The Intuit Community Blog

Lots of good info

Check out our page on Slide Share. Lots of great power point presentations from QuickBooks and Small Business experts

News clip about Small Businesses and their survival (features Intuit)

Video: Importance of Small Businesses in this economy

QuickBooks Reading Material

New report: Future of Small Business and Innovation

This morning, we launched the first report in a new series of Intuit Future of Small Business research, focused on innovation. The research brief, “Defining Small Business Innovation,” shows that innovation will be essential for small businesses over the next decade as they work to survive and thrive by seizing new opportunities, improving their competitive position, and providing more value to their customers.

For all the reports

Microsoft vs. Apple – round 2

I never did jump on the Windows Vista ship – as I thought that ship was sinking. Apparently, so did everyone else – because Microsoft is coming out with a new operating system scheduled to ship in early 2010. “Windows 7” is supposed to be the answer to the thousands of businesses who refuse to do the “upgrade” to Windows Vista.

The war between Microsoft and Apple was brutal when Microsoft released Windows Vista, which did not work with hundreds of existing programs. Apple was quick to step in and steal many loyal Microsoft customers. So is the future a Mac? Between iMac, iPhone and iPod, it seems so. Apple has had great progress in popularity recently and it’s slowly growing. With what we have as an alternative, it seems Microsoft is even on the iTrain.

The problem with “Windows 7”? It’s only a smooth transition if you are one of the unfortunate few who have Windows Vista. For the many users who refused to change from Windows XP, the upgrade will be difficult. Keep in mind these users didn’t upgrade to Vista mainly because the software they currently use did not work with Windows Vista. I wonder if that means the compatibility problems will continue?

Microsoft was asked to comment on this and a Microsoft spokesperson wrote: “Customers can purchase upgrade media and an upgrade license to move from Windows XP to Windows 7; however, they will need to do a clean installation of Windows 7.”

Interesting to say the least; it just makes me wonder what Apple will come out with next? iRobot house cleaning? iTutor for your kids? I’ll be waiting, Apple, to see what your next iInvention is. Please make it an easily usable system for ex-Windows users.

Participating in the Intuit Community as an Intuit Developer

The Intuit Community is a great place to share your QuickBooks and small business knowledge with others.  It can be a way to get your name out there, to build familiarity with your products and services, and to network.  By answering questions you let prospective customers get a free sample of your expertise.

Before you participate, it is important to be familiar with the Community rules and expectations.

The philosophy behind these rules is that everyone should give to the common good.  Like a potluck, everyone has to bring a dish to share.  In this case the sharing is your time, your knowledge of QuickBooks, and your knowledge of the business domain in which you specialize.

If we don't make sure that everyone shares something, then we have a situation where everyone is taking from the common good without replenishing it. 

Those who share get to receive benefit in the form of limited and judicious self-promotion.  Those who share the most are given the most latitude and opportunity to benefit from being featured on the site.  There are many such opportunities, such as leading an Ask The Expert event or a Webinar.

Info on the Community site (a video from one of our users)