so that way it doesn't get all confusing. Another thing you should look into in relation to this point is software online that can help you consolidate all of your invoicing activities into one place online. These new applications work great and you usually just need to pay a small monthly fee to keep the service up.
I would like to give you another important tip. From day one set up a system for file naming and numbering. For example maybe you want to put a number followed by the client name, and then the date. Also remember that your first invoice number doesn't need too start at number one. If you do that you really will be labeling yourself as a "consulting beginner" or brand new company. Start out at some random number and then just go from there.
Also you would be surprised at how many companies don't spend any time coming up with good invoice design. Although you think that it's just a simple document it's one of the main "fabrics" of your business and it is the point where you and the client exchange payment. You want to leave a great impression for chances of continued business. Make sure you either spend time on the design or hire a freelance professional to design a proper invoice that will work as a professional promotional piece for you and your consulting brand.
So there you have it. A few proven tips and tricks on how to handle your invoices for your new consulting practice. It is a system that needs to be set up properly from the beginning and handled professionally. So make sure you take your time from day one and invest some time and money into your invoicing system.
You're starting up a marketing or business consultancy and crossing off all the things you need to set up and prepare before you really get business going and start working with all your new clients. Consulting reports, proposals, and a solid invoicing system are just a few of the systems that you'll need to set up to ensure the smooth operation of your new consulting company.
Because your invoice is so important since that is how you end up getting paid I decided to write some basic tips for you to follow if you want to make this process a bit more full proof. Even though invoicing sounds like such an easy task you would be surprised how many times I've seen companies doing it all wrong and when it comes time to finding out where an invoice is located, guess what? It's no where to be found.
First off if you have a small company then make sure the job of invoicing is left to one person so that way it doesn't get all confusing. Another thing you should look into in relation to this point is software online that can help you consolidate all of your invoicing activities into one place online. These new applications work great and you usually just need to pay a small monthly fee to keep the service up.
I would like to give you another important tip. From day one set up a system for file naming and numbering. For example maybe you want to put a number followed by the client name, and then the date. Also remember that your first invoice number doesn't need too start at number one. If you do that you really will be labeling yourself as a "consulting beginner" or brand new company. Start out at some random number and then just go from there.
Also you would be surprised at how many companies don't spend any time coming up with good invoice design. Although you think that it's just a simple document it's one of the main "fabrics" of your business and it is the point where you and the client exchange payment. You want to leave a great impression for chances of continued business. Make sure you either spend time on the design or hire a freelance professional to design a proper invoice that will work as a professional promotional piece for you and your consulting brand.
So there you have it. A few proven tips and tricks on how to handle your invoices for your new consulting practice. It is a system that needs to be set up properly from the beginning and handled professionally. So make sure you take your time from day one and invest some time and money into your invoicing system.
