Top 10 Administrative Details That May Need Your Attention

Guest Post: contributed by Jennifer Hazen of What a Business!

 

Administrative details are sometimes overlooked until a problem occurs. I’m sure you know about many of these already.

Here’s my top 10 list of tasks that may need your attention:

#1 – Copyright Date

Update the copyright date on your website and/or blog to say: 2012, if it hasn’t updated automatically. It’s a tiny detail, but displaying a current copyright date on your website lets visitors know that your business is alive and well.

#2 – Voice Mail Greeting

How does your voice mail greeting sound? Are you making a good first impression?

#3 – Anti-Virus Software

Is the Anti-Virus program up for renewal soon?

#4 – Business Cards

Avoid missed opportunities.

Update your contact list, because that business card you got at a recent holiday party may contain an important lead or contact.

Running low on business cards? It’s time to re-order before the next Women in Biz Network event.

#5 – Office Supplies

Do an inventory of general office supplies, courier waybills and packing materials.

Buy postage stamps.

Check out this website for toner and ink cartridges.

# 6 – The Oh Gross! Department

When was the last time you cleaned your keyboard, mouse, monitor and computer or laptop? Dust, food particles and dirt can damage equipment. See tip # 8.

This CBC article about cellphone germs is an eye opener and not for the squeamish.

Ehow.com has some easy tips on how to clean your phone.

#7 – Email Signature Line

What does your email signature line say about you and your business? Is your contact information easy to find in your signature line?

Here’s an interesting application I’ve just read about called Wisestamp. Wisestamp email apps “transform emails into a powerful self expression and promotional tool” as an email signature line.

#8 – Backups, Equipment Warranties & Technology

True story. Several years ago, the keyboard on my laptop broke two days after the warranty expired. So I had to buy a new keyboard and have it installed. A costly oversight!

Find the expiry dates on equipment warranties and add them to your calendar as a reminder.

Have office equipment and computers regularly serviced before the warranty or service contract runs out.

Replace an older wireless/modem with a brand new model.

Consider an IT maintenance program.

Have a back-up system. Check out this one or that one, as some options.

#9 – Passwords

Be safe and secure. Change web based  accounts and email passwords every 70 to 90 days. Also passwords for rarely used or secondary email accounts too.

#10 – Service Plans & Contracts

Make a list of all your services plans and contracts to renew, cancel or modify.

When cancelling or modifying, check the agreement terms for details and dates of when notification (in writing) is due.

Delays in taking action may require you to pay a couple of extra months for something you no longer need.

Have I missed something? Please add your comments or suggestions.

 

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net