Advice needed from the entrepreneurs

**Kitjaii** · 11-04-2010 04:07 PM

Hey guys,

I got my own little startup service that is going to be launched next april 2011 . My webdesinger is in the process of making the website and i am planning negotiation plans for my service. I'm Planning on going full time once i graudate as i am in my last year university. There are a few things i am still concerned about and wanted to get some help from you guys.

In terms of business planning, If i wanted to keep track of my expenses/ revenues / inventory counts etc. What are some good softwares that are free or relatively cheap? I know excel is one idea but would using a software be better? I did some research on google etc, so far the ones i encounter is not the one i want.

Also , would a business plan be essential? I am currently using Freemind for a general layout of my planning for the business. But if i were to go indepth in writing a report for potential investors, or just to properly plan out my expected future budget and goals . What are some good templates that i can use? Since i am not finding investors at the moment, but i am mainly going out to negotiate contracts with retail companies so not sure if proper business planning reports would be essential.

Aside, from those points, what are some important tools that i can have or use to improve my business to increase a better chance of having a successful business.

Thanks

**Carlos™** · 11-04-2010 08:36 PM

What will you be servicing?

**Kitjaii** · 11-04-2010 10:02 PM

in the field similar to advertisements.. i bascially help promote new small services in my local area such as resturants, spas, entertainment etc.

**GotLiveChat** · 11-05-2010 01:24 PM

Hi Kitjaii, you could get away with using Excel for the "books" but you may want to consider the Quicken products if you need something easier to import into your tax software. OOCalc (part of OpenOffice) is a free version of Excel if you're looking for something cheaper.
A business plan would be useful at least internally, unless you try to see investors or are trying to get business loans. In terms of where to get templates, just search Google for 'business plan templates'.