Is it time to stop using Xero to manage your trades business

Would you hammer a screw? Of course not! To get the best results, you need to use the best tools for the job. Xero is incredible for managing your overall business finances, but it’s not built for the scenarios of job management. Luckily, you can integrate Xero with your job management software to get the best of both worlds.

Think back to when you first started your business. Costs are piling up. You're trying to build your customer base. You're not sure if you can pay the bills next month.

You’re thinking “I’ve only just started, how am I ever going to make a profit?!?”.

It's this focus to keep costs down that leads businesses to put off getting the “ideal” business tool kit right away. You make do with what you've got to keep the lights on.

This is an effective strategy in the short term to get you up and running. But, once you’re ready for growth, this strategy will hold you back.

Should I stop using Xero…?

Yes…Sort of… Just stop using it to run your day-to-day business.

As your business grows, so does the administration. Your process of managing your admin throughout the day with the “it’s in my head” method or “I’ve got it in my book, everything is in there” works for a wee while.

When it’s just you, it’s easy to take the stuff from your head or book and pop it into Xero at the end of the day.

But, add in another person and you’ve now got to communicate what’s in your head or in your book to them. And then add another person. And another person. And they also have their “it’s in my head” method.

You’re spending all day passing on chasing information.

This sounds exhausting…

So, what’s the alternative?

As a tradesperson, you need software that’s built specifically to cater to tracking jobs, managing materials and costs, and scheduling your team.

Enter, job management software (JMS).

A JMS will be able to help out with things like:

• Quoting

• Scheduling

• Job cards and tracking

• Invoicing

• Reporting

And best of all you, most integrate with Xero. Remember those late nights entering your invoices into Xero? It’s a thing of the past. Your JMS will put that information into Xero automatically. Magic.

How do I get started?

There are many JMS’s on the market that offer free trials. Start there. Book some time in with a salesperson and get them to show you how it works.

Use a template like this Buyers Guide to help you decide which is the best option for your business.

And that’s it. You’re on your way to streamlining your business admin 🎉

Ready to get started?

Your new, easy breezy job management process is only one step away Try Fergus for 14 days free, sign up now.