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LisaNullar
Community Leader

Connect Live Blog - November 2020

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It's here!  Today is the QuickBooks Connect live event.   I'll be attending as many of the panels as I can fit in, but I'll definitely be focusing on the keynotes.  Check back in all day long as I'll be updating this post as I attend each panel.  

Right now things are just kicking off, but there is a ton to do.  Check out the Lounge - you can chat with other attendees, take a picture in the virtual photo booth, or even kill some time playing some fun arcade games.  

And did I mention that you can customize a Zoom background with your logo and/or company name?  Because you can!  There are several different styles to choose from and it's simple to upload your logo or type in what you want to appear.   I'm pretty fond of this one. 

WlihnL.png

Creating Together background by Natalie Harmon

 

We'd love to see you, so make sure to share your photobooth pictures here, and let us know how you are enjoying Connect.   I'm gonna go grab some coffee, but I'll be back soon as the keynotes begin.  

 

8:57a MST

Just popping back in to let you know that the main Connect page still has the registration button active, so if you haven't registered yet you still have about 45 min before the opening event.  

Register here: https://quickbooksconnect.com/

 

9:21a MST

Ok, so I've been looking at the Zoom backgrounds some more (I can't help it, they are all so pretty!) and seriously, you guys, they are just fantastic.   These are just a few of my favorites, if you haven't taken a look yet, I recommend it as a great way to pass the time before the Coffee Master Class. 

 

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And, spoiler alert, you will definitely see them making appearances in the blog as the day goes on.  A girl has to use all her resources, right? ;) 

 

9:43a MST

Watching the Main Stage and waiting for the demo by Sip & Sonder on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.    

I'll be honest, I have an old Mr Coffee that I've been using forever, most mornings I would rather get those extra few minutes of sleep instead of making the perfect pour-over, but I do love to take the time on the weekends, so I'm hoping to pick up a few tips! 

And here it goes! 

"Coffee, community, and culture "  coming together for everyone.

Keeping the focus on building community from within and supporting local entrepreneurship is so powerful.  

I won't go into the specifics of making the coffee, but it's really important to start with great quality coffee  (this is an excellent way to support local growers and roasters!) and make sure you have the right grind size for the method you are using.  

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9:75a MST

Ok, just a few minutes away from the first keynote of the day.  For those of you who haven't planned your sessions yet, here is a quick link:  https://intuit.me/qbconnect

 

10:01a MST

Opening keynote with QuickBooks leadership with Alex Chriss

"Our world changed almost overnight"
Lockdowns, Zoom school, working from the kitchen table, and watching cooking shows on Netflix. #it me

 

10:10a MST

(More from Alex's keynote)

86% of new businesses developed new products/services this year to adapt  

There are too many product updates for me to be able to talk about here, but make sure you check out the QuickBooks Booth for all the ways QuickBooks is here for you. 

 

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10:14a MST

(And more from Alex's keynote)
The pandemic will pass, but customer expectations will continue to change. There is no going back. #paradigm shift

"Thriving is not a destination, it's pushing forward no matter what."

"One constant [...] is the vision and passion, and most importantly, the courage of every person."

Really inspiring stories of companies adapting and overcoming obstacle after obstacle this year.  But the thread that runs through all of them is not giving up, and keeping focused on what you can do, and what you need to do.   

Next up for me is the Accountant keynote at 9:50a PST, see you there.

 

10:32a MST

Another quick update, I was checking out the chat channels and saw this posted and wanted to share with everyone. 

Recordings will be available On Demand, Keynotes will be available at 11am located on the Resource page. Innovation Spotlights can also be found in the QuickBooks Booth

 

10:42a MST

  

virtualbooth.jpgDecided to give the virtual photo booth a try.  Plenty of fun stickers and frames to play with, and super easy to share on social media.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10:50a MST

Accountant keynote with Ariege Misherghi

 

"What if we stopped talking about the future?"

Instead of focusing on "when things are back to normal", it's important to think about dealing with right now.  It's emotionally and mentally challenging and I appreciate Ariege calling it out.  

 

10:54a MST

(More from Ariege's keynote)

"You are figuring it out"
Understanding the needs of your clients and workforce, to be the advisor that people need you to be.

"Instead of waiting, we are creating"

 

10:58a MST

(More from Ariege's keynote)

We've built the largest matchmaking platform - Find a ProAdvisor 
Increased reach from 1 out of 5 small businesses working with an accounting professional  to 3 out of 5 

QuickBooks Live - expanded number of small biz by showing the value of connecting with experts

 

11:02a MST

(More from Ariege's keynote)

Month End Review for accountants2020-11-18_11-03-19.png

 

11:07a MST

(More from Ariege's keynote)
"Advisory is NOT the future of your business. It is the PRESENT." #mic_drop

 

11:22a MST

Ok guys, it's been an amazing morning so far.  I am gonna grab some food before the next session, but I'll be back soon.  

How are you enjoying it so far?  Let me know what your favorite moments have been, or if you have been to any of the breakout sessions, which ones should people absolutely not miss?  

 

12:01p MST

I'm back, attending one of the breakout sessions this time. I was really drawn to the idea behind this one. 

 

Stories that bring us together: Making the pivot

Join Ellen Bennett (Founder, Hedley & Bennett) and Katie Sturino (Founder, Megababe) in conversation with Ivirlei Brookes (Actor and Entrepreneur), to hear how all three business owners have pivoted their business strategies over the last few months.

Going through intros now, but I am looking forward to hearing the journeys everyone has been on.

 

12:06p MST

(More Stories that bring us together)

Entrepreneurs are trying to find a sense of purpose while they adapt

Plans for building out your brand vs leaning into the things that will keep your business afloat - it's been a hectic year of pivoting and recognizing what is happening early enough to change direction.  

 

12:12p MST

(More Stories that bring us together)
Using daily Instagram stories (using your resources, yass!) as a way to keep consumers up to date on shipping, supply lines, etc. It did drive some anger and frustration, and it took a lot of human connection and deep empathy to deal with customers, but it really made people feel like they were being heard and cared for.  

 

12:19p MST

(More Stories that bring us together)

What was the biggest learning experience?
You just have to be flexible. If you can't pivot, then you are stuck.

Allow people to jump on your bandwagon. (Sometimes you have to will them to get on board, but if you can let them to trust you they will be your saviors.)

 

12:28p MST

(More Stories that bring us together)

"Nothing compares to what we have gone through this year... We're still standing, we are still here. "

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"Community and honesty are the tools that have been getting us through this year."

 

12:40p MST

(More Stories that bring us together)

No one is judging your sales numbers and marketing materials right now. It's about surviving.

 

12:54p MST

SO many great answers in the Q&A section of that last breakout.  I got a little lost in just listening in, but I will link the recording here if/when it's made available.   

Two more keynotes to go, and I have my afternoon coffee ready to go.   Back in a bit!

 

1:15p MST

Amplifying your voice in a virtual world with Vinh Giang

Me: Is... is that a shelf full of playing card decks?

Vinh: I went to school to be an accountant but I wanted to do magic

Me: AHhhhhhhh

 

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1:22p MST

(More from Vinh)
"Something went from impossible to possible in 33 seconds... because you had a different perspective"

Changes represent opportunity

 

1:28p MST

(More from Vinh)

The keys to success are not only technical skill and knowledge, but also the ability to communicate (showmanship.)  

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1:34p MST

(More from Vinh)
Improving your communication skills allows you to better articulate your value to your customers.  Communication is the skill that improves your entire life.

 

1:51p MST

(More from Vinh)

"What does your listening face look like?"

Oh man, this one hit hard.  Especially in this time of virtual everything, it's so easy to slip into habits that prevent us from connecting with each other.  And something as simple as what your face looks like when you are listening is huge.   

Such an engaging speaker and not at all what I expected going into the keynote, but have to say this was probably one of my top sessions today.  

 

3:14p MST

Alright folks, that is all for me today.  I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did, and I hope that you enjoyed this first virtual Connect event.  

Just a few reminders before I log off, there are still breakout sessions happening, and two fun "Connectfest" events to wrap things up this evening.  So check your schedule to make sure you don't miss out!  Also, Braindates are available through the 20th, and look for recordings and playbacks of the sessions.  

Thanks for coming along the journey with me, I had a blast!  

 

 

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