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Will You Add? - Popular Business Misconceptions Cost You Money!
We Are All Consultants What is your competitive strength? What are your
weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their
weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy?In our business lives we wear many hats. We often think of our job title as the way to describe our work. In fact, in any social situation, the question, “So what do you do?” will come up early in any conversation with a new person. How do we respond to this question? Invariably, we respond with our job title and the name of our organization. “I’m the Finance Manager at ABC Corp. Sometimes the conversation progresses beyond that, but often, that is all we have to say to describe our work.And that is often how we think about it as well. Finance Manager. Chef. Staff Pharmacist. Marketing Director. Salesperson. Clerk. Janitor. Principal. Supervisor. Welder. Seldom though is any job as simple as a job title might suggest. We play a variety of roles, and do a variety of things within the scope of that job – whatever that job is.Some people will answer that “So what do you do?” question with, “I’m a consultant.” I remember when my grandmother asked me about my new job at Chevron, and I answered with “I’m a training consultant.” Grandma wasn’t satisfied with that answer, so she probed further, “but what do you do?” she asked.After a few minutes of discussion and explanation, she said, “Oh, you teach adults!” That was, in part what I did then, and happily, nearly twelve years later that is still what I do. I am a trainer, speaker, leader, writer and more. But most of all, I am a consultant. It may seem logical that I am a consultant, but you might not realize that it is very likely that in at least part of your work, or in other areas of your life, you are too.Consulting is a big word – not in letters or syllables – but in scope. Consultants can play many valid roles, and therefore many roles that people play at work can be looked at as consulting.Some of the RolesTechnical expert Mentor Coach Lecturer Train What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales a Myths of Wholesale Buying and Where to Find Products Faulty information costs you money! Which of these
popular business misconceptions do you believe?Buying and selling wholesale goods is frequently viewed as a sort of ‘get rich quick’ scheme, where sellers can make enormous profits from very little investment or work. Three months after they started, people just don’t understand why things haven’t gone according to plan! There are four myths in particular that seem to lead would-be sellers astray time and time again:Myth #1: Ebay is the best place to sell your wholesale goods. Now this is a particularly popular one. As the world’s biggest marketplace, eBay has made its fair share of millionaires. What you don’t hear about so commonly, is all the people who struggle to make a profit from eBay because 100 other people are selling the exact same products – for more competitive prices.This is not a new situation. Supermarkets and large discount stores often run at a loss on some items in order to attract more customers. For small or new sellers, this is a deadly scenario.The fact is, eBay is simply too competitive in some categories. Electronics, jewelry, designer clothing and computer games are all dangerous territory for the new seller. You won’t stand a chance against established sellers who’ve already got a strong following and highly competitive prices.So what should you do? If your product falls into these or any other highly competitive category, I recommend shifting your focus to less competitive markets such as selling through classified newspapers in your local area.While you won’t be reaching audiences of the size that online auctions sites such as eBay provide, buyers that use these alternative mediums to purchase goods are 9 out of 10 times more likely to pay significantly more for products. Not only will your margins can be much higher, you’ll also have far less competition to deal with.It’s also a good idea to try using eBay international sites Popular Misconception #1: "We Only Need Our Books Done Once A Year For Tax Purposes." Are Your Accounting Records Adequate To Run Your Business? Although it is important to keep records for tax purposes, it is not the only reason (or even the primary reason) good accounting records should be kept. Another frequent reason clients request financial statement preparation is to obtain bank financing. Although important, this also is not the primary purpose of keeping good records for your business. Good recordkeeping will enable you to extract meaningful financial information for your business that will help you to manage it properly. If you can`t access this information, you will not be able to manage your business properly. Bad management leads to business failure. Yes, the primary reason good accounting records should be kept is to produce periodic (at least on a monthly basis) financial statements for management information purposes. Only with this current financial information can you properly manage your business. This information can alert you to declining sales, excessive expenses, tax opportunities, cashflow problems, and many other vital concerns for your business. To be of value, this accounting system should be set up with meaningful account categories and departments. It may be cost-effective to have an outside accounting service do the monthly bookkeeping. However, with accounting software that is readily available, you don`t have to be an expert bookkeeper to do your own books and extract meaningful financial information. If you do your monthly statements yourself, it would still be prudent to have your accountant or business advisor help you set up your system and, as well review such information with you to discuss problems and opportunities. Popular Misconception #2: "Writing My Hobby Off As A Business Loss Saves Me A Lot Of Income Tax!" Is Your Hobby A Tax Write-Off? If your business has no reasonable expectation of profit, if it is a hobby and not really a business, you will ultimately fail in your tax objective. Since your losses are being incurred for a hobby and not a true profit generating business, the tax authorities will take the position that you aren`t entitled to any deductions. This is a double blow. First, you`re losing money. Second, you`re denied tax deductions. It is true, however, that if you enjoy what you`re doing, you`ll do better at it. You`ll be willing to work longer hours and you`ll be willing to put up with more hardships in order to make your business a success. Rather than attempting to have the tax system subsidize your hobby, why not turn that favorite pasttime into a real, profit generating business? This is a doubly rewarding. First, you make money at something you love doing. Secondly, the tax authorities legally have to allow your reasonable expenses to earn your now substantial business income. Prove that you`re running a business by running a business. Prepare and follow a proper business plan. Keep good accounting records with at least monthly financial statements to give you the information you need to manage your business. Above all, make money from what you do. Popular Misconception #3: "I Don`t Make Enough Money to Incorporate!" Will Incorporating Really Benefit You? Some persons resist the idea of incorporating themselves because the tax savings may not justify the added costs of incorporation, annual minutes, and extra tax returns. However, incorporation gives advantages that go far beyond tax savings. Insurance may give you some protection against loss. However, you may suffer business losses and lawsuits that may not be covered. For extra protection, consider incorporating yourself. The limited liability of your own corporation alone may justify the additional cost and complexity. Corporations may also be used for income-splitting with your family, as well as estate planning and retirement planning objectives. Additionally, corporations lend some credibility to smaller businesses and may enhance your image and prestige in the eyes of clients or suppliers. Lower corporate tax rates will generally apply on small business income. Even in loss years, wages can be paid by the corporation to you so that you may utilize personal tax credits available. If unincorporated, these credits might be lost forever. The now larger corporate losses can be carried forward to future (hopefully more profitable) years. A full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation is beyond the scope of this report. However, being incorporated may give you more flexibility and advantages than you originally anticipated. Certainly, it is not prudent to reject it as an option simply because it is more complicated and costly. In fact, it may be one of the best investments you ever made. Popular Misconception #4: "I really need an office out. Being home-based makes me look amateur!" Is A Home Office REALLY Professional? Many times small business persons make the mistake of generating unnecessary overhead in order to impress clients and prospects. Often this attitude leads to escalating debt and business failure. One such example is getting an impressive, but expensive, commercial office space. Customers aren`t stupid. They can see when such outside space is necessary or advantageous for them. They can also see when it is a waste of money and designed to fuel your ego. What matters most to clients is whether they are getting cost-effective results or not. If your product or service delivers such excellent value, your customers will be impressed and come back. In contrast, if one allows his ego to get in the way of satisfying the customers` needs, they will go elsewhere. With the move to telecommuting, downsizing, networked communications, and home-based businesses, operating from your home office is actually smart and trendy. Can you think of a more appropriate location for a consulting firm specializing in home-based businesses? They of all businesses should set the example in cutting unnecessary expenses and operating efficiently. This is not to say that there aren`t any disadvantages to being home-based. One certainly must be well organized, disciplined, and willing to follow good time management principles. This alone could mark you as more professional than other businesses, home-based or not. Expensive office space is not the answer to reflecting a professional image. If you are truly concerned about your image, offer quality service. Make sure that all your corporate communications (telephone, websites, printed materials, et cetera) reflect the professional nature of your business. Popular Misconception #5: "Since we`re not seeking financing, we don`t need a business plan." Do You REALLY Need a Business Plan? To obtain financing, many persons will prepare a business plan. Although entrepreneurs will go to great lengths to get their loan or capital, these same business persons will not bother to plan ahead very far or analyse their business. Even if you required no additional money, preparing a business plan can help you to succeed in your business. Running a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a map,sufficient gas, money, or even a destination. Just as you wouldn`t go on a vacation without some planning, no business can be successful without it. Putting that plan in writing helps you to think out a strategy for successfully operating and growing your business. Where is your business today? Where will it be tomorrow? What is your mission statement? What product lines are profitable? Which ones aren`t? What business do you think you are in? What business do your clients think you are in? Should you be in a different business? Is your product or service less attractive to your clients? How are competition, global commerce, technological and social changes affecting your company? What is your competitive strength? What are your weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy? What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales an Problem Solving / Corrective Action Hobby A Tax Write-Off?IntroductionThis article introduces the problem-solving model as a technique for managing performance issues that are more controversial, or that are not effectively addressed through coaching or feedback. Issues such as tardiness, being out of uniform, continual poor performance, and others are best handled by a direct, objective approach. By following the Problem Solving Dialogue Model taught in this article, you can feel confident in addressing these thorny issues with employees.Problem solving sounds so simple. However, we know it isn’t as simple as it seems. Employees don’t behave as we hope they would. Problem solving conversations are the ones we all tend to — or want to — avoid. Why? Because we fear — or are concerned about — how the employees may react. In a minute we will find ways to overcome these challenging situations.What you must remember is that it is important NOT to avoid these conversations as a result of feeling uncomfortable about having them. If you were the coach of a baseball team, you would want your players to give it their all. What they should be able to expect of you in return, is that other players on the team are performing as they need to. Why should the shortstop play his heart out if you let the pitcher or first baseman not play at the same level?Key PointsGuiding questions are a significant tool when in a problem solving dialogue. Regardless of the emotional response of the employee, we must always focus on the problem behavior not the problem employee. It is not personal.Two key things to keep in mind are:• Always treat the employee with professionalism, dignity, and respect.• You are responsible for the performance of your entire team. If you let the lack of performance of any one person go unaddressed because you are uncomfortable dealing with it, you are If your business has no reasonable expectation of profit, if it is a hobby and not really a business, you will ultimately fail in your tax objective. Since your losses are being incurred for a hobby and not a true profit generating business, the tax authorities will take the position that you aren`t entitled to any deductions. This is a double blow. First, you`re losing money. Second, you`re denied tax deductions. It is true, however, that if you enjoy what you`re doing, you`ll do better at it. You`ll be willing to work longer hours and you`ll be willing to put up with more hardships in order to make your business a success. Rather than attempting to have the tax system subsidize your hobby, why not turn that favorite pasttime into a real, profit generating business? This is a doubly rewarding. First, you make money at something you love doing. Secondly, the tax authorities legally have to allow your reasonable expenses to earn your now substantial business income. Prove that you`re running a business by running a business. Prepare and follow a proper business plan. Keep good accounting records with at least monthly financial statements to give you the information you need to manage your business. Above all, make money from what you do. Popular Misconception #3: "I Don`t Make Enough Money to Incorporate!" Will Incorporating Really Benefit You? Some persons resist the idea of incorporating themselves because the tax savings may not justify the added costs of incorporation, annual minutes, and extra tax returns. However, incorporation gives advantages that go far beyond tax savings. Insurance may give you some protection against loss. However, you may suffer business losses and lawsuits that may not be covered. For extra protection, consider incorporating yourself. The limited liability of your own corporation alone may justify the additional cost and complexity. Corporations may also be used for income-splitting with your family, as well as estate planning and retirement planning objectives. Additionally, corporations lend some credibility to smaller businesses and may enhance your image and prestige in the eyes of clients or suppliers. Lower corporate tax rates will generally apply on small business income. Even in loss years, wages can be paid by the corporation to you so that you may utilize personal tax credits available. If unincorporated, these credits might be lost forever. The now larger corporate losses can be carried forward to future (hopefully more profitable) years. A full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation is beyond the scope of this report. However, being incorporated may give you more flexibility and advantages than you originally anticipated. Certainly, it is not prudent to reject it as an option simply because it is more complicated and costly. In fact, it may be one of the best investments you ever made. Popular Misconception #4: "I really need an office out. Being home-based makes me look amateur!" Is A Home Office REALLY Professional? Many times small business persons make the mistake of generating unnecessary overhead in order to impress clients and prospects. Often this attitude leads to escalating debt and business failure. One such example is getting an impressive, but expensive, commercial office space. Customers aren`t stupid. They can see when such outside space is necessary or advantageous for them. They can also see when it is a waste of money and designed to fuel your ego. What matters most to clients is whether they are getting cost-effective results or not. If your product or service delivers such excellent value, your customers will be impressed and come back. In contrast, if one allows his ego to get in the way of satisfying the customers` needs, they will go elsewhere. With the move to telecommuting, downsizing, networked communications, and home-based businesses, operating from your home office is actually smart and trendy. Can you think of a more appropriate location for a consulting firm specializing in home-based businesses? They of all businesses should set the example in cutting unnecessary expenses and operating efficiently. This is not to say that there aren`t any disadvantages to being home-based. One certainly must be well organized, disciplined, and willing to follow good time management principles. This alone could mark you as more professional than other businesses, home-based or not. Expensive office space is not the answer to reflecting a professional image. If you are truly concerned about your image, offer quality service. Make sure that all your corporate communications (telephone, websites, printed materials, et cetera) reflect the professional nature of your business. Popular Misconception #5: "Since we`re not seeking financing, we don`t need a business plan." Do You REALLY Need a Business Plan? To obtain financing, many persons will prepare a business plan. Although entrepreneurs will go to great lengths to get their loan or capital, these same business persons will not bother to plan ahead very far or analyse their business. Even if you required no additional money, preparing a business plan can help you to succeed in your business. Running a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a map,sufficient gas, money, or even a destination. Just as you wouldn`t go on a vacation without some planning, no business can be successful without it. Putting that plan in writing helps you to think out a strategy for successfully operating and growing your business. Where is your business today? Where will it be tomorrow? What is your mission statement? What product lines are profitable? Which ones aren`t? What business do you think you are in? What business do your clients think you are in? Should you be in a different business? Is your product or service less attractive to your clients? How are competition, global commerce, technological and social changes affecting your company? What is your competitive strength? What are your weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy? What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales a Reasons For Background Checks on Employees s estate planning and retirement planning objectives.
Additionally, corporations lend some credibility to smaller businesses
and may enhance your image and prestige in the eyes of clients or
suppliers.Do you own a business? Are you responsible for the hiring of firing of employees? Do you also have the responsibility of job assignment and duties and are you the one who is held ultimately responsible for the actions of those working under you? If the buck stops with you, you may want to start doing background checks on your current employee’s as well as future candidates.The technology is available for us today to find out all kinds of relevant information about the people who work for us as well as those who would like to work for us. This information can be very helpful if deciding if someone is right for the job. For example, a car dealership would not want to hire anyone with a poor driving record because their company car insurance costs would rise dramatically. Most car dealership employees do drive company cars at one time or another. You would also not want to hire anyone with a history of financial problems to handle money. If they have trouble managing their own, they probably won’t be much better at managing yours.A person who has a history of filing frivolous lawsuits may not be someone you would want working for your company. Although there are lawsuits filed that definitely have merit, if a person is suing someone every chance they get, they may only be interested in easy money. They may not be the best workers or reliable. You may also have concerns about your own companies assets being attacked by a unwarranted lawsuit.A criminal history or criminal record check is also advised. You would need to be cautious when hiring someone with a history of assault. This could mean an anger management problem. A person who has restraining orders filed against them may also someone whom you would need to use caution in hiring. This could indicate a personality disorder.All in all, background checks on employee’s ca yield a great de Lower corporate tax rates will generally apply on small business income. Even in loss years, wages can be paid by the corporation to you so that you may utilize personal tax credits available. If unincorporated, these credits might be lost forever. The now larger corporate losses can be carried forward to future (hopefully more profitable) years. A full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation is beyond the scope of this report. However, being incorporated may give you more flexibility and advantages than you originally anticipated. Certainly, it is not prudent to reject it as an option simply because it is more complicated and costly. In fact, it may be one of the best investments you ever made. Popular Misconception #4: "I really need an office out. Being home-based makes me look amateur!" Is A Home Office REALLY Professional? Many times small business persons make the mistake of generating unnecessary overhead in order to impress clients and prospects. Often this attitude leads to escalating debt and business failure. One such example is getting an impressive, but expensive, commercial office space. Customers aren`t stupid. They can see when such outside space is necessary or advantageous for them. They can also see when it is a waste of money and designed to fuel your ego. What matters most to clients is whether they are getting cost-effective results or not. If your product or service delivers such excellent value, your customers will be impressed and come back. In contrast, if one allows his ego to get in the way of satisfying the customers` needs, they will go elsewhere. With the move to telecommuting, downsizing, networked communications, and home-based businesses, operating from your home office is actually smart and trendy. Can you think of a more appropriate location for a consulting firm specializing in home-based businesses? They of all businesses should set the example in cutting unnecessary expenses and operating efficiently. This is not to say that there aren`t any disadvantages to being home-based. One certainly must be well organized, disciplined, and willing to follow good time management principles. This alone could mark you as more professional than other businesses, home-based or not. Expensive office space is not the answer to reflecting a professional image. If you are truly concerned about your image, offer quality service. Make sure that all your corporate communications (telephone, websites, printed materials, et cetera) reflect the professional nature of your business. Popular Misconception #5: "Since we`re not seeking financing, we don`t need a business plan." Do You REALLY Need a Business Plan? To obtain financing, many persons will prepare a business plan. Although entrepreneurs will go to great lengths to get their loan or capital, these same business persons will not bother to plan ahead very far or analyse their business. Even if you required no additional money, preparing a business plan can help you to succeed in your business. Running a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a map,sufficient gas, money, or even a destination. Just as you wouldn`t go on a vacation without some planning, no business can be successful without it. Putting that plan in writing helps you to think out a strategy for successfully operating and growing your business. Where is your business today? Where will it be tomorrow? What is your mission statement? What product lines are profitable? Which ones aren`t? What business do you think you are in? What business do your clients think you are in? Should you be in a different business? Is your product or service less attractive to your clients? How are competition, global commerce, technological and social changes affecting your company? What is your competitive strength? What are your weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy? What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales a Case Study: High Aspirations Key to High Performance Technologies' Success a more appropriate location for a
consulting firm specializing in home-based businesses? They of all
businesses should set the example in cutting unnecessary expenses and
operating efficiently.The ability to weather a crisis can often determine the success or failure of a small organization. In 2003 High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTi), a 240-employee provider of IT services specializing in enterprise architecture, applied science and systems engineering and development, faced a tragedy and a series of aftershocks that have had defining impact on its culture. The firm not only survived but is stronger as a result.Founded in 1991, the firm, which primarily caters to government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lost its co-founder and original CEO, Don Fitzpatrick, along with its general counsel and accountant, in a plane crash. That incident alone dealt HPTi a severe blow. Notes CEO Timothy Keenan, who assumed the post following his partner’s death, “At the time, every person in the company had been hired by either Don or me. So we were very much family.”However, literally adding insult to injury, after the crash HPTi’s competitors went on the offensive, attempting to wrest its clients away on the premise that it couldn’t survive such a tragedy. The firm was forced to assess and redefine its position as a midsized IT provider, in between the small and very large firms that were awarded government contracts.However, attending to the grief of his employees was first on Keenan’s to-do list. The accident happened on a Saturday and by the following Monday, grief counselors from the firm’s insurance company were on hand at each of the company’s locations (HPTi has offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, Maryland and New Jersey in addition to its headquarters in Reston, VA). Keenan personally talked to each employee within the week and visited with all of the firm’s clients, assuring them that they would be quick to rebound.And rebound HPTi did. The year 2003 turned out to be one of the firm’ This is not to say that there aren`t any disadvantages to being home-based. One certainly must be well organized, disciplined, and willing to follow good time management principles. This alone could mark you as more professional than other businesses, home-based or not. Expensive office space is not the answer to reflecting a professional image. If you are truly concerned about your image, offer quality service. Make sure that all your corporate communications (telephone, websites, printed materials, et cetera) reflect the professional nature of your business. Popular Misconception #5: "Since we`re not seeking financing, we don`t need a business plan." Do You REALLY Need a Business Plan? To obtain financing, many persons will prepare a business plan. Although entrepreneurs will go to great lengths to get their loan or capital, these same business persons will not bother to plan ahead very far or analyse their business. Even if you required no additional money, preparing a business plan can help you to succeed in your business. Running a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a map,sufficient gas, money, or even a destination. Just as you wouldn`t go on a vacation without some planning, no business can be successful without it. Putting that plan in writing helps you to think out a strategy for successfully operating and growing your business. Where is your business today? Where will it be tomorrow? What is your mission statement? What product lines are profitable? Which ones aren`t? What business do you think you are in? What business do your clients think you are in? Should you be in a different business? Is your product or service less attractive to your clients? How are competition, global commerce, technological and social changes affecting your company? What is your competitive strength? What are your weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy? What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales a Are You Meant To Have Success? What is your competitive strength? What are your
weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their
weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy?A few years ago, I was going through a very difficult time in my professional life. I had finally figured out what my purpose was, and I was excited to share it with the world.I started a business based on my purpose and put my heart and soul into that venture. Not too long after I started, I began to feel really frustrated by the lack of success I was seeing. Try as I might, nothing I did was attracting enough clients to my business.I thought maybe offering different types of products was the answer. I introduced quite a few new products, and a couple of services, but that didn’t help attract any new customers.Soon, I felt like my business was in complete chaos. I was going in so many directions. My mind always felt so scattered. Whenever I tried to set goals, I didn't even know where to begin. There were many times I felt like maybe I wasn’t meant to be successful.I was speaking to a friend about my turmoil and she said something very simple to me. She said "It starts with you Jenn. Things are chaotic because your thoughts are chaotic. If you want this to change, it's simple. Change within. Once you stop being chaotic on the inside, things will come into focus on the outside."That was the turning point. She was right. I needed to simply decide what I wanted to do, and take action to get it done. Sounds impossibly simple, right?It is! Law of Attraction says that we get exactly what we focus on. Our outside world, is a direct reflection of what is going on inside of us. If your thoughts are scattered and unsure, they will create chaos.If you want to change you business, look at your thoughts, and where you are focusing your energy. Energy flows where attention goes. If your attention is scattered and unfocused, you won’t be able to put focused energy toward anything.Once you clear your mind and focus on what What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget? What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have you made to deal with such problems? The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as a roadmap for your business. Popular Misconception #6: "I like bartering with clients because it saves paperwork and taxes." Are You Reporting Barter Transactions? Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income and sales tax purposes. Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business. Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be taxable. If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales and similar taxes may apply on this transaction. On the other hand, if I trade accounting services for a vacation for my family, I should really declare the value of such services as income. The firm supplying the vacation would be able to deduct that value as accounting fees. Any sales or similar taxes would have to be paid on such transaction. Many persons don`t record such transactions. For some, it may be a matter of wanting to believe that you don`t need to be bothered with the extra paperwork or taxes. Remember, though, that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Legally, you must keep proper records and pay all taxes due. Popular Misconception #7: "All My Workers Are Self-Employed, So I Don`t Need To Bother With Payroll Or Workers` Compensation." Do You Need To Pay Payroll Taxes? To save on payroll taxes and workers` compensation premiums, many employers arrange their affairs in such a way that those working for them are self-employed, independent contractors. This is good tax planning. On the other hand, some employers take the position that all those working for them are self-employed, whether they are or not. Although it is tempting to eliminate payroll taxes and workers` compensation premiums, care should be taken to do so legally. Whether those working for you are employed or self-employed is a question of fact (which can be determined by the Courts). Do you supply the tools and vehicles? Do you determine the working hours? Do you have the right to control how the job will be done? Do you pay a flat-rate or by-the-hour or a salary? Does your worker have other clients? By asking several such questions, a pattern will emerge as to whether your worker is employed or self-employed. If it turns out that your worker fits all the criteria of an employee, don`t say he`s self-employed. On audit, you would still be responsible for the payroll taxes (and penalties and interest as well). Even if your workers are considered independent contractors by the Income Tax Department, it is still possible that they will be considered to be "workers" for purposes of Workers` Compensation legislation. Thus, it is the responsibility of the employer to determine whether such coverage is necessary or not. Failure to obtain proper coverage could subject you to substantial (and unnecessary) costs. In review, calling someone self-employed, doesn`t necessarily make them self-employed. If you have a dog, call it a dog. Your position that your dog is really a cat will not be successful. Likewise, make sure that your position regarding your workers is legally correct. Popular Misconception #8: "My Accountant Charges Too Much. I Can`t Afford It Anymore." Is Your Accountant Worth His Fee? Many business persons view bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation as necessary evils. In their view, accounting fees are an expense to be reduced, deferred or even completely eliminated. A good accountant, however, can give you benefits far in excess of the fees charged. Well-designed accounting systems will enable you to extract meaningful financial information for your business that will help you to manage it properly, avoid business failure, and alert you to declining sales, excessive expenses, tax opportunities, cashflow problems, and many other vital concerns for your business. Your accountant can save you lots of money with the advice you receive on tax and other business matters. As well, a competent accountant can be a valuable resource in discussing business problems and opportunities with you. Popular Misconception #9: "Nobody Makes Money On The Internet." Can You REALLY Profit From The Internet? Many people feel that the Internet is all hype. Many others feel that it is overrated. Still others are of the opinion that it may be good for some types of business, but not theirs. Typical comments heard include: "I`ve lost money on the Internet...Major corporations have lost millions...Do you personally know anyone who has made money from the Internet?" However, if you check out the list of recent billionaires, a high proportion of these are Internet-related, and many of them under forty years of age. As well as the very rich, you can find many cases of more modest financial prosperity resulting from Internet commerce. It is true that many are losing money on the Internet. It is also true that many don`t know what they`re doing. However, with the proper assistance, you, too, could profit from the net.
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