Have you heard about Sage accounting software? Until I was introduced to this business solution, I didn't know that an accountancy software package could do so much. Of course I knew that the big businesses had sophisticated systems to handle their accounting but I just imagined that a similar system was outside the budget of the small business owner.

This assumption was a huge mistake. Not only is Sage accounting software very reasonably priced but it has actually saved me more money than I would care to admit. I have been able to streamline my accounts team and increase my bottom line. In today's tough economy, you have to be competitive and stay one step ahead of your competition or you will lose your business.

Now I can see exactly what information I need at the touch of a button. If I want to check the activity, or lack thereof, of my sales team I just have to go to that module of the accounts software. I can see the number of prospect on each sales persons list, the amount of contacts made and the outcome of those calls. Having this information to hand makes our monthly sales meetings very interesting!

I can also view my existing customer records and compare their account activity with a similar period from last year. This tells me whether they have increased or decreased their business with my firm. Obviously businesses go through cycles but if I spot a trend i.e. a number of customers not placing repeat business, it tells me very quickly that I have a problem on my hands.

And then there are my favorite people - those lovely Revenue officials. They expect you to be able to produce correct employee records on request. Waiting and patience are not words you will find in their employee handbook. I no longer dread their visits as my Sage accounting software has everything they need at the push of one button.