Business Discussions

   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  

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

Looking to build your business online presence? Well, look no further. Our article today from Fast Company shares some advice for small businesses. We know that starting your own small business is an exciting journey, and getting online is a crucial step toward growing your brand and reaching more customers. Whether you're just beginning or looking to enhance your current digital footprint, understanding how to establish a strong online presence is key.   1. How Can I Use a Domain Name?A domain name isn’t just for websites—there are several ways it can work for your business: Redirect to Social Media: If you don’t have a website yet, forward your domain name to your social media or marketplace pages. This makes it easier for customers to find you and adds a professional touch. Custom Email Address: A domain-based email (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com) looks more credible than a generic email address. It can even help build customer trust. Link All Online Platforms: Use your do

Happy New Year and Welcome Back to QuickBooks Community! We hope your year is off to a fantastic start and that you’re excited to dive into all the amazing opportunities ahead. One of the ways to make your small business thrive in 2025 is by automating some of those repetitive tasks that take up your precious time. Here, from our QuickBooks Blog, we summarized some key tasks to consider automating in this table below, as well as things you should hold off on automating. Let’s dive in!   Tasks to Automate vs. Tasks Not to Automate                    Tasks to Automate Email Responses (Use canned responses for FAQs) Recurring Invoices (Automate monthly invoices and reminders) Payroll (Use software to manage and distribute pay) Task Management (Automate repetitive tasks with tools like Zapier)   Tasks Not to Automate Customer Problems (Sensitive issues need personal attention)Onboarding (First im

Advantages of Intuit QuickBooksUser-Friendly InterfaceEasy to use, even for beginners without an accounting background.Intuitive design with clear navigation for various accounting features.Comprehensive FeaturesFinancial Tracking: Covers bookkeeping, income, and expense management.Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices.Tax Tracking: Calculates and tracks tax obligations.Financial Reports: Provides detailed reports like profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.Inventory Management: Tracks stock and inventory.Seamless IntegrationIntegrates with many third-party apps such as PayPal, Shopify, and online banking.Allows real-time data synchronization.Cloud AccessAvailable in desktop and cloud versions (QuickBooks Online), enabling access from anywhere.Data is securely stored with automatic backups.Task AutomationAutomates tasks like bank reconciliation, report generation, and payment reminders.Reduces manual work, increasing efficiency.ScalabilitySuitable for smal

Welcome, Welcome to the QuickBooks Community! As a small business owner, navigating the ever-evolving landscape can be challenging. However, with the right strategies in place, you can set your business up for growth and success. Here are five key tips to help you thrive in 2025:     Embrace Digital Transformation -Technology is shaping the future of business. Whether it’s automating administrative tasks or reaching new customers via social media and e-commerce platforms, digital tools can help you streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Don’t hesitate to invest in tools that help you save time and boost productivity. Focus on Customer Relationships- Building strong, loyal customer relationships is essential for long-term success. Engage with your audience on social media, ask for feedback, and provide personalized services. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and recommend your business to others. Leverage Data for Decision Making-&nb

Welcome back to the Business Discussion board. We're on day 8 of 365 for the year 2025. New Years resolutions are common for individuals but have you ever considered resolutions for your business? Here are a few to think about...   Set Clear and Achievable Goals Improve Financial Management Strengthen Relationships with Customers Embrace New Technology Gather Market Information Create A Positive Work Environment Promote Your Personal Brand   These are just a few ideas to consider. What other resolutions are you committing to for the new year?

Hello, Community! I know everybody is in the holiday mindset, but today I'm stopping by to share a post to think about as the new year approaches. I read this article from geeky-gadgets.com that discusses why every small business needs a business plan in 2025.   A one-page business plan is a simplified, actionable roadmap that focuses on solving customer problems and delivering value, ideal for fast-paced industries in 2025. The plan involves two key steps: validating your idea by identifying customer needs and developing a clear value proposition through testing and refinement. Core elements include understanding your target audience, identifying a specific problem, creating a unique product or service, and validating the idea with real customer feedback. Building a sales funnel is essential, with steps like traffic generation, lead capture, nurturing, and sales conversion to attract and retain customers effectively. Additional strategies for success include product di

Good afternoon everyone! Welcome back to the Business Discussion board. As the holidays draw near I wanted to share a few fun ways you, as a small business owner, can spread some holiday cheer. Create a gift guide for your audience. Shoutout other local businesses. Post personal updates/stories about the season and ask others to do the same. Surprise customers with special deals, Christmas cards, or maybe even free hot chocolate and cookies in your store. Share "Holiday How-To" videos. 12 days of giveaways. Create holiday versions of your existing products.   I hope these ideas spark some inspiration to get you in the holiday spirit. What other things have you done this giving season? Let's talk about it in the comments.

Hello friends of the Community! I'm here to share an article from the QuickBooks Blog that answers some frequently asked questions about the 1099 tax form. Let's take a look...   "If small businesses pay certain expenses or receive certain forms of income, they will either need to send or receive a Form 1099. The IRS sets thresholds that will determine whether you need to fill out a 1099 form. For the most part, the IRS sets the minimum for 1099 forms at $600. "   The most common 1099 forms are:   1099-MISC Miscellaneous income Limit $600 Examples: rent, prizes, and awards 1099-NEC Nonemployee compensation Limit $600 Example: payment to freelancers 1099-K Payments via third party networks Limit $5000 (2024 tax year), $6000 (2025+ tax year) Example: payments via PayPal or Venmo   "When hiring for your small business, it's important to understand the distinction between in-house employees and contractors. This difference has significant implications