Business Discussions

Hello, Community! Thanks for stopping by the Business Discussion board. Today I'd like to share with you a post from the QuickBooks Blog that talks about success for small business equates to success for their communities as well. Let's take a look at some of the key points:   Small businesses improve mental health in the community"Not only does a thriving main street get people outside and connecting with one another, small businesses often provide the resources necessary to keep us healthy. Your local yoga studio, therapist, vitamin shop, book store, and gym are all small businesses that play a role in holistic well-being. Even having a space like a coffee shop to meet with friends can improve your day."   Small businesses are better for the environment"The larger the business, the bigger the carbon footprint. According to the World Green Building Council, building operations alone account for 39% of all global emissions. Small businesses often operate within smal

As a small business owner, when you're your own boss, I'm sure it can be tempting to do all of your banking within one account. This article from bankrate.com breaks down the reasons why that may not be a great idea...   Key features    Personal Personal checking accounts are designed to meet everyday financial needs with straightforward features and easy access to money. A personal checking account provides essential tools for everyday money management such as check-writing, ATM access, debit card purchases and direct deposit for your paychecks. These accounts may also have features like automatic bill-paying, easy transfers to other accounts and the ability to send and receive funds electronically.     Business Business checking accounts offer the same features as personal accounts, but they are designed to help you run and grow your business. Some banks offer merchant services that let you accept credit card payments. They ma

Welcome back to the Business Discussion board! Today I'd like to share an article from the QuickBooks Blog that offers an informative guide to all social media platforms for small business. Let's take a look...   Did you know time spent on social media is at an all time high? Internet users are spending an average of 2.5 hours a day scrolling through their various platforms. I believe it's safe to say that even more time is spent for some. "For small businesses looking for new ways to build positive connections with consumers, social media can be an invaluable digital marketing tool."   When utilizing the tool(s) of social media, businesses benefit from low-cost marketing and increased brand awareness. "But with so many social media platforms available, it’s important for small businesses to understand the different channels and how they align (or not) with their unique business goals."   The post goes on to say that it can be tricky to determine which platform

I want to alert fellow ProAdvisors about another scam going around. The scammer, posing as a potential client, reached out via email requesting help with accounting, capital management, and QuickBooks consulting.Red Flags:Generic, scripted-sounding inquiry with no specific business details.Urgent request for a Zoom meeting to "present documents."- the zoom link looked legit. I clicked on it it was malware- dumb- I know!A fraudulent file disguised as business documentation, leading to malware installation.What Happened:Despite being suspicions, I engaged with the scammer and discovered they were attempting to install remote access software and malware. Fortunately, I had IT support and was able to fully reformat my system.Protect Yourself:Do not download or execute files from unknown sources.I did verify potential clients—checked their website, LinkedIn, and business presence. The scammer used a Gmail- I know- red flag, red flag! Be cautious of unsolicited meeting links—they may le

Hello everyone,I am about to start a home window screen mesh repair business:  You know, if a cat or dog scratches the screen mesh it needs to be replaced.  Sometime these screens get bent and need some hardware on them replaced as well.My question, in Pennsylvania, is the service I am about to offer--replacing the screen mesh--subject to PA sales tax?  My accountant says no but if I were to fabricate an entire new screen for a window then it would be subject to sales tax.  Can anyone confirm this?  I appreciate any info and thanks!

Starting a business is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, QuickBooks has made it easier by offering a free business plan template to help you map your vision step-by-step. The best part? It’s super user-friendly and breaks everything down so you can confidently approach it. Here are a few key points from the article to get you started:       Executive Summary: Think of this as your business’s elevator pitch. It’s a short and sweet overview of what your business is all about, your mission, and what you hope to achieve. Keep it clear and catchy! Company Description: This is where you can tell the story of your business. What do you do? Who are your customers? What makes you stand out from the crowd? This is your chance to share what makes your business unique. Market Research: A little research goes a long way. This section helps you define your target market, understand your competition, and figure out exactly who your ideal cust

Welcome, QuickBooks Community peeps! If you're a small-business owner feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending list of tasks, you're not alone. Many entrepreneurs face the same challenge. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective strategies to help you break free from the cycle of stress and start getting things done. In this post by Inc.com, they explore a method that can help you feel more organized and in control so you can focus on what truly matters for your business. Here's how you can start breaking through the overwhelm and boost your productivity:     Identify the thorn in your side – Find a task that has been nagging you for a while. Give yourself a pep talk – Reframe the situation and remind yourself that you’ll get to other tasks later. Tackle the small task – Work on that one task to feel a sense of accomplishment. Notice how you feel post-task – Reflect on how completing the task shifts your outlook and energy.   By taking small, act

   When you’re starting out in business, there’s just so much to learn -- including all the things you don’t yet know you don’t know! We believe a great way to save time, reduce stress, make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes is by learning from others who have been there, done that. So here are some valuable insights from entrepreneurs in our QB Community who have already experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of starting a small business -- and who are happy to share what they’ve learned. Get excited but stay realistic      Erin Williamson, Founder of Pier Coffee, Co-founder of Engender International: “If a new entrepreneur has a mix of blind faith, enthusiasm and a little bit of doubt all at the same time they will succeed. The drive and excitement to do something regardless of its potential to fail gets everything started. I have enthusiasm and faith in spades, but I don’t have enough of the naysayer. If I started all over again as an entr

Good afternoon everyone, and I hope you guys are having a lovely day. Welcome back to the Business Discussion page! Today, I found an article from Hawaii Business that shares tips from small-business owners who pivoted and prevailed, and I thought this would give you an extra boost of confidence. Here are my top five favorites:   Focus on your purpose in life rather than keeping your store afloat. Many times we get stuck into the business life that we often overlook ourselves. Sometimes it is good to step back and see the bigger picture and go from here.   Collaborate with other businesses to dual-market products. They shared an example where the owner of one company specializing in hot-pot meals collaborated with a donut store, and together they sold desserts with the meals.   Keep innovating, even if just on small things. You never know that what you're doing can lead to big things and even finding your niche in the market. This can then lead to increase sale

Hello QuickBooks fam! How are you doing?  You do often hear that networking is good thing, but do you understand why it matters?  It is a vital component of business success that helps to build relationships that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth. Here are a few reasons why networking matters:     Expands Opportunities: Networking connects you with potential clients, partners, and investors, opening doors to new business prospects. Enhances Knowledge: Engaging with other professionals allows you to share insights, learn industry trends, and improve your skills. Builds Reputation: Consistently networking builds your credibility and establishes your presence in the industry. Fosters Collaborations: Collaborating with other businesses can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, expanding your market reach. Boosts Confidence: Regularly interacting with other business professionals strengthens your communication skills and boosts your confiden

Hello QuickBooks Community! TikTok has become an essential platform for small businesses looking to engage with younger audiences and drive brand awareness. With its focus on short, creative videos, TikTok allows businesses to showcase their products and services in a fun and engaging way. The platform’s viral nature, fueled by trends, challenges, and popular music, makes it an ideal space for businesses to gain significant visibility and connect with potential customers. Our QuickBooks Blog shared some tips for small businesses looking to leverage TikTok effectively. Here's what they had to say:     Be Authentic: TikTok users value authenticity. Showcase your brand’s personality and connect with your audience on a personal level. Use Trending Hashtags & Sounds: Take advantage of trending music and hashtags to increase the chances of your content going viral. Post Regularly: Consistency is key. Aim to post content regularly to keep your audience engaged. Create Engaging

Have you heard the news? There's a new feature called Intuit Assist that acts as your personal assistant! Oh, what's that you say? - Tell you more? Sure thing! Let's take a look at this article from the QuickBooks Blog for more info...   "Intuit Assist for QuickBooks, our new generative AI-powered financial assistant, now available in beta and rolling out more broadly in the coming months, is designed to help small business owners like you succeed. By surfacing powerful and relevant insights based on your business’s performance and your customers’ behavior, Intuit Assist will help guide you on the spot, enabling you to make informed business decisions."   Let's break it down. There are four key ways Intuit Assist will help and support your business growth:   Show MeA comprehensive view of where your business stands.   Do it for MeAutomates tasks, like drafting invoice reminders and more, saving you time so you can focus on the big picture for your small bu

Hello QuickBooks Community! How’s everyone doing today? I’ve got some fun business facts for you—10 in total—that you might or might not know.     The First Business Card: The first business card is believed to have been used in China in the 15th century, and they were often used as a way to introduce oneself socially and professionally. Google's Name Origin: Google’s name is a play on the word "googol," which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. It reflects the company’s mission to organize a vast amount of information on the web. Apple’s First Sale: In 1976, the first Apple computer was sold for $666.66. Steve Jobs reportedly liked repeating numbers, which is why the price was chosen. Amazon Started as a Bookstore: Amazon originally began as an online bookstore in 1994 before it expanded into a multi-product retailer, eventually dominating multiple industries. The World's First Trademark: The first recorded trademark was created in 1266 in England. The

Trying to get more work as a tradeperson? Well, look no further. Today article from the QuickBooks Community mentioned a few tips. In today’s competitive market, simply doing a great job isn't enough for tradespeople to thrive. To consistently attract new clients and keep existing ones, building a solid reputation and promoting your business are key. Here are eight tips to help you stand out:     Build a Solid Reputation: Consistently deliver high-quality work, be punctual, and communicate well with clients. A strong reputation leads to repeat business and referrals. Promote Your Brand: Create a professional image, from your business cards to your online presence. Clearly communicate what sets you apart—whether it's quality, speed, or eco-friendliness. Leverage Referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to recommend you to others. Consider offering incentives for successful referrals to further motivate word-of-mouth marketing. Establish a Local Presence: Get involved in your c

Thanks for joining us here in the Business Discussion space! I hope this week is treating you well! Today I'm going back to the basics to remind employers and new potential employees of a few skills that all-star workers display.   CommunicationClear speaking, active listening, and concise writing   OrganizationCategorizing, sorting, and prioritizing physical and virtual environments in the workplace   PunctualityManaging your time, showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and completing important tasks   TeamworkWorks well with others, relating to colleagues, and managing conflict   Emotional IntelligenceRecognizing one's own and other people's emotions and using it to guide thinking and behavior   CreativityThinking out-of-the-box by seeing things differently and proposing novel solutions   AdaptabilityAdjusting to abrupt change, managing multiple tasks in a fast paced environment, and persevering through difficulties   You may feel like you have

How can i get the barcode side of things working   So the trial version showed that the advanced inventory worked but when i purchased the 2024 desktop enterprise version now it doesn't work. Look like i need to buy a add on   how do i do that?

Hello QuickBooks Community! Do you feel the LOVE that is in the air? Yes, we are approaching  Valentine’s Day!  In case you haven't started creating a unique opportunity to engage customers and increase sales, here are five quick strategies to make the most of the day:     Offer Special Deals & DiscountsCreate limited-time promotions, such as "20% off" or "Buy One, Get One Free," to attract last-minute shoppers. A countdown timer or "ending soon" message adds urgency to encourage quick decisions.   Leverage Social Media CampaignsUse platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share Valentine’s Day-themed content and run giveaways. A "Tag a Loved One" contest or engaging polls can boost interaction and attract attention to your offers.   Create Gift GuidesHelp customers find the perfect gift with curated gift guides for different recipients—like "Gifts for Her," "Gifts for Him," or "Valentine’s Day Self-Care." These guides make shopping easier and inspire

Hello friends of the Community! Thanks for joining us here in the Business Discussion board. Today I'm sharing an article from the QuickBooks Blog that offers pointers on starting your business from scratch. Here are a few...   Define your vision Research your market opportunity Write a business plan Perfect your sales pitch Understand your start-up cost Plan your starting finances Determine your business structure Investigate your legal requirements Apply for permits and business licenses Create and register a business name   The article linked above goes into greater detail on each of these and more. If you've been looking into starting your own business, 2025 is your year, and the Community is here with you every step of the way!

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community! As a business owner, I know you’re navigating the intricate dance of work, family, friends, and social life. The pressure can be immense, but achieving balance is not only possible; it’s essential. Here are some powerful strategies to help you find that harmony.     First, establish clear boundaries. Carve out dedicated time for your personal life, whether enjoying family dinners or embarking on weekend adventures with friends. By intentionally scheduling time away from work, you can prevent burnout and nurture your connections with the people who matter most.   Don’t shy away from delegating tasks. Whether you hire additional help or outsource specific responsibilities, liberating your time is crucial for honing in on what counts.   Prioritize self-care as well. Simple activities like a brisk walk, meditation, or diving into a good book can revitalize your spirit and enhance your productivity.   Finally, tap into your suppo

Video marketing is a powerful way to boost brand awareness, especially with platforms like YouTube, the second-largest online search engine with over 2 billion subscribers. With its mobile-friendly features, YouTube reaches more people than traditional TV, making it a goldmine for businesses looking to grow.  Our article for today from the QuickBooks Blog, shares some solid strategy to stand out. Here’s how to make the most of it:   Set Clear GoalsBefore you start creating videos, define your goals—whether it's boosting brand awareness, driving traffic, or increasing sales. Tailor your content to meet these objectives. For example, if you're aiming for brand awareness, create educational videos or feature industry thought leaders. Master SEODon’t just upload videos—make them discoverable! Use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve visibility. Research your niche and incorporate popular search terms to help your videos show up in relevant suggestions. Coll

Are you trying to retain customers while wanting to know their thoughts about your product or service? To solve this, you can create a business survey using specific questions that will assist with measuring your customer satisfaction and possible changes or improvements you can make. Hello, and welcome back to our Community page! Here are a few examples I found to get you on your way when creating one:     What was the reason that attracted you to become our customer? Brand value Marketing and promotion Variety of products Word of mouth Quality of our products Pricing Other   Which alternative or competitor did you shift to now to meet your needs?   Will you be willing to come back to us if we were to improve the areas you were dissatisfied? Yes No Can’t say If you did not have a pleasant experience with us, would the following make it better? More knowledgeable staff Better advertisements and promotion Better financial transactions Better customer servic

February is right around the corner and that means Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day isn't just a day to celebrate love in your personal life but can also be a way to show appreciation for your customers. Here are a few ideas...   Sales the week of the holiday Giveaway for a date night at a local restaurant for liking, sharing, and tagging friends on a social media post Themed decorations, of course Valentine's candy bowl at the check out counter Appreciation newsletter email Post a "Love Story" post on Facebook for followers to share theirs. The person with the most "likes" gets 15% off their order. Handwritten "Thank You" notes and candy in shipped packages Host a Valentine's dinner for your employees the week of to show appreciation for them as well   These are just a few ideas to get started. How are planning to spread the love this season?

Thanks for stopping by the Business Discussion board! Today I'm sharing an article from the QuickBooks Blog that talks about demand planning, methods, implementation steps, and best practices. Let's take a look...   What is demand planning?The process of forecasting customer demand to ensure products are available when needed. It also helps minimize excess inventory. It involves analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and other factors to create accurate demand forecasts.   Key elements/components of demand planning include:Demand sensing: Real-time data to detect changes in demand patternsForecasting: Predicting future demand using historical dataTrade promotion management: Analyzing the impact of promotions on demandProduct portfolio management: Managing product offerings to meet market needsDemand modeling: Using analytics to predict demand under various conditionsData analysis: Analyzing data to refine forecasts and optimize supply chain decisions  

So I'm and small auto shop and I cant find a way to manually enter the cost oof the part i sell on an invoice.a few things for youI don't have an inveorty as what i sell almost never repeats and i buy on an as needed basis.  

Welcome back to the Business Discussion board everyone! Today I'm popping by to share an article from the QuickBooks Blog that discusses several essential components for ERP.   If you're like me, you may be asking, "What is ERP?" "ERP components are the distinct modules within an enterprise resource planning system that handle various business functions, such as financial management, human resources, and supply chain operations."   Here are a few points mentioned:   Financial Management"Financial management is one of the most important parts of enterprise resource planning systems. It helps businesses keep accurate and up-to-date financial records. It typically includes accounting functions such as managing general ledgers, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll."   Human capital management (HCM)HCM, or human resources, is vital to any ERP architecture, enabling businesses to manage their workforce effectively. One of its key features is automated payrol