Smart Money Choice$

If you are using any version of QuickBooks 2005, you need to pay attention to this.

Effective May 31, 2008, Intuit (the makers of QuickBooks financial software) will discontinue live telephone support and add-on services for QuickBooks 2005 (all versions).

This is not really surprising news, since Intuit generally supports the most current version of QuickBooks (right now, that’s 2008), plus the prior two versions (2006 and 2007). That’s why it’s a good idea to upgrade at least every three years. So if you’re still using QuickBooks 2005, now’s the time to upgrade to 2008.

If you’re the type who tends to follow the model, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” then you don’t NEED to upgrade, since the software will continue to work just fine after May 31. That is, unless you are using add-on services, such as Payroll, Merchant Services, Credit Card Download, Online Billing or QuickBooks Email. All of those services will no longer be supported from within QuickBooks 2005, even though the software will keep on working.

But what if you’re not sure which version of QuickBooks you’re currently using?

That’s easy. If you don’t see which version on the “splash” screen when you are opening the program, then from within QuickBooks simply press Ctrl+1 (from the keyboard, not the number pad) and you will get all the information about your current QuickBooks program, including which version you’re using.

An important reason to upgrade if you’re still using 2005 is because even though Intuit promises to help you out if you lose your keycodes or forget your administrator’s password for discontinued versions (it’s part of their terms and conditions), they will do so only “if that data is available.” In other words, there’s no guarantee they can help you if you are still using an old unsupported version.

This is significant, since if you are locked out of your data file because you can’t remember your administrator’s password, you’re dead. Not being able to access your financial records could literally cripple your business. Not good.

A more positive reason to upgrade from 2005, though, is because in 2006 QuickBooks underwent a major facelift and the user interface has been MUCH improved for following the proper workflow for recordkeeping ever since. That means the program is just plain easier to use. There are also quite a few enhancements and new features in the newer, supported versions, such as Time Tracking, Loan Manager and improvements in the help files.

The quickest and easiest way to upgrade is to download the new version directly from Intuit’s website; Just a few clicks and you’ll be all set.

If you want to upgrade to QuickBooks 2006 or 2007, you might be able to find them on eBay. But realize that you’ll be in the same pinch in another year or two. So my best suggestion is to just bite the bullet and upgrade to 2008 and be done with it (for three years anyway).

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR OWN BLOG OR E-ZINE? You have permission to re-publish it, as long as you include the following author’s bio and link:

Gabrielle Fontaine, PB is a freelance Professional Bookkeeper and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She specializes in assisting Internet-savvy entrepreneurs to get control of their books and maximize profits. Gabrielle also publishes the business-boosting online ezine, Smart Money Choices. Get more information at http://BookkeepingDirect.com

We’ve all heard that people do business with those they know, like and trust. And it’s true. That’s why savvy small business owners regularly invest their time and money to attend live seminars and meetings.

But just showing up at a live events is not the secret that will automatically reward you with a boost to your bottom line!

Sure, it’s great to get out of the office for a change of scenery, learn new information, and chat with colleagues and/or new business prospects. But the real magic of live events happens AFTER the event is over. That is, if you know the real secret to effective networking.

Let me give it to you in just one word: Follow-up!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve attended a live seminar or a local Chamber meeting where I had a productive conversation with someone who promised to stay in touch with me – never to be heard from again. Of course, I’ve been guilty of that same networking sin myself on occasioin too.

So let’s be clear on this. Just showing up with good intentions won’t get you the results you want. To make networking profitable, you must be focused and proactive.

Over the past year or so I’ve attended several important seminars where I knew I could make strategic alliances that would turbo-charge my business in the direction of my goals. So I developed a few guidelines to follow whenever I find myself in a networking situation:

1.  Before the event, I put myself in a friendly, outgoing frame of mind and envision all the great people who will be there. I also sometimes give myself an easy goal of how many contacts I want to make. By nature, I’m a bit on the shy side in crowds, so by focusing on who will be there and my specific goal, it keeps me busy looking for the people I want to meet (instead of being held back by my comfort zone).

2.  At the event, I exchange business cards only with those whom I can see a mutually beneficial opportunity emerging. So it’s not about gathering a stack of business cards, but about getting to know each person I meet. I’m always thinking, “How can we help each other?” and not, “How can I make money from you?” Your focus must be on them, not just on what you do or are selling. 

This is a small distinction that makes a BIG difference in the quality of the connections you’ll make.

3.  On the back of the cards I do collect, I immediately jot a note about our conversation and any specific actions I’ll take as a result. Do not expect that you will remember each person / conversation later. You won’t.

4.  After the event, I follow up with each contact as soon as possible. Usually I do this by email, but this often leads to a phone appointment shortly thereafter. The key is to proactively take action as soon as possible after the event while your initial connection is fresh in yours and your contacts’ minds.

By following just these four simple steps consistently, even when I happen to meet people in a non-business setting, has made a HUGE difference in a short period of time. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at how quickly your network….and client base…will grow too.

~Gabrielle 

P.S. If you often find yourself at a loss for words while attending networking events, you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of the teleseminar I recently conducted with networking expert, Karen Frank. You’ll learn the easy way to start conversations and attract your perfect clients. Get your free copy here.