Question: My accountant wants me to buy some business insurance. Is that something I should have? Answer: I, too, advise my clients to purchase business liability insurance. It can protect you and your assets in the event of a lawsuit. If you are a sole proprietor, your personal assets are at risk with a lawsuit.…
Read MoreCollection: Newsletter Blogs
Why Gmail Is No Longer Cool
Gmail launched in 2004, and was immediately a hit largely because they offered more free storage than anyone. It was more than storage that kept Gmail the leader in email, it was powerful features that were easy to use overall. Gmail was one of the first major applications to use AJAX (if you really want…
Read MoreDelete Your Old Company Files in QuickBooks
Question: I have a few company files set up in QuickBooks Premier from businesses I started but no longer run. How do I delete them from the list of companies to open? Answer: These companies can be hidden but technically not deleted. Select “File,” “Open Previous Company” to see the list of all the companies…
Read MoreAre You Having Fun?
Most distributor owners started their own business because they had a dream of making more money and having more fun than working for someone else. However, for many distributor owners, those dreams have turned into nightmares. All the responsibilities of business ownership can be very exhausting, distracting and no fun. Business owners not only have…
Read MorePromos and Politics
Politicians love promotional products when they are running for office, and mid-term elections are right around the corner. Yet the politicians don’t really understand the value of our industry (does anyone?), and that can be dangerous, as they pass laws that can negatively impact us. For example, language has been proposed in the past that…
Read MoreUsing QuickBooks for Multiple Businesses
Question: I use QuickBooks Premier for my distributorship. I also run another small business. Can I use my QuickBooks program for that, too, or do I have to buy Premier again? Answer: You can set up another company or companies in QuickBooks Premier at no additional charge from QuickBooks. You do not have to purchase…
Read MoreHow Women’s Apparel, Unisex and the Corporate Market Has Changed (and How to Sell It Now)
Many years ago, when my company entered the promotional products marketplace, we were told that every style of apparel we introduced must have a women’s companion piece. This women’s apparel companion style should be manufactured with the exact same fabric as the men’s styling—but be distinctly “women’s” in make and silhouette. The theory and logic…
Read MoreIt’s Just Lunch
How do you spend your lunchtime? Many distributors and sales reps think lunch is a great time to eat a sandwich at their desk and catch up on their work. In my view, this is an incredibly bad use of the potentially most valuable part of your day. We are all in the relationship business.…
Read MoreMy 5 Favorite Promos of the Week: Pelicans Playoff Tees, Hanesbrands and More
I’m always excited when I come across great promos in the wild. This week, I saw so many amazing promotions that it was hard to pick just five. But, I managed to hunker down and make my top picks, and this week it is all about the T-shirt. Keep reading for my five. 1. New…
Read MoreThe Insanity of Vanity
We’ve all heard the definition of insanity: Repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. May I ask if this describes your typical day? Repeating the same thing over and over again and getting the same results? I have had the opportunity to speak with thousands of distributors and reps in…
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