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,…
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…
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…
I love you, I love you, I love you…
I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve come off a call or received an email and commented ‘that’s one of my favourite clients’. And it’s no accident that…
Key metrics for a startup business
Every business needs to keep a track of their numbers otherwise you end up being a busy fool. With the business trinity of software, bookkeeper and accountant this is relatively…
When was the last time you worked on your business?
We have a July year end, a legacy from when my children were small and my life revolved around the school year. August is my quiet planning time and, with…