In a perfect world, everything would go smoothly and your clients would always be gushing over the incredible work you’ve seamlessly prepared for them. In the real world, you need to learn how to roll with the punches. Your clients aren’t always going to be happy, but handling those situations while maintaining client relationships (and your sanity) is part of running a business. So what do you do when a client confronts you? My number one rule is to stay calm and don’t get defensive. If you take the confrontation personally, you won’t listen to what the client is trying to tell you. You need to get to the heart of the problem and do what you can to fix it. For more tips on how to … [Read more...]
5 Requirements for Successful Email Marketing
How do you keep in touch with your customers? Social media? Postcards? The occasional phone call? It’s important to maintain contact with clients, both past and present, but it can be tough when we’re busy running your businesses and maintaining your personal life. One of the simplest ways to maintain contact with your customers is by sending out email newsletters. Email newsletters are a common marketing device used to engage customers and sell products and services. When used right, they can be advantageous to your business; however, it requires plenty of time and brain power before you can build a successful newsletter. When brainstorming, consider these 5 necessities for … [Read more...]
Why You Might Receive a Notice from the IRS
April 15th has come and gone and the last thing you want is to hear from the IRS; however, sometimes the IRS needs to follow up on tax-related issues and they will send notices that you might need to respond to. Don’t panic! Not all of these letters contain bad news--sometimes you could even be receiving more money for your tax refund! Here are some common reasons why people receive IRS notices: Balance Due You Qualify for Additional Tax Credits A Change to Your Estimated Tax Credit Amount A Change to a Previous Year’s Refunds Overpayments Issues with Direct Deposit Changes to Filing Requirements Confirmation of Tax Return Receipt Address Update Needed To learn … [Read more...]
Mileage Logs: A Must for Tax Time
Come tax season, people are always asking me about mileage logs. A recent Tax Court case highlights the importance of keeping a log. In the case, a Mr. Keith Dunford lost $93,656 in business deductions for his business motorhome and two business cars due to lack of a business mileage log. Receipts are Not Enough Even though he had receipts for the expenses of his vehicles, his failure to keep mileage logs left the courts unable to determine the extent of the business use of his vehicles. The issues considered by the court included the ability of the Dunfords to deduct the depreciation and other expense of the motorhome and their business vehicles, whether the interest expense on the loan … [Read more...]
Managing Your Pregnancy and Your Business
Having a child should be one of the happiest moments in your life; however, for women entrepreneurs it can be very stressful. Many of my clients have come to me to figure out the balance between having a child and running a business. I’m a hands-on dad myself, but pregnancy is not something I’ve experienced, so I talked to Aileen McDonough, mom of two and owner of 3am Writers, a home-based communications company, to find out her top tips on building your business while you’re building a family. Here’s what she had to say: DON’T be afraid to tell your clients. Having a baby is a happy event, and the people you want to work with will be happy for you. (Follow up quickly with #3, so … [Read more...]
Welcome to Nakata Consulting’s Blog!
My goal is to provide my clients with good, useful information and resources. I work to create and share articles that will truly help you run your business. For quick “bites” of up-to-the-moment information, be sure to like our Facebook page! … [Read more...]