Management: December 2006 Archives

Paperwork is a big pain in the butt. However, as the organizational experts continually remind us - doing paperwork is a necessary evil.

If you're anything like me, your desk sometimes looks like a disaster zone. Piles of paper everywhere, not to mention those little yellow sticky reminders. I'd be embarassed to let anyone see my office this week, except for the fact that I know others can relate.

The paperwork solution

An important part of the paperwork solution is having standard forms to accomplish standard tasks. For example, instead of typing out an invoice from scratch each time around, you have a template. Rather than have your various computer passwords scribbled down in multiple places, you have one master sheet.

The right business forms keep your business running smoothly, saving you both time and money. In particular, financial documentation is a must for any small business to succeed. Contracts, invoices, delivery schedules and receipts should become standard for your business. Other forms, such as internal to-do memos and other office documents can be adapted with little or no fuss and be incorporated into your particular business scheme.

Free business forms online

The good news is there are free business forms online that you can use to keep track of every aspect of running your home-based business.

I've done the research and found a list of the top 10 online sites for free business forms. Check these out and see which of them provide the solution you need to organize the maze of paper cluttering up not only your mind, but also your workspace.

(Note: Be sure to read and follow all disclaimers regarding use of forms obtained on these sites.)

1. FreeBusinessForms.com

This is a pretty comprehensive site offering forms for almost any small business transaction. Also available on its pages is a wide-ranging list of how-to articles that offer a lot of information and insight directed at operating a successful small business.

The forms on this site can help any small business owner when they initially begin their operation. The forms designed in "Word" format require manual calculations. Those available in "Excel" format lend themselves to ready calculations and can offer a quick and easy ay to crunch numbers. As timesaving tools, the downloadable forms on this site can be customized to suit your business needs.

2. Legal-Forms-Kit.com

Offers a diverse selection of forms such as Agreement to Retain Services of an Accountant, Articles of Incorporations for a Business, Employment Agreement, and more. Also contains a comprehensive library of free information and resources for small business. Excellent resource site.

3. Smartbiz.com

Comprehensive information base, which addresses many small business owner concerns. Easy to navigate and download forms in both Excel and Word. A must-see for any small business owner or for those considering starting a small business.