If you’re looking to grow your business and attract new clients you may consider launching a press campaign in which you use media outlets in order to alert the public of your tax practice and the valuable services you offer.  In fact, this can be an inexpensive way to market your business to prospective clients.

In order to launch a successful press campaign all you need are a few key items:

Press Kits.  A press kit contains all the information about your business that a media outlet would use to run a story about you or your business.  Generally, everything in the press kit would be held in a folder that has your business name and logo.  You can also include a press kit on your website where you would link to all the information that would prove helpful to interested journalists.

Press kit items include:

• Biographies and photos of top executives (if you are the owner and sole practitioner, that executive would be you)
• A one-page fact sheet about your business
• Background information on your company
• Recent press releases
• Brochures describing your services

Some of these items are described in more detail below.

Media Lists/Contacts. In order to effectively use media outlets to distribute information about your business, you need to know which outlets reach your target market.  Looking at local publications like newspapers, circulars, and small magazines, you can determine which would most likely have readers that could also be prospective clients.  All these publications should be included on your media lists. As you work more closely with these organizations you become familiar with key contacts you can add to your media list as well.

Press Releases. You should take advantage of every press-worthy event to run press releases in local publications.  Newspapers and the like are hungry for filler pieces like that and will run them for free.  Just be sure that your press release is to-the-point and provides pertinent information about your business, the services you offer, contact information and all the details of your newsworthy event.

Fact Sheet. A fact sheet provides a quick snapshot of your business with a brief paragraph describing you company’s history, when and why it got started, the services you offer and the personnel you employ.  Ensure that all documents include contact information where you can easily be reached with more questions.

Media Alerts. You want to use the media to your advantage, so any time your business hosts or attends an event you should alert the media with an announcement.  In this, the event gets free media coverage that will enable interested prospects to learn more about your business by attending or reading up on the event.

Your Logo. In order for interested parties to include a copy of your business name and logo, you should include a logo for them so they can include the most professional image possible.

Photos and Biographies. Your business will look more professional if you can include professional photos of yourself and any other executives along with brief biographies which include work history and qualifications in reverse chronological order.  Journalists especially will find these helpful when interviewing you for a news story.

In being prepared you can easily launch a successful press campaign.  All you need are professionally printed documents and key information to get started.  Once you have that, you can be proactive and get the word out about your business at crucial times.

If you would like an example of press releases and other important press documents, visit Universal Accounting Center’s Press Room to learn more.

10 Tips on Getting More Done in Less Time (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

Robert Half once said, “The combination of hard work and smart work is efficient work.” In today’s economic slowdown, you need to work as efficiently as possible; you just might outlast a recession by learning how to get more done in less time. In this two-week series we are helping you accomplish that by sharing tips on working more efficiently. Last week we covered the following five tips:

1. A clean, organized workspace
2. Schedule workday around your most productive times
3. Establish a routine
4. Hire help
5. Consider replacing some paper files with electronic files

This week we’ll continue our discussion on working efficiently by covering five more:

6. Perform similar tasks at same time

When multi-tasking you can expend a lot of energy on the process of beginning and the process of ending the different tasks you’re trying to juggle: taking files from drawers, looking up phone numbers, logging into your email. You can save yourself some time by performing similar tasks all at the same time: making phone calls, scheduling appointments, reviewing your clients’ status, and emailing. When you do this you don’t waste precious time building momentum only to shift gears to move on to a different task.

7. Avoid unnecessary meetings

While some meetings are absolutely necessary, others are not. Maybe it’s time to put your appointment schedule on a diet. How many of those meetings are truly required in order to perform the function of your job? Consider the objective of each meeting. Can those objectives be accomplished with an email or phone call? When you limit the amount of time you spent in unnecessary meetings you leave yourself more time for what really matters: billable hours.

8. Reduce the number of emails you send and receive

Is your inbox swamped with new emails every day? Some of those can be eliminated by minimizing the number of emails you send to others. Every time you send an email ask yourself if your communication is complete. Even though you can probably send 100 emails to the same person without increasing your Internet bill, to do so would not be a very frugal use of your time. Include all current and necessary correspondence in one email rather than sending lots of short, independent emails. This will limit the number of responses you receive.

9. Be productive and not just busy

Truly successful (and wealthy) business owners are not just busy, but productive. The time they spend working increases their bottom line because they have figured out how to perform more billable hours. Examine your work schedule and see how you could limit the busywork that earns you nothing; then increase the billable hours on which your livelihood depends.

10. Dedicate more attention to higher-yielding clients

While it’s important to spend time increasing your client base, some of that time may be better spent attending to higher-yielding clients. They already find your services valuable. Is there more you can do for them? Do they need tax planning services or financial consulting? Or could you enhance your service offerings in order to become even more valuable to these clients? Chances are your greatest profits come from a handful of high-yielding clients. Your business could become more profitable by better serving their financial needs.

Universal Accounting Center’s Solution to Higher Efficiency

The wise financial professional looks for ways to add complementary services to his/her menu of services in order to get those higher-yielding clients to do even more business with him/her. In doing so, earning-potential and appeal to prospective and current clients is greatly increased.

By adding small-business accounting services to your menu you are able to increase your billable hours, which in turn, increases your bottom line. UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Program will teach you everything you need to know to manage a small business’s books, including how to market those services to prospective clients.

To learn more, order our video Introduction to the Professional Bookkeeper Program. This video will introduce you to the four module included in this course, demonstrating just how valuable it can be to you and your business. Survive the recession by adding accounting services to your offerings. You have nothing to lose and a increased bottom line to gain. Order the video today or watch it online for free.

You’re Fired? That’s Great!

Believe me… this could be a great opportunity. Getting fired may be really tough to take, but could be the best thing to happen to you. Just remember, you’re not alone. The halls of history are crowded with people who have been fired.

Sometimes out of the ashes of perceived failure rises the Phoenix of Incredible Accomplishment. Don’t consider it a failure, consider it as an opportunity. Let’s take a minute and talk about Soichiro Honda.

Do You Know Soichiro Honda?

Born in 1906, as a boy he helped his father repair bicycles in his home village of Komyo, Japan. At the age of 16 he left for Tokyo and worked in an automobile repair shop until age 22 when he started his own repair business.

At that time, most of the big businesses in Japan were run by “old money” families and a real “good-old-boys” network, but following the war, a number of new corporations sprang up including, Toyota, Fuji and Suzuki.

Soichiro wanted to make piston rings for Toyota and started a business to do just that, but was mocked because of his inferior designs. Despite the total rejection and humiliation, he was determined to manufacture piston rings for Toyota. Although he was a poor student, he went back to school and eventually came up with a piston ring that Toyota purchased and went to work constructing a manufacturing facility.

Because of the war, without raw materials to build a plant, Soichiro put his engineers to work. They created their own concrete, construction began and piston ring manufacturing followed. Soichiro was in the piston ring business.

Unfortunately a hurricane destroyed his manufacturing plant, leaving him broke and penniless.

What Did Soichiro Do?

Because he couldn’t afford an automobile, he put a small motor on a bicycle and went back to work. He eventually started making his motorized bicycles for friends and neighbors, when the idea to mass produce them made sense.

Because he had no money, he convinced a group of bicycle shops all throughout Japan to finance the creation of what became the Honda Cub, an incredibly popular motor-bike in Japan and the United States during the 50’s.

Soichiro Honda is a True American Success Story (Despite the Fact that He’s Japanese)

Today, Honda Motors is one of the biggest and most successful automobile manufacturers in the world. Who would have thought that after initially suffering humiliation and defeat atToyota, Honda Motors would become such an incredible competitor?

What Does this Have to do With Getting Fired?

Realize that the axe falls on just about everybody at one time or another. Mr. Honda may not have been an employee of Toyota, but he was fired and rejected by them. You are not alone. In fact, Francie Dalton, a business consultant in Columbia Maryland, says there are eight stages that most people go through after being fired.

1. Incredulity
2. Humiliation
3. Terror
4. Resentment
5. Acceptance
6. Perspective
7. Action
8. Control

Understanding your feelings as normal should make it easier to move on.

In fact, how it happens isn’t as important as what you do after it happens. The quicker you can jump to step 5 and move on, the better off you’ll find yourself.

Dalton goes on to say, “You can’t stay in the dumps forever, so why not take the next step now? You can stay miserable for two weeks, or get excited, seek better alliances and see this time as an opportunity.”

You Want Me to be Excited ?

Many folks who find themselves in this position realize that they face a really a great opportunity to do something that they really want. Often, they find it to be the perfect time to start their own business.

Starting a Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation business is a great idea right now. As small businesses continue to grow, the need for qualified bookkeepers and accountants will continue to increase. If you’re interested in a recession-proof profession that has created a profitable income since before the Italian Renaissance, I haven’t found a better profession than bookkeeping and accounting.

To learn more about what a fantastic opportunity awaits you, simply click on the link below. It may be hard to believe right now, but let me be the first to offer my congratulations on the new opportunites that stand before you.

Click Here to Find Out What a Great Opportunity it is to Own a Professional Bookkeeping Business

What Makes a Professional Bookkeeping Business Even Better?

Nothing is a better companion to a profitable bookkeeping and accounting business than adding professional tax preparation. By increasing the number of products that you can offer, you’ll not only be able to provide your clients with a complete financial service package, but will be able to create a better income for you and your family as well.

Why Should I Consider Adding Bookkeeping and Accounting to My New Tax Preparation Business?

As you can see on the graph at the left, income from a tax preparation business will peak during the first four months of the year. Many professional tax preparers are able to bill at rates that are $100 per hour or more, enabling them to work for 4 to 6 months per year and semi-retire the rest of the year.

As you are building your tax preparation practice, many of our graduates have found that adding a bookkeeping and accounting service has provided a means for them to stabilize their income throughout the year.

At Universal Accounting, we’ve discovered over the years that the average small business bookkeeping account will generate an income of approximately $300 per month. By billing your tax clients on a monthly basis and offering tax planning services along with year-end tax preparation services, you can feel confident billing $100 per month for tax preparation services creating a gross billing of $400 per month to clients who receive a complete financial service.

The graph below shows the impact that adding bookkeeping services and tax preparation services can produce for your business. Click on the link below for a more complete description of what combining a tax preparation business with a bookkeeping and accounting practice can do for you.

Click Here and Find Out More About Offering Full-Service Financial Services

Starting a Tax Preparation Business Makes Sense

Click Here to Compare Universal’s Professional Tax Preparer Certification to a Franchise

Unlike franchises, with an education from Universal Accounting you can begin your accounting and tax practice by operating out of your home. In fact, that’s what we’d recommend. You don’t need to run an accounting or tax service out of an expensive office space. The only people who will find you in an office will be the people trying to sell you something.

Universal Accounting Center’s Video Tour

A Wealth of Student Testimonials

Last summer, Universal Accounting Center updated their website and added a video tour to better introduce visitors to the UAC mission and to key Universal players. In our efforts to expose you to more resources found on UAC’s website, we’d like to share a portion of that tour with you today.

At the beginning of the tour you’ll find Allen Bostrom, President and CEO of Universal Accounting Center. Allen introduces the video tour, explaining what Universal has to offer accountants, tax preparers, and small business owners. Following Allen, Roger Knecht discusses the role UAC plays in helping countless graduates start and build their own accounting and tax service. Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Coons, Director of Human Resources, who talks about the wealth of student testimonials regarding Universal’s proven training programs.

UAC has been training accountants and business owners in the proper method of small business accounting since its doors first opened in 1979. That gives us over 27 years experience teaching professionals like you small business accounting, tax preparation, and marketing. With over 13,000 graduates since 1980, we have been able to gather countless testimonials from our students.

Mariam’s Video Segment

Mariam Coons talks about student testimonials in this video.

A Wide Variety of Ringing Endorsements

The great thing about our testimonials is that they come from a variety of sources. Many are looking to either open their own accounting practice or grow their current business by increasing clientele. Others are looking for new and improved job opportunities and promotions. While others still are interested in sharing a third-party review, either as a current or potential employer or a financial professional who has examined our training materials. Here’s what just a few of those individuals have to say.

New Job Opportunities
UAC’s training enables individuals with extensive, little or no accounting and tax background to advance their careers, find better jobs or earn promotions in their current line of work. Here’s what just a few of these graduates have to say:

I was particularly impressed with your ability to make accounting concepts simple. I am surprised at how much I was able to learn from you in just four weeks. - S. Patrick

Without your training program I would never have considered this position, I now have the confidence and the skills to be an effective member of the corporate level management group. - Ralph Coleman Read the rest of the testimonial

I am now working for a very prominent land developer. I manage several multi million dollar accounts and companies and am responsible for all of the financial statements and reporting of each account and company. - Jodi Eldridge

Business Opportunities
Many enroll in our programs because they’re interested in running their own accounting and tax practices. These individuals find that our exhaustive training prepares them for every situation they will encounter with their clients. They also appreciate the opportunity to pace their progress, either finishing the course in a matter of months, or within just 60 hours. Here are what a few of these graduates have to say:

I am a single parent who was registered at the community college to complete my accounting\bookkeeping course. This would have taken 2 years to complete. Having completed the course at Universal Accounting, I have cancelled my registration at the college. I now feel able to offer accounting services and will also be able to run this out of my home. - Lori Moore

Since I graduated from college, it has always been my dream to have my own accounting business which I could operate from MY own home. I know that I now have the information and tools to do this because of Universal Accounting Center. - K. K. Ellers

Even though I have worked for small companies and their books for quite a few years, I learned more in the first 2 weeks than in my years of doing books. This class has given me the confidence to go and start my own business with confidence. Thank you for an enjoyable experience. - Julie M. Hemsley

Employers and Other Satisfied Reviewers
We are also lucky to have employers and other professionals send us glowing testimonials regarding UAC’s programs. Here’s a small sampling:

I purchased the course as a review for myself, but also as a training tool for my two employees. My employees have a working knowledge in their areas of expertise (payroll and accounts payable), but little or no book knowledge of the complete accounting process…we are all impressed with the ease with which we are picking up and retaining the information. - Wendy Sines

I believe that it’s courses will be a highly worthwhile addition to the range of programs now offered by post-secondary educational institutions within the state.—W. Michael Seganish Read the rest of the testimonial

I have had the opportunity of not only interviewing, but in many cases placing graduates of the UAC’s training program. I have found that many of the graduates are place-able. I truly look forward to each graduating class and the opportunities that come from working with these candidates. - Sue Ellen Chaney

This is just a miniscule sampling of the countless testimonials we have on file, providing readers with the evidence they need to feel confident that this program can benefit their lives. Don’t just take our word for it. Read more testimonials or click continue to enjoy the remainder of Universal Accounting Center’s tour.

The Preliminary Survey Results Update

We at Universal would like to thank those who responded to the survey we’ve conducted these past couple of weeks. We are continually gauging and taking measurements on how we can best answer the challenges that all of us face in the Tax Preparation business. We appreciate your time and the interesting insights that were shared. And we would like to share some of the results we received from others like you.

The following, which are not in any particular order, are some of the feedback we received from you.

1. Branching Out To New Horizons.
One of the trends we saw with the responses we received is that a greater portion of you have a full time job, i.e. employed by another company in the capacity of the financial person in the company (Comptroller, Accounts Receivable/Payable, Accountant etc.). That the majority were looking to gather the best information, gain the proper skills and the know-how to branch out to new horizons. Even for those who had and ran their own Tax Preparation business, the factor of going to the next level with revenue, accounts and customers was a call we heard in the responses. We will remain at-the-ready on this to help those who want to get that promotion at work, or change companies, or start their own Paid Tax Prep business. Even those who have that type of business, and just want to grow it, we are there for you.

2. An “Ear” To The Tax Changes.
Many who responded thanked us for keeping up on the changes on a national level of what’s happening in regards to new laws and requirements of the federal government on the Tax Preparation profession. It’s our pleasure to be of service to you in these essential matters. Like you, we are affected by these changes and would like to receive up-to-date information as well. That is why we “keep our ear to the rail” and monitor what is coming out of Washington and the IRS. We know this type of information is invaluable to those in our profession and so we will continue to commit our time and resources to make those changes known to you.

3. Business Management Tactics
For those who have their own business, and for those who are running their own departments in someone else’s business the topic of managing your time, and your processes of doing things are on your mind. We have some insight on business management, and how to be successful in the daily grind of work and how to keep yourself organized and on task. We have written many articles on this subject, and it is clear we need to keep this in the forefront for our valued readers. Be looking for more of these type of articles in the Tax Tips Newsletter.

4. Marketing Is The Word.
Many of us may not be known as the marketing genius for our own business. In fact, for most business owners in and out of Tax Preparation that is the case. They do well in the Production portion of things (doing the work of the company) but how to bring in the business… now that is a different matter. We at Universal have been in your shoes before. We have put them on, walked around in them, “hooved” ourselves into business after business. and potential customer after potential customer. We have years of experience fueling our Marketing-for-Business efforts. Time-tested, proven ways to get that needed business coming in your door, or better yet you going in theirs. We will keep you primed with what works, get you into the mode of thinking, “Success”, and then be your cheer section as you apply these strategies to build your business.

Stay tuned for articles designed to answer your challenges and what you need answered! We continue to listen to what you have to say and strive to provide timely information to you. Keep an eye out for the next Tax Tips Newsletters that will have the subjects that you requested. If you haven’t had the chance to delve deeper into getting the Professional Tax Preparation Designation, don’t procrastinate and do it today. No matter if you are an employee or employer, the training you receive will move you to the next level in your career. Find out more by clicking here

It’s mid-summer and you’re probably experiencing a lull in business; not too many are interested in taxes this time of year. What are some things you can do? We have a suggestion. Why not use this time to enhance your skills and become a full service financial provider? You’ll be able to increase your service offerings and turn your business into a full-time, year-round venture. It’s finally time to quit your day job and give yourself a raise.

How Easy Is It?

You may think that adding accounting services to your offerings would require a lot of time, energy, and money. That’s simply not true. In 60 hours you could not only have the skills, but the confidence to perform small business accounting for a growing niche market. Universal Accounting Center’s Professional Bookkeeper (PB) Program provides hands-on training in the day-to-day accounting tasks required by small businesses. From payroll to bank reconciliations, you’ll learn how to manage more than your clients’ books; you’ll also become their Profit Expert, informing them how they can increase their business’s profitability and success. Imagine how valuable that service would be to small business owners who often struggle to last longer than 5 years.

Testimonial: This course has really helped open options I never thought I had before. The training was easy to understand, and the hands-on work emphasizes that understanding and know-how.-Barbara W.

How Much Could You Make?

We’ll do more than give you an average income range; we’ll share an equation that will help you calculate how many clients you will need to earn the income you desire. You can charge the average client $300/month. If you have 20 clients you’re earning $6000 per month. That’s $72,000 in one year, and that number doesn’t even take into account how much you earn during tax season. Depending on your needs, you can increase or decrease the number of clients in order to hit your target income.

Testimonial: As of July 1st, I am leaving my job of 15 years and working my business full time. I already have enough clients, on contract, to give me a larger annual income than I had working for my employer.-Robbie Ursu

How Many Clients Could You Have?

We challenge you to take a drive down your main street or thumb through the yellow pages of your local phone book. How many small, local businesses can you find? And that doesn’t even include the countless entrepreneurs working from their homes. Your potential client base is huge and continues to grow every year.

Testimonial: After completing UAC’s training I opened my business. I now have 15 clients, and have only had one meeting that did not result in a new client.-Victoria Richardson

How Long Would It Take To Get Started?

The Professional Bookkeeper Program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to get started. And because operating an accounting and bookkeeping practice from your home requires little to no startup costs, you could have your practice up and running as soon as you’re ready. This program is practically a ready-made business; you add confidence and stir.

Testimonial: I did not imagine that I could face this world out there and talk confidently about accounting and bookkeeping, let alone start my own business in it. But having this class, I have developed the confidence that I need to go out there and be on my own and the confidence to make a go at it. I’m ready to face the world!!!-Julie M.

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of a lull in business to grow your clientele and become a full-service financial provider. It’s not only easy, but profitable and can take just a couple months to get started. You’ve already got a strong base with your tax preparation business. Why not take advantage of your standing by growing your business this summer?

The Professional Bookkeeper Program

It’s never been so easy to grow your tax practice into a full-service financial consultancy.  By adding bookkeeping services to your menu your business becomes busy year-round, enabling you to quit your day job and live your dream as a self-employed financial professional.  Don’t delay your future; enroll in the Professional Bookkeeper Program today!

Turn 12 Minutes into $100 Per Hour

Investing 12 Minutes Makes $100 Per Hour Possible for You

That’s right… you can enjoy a great income and lifestyle. That’s a pretty outrageous statement, but I’ve seen it happen for hundreds of people just like you. While the video downloads, let me tell you about what you’re going to see.

The Following Video Will Introduce You to the Professional Tax Preparer Certification

Since 1979, Universal Accounting Center has been teaching the ins-and-outs of small business accounting and tax preparation. That’s over 25 years of people just like you and me learning how to help individuals and businesses with their income tax planning and preparation. (And making a really good living as well.)

Most professional tax preparers are charging $100 per hour or more to file an individual’s tax return and even more for business returns. Spending a few minutes watching this video will answer many of your quesitons regarding how to start a professional tax preparation service.

Isn’t The Tax Code Pretty Complicated?

If you haven’t ever done your own taxes, you might think the tax code, (which is now a volume that rivals the size of the King James version of the Bible), might be too complicated. It’s not. This video will show you how, with the right education, you can learn the ins-and-outs of preparing and filing personal and business taxes and earn a great income.

The following video will introduce you to Universal’s DVD-based training and written coursework that are the most complete and easy to understand method for learning the tax code available anywhere. Our DVD-based training makes it possible for you to feel like you’re in the classroom with your instructor. But even better, if you don’t quite understand a concept, you can rewind and review until you do. I’ve never had a teacher in a live class let me do that.

Can a 12 Minute Video Really Show Me Enough?

It really can. Spend a few minutes and see for yourself what a great opportunity starting a professional tax preparation business can be. You’ll hear skilled and qualified tax preparers tell you how the Professional Tax Preparer Course enabled them to find the personal and professiona success they were looking for.

How Can I See It?

Click play on the video screen below and see how achievable, profitable and easy starting a professional tax preparation practice can be. I’m confident it will be the best 12 minutes you could spend today. The video can be best viewed with a high-speed internet connection.

After you’ve seen the video, follow the link below to learn more about starting a professional tax preparation business and earning $100 per hour or more. You owe it to yourself.

Click Here to Turn 12 Minutes into $100 Per Hour

*Tax Foundation Annual Survey of Attitudes on Tax and Wealth

We want your feedback

Click HERE to let us know what you thought of the video. We would love to hear your suggestions.

7 Tips to Help You Meet the Challenge of Starting Your Own Accounting and Tax Practice

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. - Maria Robinson

You may not be able to afford a life coach to encourage you through the trials of starting your own accounting and tax practice. But you can take measures to ensure that you’re feeling confident as you move forward. As you approach this fantastic business endeavor, it may require more preparation of spirit than finances. In this two-week series we will share seven tips that may help transform you into your own life coach. This week we will examine the following three:

1. Self Assess

It’s important that you stand back and assess yourself as objectively as possible. What are your strengthens? What are your weaknesses? What must you improve in order to become a successful business owner? What are your values? What do you want to achieve, specifically, in your practice? When you are able to truly assess yourself, you will be better prepared to evolve into the type of professional who can build a thriving startup.

2. Self Affirm

Do you think truly successful entrepreneurs have tracks of negative self-talk running through their brains? Or do they practice positive affirmations that build their confidence and help them achieve that positive mindset that’s so crucial in the business world? If you’re in the habit of criticizing yourself and doubting your abilities, it’s time to replace that bad habit with a good one. Pick a handful of affirmations that will promote better self-esteem and power your journey to success. Consider the following:

• I am a successful freelance accounting and tax profession.
• I am continually finding opportunities to advance and grow my business.
• My family’s lives are changing for the better.
• I make more than enough money to fulfill both our wants and our needs.
• My professional network is strong and continues to grow stronger every day.
• The community values my services and my client base is growing as a result.

3. Question Yourself

We’re not asking you to question your abilities, but we are suggesting you ask important questions that will inspire you to take your business where it needs to go. In fact, that’s a good place to start. Where would you like your business to be in five years? In 10 years? What’s your greatest challenge? What risks do you need to take in order to advance your business? What skills must you master in order to become the premier accounting and tax practice in your area? The harder the questions, the more likely they will help you improve your business, your goals, and the ultimate outcome.

Return next week when we will share the final four tips in coaching your way through startup:

4. Grow Your Passion

5. Place Yourself in Positive, Rewarding Environments

6. Reduce Energy Drains

7. Build a Solid Support Network

If you’re ready to get started, by enhancing your skills and learning all that’s necessary to grow a thriving practice, order this video now: Start Today & Have Your Own Bookkeeping Service. As a tax professional you have one half of all you need. Change your future by mastering the other half. Start Today and learn what you can do to alter your future.

7 Ways to Strengthen Your Business during a Recession

Talk of a recession can cause those with cold feet about starting their own businesses to become completely hypothermic. Many want to save their start-ups for a more stable time, allowing the economy to dictate when they can or cannot follow their aspirations. Should you put your dream of starting your own practice on hold, waiting for the economy to settle down before you take such a big leap? Or should you move forward regardless, trusting that your gumption alone will get you through the rough spots?

The truth is starting a business is tough regardless of what the economy is doing. However small businesses are more agile than big corporations, and can quickly change direction or implement new strategies that will enable them to better navigate through a recession. And as you consider moving forward with your startup there are ways of making it recession-proof. Here are seven tips that will help:

1. Wisely select your product and/or service

If you are planning to start a tax preparation/accounting/bookkeeping business, you have picked the right family of services. Experts recommend offering necessary services in order to combat the negative impact of a depressed market. Everyone must submit a tax returns and every business must perform accounting functions. Whether or not the economy experiences a recession will not change the necessity for these services. Your question then becomes, how can I enhance my service offerings in order to beat the competition? This requires you to know your target market and understand their unique needs. Once you can, determine how to enhance or increase your service offerings to best benefit your clientele; this will make your position as their financial provider recession-proof.

2. Take advantage of corporate losses

Big corporations often don’t fare as well during a recession. This can be the result of their size which makes them less agile and unable to quickly maneuver in response to economy slowdowns. This often requires huge layoffs which leave talented individuals unemployed. You can take advantage of corporate losses by hiring a support staff full of quality employees, something that might be difficult to do in a thriving market.

3. Practice guerilla marketing techniques

Guerilla marketing implies the use of unconventional marketing tactics for a minimal cost in order to get maximum results. By running a financial column in the local newspaper, distributing flyers at a financial convention, or tying yourself to a current or local event, you can generate effective publicity for little cost.

4. Secure big, new clients

If you have to offer a discount it might be worth it to obtain some big new clients. Most professionals would agree a handful of notable, reliable clients can carry your through the tough times. And considering how they can increase your income, it may be worth a pricier marketing budget to attract these headliners to your business.

5. Mind your credit score

When the going gets tough, some businesses must secure loans. This can be difficult if your credit score is lacking. Hit the ground running by trying to escalate your credit score; this can also help you work out more beneficial relationships with creditors.

6. Streamline your budget

Successful businesses know when to trim the fat from their budget. Before launching your business you need to estimate how much it will cost, then get out the scissors and start cutting. This will require you to closely scrutinize what you perceive as “wants” and “needs.” Chances are you can trim your budget quite a bit by being creative.

7. Remain On-Guard

Even when the economy is booming you must remain on-guard, closely monitoring your business to ensure it’s headed in the right direction. And those who continually watch their business for signs of struggle and growth can take advantage of crucial information that will catapult their businesses to the next level.

Don’t let a potential or perceived recession delay your dreams of starting your own tax practice. Startups require time, energy, and money, but most importantly they require an owner who moves ahead with wisdom and determination. If you feel now is the time to start your own practice but need a small business loan to do it, you can order Universal’s valuable manual Financing a Small Business which will walk you through the process of preparing a loan package. This 126-page manual includes clear-cut instructions, valuable resources, and sample loans that provide valuable models which will make the process of applying for your own loan much easier. Order now. This manual will help you today while enabling you to help countless clients in the future.