“Teamwork makes the dream work.” ~Sh’niece Tabb

Every now and then, I get an email or call from a client that reminds me of why I do what I do. My mission, my why, is to expand peace, prosperity and freedom through honorable, profitable business. When someone reaches out to me for help, they are usually not feeling very prosperous or free. Often, they are at odds with team members and family members about the business. They are short on cash and patience, and that gets frustrating. I am so grateful when I share something – some words, or a product, or a webinar – that helps get them moving in the right direction.

Here’s an email from my friend and client, Jamie Miller. I am so proud of him and his family and his “Bean Team.” Ultimately, the most successful of my clients discover that they are responsible for their own success. Sometimes they just need my help to get them started. I offer appropriate education, organization, solid systems, accountability…and lots of love, with no judgement. I’m like Glinda, the Good Witch. “Dorothy, you had the power all along.” Jamie took my help and engaged his family and accounting team. Now, together, they can tackle the accounting issues and apply sound financial management strategies.

Hi Ellen,Just wanted to share some good news. Today Mom and I had a meeting with our accountant. The meeting went very well. I had not been able to sit down with him previously and was hesitant because I felt he would not be easy to work with. I was wrong. I understand so much more about what is going on and feel very comfortable reviewing the financials. I shared with him what we had been working on and he was happy to see the progress. He is going to help me with the chart of accounts and making sure everything works well for taxes, but he liked very much the simplified accounts we are now using. I talked to him about meeting on a monthly to quarterly basis over the next 12 months to work on all the changes.

I want to thank you for all you have done for me. I told him today that if I knew 5 years ago what I know now I probably would be in better shape. But I’m not going to look backwards just move forward. We have also had some very profitable jobs lately and I am holding my pricing up and things are going very well.

I am actually excited to review the financials and take control of my business. You have truly been the saving grace for me this year and I feel I have been on a trip of a lifetime to work with you. Thank you, Ellen, for all you have taught me, some of which you have had to drive in to me. I am excited to start 2015 with a new outlook and direction and to continue to make more and better changes in my business.

Thanks, Jamie, for your inspiration! (And thanks, Sha’niece, for the lovely rhyming reminder!)

So, here are 3 tips for helping you and your “Bean Team” make your dreams come true!

Meet weekly with your Bookkeeper, and monthly with your CPA/tax accountant until your accounting is cleaned up and the financial reports are rockin’ right.
If you don’t understand something, don’t be intimidated. Keep ask ask asking for help. Spend some time learning basic accounting and finance. It is a course of study. Get the books, listen to the webinars and ask your team to explain what they are doing. By and by, you can learn what you need to learn. Just. Don’t. Stop.
Remember…you have the power. And it is your responsibility. It’s your money, so you are the Financial Manager at your company. Assemble your “Bean Team” and make the dream work.