Christmas is here, which means it’s time to wrap up 2021 – and not a moment too soon! As is often the case, particularly if you run a tradie business, there can be lots of bits and bobs that need sorting to get your ducks in a row before taking that well earned break!

To make sure you don’t miss any tricks and have a proper holiday, we’ve compiled a list of top tips for you to double check, starting with…

Send out your invoices and chase up any outstanding debts

As tempting as it may be to put this in the ‘next year’s problem’ basket, best to send out any invoices asap so it’s in your customer’s hand as well as reminders for any outstanding invoices to be paid. This way you can also start the year as fresh as possible with 2021 well and truly behind you.

If you use job management software such as GeoNext, you can link your accounting tools such as MYOB, XERO or Quickbooks to reduce the double up on financial paperwork. You can also create invoices on the go (and set up payment reminders) for customers via email or text rather than waiting until you’re back in the office at the end of the day to sort the invoices.

Communicate your holiday dates to your customers

This is a no-brainer but it’s surprising how this can sometimes be overlooked. Make sure you have a good comms plan in place to ensure your customers and suppliers know your holiday dates. Email signatures and a reminder email or posts on social media as well as info on your website is a good start. Sprinkle it with some Christmas cheer and you’re sorted.

Do a ‘status check’ on all current and upcoming jobs before the break

Write up a detailed ‘status’ of all jobs before the break – what’s upcoming, where are you up to on other jobs, tasks that are outstanding – get it all recorded and ready to go. This will put fuel in the engine and drive maximum efficiency for the team in January with a clear roadmap of where you left off before Christmas and what needs to be done.

Take an inventory of your tools / supplies so you are well stocked for the new year

Are a couple of your power tools looking a little sad after wear and tear and need replacing? Or perhaps your materials and supplies are a little low? Best to do a stocktake before you finish up so you are ready to crack on in the New Year without having to worry about emergency trips to Bunnings to pick up that one missing item for a job.

One of the useful tricks with job management software like GeoNext is it allows you to keep a track of billable items, parts and materials for a job so you will always have the info on hand to keep track of costs as well as your stock.

Give your team a solid break that also helps the balance sheet

With two years in on a relentless pandemic, there has been a 32 per cent increase in annual leave balances in 2021 compared to 2020, and more than double 2019 levels, according to Australian accounting software firm, Reckon.

Not only that, but the human cost is high with extra hours worked, staff fatigue and burnout and just everyone needing a well earned break. Assess where your company is at and see what works for your business in taking a longer break over Christmas.

If you use Job Management Software, like GeoNext, you’ll be able to track staff hours and leave through the calendar system so it’s all in the one place.

Get organised with job management software

If you’re looking to start 2022 on your best foot then job management software is a solid way to invest in your business. Whether you’re looking to grow, are bogged down by paperwork and need to get organised, and want a system that sorts your admin out so you can get your weekends back and get paid faster, GeoNext is a sure bet.

Interested to see how GeoNext will benefit your business? Sign up for a free 14 day trial, or book a demo with GeoNext today!