The search begins: Where do I find a billing system?

In my previous post I have (at length) identified the key qualities that I look for in a billing system – and a husband for that matter. To recap, I am looking for a billing system (and husband) that can offer me all of the following:

• Efficiency
• Security
• Support
• Affordability
• Ease of use
• Automation
• Full integration with my brand
• Longevity
• Accessibility
• Comprehensive features

So now that I know what I want, I can find out where to start looking (that is the theory anyway). I have already identified that an online billing system may be the best option as it would allow me to access my information from any web enabled device – integrating perfectly with my lifestyle – or billing style. So the logical and easiest option in my opinion would be to begin my search online. I have also resolved that I will try keep my search local. If I can find a locally developed(meaning Southern Africa) billing system the situation will be ideal, if not then the system needs to have exemplary local connections and support.

Another option to consider would be referrals – I have already received one from a reader that directed me to a great local online billing system and I am sure there are countless other small business owners out there that have road tested a variety of billing systems with varying degrees of success. I would be a good idea to solicit referrals from my associates, suppliers, clients and even strangers – a few well placed blog or forum posts might just turn up a gem of a referral!

I’ll keep my eyes open for print media, radio or television advertisements that pertain to billing systems, but to be honest I have never seen, heard or for that matter remembered a print, radio or television advertisement for a billing system (which does seem rather strange). I am convinced I must have seen or heard one at some point, but one gets bombarded by so many cleverly worded, slickly designed, special offer filled advertisements in the course of your day that many, like me, have simply learned to block out the ‘advertising white noise’ and get on with their lives.

So my search locations stand as follows:

Online searches – My ‘Exploring the interwebs’ option

Direct referrals – My ‘Phone a friend’ referral option

Blogs and forum interaction – My ‘Phone a stranger’ referral option

Print, radio and television – My ‘I don’t hold out much hope that this will work, but I will try it anyway’ option

Great! I will now set about implementing my search. Emails are going out to my friends and colleagues as we speak to determine what billing systems they use – if any – and which systems they can recommend. I will spend the rest of my afternoon lurking in forums and blogs asking for referrals and  I will click on the Firefox icon on my desktop, go to Google, type ’online billing systems‘, select ‘pages from South Africa’ and hit Search…