Bookkeeper vs. Accountant
When hiring a bookkeeper, be very specific in the role that you want the bookkeeper to fill. Do not expect the bookkeeper to be an accountant. A bookkeeper is trained to know basic accounting and financial reporting, in fact, they often supply the financial reports to the accountant, however, a bookkeeper is not trained to fully advise how to set up an accounting system (even though some do, and I have), and they are not fully trained in filing tax returns (such as franchise, year end, and annual types of tax submissions).
read moreOn the Flip Side: The Mindset of Fake It Until You Make It
As a small business advocate, a soldier for entrepreneurs and fresh-out-of-the-starting-gate solopreneurs, my “Fake It Until You Make It” thoughts focus on the mindset of you are what you think. Think it and you will be it. Don’t listen to the doubting lies in your head, or the loving “suggestions” from family members who don’t understand what you do (for a living), instead, focus on the “I am…”. I am capable. I am worthy of change. I am able to start a business. I am succeeding at business. I am learning. I am being the best that I can be. I am loved. I am supported. I am making a difference in the world. I am doing what I was created to do, and I am doing it well.
read moreUpdate Those Social Media Profiles!
For business owners, profiles are one of the top areas for potential connection. When someone is interested in learning more about us, where do they go to find out more? They head straight to the About page of our website, and they head to the profile section on social media. Our social profiles clarify who we are, what our businesses provide, and what problems our services resolve.
read moreCommunication Challenges in Virtual Teams
Personally, as a virtual assistant, the sense of being a part of a team is both inspiring and encouraging! It keeps in the forefront a sense of who and what we are working towards! (Of course, we’re always working towards helping a business succeed. But this adds the who and why to the equation…it is icing on the cake!)
read moreCustomer Service No-No’s and the Alternatives
Listen to your customers. Hear what they have to say. Do not assume you know what they are going to say. One small deed of good customer service goes a long way (to a better experience, and a better world in general). Your efforts in customer service are not just applied towards the dollars that you earn per hour, they apply to the world that you hold in the palm of your hand at that very moment. That, my dears, makes good customer service.
read moreWhere Do You Want to Be a Decade from Now?
We looked at the next decade, and figured out how we wanted to live it out. When we turn 70, our hope is to be able to say, “I enjoyed the past 10 years!,” rather than, “Why did I work so much? I am now tired!” What is more important than that? Not a lot.
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