Before I dive into this week’s topic, I have a special invite for you. A few months ago I came across statistics for identity theft in our country, and what I read troubled me deeply and spurred me to do something about it, culminating in the organization of our 2018 ShredFest event.

I think now, more than ever, is the right time for you to be aware of the importance of protecting and securing your personal and financial information. Remember that age is no limit when it comes to protecting your information so you can pass this on to your family and friends as well…

How common is Identity Theft?

More common than you think! In 2017, the number of US citizens affected by stolen identities rose once more—now totaling at a whopping 16.7 million individuals nationwide according to an online survey by The Harris Poll. In light of this revelation, rather than sitting on the side-lines, we have decided to act…

You are invited to our 2018 ShredFest!!!

This is an unmissable opportunity for our clients in the Orange or Los Angeles County area and maybe even the surrounding areas to have a professional documentation destruction service safely shred and dispose of old and unnecessary documents. As a valued participant, you may bring unlimited paper to the event to shred for a nominal price of only $25. To participate, you will have to RSVP, so shoot us an email or call us today at (562) 690-2181 to reserve your spot. The event will be on November 3rd, 2018 from 11.30 am to 2.00 pm Pacific. If this date does not work for you, then be sure to ask us about our advance drop off service when you are RSVP’ing.

P.S. We are only filling up one truck so hurry and grab your opportunity today!

Now moving on to this week’s topic…

When I sit down with my Orange County business owner clients (whether in person or on the phone), we try to look at EVERY aspect of their business, not just their books. And there is often great clarity when we peek at what is *behind* the books (marketing, sales, management, asset management, etc.).

The good news for my business owner clients from Orange County is that when we put in place clear metrics and financial reports, they shed clear light on strategic decisions.

But the problem I’ve often found is that OUTSIDE of the financial reports we’re able to create for our clients, there are very few additional metrics in place to evaluate if they’re headed in the right direction — from a strategic, tactical, and growth-oriented perspective.

Sure, financial numbers are great — but what are your GOALS? And, I don’t just mean sales goals. What do you want your business to look like two years from now? Five years from now?

And what are you doing to get there?

Too often, business owners are so busy working “in” their business, that they don’t have the time to work ON these sorts of things properly.

Well, I have some short and sweet words for you this week on the subject.

Raymond Sawyer’s Five Key Elements For Setting Smart Business Goals

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

Sometimes, as a business owner, you become so overwhelmed, the only thing you can do is take it one step at a time. And although this may get you through the week, it’s not going to help grow your business. Real growth comes from writing out the goals you plan to achieve — and then putting those goals into action.

Here are some important rules to follow that we’ve found useful with clients in creating metrics and other goals:

Specific: You know exactly what your goal is.
Measurable: What will tell you that you actually achieved the goal?
Achievable: Speaks for itself. Don’t bite off something huge.
Relevant: It fits into a coherent strategy.
Time Bound: Put a deadline on it.

Did you know … only 3% of the population has written goals?

And, guess what?

This 3% earns far more than the rest.

If you truly want to see improvement and growth in your company, take the time to create SMART goals. Then, be sure to make yourself and your employees accountable for those goals.

Otherwise, you will always be taking it a day at a time.

Feel very free to forward this article to a Orange County business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance — or simply send them our way? While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we specialize in tax preparation and planning for families and business owners.

Warmly,

Raymond Sawyer

562-337-9732

Sawyer Accounting & Tax