WARNING: Precision and Caring ahead
I work with a lot of CPAs in my bookkeeping work. As a general rule of thumb I work WITH them and they work with me. We are a team for our client and, I think, that makes us an asset to the client’s team. I am knowledgable on bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes therefore I often spot things before the CPA has a chance to see them. I’m in my clients books regularly and many of the CPAs I work with come to rely on me to assist them in watching for things they need to look at.
I pride myself on the fact that I care about my client’s businesses and assist in any way I can to make them a success. If I see an area where they may save tax dollars (legally) or alleviate a possible problem or even save money I will let them know. (Heck, what business owner doesnt want more money in THEIR pocket?!?!) I consider that my job.
Recently I got a new client whose books were a disaster. The client knew they needed help and got it. I did my thing and their books look amazing now. There were a couple areas that I recommended they speak to their CPA to make sure they were on track, it is the fourth quarter and nows the time to double check things for the end of the year. So, the client did. Unfortunately, the client’s CPA told them my bookkeeping was “too precise” and that I “cared too much”, as though that’s a bad thing.
If my caring and wanting clean books is a bad thing then so be it. But, I have many (MANY) clients who hire me, keep me around, and refer me to people they know BECAUSE I care and keep precise, clean books.
So, a warning to all clients, potential clients, and wanna be potential clients: I care about your business, I care about you and your success, and I strive to give you clean, accurate and precise books. And no, I won’t apologize for that. And CPAs, I refer clients to you based on how you treat me and my clients, I expect caring and precision from you too.
Reading for business
If you know me then you know I love to read. I have a Kindle (it’s actually my second because I read so much I had to get the newer, smaller version as soon as it came out) and I read a lot. In 2010 I set a goal of reading 100 books, I read 109. This year I set a goal of reading 30,000 pages. I won’t meet that goal but I’ve still read a lot.
This month there’s a pretty cool event called Dewey’s 24-hour Read-a-Thon. An organization I cofounded, VA League, is putting together teams to participate in this event. The idea of the event is to read for 24 hours bUt, if you’re like me that’s a little intimidating. So we have blocked out time throughout the day and we’ve set out to have one or more teams reading the entire 24 hours.
I’m really excited about the event. It’s literally been in the works since the VA League was in the thought of stage. My entire family is participating and I know other people are getting their families to participate as well.
Literacy is a big deal. It’s sad to me how many people can’t read…not just other countries but here. I’d like to use this event, now and in years to come, to help bring awareness to the literacy problem. I’m sure this will be an annual (or twice a year because I think they do this twice a year) event and hopefully our little group will grow and we’ll be able to do our small part to help put an end to illiteracy.
Of course you’re welcome to join us. Let me know and I’ll get the information to you to get you on the schedule to fill one of our time slots.
Beating the Odds
Did you know that 70% of all business started hit the 2 year anniversary mark? Did you know that only 51% of businesses make it to their 5 year anniversary? What about 10 years, that number drops to 35.8%. Of the businesses started only 39% make a profit over their lifetime.
My parents had four children, two of the four started their own businesses. Both of those two are running PROFITABLE businesses and both have surpassed the five year mark. My brother has been in business for 11 years and this month marks NINE YEARS for me.
It’s through a lot of dedication, patience, and support that we’ve beat the odds but I think those are darn good numbers.
New Taylored Office Solutions staff
I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of the Taylored Office Solutions staff. Panda specialized in warm fuzzies and drooling. Her greatest asset to the company is the stress relief she provides to all staff members. Panda will be overseeing the staff health wellness program.
Please feel free to stop by the office any time to greet Panda. She loves small treats and scratches.
Happy Holidays!
To all my US clients — Happy Independence Day! Here’s wishes for a safe and happy time with your family and friends as we celebrate the day of our Independence.
And, to all my Canadian clients — happy late Canada Day! I hope you enjoyed your day!
Efficiency and your BlackBerry
We all need tools to make us more efficient. I know my BlackBerry is one of those tools. Well, within my BlackBerry I need tools to make it more efficient. Well, I found one that I’ve been using since shortly after I got my first BlackBerry.
I wrote about it this month on the GeekGyrls site.
My First 5k
I’m doing my first 5k the end of this month. Why, I don’t know other than I want to do a 5k. It’s the first one and a friend is holding me accountable. Plus I paid my registration fees already.
I’d love your support! Here’s the link to my support page if you’re able to support financially. If not, I could still use the moral support.
More Blackberry Tips
Anyone who knows me knows I love my Blackberry. My friends ask me for tips on using their Bberries. I recommend apps and share my knowledge. I have a great relationship with my Bberry. It goes with me everywhere. It is right by me when I sleep (it’s my alarm — it’s not some crazy addiction). Heck, this weekend I was out of cell range and struggled because there were some apps that I couldn’t use because I didn’t have reception. (Don’t worry, I did fine — I just hiked and played in the river longer to compensate.) I LOVE my Blackberry.
Well, today I posted over at GeekGyrls one of my favorite Bberry apps. Have a look…do you have a favorite Bberry app?
Pink Spoon Telecamp
Are you going? Pink Spoon Telecamp
I attended the free teleclass last week and it ROCKED. I know there are still a few more days for their special discounted registration. Be sure you check it out and let me know what you think. 
The 3/50 Project
Have you heard of this?
I read about it on one of my favorite local stores blogs. Of course, Dean is such a great write you should read what he says here and here. The projects website is awesome (looks nice too) and describes the idea very well here.
Basically, the idea is to find 3 local owned, independent businesses that you want to supoport and commit to spending $50 a month in locally owned independent businesses.
Obviously the businesses you choose to support are going to be different than the ones I choose. But, it’s a pretty simple idea that could have a very big effect on your local economy. According to the 3/50 Project website: “For every $100 spent in locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the local community. When spent in a big box, chain, or franchise, $43 remains. Purchases made online return nothing to the local economy (unless the online store is local).”
One more reason to buy local.
