Business Discussions

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community! I hope you are having a good day! If you're a small business owner looking to get your invoices paid faster, you're in the right place.   Our QuickBooks Blog has shared 20 actionable tips to help you collect payments more efficiently. However, let's dive into the top 5 strategies to accelerate your cash flow:   1. Automate Your Invoicing Sending invoices manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. QuickBooks allows you to automate your invoicing process, ensuring that invoices are sent promptly and consistently. This reduces the chances of human error and ensures timely billing.   2. Offer Multiple Payment Options The easier you make it for clients to pay, the quicker you'll receive payments. QuickBooks integrates with various payment platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and ACH transfers, allowing clients to pay through their preferred method. This flexibility can lead to faster payments and improved client satisfaction.   3.

Hello, and welcome back to the Business Discussion area of the Community. I hope you all are doing wonderful! Today I'm sharing an interesting post I came across on the QuickBooks Blog that covers some interesting financial literacy statistics. Let's take a look.   To start, here's a good definition of financial literacy: "Possession of skills and knowledge to make informed and effective financial decisions."   Now, onto the stats... Only half (54%) of small business owners say they had a good understanding of financial management before starting a business. 1 in 5 small business owners say they taught themselves financial literacy. Less than half (48%) of small business owners are confident they’re paying taxes correctly. 71% of small business owners say being a business owner has improved their financial security. 48% of small business owners plan to build personal wealth by growing their business. 45% of small business owners say stability, not growth, is the lo

Hello ladies and gentlemen! Thanks for joining us here in the Business Discussion area of the Community. Today I'm dropping by to share an article from sfgate.com that talks about the importance of your target audience as well as how to find it. Let's take a look.   "A target audience is a specific group likely to be interested in your company's products or services. These individuals share certain characteristics, such as demographic and psychographic traits, that make them the most probable purchasers of your offerings."   Identifying your target audience allows you to: "Tailor your marketing messages to meet your audience's specific needs, wants, and characteristics." "Increase the cost-effectiveness of your marketing efforts by focusing resources on the most likely buyers." "Strengthen customer relationships by engaging with them on a more personal and relevant level."   How to find your target audience: Conducting Market Research Utilizing Tools and Res

Have you heard the news? There's a 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 busine

Hello out there, Community! I'm glad you're here. Today I'm sharing an article from inc.com the showcases an interview with Mark Cuban, from Shark Tank, where he tells us all about how to be an irreplaceable employee.   First and foremost, Cuban says, "The greatest value you can offer a boss is to reduce their stress." Here's how: Take care of your mental health and well-being. "Mental health is a vast topic with many aspects to consider. However, leaders should focus on employees who prioritize their self-care for workplace application. These individuals structure their schedules to prioritize their well-being while maintaining high-performance levels. Run away from workplace drama. "Getting caught in the whirlwind of workplace drama will overload your attention and take your focus away from what is most important--your work! Time lost to workplace drama could be costing your business a lot of money." Practice emotional intelligence. "Emotional intellige

Running a business comes with plenty of daily tasks, but managing payments doesn’t have to be one of the most time-consuming. If you offer monthly services, subscriptions, or ongoing client contracts, automating your billing can make a big difference. Our article today from QuickBooks Blog shared that QuickBooks Recurring Payments provides a smart and efficient solution to streamline your payment process, improve cash flow, and create a smoother experience for both you and your customers.     What Are Recurring Payments? Recurring payments are automatic transactions scheduled to occur regularly, whether weekly, monthly, or annually. These payments are charged directly to a customer’s debit or credit card or withdrawn through ACH from their bank account. This system is especially beneficial for businesses that rely on subscription models or consistent billing cycles.   Why Should Your Business Use Recurring Payments? Using recurring payments through QuickBooks offers seve

Hello again! Welcome to the Business Discussion board. I've previously shared a few ways to answer tough questions and how deal with difficult situations as a small business owner. This post is a new edition - how to politely respond to people asking for your product or services for free. Here are a few ideas:     "Thanks so much for considering me! Please follow this link to the services and price packages that I offer. Let me know if you have any questions."   "This sounds like a great opportunity, thank you for thinking of me! Are you able to confirm that this is a paid opportunity?"   "I appreciate you thinking of me for this opportunity. Unfortunately, I'm unable to take on any unpaid projects at the moment but I'll get back to you if that changes!"   "Thanks for reaching out! I typically charge a flat fee for this kind of advice so I'm unable to answer this via DM but I'll drop a link below so you can schedule a consultation with me."   These are ju

Hello Community! Thanks for joining us here in the Community for today's Business Discussion post. Today I'm sharing a post from the QuickBooks Blog that talks about how to protect your work as a small business owner and get the credit you deserve.   Terms to take note of: Intellectual property: Intellectual property (commonly referred to as IP) is anything you’ve created with your mind, like an invention, a work of art, or a brand name. Patents, trademarks, and copyright are all examples of intellectual property protections. Trademark: Trademarks apply specifically to the language and designs you use to identify and market your product, like a brand name or a logo. Unlike copyrights and patents, trademarks never expire. Copyright: Think of copyright as a patent for written and visual works, like novels, poems, art, and architecture. These protections begin from the moment you create your work, whether or not you’ve gotten around to publishing it. A copyright generally

We’ve all read that email or memo that sounds like it was written by a robot trying too hard to sound professional. Full of vague phrases and buzzwords, it leaves us wondering what’s actually being said. In business writing, clarity is king. Jargon might sound impressive, but it often confuses more than it clarifies.     Here are five common culprits and how to replace them with plain, effective language. 1. “Circle Back” What it sounds like: You're lost in a roundabout.Say instead: “Let’s revisit this tomorrow.” “I’ll follow up with you later.” 2. “Leverage Synergies” What it sounds like: Consultant bingo.Say instead: “Let’s work together.” “We can combine our strengths.” 3. “Move the Needle” What it sounds like: You're fixing a car stereo.Say instead: “Let’s make real progress.” “We want results that matter.” 4. “Touch Base” What it sounds like: Office baseball.Say instead: “Let’s connect.” “Can we check in later?” 5. “Bandwidth” What it sounds

Hello QuickBooks Community,    Just stopping by to share this insightful article from Grey Journal about how entrepreneurs can break into the creator economy. The creator economy has evolved into a dynamic landscape, offering entrepreneurs diverse opportunities to monetize their passions and expertise. As of 2025, this sector is projected to reach $480 billion, reflecting its rapid growth and significance. Here are some key trends:     Influencer Marketing ExpansionAdvertisers are increasingly investing in influencer partnerships, recognizing their effectiveness in reaching targeted audiences. Nearly half of advertisers plan to boost their creator economy spending in 2025, with an average increase of 25%.   Community BuildingSuccess now hinges on cultivating loyal communities. Creators fostering genuine connections with their audiences can drive engagement and sustain long-term growth.   Technological IntegrationLeveraging advanced tools like AI-driven edi

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community! I hope you are doing well. We understand that small business insurance is crucial for protecting your company from risks like liability, theft, and natural disasters. It offers financial security against unexpected events that could otherwise be costly. Our article from the QuickBooks Blog provides a quick breakdown for common ones. Let’s dive in!   General Liability Insurance What it covers: Protects against third-party claims of injury or property damage. Why you need it: Essential for almost every business to safeguard against common accidents or lawsuits.   Professional Liability Insurance What it covers: Protects against claims of negligence or mistakes in the professional services you provide. Why you need it: Ideal for service-based businesses where errors or advice could lead to lawsuits.   Workers’ Compensation Insurance What it covers: Provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injur

We use QBDT 2024. We use number and last name for formatting. For example job 101 Evans thru 999 Posante. When trying to add job 1000 and above it populates before our earliest active job 442 Monroe and not after job 999 Posante. We must use this style to differentiate between a new job for the same customer such as 300 Smith and 850 Smith #2. Also same last names. We use number/name for everything, from job creation to material ordering to subcontractor pay request to customer payment. I called QB Support last night and they turned over to IT Support. I have 20 new jobs to enter.

Hello ladies and gentlemen of the Community. I hope you've had a great day so far. Before you head out this evening, I'd like to share an article from the QuickBooks Blog that tells how small businesses are using AI to better manage their time. Let's dive in...   Scheduling The ability to define your availability Team calendar syncing Calendar management optimization Task management task prioritization auto-time blocking Project management Collaborate Assign tasks Set deadlines Track project progress Time tracking Productivity insights Data-driven decisions Workflow optimization Realistic goal-setting   With these uses for AI you'll be able to free up more time to devote to other areas of your business. Check out the full article linked above for even more details. Take care folks!

We use QBDT 2024. We use number and last name for formatting. For example job 101 Evans thru 999 Posante. When trying to add job 1000 and above it populates before our earliest active job 442 Monroe and not after job 999 Posante. We must use this style to differentiate between a new job for the same customer such as 300 Smith and 850 Smith #2. Also same last names. We use number/name for everything, from job creation to material ordering to subcontractor pay request to customer payment. I called QB Support last night and they turned over to IT Support. I have 20 new jobs to enter.

Welcome back to the Business Discussion page! Today, let's delve into a fundamental principle that drives successful businesses: solving real customer pain points, according to Entrepreneur.com. This concept isn't just a strategy, but it's the very foundation of any thriving enterprise. Identifying and addressing these pain points requires diligent customer validation and market analysis. By understanding your target audience's challenges, you can tailor solutions that meet their needs.  Here are some key takeaways to guide your approach:     Start with Services: Launching with a service-based model helps you get close to customers, understand their pain points, and iterate based on real feedback.   Validate Before Building:  Ensure there's a genuine demand for your solution through thorough market research and customer validation.   Keep It Simple: Focus on delivering straightforward solutions that directly address customer needs, avoiding unnecessar

Excited to start a business in 2025? It's thrilling but challenging! Whether you have a unique idea or want to profit from a passion, now is the time. According to our QuickBooks Blog, over half of those surveyed plan to launch their businesses this year. So you're not alone! Here’s a quick rundown of the steps to take:   Refine your idea: What problem are you solving? Make sure your business fills a gap in the market. Create a business plan: Outline your goals, strategies, and financials to stay on track. Register your business: Choose the right business structure and register with the appropriate authorities. Set up your finances: Get an accounting system, open a business bank account, and keep track of expenses. Market your business: Build your brand and start promoting with digital marketing strategies.   Just know that starting a business is like baking a cake.....sometimes it’s a little messy, but when it all comes together, it’s sweet success! Good luck with your ent

Hello Community! Thanks for stopping by the Business Discussion space. I'd like to share some details from an article I read earlier from tnj.com this week that covers the inside scoop on sales secrets. Let's look...This is inbound vs. outbound marketing. Inbound marketing meaning, the idea of simply existing the customers will flock to you. Adversely, outbound meaning "boots on the ground", go out and get it, type of marketing.   Some inbound marketing myths include: Inbound marketing creates customers. Social media presence equals sales. The cost of relying solely on inbound marketing.   The reality of outbound sales: Outbound sales create customers. Building relationships. Control over the sales process.   Other outbound sales benefits include higher conversion rates, faster sales cycles, and targeted approach.   The article goes on to discuss ways to incorporate outbound sales, measuring success, common mistakes, etc. If you think it's time to swit

For many small business owners, the road can feel lonely and overwhelming, but it is also one of the most rewarding paths you can take. The courage to take the leap and create something of your own is an achievement, which is worth celebrating every step of the way.     If you're feeling uncertain or discouraged, let these powerful words from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders reignite your motivation and help you stay focused on your goals."Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." – Albert SchweitzerThis quote reminds us of the importance of passion. When you start a business, it's easy to get lost in the to-do lists, deadlines, and endless tasks. But at the heart of it, passion is what drives the entrepreneurial spirit. Do you love what you're doing? Are you excited to wake up each day and tackle the challenges ahead? If your work is fueled by genuine enthusiasm, success will fol

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

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