4. Ask advice
Now that you have a budget and a list of priorities, it’s time to start asking questions. Before you approach any software companies, talk to others in your industry about the systems they use. Ask them the same sorts of things you thought about when reviewing your own existing system – What are the system’s good points? What are its limitations? Is it reliable? And, most importantly, would they recommend it? If the answer to this last question is anything less than a definite “Yes”, ask why, and find out what alternatives they might consider.
Another person you should consult at this stage is your accountant. Find out what information they need from your system, and in what format. Your accountant may also be able to suggest some software programs that he or she has been impressed with. Finally, you may like to enlist the help of a business consultant or specialist for independent advice on which systems may meet your needs.