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Archives for October 2021

Ask for What You Want

Mom used to always say, “if you don’t ask, you won’t know.”

Still true today.  If you want to know something, get something, give something, meet someone, try something new or just want to start a conversation, you have to ask.

Seems way too simple, right?

We run into this all the time with our clients.  Truth is, we spend a lot of time asking questions of them to pry the information we (both) need to get things done.  And, like most everything in business and life, there is a simple process:

  1. Identify what you need or want.
  2. Formulate or identify the request.
  3. Make the ask (“Would you be willing…”)

What you will also find is that the process will help you weed out whether you really wanted or needed the stuff, thing or action you wanted. You might stop at step one.  Or in trying to put the want into a request, it starts to crystalize what you really are looking for.  And then there are those things that make it to step three and beyond.

And it all started with having the gumption to ask.

Keep in mind asking for something isn’t always about tangible stuff and goodies we want.  It can also be for information, data, things we need to know to run our business, make a decision, or to take the next step in another process.  We are always asking questions of our clients to get information from them that benefits them.

Maybe next time we will talk about giving versus receiving.  But that’s another topic.

In the meantime, for more on how to ask for what you want and how to get it, call or write to us.  TFO Solutions is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners with their financial strategy from the back office to the boardroom.

**photos courtesy of Unsplash (Ana Municio and Artem Maltsev, photographers)

 

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A Win is a Win is a Win

Victory. Success. Achievement. Knockout. Capturing the prize.

No matter how you express it, a win is important in business.  From the big ones (that big, new contract) to the small ones (the keys work in the door!), a win is a win is a win.

Celebrate them.

Because even small victories lead to the achievement of larger goals. By celebrating your wins you note the advancement and growth of your company.  It also helps with your attitude and the demeanor of the whole enterprise. It also influences your company culture and helps create a forward-looking business.

Having success in any activity you didn’t think you could finish is a win! Consider these thoughts on celebration.

  • Notice things. Talk with your staff. Ask them about their achievements.
  • Get excited. Be happy about the small things.
  • Let people know—staff, friends, family, customers, prospects.
  • Look at how you accomplished the win and figure out how to do it again—form a habit!
  • Live in the moment.
  • Reward yourself and those who achieved the goal.
  • Relate the small wins to the larger goal(s).

You can do this.  You have to walk before you can run. You have to crawl before you can walk.  Step by step, inch by inch, you will achieve your bigger (and biggest) goals.

For more on how to get into the win column more often, call or write to us.  TFO Solutions is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners with their financial strategy from the back office to the boardroom.

**photos courtesy of Unsplash (Jimmy Conover, Drew Beamer and Anne Nygard, photographers)

 

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It’s Already the Fourth Quarter!

Uh, oh.  Don’t look now, but the clock has just ticked into October and it’s…wait for it…THE FOURTH QUARTER!

And just like in football, you need to be managing your clock to make sure that you finish ahead.  Or maybe you’re playing catch up. Or you are so far ahead, you are coasting.

Whatever you do, don’t waste time or let up.  Just because you are on plan doesn’t mean that it’s time to let up on those players, coaches and officials…or yourself. A few things to think about leading into and during the fourth quarter:

  • Evaluate your business position. Are you on track to make plan?
  • Check up on inventory. Is it where it is supposed to be?
  • Be aware of your tax situation as the year ends and what you need to do going into the new year. Do you owe and are you prepared to pay?
  • Finish up your planning for the new year and begin preparation for first quarter. What are your expectations?
  • Talk with your staff—they are on the front lines and know what is going on and can help you finish those plans for the new year.
  • Plan for the holiday season—staff bonuses, partner and customer gifts and how to handle time off at the end of the calendar.

Above all, keep a positive outlook.  Yes, while this is a time of not letting down and pushing across that goal or finish line, it is also a time for reflection.  Of a job well done.  Positive companies thrive and succeed!

For more on how to prepare you and your company for the fourth quarter and beyond, call or write to us.  TFO Solutions is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners with their financial strategy from the back office to the boardroom.

**photos courtesy of Unsplash (Dave Adamson, photographers) and Paul Maynard

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