A little while ago I was invited to try out a new service which aims to make organising the financial side of a small business just that little bit easier. As this year I’m aiming to make the step from part time to full time blogger it’s something that appealed to me. My partner is also launching a new business shortly so I thought it may also help him. I’ll admit that I am not the most organised person in the world so anything which helps to keep it all that little bit simpler is a great help.
What is Xero:
Xero is an online accounting software for small businesses.
It has all the time-saving tools you need to grow your business: unlimited users and 24/7 support.
Xero thinks your business should be a happy place, business can be blissful.
HAPPINESS.
What do we think:
One of the features that interested me was the ability to send online invoices and be notified when they are opened and actioned. Its also easier for your clients as they can literally click one button to pay the invoice by credit card or Paypal. I imagine the ease of the transaction would encourage people to pay quickly so you get your money in a timely manner – always a bonus. You can also personalise the invoice templates with your logo and details so that it will look more professional.
I love that there is an app. I already use my online banking app daily to keep up with my accounts but this makes everything easier. Chasing overdue invoices while I’m on the school run and also ideal for keeping track of your expenses such as train travel or working lunches etc.
You can use Xero to pay bills and connect to over 350 apps which means you can really streamline your business. Perhaps you use an app for tracking time spent on a particular account – this would then be linked to Xero which would make invoicing that little bit simpler. You also have the options of fast bank reconciliation, creating purchase orders, claiming expenses and to organise your payroll – if you have one.
The starter account on Xero is £9 per month and if you want to try it out yourself first there is a 30 day free trial option.
We have only been trying out Xero for a few weeks and because Chloe was in hospital and unwell for some of it I haven’t really been able to review it as thoroughly as I’d like but from what I’ve seen and used I can definitely recommend it and I’ll keep you updated with how I feel in a few weeks time.
You can find out more about Xero and The Business of Happiness here.
* I was given a free trial to review this and a voucher for my time.
Yes, Xero works really well – clents do pay you quicker – but becareful of the ‘pay now’ credit card fees – it is much better to encourage clients to pay direct into your bank account