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What
Are You Pretending Not to Know?
Watch cable news, scan a few TV commercials, or flip through any newspaper these days and it would seem that there are no mysteries any more. Let's face it, we know way too much about too many people's habits, problems, and proclivities. We've got more factoids, tidbits, inklings, stats, blogs, and so-called expert opinions (legal and otherwise) than we can use in a lifetime - except when it comes to the inner workings of our own family business. It's often our single biggest investment; the entity into which we've poured our efforts and yet at the core, paradoxically, it can be as mysterious as the continent of Africa.
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Here are some of the more interesting unsolved mysteries we've encountered from conversations with business owners:
"Why am I so confused over what my profit was for the last three years and what my actual inventory is at year-end?"
"Why does my balance sheet show a negative net worth and what can I do about it?"
"Why does my new banker insist that I pay off my credit line now?"
"When are mom and dad finally going to retire and which of my
siblings will inherit the business? Is there a written buy-sell plan in place somewhere?"
"Why do I feel like my Dad's CPA gives me the run-around when I try to get answers?"
We've found there's a consistent process in the unearthing of and resolution to these mysteries:
Catalyst Events
Death, illness, and infirmity bring transition issues to a head. No prior planning usually brings unpleasant surprises.
New banker in town
Credit lines need to be paid off, timely and accurate financials submitted, and questions need to be answered.
Joining an industry peer group
Especially when you have to share your financial data and, as they say in the biz, "Get naked in front of your group." You start seeing your business, muffin tops and all, and think about a plan to get in shape.
Declining markets/increased competition Nothing like that new chain coming to town to get you on your toes!
New outside Advisor, CPA or coach
Good sign is when you hear them ask, "that's interesting - can you tell me why you handle X that way?" way before you start hearing any advice.
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Workshops
for Business Owners
Over
97% of the people attending our workshops say they've
substantially increased their under- standing of the health,
strengths and weaknesses of their companies. Change the way
you manage your business, increase your cash flow, and find
profits you never knew existed.
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Profit
Mastery for
20hedule is Finalized!
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"It was the best presentation on this
subject I've ever seen."
Harold Rousso
“This course has been a wake up call to me, to keep my eyes wide open as my company grows in the future.”
Michael Evans
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Defining Moment
If it doesn't come from outside influences or events, sometimes it comes from within. A great book, a peer who has successfully faced the same issue, or someone who kept their head in the sand until it was too late.
The simple question, "What am I going to do today to make things different tomorrow," is where it all starts.
Where Do You Go From Here
You can't do it alone. Get help. Join a peer group, find someone who's been there, done that, and/or assemble a great team of advisors.
Bring in an outside party if appropriate
We can't tell you how many times we've seen an apparent irresolvable family business dispute resolved when a skilled intermediary is brought in.
Be determined, don't take no for an answer, but be patient. If your financial statements are a mess, it will take some time and patience to get them accurate. Keep the faith that it will happen, just not overnight.
Realize it's usually the question you are most afraid to ask that must be answered. Take a minute now to write down the answer to this question:
What am I pretending not to know?
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Feel
free to forward this newsletter to your colleagues.
©2008
Business Resource Services
Business
Resource Services respects your privacy and does not
give out or sell
our subscribers' names and/or email addresses.
ISSN 1553-0558
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