QUESTION: What First Gave You the Idea for Your Business?

@Anonymous, @caronsbeach2, @Wizard, @JohnSadler, you first - I'm so curious!

I was with a Big 4 accounting firm and a client said to me, "You aren't like the other accountants. You're more fun and understand the technology so much better. Why aren't you sharing these two skills more?" So, I thought about it and decided she was right, I should be somewhere that allows my skills to shine, and there's no better place than on my own!

I love that, @staceroo! What great insight from a client, and good for you for making the leap. A lot of my friends joined Big 4 firms right out of a college, and from what I understand there is great job security (provided you put in the hours) but not necessarily a lot of room for creativity.

So how did you go about carving out a niche that makes the most of your social skills and your knack for tech? That's a fantastic and much-sought-after combination!

The idea to create an amazing artisan breads with different process.

Hi @Baker1 - welcome to QB Community. That sounds really cool, I'd love to hear more!

Hey, there's another member I'd like you to meet: @jessbru99568 of Organic Bread of Heaven. (You can read about Jess and her family-run business here.) You two should talk!

@EmilyCowan Love this question! Definitely, a great reminder when presented with challenges. Mine was really one of empowerment; helping other women to adopt a new mindset and energy that drive them away from feeling like they have to settle. 

Right back atcha, @ElaineTay-TGW! I have to ask, was there a specific "aha moment" that inspired you to make the shift at this particular time?

Hi!

Well, it was after 20 years working for another bakery and one day , I just decide, it was time to start my own. 

I hear that, @Baker1 :smileyhappy:

Hey, did you know we've just begun a new series highlighting people just like you who one day decided to quit their jobs and go into business for themselves? Here are QB Community content creator @SarahGonzales's first three stories of small-business owners "Going Indie":

A Fashion Designer Bags Her 9-to-5 to Handcraft Leather Goods

An LA Chef With TV Chops Packed His Knives to Go Solo

Lee Weinstein Said Goodbye Corporate PR Job & Hello to His Own PR Firm

Which of these stories most resonates with you? (I have a guess!)

Oh yes, I will never forget it. I was picking up my son from daycare and I was going through a really difficult time and the director pulled me aside, looked straight into my eyes and said, "You are resourceful." That was more than 20 years ago. I just remember feeling like I could breathe and that there were other women waiting to just breathe again.

What a wonderful story - thank you for sharing, @ElaineTay-TGW!

@Baker1 Great! I'd love to include you in this series if you're willing! Let me know and we'll get in touch. 

I found my idea for business in this article - https://www.templatemonster.com/blog/80-small-business-ideas/,
now I have a profit on buying and selling web domains.

absolutely !!

Thanks so much

That's awesome, @Baker1! I'll put you and @SarahGonzales together via email :smileyhappy:

I guessed you might like the fashion designer story best because you've decided not only to go out on your own but also to apply your baking skills to create new processes and products. Was I close?

Hey, thanks for the kudo @Johnashaynes! What gave you the idea for your business? Still thinking about it or are you up and running?

I really liked QuickBooks and how it helped our own business stay organized and simplify tax prep.  Other business owners kept asking me about using it - so I quickly found out that business owners needed QuickBooks, and even tried using it, but were using it incorrectly or had never been trained.   Most also don't like the bookkeeping side of business.  I eventually branched out to training on not only QuickBooks, but small business accounting basics, running a business, work-flow, and now QBO integrations.