Not every prospect should become a client. Some clients expect to pay a compliance fee to receive an advisory service. It’s not their fault. If a prospect starts the conversation…
A positive mindset will only get you so far
A positive mindset and a healthy dose of optimism is essential for every entrepreneur otherwise we’d be better off as employees following somebody else’s dream. But a positive mindset will…
I wish my accountant was more proactive
I’ve lost track of the number of accountants who describe themselves as “proactive” on their websites. According to Cambridge English Dictionary: Proactive = taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens For an…
I hate DLAs!
Many of our small business clients make a reasonable profit but still get into financial difficulty because they don’t thoroughly track their DLA (directors’ loan account) throughout the year. Well,…
What skills does a modern accountant need?
With AI taking over the duller bits of our jobs, what skills does a modern accountant need? Communication – reading between the lines as to what clients (and HMRC) actually…
£15,000 of bookkeeping errors! £3k of tax errors!
That’s what happened when a small business client set themselves up on software and let the AI and their own inexperience guide them. Usually we set up the software and…
Building a business that works for you
When I take on a new client, whether for Minerva Accountants or for coaching, I always start with WHY they started their own business. They usually fall into one of…
How I won my first clients and what I’d do differently today
Looking back on when I first set up my first business I didn’t have a clue about marketing. I’d read all the books (okay, maybe not ALL of them) and…
The 7 Biggest Mistakes New Practice Owners Make
Most of the mistakes come down to a lack of confidence and uncertainty. Undercharging – you don’t know how much to charge and aren’t confident of your value Taking any client with a pulse – you’re desperate to…
Borrowed years
Most business owners set up with a purpose, with an end in mind. Whether that is a £million business or a particular income or just a decent work-life balance. They…