All Things Consulting
The challenges of business are rich and varied. And even if you do almost everything else right, if you make the following two mistakes, you may unwittingly chase customers, business and profits away. First, if your priorities don't line up well with what's important to your customers, you could be working very, very hard...on all the wrong things. Second, if you don’t have a way to translate those priorities into actions you can plan and manage easily, there’s no … [Read more...]
There’s a plethora of blogs out there now. Finding good ones can be a challenge sometimes. Here are a few that are great resources for consultants and small business owners, each offering their own take on topics related to running a business. Women in Consulting—of course this would be number one. :-) But really, you’ll find posts that cover the full range of issues confronting consultants and small business owners. Social Media Examiner—if you follow only one social media blog, … [Read more...]
Time after time, there are rulings from the IRS stating someone lost their deduction due to bad record keeping. Karen Hough had to pay $100,849 in taxes because she “estimated” the business expenses. She relied on her testimony to prove the deductions, while the IRS required documentation. She did not have cancelled checks or receipts. The IRS could see she spent money, but because she could not prove the items purchased, the deductions were denied. There were no excuses. I had … [Read more...]
"The finish line." -- When you read those words, what do you think? And what do you feel? Do you imagine, or recall, experiences of: Soaring across a finish line? Struggling to cross it? Missing a finish line altogether, despite your best intentions and most dedicated preparation? If you’re like most people, your experience with finish lines – and goal achievement – covers the full range from exuberance to missing the mark at times. Goal-setting and goal achievement is, of … [Read more...]
Processing 1099’s can be confusing and frustrating. Admin Books enjoys passing on important information that will help you find your way through the requirements of 1099’s. Here are some facts you need to know! General 1099 Rule: If you pay someone more than $600 in a calendar year for services, not material/product, then you are required to provide a 1099 showing the amount you paid. One tip is to collect a W-9 at the time of payment so you know if the business is a sole … [Read more...]
The jungle is dark, humid and dense. Birds of all kinds sing and call, while other animals rustle through the underbrush. The adventurers hack through the plants with their machetes to blaze a passable trail. It’s hard work, and it had to be done so they have a clear path to get where they’re going. Is your website like that jungle? Recently, I met someone at a conference and wanted to learn more about them while following up. So, I carved out a few minutes to check out their … [Read more...]
We’re human. All of us. (You, too). And sometimes we find we can’t do it all, after all. -- So how do you ask for help? Maybe the thing we should focus on is why we hesitate to ask for help. It’s easy to think these things as a consultant: –You have to have all the answers. –You’re supposed to be done learning. –You’re being watched and being judged. And on that last count? -- You probably are, if we’re honest. But don’t worry. The people you work with (including … [Read more...]
I hope you have enjoyed the past days gathering with family and friends. It is good to change up our schedules and pause to ring in the New Year. I wanted to remind you of a few things…not my favorite thing to do, but important so that you will have less stress in your business and in getting ready for your tax return. Write down the odometer reading on the vehicles you use for business. It is important to know what percent you are using the vehicle for business and the amount for … [Read more...]
The holidays are a time of giving. As you get organized this holiday season, keep these organizations in mind to donate the items you no longer need: Donate new or gently used household items, clothing, toiletries or toys to your local shelter. www.innvision.organd www.ehclifebuilders.org Donate overflow of office supplies or craft materials to Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT), an organization assisting educators with low cost materials for "hands on" education. www.raft.net Donate … [Read more...]
As year-end looms and you work to meet the year’s final goals, here are two of many possible scenarios. 1. You are GOOD for the finish line. You have the right time, money, energy, attention, skills and other resources you need to get the job done. 2. You are HOPING miracles are real…because you need one now. In this case, priorities may be unclear, or absent. Resources may be limited, or poorly aligned with your goals. Skills, knowledge or experience available to get the job done may … [Read more...]
