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Posts Tagged ‘Intuit’

First, if you’re only reading this article because you want to find a good format for writing a business plan, then you will find some good formats, templates and software at Intuit’s website – you know, the same people who make QuickBooks, Quicken and TurboTax. Well, if you go to the Intuit website, then you will find its new business plan service under the name of “JumpUp.” And even better, some of the templates and software are free. But, I have a feeling you might have a few more questions about business plans, so here are a few more pointers.
Second, something is more important, however, than just the writing a of business plan. The most important thing is that you decide WHERE you want your business to go and HOW you want to get there. Your decision about the where and how of your business goal is more important than the writing of it.
Third, the next most important thing is your specific use of the plan itself. If your business plan’s purpose is to serve as a guiding light to you and your key people, then it will be in that type of format. If its purpose is to create measurable goals, help evaluate progress towards those goals, and guide decision-making, then the plan might take a different shape. And, if your business plan’s purpose is to attract investors or to obtain a loan, then it might be in a different format altogether.
Fourth, and a special note for start-ups, if the business plan is for a start-up business and is for the last 2 purposes (measurable-goals/decision-making or investors/lenders), then I recommend a specialized process. First, write a business plan as if you were writing it to be your guiding light. I have worked with many clients with a new business who should not be writing an investor/loan business plan just when they are starting up the company. Why? Because a business plan should not be a something that you create just so that it sounds good to other people (or yourself). The plan should really be an actual reflection of the desired destination and the means anticipated to get there. So, for the new business owner, these insights and realizations need some time to evolve. Sure, a new business owner starts out with goals, dreams and ambitions. But, it takes time for these goals, dreams and ambitions to mature in the marketplace. That is why it is important early on to write the business plan, but do it with the “guiding light” purpose.
When DO you take the next step and write the business plan with the potential investor or lender in mind?
When the heart and mind agree on the destination and the means of getting there. Then, and only then, is it the right time to transform the “guiding light” plan to a business plan for measurable-goals/decision-making or investors/lenders.
Fifth, once the mind and heart agree, then it is essential to commit the business plan to paper because without a clear destination, there is no basis upon which to make decisions. Decisions should be made with the destination in mind. Writing down how to reach the destination establishes mile-markers that will measure progress. Without some way to measure progress, we are only left with our feelings – and feelings change from day to day or moment to moment. Milestones help us to make needed adjustments while the vision of our destinations keeps us on track.
To sum up, a business plan is important. The pre-work, however, is even more important. The follow-up, which measures our success against the plan, is what gives the plan its purpose.
Copyright 2007, Chuck Markham, MA, LAC (“Business Coach Chuck”)

For the second year in a row, the most exciting new feature is the Client Data Review tool found in the Accountants editions of QuickBooks Premier and QuickBooks Enterprise.

I don’t normally push my clients to upgrade unless their version is 3+ years old. But last year, Intuit introduced a new Client Data Review feature for accountants which allows us to troubleshoot and correct client data entry errors with a few clicks of a button. Common data entry errors that used to take me hours to correct can now be done in minutes!

If you’ve ever had to hire a QuickBooks ProAdvisor or CPA to cleanup your data file, this upgrade is going to more than pay for itself. And don’t delay – client data review only works on the data entered in 2009 or 2010, so the sooner you upgrade the sooner you can start saving money! But this isn’t the only reason to upgrade.

Intuit has announced that it will only support QuickBooks 2010 in the Windows 7 environment – no other version of QuickBooks will be supported.

• Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Enhanced helps you complete your entire payroll in just a few clicks
• Automatically calculate payroll taxes and create paychecks in just a few clicks
• Instantly generates federal and state tax forms for you–use E-File for no additional cost
• Get started quickly with an easy step-by-step setup guide
• Easily add more employees as your business grows

Product Description
QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll is a subscription service that makes it easier for you to manage your payroll with confidence. Easily pay up to 3 employees and payroll taxes from inside your QuickBooks Financial Software.Amazon.com Product Description
Complete your entire payroll in just a few clicks so you can get back to business. Manage payroll in just 3 easy steps. Manage payroll in just 3 easy steps. Create paycheck… More >>

QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll 1-3 Employees 2010

The choices of accounting software are confounding as are the criteria for determining which software application is correct for the operations of your business. Selections cover low, mid, and high end markets as well as vertical markets and hybrid packages, which include some combination of the aforementioned applications. Within each category are dozens of choices. Picking one is tantamount to choosing a healthcare plan or a stock that won?t tank in the next month. QuickBooks, accounting software by Intuit, is particularly popular with many small businesses, but there are many others that deserve consideration. The good news is that once you have chosen the right accounting software, finding the laser checks that will match is a breeze. Business checks can be handwritten or generated on a printer connected to the computer. Very small businesses may choose to hand write checks if their expenses are few and there are only one or two on the payroll. Generally speaking though, even small businesses will find many benefits in generating checks connected to their accounting software and laser printed. For one thing, laser checks or QuickBooks checks printing enables you to easily track all the account information, the recipient, the amount, and date. The check number will be in your computer records for easy reference. Another facet of laser checks and financial software is that you can generate a floating balance. Meaning, you can anticipate an expense and enter the amount into your records before actually needing to deduct the amount and print a check. When the expenditure is due, your software will alert you so you can create the check. These details will be invaluable should any conflict arise. As well, readily available and concise information makes tax preparation much faster and easier. Transactions done with financial software and printed on business laser checks are easily to track and make the accounting part of your business faster and more accurate. Business checks are available online. At one site, CheckOMatic, checks and envelopes, you need only enter the type of accounting software you use, and the selection of business checks appears. From this list you select the format you prefer, the color, and the number. No need to upload all of your information again and again once you have placed your first order. Reordering is fast and easy. At Check-O-Matic, quality material, affordable pricing, and customer service are their focus. Check-O-Matic caters to all your business checks needs. Quickbooks checks the most popular for businesses.

• 1 customizable 5-page website
• Personalized domain name and a subscription for 12-months hosting included
• Drag-and-drop creation tools – no HTML programming required
• Over 2,000 professionally designed templates created for 100+ industries
• Website tracking and statistics

Product Description
Intuit Website Creator 2009Amazon.com Product Description
Bring your small business online with ease. Choose a design: pick from 2,000 professionally designed websites. Customize it: quickly add your own logo, graphics, text, and domain name. Show the world: click one button to publish your site to the web. 1. Choose a design. 2. Customize it. 3. Show the world. How It Works To begin, follow registration instructions in… More >>

Intuit Website Creator 2009

• Sell more by accepting credit, debit cards, and by offering customers another payment option.
• Cost effective way to accept credit cards, with competitive low rates.
• Accept all major credit cards.
• Create custom invoices, track payments, and get paid faster directly from your PC. (1)
• Easy to get started and easy to use.

Product Description
QuickBooks Credit Card Processing Kit is the fast, easy, and cost effective way to get paid. Improve your cash flow and increase sales by accepting credit and debit cards. Accept all major credit cards, anytime, anywhere.Amazon.com Product Description
Intuit QuickBooks Credit Card Processing Kit is the low-cost, easy way to get paid. Accept all major credit cards using your computer. Accept all major credit cards using your computer. … More >>