Now, that sounds just like exactly what you need to get your business fired up and moving along! But then reality creeps in… There’s the pressure of creating a fresh, interesting and new idea. You can’t just reach into a magic hat and pull that perfect idea out. Sitting and waiting around for that genius to strike doesn’t seem action-oriented enough for you. You’re ready to get started on what’s next... but you need the idea to begin with, plus the insurance and assurance that … [Read more...]
Business Accounting – Keep the Receipt or Lose the Deduction
January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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...]
How To Avoid Tax Audit This Year: Learn About 1099 Tax Form
January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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...]
In the Spirit of Giving
December 27, 2011 By 1 Comment
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...]
Reflections on a Great 2011—and a Big Thanks!
December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Every year, WIC sends out 120+ holiday cards to the people who contributed their time to helping make WIC a success. Half of those people have regular, ongoing jobs with WIC. Yes, it takes that many people to make things happen, because no one on the team, save our association manager, gets paid to do the jobs they hold. So, we need to share the wealth, so to speak. But it also takes this many people, because the team does in incredible amount of work. I never cease to be amazed at the … [Read more...]
2 Traits To Create Relationship Through Your Brand – With People You’ve Never Met
November 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Are you “marketing at” your precious potential clients or connecting with them? In other words, do your marketing efforts feel more like you’re shouting at them with a megaphone, or like you’re having a two-way conversation? We all have a craving for connection and conversation – for that rich, recognition-filled two-way exchange of thoughts and information. That goes for both YOU and your potential clients… in fact, the effect can be multiplied many times over for your … [Read more...]
3 Ideas To Ick-Proof Your Brand
November 3, 2011 By 1 Comment
Do you ever feel like your brand is out of alignment with your values system? Like you have to do things in your marketing that you wouldn't want your mother or your mentor to see? If you said "yes", I'm curious: why is your brand icky? Your brand is made up of the look, the feel and the experience of doing business with you. Does it look like a mess? Is your design all over the place? Have you outgrown them and become more sophisticated and evolved? Does it feel pushy or sleazy? Are … [Read more...]
Cutting Marketing Drastically Can Hurt Your Business in 3 Important Ways
October 13, 2011 By 1 Comment
Cutting marketing during a down economy destroys marketing momentum, confuses and demoralizes your team, and delays your recovery when things turn around. 1. More about destroying momentum: Marketing is an essential cost of doing business, and it’s expensive to start over. Marketing momentum is a beautiful thing. Leverage from successful marketing initiatives helps bring about new opportunities. Building marketing momentum takes strategy, planning, smart execution, analysis and constant … [Read more...]
Make the most of harvest season…in your business, too
September 29, 2011 By 4 Comments
It’s harvest season. That’s true for people who make their living from the land. And it’s harvest season for you, too, as a business owner and consultant. These six weeks from mid-September through the end of October can be golden, and one of the highest productivity times of the year. That’s because, among other things: - The pressure’s on if you have annual goals that you still need to meet (and most of us do). - There’s still time to adjust to the … [Read more...]
Five ways you may be getting in your own way
September 27, 2011 By 2 Comments
What stops you, or your team, from achieving your goals? You might be surprised by the answer. Sometimes the biggest reason you're blocked from achieving success is...you. Do you scoff at the mere possibility that this is true? First, think back on difficult times and experiences. Perhaps these were times when: - You became overwhelmed - Your work - or life - became excessively complex - You fell short of your goals and expectations Now, consider how, and why these … [Read more...]
