Newsletter Blogs

Question: I called Intuit/QuickBooks support and was told something that I know is not the way we do business. How can that happen? Answer: We have a complex and unique business. We do not fit typical business models, and it is confusing to many bookkeepers, CPA's and, yes, even QuickBooks support on occasion. Recently, a…

Working in the promo industry, I tend to be hyperaware of the promotional products I encounter in my everyday life. So, when I took a spontaneous trip to New York City for a weekend, I got too excited about a tote bag I saw at a farmers' market. But, what kind of Promo Marketing writer would…

If you haven’t started with home automation yet, now is the time. Even if you have, now is the time to add one more thing: Amazon Echo Dot, better known as Alexa. On its own, Amazon Echo Dot ($50) is a great deal. It plays music (although only loud enough for one room), creates shopping…

I have written about changing business landscapes in this publication for more than a decade now. During this time, we have experienced a shift in technology that created an “adapt or perish” atmosphere. We also experienced a recession so deep, many didn’t expect our industry could bounce back. But, we did. Today, we face uncertainties…

In just more than three short weeks, we’ll be saying “so long” to 2016 and welcoming in a brand new start. As the craziness of December slows down from a boil to a simmer, and when you finally get to catch your breath, you realize the reset button gets hit, and soon you’ll be starting…

In my last blog article, I discussed the fact that most distributors don’t really own a business, but rather, they own a job. The test to determine if you own your own business is if you can fly to Hawaii for three months and tell someone else where to send your check. The key words…

Question: In QuickBooks, do I set up my items as “non-inventory part” or “inventory part?” Answer: Most always, ad specialty transactions are of the “non-inventory part” variety. The items ordered are customized to our clients' specifications—drop shipped directly to them, and we, the distributor, do not take physical possession. And in QuickBooks, these transactions are…

Let's face it: Holiday feasting is an Olympic sport. Over Thanksgiving weekend, I definitely indulged in candied sweet potatoes, stuffing, tons of turkey and, of course, massive amounts of pumpkin pie. It was then I realized that athletes have sporting uniforms, why don't we have special outfits for our marathon holiday feasting? There are certain…

I love data. I really do. The more data you have, the better decisions you can make. Unless… Unless you read the data without context and understanding. Consider this example: Your e-commerce vendor is reporting to you that your Google Adwords (the ads that show during a Google search) campaign is doing extremely well and…

In my last blog article, I discussed the fact that most distributors don’t really own a business, but rather, they own a job. The test to determine if you own your own business is if you can fly to Hawaii for three months and tell someone else where to send your check. The key words…