Put Your Invoices to Work

What is the role of an invoice? Of course, it is meant to show how much is owed for a product or service. To get the most out of your invoices, consider including the following:

• Your name and your business name
• Client name and case name or identification number (if it applies)
• Date of invoice
• Tax ID number
• Invoice number for tracking purposes
• Amount owed - where it can be clearly read
• An itemization of your time for the case
• Payment due date

Each of these items seems obvious, however, many invoices do not contain all of this information. Make the most of your invoices, also by:

• Turning in invoices consistently on the same day each week or month
• Billing in small increments when possible - large invoices can slow payment time
• Submit invoices to the correct person or department
• Track and follow up on outstanding invoices at regular intervals

The 12 Essential PLNC Business Tools CD contains an Invoice designed especially for your PLNC business. You don't need to recreate the wheel when it's right here for you.

Other items you can include on your invoices include referral incentives, especially if you are at the end of a project for a firm. You can also include a small discount on your overall fee for projects that went better than expected or in conjunction with a holiday.

It is easy to see your invoices as single function items. However, they can be put to use to make you seem professional, fair and to help you get additional assignments.