Did you know, driving 7 laps around a racetrack resembles learning QuickBooks online? Let me explain.
I had the distinct pleasure of crossing off one of the items on my bucket list. TSheets, the most awesome Time Tracking Software, rewarded all of my efforts for co-authoring the TSheets Pro certification with a coupon for Exotic Raceway. Yes, my bucket list came true with 7 laps around the track in a Ferrari 430. Of course it was red. I had to take a class to learn the terminology and then they whisk you off to the track for a practice lap. Little did they know that I GET CAR SICK when anyone else drives so when that was done, I could barely stand up. (Someone should recommend Dramamine for these things) But, nonetheless, I belted myself into the Ferrari, took some deep breaths, listened to last minute instructions and took off.
Now I drive enormous amounts of distances to see my kids. Last year I logged over 5500 miles so I’m not a stranger (or goody goody driver) on the road. But I was a bit frozen on the speedometer when I had such a beast of a car underfoot. So much to remember: Decisions had to be made on the curves, nothing intuitive about it as my instructor kept talking me through. I did have the opportunity to hit 100, but I hit 90 on any given day in my own car. What was the difference? I held back a bit for fear of flipping and not fully understanding the power that I had at my . With such amazing horsepower and other people on the track driving like a bat out of hell, the caution lights were on in my head. I was shocked when it was time to pull back into my parking spot as it went by in a blur.
After gaining my composure, I laughed at myself for worrying. After all, it is the same feeling I had when I first sat down to learn @QBO (QuickBooks Online). Sure, I had used QuickBooks Desktop, but not having the confidence to know where everything was at lightning speed made me second guess myself and what I was doing. The dashboard was a little different, the curves and straight-aways came faster than I was used to. And helping others with their QBO made me break out into a sweat. Until, finally, I adapted. And not only did I adapt; I found there are numerous perks and functionality that I didn’t get in desktop. Not only anytime access, but bank feeds to download online transactions from checking and credit cards. Plus, third party software, like TSheets Time Tracking Software, integrates effortlessly into the program with no ifs, ands or buts. Lest we forget, it is the wave of the future. How many 20 year olds would choose doing business on a desktop vs. their phone? I don’t envy app developers with the need to keep up the attention of young business owners: Constant change at the speed of light with customer service that rivals their competition. (Oh, sounds like Intuit and how quickly they are adapting to the change)
I find so many of my adventures in life tie into my business world. I learned on the racetrack that it takes more than 7 laps to be an (r)ace car driver. And it takes more than one look at QBO to fall in love and tear up the track. It takes practice and dedication to learning something new to make anything great. I’m not done with the racetrack by any means. I’m glad I had the guts to hop in a shuttle in Las Vegas, walk into Exotic Raceways and say “Yes, I am going to drive, stop looking for a guy behind me.” Although the truth be told, there was a very special guy behind me, cheering me on, who did make it all possible. Thank you Matt Rissell (TSheets CEO).
