Are You Ready To File Your Taxes?

The new year is in full swing and with the chance of a fresh beginning means getting rid of some old things like:  paying taxes.

I know it isn't what you want to hear but it can be relatively painless if you get your ducks in order.

Check out this previous post I wrote about doing just that.

Also, check out the show notes from a recent podcast on Entrepreneur on Fire.  CPA Josh Baurele discussed the implications of the new tax laws and how it could affect small business entrepreneurs.

Don't procrastinate.

Start the new year off strong and get your books in shape. 

Keep it Sunny!

STRIPE PAYMENT PROCESSING SOLUTION FOR YOUR CLIENT PAYMENTS

Your business is thriving and but you're having issues with faulty credit cards and making easy online payment solutions available for your clients. The technology is available and as it is true of most things in our world today: There is an app for that! Check out Stripe as a payment processing solution for your clients.  

An article posted by QuickBooks online states that, "Credit cards have evolved into one of the most common methods of consumer payment, with nearly 60% of U.S. consumers using cards over cash, according to a recent report by the Federal Reserve". It is important that as an entrepreneur that you provide a simple, easy and convenient tool for your customers to use. This will help them pay for your services easily and it will help you collect receivables more efficiently.

Stripe is a great payment solution that comes with a hosted page that is included in its price. This means your customers will not be taken away from your website to make a payment. Unlike PayPal which does have a hosted page but you must upgrade to their pro plan for that feature. Stripe isn't an invoicing program so you need to connect it to your bookkeeping software which is relatively easy.

The fees are comparative to PayPal. Both Stripe and PayPal both charge 2.9%+$.30 per transaction fees.  The major differentiators that I like are that Stripe has a hosted page for clients to go to for online payments, their fraud resolution tools are user-friendly, they integrate with many third-party apps like QuickBooks Online and they are cost competitive with other comparative options.

Give your customers another option to pay for your services online and check out Stripe to see if it can work for you.

Keep It Sunny!

How To Run Your Business Without Employees

Are you struggling with the idea of whether or not to hire an employee to help you in your business?

If so check out one of the first posts I wrote on this very topic and see if it helps to clarify your thoughts.

 

KEEP IT SUNNY!

IS IT TIME FOR A BUSINESS CHECKUP?

We all get busy and if you are a team of one then it can get increasingly hectic to make sure your business is going in the direction you want. You might have a few sleepless nights wondering if your bookkeeping is in order or how to get the shoebox of receipts into your QuickBooks account.

What about writing out a future plan to grow your business? That probably fell by the waste side as you got focused on resolving a client issue. You might have thought about creating some sort of standard operating procedures for your business but got busy wearing your marketing hat. I get it.

Check out a previous post I wrote on this topic that pinpoints some areas to zone in on.  And share some of your administrative challenges in the comments below so we can collectively learn from each other.

KEEP IT SUNNY!

Do You Have What It Takes To Run A Health & Wellness Business Online?

Running a successful business is hard work.

Running a business that is focused on helping people be the healthiest

that they can be & using the online platform as your storefront can be

EXTREMELY challenging. 

Is it doable?

Of course it is.

Are you up for the challenge?

That is a question that only you can answer.

While you are pondering this question check out this article I read on

DamyHealth.com and learn about the pros & cons of running a health &

wellness business online.

KEEP IT SUNNY!

How To Stay Focused & Not Get Burned Out When Building Your Business

How is your business doing? Do you have everything on your checklist done? What about client acquisition? If you're feeling overwhelmed then check out my previous post on how to get your motivation back and get back on track.

 

Keep It Sunny!

I Am Not Making Money

Photo Courtesy of graur razvan ionut|Freedigitalphotos.net

Does this sound like you? "If I had more time to market I know I could increase my bottom-line. I am so frustrated that my business isn't making more money and I feel like throwing in the towel. This isn't the dream I had in mind when I started my business and it is turning into a nightmare". These are the thoughts of a very unhappy entrepreneur.

As a small business owner I understand that trying to do everything all at the same time AND take care of your marketing efforts to win new clients is a lot of work. I am exhausted just thinking about it. 

But there is a way to make your dreams a reality.

The first order of business is to recognize that you are having a problem. The second order of business is to get some help. Let other professionals such as a bookkeeper or a virtual assistant into your business life.

Do not be fooled into thinking you can do everything that you need to do to keep your business afloat. Start making money by making an investment in a business partnership today. So are you drowning? Tell me what is keeping you from making money in the comments below.

Keep It Sunny!

The Art Of Collaboration In Your Business

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles|Freedigitalphotos.net

What are the common themes that popular companies like Google, Zappos & Apple possess? Innovation and a company culture that supports collaboration amongst team members. When talented professionals come together and are given permission to use out-of-the-box thinking then magic can happen. 

Are You Blocking Success?

If you want your business to soar higher than you ever imagined then think about how you can use collaboration to achieve innovative results. Working with freelancers, virtual assistant professionals and other consultants may give you the competitive edge you need. When you allow yourself to brainstorm, share ideas and see a different perspective, you move one step closer to reaching success in your business. Are you ready to delegate & collaborate? Share your thoughts with me below.