Our favorite cloud-based accounting system just got awesomer.
We didn't think Ben & Jerry's could get any better.
Then they put a cookie core in it and blew our minds.
That's about how we felt when we heard that Xero, our favorite cloud-based accounting system, was combining forces with e-commerce engine Shopify.
In case you haven't heard us sing the praises of Xero enough, we think it's the simplest and most elegant way for small businesses (especially online businesses) to keep their books. It lets you track expenses and access your finances from anywhere, keeps everything tidy and organized, and simplifies business accounting in a way that makes life beautiful (especially for non-accountants).
As for Shopify, you probably already know it really well if you sell stuff online. It's the perfect e-commerce site for small and medium-sized online businesses. (Though we hear they're also helping out companies like Tesla, the New York Stock Exchange and Red Bull. So there's that.)
Many of our clients and readers depend on Shopify to set up their online stores. It lets you manage across multiple sales channels: your website, yes, but also on social media, pop-up shops, even brick-and-mortal locations.
Bottom line, Shopify turns the headache of e-commerce into a hassle-free flow.
Just like Xero does for your books.
So basically, this integration is like Superman and Wonder Woman finally getting together, settling down and raising a super-family. (Seriously, does nobody else see how much that needs to happen?)
Whereas previously, Shopify merchants would have to manually transfer their sales data between front-end and back-end systems with Xero, this new integration means Shopify merchants can automatically track their finances with Xero's software. We're talking a single click and everything is entered for you.
Every year, Shopify hosts a competition for small businesses that sends their top e-commerce sellers to hobnob with celebrity entrepreneurs (we're talking Seth Godin and Richard Branson) at New York's Oheka Castle.
(Watch this video to find out more…just try not to freak out when you see the castle.)
Xero joined on as a sponsor of the competition (because good partners support each other, right?) and decided to sweeten the deal for entrants with a giveaway of their own.
Each month, Xero awards a prize to the top ten competitors on the Shopify contest leaderboard. And last month, the prize was an hour-long financial consultation with…you guessed it…The Bottom Line team!
Iris, our pal at Xero, masterminded this giveaway, and here's what she had to say about it:
“Accounting software is something you need from day one of your business. It's as important as having a business strategy. That’s why I reached out to Marilyn to see if she’d be willing to contribute her time to help these businesses grow. I wanted to bring in partners who are experts in their field…and you guys are the best of the best.”
(We're blushing.)
The Bottom Line
We couldn't be happier to see Shopify and Xero joining forces. These two sites share a fun, quirky spirit, a deep love of intuitive and beautiful design, and a drive to make business simpler than ever for doing business online. Their union is a great thing for all of us in the entrepreneurial world.
I'd say this calls for some cookie core celebration, don't you?
Xero + Shopify 4 Eva!
