#MOMpreneurChat Recap: “SMChat “Keeping Your Accounts in Check Over the Summer”

Last week, we had the privilege of sponsoring, and participating in, a Twitter chat hosted by Mompreneurs® — a national network dedicated to the support and empowerment of Canada’s moms in business.

The virtual conversation among busy mompreneurs was around the topic of balancing your books during the summer—and how to take a real vacation.

Top two takeaways from the discussion among the women entrepreneurs included:

  • When you’re an entrepreneur, it can be tough to take a “real” vacation, but it’s so important to unplug, regroup and spend time with family when you can. And that it can be done.
  • Having help – a good team to support you, who has access to your books – can make it easier to get a break and keep things running while you’re away.

Missed the Twitter chat? Here are a few of the highlights.

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Q1. Are you planning on taking a vacation this summer? Or are you taking ‘downtime’ at home?

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… and an interesting stat ….

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Q2. Have you ever avoided going on vacation due to fear of being out of touch? Any tips to stay on the grid while “away”?

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Q3. What aspects of your business (if any) do you keep on top of during your vacation? Or is work completely out of bounds?

 

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Q4. Do you do any bookkeeping while on vacation? (Invoicing, expense management) –or does someone else do it for you?

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Q5. How often do you discuss your books w/ your accountant (if you have one)? How do you share financial info?

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Q6. What tips can you offer to be organized with your business BEFORE vacations start so you there is actual enjoyment?

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Are you taking a summer vacation? How do you keep on top of things when you’re away?

About the author:
Keith Arkle – Keith Arkle – Product specialist and customer advocate

Keeping our customers at the forefront of my mind is always a priority in my work. In talking about our product and preparing product launches, I always want to make sure our messaging is consistent and accurate. When I’m not working, I am probably hanging at home or travelling with my wonderful family.>
Follow me on Twitter.

How to Smash End-Of-Year Business Goals for Mompreneurs

smash your goals, mompreneurs
Fall brings a lot of change – and if you’re a mom running her own business, that change can bring a lot of craziness. Not only are you buying school supplies, meeting with teachers, and getting your kids acclimated—but you’re also focused on your end-of-year business goals. Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to refocus your energies on your business. Here are three ways to get back on track and end your business year strong.

Reorganize your space

For many moms, summer is a time when business is conducted anywhere and everywhere—the dining room table, the car, or the couch—all in an effort to keep an eye on the kids. With the kiddos back in school, it’s time to get organized.

To meet your EOY goals, set aside a day to clearly define your workspace so you can get re-focused. Now’s the time when office supplies and office furniture are the cheapest, so don’t feel guilty stocking up. Add a few touches of personality and inspiration – but don’t go overboard. Keep your workspace as minimal as possible. This will help you increase your energy and productivity during work hours.

Reassess your goals

Once your space is in order, it’s time for a check in on your business goals. The end of the year is just around the corner – are you where you want to be? If not, what needs to happen so you can get there – and is that doable in the next few months?

Strategic business planning is crucial for successful businesses – but you need to check in and adjust your plans as you go along. Take a step back so you can gain valuable insight into how you’ve missed (or hit) the mark. Make a roadmap that details specific year-end goals and how you can get there.

Pull out your business plan and look for areas where things may have gotten off track. Evaluate your new business procedures, marketing activities, spending, lead generation techniques and website presence. Where can you best use your time in the coming weeks to finish out the year strong?

Then turn those plans into targeted to-do lists. You can use online tools like Wunderlist or Todoist, or old-fashioned pen and paper. Just be sure to get it down! This way, you can sneak in to do items while the baby is down for a nap or your kids are at a friends’ house. Always be prepared to be productive!

Restructure your business

Smart mompreneurs know when they need help. It’s okay to admit that you’re overwhelmed with all the changes that need to take place in your business. You’re only human!

This month, pick an area of your business that you would like to improve, and then create a plan on how to do just that. Maybe this means outsourcing your marketing. Maybe it means using a more professional invoicing solution for your clients. Whatever it is, your restructuring project can help you gain momentum in these last few months and make way for a great new year.

Okay mompreneurs – your turn! How are you going to stay motivated for your year end goals?

About the author:

Jenn Boutwell – VP Marketing & Strategic Alliances
I am a Sage One brand ambassador and team building virtuoso. Professionally I am known for building strong teams and organizing complex situations. I am passionate about making small business owners’ lives easier so they can spend more time on what they are passionate about. When I’m not running between meetings, I’m running half-marathons and training for a full marathon.

Drop me a line at jennifer.boutwell@sage.com.