Most small business owners can’t afford to think small. They always need to keep their mind on growth strategies to help them achieve long-term profitability.

But becoming profitable in the first place often requires business owners to work long hours on a shoe-string budget. They don’t always have time to implement systems that will support them when they’re ready to scale. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to use free or low-cost software solutions that can get them up and running, but hold them back as their needs evolve.

Read on to learn if it’s time to upgrade your current systems to support your small business as it grows – and what to look for.

Learn how hiring an accountant can save you money and help your small business thrive. Discover the benefits of professional financial oversight today!

Cyber crime is a serious concern for business owners. Recently IBM Chair, CEO, and President, Ginni Rometty, called it “the greatest threat to every company in the world”. According to Juniper Research, by 2019 cyber crime will cost businesses a staggering $2 trillion.

It’s impossible to put a dollar value on what your customer data is worth – or the cost to your business should sensitive data be compromised by theft or loss. For many small companies, a security breach could simply mean the end of the business.

If you don’t already have a data security plan in place, these tips will help you take steps to prevent a devastating loss.

If you think accounting software is just for tracking expenses and generating financial reports, you’re losing out on an opportunity to improve your bottom line. By taking advantage of insights provided by your software solution, you’ll benefit from a more informed approach to marketing and customer service – and by making the most of all the ways your software can improve productivity you can take meaningful action to increase profits. Here’s how.

Discover the importance of small business insurance in protecting your assets, income, and reputation. Learn why having the right coverage is essential.

Discover the top 9 reasons why small businesses should switch to cloud computing. Save money, time, and improve security with this innovative solution.

Cloud computing is quickly moving from an obscure concept to an everyday reality for small businesses all over the world.

A 2015 survey of small business owners found that 52% had already adopted some form of cloud-based data storage; however, a general lack of awareness regarding the logistics and advantages of cloud computing has made others a bit more resistant.

The truth is, there are several very practical benefits to moving your data into the cloud, including reducing operating costs and boosting efficiency. Here are three more ways cloud computing can help your small business run even better.

If you’re a small business owner whose company hasn’t gone through hard times, that’s great but it’s likely to happen at some point. As much as we dream about being brilliant enough at business that we’ll never face slow times, there are many things beyond our control that can negatively affect our business.

Here are four tips for getting your business through difficult periods so you can look forward to many more years of business ownership.

It’s the line item most often left out of a small company’s budget: the business owner’s salary.

Let’s face it: you can always spend cash on your business. From office expenses to employee salaries to rent, every month a portion of your revenue is accounted for.

But paying yourself first is a must. You need to earn a living – and paying yourself can actually help your business succeed.

Here’s why you should make your salary a top priority, starting now.

How to get the most out of Xero right from the start

When you start using Xero, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. We’re big fans here at Acme Accountants and know how happy clients are when they can see their cash flow situation whenever they want, send online invoices, pay bills and run their businesses more effectively.

MATAX honored with Xero Gold Partner of the Year Award for exceptional service in the Americas. Discover our commitment to serving communities and clients.