I know that I have the ability to achieve my definite purpose in life; therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action towards its attainment, and I here and promise to render such action.

I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction, which does not benefit all whom it effects.

I am succeeding by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use and the cooperation of other people. I induce others to serve me because of my willingness to serve others.

I eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, cynicism anger and fear by having true love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude towards others can never bring me success.

I cause others to believe in me, because I believe in them and in myself.

This Is my creed, this is my quest.

To never stop striving for the top, to always keep moving forward, to always be the very best I can be.

I am the power. I am the magic. I can not be stopped. I am successful.

I promise to always be true to myself, because I am the creator and master of my universe, and am responsible for making a positive difference in the world and to the quality of life in it.

I live in constant and never-ending improvement!

Is the cost of having your tax accountant organize your records more expensive than filing your tax return? 

What is the cost of procrastination?   

Can you afford to organize your own files?   

Before filing your business tax return or handing your details over to your tax professional, it is imperative that you consider the following 8 points of preparation.   Organize all your information in such a way that filing returns and paying taxes becomes a whole lot easier.

Carl Leaman, President, Be The Best Business

8-Point Tax Preparation Checklist

1.  Organize your data:  Consider changing your filing system from the traditional method to using file labels that reflect your tax return. This tip will greatly reduce the time needed to collect all your data and organize it in a special folder, reduce stress, improve productivity, and keep you focused on tax planning throughout the year.  Typical categories required are sales, cost of goods purchases, and expense accounts along with personal details, such as any new investments in property or stocks. Make a list of deductible expenses—money spent on training, business travel, contractors, and other business expenses.

2.  Check your exemptions:  Contact your tax accountant and ask about which tax exemptions may apply to you.  You should also ask for this information whenever you are making a new investment or significant purchase.  Don’t forget that not all states have the same tax exemptions as provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

3.  Collect your family details:  You will also need to collect your spouse’s and children’s details.  If you and your spouse have jointly invested in or sold some property, the tax implications will have to be calculated.

4.  Keep your basic information ready:  Always keep you and your family’s basic information such as social security numbers, previous years’ tax returns, driver’s license numbers, etc., on hand when you’re preparing to meet with your tax professional.

5.  Keep your mortgage or rent statements ready:  If you are receiving rent on any property, making mortgage payments on your place of business, or even paying installments on a car that you use for business, then have those account statements ready for your tax professional.

6.  Make tax planning a priority:  Remember, your tax accountant will charge more for last minute filers. Keep in constant touch with your tax accountant and ask them any questions that come up.  Nip any problems in the bud instead of letting them go and until the last moment. You need to ensure that your business returns are filed on time, every time. Do not give the IRS any reason to cast doubt on your intention to pay your taxes.

7.  Keep money ready:  Proper planning will provide time to manage the cash flow requirements needed to file your return and pay your taxes, if you have not paid enough during the year, and explore legal alternatives where you may be able reduce your tax obligation.  To make paying your taxes easier when the time comes, keep a slightly higher amount than you expect to owe in your business bank account, so that you are not late in making payments.

8.  Invest in tax-saving shelters:  If you have surplus money, then rather than paying higher taxes, you can invest that money in ways that will shelter it from taxes. Your tax professional can guide you in these matters. For example, they may be able to find ways that you can acquire an asset or make an investment and save money on your taxes at the same time. This checklist will help you file your business taxes faster – and lower your stress levels.

List of the 10 most common taxpayer mistakes according to the IRS.

Coach Carl

Carl Leaman, President, Be The Best Business

If you think of your business as a doorway, and just on the other side of the doorway is your product or service.  And reluctant to enter the doorway is the prospect.  How do you get them to come in? With marketing!   Think of marketing as a type of force on the prospect. You can choose to pull the prospect through the door or you can push them through the door.

What is pull marketing?  Pull marketing is where you develop lead generation strategies that are meant to entice the prospect to buy your product or service.   Some classic examples are “FREE” or “half off!” or “bring in this coupon to save 25%” or “buy one get one free”, etc.

With pull marketing,  you are trying to create a sense of increased, time limited value so that the customer will come into your business to buy.

What is push marketing?   Push marketing is where you develop lead generation strategies geared toward distribution and business alliances to entice them in promoting your product.    As a consumer,  you rarely see this type of marketing when it is directed to business to business.  It might include wholesale discounts, kickbacks, bonuses, commissions, and other types of support.    It’s all designed to have the stategic alliance or retailer promote your product to the end users over a different product.

In recent years,  I’ve seen an exponential increase in another type of push marketing taking over.  It’s the referral and word of mouth marketing.  When businesses encourage happy customers to spread the word to their friends and families, that’s a type of push marketing.   Or, when companies make ads that are controversial, cheeky, or downright shocking, they create a little buzz – that’s another type of push marketing. 

Why you need both.   Just one strategy will not give you as good of a return.   I believe you need to balance both strategies to create a great marketing mix that powerfully entices customers to come through your door.   Some customers react to one type or to the other.   For example, the bargain hunters might react to the pull marketing tactics while the socially-aware buyers might respond to the push marketing.   Or, if you have a product that requires a lot of convincing to buy, the “double barreled” approach will help to ensure that they can’t resist your offer.  

Our list of successful lead generation strategies is available “FREE” for you.  DOWNLOAD NOW 

Please submit additional success strategies you have tried.  I will add them to the list.  Include in your success story the Test & Measure criteria,  the Conversion Rate,  and the Return on Investment,  experienced in your campaign.

Congratulations in your success in advance.

Coach Carl.

More business tips at Be The Best Business

More business tips by Coach Carl