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I used to be so cringe …

I used to be so cringe …

How to avoid a cringe moment like this:

Something embarrassing happened to me once…

And I’m finally ready to talk about it.

Back then, I was cringing so badly and I didn’t want anyone to know about it.

Here’s what happened…

A while back, I was constantly dropping the ball on important tasks. I’d write things down on sticky notes, send myself reminder emails, or just keep a mental list of what I needed to do. I even bought a very cute spendy planner and spent way too much time making it cute. But inevitably, something would slip through the cracks—whether it was missing a client deadline, forgetting to follow up on an invoice, or overlooking a key project detail. It was chaos!

The worst part? It wasn’t that I didn’t have enough time—I just didn’t have a good system to manage everything.

Then, I found ClickUp, and it was a total game-changer. Once I started using it to organize all my tasks, set reminders, and track projects, I stopped relying on memory alone. Suddenly, I had a clear plan for my day, my week, and even my month. No more flipping through planner pages trying to find that ONE note that I needed for the project. No more missed tasks, no more last-minute scrambles.

I could easily have never spoken about it to anyone to save myself from getting more embarrassed…

But I actually learned a lot from it and it also helped me get where I am today.… And I wanted to spare you from the embarrassment in case you are making the same mistake.

Here’s what I gained from the experience:

  • A reliable system beats memory every time: Relying on memory alone leads to missed tasks and unnecessary stress. Having a centralized system like ClickUp or Asana or Trello helps keep everything organized and visible.
  • Automation saves time and prevents errors: Tools like ClickUp allow you to set reminders, assign due dates, and create workflows that ensure nothing slips through the cracks, making it much easier to stay on track.
  • Organization boosts productivity: Once I started using a proper task management tool, I found I had more mental space to focus on important work rather than worrying about what I might be forgetting.

This ultimately improved my efficiency and output. Even though I was embarrassed back then, I am glad I went through it anyway…
Because I learned something important. And now you know too…
—Amanda Saye
PS: New to bookkeeping for your small business? Get my Beginners Guide to Bookkeeping 

10 Ways to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses on National Small Business Day

10 Ways to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses on National Small Business Day

National Small Business Day is a great opportunity to support and celebrate local businesses. Here are 10 ways you can show your support for small businesses this month:

  1. Shop Local: Make a conscious effort to patronize small businesses in your community. Whether it’s buying groceries from a local market, getting coffee from a neighborhood café, or shopping at a boutique, your purchases directly contribute to the success of these businesses.
  2. Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to highlight your favorite small businesses. Share photos of your purchases, leave positive reviews on review sites, and encourage your friends and followers to support these establishments as well.
  3. Attend Local Events: Many communities organize events or markets to celebrate National Small Business Day. Attend these events to discover new businesses, meet local entrepreneurs, and show your support for the small business community.
  4. Gift Certificates: Purchase gift certificates from small businesses to use later or give as gifts to friends and family.
  5. Collaborate with Small Businesses: If you’re a blogger, influencer, or content creator, consider collaborating with small businesses for sponsored posts, reviews, or giveaways.
  6. Offer Your Skills: If you have professional skills such as graphic design, marketing, or accounting, consider offering your services pro bono or at a discounted rate to small businesses in need.
  7. Attend Workshops or Classes: Many small businesses offer workshops or classes on various topics such as cooking, crafting, or fitness. Attend these sessions to learn something new while supporting local entrepreneurs.
  8. Join a Loyalty Program: Join these programs to enjoy discounts, special offers, and exclusive perks while supporting your favorite local establishments.
  9. Write Thank You Notes: Take the time to write personalized thank you notes to small business owners and employees expressing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
  10. Volunteer or Donate: Offer your time or resources to support small business organizations or initiatives in your community.

By implementing these ideas, you can celebrate National Small Business Day in a meaningful way and contribute to the success and sustainability of small businesses in your community.

Building Your Business Emergency Fund: A Must-Have Safety Net!

Building Your Business Emergency Fund: A Must-Have Safety Net!

Starting a business is an adventure filled with excitement and challenges. One of the smartest moves you can make early on? Establishing an emergency fund. An emergency fund isn’t just a good idea it’s your business’s safety net for those “just in case” moments. Here’s how you can start building yours today:

Start Small, Aim Big

Begin by setting aside a small, manageable amount each month. Over time, aim to save enough to cover 3-6 months of operating expenses.

Cut Unnecessary Costs

Review your expenses regularly and cut down on non-essential spending. Every penny saved is a penny closer to your safety net.

Open a Dedicated Savings Account

Your emergency fund should be easily accessible without being too tempting to use for non-emergencies. Consider a separate savings account or a money market account for the right balance of access and growth.

Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund. It’s an effortless way to ensure consistent savings without having to think about it.

Reevaluate and Adjust

As your business grows, so will your operating expenses. Reevaluate your emergency fund regularly to ensure it matches your current needs.

An emergency fund can be the difference between weathering a storm and facing a financial crisis. Start building yours today to ensure your business stays resilient no matter what comes your way.

Let’s build a secure foundation for your business together! If you need help finding bookkeeping services that fit your business needs, schedule a a call with us today!

How to add your bookkeeper to QuickBooks as an Accounting User

How to add your bookkeeper to QuickBooks as an Accounting User

You will need:

  • Internet browser
  • QuickBooks login and password
  • Email of your bookkeeper

Instructions

  1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
  2. Click on the Gear Icon > Manage Users 

3. Go to the Accounting Firms section. If you do not see this, skip these instructions and go to ALTERNATIVE instructions below

4. Enter your accountant’s email address [amanda@orionbookkeeping.com] and first/last name [Amanda Saye].

5. Click Invite. They will receive an email with a link for signing in to your company.

6. They will be asked to create a user ID before signing in the first time unless they already have an account with Intuit Business Services.

7. Until your accountant signs in, their status on the Manage Users page is “Invited.” After accepting the invitation, their status changes to “Active.”

8. Click Next and Finish.