Tracking Yourself

Imagine yourself in the middle of a hectic work day juggling calls and paperwork for various clients. Trying to keep the details of each client file straight is an exercise in Type A training – at the very least. Now imagine that in addition to managing the entire client file content, you also have to document who you called, sent emails to, had meetings with and which file you spent time working on today. I am not sure about you, but I think my head would be spinning by the end of the day!

Anyone in a professional field requiring the tracking of billable hours is very likely familiar with this scenario and the resulting head spins. For those of you dealing with this scenario, I have a suggestion to end your head spinning days. There is a new software service available that digitally tracks all work related activities freeing the user from the task of remembering to log every telephone call, email, etc. How does this work? Let me explain… (visual aid shown below)

After a quick installation of the hosted software, the user can set the program features to link their PC, mobile phone, office phone, and email for information tracking. Every time one of the pre-assigned devices is used the system tracks the activity in a comprehensive communications log. When it is convenient for the user, they simply log into their account and assign the activities to the appropriate client files for billing purposes. The system intelligently integrates with most legal billing software providing a quick and efficient transfer of the assigned information for client billing purposes. Imagine the time you can save and the hours you can recoup for additional billing!

This is, of course, a simple snapshot of this product’s features. The full range of its capabilities allows the user to customize and easily manage their daily work allowing for increased productivity and fewer headaches.

For more information on this product, click here: WorkTRAKR

Business Checks 101

In our high tech world we have become accustomed to using those fabulous pieces of plastic to pay for a variety of services. While these handy little cards have their benefits, the old fashion payment method of check writing is not yet a lost form. Many businesses continue to use these paper pieces for their many accounting needs. Whether your checks are manual or printer friendly, they all consist of many pre-printed features to make them an efficient and secure method of payment. Let’s review with the diagram below!

1. Voucher Feature – This is a special area of the check used to provide additional details of the check/selling information. The placement of this area can vary depending on the exact style of business checks you select. Before purchasing business checks, be sure to review your printing and/or software to ensure that you select the correct check style!

2. Company Logo Feature – This feature is considered optional, but offers an opportunity to brand your checks with your company logo. If you do not have a specific company logo already developed, there are stock options available for selection. Existing company logos can be added with minor re-sizing adjustments.

3. Imprint Area Feature – This is the area in which you add your business information including company name and address. Most business checks offer up to 5 or 6 lines for listing your information.

4. Routing/Transit Number Feature – Also referred to as “Bank Code”, this number identifies your banking institution. Please note that the number does not include the special symbols shown on either side.

5. Account Number Feature – This number identifies your company account with the banking institution. When ordering your business checks be sure to triple check that this number was entered correctly on the order form!

6. Signature Lines Feature – The all important area of the check, this feature indicates the location for the authorized signature to be placed. Options of a single or double signature line feature are available.

7. Text Over Signature Line Feature - This optional feature allows you to pre-print a text statement above your signature line.

8. Consecutive Number Feature – Located in the upper right corner of your checks, these numbers identify the consecutive order of your checks for optimal accounting of checks written.

9. Bank Information Feature – This area lists the name and address of your banking institution. As an added benefit, many business check suppliers maintain active with changes in the financial service industry which means that should the contact information for your banking institution change the supplier database is automatically updated ensuring that your checks are printed correctly.

Why Quality Matters…

The use of high quality, laser grade paper based on industry guidelines ensures that printing your business checks is a seamless process. However, paper curling may still occur if changes in temperature and/or humidity shift the moisture content of the paper. When this takes place you may experience challenges feeding your checks through the printer and/or stacking them post printing. Here are a few ideas to help prevent such challenges from taking place:

• Be sure that your check storage area is climate controlled. The optimal temperature for storage 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit with 45-55% humidity.

• When moving your checks to an environment with different temperature and/or humidity settings let them sit for at least 24 hours prior to printing. This will allow them to acclimate to the new environment.

• Store your business checks in a flat position. For the best results, store them in their original inner carton. Do not stack other items on top.

• When printing, completely fill the printer tray – even if you are only printing a minimal amount of checks.

• Before loading the printer tray, fan the paper to remove any static.

• Keep your printer well maintained to prevent mechanical issues resulting in paper feeding and/or jamming issues.