These days, computers are more economical and user friendly than ever, making it possible for even the smallest businesses to produce professional-looking documents and advertisements.

I began to incorporate computers into my business several years ago by typing my invoices and bids into a word template I had set-up. I gradually shifted to a spreadsheet, and I now use Quickbooks for all my bidding and billing.

All I have to do to print a proposal or invoice is select the types of flooring or services from a drop down list, input the yardage and hit "Print." My rates are already in the computer and my business info, along with a thank you note, print automatically on each document. It cost me a couple hundred dollars and a couple of hours to set up, but now I spend less time at the computer or invoice book and more time with my family or fishing.

Bottom line: Customers want to do business with professionals. They respond well to organized and itemized proposals, and more often than not, an installer is chosen because of his reputation and first impression. Professional-looking proposals give the customer peace of mind, which ultimately gets you the job.