Ask the Accountant… Question: Which QuickBooks Online product is right for me? Answer: If you have read my blogs, you know that I am not a big fan of QBO (QuickBooks Online) for an ad specialty distributor. However, there are some circumstances where QBO is the better choice, such as when you are using an…
Read MoreEditorial Type: Tips and Tools
Embrace Digital Embellishments to Tap Into the Printing Enhancement Opportunity
There is an opportunity in the print market for digital embellishments. It’s a matter of figuring out where to find the opportunity and how to take hold of it, along with understanding the challenges.
Read MoreSports Branding Lessons from the Orioles’ ‘Homer Hose’
The Baltimore Orioles have started celebrating home runs by drinking water out of the “Homer Hose,” which is basically a beer bong but they can’t call it that. It’s fast becoming a fan favorite, and presents all sorts of branding opportunities.
Read MoreHow to Designate a Vendor as a 1099 Vendor in QuickBooks
Ask the Accountant… Question: When I try to designate a vendor as a 1099 vendor, it is greyed out. How do I change that? Answer: There has been a recent change to Preferences in QB Premier regarding 1099 status of vendors. Now, you must turn on the 1099 option in “Preferences” > “Tax: 1099” (toward…
Read MoreLessons from Carvel’s Co-Branded Westward Expansion
Ice cream and cake brand Carvel is opening more stores throughout the U.S., and using co-branded restaurant concepts to introduce itself to new markets. It’s a good lesson for promotional products distributors about how brands can work together to create a complementary experience.
Read MoreSkip the Cardio
A few years ago, I worked with a life coach. We met once a month and talked about various business and life issues. At the beginning of one meeting, the coach asked me if I was still going to the gym and working out. It’s never good when someone has to ask that question. I…
Read MoreHow to Get Rid of All of Your QuickBooks Windows Easily
Ask the Accountant… Question: I usually end up with lots of windows open in QuickBooks Premier. Is there an easier way to close them than one at a time? Answer: To close all your open windows in QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise), go to “Window” at the top of the screen, and then “Close…
Read MoreSet Yourself Up as a Solutions Provider, Not a Salesperson
In today’s world, it’s not enough to just sell your client a product and move on. Instead, distributors must be more than that: advocate, guide, adviser, etc. Distributors are doing more than selling these days — they are offering a service.
Read MoreHow to Educate Your Print Customers on Security Features
Technology is always developing. One of the biggest innovations in recent years is the continued ease of paying for things electronically. First the credit card, then PayPal, leading to smartphone payments and instant transfers on apps like Venmo. Because of this, it’s logical to think the demand for security print products, such as checks, would…
Read MoreHow Premium Brands Can Elevate Your Promotion
Longevity is a primary concern for promotional products buyers. Not only are they thinking about the environmental friendliness of a product — things like reusable drinkware and eco-friendly apparel are in high demand — they also want their logo to live on as much as possible. The way to do that is to give end-users…
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