Business Discussions

Hi there! You've reached the Business Discussion page. Today I'm sharing a few simple but effective ways to improve your way of thinking to get rid of imposter syndrome and turn it into boss mode! "I don't have enough experience." ---> "I can leverage my existing skills.""I'm going to make mistakes." ---> " I can confidently fail forward.""Why would anyone listen to me?" ---> "I am capable of earning respect.""I don't know how to do this." ---> "I can learn how to do this.""I can't ask for more money." ---> "I know what my work is worth."   Just a little mid-week reminder to say "you've got this!" What would you add? What are some affirmations you've come up with to shift your mindset during stressful and overwhelming times? Let's talk about it in the comments!

  Hello community! Happy Wednesday. As you may already be aware, social media is constantly evolving. That’s why it’s even more important today to stay in the know of the latest trends and align them with your brand values all while making sure that you’re entertaining your audience! According to this article from Sprout Social that I came across, “It’s really important you understand that social is now entertainment first”.   So let’s dive into some of the ways that Sprout Social mentions how you can lean into entertainment with your social media content: Lead with personality: You want to make sure you’re going beyond having a strong voice and tone as well as put a face to your brand. You can rely on creators as needed. Be Real: It’s important to embrace lo-fi and stop showing up perfectly in your content. Humanizing your brand should be at the forefront of your social strategy. Optimize for Share-ability: Speak directly to your audience by postin

Looking for ways to reduce your business expenses? Well, look no further! Our Firms of the Future today shared some tips that can assist with this, and I know this can be a perfect fit for your business. Here is what they had to say:    Eliminate (or Reduce) Office Costs: Consider remote work to save on office rental expenses.   Outsource Services: Use part-time employees, interns, or independent contractors when needed.   Negotiate Merchant Processing Rates: Negotiate lower transaction fees with your card processor. Review itemized statements to avoid unnecessary charges.   Use Free or Low-Cost Business Apps and Software: Utilize affordable productivity and marketing apps.   Buy Inventory in Larger Orders: Order products quarterly to negotiate bulk rates. Shop around for better pricing if necessary.   Upgrade to Better Technological Solutions: Consider VOIP for cost-effective phone and video calls. Explore competitive web hosting providers

Happy Friday, QuickBooks Community! Are you excited about the weekend? I know I am. A better question, though, is, are you looking to sell on Etsy? Well, Entrepreneur shared a comprehensive guide on how to do so. Here are a few tips they mentioned:       Decided if Etsy is the right platform-the key point here is to do careful research to ensure you will have the best outcome. Create your account and open your Etsy storefront. Upload your first product listing Choose your payment method. Customerize your storefront.   And there you have it! Be sure to review fees as well when having this storefront! But you will be on your way. I hope this was helpful to those who are thinking about it and use this as a sign! Until next time, folks, be safe and take care.

    Hello Community! Before you ask “How can AI make my life easier?”, you need to ask “How can I use AI responsibly?” According to an article from Sprout Social, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can increase efficiency and generate positive business outcomes, but there are consequences if it’s used unethically. I am here to share what they said on this topic. Here are five of the top AI ethics issues marketers need to know.   1. Job displacement2. Privacy3. Algorithmic bias4. Misinformation and disinformation5. Intellectual property and copyright issues   Alongside this, there are some steps you can take to maintain the ethical use of AI across teams. Find out more in the full article: https://bit.ly/3t2R2JH. But now I want to hear from you. How do you plan to use AI responsibly?? Let us know in the comments section below!

Hello everyone! Thanks for taking a minute to check out the Business Discussion page. Today I'm sharing an article from the QuickBooks Blog that offers a few options to improve your business efficiency during times of economic downturn.   If you've read any of my posts in the past, you know I'm a fan of starting off with a definition. Business efficiency can be defined as, "how effectively a company uses its resources (money, labor, materials) to produce an output (products and services)." It also answers the following questions:   How productive are my employees? How much waste does our company produce? Are we seeing a positive return on the tools, materials, and talent we invest in?   There are several ways to gauge business efficiency. Here are a few of the main areas to focus on:   Financial efficiency Overall profitabilityFixed asset turnoverReceivable turnoverInventory turnover   Operational efficiency ManufacturingSupply chain managementC

  Hello community! Have you ever struggled to find ways to get more clients as an accounting professional? If so then you’re definitely not alone. It’s totally normal to not know how to go about marketing yourself to increase your clientele, but that’s why I wanted to share some tips from this article in Firm of the Future. So let’s jump in and take a look at what these tips are:   #1: Know your target market/client: Knowing your target markets, how they operate, their unique needs and what they look for in an accounting professional is super important. It’s key that you identify one or more markets as it identifies you as a resource.#2: Be a resource: According to this article, often accountants get the additional role of being an in-house IT expert. It’s important that you embrace it! Your clients need you, and many times they may not have the time or resources to stay on top of tech trends.#3: Identify your brand: Take some time to brand your

Good afternoon friends of the Community! Today I'm hopping on to share an article I read posted on readwrite.com that goes over a few quick tips that are proven to increase customer engagement and build their loyalty to your company. That's what we like to hear, right? Let's take a look...   • Social Media Engagement• Personal Experiences• Customer Loyalty Programs• Customer Management Software• Community Building• Feedback Collection• Online Reviews• Customer Education• Offer Customer Support• Relevant Content   If you're curious, the original post offers details about each point, as well as additional ideas. I hope you'll use this info and see great results in your customer engagement and loyalty. Let us know how it works for you!

Hi Everyone, Glad to be here.  Can someone advise me in how they incorporated their Bookkeeping business?  Did you start out by getting clients first and then incorporating?  Also, if/when you did incorporate did you go LLC or S-Corp?Also, is there a community forum here for businesses looking for QuickBooks ProAdvisors and QuickBooks ProAdvisors that are looking for businesses? Thank you!

Welcome, Community friends! I'm a big advocate for strong, effective leadership. Today I'd like to share a few qualities/habits that great leaders have and do. Let's take a look... They earn your trust.They understand you have a life.They listen, then act.Help you find purpose in your work.They celebrate small victories.Upfront about their own short-comings.They build a team.Invest in you personally.They start you off on the right foot.Solve problems with you. If you've found yourself in a position of leadership I hope you were able to check all of these boxes. Let's chat in the comment section about other qualities and habits associated with good leaders. Take care everyone!

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community! I hope you are having a great day! Today's article is from the Firms of the Future, which shares the vital role of partnerships in the growth of accounting and bookkeeping practices, drawing inspiration from the entrepreneurial journey of Enkel founder Omar Visram.   Omar Visram's own path to entrepreneurship commenced after honing his skills at a public accounting firm. Despite his achievements at KPMG, he yearned to establish his own business. His epiphany came during a conversation with a former colleague, leading him to realize his mission: enhancing financial resources and decision-making support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.   Omar's success story places a significant emphasis on networking and partnerships. In Enkel's early stages, he harnessed his professional connections, expanding beyond CPAs to engage with bankers, lawyers, and other business professionals. These partnerships played a pivotal role in launching and adv

Hello everyone! Thanks for joining us here in the Business Discussion space of the Community. Many of you here are likely in a leadership role in your business. Today I'm relaying to you an article from inc.com that's helpful to all leaders.   We all know leadership is defined as the action of leading a group of people or an organization, but what really defines a leader? That's one powerful question, but the article has one more for those in charge to ask themselves: How will I be remembered by my peers, colleagues, and employees?   The writer goes on to discuss one way to get a positive answer to that questions is servant leadership. They also state that the ability to achieve this leadership style is open and available to anyone willing to give it a try. "When you arrive at the moment where your servant leadership is crystalized, people will respond with uncommon loyalty and commitment. From a purely business standpoint, this means higher performan

Welcome back to another Business Discussion segment! I hope all is well with you! Quick question: Do you believe you are handling stress properly? If not, I have a few ways to deal with stress:   Delegate: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks to capable team members. Micromanaging can increase stress levels. Trusting your team and allowing them to take ownership of their tasks can alleviate pressure. Stress Reduction Techniques: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Regular breaks throughout the day can also help clear your mind and reduce tension. Time for Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Supportive Network: Surround yourself with a support network of friends, family, mentors, or colleagues who can provide guidance, perspective, and emotional support.Remember that stress is a natural response, but wit

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you're doing well on this lovely day. Today I'd like to take a minute to get back to basics. Your books rely largely on the chart of accounts and I found a great article on the QuickBooks Blog that goes over all the details you need to get your chart set up correctly.   To start, the chart of accounts, or COA, is a list of the account numbers and names relevant to your company, typically made up of four categories. These include:   Asset accounts Liability accounts Income accounts Expense accounts   The article compares the chart of accounts to a game of Jenga. If one block is moved away from one section, it has to be added back somewhere else.   Now that we know what the chart of accounts is, you're ready to set yours up. Here's how: Create business account names The account name is a recognizable label for the account you're reporting on. (i.e., bank fees, cash, taxes, etc.) 2. Assign account numbers to business a

It's Fridayyyyyyyyyyyy! Are you excited for the weekend? Before you sign out for the day, I have this article from Entrepreneurs, which shared some free courses and learning resources that will benefit small business owners. Here is a list of their programs and descriptions:     Amazon Program: Amazon's Small Business Academy Description: Offers tools, resources, and networking opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners.   AT&T Program: Small Business Resources Description: Provides free webinars, educational series, and "playbooks" on topics like going virtual and cybersecurity. Offers phone and Wi-Fi deals for small businesses.   Bank of America Program: Small Business Resources Description: Offers insights, resources, and operational assistance on money management, funding, credit improvement, HR, and customer relations.   Cisco Program: Cisco Small Business Resource Center Description: Publishes news and technology advice to h

Hi there! You've reached the Business Discussion space of the Community. Today I'm popping by to share a quick list of do's and don'ts for your business' social media pages. Do: Test and try new things Create content for your ideal customer Be consistent and post regularly Build relationships and engage with your followers Schedule posts Vary your post type Use relevant hashtags Monitor your performance   Don't: Steal images Expect instant results Take hate comments personally Compare yourself to others Obsess about perfection Let it consumer your time Be overly promotional Engage in drama   A few simple reminders of how to optimize your social media presence and make your business' page the best it can be! Let's hear your thoughts! What are some do's and don'ts you've come across in your experience?

Do you struggle with networking? Fear not! Our article by Inc. com shares ten effective strategies to build meaningful connections without the discomfort often associated with the process. Here is what they had to say:     Identify Shared Interests: Focus on genuine connections by seeking out individuals who share your hobbies or interests. Leverage Existing Relationships: Start with people you know well and gradually extend your network through their connections. Attend Small Events: Opt for intimate gatherings where deeper conversations are possible, making it easier to establish rapport. Volunteer: Engage in community or industry-related volunteering opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Online Networking: Utilize social media platforms and professional networks to connect with people globally and maintain relationships virtually. Focus on Listening: Practice active listening to show genuine interest in others, leading to more authe

Happy Friday, and welcome back to the QuickBooks Community! If you are new here, welcome! How often have you experienced miscommunication through email? Let me guess, at least once a week? MakeUseOf shared three tips on writing better emails, and I know this will be effective when communicating with other businesses or customers. Here is what they had to say:   Be PreciseDuring email communication, you want to be specific with what needs to be accomplished or what you are trying to convey to avoid miscommunication. An example mentioned was an interaction with an employee. Sending an employee a message saying, " this needs to be done by tomorrow" can mean many things to them. Instead, say, "I would like for ABC documents to be completed and sent by 3 pm tomorrow."   Structure Your Email ProperlyEnsure that the subject line of your email is related to the message. We all receive many emails daily, and if you like me, I view ones that stand out. When composing the actual email,

  Hello Community! Today I want to chat a bit about how inventory management can be a great asset when it comes to running your small business. According to this article in the QuickBooks Blog, inventory management provides you with more control over your product and inventory in order to meet your customers’ needs.   In addition to that, it can also benefit you in the following ways: Increasing your supply chain efficiency Integrating effective technology Maximizing your profits and returns   Alongside this, you can follow the tips shown below to help boost your efficiency!     These things are all great examples of a strategy you can implement and start with. Doing so will surely provide you with better analytics and control in order to gain a more agile supply chain model.   For more information on this topic, make sure to check the full article here. See you next time!

Are you into the business of transferring designs to materials such as t-shirts, mugs, caps, plates, etc.? Then this is the post for you! Our article for today highlights the best machines to use in 2023 to take your business to the next level, whether for personal or commercial use.     HTVRONT Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts Seeutek Heat Press Machine for T-Shirts Slendor Heat Press Machine 5 in 1 VEVOR Heat Press Machine WOOKRAYS 5 in-1 Heat Press Machine OIIEE Heat Press Machine 5 in 1 Combo Heat Press Machine WHUBEFY 5-in-1 Heat Press Machine   The article contains other machines that you may find interesting to explore. If you have any recommendations on devices you have used before, please share your experiences, and until next time, enjoy your weekend!

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. You're just in time to view the latest here in the Business Discussion space. Everybody, especially business owners, wants to be more productive, am I right? Today I'd like to share how creating systems and process for your business can help you do just that.     CreatingEvery business faces a few different main activities. The next time you go to perform one of these activities, grab a notepad and write down each and every step you take. Once you're finished, review the steps and evaluate them to see if there's a better way to complete them or maybe perform them in a different order. After analyzing the steps and making any corrections, congratulations! - you've made your first process to go by the next time you need to complete the original activity.   Set upTerms like "systems" and "processes" may be a little overwhelming. Don't let it be! And they also don't have to be fancy. Essentially, you're creating checklists, calendars,

Welcome to the Business Discussion Page! If you are new here, a special welcome to you. Today, I have this gem from Firm of the Future, which outlines four practical steps to ensure a positive first impression in client interaction. Here is what they had to say: Prioritize Client Support: Ensure that every communication, whether email, call, or live chat, is respectful and prompt. Set specific times to check and respond to messages, demonstrating your commitment to clients.Systematize and Train: Develop scripts for various interactions such as greetings, new client inquiries, follow-ups, and responses to concerns. These scripts maintain consistency and efficiency in communication. Create a resource library of answers to common questions and train team members to access and contribute to it.Pre-Qualify Prospects: When engaging with potential clients, ask targeted questions to determine if they fit your firm. Tailor your services to match their needs and expectations.

Good afternoon my fellow Community friends! As a small business owner, do you ever feel like you and your team get stuck in a rut of the day-to-day activities? I found a great article from smallbiztrends.com that offers some great tips on how to encourage innovation in your company. Here are a few ideas...   Be Transparent About Your Challenges“If your team doesn’t know what the biggest challenges are for the company, then the ideas they have for innovating may be focused on the wrong things. By being transparent about where you as a company need to improve, you can help people focus their thinking on solving the right problems.”   Admit (and Learn From) Your Past Failures“Tell your new hires how you failed in the past. All newbies expect to hear about the company’s greatest successes when they first start out, but if you get into some of the more significant fails, that just might give them the ideas, motivations or thought processes to truly introduce innovation i

Hello, hello! Thanks for checking out the Business Discussion board. Today I'm here to share an article from inc.com that covers a few helpful tips on how to make your business stand out in a crowd. Let's take a closer look...   Inspired ThinkingThe writer mentions inspired thinking is based on the visionary aspects of a leader. "When you develop and lead your team with excitement, passion, and vision, what you produce will be an extension of that." They also mention that the customer base craves uniqueness, new experiences, and boldness.   Don't Fear ChangeFearing change is often used as a method of protection and the topic of change, in any aspect of life, can bring about a fight or flight response. The article states, "Change is normal and the more you learn to embrace it, the more you gain the upper hand."   Ignore the NaysayersAs mentioned in the write-up, being an entrepreneur entails being creating, adventurous, and daring. We do all of these things in h

Did you know that you (business owners) play a crucial role in giving back to your communities? By actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors, you contribute to the betterment of society and create a positive impact that extends beyond your products or services. Supporting community initiatives, volunteering time and resources, and fostering partnerships with local nonprofits can create a ripple effect of positive change. You can empower the next generation through scholarships and mentorship programs, for example.   Moreover, adopting sustainable and ethical business practices demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility. Such ambitions address pressing social issues and foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among employees, customers, and residents. By embracing these practices, you can build a stronger, more resilient community while cultivating a sense of purpose that extends beyond profits.   Don't you think? Feel free to let us know how you