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QuickBooks Consulting

Will you be at the “MUST attend” event of the year? Details and savings for QuickBooks Connect 2015

Michelle Long
10/08/2015

qb connectI’m sorry if you missed QuickBooks Connect 2014 or were unable to attend.  I hope that won’t happen again this year!

Are you serious about:

  • Growing your practice?
  • Expanding your knowledge and expertise of QuickBooks?
  • Learning more about 3rd party apps that integrate with QuickBooks?
  • Networking and connecting with thousands of accounting professionals, small business owners, developers and Intuit employees?

These are just a few reasons why you need to attend QuickBooks Connect 2015.  What is QuickBooks Connect?  In my opinion, it is the ONE conference you do not want to miss!  It is unique and well worth it to attend.  Per the website (http://quickbooksconnect.com) “QuickBooks Connect is unlike any event you have ever been to before.  Thousands of entrepreneurs, small businesses, accountants and developers unite under one roof to connect, learn & grow.  Friends, poets, visionaries and industry titans are dispersed throughout a dynamic agenda of main stage and intimate sessions.”

I’ll share my experience from last year and some thoughts about what I’m excited about for QuickBooks Connect 2015.

Keynote Speakers

The keynote speakers last year were amazing and truly inspiring and motivating.  It is always great to hear Intuit’s founder Scott Cook and CEO Brad Smith.  Plus, it was amazing to hear the experiences, lessons learned and insights from Bill Rancic, Magic Johnson, Ariana Huffington, Guiliana Rancic, Martha Stewart and more.

I’m really looking forward to this year’s lineup (http://quickbooksconnect.com/speakers/) which includes:

  • Brad Smith – Intuit CEO
  • Robert Herjavec – ‘Shark Tank’ and founder of Herjavec Group
  • Bill Rancic – 1st winner to ‘The Apprentice’
  • Jessica Alba and Brian Lee – CEO & Co-founders of The Honest Company
  • And more!

Breakout Sessions

There are lots of valuable breakout sessions available for accountants, small business owners and developers.   You can see the sessions and agenda here:  http://quickbooksconnect.com/agenda/  There are sessions on QuickBooks, practice management, value pricing, social media and many more.

Last year I presented the sessions for QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification to about 500 people!  It was great seeing so many people eager to earn the advanced certification.  This year I’ll be presenting these sessions and I’d love to have you join me for them:

  • Here to There: The Accountant’s Journey toward Professional Greatness – we will be working on your business to help you achieve professional greatness.  These sessions are packed with resources and tips you will be able to start implementing immediately.  We will not just discuss theories; but we will do some exercises, learn about practical tips and resources to help you on the path to greatness.  You’ll learn about Michelle’s “5 P’s to Professional Greatness:  Planning, People, Processes, Product and Pricing”.
  • Working Across Borders: Understanding Canadian Clients — This session will provide an overview of some of the factors that affect working with Canadian clients.  It is targeted primarily for U.S. consultants who currently work with, or would like to work with, Canadian clients.

You can select whichever sessions you want to attend and you are not limited to the accountant specific sessions (i.e. you can attend sessions for small business owners or developers too).

The Band

Last year, the band was Train (Soul Sister and more) and it was almost like a private concert!  They even allowed about 15-20 people to get on stage to dance and sing along with the band!  With an open bar and great music, it was a great night of fun for everyone!

The band for QB Connect this year was announced during one of our QB Power Hour webinars (Thanks Intuit!) and it will be the Goo Goo Dolls!  I’ll admit that initially I couldn’t remember their songs.  However, once I heard a few of them, then I remembered.  Perhaps you’ll remember one of the biggest hits from the 1990s, ‘Iris’ from the soundtrack for ‘City of Angels’.  Here’s a list of the 10 best Goo Goo Dolls songs along with their YouTube channel to refresh your memory and get you prepared to sing along!

Unexpected Delights

It seems like there were always unexpected delights – from the snacks everywhere (both healthy and not so healthy) during sessions to opportunities for book signings from the motivational speakers.  I was thrilled to ‘score’ a ticket for a book signing from Bill Rancic (the 1st Apprentice winner).  Maybe this year I’ll get a chance for a photo opportunity or backstage pass with some of the great speakers!

Details and SAVINGS!

QuickBooks Connect 2015 will be in San Jose, California Nov. 2 – 4.

Use this code (QBCBIRD15) to get Early Bird Pricing for QuickBooks Connect but HURRY!  It is a limited offer and the event will most likely sell out this year!

Southwest Airlines SALE on flights through Sept. 24 – as low as $73 one way

Southwest Airlines has flights into San Jose or San Francisco (then you could take the train to San Jose) at GREAT prices right now.  But hurry – the sale ends Sept. 24.  https://www.southwest.com/html/promotions/nationwide-sale-150908.html

Don’t wait – Register for QuickBooks Connect NOW, book your flight and make your reservations now!

Events, Start or Grow Your Business, Tips & Tricks, Tools & Resources, Webinars

Get Michelle and Sandi’s money-making social media success secrets for your small business

Michelle Long
06/11/2015

Do you wonder how small business owners are using social media and gaining a high return on their investment from it? All around you, owners of small businesses are leveraging social media with great success. What works and what doesn’t is still a bit of a secret for most small business owners.

Learn from LinkedIn expert Michelle Long with a 137,000-member LinkedIn group, and online marketing strategist Sandi Smith Leyva as they share real case studies and affordable how-to’s for your small business. Sponsored by TSheets, this one-day, high-energy session is the first of our Ultimate Accounting vCon Intensive series.

Social Media Success Secrets Unplugged
An Ultimate Accounting vCon Intensive
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
5.5 hours CPE
9AM to 4PM Central time with breaks

In this session, you will:
–See lots of examples of how small businesses are monetizing social media and gaining the highest payback from it
–Gain a done-for-you social media strategy plan for your business
–Learn exactly what to do in LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter
–Find out what content is most effective and how to acquire it
–Discover other social media platforms and time-saving tools

If you’re looking for lots of profit-making ideas for your business while having a bit of fun, then register right now:
http://accountingvcon.com/vcon-intensive/

See you there!

To your success,
Sandi and Michelle

P.S. Please thank our Sponsor TSheets Time Tracking. 5-star rated on Apps.com, TSheets is the time tracking solution that’s a real power player for payroll. Mobile, easy to use and works with most accounting solutions. Eliminate manual & duplicate time entry for super fast payroll & invoicing.https://www.tsheets.com/

Marketing, News or Announcements, ProAdvisor, QuickBooks Consulting, Tips & Tricks

Intuit’s Average Billing Rate Survey — PLEASE complete the latest survey plus a link to the results from the 2013 survey

Michelle Long
05/06/2015

Intuit’s Average Billing Rate Survey is always a great source of information but only if YOU (and lots of others) take a few minutes to complete the survey. 

Here is the link for the 2015 Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015IntuitAccountingSurvey 

This year there are questions about accounting professionals billing policies and procedures and more. It will provide great insights into how accountants, bookkeepers, tax professionals, consultants and others are operating their business. 

Plus, there are questions for your clients / small businesses to provide insights into what they want from their accountants, their insights into working with us and more.   We really need your help to reach small businesses.  Please consider emailing your clients or contacts to ask them to complete the survey.  The results will be insightful and shared publicly.  

PLEASE take a few minutes to not only complete the survey, but share it via social media, email, etc. with others.   The more people who complete the survey, the more meaningful the results for all.  

Here’s the link to the 2015 survey again: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015IntuitAccountingSurvey   or you can use this shorter link:  http://bit.ly/2015IntuitSurvey 

If you want to see some of the results from the 2013, survey, check out this blog post: 

https://longforsuccess.com/2014/01/15/deep-dive-new-intuit-rate-survey-accounting-professionals/

Events, News or Announcements

Ultimate Accounting vCon Contest – Enter to win $1,000

Michelle Long
04/27/2015

Michelle and I are running a contest in conjunction with the Ultimate Accounting vCon.  And we’re giving out cold, hard cash – up to US $1,000 — to the winners!

We simply want to know one thing:  what’s the ONE most profitable thing you’ve learned from either Michelle or Sandi?  Here are the details:

  1. The deadline for this contest is May 4, 2015.
  2. There will be 10 winners.  Three winners will receive cash prizes.   First place will win $1000, second place will win $500, third place will win $250.
  3. The winner will be announced during the Ultimate Accounting vCon.
  4. The odds of winning will depend on how many people enter.
  5. There is no fee to enter.
  6. This contest is void where prohibited.
  7. You must apply to be considered for this contest.  Do this by simply sending an email with the items listed in #9 below to vconcontest@gmail.com at any time between now and the contest deadline.
  8. Winners will be chosen based on the following criteria:
    1. A clear demonstration of additional revenues brought in based on something Michelle or Sandi taught you.  (25%)
    2. A clear demonstration of how you’ve helped one or more of your clients based on something Michelle or Sandi taught you.  (25%)
    3. A clear demonstration of changes implemented in your business as a result of something Michelle or Sandi taught you.   (25%)
    4. A clear description of intangible benefits you’ve received from something Michelle or Sandi taught you. (25%)
  9. To be considered, complete the following questionnaire and send it via Word or PDF tovconcontest@gmail.com
    1. What is the one key tip, tool, or skill that Michelle or Sandi taught you? Describe where you learned it (program, recording, youtube video, article, etc.) HINT: It needs to be one clear thing.
    2. How did this idea change your revenue or profits? The more specific you can be, the more points we will give.
    3. c. What clients were impacted by this and how? You do not have to name names, but please let us know industry, size, location of clients. Be specific as possible.
    4. d. How did you change your business as a result of this tip, tool, or skill? Did you raise your price, implement a process, etc.?
    5. e. What intangible benefit did you receive from this tip, tool, or skill? How do you feel different after this change? How have these benefited your business or your life?
  10. Applicants must give their permission for us to use any or all of the content of their entries in marketing material for current and future vcons. If there is a client that wishes to remain anonymous, we can work with you on that. We can also mask some of the financial info but we need specific numbers in your entry or you will be graded lower without it. We will check with you before we publish anything.
  11. If you have questions, please send them to vconcontest@gmail.com.
  12. Good luck!

QuickBooks Consulting

[Complimentary Webinar] Fresh Ideas to Rejuvenate, Refresh, Renovate, and Refocus with 2 Top Accounting Industry Thought Leaders

Michelle Long
04/17/2015

Hi Everyone,

It’s one of the most exciting times in several decades to be an accounting professional. The convergence of several new trends is causing the right conditions for more profits, more challenging work, and more fun for accountants.

Rejuvenate yourself and learn about these 6 new trends in a complimentary webinar: http://accountingvcon.com/refresh/

“6 Rising Trends in Accounting Services and How to Profit from Them”
With Michelle Long and Sandi Leyva, two of the 2015 CPA Practice Advisor’s Most Powerful Women in Accounting

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, Noon ET
1 hour CPE for qualified participants who join live
Cost: $0

You’ll learn:
• Two trends where clients are getting a lot more bang for their buck from accountants, making competition fierce
• The one trend that is making your business lifestyle a lot more comfy, boosting profits along the way
• Three significant trends to get serious about for accountants who want to stay in business

Sign up now to reserve your spot.
http://accountingvcon.com/refresh/

To your success,
Michelle

P.S. Don’t miss this free webinar with 2 very generous thought leaders and lots of profitable ideas for you: http://accountingvcon.com/refresh/

P.P. S. Our fabulous Ultimate Accounting vCon sponsors include:

Intuit: Intuit helps small businesses and accounting professionals save time managing their business finances so they can spend time doing what they love: growing their businesses. From desktop to online, payroll to payments, small business to professional accounting and tax solutions, Intuit is leading the way so that customers can never imagine going back to the old way. http://accountants.intuit.com/

ZenPayroll is delightful, modern payroll. Our comprehensive payroll service enables businesses to get set up and run payroll in minutes, from any web enabled device. All government payroll taxes, reporting, and compliance are taken care of automatically and paperlessly. https://zenpayroll.com/

Zoho Books is a simple, easy-to-use online accounting software for small businesses to manage their business finances the smart way. Zoho Books makes it much easier for you to manage your client’s books and also to reach out to prospective clients. www.zoho.com

ShareFile provides an easier way for accountants to share confidential information with colleagues and clients. http://www.sharefile.com/industries/Accounting/

Bill.com gives you magically simple business payments with paperless and cloud-based accounts payable and accounts receivable processes. http://www.bill.com/for-accountants/

Avalara has helped thousands of customers stay focused on their success by providing a fast, easy way to manage sales tax. http://www.avalara.com/

BQE BillQuick is an intelligent time billing, project management and accounting solution designed to help you save time by automating repetitive billing, invoicing and reporting tasks. http://bqe.com/

Finagraph is a best-in-class automated financial intelligence on demand tool that provides advanced analytics to business owners and financial professionals. http://www.finagraph.com/fca

With 6 million customers worldwide, Sage Accountant Solutions helps accounting professionals become more valued advisors for their small and mid-sized business clients. http://na.sage.com/us/accountant

Expensify combines user-centric design with powerful compliance features so that expense reports don’t suck! http://use.expensify.com/customers

Events, News or Announcements, Start or Grow Your Business

Courtesy Reminder for Today’s Deadline and Announcing the Ultimate Accounting Awards

Michelle Long
04/01/2015

Just a quick reminder:  the discounted registration fee for the ultimate Accounting VCon ends today, April 1, 2015 at midnight PDT.  If you’re already one of the 419 registered participants, thank you!  We’re thrilled you’ll be attending in May.

Find out more now by clicking this link:   http://accountingvcon.com/

Sandi Leyva and I are announcing a new contest for accountants.  We’re giving cash prizes to the top 3 winners along with a beautiful trophy and the title of Top 10 Ultimate Accounting Achievement in Service Award.

Go here to get the contest details:  http://accountingvcon.com/contest/

To your success,

Michelle

P.S. Don’t forget to register today to get 50% off the vCon registration fee.  http://accountingvcon.com/register/

P.P. S.  Our fabulous Ultimate Accounting vCon sponsors include:

Intuit:  Intuit helps small businesses and accounting professionals save time managing their business finances so they can spend time doing what they love: growing their businesses.  From desktop to online, payroll to payments, small business to professional accounting and tax solutions, Intuit is leading the way so that customers can never imagine going back to the old way.  http://accountants.intuit.com/

ZenPayroll is delightful, modern payroll. Our comprehensive payroll service enables businesses to get set up and run payroll in minutes, from any web enabled device. All government payroll taxes, reporting, and compliance are taken care of automatically and paperlessly. https://zenpayroll.com/

Zoho Books is a simple, easy-to-use online accounting software for small businesses to manage their business finances the smart way. Zoho Books makes it much easier for you to manage your client’s books and also to reach out to prospective clients. www.zoho.com

ShareFile provides an easier way for accountants to share confidential information with colleagues and clients.  https://www.sharefile.com/industries/accounting

Bill.com gives you magically simple business payments with paperless and cloud-based accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.  http://www.bill.com/for-accountants/

Avalara has helped thousands of customers stay focused on their success by providing a fast, easy way to manage sales tax.  http://www.avalara.com/

BQE BillQuick is an intelligent time billing, project management and accounting solution designed to help you save time by automating repetitive billing, invoicing and reporting tasks. http://bqe.com/

Finagraph is a best-in-class automated financial intelligence on demand tool that provides advanced analytics to business owners and financial professionals. http://www.finagraph.com/fca

With 6 million customers worldwide, Sage Accountant Solutions helps accounting professionals become more valued advisors for their small and mid-sized business clients. http://na.sage.com/us/accountant

Expensify combines user-centric design with powerful compliance features so that expense reports don’t suck!  http://use.expensify.com/customers

 

News or Announcements, ProAdvisor, QuickBooks Consulting

Important Info for QuickBooks ProAdvisors about Certifications and More

Michelle Long
12/30/2014

I wanted to share some information with QuickBooks ProAdvisors based on many comments and discussions I’ve noticed in various groups and on social media.   Hopefully this will help save you some time and I’ll share some tips that may help.  Plus, I share some other news and updates too.

First, I’m impressed with Intuit’s investment and commitment to accounting professionals.  They continually listen to us and invest in training and tools specifically to help us serve our clients.  However, with changes and improvements, sometimes there are some bumps along the way.   Read more