Link love

I've never cared much for search engine optimization (SEO).  I just let this site grow in popularity organically.  But as I set up a new business, I realize how important it is.  If people can't find you on Google, then you are invisible.  You may as well not even exist.  When I posted yesterday about the new business I am starting that rents plastic reusable moving boxes in DC and Florida , I

Elf Boxes Plastic Moving Boxes Coming to DC

I am in the final stages of launching a new business.  It will be starting in West Palm Beach, Florida this week.  And I hope to launch it in Washington DC too.  This company will rent plastic reusable moving boxes.  These are easier to use than cardboard (no tape required, no assembly required), are stronger than cardboard moving boxes, don't fall apart in the rain, and are eco-friendly.

Tax Returns And Moira Stewart

This article explores how a tax adviser would be better placed to approach the busy January period in a stronger position.

As Christmas approaches and everyone gets into the festive spirit, spare a thought for the poor souls who work in personal tax. November, December and January are by far their worst months for working longer hours to get the tax returns done. Combine this with clients who either panic and are constantly checking for a status update for their tax return, and those who are so laid back they think it is ok to give their information on 29th January and stress levels can be high. 

Tax advisers are generally creatures of habit. They don’t like shocks, surprises or to receive any kind of unanticipated curve ball in relation to their client’s tax affairs. They like to plan for all eventualities, and ensure that all bases are covered.

However, even the most timid tax adviser needs to prepare themselves for what the months of December and January bring. Year on year, they will say ‘never again!’ or ‘the clients will get their returns earlier next year!’ but rarely is this the case. For the adviser, it is better to approach the completion of the tax returns across a year, rather than pile it all in just before deadline. However, this is easier said than done.

All tax advisers will have the come-day-go-day easy-going clients who leave everything to the last minute. They think nothing of giving the adviser their tax return information at the last minute and expecting a two day turnaround. And in most cases they will get this. Because tax advisers, by their nature, will not let a client submit a record a minute late if they can possibly help it. This is the case even if they haven’t seen their families for three weeks.

How can this client be tackled? A well timed letter – perhaps around the end of October when the paper filing deadline has been reached – explaining that the fees will be higher unless they get the information to them by 30 November?  Or perhaps a thinly veiled threat that unless the information is with the adviser by 30 November, there will be no guarantee that it will get done in time?

Fee scaling can work well. Those clients who religiously get their full, complete information to the adviser in April or May could be incentivised by a discount. Those who are religiously late should have a fee increase. Once it hits their pockets, they will soon pull their fingers out to get the information to their advisers earlier.

Article written by Jane Thomas, personal tax specialist, on behalf of Pro-Tax.

Small Business Marketing Tips: 6 Things to Avoid

Running a small business can be daunting. It takes a lot from you and the pressure can be a source of stress and anxiety. It is important that you learn from the mistakes of others so that you will be able to survive and make your business flourish. After all, it is wise to learn from people that have achieved their goals. Here are some of the things you should avoid when marketing your small business.

Failing to do your research

If you have spent enough time to do your research; you could have averted a disaster. If you have time to save your small business, do it. With the competition and the dynamics of the industry, it is easy to get lost in the maze and lose everything. It is important that you know how everybody is doing in terms of marketing their business. Develop relationships with the local chamber of commerce so you can have tips on how you can market your own business effectively. Never think about starting your small business right away without giving yourself enough time to learn more about its basics and most important facts. Starting a small business is definitely not something that you will just be guessing if it is going to work or not. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your money and wasting your time and effort.

Spending too fast, too much

Spending money is good. Spending too much and too soon is bad. You need to learn how to spend your meager marketing budget wisely. Smart business owners should never part with their dollar until there is a solid study on the feasibility of the marketing plan. Start small and gradually work your way up as necessary. Don’t be lured by the glitter of instant gratification. One of the greatest traits of a marketer is patience. Be strong enough to fight against your own urge of spending too much especially over unnecessary things. Be a wise spender. This will prove to be your best trait and your ticket to success as a business owner.

Spending too little

If you are wary you spend too much; there is a tendency that you spend so little. This will stunt your organization’s growth. There is more harm in spending little than spending a lot. When you spend so little, you are risking opportunity cost; where you lose the opportunity to draw customers to your business. Make sure that you have a solid plan and follow it to the hilt. Do you know the word “balance”? This is exactly the best word that you will need to apply in your daily life as a small business owner. Without balance, you run the risk of suffering from too much stress and anxiety due to your difficulty in managing your finances.

Too much reliance on social media

Social media is a great marketing tool. Sadly it is not a magic bullet to cure all of your marketing woes. It is good that you added social media to the marketing mix. However, if you rely on it too much, there is a tendency to neglect other factors in the mix and end up as a failure.

Use communications

Marketing is all about communicating to your customers. If your customers don’t know what you are up to, nobody will. It is important that you are able to get your message across and let them know that you are in business.

Failing to keep current customers

Current customers spend more than new customers. It is five times harder to convince a new customer than a current customer. If you are unable to create a loyal customer base you are going have to do your marketing from scratch over and over again.

The truth of the matter, most new small business folds up after five years. One of the major reasons is the inability to do marketing well. If you pull the stops and learn how to avoid marketing pit falls, you may overcome the five-year itch and probably stay on longer in business.

Ryan Rivera used to suffer from anxiety attacks for seven years.  He now dedicates his life helping those who suffer from stress, anxiety and panic attacks through his writings.  You can read more of his articles at Calm Clinic.