Her Business….

By LaTasha West

                Beyonce said it, and I am inclined to agree, Girls run the world!

Chatting with the CEO in Pajamas series seeks to provide information and real world advice. Over the next few weeks I will share interviews that I have done with ladies who are running their own businesses and doing so successfully.  These women are wives, mothers and business owners willing to share a small piece of their journey with you.

I hope this series encourages, motivates and inspires you to believe.

This week I chat with Adrienne Adams, Business Coach & President of It’s Not Enough to Dream.

Let’s jump in:

LaTasha: How old were you when you started your first business? Tell me about it.

Adrienne: I actually was not a child entrepreneur.  Selling lemonade and candy didn’t interest me at all. Becoming a business owner didn’t have much appeal until I graduated from college in my early twenties.  I had decided to be a stay-at-home mom, but I still wanted to have some income earning potential.  I briefly ran a home day care.  It didn’t work out.  But that was the first time that I wrapped my mind around being able to do something where I could serve other people, make money and still be able to place the needs of my family first.  It took a while to find the right fit.

LaTasha: Have you made any costly business mistakes? If so please share.

Adrienne: Well, I try to stay away from terms like “failures” and “mistakes.”  If a toddler falls while learning to walk, they didn’t make a mistake.  They didn’t fail.  It’s just a part of learning and perfecting the process. 

With that said, yes, I’ve had several times where I’ve had things not work out as planned while I was learning and perfecting different business processes. 

I remember spending a nice amount of money on a business system that didn’t quite work out the way that we envisioned.  We spent weeks and weeks waiting for our contractor to develop it and took time to pay for it and we don’t even use it today.  When everything was said and done, it wasn’t the tool that we were looking for.  Some things you can only learn from trial and error.  And sometimes it takes experiencing things that you don’t want to get clearer on what you do want.

LaTasha: Do you believe social media has helped your business grow? Please explain.

Adrienne: Absolutely.  Right now, we have chapters in four different cities.  We were able to connect with women for our group and launch new chapters using social media exclusively.

LaTasha: What has been your proudest moment in business to date?

Adrienne: The day when our payroll company sent a direct deposit to my bank account.  And then I got the check stub at the office.  I felt so legit.

All of us entrepreneurs have essentially the same dream.  To earn a living helping people in the way that makes us feel warm and fuzzy.

And for so long, we’re doing the work.  But the earn a living part is missing. We want real businesses, not the kind where we break even or just make a couple of dollars.  We want paydays and check stubs.

So the moment when it all came together was most definitely a proud, dream-come-true kind of moment for me.

LaTasha: What advice would you give to someone considering making the jump in to entrepreneurship?

Adrienne: People have to understand that entrepreneurship is hard work.  Everyone wants to skip to the end where they are sitting on an island sipping a cold drink and the money is in the bank.  That doesn’t come right away.  It takes time to learn and build and get into the flow of how things operate.

I’ve seen business owners get frustrated and quit because they have to work through the middle.  Companies aren’t built overnight.  Entrepreneurs should set daily goals and celebrate all of their progress.

It’s also very important to be true to yourself and do something that you really want to do and that you do well. That’s how your business ends up being a blessing to your customer.

If you want to learn more about Adrienne or her business “It’s Not Enough to Dream”, visit:

Website www.itsnotenoughtodream.com

www.facebook.com/pages/ItsNotEnoughtoDreamMagazine

www.facebook.com/adrienneadamsdreamcoach

Twitter handle https://twitter.com/mrsdreamcoach

LaTasha West is an entrepreneur, speaker and certified small business development coach. To learn more visit www.latashawest.com.

When asked if an individual is a CPA, you might hear this response, “No, I’m an Accountant.” So, this begs the question: What’s the difference between an Accountant and a CPA? The answer—legally there is no difference. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that every accountant or auditor who files a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must, by law, be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Just as a person who earns a medical degree must hold a medical license to legally practice medicine, an individual must be a CPA to legally call himself or herself an Accountant or Auditor. An accounting degree simply isn’t enough.

What is an Accountant?

The BLS uses the terms Accountants and Auditors interchangeably, but an individual may use either term to describe their respective title. The basic duties of an Accountant or Auditor include:

Other professionals provide similar services, but only a licensed CPA can legally say he or she is an Accountant or Auditor.

Types of Accountants

While Accountants and Auditors work with the financial records of individuals and businesses, they generally fall under four main specializations:

Becoming an Accountant

Having a degree as an accountant does not legally make an individual an accountant. Furthermore, most U.S. states prohibit using the terms “auditor,” “accountant” and “accounting” to describe the financial services that one may perform if he or she is not a licensed CPA. If, for example, an individual works in the accounting department of a company without a CPA license and later starts a private bookkeeping business, he or she cannot legally say that they held a position as an accountant or provided accounting services. The problem with using these terms is that it implies that the individual held the appropriate license and was legally able to perform the services of a CPA.

To become a licensed accountant, an individual must graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. The graduate must then obtain relevant job experience before sitting for and passing a four-part CPA licensing exam from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which is administered by each state’s Board of Accountancy. Then, to keep the license, a CPA must participate in continuing education classes. Accounting and Auditing certifications from professional associations are available, but they aren’t a substitute for a state-issued CPA license. True accountants use such certifications as a means to specialize in an accounting or auditing field of interest.

Being an Informed Consumer

There is no such thing as an individual who is an accountant, but not a CPA. There are, however, unlicensed individuals who illegally say they are accountants or provide “CPA-quality” services to look better to clients and prospects. On the other hand, there are those who abstain from using such terms, but are mistakenly labeled as accountants in phonebooks and directories. If you’re in need of a licensed accountant, you can verify if an individual holds a current CPA license by state, nationwide. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a service to help you with your personal or business finances, plan and prepare your taxes, or launch a new startup…  a bookkeeper can indeed provide these services. 

Aradia Knight founded Aidara Inc. in 2011, bringing with her a solid background in accounting and business development. Aidara, Inc.  an online bookkeeping service serving businesses all over the U.S. The Aidara team provides support for tax planning, monthly business bookkeeping, and consulting.

3 Business Lessons From Today’s Music Artist 

Often you will hear me say that “as an entrepreneur, it is your obligation to evolve”.  It’s simply a mandatory requirement that all of us must obey or we suffer the consequences of stagnation or failure – plain and simple. Many want to know, how can this be done? What can I do to stay on the rise? Or better yet, how can I rise above it all? Recently, three of today’s hottest music artists revealed several impeccable strategies on how to get on top, stay on top and how to totally redefine the definition. #CheckIt:

MY BROWN

My Brown is like your Red Power suit.

It is bold but subtle it signifies strength to stand alone

It’s the boldness that I feel when I wear it. It gives me the sense that I can bear it.

It’s like I am the foundation and I can run the nation.

This color makes me want to explore, it gives me the feeling that there is so much more.

My Brown is like your Red Power suit.

The color doesn’t have to be bright, to stand out in the crowd. It’s the personality behind it

That makes it a sure fit. It’s the person that has the drive, that person that brings things alive.

It gives me a sense of security, ability and strength to be me. I love my brown true indeed.

My Brown is like your Red Power suit.

This color makes me proud. Proud to be who I am, and where I am at that particular moment.

It makes me feel like I am the best component. I am playing this game of life and I am willing to win.

That is why I don’t have to blend. Blend in with the ordinary same old game.

No not this woman she has been THROUGH the rain.

That is why I can come hard , hard as a brick. I have GOD on my side, and that is what makes me tick

Remembering where he brought me from and where I am going, Brown is the color that keeps me soaring.

My Brown is like your Red Power Suit.

It makes me go out and get what I want. Being in Brown I feel like a font.

A font that is bold, and has a different style. I will leave my existence on you for miles.

I with my Brown on I am in attack mode, I am bold I am beautiful and after me there is no other mold.

I am far and few between that is real and Love the Lord. If you feel like I feel come on and jump aboard

My brown is like your Red Power Suit

Author Trinisa M. Pitts 

copyright © 2012 Trinisa M.Pitts

Get a Partner, Grow Your Business!

One of the best strategies to help grow your business is to partner with other people who have access to the same audience, but aren’t in competition with you. Developing partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures offer many growth opportunities, so knowing how to secure a long-lasting partnership is an essential skill that every entrepreneur should have.

Partnerships are built on layers of a solid foundation (know, respect and trust). Here are three tips to help you seal great partnership deals:

LET ME UPGRADE YOU

                After years of driving the same old car it’s finally time to go ahead and buy you something new and shiny. You know what you want, what you can pay and head off to the dealership. After looking around, there it is-the perfect car, in the perfect color and it fits right in your budget.  On your trip to the finance office, the dealer wants to show you one last car. He then shows you the perfect car, in the perfect color but this one has leather seats with warmers, a built in GPS, it comes with satellite radio and it even has talk to text. This is one so much better and you are smiling from ear to ear. Then he tells you the price, this one is a whopping $3000.00 more than the first car, but it’s so nice and it will only be $35.00 more dollars onto your monthly payments. You bite the bullet, get it and roll off the lot feeling like a million bucks.

What just happened? You had a plan, you knew what you wanted and what you could pay but somehow things went differently.  Guess what- You were upgraded!

This is a strategy that you should also practice in your business. Many people will come to you with preconceived ideas that know exactly what they want/need, however this not necessarily true.  Clients or potential clients may believe that they know exactly what they want without having explored all of the options. It’s part of your job to make sure that they are aware of all of the choices available to them.

Price will not always be the deciding factor, explain the value, and show the benefits.  When preparing your price points always have more than one category or level of service to offer. I suggest 3 levels minimum: Silver, Gold and Platinum (or any names that you deem fit). 

The most effective way to determine how you can upgrade your clients is to listen to what their needs are.  You can learn clients’ needs using a variety of methods. Two methods that I find helpful are: 1. Schedule a consultation or discovery session 2. Have the client to complete a predesigned questionnaire. Once you know what they are looking for, you can pitch the most fitting package that you offer.

Explain how you can solve their problem or cater to the pain point that they have. Benefit and value are what secures clients, be sure to upgrade your client’s as necessary.

Are you in need of help organizing your thoughts on business or formulating your business strategy? LaTasha West is an entrepreneur, speaker and certified small business development coach. To learn more visit www.latashawest.com.

How to Optimize Your Business Dreams

World progress needs entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs need structure. Startup survival rates have decreased in the last 20 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, largely because of over-scaling and overspending. It’s exciting to dive into your dreams with passion and prowess, and it’s easy to overlook the importance of daily fluidity in the process. Fran Lebowitz says to “think before you speak,” but “read before you think,” and nothing could hold truer in the business world. Consider the simple wisdom of the experts as you embark on your entrepreneurial dreams. You don’t need a trust fund or an Einstein-ian IQ to poise your dreams for success; you just need organized planning, practical knowledge and motivated consistency.

Don’t be a Comfort Martyr

Sometime since the industrial revolution, Americans got the idea that there’s something noble about back-breaking work. There’s nothing noble about intentionally pushing your physical limits to the point of pain. Roughly $20 billion dollars is spent each year on repetitive stress injuries that could have been prevented. Paul Edwards, author of “Working from Home” recommends that self-starters always make comfortable surroundings a priority. Ergonomically correct positioning seems like a small consideration, but the damage can be irreversible.

Make Organization a Priority

The average executive spends three whole hours a week looking for things: files, papers, staples, etc . . . which adds up to almost 3.5 weeks a year. Petty organization may seem like a waste of time in the wake of your “grand scheme,” but Edwards points out that it’s one of the most valuable daily time-savers there is. Color coding, alphabetizing, filing by date and printing labels meticulously can theoretically save you enough time to take that dream trip to Bora Bora. No one is above organization.

Minimize Errands

Since 1982, the time the average American spends waiting in traffic has doubled, and the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. In the digital age, there are very few necessary errands left. Look into postage machines for small businesses to save time and money, order food, and buy office supplies in bulk at least six months out—this will free up your “errand space” or pivotal networking opportunities or even a much needed nap.

Get To Know Deductions

Tax law isn’t fun, especially for someone who is focused on the big picture potential of their dreams. It is, however, one of the most valuable sets of knowledge any entrepreneur can acquire. A good accountant can guide you, but as an entrepreneur, it’s your responsibility to save and organize all of your documentation. Good record keeping is the key to maximum tax savings and painless audits, points out Sam Fawaz, financial planner, to “Entrepreneur Magazine.” He outlines the 15 major tax laws entrepreneurs should familiarize themselves with here.

Don’t Blur Your Ground Rules

Finally, the key to a balanced, successful entrepreneurial life is abiding by your own rules. Richard Rabinowitz is an entrepreneur that runs a multi-million dollar enterprise from his home called “Digital Photo Academy.” He owes his ability to keep his team—and dreams in line to keeping a strict schedule and never blurring certain lines: work hours, clean up, even personal calls and family issues are handled outside of work. This allows for maximum focus and organization. The details may seem tedious, but learning them is instrumental in reaching your big-picture dreams.

Most of all…

Embrace the Battle of Entrepreneurship

My famous quote that came directly from my experiences unleashing the “entrepreneur within” is this…. “half the battle of being an entrepreneur, is loving the battle of being an entrepreneur.” No one said it was going to be easy. No one told us that you will come out without scars. My words to you are to embrace the journey. Here’s how I find comfort in a crazy busy entrepreneur’s day:

1)      Wake up with gratitude. Day in and day out.

2)      Celebrate wins and learn from your defeats.

3)      Be thankful that you are doing what you always dreamed of. Be an inspiration to others.

4)      Be courageous in every effort whether going to an event, trying something new, implementing a new system, speaking to an audience; do it with courage and compassion.

5)      Learn often. It’s so important to be a lifelong learner as an entrepreneur. We do not know everything going in, but we are destined to learn everything coming out.

6)      Lead with the heart. When you are a business owner you are destined to become a leader. Do it with compassion, heart, empathy, truth and brilliance. Shine on!

7)      Stay in your lane. Do not try to do everything yourself, be you. Be more than you can be, but do not try to be something you are not. Outsource/hire out the tasks that you do not like to do, to remain happy.

8)      Encourage others and embrace help. People are there for you; they are all around. Embrace their help, their encouragement, their advice and do the same for them.

It is my hope that some of those nuggets of #entrepreneurInspiration will bless you and your business or your ministry.

Now, let’s go get ‘em!

Join the TEW Movement at www.tewyou.com

~ JMH