Ask the Accountant… Question: I’ve seen an offer from QuickBooks to set up QuickBooks Online for free. Should I use that? Answer: QuickBooks wants as many businesses as possible to be in QB Online (QBO), and they are using many means to convince businesses to switch from QB Desktop or to start their business in…
Read MoreCollection: Newsletter Blogs
Do You See Gratitude as a Business Strategy?
As we ease back into the rhythm of work after the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to remember that an “attitude of gratitude” isn’t something that should end when the turkey runs out. Being grateful and saying “thank you” is something that we can keep up all year long. In fact, picking up the phone or…
Read MoreThe Embarrassment Factor
About 10 years ago I had some discussions with the owner of a company interested in learning more about Proforma. After a few conversations, he decided to maintain the status quo and not move forward. Fast forward 10 years. I get an email from a consultant telling me that the owner of that company has…
Read MoreChanging Field Widths in QuickBooks Premier
Ask the Accountant… Question: Can I save changes to field widths that I have made to screens in QuickBooks Premier? Answer: Yes! Make the changes to the field widths on your screen. Leave the screen open, and go to: Edit > Preferences > Desktop View > Click “Save Current Desktop.” That should save your field…
Read MoreLessons from PRINTING United Expo: Cross-Selling Is King!
For those who attended Printing United Expo in Atlanta, GA, you likely came away with your head spinning. The show covered over 1 million square feet of floor space and showcased 811 exhibitors (including Wise) in categories ranging from commercial and industrial printing to large-format, labels and packaging, and promotional products. Attendees were treated to…
Read MoreAn Expensive Funeral
Recently I had a great conversation with a very successful distributor owner. He is only in his 50s, but is ready to sell his business. He has made great money in his years in the business. No doubt he could make much more. When I asked why he does not keep growing the business and…
Read MoreHow To See List of Entries in QuickBooks
Ask the Accountant… Question: How do I see a list of entries in QuickBooks? Answer: You didn’t say which QuickBooks you use, but these reports are available in both QB Desktop (Pro, Premier, and Enterprise) and QuickBooks Online (QBO). In QBO, go to “Reports” (on left side of screen), select the “Standard” Tab, scroll down…
Read MoreWarehouse Third-Rack Solution
As a distributor, you are looking to be a problem-solver for your clients. If you can come up with a solution, you become the hero and deepen your relationship with the account. Since we know that a 5% increase in customer retention can lead to 25% to 95% increase in profitability (Bain & Co.), these…
Read MoreExperience is NOT the Best Teacher
We have all heard the saying that “experience is the best teacher.” While sometimes it may be true, I believe that far more often experience is not the best teacher. First, I’ve met thousands of distributors and sales reps whose sales are very low. Sometimes they will tell me that they have been in the…
Read MoreWhy Do I Need QuickBooks If I Use SAGE?
Ask the Accountant… Question: If I use SAGE for my presentations and orders, why do I need QuickBooks? Answer: SAGE Online has a comprehensive system with search, presentation, CRM, project, and order management system capabilities, to name a few. They are not, nor do they want to be, an accounting system. You will not be…
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