Background: Just finsished registering my business today. My bank is already working on a business account, credit card, credit line, and a small business loan. I am trying to line everything up, because in a couple weeks I will be getting a call to go consulting. Finally, I'll be workin' my butt off for me, not to fill someone else's pockets. When this happens, it'll happen quick, so I'm burning the candle at both ends while still working full time to get everything lined up.

Now, what is a good invoicing program? I need something uncomplicated and easy to use as I'll be sending via email from the field. Possibly, something that I can insert my company logo in the corner (got to get someone to build that too along with business cards). Still don't have my new truck yet either.

How do I find the time to still visit this site is beyond me!

 

Excel? (or google spreadsheets if you have webaccess in the field)
asside from that, if you dont need a full MRP system, then I dont know.

 

Are you talking Microsoft Excel...build your own invoice type of thing?

Don't laugh...I'm not so good at using that program to "it's full potential". I'll require help building an invoice spreadsheet. Now, the "guts" of the invoice on the spreadsheet isn't that hard, but that logo stuff is beyond my technology.

 

There are some decent templates on Microsofts web site for excel. They work pretty well and are customizeable, your logo will be easily inserted.

 

draw / sketch your logo and scan it or take a picture of it and post it on here along with your ideas of what you want it to look like. someone will pick it up and clean it up to make a nice looking logo.

I personally, cant draw a straight line without AutoCAD.

 

I think Quickbooks is the best small business accounting package. I have used it and recommended it to my clients. It comes in different packages at different prices for different size customers.

What kind of consulting?

Good luck,
Nick

 

Didn't even know those were there....just too much stuff on this internet thing!

Thanks.

 

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll check it out - already downloaded an excel invoice from the Microsoft website.

It is very likely I am moving from working as an on-site H2S Lead Safety Supervisor to sub contracting as a Public Liason Specialist with regard to drilling, completion, and plant emergency response planning. I'm just in the wait mode for new contracts to be finalized and signed and there is an immediate need for another consultant - it's pretty much a done deal - I haven't quit my other job yet - maybe I'll take an immediate leave of absence when it does happen.

I hold tickets as a Scott Air Pak Field Service Tech., high angle confined space rescue Level 1 & 2, breathing apparatus trainer, a whole bunch of other stuff too much to list, and........all around good guy!

 

OK - took a picture from one of my shirts (it's not trademarked) - I think the embroidery will make it difficult:

1) I want to take out "Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation"
2) clean up the lines - maybe a slightly more detailed bull elk representation.
3) add some trees to the mountains - maybe?
4) add a full moon in the background, maybe slide elk around have the moon partially encompass the head and be centralized in the mountain background
5) have the background white instead of black
6) have the color Dodge Khaki instead of grey

I need one logo just by itself for my invoice, and another with the logo and text underneath reading "Elk Canyon Consulting Ltd." for business cards and such.

Any other suggestions? I do want to keep it simple. I will have to get vinyl decals made up for the rear windows of the truck, so not too much detail.

 

I use quickbooks pro. Very versital program you can track individual jobs and track expenses with as much or as little detail as you want. It is easy enough to use that you can load it into your computer and play with to get the hang of. Plus alot of accountants use it so at tax time you just make an accountants copy and take it to them on disk. It will also do invoiceing. I have a field copy of an invoice that I just copy the info from to the computer then I can print recieps or reminders off and the software tracks paid to date and finance charges. I think there is a trial version you can download

 

OK ...who's good with Photoshop? Is there a chance in heck of getting remotely close to what I want in a couple posts above?