Author: margento

How I helped our client prepare for oncoming economic challenges while getting them access to a $15k grant and $100k 0% interest loan.

Let’s face it – the economic landscape has changed on so many levels.  Now more than ever, business owners need to pay close attention to what they are focusing on.

In this blog post, I’m going to highlight how I helped our client overcome staffing issues, keep up with the latest technology, and access a $100,000 interest-free loan.  And as a bonus, they got a 90% discount on this service by taking advantage of a limited-time $15k Canadian Government grant.

Top 3 challenges our client faced:

1. Difficulty in retaining and hiring skilled staff
2. Keeping up with the latest technology
3. Increased interest rates and cash flow

Difficulty in retaining skilled staff:

Like most business owners these days, the number one challenge was staffing.  The market has never been more competitive.  Headhunters were messaging key staff members providing competitive benefits, salaries, and bonuses, promising better “work-life balance,” and it was a battle to keep their staff engaged.

During our assessment, we found out the following was lacking a process for HR.  Without scheduling regular 1:1’s with direct reports, there was a disconnect between minimum/maximum expected outcomes, how valuable those outcomes were, misalignment and lack of clear performance goals, and trust.  Ultimately boiled down to poor communication.  Work hours were fixed, which led to disengagement and burnout.  There was little to no career development or professional development offered or incentivized to those interested in developing their skillset.  And above all, the company wasn’t big enough to hire its own HR manager and oversee these crucial aspects of the business.

Keeping up with the latest technology:

“You don’t know what you don’t know.”  I keep hearing this a lot from our clients.  Especially when it comes to technology.  With rapid advancements in applications for all parts of a business, we found key areas where I was able to help our client keep up with the pace.

People

First and foremost, people are your greatest asset. I helped our client identify an HR platform that would help them with their #1 challenge – retaining key staff and developing talent density.

Under this platform, we achieved the following.

• Automated 1:1 meetings with direct reports. 
• Place to store all key data related to performance, expected minimum/maximum outcomes, and goal setting.
• Helped align the team on their progress as professionals.    
• Framework to standardize 1:1s to make them meaningful, actionable, and consistent.
• Recognition of individual strengths and being able to lean into everyone’s unique abilities.

Best of all, they were able to implement this without having to hire a full-time HR manager since given the size of the company they weren’t quite ready for that yet.  Overall, these changes led to higher team engagement, retention, and performance.

Clients

Secondly, our client was missing a platform to track leads, sales, conversions, and gather feedback from clients.

How I helped.

• Identify a CRM that would help manage the pipeline and various stages their prospects went through.
• Track communications between prospects and salespeople.
• Engage clients in post-work completion feedback surveys.
• Automation to reduce manual entries.
• Highlight the benefits of email marketing and automations to do so.
• Show how Zapier could connect their project management application to sales CRM (reduce double data entry).

With my help, we were able to show our client what other businesses were doing to automate sales and marketing.  We introduced powerful automation that helped reduce manual data entry between prospects and clients and helped their sales team stay top of mind on their leads and audience.  Not only that, but we also introduced automated forms that would gather client feedback on work completion that would help our client improve their service by incorporating that feedback.  This led to an overall better client experience.

Increased interest rates and cash flow:

Prime interest rates recently hit 7.2%, with signs that they may keep going up.  Business cash loans are upwards of 12%.  I helped our client get access to $100,000 at 0% interest through the digital adoption program.  This boosted cash flow and was aided to help with the implementation of tools that automated key functions of their business, benefiting them by retaining key staff and improving their overall sales process and service delivery.

I helped our client get a $15,000 grant which covered 90% of the cost of our service.  At the end of the day, our client only had to pay $1,669 for 8 weeks of our advisory services.

To this day, we have a 100% success rate helping clients like this access this grant and loan.

They were able to get a full 360-degree assessment of their business, where we uncovered the constraints that were holding their business back.

We created a strategy for implementing new tech tools that would solve those constraints and allow them to focus on increasing the talent density of the team while increasing sales and improving their service.  And we still work with them to this day to help implement and improve upon the solutions in their plans.

If you’re ready to make a change too, email me at michael@argentocpa.ca and I’ll show you exactly how what we did for this client can be tailored to help you and your business succeed.

The Importance of a Business Advisor

Just like a superhero needs a trusty sidekick and an athlete needs a coach, a thriving business requires the guidance of a skilled business advisor. As a business owner, you’re likely familiar with juggling a plethora of roles and responsibilities. You’re the idea generator, the decision-maker, the problem-solver, and frequently, the support system for your team. It’s an exciting adventure, but it can also be quite taxing. It’s okay to feel this way. Running a business is not a solo endeavor, and it’s completely fine to ask for help. This is where a proficient business advisor steps in.

The Role of a Business Advisor

A business advisor is more than just a person who tells you what to do. They serve as a guiding light, assisting you through the complex journey of entrepreneurship. They bring a new perspective, challenging you to think differently, and inspiring you to aim higher. Their role isn’t to dictate but to collaborate with you, crafting strategies specific to your business’s unique needs.

Traits of a Good Business Advisor

What sets a good business advisor apart is humility. Nobody knows everything, and a great advisor isn’t afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers. They don’t feign knowledge. Instead, they ask insightful questions that stimulate your thinking and allow you to view situations from a different perspective. This humble approach spurs creativity and innovation, propelling you towards success.

The Knowledge of a Business Advisor

Business advisors are avid learners. Their thirst for knowledge is never quenched, and they’re always eager to learn something new. They gather information from a wide array of resources, enriching their understanding and bringing varied insights to your business. This extensive knowledge empowers them to offer you valuable advice, helping you make informed decisions that advance your business.

Experience and Accountability

Successful advisors have usually experienced what you’re going through. They didn’t begin their careers as advisors but have accumulated a wealth of experience in diverse fields. This experience, combined with their advisory skills, provides them with a deeper understanding of the challenges you face. They can empathize with your struggles and provide practical, tested solutions.

Moreover, business advisors are partners in accountability. They walk alongside you, holding you accountable for your decisions and actions. This accountability extends both ways. They too hold themselves accountable, ensuring they deliver on their promises and provide you with the best service possible.

The Educational Aspect

Education is another distinguishing feature of a good advisor. They promote continuous learning and often recommend educational resources to widen your knowledge. They understand that in the fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead requires constant learning. Their aim is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to not just survive but thrive.

Mutual Success

In conclusion, the success of a business advisor is linked with your success. Their business model is aimed towards mutual success. They don’t just work for you; they work with you. As your business grows and prospers, so do they. This symbiotic relationship motivates them to go the extra mile, helping you achieve your business goals.

The Journey with a Business Advisor

If you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed or merely seeking a fresh perspective, consider bringing a business advisor on board. They will provide you with invaluable insights, challenge your thought process, and steer you towards your goals. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a stride towards success.

Making the Right Decision

Choosing a business advisor is a significant decision that can greatly influence your business’s trajectory. But don’t let this intimidate you. Instead, view it as an opportunity. An opportunity to gain a partner who is as committed to your success as you are. An opportunity to learn, grow, and reach new heights.

The Journey of Running a Business

Running a business is a journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and rewarding moments. You’re the captain of your ship, but even the most experienced captains need a dependable compass. A business advisor is that compass, guiding you through the turbulent seas of business, leading you towards your goals.

Take the First Step

Don’t wait. Take the first step towards a brighter future for your business. Reach out to a business advisor today and discover the impact they can make. Embark on this journey with an advisor by your side, and watch as your business scales new heights. Your success story is waiting to be written, and a business advisor could be the key to the next exciting chapter.

Final Thoughts

In the end, remember this: your business’s success is your advisor’s success. You’re in this journey together, every step of the way. So, take a leap of faith, choose a business advisor, and embrace the journey towards success. Because, in business and in life, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the people who help us along the way.

Why do you need Strategic Business Planning?

One of the most significant challenges businesses faces is the need for more information. The lack of information can lead to missed opportunities, costly mistakes, and a failure to stay competitive. As a business owner, seeking out and accessing accurate information to make informed decisions and avoid these pitfalls is essential. Unfortunately, the most expensive thing that businesses pay for is the information they should know but don’t.

Strategic business planning helps businesses to stay prepared and make informed decisions. It involves conducting research, analyzing data, and making enlightened decisions about the company’s future. By incorporating strategic planning into the business, owners, and managers can stay knowledgeable about market changes, consumer behavior changes, and other factors that can impact the business’s success. This helps ensure that the company is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities for growth and expansion.

Incorporating strategic planning into a business can also ensure that the business has a clear vision and mission. A well-constructed strategic plan provides a clear overview of the business, its goals, and the strategies for achieving those goals. This clarity is crucial for attracting investment and securing funding, as it provides investors with a clear understanding of the business and its plans.

One of the critical components of strategic business planning is conducting market research. Market research provides valuable insights into the target market, competition, and industry trends. This information can help businesses to identify opportunities for growth and expansion and to develop strategies for capitalizing on those opportunities. Market research can also help companies to understand the needs and preferences of their target market, which can inform the marketing and sales strategies of the business.

Another critical component of strategic business planning is financial planning. Financial planning involves developing a budget, cash flow projections, and a break-even analysis. This information is crucial for determining the business’s economic viability and the resources required to achieve the goals and objectives. Financial planning is also critical for securing investment and funding, as it provides investors with a clear understanding of the financial needs of the business and the potential returns on investment.

In conclusion, strategic business planning is vital to running a successful business. It provides a framework for making informed decisions, helps companies to stay informed about changes in the market and other factors that can impact their success, and helps to mitigate the risks associated with the lack of information. By incorporating strategic planning into their business, business owners can increase their chances of success, avoid costly mistakes, and secure investment and funding to support their growth and expansion.

The digital adoption program is helpful for strategic planning because it provides businesses with the resources and support they need to effectively adopt and integrate digital technologies into their operations. Doing so can help businesses to enhance their competitiveness, improve their efficiency and productivity, and achieve their goals and objectives.

Here are some key reasons why the digital adoption program is helpful for strategic planning:

1. Access to Digital Technologies: The digital adoption program provides businesses with access to the latest digital technologies and tools. This can help businesses to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the digital marketplace.
2. Training and Support: The program provides businesses with training and support to help them understand the benefits of digital technologies and how to incorporate them into their operations. This can help businesses to identify the most appropriate digital technologies and tools for their needs and develop strategies for implementing those technologies in a way that enhances their competitiveness and success.
3. Expert Advice and Guidance: The digital adoption program provides businesses with access to a network of experts and advisors who can help them understand the latest trends and developments in digital technology and identify the best strategies for adopting and integrating those technologies into their operations.
4. Financial Support: The program provides financial support to help businesses overcome financial barriers to adopting digital technologies and invest in the tools and resources they need to be successful in the digital marketplace.  The government will cover 90% of the cost of your business plan for up to $15,000 and get you access to $100,000 in the form a 0% interest 5-year loan.
5. Improved Efficiency and Productivity: By adopting digital technologies, businesses can improve their efficiency and productivity, allowing them to achieve their goals and objectives more quickly and effectively.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with strategic planning. We are experts when it comes to combining digital adoption with business planning and will show you how to get access to government funding.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Effective Leadership

Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful organization. A good leader sets the direction, inspires others, builds trust, adapts to change, and creates a positive work culture. In this blog, we’ll explore what it takes to be an effective leader and the key traits of a great leader.

Vision and Strategy

Influential leaders have a clear vision and strategy for their organization. They can articulate where they want the organization to go and how they plan. A good leader can communicate this vision to their team members and inspire them to work towards achieving it. This requires a deep understanding of the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities and a keen sense of the market and industry trends.

Inspiring Others

Great leaders can inspire and motivate their team members. They lead by example, modeling the behaviors they want to see in their team members. They can connect with their team members personally, building relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. They can also create a culture of excellence where team members feel empowered to take risks, share their ideas, and work towards achieving common goals.

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. Effective leaders prioritize honesty, transparency, and accountability. They communicate openly and honestly with their team members, customers, and stakeholders, even when the news is terrible. They take responsibility for their mistakes and work to rectify them. They also create a culture of trust by empowering their team members to take ownership of their work, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Adapting to Change

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations need leaders who can adapt to change and make tough decisions when necessary. Effective leaders can stay abreast of market and industry trends and adjust their strategies accordingly. They can also navigate through times of uncertainty and change, inspiring confidence in their team members even when the future is unclear.

Creating a Positive Culture

Great leaders create a positive work environment where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to speak up and share their ideas. They prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse team is more robust. They also create opportunities for growth and development, providing their team members with the training and resources they need to succeed.

Effective leadership is essential for achieving organizational success. Great leaders have a clear vision and strategy, inspire and motivate their team members, build trust, adapt to change, and create a positive work culture. By prioritizing these traits, leaders can create organizations that are successful, innovative, and adaptable to change.

Effective leadership has a significant impact on company processes. When effective leaders lead an organization, it creates a culture of excellence. Team members are empowered to take ownership of their work and work towards achieving common goals. This, in turn, leads to several benefits for company processes:

Improved Decision Making

Effective leaders can make sound decisions that are in the organization’s best interest. They deeply understand the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and can make decisions based on data and analysis. This improves the quality of decision-making across the organization, leading to better outcomes for company processes.

Increased Efficiency

When team members are empowered to take ownership of their work, they can work more efficiently. Effective leaders create an environment where team members can focus on their work without unnecessary distractions or obstacles. This leads to increased productivity and efficiency across company processes.

Better Communication

Effective leaders prioritize communication, both within the organization and with external stakeholders. They ensure that team members have the information and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This leads to better collaboration and coordination across company processes, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Innovation and never-ending improvement

Effective leaders create a culture of innovation and never-ending improvement, encouraging team members to take risks and share their ideas. This leads to developing new and innovative products, services, and processes that can drive the organization forward. Another word for this is Kaizen.

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means “continuous improvement.” Its philosophy focuses on making minor, incremental improvements in processes and systems over time to achieve long-term, sustainable improvements in quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Kaizen emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in the organization in the improvement process, from the CEO to the frontline workers. It also highlights the importance of collecting and analyzing data to identify improvement opportunities.

Kaizen involves several vital principles, including:

Continuous Improvement: Kaizen is a never-ending improvement process where small, incremental changes are made over time.

Respect for People: Kaizen recognizes that people are the most important asset of an organization and that their ideas and input are critical for improvement.

Elimination of Waste: Kaizen aims to eliminate all its forms, including defects, overproduction, waiting, unnecessary motion, excess inventory, overprocessing, and unused talent.

Standardization: Kaizen promotes the development of standardized processes that are repeatable and reliable, which helps to reduce errors and improve quality.

Continuous Learning: Kaizen encourages a culture of continuous learning, where team members are constantly seeking new knowledge and skills to improve their work.

Overall, Kaizen is a powerful philosophy that has been embraced by organizations around the world to drive continuous improvement and achieve long-term success.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with leadership or optimizing your processes.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Digital Adoption Plan: A Business Advisory Program Funded by the Government

The Canadian Digital Adoption Plan (CDAP) is a business advisory program that is 90% funded by the government. Its primary goal is to help businesses identify their pain points and develop a strategy to address them. The program creates a roadmap with the company’s goals in mind and sets specific targets.

The CDAP is a straightforward and efficient program for business owners, requiring only one weekly meeting for nine weeks. This ensures that business owners are left with a clear roadmap for the future.

What’s the time commitment on CDAP?

Many business owners are concerned about the amount of work required to participate in the program. However, the CDAP is designed to alleviate business owners of this burden. Advisors assume the majority of the work and ensure that the process is as efficient as possible.

At the end of the program, business owners will have a clear roadmap that they can use to advance their companies. The roadmap will address the issues identified during the program and set specific targets for the business to achieve. This ensures that businesses can move forward with confidence and a clear plan.

One of the advantages of the CDAP is that it provides businesses with access to a 0% five-year loan of up to $100,000 from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) once the plan has been approved. This loan can be used to implement the changes recommended in the roadmap, allowing businesses to make the necessary investments in their digital infrastructure.

A successful Digital Adoption Plan

The program’s success is dependent on businesses’ commitment to the process, and it is not meant to be a quick fix. However, it is a worthwhile investment in the future of the business. The CDAP can assist businesses in making the transition to a digital-first approach, which has become increasingly necessary in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The program begins by assessing a business’s current digital capabilities and identifying any gaps that exist. The advisors will then collaborate with the business to create a personalized roadmap that outlines specific objectives and the steps required to achieve them. The roadmap may include upgrading hardware or software, internal process adjustments, developing a digital marketing strategy, or implementing an e-commerce platform, among other things.

Throughout the program, advisors provide ongoing support to ensure that the business is making progress and that any obstacles are addressed promptly. They also work with businesses to establish performance metrics that can be used to track progress and measure success.

Participating in the DAP program can benefit businesses in a variety of ways. For starters, it can help businesses increase their efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing the time spent on manual tasks. The program can also help businesses improve their customer experience by providing a more seamless and personalized digital experience. Finally, it can help businesses expand their reach by opening up new channels for sales and marketing.

Digital Adoption Plans are a key to success

One of the program’s most significant advantages is that it can help businesses remain competitive by keeping up with the latest technological advancements. As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, failing to keep up can result in lost business and reduced revenue.

The CDAP is a fantastic opportunity for businesses that are looking to improve their digital capabilities and create a roadmap for the future. With the government funding 90% of the program, it is an affordable and accessible option for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, access to a 0% five-year loan of up to $100,000 from the BDC can help businesses implement the changes recommended in the roadmap without straining their finances.

TLDR; The main reasons why a business owner should consider CDAP:

• Identifies pain points in the business and develops a roadmap to address them
• Increase efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability
• Improve customer experience and build loyalty
• Expand reach by opening up new channels for sales and marketing
• Remain competitive by keeping up with technological advancements

In conclusion, the Digital Adoption Program is an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their digital capabilities and remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. The program creates a personalized roadmap that addresses the business’s pain points and sets specific targets for the business to achieve. The program is easy and efficient for business owners, with advisors taking on most of the work, and it provides ongoing support throughout the program. The program is an investment in the future of the business, and it can help businesses increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and expand their reach.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with the digital adoption program or optimizing your processes.  We are experts when it comes to digital adoption, including cloud accounting setup and ongoing IT support.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Trust and humility will supercharge your business

Trust and humility are two key ingredients that can supercharge any business. Here are some ways in which they can help:

1. Building trust with customers: Trust is the foundation of any successful business. When customers trust you, they are more likely to do business with you, refer others to your company, and remain loyal over time. Humility plays a key role in building trust, as it involves acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility for them. When customers see that you are willing to admit your faults, they are more likely to trust you and feel confident in doing business with you.
2. Encouraging collaboration: Humility also encourages collaboration and teamwork within a business. When leaders are humble, they are more likely to listen to and value the opinions of their team members. This can lead to better decision-making, improved productivity, and a more positive work environment overall.
3. Fostering innovation: Trust and humility can also foster innovation within a business. When employees feel that they can trust their leaders and colleagues, they are more likely to share their ideas and take risks. Humility also encourages leaders to admit when they don’t have all the answers and to be open to new ideas and perspectives. This can lead to more creative solutions and innovative products or services.
4. Building a strong reputation: Finally, trust and humility can help build a strong reputation for your business. When customers, employees, and stakeholders see that you are a trustworthy and humble leader, they are more likely to respect and admire your business. This can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing, increased brand recognition, and a more loyal customer base.

Trust and humility are essential qualities for any successful business. By cultivating these qualities in your leadership style and company culture, you can create a more positive and productive work environment, foster innovation, and build a strong reputation for your business.

How can a leader promote trust within their organization?

Promoting trust within an organization is critical to creating a positive and productive work environment. Here are some ways a leader can promote trust within their organization:

1. Lead by example: A leader should model the behaviors they want to see in their employees. This means being honest, transparent, and consistent in their actions and decisions.
2. Communicate clearly and openly: Effective communication is essential for building trust. A leader should be open and transparent in their communication with their employees, sharing information about the company’s goals, challenges, and successes.
3. Encourage feedback: A leader should encourage their employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback. This helps to create a culture of openness and transparency, and it also demonstrates that the leader values the input of their employees.
4. Delegate responsibility: Trust is built when employees feel that they are trusted to make decisions and take on responsibility. A leader should delegate responsibility to their employees and give them the autonomy to make decisions within their areas of expertise.
5. Recognize and reward good work: A leader should recognize and reward their employees for their hard work and accomplishments. This helps to build a positive and supportive work environment and demonstrates that the leader values the contributions of their employees.
6. Address issues promptly: When issues or conflicts arise, a leader should address them promptly and directly. This helps to prevent the spread of rumors or misinformation, and it also demonstrates that the leader is committed to resolving issues in a fair and transparent manner.

Promoting trust within an organization requires a leader to be open, transparent, and consistent in their actions and communication. By fostering a culture of trust, a leader can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone in the organization.

But what if the leader doesn’t know the best way?

It’s okay for a leader to not always know the best way forward. In fact, admitting that you don’t have all the answers is a sign of humility and can actually help to build trust within your organization. Here are some ways a leader can promote trust even if they don’t know the best way:

1. Be honest: If you don’t know the best way forward, be honest with your team. Admit that you don’t have all the answers, but that you are committed to finding a solution together.
2. Seek input: Ask your team for their input and ideas. Encourage them to share their thoughts and perspectives on the issue at hand. This can help to foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork, and it also shows that you value their input.
3. Consult with experts: If you’re not sure what the best way forward is, consult with experts in the field. This could include colleagues, industry experts, or consultants who specialize in the area you’re grappling with.
4. Experiment: Sometimes the best way to find the right solution is through trial and error. Encourage your team to experiment with different approaches and ideas. This can help to uncover new and innovative solutions that may not have been considered otherwise.
5. Learn from failures: Even if an approach doesn’t work out, it’s important to learn from failures and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Be transparent about what went wrong and what you learned from the experience.

Ultimately, being a leader means being willing to take risks, make mistakes, and admit when you don’t have all the answers. By being honest, seeking input, and experimenting with different approaches, you can promote trust within your organization even if you don’t always know the best way forward.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need guidance on how to lead your company. 

We help business owners lead their organizations toward their goals through business coaching and leadership training.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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How your business should enable you to live the life you want

Your business should enable you to live your ideal lifestyle by providing you with the income, flexibility, and opportunities that allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals. Here are some ways in which your business can help you live your ideal lifestyle:

1. Financial Freedom: Your business should provide you with the financial means to live comfortably and achieve your financial goals. This may include paying yourself a reasonable salary, offering benefits, and reinvesting profits into the business.
2. Flexibility: Your business should allow you to work on your own terms, whether that means working from home, setting your own hours, or taking time off when needed. This allows you to balance your work and personal life, and to pursue other interests and hobbies outside of work.
3. Purpose and Fulfillment: Your business should align with your personal values and provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can be achieved by focusing on a mission or cause that is meaningful to you, or by creating products or services that make a positive impact on others.
4. Growth and Learning: Your business should offer opportunities for personal and professional growth and development. This can be achieved by attending conferences, workshops, and training programs, or by hiring a coach or mentor to help you develop new skills and knowledge.
5. Control and Autonomy: Your business should provide you with a sense of control and autonomy over your work and your life. This means being able to make decisions and take action without having to ask for permission or approval from others.

By ensuring that your business provides these elements, you can create a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle that allows you to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Why are so many business owner’s not living their ideal lifestyle through their business?

There are several reasons why many business owners may not be living their ideal lifestyle through their business:

1. Lack of Clarity: Some business owners may not have a clear vision of their ideal lifestyle or may not have taken the time to align their business with their personal goals and values.
2. Focus on Growth: Many business owners prioritize growth and expansion over their personal well-being, which can lead to burnout and neglect of other important aspects of their life.
3. Poor Time Management: Some business owners struggle with time management, which can lead to working long hours and neglecting other areas of their life.
4. Lack of Delegation: Some business owners may have difficulty delegating tasks and responsibilities, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
5. Fear of Failure: Fear of failure can prevent some business owners from taking risks and making changes that could lead to a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.
6. External Pressures: External factors such as economic conditions, market competition, and customer demands can also impact a business owner’s ability to live their ideal lifestyle.

It’s important for business owners to recognize these potential barriers and take steps to overcome them in order to create a business that enables them to live their ideal lifestyle. This may involve setting clear boundaries, delegating responsibilities, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support from mentors or coaches.

How can your accountant help you achieve your ideal lifestyle?

Your accountant can help you achieve your ideal lifestyle in several ways:

1. Financial Planning: An accountant can work with you to create a financial plan that aligns with your personal goals and helps you achieve your ideal lifestyle. This may include creating a budget, setting financial goals, and developing investment strategies.
2. Tax Planning: An accountant can help you minimize your tax liabilities by identifying tax-saving opportunities and developing tax planning strategies.
3. Business Planning: If you own a business, an accountant can help you develop a business plan that supports your personal goals and enables you to achieve your ideal lifestyle. This may include developing financial projections, analyzing cash flow, and creating strategies for growth and expansion.
4. Risk Management: An accountant can help you identify and manage financial risks, such as economic downturns, market volatility, and unexpected expenses, which can impact your ability to achieve your ideal lifestyle.
5. Outsourced Bookkeeping: By outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting tasks to an accountant, you can free up time to focus on other areas of your life and business, which can improve your overall quality of life.

Overall, working with an accountant can help you achieve your ideal lifestyle by providing you with the financial insights and guidance you need to make informed decisions and achieve your personal and professional goals.

Contact Argento CPA today to get help achieving your ideal lifestyle. 

We help business owners achieve their goals by being their all-in-one solution that helps you with business planning, tax, and bookkeeping.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Why does it pay to have a business advisor?

Having a business advisor can provide numerous benefits for entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are some reasons why it pays to have a business advisor:

1. Expertise and Experience: A business advisor can bring expertise and experience to the table, particularly in areas where the business owner may be lacking. They can provide valuable insights and advice on business strategies, financial management, marketing, and other aspects of running a successful business.
2. Objectivity and Accountability: An advisor can offer an objective perspective on business decisions and provide guidance on how to navigate challenging situations. Additionally, having a business advisor can help hold the business owner accountable for meeting goals and staying on track.
3. Network and Resources: An advisor can provide access to a network of contacts and resources that can be beneficial for the business. This includes potential clients, suppliers, investors, and other professionals who can help the business grow and succeed.
4. Save Time and Money: By leveraging the expertise and experience of an advisor, business owners can avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions. This can ultimately save time and money in the long run.
5. Growth and Expansion: An advisor can help identify opportunities for growth and expansion, and provide guidance on how to capitalize on them. They can also assist with developing strategies for scaling the business and entering new markets.

Overall, having a business advisor can be a valuable investment for any business owner looking to improve their operations, increase profitability, and achieve long-term success.

How does an advisor help you plan?

An advisor can help you plan by bringing expertise and experience to the table and offering an objective perspective on your business. Here are some ways that a business advisor can assist you with planning:

1. Develop a Strategic Plan: An advisor can help you develop a strategic plan for your business, which includes setting goals, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and developing a roadmap for achieving success. This can help you stay focused on your priorities and ensure that your business is on track to achieve your long-term objectives.
2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis: An advisor can conduct a SWOT analysis of your business, which involves analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This can help you identify areas where your business is excelling and areas where you need to improve, as well as potential opportunities and threats in the market.
3. Financial Planning: An advisor can assist with financial planning, including creating a budget, forecasting revenue and expenses, and developing a financial strategy that aligns with your business goals. This can help you manage your cash flow and ensure that you have the resources you need to grow and expand your business.
4. Risk Management: An advisor can help you identify and manage risks associated with your business, such as market fluctuations, competition, and regulatory changes. They can assist you in developing risk management strategies that can help mitigate potential issues and protect your business.
5. Plan for Growth and Expansion: An advisor can help you plan for growth and expansion by identifying opportunities in the market, conducting market research, and developing strategies for scaling your business. This can help you stay ahead of the competition and position your business for long-term success.

A business advisor can bring valuable insights and expertise to your business planning process, helping you develop a strategic plan that aligns with your goals and objectives.

How does an advisor impact the growth of your team?

An advisor can impact the growth of your team by providing guidance and support to help you develop your employees and create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Here are some ways that a business advisor can impact the growth of your team:

1. Develop a Training and Development Plan: An advisor can help you develop a training and development plan for your team, which includes identifying areas where employees need to improve their skills and knowledge. They can also provide guidance on how to implement training programs and create a culture of learning within your organization.
2. Improve Communication and Collaboration: An advisor can help improve communication and collaboration within your team by providing strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, and team building. This can help create a positive work environment and improve productivity.
3. Foster Leadership Development: An advisor can assist with leadership development by providing guidance and support to help your team members develop their leadership skills. This can help create a pipeline of future leaders within your organization and support the long-term growth and success of your business.
4. Create Performance Management Processes: An advisor can help you develop performance management processes to measure and track employee performance. This can include setting goals, providing regular feedback, and creating incentives for high performance. This can help motivate employees and drive productivity.
5. Develop a Succession Plan: An advisor can assist with developing a succession plan, which ensures that your business has a plan in place for replacing key employees in the event of unexpected departures or retirements. This can help create stability within your organization and support long-term growth and success.

A business advisor can help you develop and implement strategies to support the growth and development of your team. By providing guidance and support, a business advisor can help create a positive work environment, foster leadership development, and drive productivity, which can ultimately lead to the long-term success of your business.

Having a business advisor can also help you avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions. They can help you stay focused on your goals and provide accountability to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to achieve success. Ultimately, this will help you with business planning and fostering a culture of never-ending improvement with your team, which is key to your long-term success as a business owner.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with business planning.

Our team loves setting goals with our clients and helping them track their progress and measure success.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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What are financial KPIs?

What are Financial KPI’s? They (Key Performance Indicators) are metrics used to assess the financial performance of a company or organization. Here are some examples of financial KPIs:

1. Revenue: This is the total amount of money generated by a company through sales of products or services.
2. Gross Profit Margin: This is the percentage of revenue that remains after deducting the cost of goods sold.
3. Net Profit Margin: This is the percentage of revenue that remains after deducting all expenses, including cost of goods sold, operating expenses, interest, and taxes.
4. Return on Investment (ROI): This is a measure of how much profit a company generates relative to the amount of capital invested.
5. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA): This is a measure of a company’s operating performance and is calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization expenses to net income.
6. Debt-to-Equity Ratio: This is a measure of a company’s financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by its total equity.
7. Current Ratio: This is a measure of a company’s ability to pay its short-term liabilities with its current assets.
8. Inventory Turnover Ratio: This is a measure of how quickly a company sells its inventory and is calculated by dividing the cost of goods sold by the average inventory.
9. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): This is the cost of acquiring a new customer, including marketing and sales expenses.
10. Lifetime Value of a Customer (LTV): This is a measure of the total revenue a company can expect from a single customer over their lifetime.

How do financial KPI’s metrics help your business?

Financial KPIs help businesses in a variety of ways by providing valuable insights into their financial performance. Here are some ways in which financial KPIs can help your business:

1. Measure and track progress: Financial KPIs allow you to track your progress over time, identify areas where you are doing well, and pinpoint areas where you need to improve.
2. Evaluate performance: Financial KPIs provide an objective measure of your business’s performance and allow you to evaluate your performance against industry benchmarks or your own goals.
3. Make informed decisions: Financial KPIs provide valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about your business, such as whether to invest in new equipment, hire more staff, or launch a new product.
4. Monitor cash flow: Financial KPIs such as revenue, profit margin, and cash flow provide insights into the financial health of your business and allow you to make decisions to improve cash flow and profitability.
5. Identify trends: Financial KPIs allow you to identify trends in your business, such as changes in revenue, expenses, or profit margin, and make adjustments to your operations to address these trends.

Overall, financial KPIs provide a clear picture of your business’s financial performance and help you make informed decisions to improve your operations, maximize profitability, and achieve your business goals.

How does tracking financial KPI‘s help your customer’s experience?

While financial KPIs primarily focus on measuring and improving a company’s financial performance, tracking these metrics can also have a positive impact on the customer experience. Here are some ways in which financial KPIs can indirectly improve the customer experience:

1. Improved product or service quality: By tracking metrics such as customer satisfaction or net promoter score, companies can gain insights into the quality of their products or services and make improvements to better meet customer needs.
2. Faster order processing: Financial KPIs such as inventory turnover ratio or order fulfillment cycle time can help companies identify areas where they can improve their order processing and delivery times, leading to a better customer experience.
3. Enhanced customer support: Financial KPIs such as customer acquisition cost and lifetime value of a customer can help companies identify areas where they need to invest in customer support to improve the overall customer experience.
4. Competitive pricing: Financial KPIs such as gross profit margin and return on investment can help companies determine their pricing strategy and ensure they remain competitive in the marketplace, providing customers with a better value for their money.

Tracking financial KPIs can indirectly improve the customer experience by helping companies make data-driven decisions to improve product or service quality, speed up order processing, enhance customer support, and offer competitive pricing. By improving these aspects of their business, companies can create a more positive customer experience and increase customer loyalty and retention.

Why is accurate bookkeeping important for understanding your financial KPIs?

Accurate bookkeeping is essential for understanding your KPIs because financial KPIs are based on financial data that is recorded in your company’s books. Without accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping records, your financial KPIs may be inaccurate, which can lead to incorrect analysis, decision-making, and performance evaluations.

Here are some reasons why accurate bookkeeping is important for understanding your KPIs:

1. Ensure Data Accuracy: Accurate bookkeeping records provide a reliable source of data for calculating your financial KPIs. If the data is incorrect or incomplete, your KPIs may not accurately reflect your business’s financial performance.
2. Facilitate Decision-Making: Accurate bookkeeping records can help you make informed decisions based on reliable financial data. This includes identifying areas where you need to make improvements and allocating resources to initiatives that will have the greatest impact on your business’s financial performance.
3. Provide a Basis for Comparisons: Bookkeeping records can help you compare your company’s financial performance against industry benchmarks or your own historical data. This can help you identify areas where you are performing well or where you need to improve.
4. Facilitate Tax Compliance: Accurate bookkeeping records are essential for tax compliance, including filing accurate tax returns, paying taxes on time, and avoiding penalties and interest charges.

Financial KPI’s are essential for informed decision making

In summary, accurate bookkeeping is essential for understanding your KPIs because it provides a reliable source of financial data that you can use to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and track your financial performance over time.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with tracking your KPIs and bookkeeping.

Our team loves setting goals with our clients and helping them track their progress and measure success.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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Bookkeeping for Small Business Canada: The Basics You Need to Know

As a small business owner in Canada, you have a lot on your plate. You need to focus on running your business and serving your customers. However, bookkeeping is an essential task that cannot be overlooked. Accurate bookkeeping is crucial for making informed decisions about the financial health of your business. In this blog, we will cover the basics of bookkeeping for small businesses in Canada.

What is Bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the process of recording all financial transactions of your business. This includes keeping track of income, expenses, and assets. Bookkeeping is a crucial component of accounting, and it lays the foundation for creating financial statements and tax returns.

Why is bookkeeping for small business Important?

Bookkeeping is vital for several reasons. First, it helps you keep track of your finances, so you can make informed decisions about your business. You can see how much money you have coming in and going out, and you can use this information to make adjustments to your business strategy. Second, accurate bookkeeping is essential for tax compliance. You need to keep accurate records to file your taxes correctly and avoid penalties. Finally, bookkeeping is essential for securing funding. If you want to apply for a loan or seek investors, you need to provide accurate financial statements that demonstrate the financial health of your business.

What are the Key Bookkeeping Tasks?

There are several bookkeeping tasks that small business owners need to perform. These include:

1. Recording transactions: You need to keep track of all your income and expenses, and record them in a ledger or accounting software. This includes all sales, purchases, and payments.

2. Reconciling accounts: You need to reconcile your bank accounts and credit card statements to ensure that all transactions are accurate and accounted for.

3. Generating financial statements: You need to create financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These statements help you understand the financial health of your business.

4. Payroll: If you have employees, you need to keep track of their pay and deductions.

5. HST/GST: If you are registered for HST/GST, you need to keep track of your input tax credits, output tax owed, and filing deadlines.

How to Get Started with Bookkeeping?

If you are just starting with bookkeeping, here are some steps you can take:

1. Choose an accounting system: You can use a spreadsheet or accounting software. There are many accounting software options available in Canada, such as QuickBooks and Xero.

2. Set up a chart of accounts: A chart of accounts is a list of all the accounts you will use to record your transactions. This includes income accounts, expense accounts, asset accounts, and liability accounts.

3. Record your transactions: You need to record all your transactions, including sales, expenses, and payments. This can be done manually, or you can automate the process using accounting software.

4. Reconcile accounts: You need to reconcile your bank accounts and credit card statements to ensure that all transactions are accurate and accounted for.

5. Generate financial statements: You need to create financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

What about audit proofing records?

Audit-proofing your bookkeeping records is an essential aspect of managing your small business finances in Canada. It involves keeping your financial records organized, accurate, and up-to-date, so you can easily provide them to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the event of an audit.

Here are some tips for audit-proofing your bookkeeping records:

1. Keep Accurate Records: It’s crucial to keep accurate records of all your business transactions, including income, expenses, and assets. Ensure that you record all transactions promptly and keep all receipts, invoices, and bank statements.

2. Use Cloud Software: Using cloud software such as Dext to manage your bookkeeping can help you keep your records organized and up-to-date. It can also reduce the risk of human error in data entry with it’s scanning capabilities.  Plus it keeps a digital record on the cloud.

3. Separate Business and Personal Expenses: It’s essential to separate your personal and business expenses. This means having separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business and personal expenses.

4. Reconcile Your Accounts: Ensure that you reconcile your bank and credit card statements to ensure that all transactions are accounted for.

5. Maintain Proper Documentation: Ensure that you have supporting documentation for all your transactions, such as invoices, receipts, and contracts.

6. Have a Backup System: It’s crucial to have a backup system for your bookkeeping records, such as cloud storage or an external hard drive. This can protect you in case of a computer crash, theft, or fire.

7. Get Professional Help: Consider working with a bookkeeper or accountant to ensure that your bookkeeping records are accurate and up-to-date. They can help you identify potential problems before they become significant issues. They also know all the trics to automate your accounting and audit proofing your records on the cloud. An experienced accountant can help your small business in Canada get set up correctly right from the get go. This will ensure your business has the foundation to grow and achieve the greatest chance of success. And most importantly, make sure you never lose a CRA audit due to having poor records and documentation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bookkeeping is an essential task that small business owners in Canada need to perform. It helps you keep track of your finances, comply with tax regulations, and secure funding. By following the basics outlined in this blog, you can get started with bookkeeping and ensure that your business is financially healthy. If you find bookkeeping to be overwhelming, consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant to assist you.

Contact Argento CPA today if you need help with your bookkeeping. 

Our team takes the time to actively listen to your needs and tailor your accounting system to ensure that you comprehend your financial figures and the process involved. As we understand that reliable bookkeeping serves as a cornerstone for success, we value your business just as much as we do our own.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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