[oldeschool]

Maybe I can find help here. I run a small construction business which does under $200,000.00 gross/yr. Everything is done mostly on a pay as you go system. I don't want to get buried with debt. It is an S-corp. and I need to find out a effective and efficient means of keeping my books. It has to be for the tech. retarded because I can't afford a bookkeeper. I do my own books. Maybe someone could make a suggestion. I also need help with reaching potential clients without a huge expense. I don't do any advertising. Sioux Falls, S.D is a booming city of approx. 225,000 and growing rapidly. Thanks.

[Stuart Wingate]

Hi, Oldeschool.

I've asked our office manager to chime in on advice regarding easy bookkeeping programs. She will post something Monday.

Regarding your question about reaching potential clients, here are a few:

1) Start a referral program with your current customers. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Perhaps print out certificates good for a $25 gift card when a referral comes your way and hires you.

2) Place an ad for your services on Craig's List (craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums). Be sure to look for the Sioux Falls listings. Inexpensive and it has worked for me before.

3) Do you have a website? There are several very easy-to-use companies out there that provide hosting and a tool to build your site from scratch -- and you don't need a degree in design. Everything is template based. This will help people find you when they search online for construction services in your city.

4) Buy some search engine marketing on Google.com. Very easy to do, just follow their instructions. Be sure to purchase local search for your area. Set your budget cap at $5/day for starters to see what you get ($150/month). You can increase/decrease as you find out the results. Be sure to put your phone number in the ad copy. Eventually when you get your website built, you can then direct people there.

5) Finally, do you know of some local business sites where people go to find information and referrals? For instance, in Atlanta we have Atlanta, GA Restaurant, Contractor, Doctor & Home Service Reviews - Kudzu.com and Things to Do in Atlanta / AccessAtlanta where local buisnesses can post ads. You may want to try something like this for your area.

Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going.

[Robin Holtson]

Hi Oldeschool,
There are a few software packages available online, however, most accountants (including my own personal CPA) prefers and recommends QuickBooks. Another idea though - you may be able to barter some construction work for bookkeeping services in your area. I know a bookkeeper who does this with her hairdresser. She gets her hair cut and colored, along with her children's haircuts in exchange for bookkeeping and acccounting services.

[pattykakes]

Originally Posted by oldeschool

Maybe I can find help here. I run a small construction business which does under $200,000.00 gross/yr. Everything is done mostly on a pay as you go system. I don't want to get buried with debt. It is an S-corp. and I need to find out a effective and efficient means of keeping my books. It has to be for the tech. retarded because I can't afford a bookkeeper. I do my own books. Maybe someone could make a suggestion. I also need help with reaching potential clients without a huge expense. I don't do any advertising. Sioux Falls, S.D is a booming city of approx. 225,000 and growing rapidly. Thanks.

I have started doing the books for my husbands small business and I find Quick Books is very forgiving to the newbie. It also has some neat reports to let you know on an up to date timeline , how your company is doing.

Good Luck.

[Roni_W]

Originally Posted by oldeschool

Maybe I can find help here. I run a small construction business which does under $200,000.00 gross/yr. Everything is done mostly on a pay as you go system. I don't want to get buried with debt. It is an S-corp. and I need to find out a effective and efficient means of keeping my books. It has to be for the tech. retarded because I can't afford a bookkeeper. I do my own books. Maybe someone could make a suggestion. I also need help with reaching potential clients without a huge expense. I don't do any advertising. Sioux Falls, S.D is a booming city of approx. 225,000 and growing rapidly. Thanks.

Quickbooks is a user friendly program for bookkeeping. I owned and operated a small retail business, and it worked very well. You are able to personalize many of the features. This will save you a great deal of money. I would then use some of your finances to pay an accountant to do quarterly reviews and file your taxes.