Business Discussions

Hello, friends of the Community! I hope you've had a wonderful work week. On today's post for the Business Discussion board I'd like to share an article from forbes.com that offers a few helpful tips for finding and onboarding new clients. Let's dive in...   Leveraging Your Existing NetworkYour circle may be larger than you realize. When you're ready to begin the onboarding process, think about all of the people that you know and increase that number by at least double. This will take into consideration all of the people your friends, family, and colleagues will be spreading the word to.   Sources To Find Targeted CustomersOnce you've made the people you know aware and asked them to talk about your business, you're ready to explore new areas to reach target customers. Here are a few helpful places to get started:   LinkedIn Events and conventions Local Businesses Advertising online Content marketing Distribution of marketing materials   I invite you to c

I currently use QuickBooks Desktop 2017 (I think). I would like to purchase the desktop again at a new date but it's all online or have an annual subscription. My Internet is not reliable and I refuse to be online for that reason. It's very difficult to run a business without Internet but that's the only choice I have till my area receives Internet access. Is there a desktop version still out there to purchase without using Internet and subscription? Otherwise I need to look elsewhere.

Did you know that in 2017, Deloitte researchers found that companies that focused on their clients were 60% more profitable than those that didn't? Our Firms of the Future shared a few key points from these metrics, and here are my top five takeaways:     Building a people-focused culture involves open communication, a shared vision, and tech support. Adopting a holistic view of clients' journeys helps gather meaningful data for better understanding. Avoiding data silos and proper data management are crucial for practical use. Listening to clients' underlying wants, not just needs, enhances perceived value and fosters referrals. Maintaining an authentic client focus is vital for firms to thrive in the evolving business landscape.   I encourage you to review the article for my insights, and I hope this helps improve your company's focus! Until next time, take care my Community family.

We are using Quick books online for a non-profit.  Technically non-profits have no "Retained Earnings".  Is there a way to force what QB normally posts to retained earnings to the "Correct" account for a non profit titled Unrestricted Net Assets ?

Good afternoon, everyone! I think it's safe to say we hear something about A.I. everyday, or pretty close to it. Although, artificial intelligence has become all the rage, there's a lot to it. I found a great article posted on inc.com that offers some really helpful info. Let's take a look...     A.I."A field of science dedicated to creating machines and computer programs capable of recreating the cognitive functions of the human brain, such as making decisions through logical reasoning, recognizing and categorizing objects, and learning new things." This term can be used as an umbrella to describe a wide range of technology.   Computer algorithmComputer algorithm is defined as, "A set of instructions that a computer follows to perform tasks and process data." Algorithms are commonly used in social media to to analyze the type of content you interact with most often, and then use that information to score every post, video, and ad on the platform by how statist

I just signed up with quickbooks (QB) and am very dissatisfied with customer service. I’ve been trying to schedule an appt for my QB training for over 2 weeks now and no success. All I get is a promise to expedite that someone will call but no one ever does. Anyone else having issues with QB customer service and do you have any suggestions moving forward?Worst experience ever!

Happy hump day everyone. I hope you're staying warm! My region is currently snow-covered and a blustery 23 degrees. Anywho, if you've been in business for a while you know that slow periods and down time are inevitable. I feel like it's about that time of the year now, after the holidays, kind of in between seasons, and there isn't a whole lot of shopping going on. Here are a few ideas to stay proactive when business is slow:     Update your website or portfolio. Repackage your products and/or services. Refine your marketing strategy. Increase your SEO ranking. Take a course to further your skills/education.   These are just a few ideas to stay active and continue to build your business even during down time. How do you remain proactive? Let's talk about it in the comments!

  Hello Community! As a small business owner, managing your finances and preparing for tax season can be overwhelming. To make it easier, the QuickBooks Blog has put together a simple checklist with six essential steps to help you streamline the process in this article. By staying prepared throughout the year, you'll be ready for tax season and have one less thing to worry about. Here are the 6 steps you should know:   1. Know the types of small business taxes2. Know what tax forms you need to file3. Create a tax filing calendar4. Gather the needed business tax return documents5. Make note of common tax deductions and credits6. Request a filing extension if needed   This tax preparation checklist can simplify the process for small business owners and save time. QuickBooks provides software that helps with documentation, making the process even smoother. For detailed information on this checklist, make sure to check out the full article here. I hope you found t

Currently, I use Quicken to track income and expenses for three business and three rental properties. It is pretty messy. The program auto categorizes expenses and income incorrectly and I don't know how to make it stop. It also will not import transactions for all my accounts. I have to manually add them and this is very time consuming. Is quickbooks more accurate and user friendly? 

Could somebody please explain how to link the "Paycheck Tips" feature of QBO Payroll with the "Undistributed Tips" liability account? It seems intuitive that you would pay tips using the "Paycheck Tips" feature, and they would credit against the "Undistributed Tips" liability account as they are paid, but this does not seem to be the case. What am I missing? It has been suggested that I create and/or use an expense account, but this seems wrong, as the tips are not my expense, but money I am simply holding and owe to another entity, like sales tax or employer taxes. In this case, my employee is the other entity, and their tip payment should not be my expense. Isn't there a way to use the "Paycheck Tips" feature to pay out of the "Undistributed Tips" account, just like with sales tax payments, for example?

Do you believe maintaining workplace harmony is crucial for a leadership team? FastCompany.com interviewed 18 thought leaders to share insights on preventing tension between employees and executives. Here are some of their key advice:    Incentivize Employees' Contributions: Offer financial rewards for hard work, such as a percentage of new business brought in, fostering a sense of ownership. Foster Appreciation and Leadership: Recognize and appreciate all team members, understanding the difference between being a leader and a boss. Fight Uncertainty by Building Trust: Proactively communicate with transparency to establish trust and prevent employee panic during uncertain times. Align Core Values and Vision: Integrate the company's vision with core values, ensuring employees feel part of a larger purpose and fostering trust. Clarify Leadership Expectations: Avoid tension by clearly communicating expectations, acknowledging contributions, a

I have recently found errors in some of my employees wages for 2017. I have already made the corrections but Im confused on what i need to fill out for the W2c and W3c. If I have 10 employees but only made corrections for 2 of my employees, do I only file the W2c and W3c for the two employees wages or do I have to refile every employee I had for 2017? Looking for some help, thanks in advance!

Happy hump day everyone. I hope you're staying warm! My region is currently snow-covered and a blustery 23 degrees. Anywho, if you've been in business for a while you know that slow periods and down time are inevitable. I feel like it's about that time of the year now, after the holidays, kind of in between seasons, and there isn't a whole lot of shopping going on. Here are a few ideas to stay proactive when business is slow:   Update your website or portfolio. Repackage your products and/or services. Refine your marketing strategy. Increase your SEO ranking. Take a course to further your skills/education.   These are just a few ideas to stay active and continue to build your business even during down time. How do you remain proactive? Let's talk about it in the comments!

Happy Tuesday, QuickBooks Community, and thank you for rocking with us! Today, I want to highlight the importance of effective client communication for business success and present a list of the ten best communication tools from our Firm of the Future.    Clear "Contact Us" Page: A straightforward page on your website listing various contact options, including a Google Maps widget. Online Contact Forms: Utilize online form builder plugins, especially on WordPress, to avoid spam and cybersecurity threats associated with public email addresses. Up-to-Date Online Business Listings: Ensure visibility on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Trustpilot, as online reviews heavily influence potential clients. Virtual Business Phone Services: Consider cloud-based phone systems for flexibility, integration, and accessibility via various devices. Messaging Apps: Sign up for major messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, which have become im

Good afternoon, QuickBooks Community! Do you sometimes see yourself needing some encouragement? No worries, I got you today! Here are some encouraging words to keep you going because I know it can get challenging for sure:     Believe in Yourself: Trust your instincts and abilities. Confidence in your vision is often the driving force behind great achievements. Embrace Change: The business world is constantly evolving. Be open to change, innovation, and new ideas. This flexibility can lead to breakthroughs. Stay Focused: Don't get overwhelmed by the big picture. Set achievable short-term goals and celebrate your successes along the way. Passion Is Your Fuel: Your passion for your business drives you forward, even when the going gets tough. Keep that fire burning; it will inspire your team and customers. Continual Learning: The business world is dynamic and ever-changing. Invest in your own education and stay curious. The more you know, the better equipped you are to navig

We are a small environmental company looking for advice from other companies in the same industry. Thank you. MariaEmail:  [email address removed] 

Needing some key areas to focus on growth, efficiency, and success for the New Year? Well, here are a few takeaways that can help:     Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Incorporate sustainable practices into your business operations. Engage in social responsibility initiatives to build a positive brand image. Data Security: Strengthen your cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive business and customer data. Stay compliant with data protection regulations. Feedback and Measurement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. Regularly review and assess your progress toward business goals. Health and Safety: Prioritize the health and safety of your employees and customers. Stay updated on relevant regulations and implement necessary measures.   Be sure to regularly reassess your priorities and adjust your focus as needed throughout the year. With that being said! I wish you all a successful year.

Good afternoon! I hope this week has treated you well. Before signing off, I'd like to share an article with you from forbes.com that offers so creative ideas for marketing on a budget.   Build a great brandYour brand is the cornerstone of your company foundation. Your brand is everything. Everything you stand for and everything relevant to potential customers. Sounds a bit overexaggerated but it's true. "Essentially, your brand is the personality of your business and a promise to your customers. Without a good brand, your marketing will fail."   Storytelling is keyStories > facts. At least that's how they put it in the article. "Figure out how to tell your companies story in as many ways as possible in a way that is relevant to your future customers. If they believe in your story, they will repeat it." Ding, ding! Word of mouth for the win!   Build a marketing network" If you have zero dollars for marketing, then you want to surround yourself with marketing

Hello, everyone! And Happy New Year! Resolutions are always popular for the new year but how about some affirmations. Here are a few statements to remind yourself of as a business owner, entrepreneur, or just in general in 2024.       "My potential to succeed is limitless.""I embrace new beginnings with excitement.""I release the past and live in the present.""My journey is unique and worthwhile.""I am surrounded by love and kindness.""I choose joy and gratitude everyday.""I radiate confidence and positivity.""I seize every opportunity with enthusiasm.""My health is a priority.""I welcome this year with an open heart."   Write your personal affirmations on sticky notes and put them on your computer, on your mirror, in your car, etc.! What are your affirmations this year as we move into a season of starting fresh?

Happy New Year Community! Today I want to chat a little bit about why implementing a Customer Relationship Management system may be right for you. When a business grows, using spreadsheets for client information can sometimes be inefficient and lead to chaos. If you’re looking for ways you streamline this process, then a CRM system may be the way to go! It centralizes customer data, saving time and improving value for your clients.     To make the most out of a CRM, it's essential to plan and execute carefully. Here are five simple tips to follow according to this article in Firm of the Future: Consider what your organization needs. Don't pay for features you won't use, but make sure there's room to grow. Keep cost in mind. Evaluate your budget and find a CRM that fits within it. Make sure it integrates with your essential tools. For example, Intuit Mailchimp integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Provide sufficient

Hello Community! If you’re new to e-commerce or are simply looking for more tips, there are a few shipping technicalities to consider before jumping all in with your online store. Today I will share 4 shipping tips from this article in the QuickBooks Blog that I came across that will help you feel confident when starting your online business. Let’s take a look at what these are:   1. Packaging: Use personalized packaging to make your brand memorable and ensure products arrive clean and undamaged. Different products need different packaging, and you can save money by buying in bulk, using flat-rate boxes, or getting free supplies from mail carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx.2. Destinations: When considering shipping, decide on how far you are willing to ship, keeping in mind that international shipping is more expensive and can have prohibited items, country-specific rules, customs declarations, and additional taxes and duties that can make you lose money on th

Need some easy steps to collect W9s from your clients? Our Firm of the Future shared three easy steps for QuickBooks Online users. Here is what they said:     Step 1: Identify whose W-9 is missing Go to Expenses > Contractors or Payroll > Contractors in QuickBooks Online. Check contractors' status: Green Checkbox: W-9 information saved in QBO. Gray Clock: Contractor invited but hasn't filled out information. Orange Checkbox: Contractor not invited. Check the Vendors list for missing contractors and edit to enable "track for 1099" if needed.   Step 2: Sending reminders or invitations to complete W-9 information. For contractors without a green check, click "Finish Setup and Pay" or add their email to send an invite.     Step 3: Readiness for 1099 Filings Monitor the status in QuickBooks Online; aim for "W-9 ready." A green status checkmark indicates sufficient information for 1099 preparation for manual entries. To download the W-9 form, access the

Hi there friends! Today I'm sharing a few great ideas for promotional sales to really get your customers in the holiday spirit. Let's take a look...   BOGO special Flash Sale Gift with purchase Stocking stuffers Holiday giveaway Exclusive pre-orders Mystery bags Wish Lists Free Shipping 10% off a product or category Early bird specials Refer a friend discount   It's always nice to have promos for your customers and the holiday season is the perfect time. What special pricing or events do you run during this time of the year? Let's hear your thoughts below.

Hello Community! As the holiday season approaches and we get ready to wrap up 2023, I wanted to share out some top social media trends that you should look out for in 2024 if you’re in charge of your business’s social media. According to Sendible, these are the top 10 trends you’ll want to keep implementing/start to implement in your social strategy this upcoming year:   Short-form video is still the king Youtube is alive and well Social commerce will continue to rise The content creators hold the power Community over followers Narrow-targeted social media ads Digital trust is crumbling and reshaping LinkedIn Social SEO is not something you wish to ignore the rise of AI-generated content Instagram Threads are here to stay   These are just a few to mention, but as you can see, short-form videos will continue to be big! Now I want to hear from you! Do you have a short-form video strategy already in place or are you planning to implement one this upcoming year? Feel free

  Hello Community! As you may relate, many small businesses rely on the cash flow that comes in during the holiday season to help support them throughout the year. To maximize this cash flow, businesses must start preparing with ample time. However, November and December aren’t the only time of year for this, on the contrary, this must be a year-round activity. If you don’t know where to start, no worries, I pulled out 10 tips from this article in the QuickBooks Blog that will help you get started and do just that. Let’s take a look:   1. Use a holiday sales calendar2. Craft a holiday season sales plan3. Build your holiday marketing strategies4. Include holiday spirit in your site design5. Optimize your e-commerce store for traffic6. Make your site easy to navigate7. Streamline the checkout process8. Create a flexible return policy9. Allocate time for customer support10. Plan for e-commerce seasonality   Having a proper e-commerce strategy during the holiday s