Summer has been a break for many, extra challenges for others. For a small business owner – summer provides extra challenges with children out of school.

Just this week, I was chatting with a young father on the phone who was focusing on our telephone conversation and slowed down the arm action of feeding the baby.  This contractor immediately prioritized the questions he wanted to ask.  He got in two questions and the answers before the baby decided the interruption in lunch was unacceptable.

Part of our overall business model is to relieve you of some of the back office routine work.  This includes the bookkeeping services, payroll processing, preparing the Federal Quarterly Employee Reports all of the Washington State monthly and quarterly tax filings as well as the city and county tax filings. 

Running a business for the small business owner is an awesome task because there are so many things only they can and should do.  The FIRST item we stress is keep control of your company funds, Income and Outgo.  Never let anyone “help” you pay your taxes because in the end you are responsible, nobody else, more on this topic in a later post.

Chatting About Your Business

In most instances when the spouse contacts us it is because they are trying to help with the business but they know they need outside assistance so there is more quality time with the family.       

I meet with Prospects (contractors and spouses or partners) to discuss the options and overall company strategy on how we can be of assistance.   Many wives will set the appointment and we encourage them to do it. At the first appointment it is important the husband (contractor) attends because he will have questions and concerns that need to be addressed.  If everyone attends the first meeting then everyone is on the same page.                             

Top Reasons People Who Want To Become Clients Wait

1. Cash Flow - They have a more cash going out then cash coming in…. Why? Let’s review what is happening with the Estimates / Current Jobs / Completed jobs Jobs?
2. Frozen - Unable to see the situation changing anytime in the near future.  Let’s talk! – Doing The Same Creates The Same Result – Sometimes the smallest changes can make a big positive change in the right direction. 
3. Control - They need to handle every piece of paper; enter every document into QuickBooks and know every detail about what is going on.  The feeling that it is his or her responsibility as the business owner to “Master Every Task” no matter how hard it is or how long it will take.
4. Spouse has lots of time to do the paperwork because “It only will take her 10 minutes a day – at most!”
5. Spouse can do it all because she doesn’t cost me anything
6. I don’t have a problem!  If she wants the bookkeeping done bad enough by others it can come out of her money because it’s not coming out of my money! 
7. A few prospects have bragged about how “The Girlfriend” could do it – when she got tired of it – there always is another girlfriend around the corner…..and as a last resort there’s always my friend who has a “Wife” and she can be talked into doing it. 

Top Reasons People Become Happy Clients

One the first visit they bring in spouses / girlfriends / partners and we discuss how we can help them focus on the parts of the business only they can do!

Some have tried doing the bookkeeping themselves and found it wasn’t something they liked; or understood how to make it do, what it was supposed to do.  It is more than copy and pasting and entering numbers in the checkbook to get useful reports.    

One client was very happy and excited to have us take over their bookkeeping because it meant his spouse could do other things she liked to do……The fees we charged were worth her having the freedom to do other more productive things in the business and they both enjoy more quality time with their family.

Many spouses have active careers of their own; they want be supportive and have a very limited role in the background.  Yes – “Stay-At-Home parent” is his or her full time career!

On The Flip Side: 

 Recently I read a story about “The Wife” dreamed of owning her own business. 

She opened it – Her Happiest Day – wanted The Husband” to actively help

This was  – Not His Happiest Day.  He said:   “Thanks – But No Thanks”

Husband wanted to provide his wife with behind the scenes support

….Guys…..you ask all the time……

Not every spouse / girlfriend / friend wants to be part of your business. 

Some are willing to be of help behind the scenes; others not at all! 

The next step is yours

My special niche is Cash Flow, Payroll, Sales Tax, Quarterly Reports and Client Support.  I listen well and think in terms of Management about How Can We Help You Today!

Warm Regards,

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