I’ll never forget when I first started working with QuickBooks and then established my bookkeeping practice back in 2001. I had never even looked at, let alone touched, QuickBooks in my life before. I had always worked in high-end software like MAS 90, Platinum and SBT. I think I even learned Peachtree in college – the DOS version of course – nonetheless it was nothing in comparison to QuickBooks.
I have now been certified as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor since 2002. Currently I am the top Advanced Certified Advisor in Hartford, Connecticut. So many people have asked me, “Is this a real benefit?” The answer is, of course. Many business owners have now switched over to QuickBooks from their old software systems. It has become one of the most popular accounting software packages for small businesses.
Becoming a QuickBooks Advisor was one of the first things I did once I figured out where I wanted to go with my business. As it turned out, it was the best choice I could have possibly made. It has been one of the best referral sources for new business.
Some of the benefits of becoming a QuickBooks Advisor are:
1. You get unlimited tech support.
2. You always have the latest version of the software. When you meet a new client that has the latest software release you can respond confidently as you already have it. You can also rest assured that you will have the latest release before it hits the marketplace.
3. You get a listing on the Pro Advisor website. This list now also opens when you look up questions for help in QuickBooks 2008 so potential clients know how to find you.
4. You get product discounts.
Some things you may want to consider are:
1. You will need to put aside some time to take the certification exam and pass it. If you get advance certified it could take up to four days to pass the exam. Currently I am certified in QuickBooks, Enterprise, and POS and I am current on all certifications. You can imagine how much time that took.
2. Instead of doing more bookkeeping you could end up becoming more of a consultant which means you will have to learn the new technology.
3. It also means that your firm will be specialized in one specific software, so if the market share changes it could affect you.
Whatever you decide, QuickBooks currently has the majority share of the market. The value you pay is well worth the return in my opinion.