Start-Up Software Checklist
Author: Youth 2 Youth.
Different types of businesses require
different types of software, and at
different times. During start-up, you
may find that suddenly you need
software to be able to do things like
keep your accounting up to date,
create order forms/booking forms
or create your business cards. This
is important because in the beginning,
you may not have the funds to
outsource these things to contractors
or to hire employees with these skills.
There are a variety of software options
available that are quite inexpensive and
are at the simple level required for start-up businesses. Generally, the inexpensive software options tend to be for PCs rather than Macs, so keep that in mind (but if you need the type of programs that work best on Macs - design, etc - then make sure you choose your computer for the level you know you'll need in time, and not based on software you can afford now).
Example Only
| Software | What will I use it for? | What level do I need? | When do I need it? | When can I afford it? |
| Word Processing | Creating invoices, contracts, order forms | Basic - not too complex | 2 months | 6 weeks |
Your Checklist
| Software | What will I use it for? | What level do I need? | When do I need it? | When can I afford it? |
| Word Processing | ||||
| Accounting | ||||
| Desktop Publishing | ||||
| Portable Document Creation | ||||
| Database Management | ||||
| Project/Event Tracking | ||||
| Distribution & Delivery | ||||
| Web Site Construction/Design | ||||
| Graphic Design | ||||
| Reference | ||||
| Media Monitoring | ||||
| Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | ||||
| Marketing & PR | ||||
| Human Resources Records | ||||
| OH&S | ||||
| E-Commerce | ||||
| Business Planning | ||||
| Training | ||||
| Media Player/Burner |
Once you've identified what type of software you need and can afford, you need to find it! Youth 2 Youth has conducted some research into inexpensive programs available. Of course, we won't endorse these - but we know they're out there! Many of these sites showcase the alternative options available to the larger brand names of software (which may be just as suitable for your needs).
Please email us at info@youth2youth.com.au if you have any suggestions for other members as to what inexpensive small biz software is available. You don't need to have used it before, as we are just keen to be made aware as to what is out there for young entrepreneurs!
Training
Many local adult education , evening and community colleges offer quick and inexpensive training in small business software. Check with your local college. If you're from a regional or remote area you may be able to do training online, so contact the software supplier for details.
A note about piracy
The Government has recently been cracking down on small businesses using pirated software for commercial purposes. Do the right thing and ensure your software is registered, licensed if necessary, and legal. The first step to ensure that new software is in line with the law is to get it from a reputable dealer (either offline or online). If you have existing software that is pirated, trash it. Invest in the real deal, or download free (legal) versions from the net. If in any doubt about your compliancy with the law, check out these awesome university lecture notes (copyright to author Curtis Dyreson) on software piracy at:
www.cs.jcu.edu.au/ftp/web/teaching/Subjects/cp1500/1998/foils/piracy.html#section1
