You now may have heard about the HeartBleed Bug. This is a serious vulnerability to internet security and only affects systems protected by OpenSSL. [Read more…] about Heartbleed Bug Update: No Risk
Heartbleed Bug Update: No Risk
4 Strong Advantages for Billing in the Cloud
You don’t have to be tied to a single device that has your software on it. All you need is a web connection to access the cloud. From set up to security, and a few in-between, we acknowledge 4 advantages of cloud based time billing with Bill4Time that you may or may not have known.
- Ease of use among larger offices
Dismiss the all-day event for software installations, incorrect serial numbers and long drawn out phone calls with customer support. Just log in and start securely billing.
- Track your time; even offline
Not having access to the Internet shouldn’t affect your ability to run your business effectively. Access and update your data from your PC and Mac desktop widget and mobile apps. Once you are back online, we’ve got you covered, you’re synchronized automatically.
- Invoice where and whenever
The faster you bill, the sooner you can get paid! With the PayPal Online Payments feature your client can pay directly from your emailed invoice. Once the payment is verified by PayPal the invoice is automatically updated, one less step you need to do.
- 24×7 Security and monitoring
Stored in a SAS70 Type II certified data center and transmitted with 128-bit SSL encryption, you bet you’re secure. Systems are monitored for maximum security and performance 24×7 and your information is backed up over 12 times a day with an option to back up to your own computer.
Fast and easy client billing ensures that you’re spending your valuable time doing what you do best and billing for it!
Bill4Time Integrates with Box!
We’re excited to announce our integration with Box, a leading cloud-based content storage provider. Customers who use box to store their document files will now be able to easily access their content from their Bill4Time account. [Read more…] about Bill4Time Integrates with Box!
Your Accounting Tab Just Got Faster!
Bill4Time is a heavily used software – some of our customers have over 1,000 invoices assigned to one client! Thousands of people depend on us each day, so we’re always making improvements to make the Bill4Time experience even better.
We’ve recently made some updates to our server to boost the performance of Bill4Time. You should start to notice an increased speed in page load time when using the accounting section of your account. While everyone will benefit from the updates we’ve made, large clients will notice the biggest difference – your accounting tab will now load up to 10x faster. Talk about an increase in productivity!
As always, we love hearing suggestions from our customers, if you have a suggestion for an update or feature, submit it in our Knowledge Base!
Happy billing!
4 Tips to Invoicing
Invoicing is an important part of your business. Not only is it how you collect payment for your services, but it’s also another form of communication between you and your client. How you present yourself before, during and after a transaction all reflect your level of professionalism. Poor billing practices can lead to a lack of trust or even make a client question your competence. So, how can you be sure that your expertise is represented through these important exchanges?
- Employ a time tracking software to accurately capture time entries. People want to know exactly how much they’re spending and on what. The more accurate your entries, the more credible your statement and less likely you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with a client. Bill4Time makes sure you to never miss a beat with our mobile applications, desktop widget, and web-based platform. You can keep track of your time easily no matter where you are.
- Use consistent descriptions. It’s important to use consistent terms when adding in descriptions of time entries. Using consistent phrasing when referring to billable time will make the billing process easier for your client to follow, and help them understand where their money is going, whether it’s for research, review or a meeting. This also holds true for expenses – which can be captured and organized with the Bill4Time software as well.
- Create professional invoices. Let’s face it, we all make judgments based on appearance. And the same holds true when it comes to correspondence. Any piece of correspondence (invoices included) between you and your clients is a reflection of you and the quality of service you provide. A clean, professional invoice will enhance your client’s perception of you and give you more credibility. Bill4Time allows you to easily create branded and custom invoices. An added tip: bill consistently at the same time of the month. Experience shows that you will get paid faster if they are expecting it.
- Add a Cover Letter. Adding a cover letter to your invoices adds personal touch. Rather than receiving an invoice that says “pay me”, a cover letter gives you the chance to thank your client, give them an update, or maybe highlight time or expenses you wrote off which creates added value to the client.
Remember, an invoice is a marketing tool!
What are your invoicing tips? Share them below.
3 Keys of Customer Service
Whether you’re a B2B or B2C, large Fortune 500 Company or a small startup, one thing remains the same – good customer service is key and can ultimately make or break your business. In today’s digital age, sites like Yelp, Angie’s List and Google Reviews, make it easy for customers to share their experiences. And because people remember negative events more than positive ones, they are more likely to share bad experiences – making positive reviews even more valuable.
So how do you deliver experiences that are so great, your customers want to shout from the mountain tops that they’re in love with your company? By delivering a fantastic customer experience through customer service. And what’s the recipe for fantastic customer service, you ask? Read on.
For the sake of length and time, let’s focus on three core pillars.
1. Under Promise, Over Deliver
Sounds easy enough. Set expectations at a reasonable level, and then over deliver on your promise. For example, I’m a customer at a clothing retailer, and a suit I need for a speech I’m giving at a big conference in a few days isn’t in stock in my size. The retailer tells me they can ship it to my house – overnight. I opt for the overnight, but know that if something goes wrong I’ll have no time to find an alternative. You can image my surprise when a salesperson shows up at my door and hand delivers the suit (that she personally picked up from their other location) that very same evening. You think I want to share that experience? You bet I do.
On a non-retail front, under promising, over delivering can mean setting easily attainable goals for a client – set realistic goals when a higher outcome is readily achievable. Once you surpass the goals originally promised for your client, they are going to remember you as the (insert: lawyer, contractor, consultant…) that helped their company achieve 125% of their quota or beat their deadline by 2 weeks. Other ways to over deliver? Give your customers access to special features or previews of new features, go above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable customer experience.
The key to this pillar is to be realistic – never promise something you know you can’t achieve – it will only end it let down and you may lose a good customer or client.
2. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
I cannot stress the importance of communication in business relationships. Whether you’re a customer wanting to know the status of a project, or a client of a lawyer in a legal case, getting a constant information flow is imperative. It is important that you establish guidelines with your clients/customers from the beginning and then follow through. Some clients will require more attention than others. I suggest that even if a client says that they only want updates once a week, update them at least twice a week – they will ultimately be grateful.
Good communication also means following up with your customers. Respond to emails and texts. Don’t brush them aside – even if you don’t have any new updates on the status of their project, tell them that. It shows that you care about your client and the outcome of the business transaction and that you are professional and reliable. They want to feel important. Make sure you are always leading and in control of the transaction, your client/customer should never be doing more work than you to see it through.
3. And lastly, say thank you.
Always show your appreciation. This is quite simple, folks. After a deal or transaction is done, say thank you. Make it personal. Send them a note, an email, pick up the phone and call them, or better yet, take them out to coffee. Show the customer you value their business and relationship – even if the outcome of the deal/trial/etc. wasn’t what you had wanted. This little gesture goes a long way and will earn you repeat business and potential valuable word of mouth referrals. You want to make a lasting impression that will make someone a customer or client for life – and even earn you a coveted positive online review.
What does your firm do to deliver great customer service? Or share an experience you’ve had where you received great customer service.