All blog posts in QuickBooks Community

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

RVGofKilleen — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:11:11 GMT

Hello,

I own a mobile video game trailer and after 4 years decided it was time to get more organized with my books. I am currently using QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020 trial version to see if I can effectively manage my books on my own before committing. I'm looking forward to being an active member of the community if QB is the right fit for me.

Tommie

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

whiskeygirl1959 — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 22:52:40 GMT

We need to stop using inventory - what adjustments do i make to zero out all the inventory?

How do I make sure that my COGS is correct based on what I paid to my vendors?

The office girl entered all the bills incorrectly. She entered the cost for the entire invoice on 1 item the rest of them she put in at a zero cost.

I just started trying to help the owner out and I am not great at inventory. The owner no longer wants to use inventory. Except to do a count at the end of the year and enter a value for the product still on site at the end of the year for tax purpose. I think I know how to do that one but not entirely sure.

I need to zero out all the inventory accounts and adjust the COGS and the Asset accounts.

After I fix this mess - all AP bills are going to be put in hitting the COGS accounts. Items sold will be set up as a service/sale or Non Inventory Part and hit a income account (That matches the COG account like Item - 125patch will be a Non inventory item and hit a Income Account for Patches and the COGS will be also called Patches. There will be asset account that matches but the value will be booked at the end of the year adjusting the COGS because those items won't be sold yet.

I know many will say inventory should be used but the owner is now dead set against it and I need to clean this all up and fast because she needs to present a P&L and Balance sheet to her bank by the end of Oct 2019 and I have to fix this for the past 10 1/2 months . the P&L is so wrong

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

ec13 — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 03:37:25 GMT

How is it I work in IT yet I have been wandering aimlessly on this community site for 20 minutes and I still cannot find a way to POST A NEW TOPIC. WTH?????????????????

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

yquintal — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:53:24 GMT

Looking forward to working with Team Players as an QBOA ! Aloha from Hawaii ! 🌺

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

cmb3 — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 15:47:47 GMT

After using QBO for one year, I have a few enhancements for the team to consider in the future: 1. Would love to have routines in QBO include basic setups in a time activity entry that do not change unless I choose to change them, such as hourly rate, current date, and service, if a company is doing a limited variety of invoicing and most of the invoice stays the same for all. We invoice once a month and do two types of invoicing: fixed hourly rate billing and cost reimbursements. 2. In a Time Activity Entry, would love to have the ability to choose or to auto-skip to only the fields I always use, and to automatically go to the first field in the next Time Activity window after saving one. Right now, I have to hit enter 5 times after saving a time activity in order to get to the date field for the next time activity entry. 3. Finally, when creating the invoice for each customer, have the option to print all invoices with the current date printing on them, rather than the date the invoice was created in the system. Thanks a ton for allowing users to have a forum to suggest enhancements to QBO's system. CMB

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

brobdoty — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 04:40:56 GMT

I am an MBA student at SNHU and have an assignment based on Target Audience and online communities similar to Avalara. My am getting an MBA with an emphasis in Internet Marketing.

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

Maria Holtz — Mon, 20 May 2019 21:41:49 GMT

With Internet Explorer being discontinued by Microsoft, what are plans to continue using QuickBooks Desktop if it requires Internet Explorer?

Re: A Small Business Approach to Research and Development

Quantify — Mon, 13 May 2019 20:10:01 GMT

It is also important to keep in mind that software development also qualifies as R&D activity.

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

ltsburien-bk — Thu, 02 May 2019 19:39:40 GMT

Mulchyard1, the first thing to do is change your online banking password. The second thing is to check with your bank about opening a new account, and reporting any fraudulent charges to the bank. There is no "money in QB" so to speak, except for Quickbooks payments pending to your account (money into your account, less the merchant fees QB charges for the service of receiving payments into your account). Be aware that if the online banking password is changed, the bank feed in QB will need to be reconnected on the legitimate QB account for your business to pull in your bank transactions (the bank feed is read only - if the other account only has bank feed access, it cannot make charges against your bank account). Also, you will need to contact QB directly to make sure any pending Quickbooks payments get routed to your new account number, once the bank reopens a new account in place of the compromised account.

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

Anonymous — Thu, 02 May 2019 14:18:46 GMT

Good Morning,

(new to QB) One of our business accounts was compromised. I need to tranfer the money (in QB) to another account.

Do I just complete the transfer or is there more involved steps that I need to take?

Thank you so much for any help you can provide.

BTW the compromise in my bank account was from a fake Intuit account..

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

annamcrae — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:17:11 GMT

Hello! Very nice community! Have a nice day!

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

DimitriV — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 01:23:29 GMT

I'm trying to import a .QBO file into QB Desktop Pro 2017. The dialog box says to choose an existing account, but does not display the bank account I want to import the transactions into. The account is in the Chart of Accounts and I've been able to import transactions into it in the past.

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

kevinkally — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 09:22:49 GMT

Hello! Glad to join your community!

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

garfers — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 22:20:36 GMT

Where can I get a free trial for Desktop Pro 2019 so I can see if it will work for our company? Every link I've clicked on is requiring a serial number!! Or, are there videos somewhere that gives an overview?

TIA,

Roberta

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

tbassil — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:57:23 GMT

I have QB desktop 2017 pre, im having an ERROR# 190 showed in QBwin.log for my my company file data!

can anyone help me to solve this problem ? i have 2 errors with Customer Job was 114 which should be 120 plus vendor list was 246 and it should be 243.

i can't backup my company due to this error 190

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

ltsburien-bk — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:40:13 GMT

Why can I not start a new topic on the community board? Has this been disabled for everyone?

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

julieshoreline — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 21:22:23 GMT

I just posted a question on the community board and then bizarrely got a call from the "Intuit Remote Support Team" asking to remote onto my computer to help with my settings. When I said no, that I would prefer she just walk me through the settings that I need, she said she would have to direct me to another department.

Feels like a scam. Anyone else have this experience?

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:12:46 GMT

Am changing a very small non-profit from cash basis to accrual and am adding classes. Am using their 2018 QB Pro. I have a very different chart of accounts.

I think I want to upload the new chart of accounts as a new company starting Jan 2019. I can put the Yr End balance sheet balances in and add my numbers of liabilities and fixed asset.

I can't figure out how to enter 12 YTD rev and expense balances from 2018 fiscal year so that they can see comparative financials statements with 2018 recast in the 2019 accrual income statement.

The other option is to merge and renumber the old chart of accounts and add in the new acct numbers and then change from cash to accrual. That seems like a very long process and really doesn't address the issue of having to restate some of the acct balances to comply with accrual accounting.

Sorry, I don't see a note on this in the lookups. Ideas?

Re: Welcome! Check Out Our Community Guidelines and Meet the Team!

margiepbarton — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 17:11:20 GMT

I'm new to QuickBooks and using it for a Non Profit Organization. I need help in understanding the Detailed Profit and Loss Statement for Last Month, November. The organization does not sell anything, income is from membership dues. Several transaction in the same deposit are showing up under different Income accounts, they need to be under the same account heading, which is DUES RECEIVED

How do I make the change or the correction, I would like to close out November. Thank you, Margie Barton

Profit and Loss Detail Report - November

Date Trans Type Num Name Class Memo Split Amount

Ordinary Income/Exp

Income

Dues Received

11/27/2018 Invoice 1023 McCord M & G Dues Account Receivable (A/R) 35.00

Sales

11/27/2018 Invoice 2011 Abney M & G Dues Account Receivable (A/R) 40.00

PROFILE: Grab Green’s Natural Homecare Products Are Kid-Safe, Pet-Safe and Suit Every Budget

ssimhan — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:12:15 GMT

Back in 2006, Patricia Spencer was a soccer mom and a frustrated entrepreneur.

PROFILE: LeNique Dancewear Is a Bedazzling Business Success

ssimhan — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:05:12 GMT

Name: Nick and Lena Kosovich

Business: LeNique Exclusive Designer Dancewear

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Launched: 1999

Nick and Lena Kosovich have been dancing since they were kids growing up in Australia and Siberia respectively. After meeting on the dance circuit, the couple competed together for 15 years while also building their stellar reputation as competitive-dance instructors, choreographers, teacher-trainers and highly esteemed industry consultants. Nearly two decades ago, when Nick and Lena were living in New York, they started designing and selling one or two dance costumes a month to help pay for their travel expenses. Word spread about their custom-made, rhinestone-bedazzled dresses that were also highly functional and comfortable. Realizing there was great demand for their designs, Nick and Lena launched LeNique so competitive ballroom and Latin dancers, as well as ice-skaters and other performers, could look and feel great in the spotlight. When the couple relocated to California in 2005, it only took them a month to ramp up to their New York-level of sales. Now, LeNique has 24 full-time and part-time employees including sales reps on both coasts and a team of professional tailors and seamstresses who make up to 50 new costumes every week. We talked with Nick about the company’s shiny, sparkly success.

PROFILE: Scott Greenberg’s Water Rover Cleverly Keep Dogs Hydrated

ssimhan — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:05:30 GMT

Name: Scott Greenberg

Business: Water Rover

Location: Irvine, CA

Launched: 1998

Like so many great business ideas, the epiphany for Water Rover hit during a walk. Specifically, Stan and Ruth Greenberg were strolling one hot August evening in southern California with their dog, Black Bear. Along the way, they offered Black Bear water from a bottle, but he kept refusing to drink. By the time the pooch decided he was thirsty, Stan and Ruth had used up all the water. Stan, a retired engineer, decided there had to be a better way to keep dogs from dehydrating. He made some sketches for a bowl-and-bottle prototype and showed them to his son, Scott. Scott made a key suggestion – make the corners of the bowl round, not square! – and a product was born. For several years, Water Rover was manufactured in Thailand. Flash forward to today, when Scott is the now the proud owner of the company, and Water Rover is made in the United States. That’s just one more reason animal lovers rave about this clever invention which gives them a hands-free way to carry water for their furry companions and to pour unused water back into the bottle. Multiple problems solved!

Three D Traffic Works Is a Family Business Focused on Green Traffic-Safety Products

ssimhan — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:44:39 GMT

Name: The Dvoracek siblings: Kathy, Frank and Joe

Business: Three D Traffic Works

Location: Burbank, CA

Launched: 1999

It’s no exaggeration to say that Kathy (Dvoracek) Trumbo and her brothers, Frank and Joe, have been immersed in the injection molding business pretty much since birth. Their dad started his own custom molding company in his garage in the 60s, and Kathy and her siblings – also known as the “Three Ds” – earned pocket money by separating boxes of parts. (Fun fact: When the plastic skateboard craze hit its heyday in the 70s, the company made 30 million urethane wheels and 7 million boards!). As adults, Kathy, Frank and Joe decided to start their own injection molding company, just down the street from their dad’s operation.

The Three Ds designed and produced everything from landscape drainage lines to a popular plastic folding sawhorse until forming the Three D Traffic Works division in 1999. Now, Kathy and the team create a proprietary line of traffic-safety products for the highway industry. They proudly use recycled materials and green manufacturing techniques. This approach, as well as an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, has helped Three D Traffic Works survive industry and economic downturns. Today, with an impressive 55 employees, Three D is the go-to manufacturer for top-notch, eco-friendly traffic-safety products.

The Holiday Season Is Here. Plan, Produce and Don’t Panic!

ssimhan — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 20:43:06 GMT

If your business booms during the holiday shopping season, you’ve no doubt been getting ready for your busiest months for weeks, if not longer. We asked eight hard-working entrepreneurs to tell us what they are doing right now to gear up for the holiday crush ahead. In a word: They’re on it!

(By the way, all of these business owners will be selling their wares at QB Connect 2018 in San Jose (November 5-7th). If you’re there, be sure to stop by and say hi! (Want to attend QB Connect but haven’t registered yet? Click here.)

Meet the 16 Featured Vendor-Entrepreneurs Who Will Be at QB Connect in San Jose Nov 5-7

ssimhan — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 23:25:09 GMT

You probably know that QuickBooks Connect is an exciting, inspiring conference packed with entrepreneurs eager to learn about growing a successful business. And you know what makes QB Connect even better? All the amazing shopping opportunities that let you support small businesses -- and cross some items off you holiday gift list!

QuickBooks Connect 2018 in San Jose, CA (November 5-7) will play host to some superstar entrepreneurs at the Connect Bazaar. Stop by their booths and support your fellow small-business owners who will be selling their goods during the conference. Each of these smart, motivated entrepreneurs has a fascinating small business story to share. See for yourself in the profiles below.

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Romy Taormina and Julie Gordon White: On Managing Cash Flow and Operations & Raising Your Prices

ShanaNiederman — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:21:13 GMT

Portland’s Little Boxes Gamifies Gifting While Supporting Small Businesses

SarahGonzales — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:20:55 GMT

Built Oregon has shone the spotlight on many of Oregon’s small consumer-product businesses (think: chocolate, kombucha, beer, coffee, hot sauce, jewelry and more) by offering an accelerator program and an annual festival. Another key promotional event is Little Boxes, a three-day, post-Thanksgiving shopping scavenger hunt where shoppers collect codes by visiting and purchasing from participating (small, of course) retailers. Then they enter the codes in the Little Boxes app for a chance to win prizes.

We spoke with Mitch Daugherty about why shopping local really matters and how he and Terry take an entrepreneurial approach to running their nonprofit: They learn what their target market wants and needs and then provide it.

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Michael Bush and Romy Taormina: On Hiring Right for Your Business (Not Just for the Job)

ShanaNiederman — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 23:53:23 GMT

Give Great Customer Service Even After Your Product Has Shipped

WillowOlder — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 18:45:27 GMT

At some point, small business owners will have to navigate a sticky customer service situation due to a missed delivery date, a broken item or some other shipping-related snafu. How you handle it can make or break your business reputation, especially during the high-pressure, high volume holiday shopping season.

Re: What do you do on your day off?

EmilyCowan — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:38:49 GMT

, that's what we're all about here in QB Community. Welcome!

Re: What do you do on your day off?

Janet J — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:36:06 GMT

I am not working for myself, I am actually supporting a small business. My apologies.

Re: What do you do on your day off?

EmilyCowan — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:33:30 GMT

Congrats on your new venture, ! I have to ask: What inspired you to pivot and begin working for yourself?

Re: What do you do on your day off?

Janet J — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 17:23:35 GMT

I just entered the small business community after serving Fortune 500 companies since 1993! Wow, what a different culture and I am enjoying the new landscape. Managing stress has always been a challenge, but over the years I have learned that I need to spend a few minutes each day to reflect and find joy in each day.

Re: What do you do on your day off?

EmilyCowan — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 16:41:32 GMT

That's awesome, ! I totally agree that family and human connection is where we find the energy we need to drive our professional lives forward. What's been your experience as a small business/self-employed person in terms of managing stress levels on a day-to-day basis?

Re: What do you do on your day off?

Janet J — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 16:33:30 GMT

My joy and relaxation comes from spending time with my husband and our adult children going to the beach or a mountain retreat. This time allows us to connect without the distractions of the outside world. My restoration is how we are able to help one another as we share our joys and sorrows from our individual lives. The connection to sharing our joys and sorrows shows illustrates the love we have for one another. After all, as humans we need to connect with one another.

Time for a Transition: A Word from QB Community Leader Leslie Barber

WillowOlder — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:14:28 GMT

Leslie Barber shares a message with the QB Community.

4 Best Practices to Boost Your Cyber Security

WillowOlder — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:56:23 GMT

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). You may not be able to fend off technically savvy and extremely determined hackers, but you can certainly take small but meaningful steps to batten down all your cyber security hatches.

5 Tips to Keep Your Business on Track (and Your Head on Straight) During the Holiday Crush

WillowOlder — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 18:00:00 GMT

During the crazy holiday season, it’s easy to prioritize your business over well, everything. We’re here to remind you that losing sleep, eating poorly, staying Superglued to a screen or otherwise connected to your work 24/7 is not in your best interest. Remember, when your mental, physical and emotional health suffers, so, too, does your business.

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Caroline McAbee and Julie Gordon White: On Building Trust & Talking Money With Kids

ShanaNiederman — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 17:40:00 GMT

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Adam Wegener and Romy Taormina: On Fundraising, Scaling and Learning by Listening

ShanaNiederman — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:46:33 GMT

Happy Do Something Nice Day! What Will You Do?

WillowOlder — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:53:01 GMT

What’s not to love about a national observance dedicated to making someone else feel good? It doesn’t take much to show your appreciation for another person, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a fellow entrepreneur or even a stranger.

What do you do on your day off?

EmilyCowan — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 17:00:00 GMT

What do you do? Where do you go? How do you find that moment of restorative peace?

12 Inspiring and Information-Packed Articles from September (In Case You Missed Them!)

SarahGonzales — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 20:10:12 GMT

In September we got inside your head! We explored how entrepreneurs, small business owners and freelance workers approach all things business, from creatively solving problems and staying motivated 24/7 to turning an epiphany into action and an idea into a product. Read on -- and be prepared to be impressed.

Meet 6 Entrepreneurs Gearing Up for a Busy Holiday Season

WillowOlder — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 19:00:00 GMT

The leaves may be just starting to turn golden, but Halloween costumes, candy and decorations have been front and center on shelves and in storefronts for weeks now. It won’t be long before Thanksgiving décor is added to the seasonal display. With the holiday season racing our way, let’s find out how some entrepreneurs are prepping today for their busiest time of year.

What's one new thing you've learned recently?

EmilyCowan — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:56:11 GMT

Launching and running your own business requires continuous self-education, as rising challenges demand creative solutions that may bump up against the limits of your knowledge and expertise. What's one new thing you've learned recently that has helped you solve a thorny problem or take your business to the next level?

It’s National Get Organized Week!

WillowOlder — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:55:44 GMT

Yep, National Get Organized Week really is a thing. If you’re feeling scattered, distracted or just tired of frantically juggling a million different tasks, maybe this is the perfect week to up your organizational game.

What's Your One-Word Theme for October? (Is "Holly-Jolly" One or Two?)

EmilyCowan — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 18:00:00 GMT

For many of us, 'tis the season to start thinking about holiday retail. And for others, 'tis the season to hire seasonal workers (or make more permanent hires before the holiday crazy), wrap up loose ends on projects (before the holiday crazy), or get busy making plans for workflow/inventory/purchasing/sales & promotions/customer and client appreciation...before the holiday crazy. Am I sensing a theme here?

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Michael Bush and Maxie McCoy: On Fairness at Work & Positive Thinking for Women Entrepreneurs

LeslieBarber — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 17:40:38 GMT

Re: Epiphanies R Us! The Ah-Ha Moment Behind 8 Amazing Businesses

EmilyCowan — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:36:39 GMT

This is a great list!

I also love balloon artist Veronica Champion's retelling of how a friend got her a bottle of champagne as a pick-me-up, and it came with a helium balloon attached. It was the joy she received from that single balloon that inspired her to pursue a career making others happy with her own balloon designs.

Epiphanies R Us! The Ah-Ha Moment Behind 8 Amazing Businesses

WillowOlder — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:46:37 GMT

Sometimes we think we should rename QB Community “Epiphanies R Us!” As countless community members have told us, you just never know when an idea will pop into your head and BOOM! A seed of an idea grows and blossoms into a successful business. Of course, that flash of inspiration is just the first tiny step on any entrepreneurial journey – but without it, you might not be taking a journey at all.

Do Entrepreneurs Think Differently Than 9-5ers? You Say, Yes!

WillowOlder — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:00:00 GMT

We hear all the time in this community about the mindset that helps entrepreneurs succeed in business. One thing is clear: Working for yourself means thinking differently about every aspect of, well, “work” – what it means to you (everything), when you do it (always), when you put it aside (rarely). Below are some of the insights you’ve shared. Do you recognize yourself in any of these hard-working entrepreneurs? Of course, you do!

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Kimberly Caccavo and Julie Gordon White: On Turning Grit Into Grace & Trusting Your Gut

LeslieBarber — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:54:33 GMT

A Small Business Approach to Research and Development

WillowOlder — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:30:00 GMT

Technically speaking, doing research and development or R&D means officially allocating time and resources to a team of inventors or product manufacturers who think of and develop product ideas. This crack team will make prototypes and conduct formal trials with prospective customers to see if a product will fly. If this sounds like it’s well beyond the scope of your budget and resources (both financial and human), you might be right.

Happy World Gratitude Day! Here's What the QB Community Team Is Grateful For

WillowOlder — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 17:00:00 GMT

We'll kick off World Gratitude Day by telling you what we on this QB Community team are grateful for. Spoiler alert: We’re all pretty darn delighted to be working with entrepreneurs like you!

You Asked & Community Answered: What Fees Should I Charge for Bookkeeping Services?

SarahGonzales — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 18:25:55 GMT

You Asked & Community Answered: What Fees Should I Charge for Bookkeeping Services?

You have questions about running a small business, and our QB Community members have answers! Everyone here knows the importance of building meaningful member-to-member relationships, and there’s no better way to learn, discover and get inspired as an entrepreneur. Best of all? When members share what they know, everyone benefits. Check out this recent QB Community conversation, and you’ll see what we mean!

How QB Community Entrepreneurs Turned an Idea Into a Product They Can Sell

WillowOlder — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:51:46 GMT

All small businesses have a couple of things in common. First, they’re run by a dedicated, determined, passionate entrepreneur. Second, each one of those inspiring self-employed folks had an idea for a product (or a service) and figured how to transform it into something they could sell. We know – and you do, too -- the process of turning an epiphany into a business is never easy. Here’s how some folks in QB Community have managed to do it.

Can You Pinpoint the Mindset that Inspired You to Start a Business?

WillowOlder — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 22:52:26 GMT

Here’s a question you’ll get asked all the time as an entrepreneur: Why did you decide to start your own business? (Thankfully, the other part of the question – what made you crazy enough to think you could start your own business? – is usually just implied!) We’ll help you home in on your answer by sharing some of the top reasons folks in this awesome community have chosen to do their own business thing. Did we omit what motivates you to work for yourself? In the comments below, tell us what inspires you to take the entrepreneurial leap!

How Erica Liu Williams Launched gr8nola in 5 (Not So) Simple Steps

WillowOlder — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 18:00:00 GMT

When Erica decided to sell the “clean,” healthful granola she regularly baked for family and friends, she wasn’t planning to turn her side-hustle into a full-fledged business. But three months after attending her first farmer’s market, Erica was selected as a food vendor for Google. Suddenly, she needed to make gr8nola on a whole new scale.

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Julie Goldman and Julie Gordon White: On Believing in Your Business & the Value of High-Impact Pricing

LeslieBarber — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:56:18 GMT

You Asked & Community Answered: Should I Change From Sole Proprietor to S Corporation?

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:52:31 GMT

JTcarpentry asked: Hello, we are still a newer company but have been in business for 4 years, running as a sole proprietorship. Does anyone have some quick and simple advice as to why maybe an S corp would be beneficial to me?

6 Key Findings From Intuit’s Work/Life Balance Survey of Self-Employed Workers (With Graphs!)

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:54:16 GMT

For an entrepreneur, the line between work and non-work (also known as “life”) is often quite blurry. Where does work end when you are your own boss? And where does life begin when you and your business are inextricably intertwined? When you work for yourself, finding a work/life balance that protects and preserves your financial health as well as your mental, physical and emotional health can be as tricky as staying upright on a tightrope. Yet, every day, countless people opt to work for themselves. When it comes to getting the most out of both work and life, do the benefits of entrepreneurship outweigh the drawbacks? Intuit decided to find out.

The company recently conducted a survey of 1,000 self-employed people on the topic of work/life balance. Some of those surveyed (56%) were wholly self-employed, while the rest were also working either part- or full-time jobs in addition to being self-employed. Let’s find out what they had to say!

Stop! Before you read any further, take a guess at the following question (we’ll reveal the answer shortly). Do you think:

A) entrepreneurs are happier than salaried workers even though they work long hours?

B) entrepreneurs are less happy than salaried workers because they work long hours?

You’ll find the answer in #3 below!

Key finding #1: For many, self-employment is good news for your work-life balance

One of the biggest benefits of being self-employed is the extra time you’ll have for yourself and your family. More than half (55%) of survey participants report having more time for the former, while 50% have more time for the latter. You’re also more likely than not to have more time to see friends, get some exercise and take vacations. That’s despite the fact that, as we’ll see, many entrepreneurs end up working longer hours.

Key finding #2: Despite longer hours for some, self-employment is generally good news for your health, happiness and income

What did you guess up above? A or B? If you chose A, you are correct! More than two-thirds of the respondents (70%) say they are happier being self-employed, and almost the same number (67%) say they feel more fulfilled. More than half (53%) are earning more money. The positive impact on people’s stress levels is more subtle, but 45% say they are under less stress than before. However, more than 1 in 4 (27%) say their stress levels have risen and a similar number (26%) say their income has dropped since they became self-employed.

Key finding #3: Working for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean longer hours

Although roughly a third say they work longer hours than they did before they became self-employed, a slightly higher proportion (38%) say they actually work fewer hours.

People working longer hours also reported earning more income now than when they worked for someone else. They have a greater sense of fulfilment and lower levels of stress. On the other hand, people working shorter hours reported better personal relationships and higher levels of happiness.

Key finding #4: At the end of the day, work is still, well, work

Many people choose self-employment because it gives them more control over their daily schedule. That reason and many others -- passion, drive, family business, new opportunities and so on -- makes the idea of being your own boss incredibly appealing. However, as the chart above makes clear, the reality of working for yourself doesn’t always match your dream of what it’s like to be self employed. No wonder most entrepreneurs (69%) would ditch the “work” thing altogether if they could swing it financially. Hey, we get it -- self-employed folks are only human!

Key finding #5: You have to make personal sacrifices when you are self-employed

Almost two-thirds of respondents (62%) admit they have made personal sacrifices for their work, but most are happy to do so. In fact, despite making sacrifices, more than 61% do it because their work is fundamentally fulfilling.

Key finding #6: Self-employment is rewarding but may not last a lifetime

When asked what they love most about being self-employed, it’s not surprising that the most popular answer was, “I love being my own boss.” The next-best reason? The ability to make your own hours. Being in charge of your own destiny ranked pretty high, too -- obviously, there’s a lot to love about being self-employed!

It’s worth acknowledging, however, that 70% of those surveyed said they would trade in all the perks of self-employment if it came down to making more money, getting a better job or making a change for family reasons.

With that in mind, as well as all the other fascinating, obvious, surprising and occasionally contradictory findings in this new report, we feel compelled to say kudos, once again, to anyone who dares to work for themselves. No one ever said self-employment is easy, but, for countless dedicated, driven, passionate entrepreneurs, at the end of each and every long hard day, it’s worth it.

QB Community members: Do these survey results resonate with you? How would you answer these questions?

Want to weigh in but not yet a QB Community member? Click HERE to sign up in a flash!

How Sharon Coleman Built Lemon and Honey Gifts in 5 (Not So) Simple Steps

WillowOlder — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 21:57:58 GMT

"As a two-time cancer survivor, I knew all-too-well going through chemo can be grueling and scary and lead to all sorts of unpleasant side-effects like nausea and mouth sores. I wanted to help others as they go through chemo by sharing carefully curated gift boxes lovingly packed with helpful, purposeful products."

Re: PROFILE: Photographer Meta Mesdag Fulfills Her Dream of Building a Family Oyster Farm

caronsbeach2 — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:24:02 GMT

Wishing you the best of luck! My husband is an oyster aficionado - I am not (I am trying!), but I grew up in the Puget Sound collecting oyster shells, and picking up oysters on our local beaches. We spend a ton of time chasing oysters up and down our Pacific Coast; including many many visits to Hog Island and Taylor Shellfish in Shelton.

Caron

PROFILE: Photographer Meta Mesdag Fulfills Her Dream of Building a Family Oyster Farm

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:48:43 GMT

Meta Mesdag is a mom of three in Juneau, Alaska. Wanting to be available to her kids, Meta has opened two successful small businesses out of her home. Although both ventures have kept super busy, Meta decided earlier this year to start a family “mariculture” business -- an ocean farm where she, her husband and kids will grow (and then sell) oysters, clams, mussels and kelp.

8 Entrepreneurial Personality Types: Which One Are You?

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:53:35 GMT

Each and every day, the inspiring self-employed folks in our QuickBooks Community remind us that entrepreneurs find their calling in their own unique way. Some can’t imagine ditching the security of a day job, while others give it up in a flash. We’ve met moms who tailor their career to fit their family life, friends who join forces to bring a business idea to life and sons and daughters who are carrying on family business traditions.

If you recognize your own entrepreneurial personality among these eight, let us know. Are you a different type altogether? Tell us more!

LISTEN: QB Community Conversations with Julie Gordon White and Romy Taormina: On Female Entrepreneurship & Telling a Great Story

LeslieBarber — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 19:53:21 GMT

Re: PROFILE: Sharon Coleman Survives Cancer (Twice) and Builds a Deeply "Purposeful" Business

EmilyCowan — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:10:01 GMT

What an amazing story, - thank you for sharing it with us!

PROFILE: Sharon Coleman Survives Cancer (Twice) and Builds a Deeply "Purposeful" Business

WillowOlder — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:41:14 GMT

Seven years ago, professional voice actor Sharon Coleman was diagnosed with colon cancer. Two years later, the cancer returned, and Sharon once again endured surgery, radiation and chemo. Thankfully, today Sharon is five years cancer-free. She’s also celebrating another significant milestone: This month, she launched an online business that’s directly inspired by her own harrowing experience with cancer. Sharon has founded Lemon and Honey Gifts which offers a carefully curated selection of gift boxes for men, women and kids going through chemo.

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:33:51 GMT

Can I play ? :)

In my world, SEPTEMBER is for SALES!

Actually, SALES is for every month :smileytongue:, but especially in September because everyone is super excited about being back to business. Plus, a super strong September can make all the difference in reaching year-end goals, so in a nutshell, it's time to SELL, SELL, SELL!

PROFILE: Two Friends on Two Continents Built a Business, Zuri, from Just One Dress

SarahGonzales — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:35:15 GMT

Sandra Zhao was running a bakery in Kenya when she met her future business partner Ashleigh Miller, a Persian rug dealer in New York City, at a wedding in Nairobi. Sandra was wearing a stunning dress she’d made from colorful handmade fabric. Her sartorial decision was fortuitous, to say the least: The dress became the inspiration behind Sandra and Ashleigh’s joint business venture, Zuri. Inspired by the bold and beautiful textile prints in western Africa, they set out to sell a single style of dress in an array of ever-changing patterns. The dresses are made at a sustainable, carbon-neutral factory in Kenya that supports wildlife conservation and provides jobs to the community. The dresses are exported to and sold in the U.S.

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

EmilyCowan — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 15:46:53 GMT

You go, !! What's your new business?

Re: Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

ParkwayInc — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 07:18:42 GMT

In fifth grade our whole class was required to memorize this poem and it has influenced my entire life.

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

NancyCC — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 23:47:53 GMT

Launching!

Re: Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

EmilyCowan — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:27:01 GMT

Re: Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

Shahji — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:23:30 GMT

Its Rocky VI (Sylvester Stallone)

Re: Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

EmilyCowan — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:22:17 GMT

I love that, !! What's the movie?

Re: Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

Shahji — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:18:12 GMT

Yes the inspirational Quotes do inspire me and i follow one quote which i have experienced and found very true and that is " The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place... and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain't about how hard you hit... It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward... how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying: You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that!!!!!"

Its from a movie but great words.

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

LeahIlanah — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 12:27:40 GMT

Will back that up with crossing fingers!

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

EmilyMockett — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 07:25:21 GMT

Success

I work at PJCO Chartered Certified Accountants and we have been working very hard this year towards our QuickBooks Firm of the Future application in the hope that we are chosen as the best QuickBooks Pro Advisors in the UK.

We are all keeping our fingers crossed for the results and we hope that success will be just around the corner.

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

lynda — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 22:40:34 GMT

Way to go, Matthew ! I know that was a huge accomplishment!

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

ParkwayInc — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:53:40 GMT

Demo!

Last week we finally launched our QuickBooks Desktop Application, Vendorsync, so this month it is all about the demos!

Next Month, the word will probably be SLEEP :smileyvery-happy:

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

lynda — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:49:50 GMT

Over-achieving!

You Asked & Community Answered: “Which Online Store Do You Prefer & Why?”

SarahGonzales — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 19:35:14 GMT

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

LeahIlanah — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:54:47 GMT

No wrap up in sight!

8 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs: Which Ones Do You Value the Most?

WillowOlder — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:27:32 GMT

There are plenty of listicles floating around highlighting the traits successful entrepreneurs all seem to share. Based on what we’ve seen and heard from the intrepid small business owners and freelancers in our community, we’re sharing your spin on those all-important qualities – and we’re asking a burning question: Which of these qualities do you think help you the most when it comes to starting, running and growing a business?

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

LeslieBarber — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:10:30 GMT

Determination!

Re: What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

Peter_G_Stone — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:27:17 GMT

Thus far, 2018 has been full of blessings, rewards, struggles, growth, & new opportunities. The next 4 months will undoubtedly be exciting! The rest of this year is about closing old doors & walking through new ones. Work is intoxicating when you're engaged and committed to your craft. On to the prospecting!!

My inspirational phrase comes from Yoda; "Do or do not. There is no try." The power of thought is strong. Failure is only an option if you allow it to exist.

What's Your One-Word Theme for September?

EmilyCowan — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 14:45:51 GMT

Whether you're buckling down, ramping up, building out, or leaning in, September is often the month we begin to think about how we want to finish the year. Are you nearing your business goals for 2018 or do you still have a ways to go? What's the single word or phrase that's inspiring you this September?

Inside Your Head: 12 Successful Business Owners on How Much Mindset Matters

SarahGonzales — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:41:21 GMT

Mind over matter, positive thinking, growth mindset, mental attitude -- these are all phrases we hear about as students, athletes and as business owners looking for a leg-up on the competition. What does having the right “mindset” truly mean for entrepreneurs and what does it actually look like in the real world? These 12 entrepreneurs tell us about the mindset that keeps them motivated and helps them muscle through the ups and downs of being self-employed.

Re: You Asked & Community Answered: “Which Version of QB Should I Use?”

EmilyCowan — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:38:07 GMT

This was such a fantastic, wide-ranging conversation! You can read the entire thread here :smileyhappy:

You Asked & Community Answered: “Which Version of QB Should I Use?”

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:48:58 GMT

Re: The 10 Most Read Posts From August: Branding, Marketing and Balloon Animals!

EmilyCowan — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:43:04 GMT

These are all so great, . If I had to choose a favorite I think it would be the balloon artist. I hate the word "plucky" but that's exactly what she is!

The 10 Most Read Posts From August: Branding, Marketing and Balloon Animals!

SarahGonzales — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:47:54 GMT

The 10 most read posts this month in QuickBooks Community.

Do Inspirational Quotes Motivate You ... or Do They Just Stress You Out?

EmilyCowan — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:39:28 GMT

When coping with the many stresses of running a business, you have to take your motivation where you can find it.

Re: PROFILE: Caron White’s Coastal Home Decor Business Swelled After She Took it 100% Online

caronsbeach2 — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 20:15:51 GMT

Hi! SEO is a constant moving target - wish I could share some magic bullet to share with you. We are constantly tweaking our categories and our product descriptions to make sure that everything reflects our brand and edit to make sure that we have included as much detailed information as we can. Not always possible, as in many cases we are relying on our manufacturers to provide us with specs and info.

P.S. I LOVE living here - just wish that our summers were not grey

PROFILE: Roger and Caryn Hill Give Great Customer Service While Chasing Tornadoes and Setting World Records

WillowOlder — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:27:35 GMT

In 2000, Roger was hired as a guide for Silver Lining Tours, one of only two storm chasing companies in existence at the time. He loved the work and decided he wanted to do it full-time. When he gave notice at the engineering firm, his boss said, “If you can make a living doing something you enjoy, by all means, do it!”

Natalie Cofield Taps Into the Entrepreneurial Potential of Multicultural Women

SarahGonzales — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:10:20 GMT

Natalie Cofield founded Walker’s Legacy, a digital platform for young, multicultural women to find mentors and access the resources needed to help them succeed in business.

Re: PROFILE: Caron White’s Coastal Home Decor Business Swelled After She Took it 100% Online

ParkwayInc — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 17:44:06 GMT

Hi ,

Half Moon Bay is an amazing little town, at least it was little when I grew up there. This was a great article that took me back to memories of my younger years! I would love to hear any tips or tricks you may have regarding SEO, I always feel there is so much more that I have to learn to keep our listing relevant online!

Re: PROFILE: Caron White’s Coastal Home Decor Business Swelled After She Took it 100% Online

EmilyCowan — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 12:14:32 GMT

Great article, - and fantastic pics!

Re: PROFILE: Caron White’s Coastal Home Decor Business Swelled After She Took it 100% Online

SarahGonzales — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 19:54:32 GMT

Thanks for your time and insights, ! It was great to learn about your business model and how you've grown and changed over the years. We'll have to catch up with you when you launch your third store maybe?? ;)