When it comes to making money it can feel like there are a million things that you need to remember just to stay on top. Although it may seem like common sense, it is easily overlooked by amateurs. Everyone else seems to have some sort of handle on it and those who don’t are crippled in the business world. This slippery little demon is organization. Yes it’s something as simple as organization. So how exactly to we become organized enough to not forget things? It’s the same way that you make money doing anything, research and elbow grease. Today I’m going to focus on Databases.

For this example we’re going to assume you are selling a product online (although you don’t have to be to benefit). Let’s say you have some clients that you are currently doing business with and a whole heck of a lot more that you have done business with in the past. If your getting blasted with a torrent of emails every time somebody places an order it will leave you scrambling to try to remember who gets what sent where and how many (and so on). Wouldn’t it be easier if they were automatically entered into a database? All you would have to do is click to print a label and the information is stored and sorted.

The sales information and efficiency boost that you could get from having a dynamic database could transform you from a dozen sales a month to your personal capacity, depending on your energy and determination.

Not to sound like a get-rich-quick book but you may say, “Okay Todd, that’s all fine and dandy cloud talking. How do you actually expect me to go about doing this mystical feat?”

That’s where the research comes in. Do you want your database online? Do you have (or plan to) more than one person accessing and altering the information? Do you want it automatically updated whenever somebody places an order? And the kicker, how much are you willing to pay?

If you already have experience with database software then you have a step up on the average Joe. If you have experience at all with coding then you have a step up on the average Chris. Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about these two just yet. You will be saturating yourself in them soon enough (if you choose).

An online database such as SQL can offer you a lot of freedom, or it can frustrate the heck out of you if you are impatient. So don’t be impatient. Easier said then done. You are setting up for your future so it is defiantly worth it to do the job right. If you have to skimp, this isn’t the place to do it.

Viewing your database online requires code. If you can’t write PHP or don’t even know what it means you may be in trouble. WRONG! Don’t fret building databases is not a new idea. Right now in 2006 there are engines waiting for you, and your information is the fuel. All they require you to do is click a few buttons and they’ll be set up. Some may cost money while others are free. Be sure to compare all abilities before committing time or money into a system.

Now that you have a database online, using software like Microsoft Excel or the free Open Office you can connect and easily view and edit your information.

Who were the last 3 customers of yours? Some guy from Boston, another in Memphis, and the third lives in Chicago. Okay, now how about the first three you have had? If you can’t answer that within 15 seconds, I would really recommend that you look more into organizing your information. One click and there’s the latest customer, another and there’s a sale for July 17, 2005. Not only that, but it’s the same customer. And this week alone you have almost 100 repeat customers. Not just because you had quick service, anybody can offer that. Not because of the low prices, you can be easily matched by others with a similar product. Perhaps it had something to do with the email you sent out announcing your latest product or sale.

Be sure that the information is what you want stored as soon as possible. It’s easier to edit a table with fewer entries than if you wait a month or a year for it to fill up. Databases mean increased efficiency and repeat customers. Take advantage.