It's getting late and I'm a bit tired and feeling lazy right now, so I apologize if there's a post that addresses what I'm asking here. I'm starting to feel the need to gather my "tools" together as I'm getting more work and I'm hoping to be officially open by the end of March (read: Website is up and running and I'm actively marketing). I know there's a lot out there but I wanted to create a list of necessary tools to have it all in one place. So, here's what I've got together so far. Can you tell me if I'm missing anything (I'm sure that I am...lol)?

• Project Management / Client Collaboration - Basecamp (do most of you use the Basic plan or the Plus? Trying to save money and am wondering if the cost of the Plus plan is worth it just to have time tracking)
• Communications - Skype (I think I'll try this first to see if it suits my needs. Would any of you suggest something else like Ring Central instead. This is what I hope to use for my business phone in addition to my cell phone)
• Freshbooks - Invoicing
• Outright - Accounting
• Shoeboxed - Receipt Management

I think that I'd also need some sort of FAX service and maybe FTP? Like I said, I'm a bit tired right now and I only got as far as the list above. Am I missing anything that's absolutely necessary? Also, I know that Freshbooks, Outright and Shoeboxed don't have a whole lot to do with the client's experience but they'll be part of my overall "system" of doing business.

TIA

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

Hi Stephanie,

I've used Filezilla for my FTP needs and it works wonderfully!

Kim

Thanks for the tip. I haven't used FTP in soooo long and back then it was just a plain ol' FTP thingamajig that everyone used (at least in the office). We actually have choices now...lol

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase

I have a Basecamp account but have not used it much. I use Skype for video conferencing and a small amount for phone calls. I use Google Voice for my business line. I am using Quickbooks Simple Start for my business accounting and invoicing. I just scan my receipts as PDFs and archive by month. My FTP software is Filezilla and I was using K7 fax but something happened and it is not working. I have a fax in my physical office that I use.

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Lisa Olinda of Olinda Services
Keeping you on the path to success!
www.olindaservices.com

Accounting - I am partial to QuickBooks (I am an advisor).

Payroll - I preferred PayCycle over QB for my clients. Funny, Intuit (QB) bought them in July of this year.

Fax - I have been using jFax for 5+ years. I have the incoming faxes routed to 2 email accounts for backup. I do not fax out much so I use jFax but I could use the fax/modem in the computer. They use to have a free account (incomeing only and they pick the number).

Printer - you need a businees grade black laser, minimum. I have a HP 4000 (networked, duplexer, 1000 sheet capability) which is an old workhorse that you can find inexpenseivly on eBay. I also got a sweet deal on a Brother 4070 which is a color laser that is networked (wireless) and duplexes.

Scanner - HP 8250 I purchased used on eBay. A business grade scanner that I use to scan client tax and accoutning records.

Software - I'm a office 2007 guy however OpenOffice is a good choice. A PDF driver is a must. I use PDF995 which is licensed thru my tax prep sw. I also use PaperPort to manage my client docs (scanned or other wise)

Atleast 1 lockable file cabinet to secure client data.

Offsite backup - A must!!!!! I use Cabonite and have war stories from myself and clients.