The longest day of the year is this week. With the sun setting so late, it almost feels like getting to live another day when work’s done.
But, as exciting as the summer solstice is, it should feel a bit like a slap in the face – we’re halfway through the year already!
That means you have six months to achieve the business goals you laid out for your company back in January.
More on that momentarily…
First, let’s chat about some shifts that my friends in the tax world have been talking about. The IRS is in a crackdown year.
They’ve been checking and rejecting Employee Retention Credit claims from businesses that filed wrongly. And they’re going after the wealthy that haven’t been paying their part. Now, they’re locking down tax loopholes that were being exploited by corporations with complex partnerships. This could equate to more funding for the IRS over the next ten years.
My point in bringing this up: This isn’t the time to get on the wrong side of Uncle Sam. If any of the above applies to you, then you should definitely sit down and chat with your tax professional to clean things up, especially if the IRS is coming after you…
And even if none of these apply to you, I’d like to emphasize today how important it is to keep your Baltimore business on the right side of things in every area.
That looks like doing regular check-ins in every area of your business. For today, let’s discuss a mid-year check in you should be doing with your business goals…
Mid-Year Business Goals Check-in For Baltimore Owners
“The score doesn’t define us. It’s the heart that defines us. It’s the willingness to put yourself out there.” – Pat Summitt
We’re almost to the halfway point of 2024.
And as you reflect on the first half of the year – the wins AND the losses – it’s important to remember you can learn from BOTH.
In terms of ways my team and I can help … your finances and books are what we do best. But you’re the only one who can lead your business, land new clients and partners, deliver on your promises, keep your business goals on track – and then repeat that process year after year.
But I see my role in your business as more than merely an accountant. I’m here today to be a coach, and share a little “halftime pep talk” so that when we close the books on 2024, there’s a big fat W instead of an L.
So, let me ask you this: Are you thinking too small?
As business owners, we often get so caught up in the smaller, daily tasks that we forget to ask ourselves this bigger question: Am I thinking too small?
It’s a challenge I want you to consider today.
Martin Luther King Jr., despite any controversies, was a man who accomplished incredible things in his 39 years. He once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
He had a dream, and he pursued it.
So, what’s holding you back from taking that next step?
I bet you have business goals that could really boost your business. But the worst thing you could do is not try them at all. If your idea fails, so what? At least you’ll know it doesn’t work. That’s a win in itself.
Why wait for a New Year’s resolution to put your big dreams into action? Think of this moment as your halftime, where you reassess, adjust, and then go back out to win the game.
Practically, here are a few steps you can take right now to start acting on your business goals:
1) Write down your biggest ideas for your business – but no more than three. Keep this list where you can see it every day.
2) For each idea, jot down two to three steps needed to reach each business goal.
3) Set short-term and long-term goals to help you achieve the big idea.
4) Involve some of your team members to help you stay accountable.
5) Take it one day at a time.
You don’t have to wait another day to take the first step. I’m giving you permission today to be a dreamer.
At Team P. Delatado, CPA, we want to help you move forward with more perspective and confidence. Little pep talks like this are just a small part of what we offer.
Our main goal is to ensure your bottom line is healthy and prepared for whatever comes your way. But more importantly, we want to see you take those big leaps and act on your big dreams.
Together, we can build a life and business that are truly worth our time.
I’m grateful for our chance to serve you and your business – and we are dedicated to its success. Which means we are more than mere number-crunchers.
Can other Harford County accountants say that?
Dreaming with you,
Paulo Delatado