Let’s Talk About Your Business…

written by: cpainomaha

April 2, 2017

No annoying tax professional lingo. Just straight, authoritative and friendly expert advice.

I know your business. Because we deal with clients like you all the time, I’ve got a leg up on all those “gurus”, since I’m right there in the trenches with you. – Lester Nosal

Lester Nosal here, your tax and accounting professional. I know that we haven’t posted much before, but starting this week I’m hoping that you and I can have a conversation about your business.

You and I both see the headlines. Questionable government decisions, taxes sure to rise in the next few years (whether or not it will really help the economy) your clients and customers are feeling a new pinch, and, well… overall the deck is stacked against small businesses like yours and mine. Right there in your neighborhood, I know that businesses could use a “shot in the arm”.

Not Just “Tax Tips”…

As I look over business tax returns and the books of our clients and associates, I often find ways to help the bottom line with little-known tax savings, etc.

But I also see that if I could help “fix” sales, marketing, management and leadership problems for my clients it would go a long way to help. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’ll pass along what I’ve seen work for me, and for other clients like you.

And, I’ll be frank…if I can help your business THRIVE during these economic times with my advice, it helps MY business. I like keeping my clients doing well, because it means that our services will be paid for! And as our clients grow their businesses, their need for our services also grows. It’s a true “win, win.”

But the problem is that there’s a lot of confusion out there about how to grow your business right-with cost-effective, powerful strategies which cut through the clutter and create sales. There’s a ton of so-called “experts” out there, and they often give conflicting advice.

So starting this week, we’ll be sending you notes and tips on a weekly basis-offering “Real World” Business Strategy (which you can use) and guidance for increasing sales, improving leadership, and all-around business growth and development. And I hope you’ll forgive me if I lay aside “accountant-jargon” and give it to you straight!

Here we go…

Lester Nosal’s “Real World” Business Strategy

First Steps in This Economy / Getting To Know You


In the coming weeks, we’ll discuss both general concepts and specific strategies…but now, in this first week, here’s a good start (plus a question for you):

The fastest way to fix financial problems in your business is to fix the sales problem. Yes, I know – everybody’s business is “different”, but I’ve seen it across almost every business category: Make more sales and a host of problems disappear.

(Now for some of you, I know that your increasing marginal costs are making your sales less powerful, but we’ll address that in the future.)

So how do you do that? Well, there’s obviously a bunch of good answers to that question-but for a quick surge there are three lists to get ahold of right now.

  1. Existing Clients
  2. “Lost” Clients
  3. Targeted Prospects

The first one might be obvious, but I’m continually amazed at how many businesses don’t maintain good records of their current customers. These are the easiest folks to sell to again. They’ve already indicated interest in your business, and have demonstrated it with their wallet. Go back to them this week with a promotion just for them, and the results will be better than any other list.

“But what if I don’t have a list?”

Good question, and if that’s the case: start one now. Whether it’s by giving an incentive at the point-of-sale or client meeting to have them provide you their details, or if it just means hiring a high school kid to compile all the data for you – this list is your most important asset in your business.

I’ll address the other two groups in the weeks ahead, as well as creative strategies for going after your existing customers, but I’ll leave you with this request:

Help Us Help Your Business!

Would you take a moment to drop us a line with one of the following?

A) Let us know what kind of service you’d like to see us provide for you and your business in the future, which we are not currently providing you.

Or

B) Would you write me a quick note about how well we’ve already served you? Businesses like yours are looking for a good tax professional-and we’ve found that what business owners really want to know is what others say about us, not what we say about ourselves. Your note would really help!

We’ll be back again next week!

Lester Nosal

Articles & Advice

D
E
Tax Planning Opportunities for Midwestern Pass-Through Entities

Tax Planning Opportunities for Midwestern Pass-Through Entities

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, limits the amount of state taxes you can deduct on your federal return. For many pass-through business owners in the Midwest, this can result in a higher federal tax bill.

Understanding FinCEN’s BOI Reporting Requirements for Businesses

Understanding FinCEN’s BOI Reporting Requirements for Businesses

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is tightening regulations to improve transparency in business ownership, primarily through the implementation of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. These requirements are aimed at helping combat illicit financial activities by ensuring that accurate and current ownership information is available to law enforcement and other authorities. If you own 25% or more of a company or have significant control over it, it’s essential to understand how the new BOI reporting requirements apply to you, particularly if your business was established before January 1, 2024, or is a new venture launched in 2024.

The Importance of Year-End Tax Planning for Small Businesses

The Importance of Year-End Tax Planning for Small Businesses

As summer draws to a close, small business owners balance numerous responsibilities—wrapping up seasonal sales, reflecting on the past few months, and preparing for the busy fall ahead. Amid all this, one crucial task that shouldn’t be overlooked is tax planning. The end of summer is an ideal time for small businesses to review their tax strategies. By taking proactive measures now, you can set the stage for significant savings and ensure a seamless transition into the year-end tax season.

Tax-wise ways to save for college

Tax-wise ways to save for college

If you’re a parent or grandparent with college-bound children, you may want to save to fund future education costs. Here are several approaches to...

Ready to let us help with your business finances and tax strategy so you can maximize savings and grow profit?