Business Discussions

Good afternoon ladies and gents, and welcome back to the Business Discussion board. We live in a time where we use technology in our daily lives to help get a lot of work done for us. There are a lot of repetitive tasks, for example: sending out invoices, tracking sales, and managing customer service requests, etc. If you aren't currently implementing these types of services, here are a few reasons why it's a good idea to automate your business. Reduces ErrorsTasks that are completed manually leave a wider margin for error. Setting up reoccurring tasks to be done automatically significantly reduces the possibility of mistakes to be made. Boosts ProductivityWith a majority of the more monotonous jobs being entered into a computer system to be finished at a certain date and time, you have the ability to actually get more work completed. One, because more tasks can be completed at once instead of one at a time, and two, because if the work is being done by a computer you and you

I'm looking for some QuickBooks Online Pro startup guidance from someone in my industry.

Is it time to open a physical location? A question many business owners often think especially if their online business is growing and exceeding expectations. Before you decide, our QuickBooks Blog shares three questions to ask yourself before diving in. Here is what they had to say:   What are the future plans for the business? Going into a physical place is something that should be considered where longevity is concerned. This will become a high expense, such as paying rent, purchasing a building, etc. You have to honestly look at the bigger picture and envision where your business should be in the next five years, ten or so, and will that involve extra space?   Does a physical space make financial sense? Now let's cut to the chase. This all boils down to if you can afford it and not only in the short run. It would help if you looked at renting or leasing costs, utilities, furnishing, supplies, amenities, insurance, commuting, staff, etc. It is advised to be more realistic

Life is busy, especially if you’re running your own business. You can feel like you are surviving and checking every box on your to-do list, and then you realize it’s been weeks since you’ve made time to hang out with your friends, or even picked up the phone to call to catch up. You’re not alone! When life is busy, one of the first things that get neglected is friendships. The feeling of, "oh, this month is busy but then things will slow done” lingers and soon an uncomfortable amount of time has passed. But great friendships are worth the work!    It’s the little things that countScrolling Instagram on the couch? If you see your friend’s awesome dinner she had with her husband at the new restaurant in town, here’s a great chance to remind them you love seeing little snippets of their life. Or ask when you can go back with them to grab a glass of wine!    Communicate your needsIf you are feeling like you haven’t seen a friend in a while, don’t leave it up to them to

Hello there, friends of the Community! I hope you're all doing well. While you're here, I'd like to share an article with you all that was shared on the QuickBooks Blog. This particular post covers the details of promotional pricing for small business. Let's take a look... First things first, our promo definition: "Promotional pricing is a sales strategy in which a business temporarily lowers a particular product or service’s price point to attract prospective customers. In many cases, this lower price orientation creates a sense of urgency that prompts people to purchase before the price goes back up."   Now that we know what it is, let's dive into the pros and cons of these types of mark-downs:   Pros- More customer traffic: The post mentions there are far more budget-conscious people than there are free-spenders. When prices are marked down you're guaranteed to see more people shopping with you.- Increased value perception: Marking sale items can impact your customers perc

Do you know that 43% of online attacks target small businesses? This was based on a Version 2021 Data Breach Investigation Report. So what does this information reveals? Well, it shows the importance of protecting your employees, business, and customer information against these threats and avoiding facing remediation costs. For our discussion today, Forbes shared 5 Cybersecurity Questions for small businesses. Without further ado, let's dive in:   What are the biggest cybersecurity threats for SMBs right now?They mentioned that ransomware is a hot cybersecurity threat right now, affecting major companies and small businesses. This is where these hackers would hold on to the data unless a certain amount of money is paid, but we know this can not be trusted. It is vital to have proactive maintenance to stop these hackers from accessing your network.   Do I have to have a designated information security expert on staff or a third-party trusted information security and risk advis

Hello QuickBooks Community! Today we’re going to tackle one of the most important questions you can ask the small business world: how do you achieve and define success? Simon Worsfold over in our QuickBooks Blog decided to find out the answer. Read below and see if you agree with other business owners in the U.S.!   COVID certainly affected small businesses negatively, but there’s also some good that came from this pandemic.  The data shows a huge spike in 2020 in interest surrounding small businesses.  Two-thirds of people polled (66%) say small businesses are the lifeblood of their community. More than three-in-five (64%) describe small business owners as “community heroes.” Seven out of ten (70%) want them to get more recognition.   The love and support of small businesses is alive and strong! Most people report having the best experience in Customer Support and they're more likely to get the help they need. There's also more personalization in small bu

  Join our QuickBooks Experts for an #AMA session all about QuickBooks Time. They'll be able to answer your questions on: ● Setting up and tracking time with QuickBooks Time for the first time.● Connecting QuickBooks Time with your QuickBooks account.● Resolving common issues and errors. ...and more! To Participate:   Press Join the Conversation to log in to the community. Once logged in, press Reply. Write your question as your reply to the post. Press Post to submit. Keep an eye on your notifications for a response from one of our QuickBooks experts.   QuickBooks Experts will be online from 8am - 10am PT to answer your questions live!

Hello, friends! Thanks for taking a few minutes to join us here on the Business Discussion board. It's always a good idea to be eco-conscious and maybe you've made some recent at changes at home, but today I want to share how you can “go green” with your business. Check out these points mentioned in an article shared in the QuickBooks Resource Center… Update lightingSwitching to LED bulbs may cost a little more upfront but will ultimately save you money in the long run. These bulbs last twice as long as regular fluorescents, nearly 25 times as long as incandescent, AND "don’t emit UV radiation or heat—keeping your storefront safe and cool." Protect your windowsWindow shopping can often lead to real shopping, however large picture windows can come with a price. The beaming sun can cause you're air conditioning unit to work overtime. The article mentions, "Invest in sun control window films or shades to block harmful UV rays, reduce sun glare, and maximize the natural light without the a

Hiring demand is at an all-time high, and many job seekers are now looking for more than salary, even as part-time employees. Following the Great Resignation, it is more important than ever to offer benefits and perks. The US Chamber of Commerce has a great article outlining six things applicants may be looking for as you hire for summer and beyond:   Flexible Schedules Work looks different than it used to.  Offering hybrid work when possible or offering the option to work remotely can offer the work/life balance that attracts the talent you are looking for. For many, remote work isn’t an option. But you can offer shorter workweeks or eliminate fixed schedules for your employees to assist them in working around their lives. Employees enjoy much more freedom in their schedules by focusing on productivity and results within the time worked rather than fixed hours.   Wellness Services Separate from traditional health insurance offerings, many companies are presenting additi

Hello QuickBooks Community! Hope your week is going well and business is booming. I wanted to take some time and talk about something I learned this week. It’s called Radical Candor, and it’s based on a book by Kim Scott. If you’re not up for reading a book, you can watch the Ted Talk or search the web for more information. Author  Kim Scott describes this approach as “Caring Personally while Challenging Directly. At its core, Radical Candor is guidance and feedback that’s both kind and clear, specific and sincere.”   Managers across the globe can wind up communicating feedback poorly with their team by using one of these 3 feedback fails:   Obnoxious Aggression- hopefully this isn’t you, but this is that boss that no one likes. They haven’t really taken the time to create a relationship with their team and their feedback is harsh and unkind. They may think it’s “brutal honesty” but the delivery doesn't foster a healthy working relationship, and the f

In our QuickBooks Blog, we have information for seasoned business owners, those just starting out, and everything in between. Starting a business is a big adventure but can be intimidating. You may find yourself not knowing exactly where to start. Today I’m going to share with you information on how to register your business so you can make it official. :)   First, let’s go over if you need to register your business. If you don’t know yet, there are different business structures and they all operate slightly differently. Brand new businesses should take the following into consideration:   Sole proprietorships: These generally aren't required to be registered, though registering would likely be beneficial to you and your business. DBA: You may need to register your business with your state. This does vary from state to state, so it's best to check with your state's regulations. Partnership: It’s always best to register a partnership with both the IRS and t

Hello, hello! So nice to have you here. On today's episode of the Community Business Discussion board, I'd like to share an article I read earlier this week from fastcompany.com that offered some great insight on what not to say during a job interview. The writer here states there's a fine line between arrogance and confidence, and goes on to provide some alternatives to use instead. Here are a few examples mentioned... HardworkingYes, of course, every employer wants to hire someone who is hardworking. You'd never say you're "unmotivated" during an interview, but simply stating you're a hard worker doesn't really prove it. Instead of just using hardworking as a descriptor, provide some examples to back it up, "...such as a major contribution you’ve made, goal you’ve met or exceeded, or accomplishment you’ve achieved..." Team PlayerYou get along with others and can work well in a group, excellent! But, do you also "compromise when necessary, show respect for others, listen to

Hola, amigos! Nice to have you here in the Community. Have you heard of a service and pricing guide? It's essentially a menu for your small business. I don't about you, but I like to check out the available options before making a new purchase from a business. Here are a few pointers on how to create this guide for new and potential customers so they know exactly what to expect when shopping with you.   Introduction and StoryIt's always a good idea to introduce yourself. Speak a little about yourself, mainly focusing on values and credentials, and offer details about how you started your business.   Signature ServiceExplain your signature service that you're most know for.   DeliverablesClearly describe what your potential client will be receiving, gain, or achieve after choosing to work with you.   Previous WorkDisplay pictures and/or full descriptions of your previous work. However, be sure to only include work that you're still offering and not projects you no lo

      Join our QuickBooks Experts here for an #AMA session all about accepting payments with QuickBooks. They'll be able to answer your questions on: ● Accepting payments from your customers.● Understanding fees and schedules.● Resolving common issues and errors. ...and more!*   To participate:     Press Join the Conversation to log in to the community. Once logged in, press Reply. Write your question as your reply to the post. Don't forget to let us know what product you're using. Press Post to submit. Keep an eye on your notifications for a response from one of our QuickBooks experts.   QuickBooks Experts will be online from 10am - 12pm PT to answer your questions live!   *We will not be able to address payment holds or account closures during this event due to those issues requiring private account information. If you need assistance with a hold or closure, please contact Merchant Services.   Thank you!

Depending on your business, your peak season could be done or you could be gearing up for one. For those of you who add seasonal employees every year, this article is for you! When your business is booking up for the summer (or any other season), it’s great to have extra hands to help. While hiring seasonal workers is pretty straightforward, it’s good to be prepared so the process is as smooth as possible. Take a look at these tips from the QuickBooks Blog.      Determine your seasonal recruitment needsTake some time to look at last season. What were your numbers? Knowing the amount you pulled in can help determine what extra help you’ll need now. Also consider any changes you’re making. Have you added to your services? Are you planning on scaling to increase revenue? Make sure you’re considering everything so you can make a well-informed decision.2.      Plan a season in advanceIdeally, you’re planning and have time to crunch numbers and plan f

Welcome everyone to the QuickBooks Community! Is it me, or did the week fly by, well, the month at that? Before the day ends,  I want to share this gem by Makeuseof about the top 12 Google Tools for Entrepreneurs. Today, I will share my top 5, and I encourage you to review the others. Let's get into it:   Google My BusinessThis is a great FREE tool to help your business to stand out. All you would need to do is list your business so potential clients can find it. You also have the ability to add your store location, contact details, pictures, and so on.   Google Search ConsoleThis measures your site Search traffic, gauges the download speed, and other performances. This will show which aspects of your website need to be fixed to ensure you provide the best version for your business.   Google DriveThis is another free cloud-based storage that allows you to connect to multiple devices. Sign up for Google, and you are already given 15 GB of free space. If you need more

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the Community. We often hear a lot about "bad habits," or even old habits, but not much about developing new or good habits. Today I want to share a few good habits to practice that can help in business or in every day life in general.   Read daily. Analyze your own mistakes and learn from them. Create a plan before doing anything. Always look for something to learn. Prepare and keep an emergency bag handy. Focus on the positives. Think outside the box. Track your finances. Develop a morning routine. Listen before you speak. Think of new ways to do old things. Participate in interesting discussions. Share your knowledge with others. Stay informed about current events. Keep a journal. Pray and/or meditate. Recycle. Play brain exercises or IQ improvement games. Eat healthy. Do self-improvement activities.   There you have it! Just a few simple ideas that maybe you haven't considered before. Practices that you'll look forward to

      Do you have a question about QuickBooks but haven't gotten around to reaching out to us yet? Join us for a Live QuickBooks Community Drop-In Session where QuickBooks Experts will be online to answer your questions live. Topics include, but aren't limited to: Invoicing, Payroll, Account Management, Product Features, and more.   To participate:   Press Join the Conversation to log in to the community. Once logged in, press Reply. Write your question as your reply to the post. Don't forget to let us know what product you're using! Press Post to submit. Keep an eye on your notifications for a response from one of our QuickBooks experts!   We look forward to helping you get the most out of QuickBooks

You may think that to be a business owner, you must be a productive extrovert with great stress management skills. While that’s helpful, if you are an introvert with anxiety, you shouldn’t rule yourself out. Buffer.com highlighted business owner Ashima Sharma, who never thought she'd be a business owner, but shares her tips on what she did once her idea came to her.   Start small to build confidenceIn the article, Ashima explains how hurdles like public speaking became small goals of hers to conquer. She started with Clubhouse, a live podcast of sorts, and built up the courage to speak in one of the rooms within the app. She got positive feedback and new followers that led her to speak up more often. It’s the small wins that can make your confidence swell and prepare you for the future. Whether you’re talking to clients, or strangers about your products/services, trust that you have good ideas that people need to hear.   Build habits to support mental healthIt can b

Hello, beautiful Community! Depending on your work, you may find yourself in your office most of your day. When you spend most of your time in any space, it’s important to make that space as comfortable and functional for you as possible. I’m no interior designer, but today I have some tips on how to make your office an oasis… or as close to one as possible. Let’s get right to it!     PlantsEveryone picked up an interest or hobby during the pandemic… and mine was plants! It started with one pothos gifted to me from a friend, and then boom. About 30 plants later, it’s one of my favorite things about my work space. The splash of green is an instant mood booster and brightens up any area. There are quite a few beginner plants that are easy to take care of: pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants. I haven’t even mentioned the best part. Do you like clean air? Plants naturally filter the air and release wonderful oxygen. So basically, get plants for your health….both mental and physic

Hey there, friends! Thanks for joining us here in the Business Discussion space. I've had a lot on my plate recently, (don't we all), and have found myself in a creative slump. So when I found this article posted in the QuickBooks Blog I knew I wanted to share it with you all as well. Here are a few ways to rewire your brain to maximize creativity:     Diversify mind inputsIt's been a known fact for a long time now that humans are creatures of habit. But who can blame us? Routines and habits are comfortable and there's no fear in wrenches being thrown in your plans. However, daily habits don't leave much space for creativity. You can break this cycle by diversifying what you put into your mind. "Strike up conversations with random people, learn a new language, start playing new video games, read far and wide, and challenge yourself to do things that you ordinarily would not do. The more the new interactions you make, the more diverse your thinking capacity will be." &nb

  Join our QuickBooks Experts for an #AMA session all about your favorite QuickBooks apps and add-ons. They'll be able to answer your questions on: ● How to connect your small business apps and services. ● What to expect from QuickBooks add-ons like QuickBooks Time. ● How to navigate the QuickBooks app store.   To participate:   Click Join the Conversation to login to the community. Once logged in, click Reply. Write your question as your reply to the post. Don't forget to let us know what product you're using! Click Post to submit. Keep an eye on your notification for a response from one of our QuickBooks experts!   QuickBooks Experts will be online from 8am - 10am PT to answer your questions live!

It's Friday!!!! Is anyone looking forward to the weekend? I know I am. Before you lock up shop today, I wanted to share this article from CNBC. It is about a 28-year-old lady who used her side hustle and made over $100,000 in passive income in one day. She shared five books that helped her get started and boosted her mindset. Here is what she recommended:   Dot Com Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online With Sales Funnels.The entrepreneur explained that this book's strategies help her generate lead techniques and sales funnels that aid in her selling online courses without extra work and generate passive income.   How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome LifeShe said that this book helped her recognize her self-limiting beliefs and assisted her in breaking those walls down and building up her confidence to run this business.   Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business SuccessThis book

Hello QuickBooks Community! Our goal here at Intuit is to support you no matter what products you use or how you run your business. Not every business owner uses a payroll software, but it’s still important to keep track of your information. That’s why the QuickBooks Blog has an article all about using a payroll ledger! Not only does it have great information on how to use one, but templates for you as well.     Let’s start by explaining what a payroll ledger is. “A payroll ledger is a system for keeping track of payment information for each employee or contractor who receives payments from the payroll department of a firm. Payroll ledgers can be physical paper spreadsheets or digital spreadsheets. Payroll ledgers allow business owners to quickly see how much money they’ve paid out, whom they’ve paid, and when. In addition to being essential for payroll records, these ledgers may also serve as important documentation for tax purposes and other recordkeeping needs.” &nb