When selecting a service to support your foundation of a startup, then it has to be cloud based.
Some call it Software as a Service (SAAS) which normally means the software runs on the internet and stores the files on the internet. This way you don’t lose them. Sometimes its called cloud because its running in the cloud, i.e. somewhere on the internet.
The common element to all these is that then mostly start using a freemium business model, meaning it starts off free and then you start paying once you hit a certain usage or time limit. This is ideal for a startup as it you business grows then normally there is some cash in the business to pay this later on.
The best thing about cloud is its easy to install and you alway have the latest software, service and availability.
The next question is what services do you need?
Cloud Storage
Storage Its doesn’t matter what business you have, you will end up making some files. These could be letters, spreadsheets or marketing material, but need keeping so you can use them and share them as required.
The current pack leaders are:
* Google Drive: 15GB free.
* Box: 10GB free.
* OneDrive: 5GB free (1TB for students)
* iCloud: 5GB free.
* Dropbox: 2GB free, plus up to 16GB extra.
I have used all of these and don’t have a preference, but the important factors are
- Being able to use on any device from anywhere
- Automatically loads and syncs
Its the communication mode of choice for business as it provides a scalable and traceable form which works asynchronous, so that you don’t have to response within seconds. Again start with one free service and then scale-up as required.
* Gmail, the default free email service from Google
* Outlook, from Microsoft
* AOL
* Zoho
* Mail.com
Messaging
Once you have a team, then messaging is the most important service. These vary and the one you select will be based on the type of business and the needs of the team. I have selected seven here to think about:
* Slack for a chat powered workplace
* Twist for threaded conversation-centric chat
* Microsoft Teams for discussions about documents and meetings
* Google Hangouts Chat for following up on conversations
* Flock for making decisions in chat
Project Planning
While messaging can do so much, at some point you will need to get everyone on a plan with goals and KPIs to ensure we are all moving in the same direction at the same speed.
* Basecamp. …
* Monday.com. …
* Wrike. …
* Asana. …
* Podio. …
* Project Insight. …
Accounting Solutions
Best accounting software for startups
1. Sighted. Sighted provides a free online invoicing software, with added expense tracking designed for startups and freelancers. …
2. FreeAgent. FreeAgent is an accounting app that offers standout invoicing and expense tracking for small businesses. …
3. LessAccounting. …
4. KashFlow. …
5. QuickBooks Online. …
6. Sage One Accounting.