Advantages of Leasing Computers Over Buying

Avoid Obsolescence

As technology rapidly increases and raises the benchmarks for capability and performance, obsolete computer hardware can become as useful as a Betamax videocassette player. Keeping up with the latest innovations can be expensive. There is another option–leasing.

Why Can Leasing a Computer Benefit Me?

Computer leasing offers the following benefits:

• Access to the latest technology as soon as it becomes available.
• You’re not stuck with obsolete equipment that has little trade-in value.

How Do I Find a Good Supplier?

You may choose to work directly with a computer manufacturer that offers leasing. The most common way to lease, however, is to work with a leasing company. Be sure to ask specific questions such as:

• What are your lease rates?
• Do you specialize in technology-based leases?
• Do you require security deposits?
• Are there any additional fees?

What Kind of Leases Exist and Which Is Best For Me?

The most common types of leases include:

• Conventional lease. You have three options at the end of the lease period: Renew the lease, request a new lease and new equipment, or return the equipment.
• Fair market value lease. You and the supplier agree on a fair market value for the computer at the end of the lease period. At this time, you have the option of purchasing the computer for this price.
• Lease to purchase. You automatically own the computer when the lease expires.

Selecting one of these leases is dependent on the importance you place on having the latest technology. Do you need to continually have the latest available model? Or are you satisfied with the older model until prices plateau?Despite the advantages of leasing, there can be onesignificant drawback–availability. Manufacturers and leasing companies may have difficulty meeting the demand for the latest technology.

Starting Your Business Right

What computer equipment and furniture to buy are some of the questions that may arise when you are getting your business going. We have compiled several articles to help with startup issues to help you to know what steps to take to get started right without breaking the bank.Learn What You Need to Know to Start Your Accounting Service Right

To be most effective in running a business -any business-you should be a ‘goal-setter.’ Your goals are what will give you purpose, direction and energy.

A well-written goal is more likely to be achieved. Use the SMART approach for defining your goals. Goals must be…

S pecific. A goal stating, “I am going to have a successful bookkeeping service” is too vague. A more appropriate goal would be, “I will have ten clients and be billing $3,000 per month by December 31st.”

M easurable. Define the expected outcome. In the previous example, the goal will be met when when he or she has 10 clients.

A ttainable. Concentrate on practicalities. Even an otherwise well-written goal is useless if it cannot be achieved within the allotted time. If you’re only giving yourself a week to find ten clients, it is probably unattainable. Three to four months would be more like it.

R ealistic. Reaching for the stars is an exhilarating way to approach goal-setting. But once you’ve targeted your dream goal, it’s time to ask yourself, “How close can I come to achieving it? Do I need to rethink this and set some smaller, intermediate goals?”

T imed. Your ultimate goal can easily fade into the distant future unless you set a real deadline for achieving it. The same principle applies to all your goals. It’s much easier to accomplish a goal if you have a definite time for doing it.

More Help With Business Questions

The “Start Your Business” section of the accounting-and-bookkeeping-tips.com site gives tips on getting your business moving and solving startup problems.Click HERE to Learn How to Help Get Your Business On Target

Have You Lost That Fire?

Staying Motivated after Achieving Success

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. – Zig ZiglarPeople who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents. – Andrew CarnegieBe miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice. – Wayne Dyer

Remember the days when the thought of owning and operating your own business was exciting and new? Now that you’ve actually accomplished that goal and have enjoyed a certain measure of success, you may find yourself feeling less and less inspired as the days go on. Whether you call it job burnout or just plain boredom you need to address this issue before it gets out of hand. There are ways to regain your motivation and feel excited about your business, and once again look forward to working for yourself everyday. Here are five ways to reignite that fire:

1. Don’t wait for inspiration to find youMotivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “The best motivating is self-motivating. The guy says, ‘I wish someone would come by and turn me on.’ What if they don’t show up? You’ve got to have a better plan for your life.”It’s important that you find your inspiration. What gets you excited? It’s good to look for books and tapes that could help you maintain a certain level of motivation. And remember that quote about bathing? You need to dedicate time for self-motivation every day. Even if it’s simply looking for quotes like the ones above; be proactive and find your motivation.2. Set goalsYou may be feeling a little disinterested because you’ve already achieved a fairly large goal: you’ve opened your own accounting practice. But what next? If you don’t set new and challenging goals you’ll find yourself losing steam and then finally the drive to do your best. Remember the question above: What excites you? If it’s no longer owning and operating your own accounting practice consider growing your accounting practice so that you become a premier firm with 20 or so employees. Or maybe you’d like to expand your business by offering more services like financial consulting or tax preparation and planning. Or perhaps you’d like to make enough money so that you enjoy a more flexible work schedule and spend more time with your family. Think long and hard about which goals you can be passionate about.3. Enjoy yourselfYou may not be feeling motivated because you’ve worked yourself too hard; perhaps you’re experiencing burnout. If you don’t take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labors, you’re on a fast track to MediocreVille. Planning for a big payoff, like a dream vacation, a new home, a flat-screen TV or whatever gets you excited, may be what it takes to motivate you in a more balanced way.4. NetworkWorking all by your lonesome can get old after awhile. Allowing yourself to get out and rub shoulders with other financial professionals can not only help motivate you but improve your business. As you talk with others you’ll find that you get new ideas on how to better manage your business, attract clients, and problem-solve. It will also be refreshing to enjoy the socialization networking provides.5. Ride the waveOnce you begin to feel that motivation again, ride the wave. That excitement for your work can ebb and flow, so when you feel a swell, jump on and ride it through. You’ll find you’ll accomplish a lot more in less time.

Master Coaching

Don’t panic just because you’ve lost your motivation; you can easily find it if you take a few simple steps. You may be surprised just how soon you feel that flood of excitement wash over you again. And if still need some help, Universal Accounting Center offers a special service designed to help you set and achieve motivational goals. Our Master Coaching includes 12 weekly coaching sessions with a dedicated coach to set goals, make assignments and hold you accountable for implementing the program. After the initial 12 weekly sessions, the coach will conduct nine follow-up monthly sessions. Imagine having your own personal small business coach to help you accomplish your goals and motivate you when you may not be able to motivate yourself. To learn more about Master Coaching visit the Universal Accounting Center website. For information on ordering this service, click here.