Come 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will require all Americans to obtain health insurance. Small businesses with 50 or more employees will be required to provide full-time workers with affordable health insurance that complies with Obamacare’s standards. Small businesses with less than 50 employees will not have that same requirement, although any health care plan they offer must comply with Obamacare. All companies, big or small, must notify their employers, in writing, of the law and the ability to take advantage of state-based health insurance exchanges.
These requirements, along with the prohibition against barring any individual from health insurance due to preexisting conditions, may cause significant problems for small business owners. Entrepreneur.com writer, Dinah Wisenberg Brin reports that while some argue that Obamacare may save businesses money in the long run, many argue that the converse is true.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) contends that the law will make it “extremely difficult” for any small business to cross the 50-employee threshold. Also, businesses that go from 49 to 50 employees without extending health care insurance to the same could face a $40,000 penalty. The NFIB argues, “A business can avoid the penalties by firing employees, by not hiring new ones, by replacing full-timers with part-timers, or by outsourcing. Estimating the costs of hiring and expanding will be complex and confusing.”
Unfortunately many small business owners currently find themselves in the same position as their employees—uninsured. A Businessweek article by Karen E. Klein states a Kaiser Family Foundation study of insurance coverage found that “…small business owners are in similar straits as their employees: One-quarter are uninsured and half rely on a family member for coverage or buy private health insurance, if they can afford and qualify for it. Only 19 percent get insurance through their companies.”
Perhaps the insurance exchanges will eliminate some of these problems, as these marketplaces should be available in 2014 and allow individuals and small businesses to “shop” for plans among a variety of competitive options that must comply with Obamacare standards. Brin states that information on these plans should be available later this year.
Regardless, Obamacare has a fair number of small business owners concerned. The House Small Business Committee plans to hold a hearing on health-care reform which will address many of these issues. The committee has enabled small business owners to post their comments on Obamacare and how they think it will impact them and their small businesses:
Marsha Newberry, owner of a Texas small business posted, “The Affordable Care Act is certainly not affordable for us as a small business in America. …This has caused our company to examine our projects and reduce our employee numbers by eliminating the labor intense projects. All this to avoid mandated healthcare by the federal government. So we slow and/or reduce our company growth to avoid complete closure of the company. ”
A Nevada business owner posted, “We eliminated six jobs within the company, and we will continue downsizing. We will outsource the functions previously done in-house in order to stay afloat. We have no budget for this damage. If that doesn’t keep us afloat, we will close our business down by September 30 this year…”
The key here is in staying informed on Obamacare and how the issues will evolve and, eventually, impact your business. The ability to anticipate that impact will enable small business owners to make adjustments to their plans and projections in order to manage what is sure to be a significant learning curve.
Increase Your Business’s Profitability NOW!
Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center, has a lot of experience helping small businesses become more lucrative, and he’s written a book about it called In the Black: Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable. Practical and easy-to-apply, you can finish this book in one day and begin implementing those principles the next. To learn more about this book and some of the principles he shares, visit his website today!
Resources
Brin, Dinah Wisenberg. “Obamacare 101: How Business Owners Can Prepare in 2013.” 22 January 2013 Entrepreneur.com
Brin, Dinah Wisenberg. “Small Businesses Continue to Air – and Vent – Obamacare Opinions.” 7 March 2013 Entrepreneur.com
Klein, Karen E. “What Obamacare Means for Small Employers.” 4 October 2012 BusinessWeek.com
Complying with IRS Regulations
When you begin the search for employees, you must ensure that you complete all the necessary documentation in order to comply with IRS regulations. The following are three tasks you must complete before adding someone to your payroll:
1. Ensure Eligibility to Work in the US. To verify an employee’s ability to work in the United States, require him/her to fill out IRS Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This government form, provided by the office of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, enables employers to determine whether an individual is authorized to work in the states.
2. Secure Social Security Number. In order to complete the W-2 form, you must secure each employee’s name and social security number (SSN). You can make a copy of the card for your own records, although this documentation is not required. The IRS website offers the following clarification: “Do not accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for employee identification or for work. An ITIN is only available to resident and nonresident aliens who are not eligible for U.S. employment and need identification for other tax purposes. You can identify an ITIN because it is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number “9″ and is formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNN).”
3. Determine Employee’s Withholding. Each employee must submit a W-4 form, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, which you must keep on file. This is where employees state their filing status and withholding allowances which determine the amount of income tax withholding from their paychecks. The submitted form remains on file until the employee replaces it with an updated W-4. As declared by the IRS, “If employees claim exemption from income tax withholding, they must give you a new Form W-4 each year.” The W-4 becomes effective with the first wage payment following form submission.
While you may be aware of these regulations, your clients may not be, and failure to comply can cost them in the long-run. Consider providing them with a tip sheet that notes these three tasks, or refer them to the IRS website for more information.
Universal’s IRS-Approved Tax Training Will Help Meet IRS Regulations
Universal Accounting recently announced its approval as an IRS Continuing Education Provider, enabling individuals desiring to become Registered Tax Return Preparers to fulfill their CE requirements through Universal’s self-study and online tax courses.
The IRS oversees the approval of all CE providers. Because Universal’s tax training was already recognized as a sponsor of Quality Assurance Service (QAS) self-study courses after meeting the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s (NASBA) rigorous standards, the Professional Tax Preparer program was easily adopted by the IRS. Universal is happy to join the ranks of IRS-approved Continuing Education Providers and is confident that their tax training will enable countless graduates to advance their careers in the finance industry.
If you would like to learn how the Professional Tax Program can enhance your career, call Universal Accounting at 1-877-833-7909.
These days it’s called an alternative work schedule, a compressed work week, or a flexible work arrangement. Regardless of what some may call it, many view these alternative work schedules as appealing options. It enables employees to better balance their work and personal lives. And it can also increase productivity and save employers money. But how does it work and should you allow your staff to determine their own hours?
Flex-Time
First, let’s explain the differences. A flexible work schedule allows employees to work the traditional eight-hour workday but at a less traditional time. Many choose to start working their eight hours earlier in the day (for example, from six in the morning until three in the afternoon). Or perhaps they begin their work day later in order to end later—let’s say from ten in the morning until seven in the evening. Regardless of the schedule they choose, these employees are expected to be at work Monday through Friday at their predetermined times.
Compressed Work Schedule
A compressed work schedule allows employees to work longer hours each workday in order to shorten their work week. These employees are still expected to put in their full 40 hours but in a compressed work schedule. For example, a four-day work week requires employees to work four 10-hour days. A three-day work week requires employees to put in 13 hours and 20 minutes for three days in order to enjoy a four-day weekend.
Telecommuting
A decade ago, you’d find most employers weary of allowing their workers to telecommute. But what many of them have since discovered is that, when managed properly, allowing employees to telecommute often saves them money in office expenses while, in many cases, increasing productivity.
Should You Allow Greater Flexibility in Work Schedules?
Obviously, your have final say in whether or not you allow employees to adopt one of these alternative work schedules. Consider the following when making your decision:
Institute a trial period
You may be uncomfortable instituting an irreversible flex schedule without first seeing how well it works. View this trial period as the opportunity to prove just how beneficial this can be, not just for you, but for the employees and other colleagues who may want to follow your lead. If the arrangement doesn’t prove beneficial to the company, you can resume your traditional work schedule.
Anticipate obstacles
Consider all the factors that may make a more flexible work schedule difficult. How will the altered work schedule affect their responsibilities, performance, and their ability to interact with key constituents? Once you determine potential obstacles you can develop a strategy that may counter them.
Coordinate and Communicate
According to Emily Schmitt from Forbes.com, you should ensure that “…every department is on board with the flexible schedule and every employee is aware of who’s using it and what their hours are.” You should also talk openly about the flexible work schedules and encourage anyone to come to you with questions or concerns. And if they don’t come to you, be sure that you regularly check-in with employees to see how the new schedule is working for them.
A happy employee is usually a productive one who, in turn, makes the employer more productive and more profitable. If you’ve considered offering staff flexible scheduling of their work week, you may find that in instituting such a policy, your business is the first to benefit.
If you found this article helpful, consider taking advantage of our other free resources; join our free accounting and tax forums, follow us on Twitter and like us on FaceBook. You’ll be surprised at how Universal’s virtual community will enable you to stay in-the-know.
Resource
Schmitt, Emily. “In Pictures: Institute a Successful Flexible-Schedule Policy.” 16 March 2009 Forbes.com
Hiring Your First Employee
If only you could clone yourself, right? You would have twice as many clients and the capacity to bill for countless hours. But there’s still a way for you to expand your business without enlisting mad-scientist help: you can hire a part-time or full-time employee.
In just about every small business, there comes a time when the owner must decide whether or not to expand and hire employees to help them accomplish more; you can assign simple and tedious tasks to a trainee while leaving the more difficult tasks to yourself. While you’re still paying this employee, it is less than what you charge, enabling you to increase your clientele and your bottom line.
Chances are you’ll need to hire someone who needs a little training; you couldn’t afford to hire another you! So where do you look for a potential apprentice? Here are 5 places you might find the perfect employee.
1. Your Children. Maybe your children don’t even mow the lawn when you ask them to, but money is an amazing motivator. Let’s say you charge $40 an hour, and you hire your teenage at $10 an hour. That’s a great deal for your child who would earn minimum wage at the nearest fast-food restaurant; and you would still be making $30 an hour for ever hour your child works doing basic tax preparation tasks. You’re teaching your children valuable skills, providing them with great experience, and expanding your business all at the same time. And there are some tax benefits for keeping this business in the family as well!
2. Referrals from Family and Friends. This could be a little tricky; the last thing you need is a guilt trip to hire unemployed Cousin Joey. So have a game plan when you approach family and friends for referrals; clearly define the type of individual you’re looking for. You’re willing to train but unwilling to hire someone and all their baggage as a favor.
3. College Campuses.If you live by a technical school, community college or university you have a great pool of students to hire from. You need to remember that you’re providing individuals with a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain the experience they need to advance in a profession. Contact their academic finance departments to see if they could post the position for you; if you talk to the right person you just might find them referring a few of their top students your way.
4. Temporary and Permanent Employment Agencies. A temp agency provides a good opportunity to find someone with specific skills to work on a trial basis. There’s no obligation to hire the individual permanently, so you can test-drive their performance in order to see if the individual is a good match. The only downside is that if you choose to hire someone from a temp agency, you’ll have to pay the agency a finder’s fee.
You’ll also have to pay a fee if you hire someone from a permanent employment agency. The nice thing about this route is the agency can do the screening for you, enabling you to meet only the best applicants whose references have already been checked.
5. Want Ads (the good old fashioned way). Or you could post an ad in the paper or online. Be sure to ask for resumes and references so that you can screen all applicants before you begin interviewing.
At any point in this process it’s important to remember that you want to find the best applicants you can so that you won’t have to go through it again anytime soon. And remember that while you may have to train your employee upfront, if you find the right person he/she will save you lots of time and money in the end.
UAC’s Training Programs Will Help You Gain That Competitive Edge
Universal Accounting Center offers the best accounting, bookkeeping and tax training available. Consider growing your tax preparation business by offering additional services to potential clients, like accounting.
Most of your competitors don’t offer specialized small-business accounting services. But after completing the Professional Bookkeeper (PB) program, you can! Consider a training program that is catered to your needs and busy schedule—one that will enable you to earn a professional designation after just 60 hours of your valuable time.
When you enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program you receive to the following:
- Flexible training you complete on your own schedule
- Rich and engaging training DVDs you can view again and again
- Hands-on instruction and practice sets through which you gain much-needed experience
- Training in building and marketing your new practice
- 6 months of valuable follow-up support
- The opportunity to earn professional certification
- Our iron-clad risk-free guarantee
Expand your service offerings by enrolling in UAC’s valuable training programs. Call 1-877-833-7909 to enroll today!
What to Focus on When Starting a New Business
There are countless things to think about when starting your new business. From costs to clients, from office supplies to offices managers, you can waste your workdays worrying about all of them. Thankfully, not all of them are created equal, and if you focus on each and every one you will become overwhelmed and unproductive. You must limit your focus to a handful of issues that require the most attention in order for your startup to succeed:
1. Cash flow.
It’s important that you closely watch cash flow from the very beginnings of your business. Determine how much money must come in for your practice to be profitable. Only when you are properly managing cash flow can you know whether your current business efforts are successful.
2. Money-making efforts.
There are a lot of valid tasks you can perform in your business, but in the beginning you should focus much of your time and energy on money-making efforts. Of course that means you should perform as many billable hours as you possibly can, but in order to have clients for which you can invoice those billable hours, you must first market your services. If you haven’t yet developed a marketing strategy, now is a good time to decide which techniques you will use to promote your business to your target market.
3. Quality clients.
Especially when it comes to clients you should live by the adage “quality over quantity.” That may seem counterintuitive because in the beginning you will feel the need to secure as many clients as you possibly can in order to get your business up and running. But in the long run you will be grateful you spent your time searching for a few regular, high-paying clients rather than a lot of sporadic, delinquent ones.
4. Customer service.
Client retention has a lot to do with the customer service you provide. When you treat your clients with courtesy and respect, they are more likely to refer you to their family and friends. Also consider what they most need from a financial provider and do all you can to provide them with those services. If you can become a one-stop financial shop for your clients, they will often respond with increased loyalty.
5. Hiring good employees.
You may not need to hire employees initially, but when you do you must ensure that you hire well. Hold out for hard-working, qualified applicants before you make any decisions. You can lose more time and money revisiting the hiring process because you didn’t hire good employees the first time around.
6. What’s working.
You should expect to make mistakes a time or two as you get started. In fact, if you’re not making any mistakes it means you’re not taking any risks; you should attend to your mistakes and see what you might learn from them. In addition, you should focus on what is working. As you regularly assess your efforts, determine which are most profitable and continue or increase those efforts.
If you are ready to launch your tax practice full-time, you should consider adding accounting services to your menu. Not only will this attract more prospective clients, but it will ensure you have business year-round and not just during tax season.
The Professional Bookkeeper Program
You want your services to appeal to the greatest number of prospective clients. Over 85% of the opportunities in the accounting field are within small businesses. In fact, Universities prepare their students for corporate accounting which doesn’t address small business needs. Also more than 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years, and much of that failure can be attributed to lack of accounting expertise. Those small business owners need an accountant who can address their small business accounting needs.
When you enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program, not only do you learn small-business accounting, but you are trained how to become a company’s Profit Expert by using that accounting information to help these small businesses make informed decisions that increase their profitability which in turn increases your value to clients.
In less than 60 hours you could earn professional certification that demonstrates your newly-acquired expertise. You can do all this on your own time and at your own pace.
The Universal Practice Builder Program
You may be surprised to learn that most financial providers struggle, not because they don’t offer quality services, but because they don’t know how to effectively market those services. For over 25 years Universal Accounting Center has trained financial professionals like you in small business accounting. In all our years working with accountants, bookkeepers and tax preparers we’ve come to understand how to best market those services. We help you apply strategies and approaches that will grow your business to the point where you become so busy you may have to turn some clients away – that or consider increasing your staff in order to increase your capacity (and your bottom line!).
Our Universal Practice Builder Program will provide you with 12 marketing strategies that will enable you to secure 15 to 25 qualified leaders per month, a guarantee of $30,000 in new annualized billings in only 12 months, three months of master coaching, and access to a proven plan that will help you retain clients. Again, you can complete this amazing program on your time and at your own pace.
When you order these two programs together, you increase your service offerings and your ability to market them. Not only that, but both come with an iron-glad guarantee promising that if, after completing these courses, you feel they did not live up to your expectations, you can return the materials to Universal for a 100% refund. Not many organizations will back their training programs with that type of guarantee.
Take advantage of this marvelous opportunity to secure your new business venture. Order now!
10 Tips on Working More Efficiently (Part One of a Two-Part Series)
Also called “working smart,” efficient work strategies can makes any small business more profitable as owners determine how to get more done in less time. And as we are in the middle of what some would call a recession, getting more out of your work day could help you and your business fair better during difficult economic times.
In this two-week series we will discuss 10 tips on working more efficiently so that you can eliminate the unnecessary and find more time for billable hours. Here are the first five of 10 tips designed to help you work smart:
1. Clean and organize your workspace
You can waste hours looking for important documents if your office is not clean and organized. While this tip may seem like one designed to lengthen your workday rather than shorten it, you’ll find that setting aside just a few hours to tidy up your office will save you a lot of time in the long run.
And this tip is not for looks alone. You want to ensure that all your files are quick and easy to locate. So don’t just hide them in a box in the closet. Take the time to truly organize your workspace. And once you do, dedicate a few minutes at the end of each day to clean up your office so it doesn’t become unruly once again.
2. Schedule workday around your most productive times
One perk in being self-employed is that you’re not required to comply with a traditional work schedule. This can be incredibly helpful for those who may work better early in the morning or late at night. Determine the times of day you are most productive and schedule your workday around those times.
There’s no use working 9 to 5 if you find you’re most sluggish in the last afternoon. Maybe you could work from 6 to 11am and then again from 8 to 10pm. Ensure your schedule is realistic and works for you and your family. And if your schedule is highly unconventional, make sure you devise a method for contacting clients and colleagues, as their schedules are likely to be more traditional.
3. Establish a routine
Once you determine a work schedule you should develop a routine. Routines can help you work more efficiently. Determine when you will read and respond to email; abide by that routine. Determine when you will call and meet with clients; abide by that routine. While there will definitely be times you must break from this schedule, generally it can help you stay on task and reserve the bulk of your time for billable hours.
4. Hire help
Sometimes it does take money to make money. Some of your more tedious tasks could be accomplished by a part-time employee. While you may need to pay this individual minimum wage or more, think of all the time it affords you to make more money and possibly take on additional clients.
You may find your best employee lives in your home, just a hop, skip and a jump away from your office. When you hire a teenage child to work for your business, you not only equip them with valuable experience and key employability skills, but you also enjoy important tax breaks. As long as the child is under 18 he/she is not only tax deductible, but in a proprietorship they’re exempt from FICA, Unemployment, Workmen’s Compensation, and tax withholding.
5. Consider replacing some paper files with electronic files
Sometimes all that paperwork can bog you down. You may want to consider which files would be easier to manage electronically, eliminating the paper trail as well as making information much more accessible.
By following just a few tips, you could make your business function more efficiently, which will make you and your business more productive, and in turn, more profitable.
Join us next week when we will discuss the following 5 tips for working smart.
6. Perform similar tasks at same time
7. Dedicate more attention to higher-yielding clients
8. Avoid unnecessary meetings
9. Reduce the number of emails you send and receive
10. Be productive and not just busy
UAC Can Help You Work Smarter
Let Universal Accounting Center help you maximize work efficiency. In learning new skills you can enhance your service offerings and become more profitable. Our DVD 4-pack is designed to let people like you discover those skills that can enhance your practice. It includes the following DVD’s:
Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program–Learn how becoming a Professional Bookkeeper will improve your accounting skills and help you in your accounting career.
Yes Sample Marketing CD-Learn how to introduce your services to a potential client. Use this either for role playing, watching it while meeting with your client or passing them out.
Start Today and Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service–Learn how to make over $80,000 per year working from home while getting more clients than you can handle. 
Know how to charge your client so you can afford to take that next vacation while they get such a great deal they will be telling all their friends about you.
The Art and Science of Getting Clients–Learn proven marketing strategies designed to help accountants market their skills in order to get more clients.
Each of these DVD’s can help you work smarter. Order now and save nearly $25.00 on this valuable set. For less than $20 you can be on your way to a more efficient tax preparation business-or better yet, a more efficient full-service financial practice!
If It’s Accounting, It’s Universal:
Get to Know More About the Company That Will Change Your Career!
Universal Accounting is a company that is making a difference in the lives of their students! For those who are pursuing or looking into the possibilities of pursuing a career path into the Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation services, you need to get to know more about what all Universal offers in their comprehensive training programs.
If you prefer onsite classroom study or looking for the benefits received on independent study, we have developed the programs that you will be able to get the one-on-one experience in your own home. The skills we have used over the course of the last 28 years, with the trial and error, the fine-tuning of accounting methods and strategies, and what we and thousands more have experienced running their own practices – we have provided to you the advantage to stay on top of your profession. Our coursework is designed to be exactly what you will be doing when you are servicing the biggest customer base available, the small business owner.
If you are looking for the knowledge, the skills, and the know-how to start or build your accounting or tax practice, or just looking to gain the essential skills to further your career in your place of business, Universal’s Programs are what you are going to need.
Click here to take the Video Tour of Universal and all that we offer to you, the accounting and tax professional to be the best in your field and to have the success in business and in your professional life that you are seeking.Our exclusive short term courses do just that!
Imagine staying on top of the latest in the industry and having access to the experts who can assist you through training? Imagine what you are learning can be applied the very next day at work? Imagine being able to keep the materials, and the reading for continued referencing as you take that path in Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation? You don’t have to imagine too hard, because that is one of the many things you receive when you enroll in these specialized programs! Click here to get to know Universal Accounting.
Are You Ready For The Next Step?Be in business for yourself, but not by yourself getting paid what you’re worth! Are you tired of thinking, “Why not me?” You have gotten this far in your search to do what you want to in your chosen career, take the next step. The time is now to be able to get the training and the change you desire in your professional life. Click here to find out if Professional Tax Preparation Certification is a fit for you.
Be the Profit Expert Professional for Small Business! Don’t hesitate another day in getting the Accounting and Marketing Training that makes the difference. Click here to get more information on what you need to know about becoming the Profit Center Expert for small business accounting and tax!
July 26th, 2008 in
Finding Employment,
For Business Owners,
Get Educated,
Getting a Promotion,
Growing Your Practice,
Helping Your Clients,
Hiring Employees,
Increasing Your Profits,
IRS Tax News and Updates,
Learn QuickBooks,
Marketing,
Offer Accounting Services,
Personal Development,
Small Business,
Software,
Start an Accounting and Tax Practice,
Starting & Running a Practice,
Tax Preparation Certification,
Tax Tips,
Web Marketing |
Comments
Look No Further For Your Business Partner… It Could Be Your Spouse
There are 57 million married couples in the United States. Among the vows to love honor and cherish, many couples are making an additional commitment to go into business together. Do you remember your first few dates? Going into business with your spouse requires the same kind of introspection and choices. It isn’t for everyone, but many people find their spouse is the perfect business partner.My parents have been in business together for a long time. As an innocent observer for the last 30 or so years, I think the drive home makes it possible to work together and live together. The success of their marriage has been the ability to be a role-player at work and a spouse at home. The de-briefing time on the commute home makes all the difference for their relationship.I don’t think it was intentional. But they both drive to work in separate cars and come and go at different times. At first you might think it would be more convenient to commute together, but for them, the alone-time in the car to and from work lets them get in the home or work mind-set. This might not work for everyone, but it works for them.
A Tax Practice is a Great Business to Partner with Your Spouse
If you like to be together and enjoy each other’s company working together to accomplish a goal, starting a professional tax and accounting practice could be the perfect choice for you. Just like a marriage, establishing a model for resolving conflict and making decisions is critical.My parents have been very successful at dividing the responsibilities at work and functioning at home as a married couple. In fact, if my Dad wants to “talk shop” at home, my mom “gently” reminds him that the time for “shop talk” has passed, and now it’s time to be a couple. It took them a while to make the distinction, but now they are very successful at keeping work and home separate.
Is It More Complicated If We Work From Home?
It can be… if you’re not careful. I’m a big advocate of working from home, and with a little advance planning it doesn’t have to become an all-consuming life of business, business, business. Click HERE for to see if working from home is right for you.
All Partnerships Have Their Rewards
Expect a hiccup every once in a while. You will more than likely experience times when you disagree with each other. That’s what makes partnerships different from sole proprietorships. When you’re the only one who makes decisions, there’s nobody to argue with. There’s also nobody to give good, objective advice.Working through differences and achieving solutions will not only strengthen your business, but will often lead to better decisions. Besides, if you’ve done your homework ahead of time, the process for resolving differences will already be established and you’ll be able to solve problems at work without taking them home.
Love, Honor, Cherish… And be Profitable
Partnering with your spouse can be a wonderful experience. In fact, for tax professionals it’s the perfect partnership. There may be times when it’s a challenge, but the rewards are great. Because many professional tax preparers work half-time or less, semi-retiring with your spouse can be very fun.
The Professional Tax Preparer Certification Provides all the Tools You Need to Start a Profitable and Rewarding Tax Partnership
Partnering with your spouse might be a good idea for you, but a professional tax practice is a great idea. As the tax code continues to get more and more complicated, the need for skilled and qualified tax professionals has never been greater. Every year, more people have professionals prepare and file their income taxes… this is great news for you. If you take the first step.What’s the next step? Simply click on the link below and learn more about how achievable, profitable and easy starting a professional tax preparation business will be for you. You owe it to yourself to find out more about how you can create the income and lifestyle that you and your family deserve.OK… I’d Like to Learn How to Take the First Step… Show Me How to Earn a Better Income and Improve My Lifestyle
Have you ever been to a home that was last decorated in the 1970′s? How could you tell? Did the shag carpet give it away? Or maybe the mustard yellow countertops? Or was it the dark wood paneling in the basement?
Most people can tell when you’ve neglected a “look,” be it for your home, your wardrobe or even your business. Unfortunately, when you neglect your business’s marketing materials for too long, your brand becomes tired and worn and your look suggests dated services and an old fashioned approach to financial management.
Your Brand
A brand is what sets a business apart. When you “brand” your small business, you market it in such a way that anyone seeing your promotions will recognize them as belonging to your products and services. If you have branded your business based on the quality of services you offer, all your promotional materials should somehow share that message. And if you designed your website using two colors, those colors should also be found on your print materials, your business cards, and your signage.
1. Stand back and assess
Take a quick look at the promotional materials you use the most. How dated are they? Is the look and feel consistent among all your materials, including your website, your brochures, your flyers, your business card, your newsletters, and even your envelops?
2. Re-evaluate your message
You’ve probably noticed some inconsistencies in your materials. Before you change anything, re-evaluate your message and determine whether or not it’s communicating what you would like.
This may require you to reconsider your business values and the competitive advantage you offer clients. Perhaps in the beginning you thought it was important to offer timely service when now you realize how important accuracy is. Ensure your brand best represents your business and the message you want to portray.
3. Update your look
Graphic design can become a dated as well. Colors come and go, as do design trends. If it’s been over five years since you designed your logo and other promotional materials it may be time to give your brand a makeover. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, consider outsourcing this project to a reputable graphic designer.
4. Update your content
When it comes to tax law, information becomes dated rather quickly. It’s important that you update all your content so it’s current and speaks to your client’s needs.
5. Ensure consistency
Once you update your brand’s look and content, it’s time to ensure consistency among all your materials. You don’t want some random brochure to look completely different from all other branding. This will appear sloppy and unprofessional.
6. Evaluate your marketing approach
Now that you’ve updated your brand, it’s time to think about whether or not your current marketing approach is working. Are you seeing as much success as you’d like? If not, it’s time to consider other strategies that may get your business more exposure, especially using your new and improved brand.
One thing to consider when marketing your business is how to leverage all your skills in order to attract as many potential clients as possible. You may not realize just how much business you could get when properly promoting your QuickBooks expertise. From setup to consultations to help services, you could increase your offerings with no effort at all. It just depends on how you promote it.
Increase your clientele using a skill you already have. To learn how to promote your QuickBooks expertise in order to gain more clients, order QuickBooks Made Profitable today.
