Skype

What it is

Perhaps the most difficult part of managing your business from afar is not being able to meet with employees or clients.  Skype has changed that.  The online service allows you to call or chat with other Skype users for free.  You can even call international landlines and mobile phones at cheap rates.

Why you need it

Use Skype to preside over a meeting or conduct a training session for team members at home, even while you’re feeding tropical fish and sipping margaritas.  Well, maybe not exactly, but you get the point.  If you want the others to see your screen, you can do that as well.  Even if you’re on the other side of the world, Skype will allow you to call or text clients.  They can even call you back if you get a Skype Number.

The best alternative

Google Voice is the new kid on the block.  There are plans for it to be integrated wholly with Google Hangouts, so it might not exist as Google Voice for much longer, but the same service will remain available.  It has the same features as Skype, except Google’s offering has almost no SMS capabilities.  Google Voice services are cheaper than Skype though, so they have that going for them.

Xero

What it is

Xero is an online accounting software that you can use to manage invoicing, balance statements, accounts payables, and financial reports.  Everything is stored in the cloud, so you don’t need a dedicated server or massive hard disk space to store your files and records.

Why you need it

Xero’s tag line is “Beautiful accounting software,” and they truly have made it easy and beautiful.  Sending invoices and statements, reconciling transactions, and uploading invoices for the accountant is all easy and can be done from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet.  You can even do it from your iPad!

The best alternative

QuickBooks has already established itself as one of the major cloud-based accounting programs.  It is as fully functional as Xero, carrying advanced accounting features that accounting professionals would require.  However, Xero tries to keep things as simple as possible, and is more open to third-party integration, which gives it an advantage over other powerhouse accounting software.