Business Tips

Starting a Small or Part-time Business

1.  First Steps 

2.  Record Keeping

3.  Sample Forms

4.  Resources

RECORD KEEPING

Remember Rule# 1....always keep written records

1. Keep a copy of every sale.  Duplicate receipt books can be purchased at an office supply store.  (keep your receipt..this is a business expense).  You can rubber stamp (another expense) your contact information on these or use address labels (expense).

2. Keep a receipt for every expense or purchase.  Make notes on store receipts or on checks or on credit card receipts, so you will know what the expense was.

3. Have a written log of business miles...business mileage to & from  the post office, office supply store, deliveries, parties, clients, customers, etc.  Keep a small clipboard or notepad in your vehicle to record start and ending mileage.

Keep all written records in a safe place.  Weekly or monthly, you may wish to organize your records, balance the checkbook, credit card account.  

One way to organize your records is to record all receipts and expenses in a chronological order on a hand-written form or electronically in Excel or other spreadsheet.  Your form should include:  date of transaction, customer or payee, income column, various expense columns to record the type of expense.

The next section includes some forms you can print as well as some Excel templates you can download and use.

<first steps>                                                 <sample forms>

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