Is there a need for a simple diy bookkeeping spreadsheet?

by 23 replies
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I was just wondering if there would be a need for a simple diy accounting spreadsheet.

I have had quite a bit of experience in setting up exel spread sheets for my former businesses and was thinking of setting a template up in open source. with full instructions on how to use it.

Do you think there would be a need for this?

Graham
#main internet marketing discussion forum #bookkeeping #diy #simple #spreadsheet
  • Graham, that would be handy and appreciated, especially if you make sure the template works with Open Office.

    Doesn't Excel include some financial templates already? Wouldn't people who can afford Office also be able to afford Quickbooks, or the help of a local bookkeeper?

    I don't see money in this idea, but I do see a way to help people and build goodwill. It could be a terrific giveaway to get people into a mailing list where you could sell them ebooks about small business finance.

    Regards,
    Allen
    • [2] replies
    • My thoughts exactly,

      I don't see it being a money spinner at all, but I'm guessing there are a lot of newbie marketers who haven't so much as given it a thought.... when the taxman knocks what then

      I'm thinking of setting up a template as a giveaway and maybe help to build my list.

      Graham
    • I think it is a great idea! Although I already have something in place, I would always be willing to look at others to see what they are doing different! So as a give a way, a great idea. To sell, well.... maybe not.
  • Can you share more Graham?

    What would it look like?

    What is its purpose? (For a newbie, who doesn't know much about all this finance stuff)
  • Yes, and in a hurry as more and more people jump into business head first.
    Another big market, a budget for people going broke. Every check that bounces costs them dough. I made up one for my daughter and she began using it to help people get their lives under control. Within weeks, and without advertising her business was driving her into exhaustion. "Suzy says you can help me.." Today she called and said she wasn't doing this any more. "I'm retired, not looking for more work!."
  • Yes please ! My accountant is going to fire me and refer me to her worst enemy, LOL.
  • Okay guys, I hear you

    I am in the process of setting a spreadsheet up and then I will write a step-by-step guide on how to use it. Hopefully will be completed for use over the easter holiday.

    In the meantime, it would benefit you if you grabbed a copy of open office download: OpenOffice.org Downloads

    Will update as soon as available.

    Graham
    • [1] reply
    • Just a quick update for anyone interested, I have put together a spread sheet suitable for newbie business owners. The reporting format emphasises keeping within budget.

      Anyone interested can follow the link in my signature.

      I hope it helps.

      Graham
      • [ 2 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Graham, I just tried it and got an Open Office error message. I'm on OO 2.2. Do I need to upgrade to version 3?

    Regards,
    Allen
  • Thanks very much, Graham, looks very helpful indeed.

    Allen, I had no problems with it using OO version 3, I'd suggest you upgrade.
    • [1] reply
    • Hi Audrey,

      Glad to be of help.

      Please let me know if you encounter any problems.

      Graham
  • I also got an error and I have 2.3

    Do you have a version that will work with excel, or can you please create on if you get a chance?

    Thank you
    • [1] reply
    • Hi Oscar D,

      I'll see what I can do for you.....I have just been called into work however so it will be a couple of hours before I can attempt it.

      I'll PM you when I have done it.

      Cheers,

      Graham.
      • [1] reply
  • Update:

    There is now an XL 97/2000 version available......I don't have time to try it out myself, so please let me know of any probs.

    Graham
  • Thanks, Audrey, I'm downloading OO3 now - got about half an hour to go.

    Graham, thanks for the alternative version as well. I'll try that too. (I don't have Excel available right now.)

    Regards,
    Allen
    • [1] reply
    • After purchasing Quickbooks and one who was use to a simple spreadsheet. All I have to say is quickbooks lets you know where your are at a glance.

      After setting up quickbooks and using it for a few weeks all I can say is if you have more time than money stay with the spreadsheet. If your are moving forward with your business and you time is worth a lot go with quickbooks or something equivalent.
  • Salesmen do not ask "Is there a need?"

    Salesmen talk to prospects and create the desire.

    With the correct fact find and a properly constructed presentation, a desire can be created for a product that is not needed at all.

    Many people don't have a clue about spread sheets and are probably a good market in which to create the desire for one -

    Accounts getting you down?
    Can't be sure you have calculated the tax correctly?
    Finding it difficult to maintain current totals?
    Is it difficult to reassign a payment or receipt?
    Wouldn't you like to be able to see, at a glance, your various profit figures?
    Not sure which items are which side of the cut-off?

    and so on.
    • [1] reply
    • hi guys,

      I've been looking for something like this for a while. Does anyone have an excel template to share? Graham, I tried going to your websites but can't seem to find the link...

      I currently have a mixture of affiliate and adsense type sites and it's difficult to keep track of marketing and other (eg hosting) expenses as well as income in.

      thanks.
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