There are many versions of accounting software available to small business owners, but accounting is only one aspect of recordkeeping. Word processors, databases, spreadsheets, and all sorts of graphics can aid you in managing the financial and clerical aspects of your business.
There is probably no area of greater confusion to the self-employed businessperson than the true costs and benefits of installing and using a computerized accounting system. Such business owners frequently have an inflated picture of the benefits of computerized accounting and an incomplete understanding of the costs. Some computer resellers and systems installers are unwilling to point out these conceptual errors, which often results in some unpleasant surprises and bad feelings.
First and foremost, computerized accounting is not simpler than manual accounting. Even the very best accounting system will not magically convert a clerk into a bookkeeper. In fact, many full-charge bookkeepers insist that computerized accounting requires sharper bookkeeping skills than a manual system. Manual systems generally break tasks down into simple steps. Errors are not automatically carried into other accounts. Second, if you are going to bring your accounting in-house, you need to realize that a computerized accounting system is not going to straighten out a manual accounting mess. Small, rapidly growing businesses, faced with limited capital and cramped cash flows, often put off establishing proper accounting procedures until a sunnier day. A manual accounting system verging on a bad dream can become an almost impossible nightmare when computerized. To "go onto" a computerized accounting system, your books have to be in perfect order. Accounts receivable and payable have to be exact and up-to-date, and beginning balances must be accurate.
Moreover, where staff is already stretched, part-time help may be required, because the two systems should be run in parallel for at least two months. In this way, mistakes are more easily caught and corrected and the business need not rely on the new system to provide accurate data. Your staff simply must have time to learn the new system. Expect three to six months to return to earlier efficiency. The system you purchase will not do everything exactly as you want it. Some modifications may be needed to produce the output you need; these won't be free. Plan on involving an accountant in this task. Don't expect the package seller to provide advice only an accountant should provide. And some tasks simply do not lend themselves to easy, efficient transfer to computers. Computers are only tools.
Finally, let's look at the support issue. Support includes all the services necessary to get and keep your computer system up and running and as productive as possible. These services include instruction, education and maintenance both under warranty and other. Some resellers include preventive maintenance to service your computer before it stops working. The accounting package reseller probably captures a gross margin of 20 percent to 40 percent of the accounting package retail price. Out of that margin, sales commissions and all overhead expenses must be paid. Most support requires not only a thorough knowledge of the package, but a sound grounding in standard accounting procedures. Well-trained and equipped support personnel normally need to charge at least $60 to $75 per hour to make a reasonable profit. Therefore, on average, one should probably not expect more than one hour of qualified support "free" for each $1,000 of purchase price. Free, unqualified support generally costs you more than you can afford.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Bending The Body: Chiropractic Care As Alternative Medicine
Chiropractic care is an alternative health option that has become
mainstream and widely used. This year, millions of Americans, as well as
people all over the world, will visit a chiropractor's office for help
with pain and illness, most often times back pain. Chiropractic
procedures can be used on just about anyone and will help in a variety
of ways with multiple kinds of pain, so if you want to try an
alternative to traditional medical treatments that has been proven to
work, ask your doctor about more information regarding chiropractic.
Chiropractors treat a patient with a hands-on technique. Using a number of motions, chiropractors align the spine and other joints in a manipulation kind of strategy, known as adjustment in the business. Chiropractic care teaches that the body can heal itself under the correct conditions. Basic health is strongly related to body structure and its function, stemming from correct spinal alignment and radiating to other parts of the body.
This process is not a new one, and chiropractic teachings have been written down since the time of the ancient Greek civilization. It was brought back to the health world in the late 1800s and has grown in popularity every since. Each chiropractor has a different theory and belief system regarding how the procedures work, so it is important to be sure that you and your chiropractor feel comfortable together. Be sure to also visit someone who is a licensed professional, as bone alignment (especially spinal manipulation) can be dangerous if the person doing the aligning is not properly trained. Your medical doctor should be able to suggest some popular and effective chiropractic care professionals in your area, or you can search the Internet for offices and reviews.
During your initial visit, a chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history and current state of well being. He or she will also do a physical examination and choose the best course of action to treat your condition. A variety of techniques can be used to achieve the desired results, and they may also combine their techniques to other nontraditional forms of treatment. These include mobilization, the use of heat and ice, acupuncture, homeopathy, and magnetic therapy.
Before you begin treatment, be sure to review your state's chiropractic care guidelines and take care that your professional follows the correct and legal procedures. Also check if your health insurance covers this form of treatment-many do, but some do not. Lastly, spread the word if you have received excellent care. Chiropractors and other alternative health care professionals rely on you to help them gain a good reputation.
Chiropractors treat a patient with a hands-on technique. Using a number of motions, chiropractors align the spine and other joints in a manipulation kind of strategy, known as adjustment in the business. Chiropractic care teaches that the body can heal itself under the correct conditions. Basic health is strongly related to body structure and its function, stemming from correct spinal alignment and radiating to other parts of the body.
This process is not a new one, and chiropractic teachings have been written down since the time of the ancient Greek civilization. It was brought back to the health world in the late 1800s and has grown in popularity every since. Each chiropractor has a different theory and belief system regarding how the procedures work, so it is important to be sure that you and your chiropractor feel comfortable together. Be sure to also visit someone who is a licensed professional, as bone alignment (especially spinal manipulation) can be dangerous if the person doing the aligning is not properly trained. Your medical doctor should be able to suggest some popular and effective chiropractic care professionals in your area, or you can search the Internet for offices and reviews.
During your initial visit, a chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history and current state of well being. He or she will also do a physical examination and choose the best course of action to treat your condition. A variety of techniques can be used to achieve the desired results, and they may also combine their techniques to other nontraditional forms of treatment. These include mobilization, the use of heat and ice, acupuncture, homeopathy, and magnetic therapy.
Before you begin treatment, be sure to review your state's chiropractic care guidelines and take care that your professional follows the correct and legal procedures. Also check if your health insurance covers this form of treatment-many do, but some do not. Lastly, spread the word if you have received excellent care. Chiropractors and other alternative health care professionals rely on you to help them gain a good reputation.
Amen: Prayer For Health
Is prayer for health a legitimate form of healing? The vast majority of
people belong to one religion or another. In fact, about 95% of the
American population believes in God. Therefore, when sick or in pain, it
is common to pray for health and well being. Does it work? Studies
today are focusing on the validity of prayer for health. The alternative
to traditional treatments can be used to help a person both physically
and spiritually, but studies are now looking at whether prayer can be
used in place of other medical procedures or if it is simply something
to use in conjunction with traditional treatment options.
Logically, it is undeniable that prayer can help you with mental conditions. Overall, the belief in a higher power and heaven gives you a more positive outlook on life and your current medical situation. Stress if relieved and the mind is cleared to make better health decisions. Those who pray are also joining a larger support group of others who are also religiously inclines, so it brings a sense of community to the person who prays. All of these things can, and in most cases do, improve health.
The question remains, however, if prayer for health can actually physically bring healing. Studies have been done in which patients were split into three groups-one group received no prayers from a large congregation, one group received these prayers and was told about it, and the last group received these prayers but was told they may or may not receive them. This blind study was largely inconclusive, and because it could not be determined whether the patients themselves were praying or whether outside friends and family members were praying, it was impossible to control such studies.
As with many alternative therapy options, however, advocates will simply say that it can't hurt. This is true. Prayer costs nothing and takes little time, so when used in conjunction with typical medical procedures it can only improve the situation. The medical field began in ancient times as a branch of religion, with many doctors and the nursing staff being religious leaders. Today this is not the case, but most hospitals still employ members of the clergy to visit patients if wanted.
Because studies are inconclusive, it may be very unproductive to use prayer for health in place of other medical treatment. Discuss with your doctor and religious leaders the best course of action for you and your medical situation, and if praying makes you feel more positive about your condition, continue the practice.
Logically, it is undeniable that prayer can help you with mental conditions. Overall, the belief in a higher power and heaven gives you a more positive outlook on life and your current medical situation. Stress if relieved and the mind is cleared to make better health decisions. Those who pray are also joining a larger support group of others who are also religiously inclines, so it brings a sense of community to the person who prays. All of these things can, and in most cases do, improve health.
The question remains, however, if prayer for health can actually physically bring healing. Studies have been done in which patients were split into three groups-one group received no prayers from a large congregation, one group received these prayers and was told about it, and the last group received these prayers but was told they may or may not receive them. This blind study was largely inconclusive, and because it could not be determined whether the patients themselves were praying or whether outside friends and family members were praying, it was impossible to control such studies.
As with many alternative therapy options, however, advocates will simply say that it can't hurt. This is true. Prayer costs nothing and takes little time, so when used in conjunction with typical medical procedures it can only improve the situation. The medical field began in ancient times as a branch of religion, with many doctors and the nursing staff being religious leaders. Today this is not the case, but most hospitals still employ members of the clergy to visit patients if wanted.
Because studies are inconclusive, it may be very unproductive to use prayer for health in place of other medical treatment. Discuss with your doctor and religious leaders the best course of action for you and your medical situation, and if praying makes you feel more positive about your condition, continue the practice.
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