Category: Clients

  • Getting More Customers Online

    Getting More Customers Online

    Everyone running a business should have an online networking and marketing strategy for long term growth. Meanwhile, there can be no growth without customers and no customers without proper marketing and networking.

    So many people use the internet and social media, and they use it a lot! This makes getting your online message very important.

    But how can you market your brand online? How do you network with the right people? How do you create a powerful customer base? Below you will find simple strategies that will help your business grow.

    Social Media

    As said earlier, social media is widely used by billions of people; this includes your potential customers. You should leverage the use of social media to help you establish a brand presence. 

    However, to succeed with social media marketing, you have to put out relatable and fantastic content. You have to stand out from other brands, network with other brands, and give people a reason to follow you. When you combine amazing content with an engaged audience, the traffic to your brand will dramatically increase

    Sponsorship

    Sponsorship isn’t for big brands alone. If you do not have the kind of budget for massive sponsorship, then go for affordable ones.

    Something as simple as sponsoring or sending your products to an influencer, blog, or even podcast with large followings will draw new customers to your business

    Blog

    To get customers online, you have to build a strong online presence. One of the best ways to do that is to have a website or blog for your brand. Millions of people read blogs every day. To get the attention of people, put out quality content with good SEO and keywords.

    Although blogging doesn’t bring overnight success, it will help you build your industry’s authority, which will eventually snowball into visibility and sales.

    Networking 

    Connecting with others, especially those in the same industry as you, will go a long way to help your business grow.

    Networking with the right people can help you find customers, business partners, staff, and valuable leads. 

    You can network face to face through social events. Also, platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can help you network online with others in your industry.

    Email Marketing 

    New and small businesses often overlook email marketing. Meanwhile, building an email list is one of the best methods to generate leads and develop a relationship with your customers.

    Take your time to build a list using email automation platforms like Mailchimp and include the email subscription option on your web pages.

    With an email list, you can easily notify customers about new products, discounts, and promos, tips related to your business, and more.

    This will help you retain past customers and keep them updated on your business.

    Promos and Free Samples

    Everyone loves freebies, and while this might not make economic sense, it is the best way to get customers to experience your brand. You can give new customers free shipping if they order at a particular time, offer discounts, do giveaways, offer a free consultation, and more.

    This will encourage your customers to shop with you.

    Referrals 

    One of the best ways a business can get new customers is through referrals. These contacts can happen through word of mouth or you can create a referral program encouraging current customers to tell others about your business.

    Guest Post on Industry Blogs

    Asides from owning a blog, another effective way to market your business is by collaborating with popular bloggers in your industry. A great way to collaborate is to secure a guest post on a popular blog. You’ll build a lot of backlinks and search algorithms with guest posts.

    Advertise

    Advertising is a popular forms of driving traffic to your business. Invest in ads to target your potential customers. You can experiment with easy ads like Google Ads, Instagram ads to help your customers find you.

    Online marketing isn’t for big companies alone. Small Businesses can take advantage of free marketing tools to promote their brand to the right audience. 

    The above tactics are mostly free and will help you attract high-value customers who will improve your business growth. 

    All you have to do is take time to utilize them and be consistent with promoting your business!  Do you need help with your social media and marketing?  Contact us today and we can put you in touch with one of several amazing marketing specialists on our referral team!

  • Lockdown Tips to Help You Stay Healthy

    Lockdown Tips to Help You Stay Healthy

    Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, our free world has been put into lockdown. But we humans can adapt to any situation. And it is crucial to do our bit by staying home and social distancing. While we are at it, we must maintain healthy routines to stay healthy both physically and mentally.

    Things You Need to Consider During Lockdown to Stay Safe

    • COVID 19 is real, and despite the many theories surrounding it, it is here with us.
    • The coronavirus spreads easy and fast. 
    • Your body normally would fight any invader, if it is sound and battle-ready.
    • You have more chances of coming down with the disease if you are aged.
    • Lockdown will remain the best way of curtailing the spread of the virus. So we need to learn to live with lockdowns. 

    The real question is, how do you stay healthy during a lockdown?

    Eat Healthy Meals Containing Vegetables and Fruits

    Eat less processed and canned foods. It is recommended that we eat five portions of vegetables and fruits daily. Eat regularly and stick to a few unsalted snacks. You can also take Vitamin D supplements since it is recommended during winter months and if you’re going to be indoors more often.

    Drink Enough Water

    Drinking plenty of water has always been the doctor’s advice, so this is no exception. Staying hydrated at all times boosts your immune system and keeps your body battle-ready. 

    Exercise Regularly

    You can exercise daily or weekly in your garden or garage. You could dance, lift weights, or do other exercises. Also, you don’t need a sophisticated routine; some websites give free virtual exercise classes. 

    It’s also the perfect time to mow your lawn and clean your basement. These are activities that will help keep you active – another form of exercise, you’ll agree?

    Go Outside for a Walk

    To stay mentally and physically healthy, you need to get outside. Get a daily dose of fresh air. Leaving the house to go for a walk regularly will make you feel refreshed and lessen cabin fever.

    Keep in Touch

    Being away from loved ones can be tough. However, there are several ways to keep in touch. Do a Zoom call with friends and family. You can also start an online community group to check on your neighbors.

    Throwing a virtual get together is also a fantastic idea to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. There are many ideas and resources online to keep you connected.

    Practice Mindfulness

    Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness have several physical and mental advantages. You can do this at home to improve your wellbeing and help you remain calm and centered.

    Seek Medical Help if Needed

     Your medical needs are as important as your nutritional needs. Make sure you have the contact of your health care provider in case of any emergency. It’s also important to have a district or local health center around your area that you can visit when you are not feeling sound. 

    Your FIRST-AID box should be stocked up with basic home medicines, like pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements. If you use inhalers or any prescription medication, remember to add them to your grocery stock up list. 

    It’s normal to feel anxious and scared during this period of uncertainty. Bear in mind that things will get better. Remain calm and be kind to yourself.

    The general World Health Organization directives are to wash your hands often or use a sanitizer, and if you must go out, use your face mask. Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy.

    We care!

  • A Guide to Reopening Your Business After Covid-19

    A Guide to Reopening Your Business After Covid-19

    You can almost hear it.

    Across the country light switches are flipping, the roads are getting busy, computers and other machines are powering back up. People are getting back to work.

    After months of closing workplaces, businesses, and enforcing social distancing, countries have begun to reopen their economies. We are slowly but surely getting back to our normal day to day living. This has presented business owners with new risks.

    Businesses that reopen may be affected by the post lockdown risk, and companies that reopen irresponsibly may find themselves not faring well in a recovering economy.

    Like me, I’m sure everyone is eager to get back to work, but life after COVID-19 can be confusing. The way things worked previously isn’t how it will work now, especially early on after the lockdown. The best way to be successful is to ensure the safety of your workers and customers.

    Below is a list of guides or tips that will guide you as you reopen your business. Remember, every business is different, so you must tailor each of these to suit your type of business.

    Avoid Personal Contact

    Making a “no personal contact” rule will go a long way in ensuring the safety of your workers and customers. Handshakes and hugs are the most common form of physical contact, especially in the business world, but they don’t belong in a post COVID-19 world.

    But you have to make rules to ensure no physical contact until later phases of reopening. You could also use an alternative way of communication in your workplace that doesn’t involve physical contact.

    Avoid Large Gatherings

    As we all know, humans are social animals. There is an uncontrollable need to communicate and gather. Every community has a place where people gather to make jokes, gossip, and talk in general, and so does every workplace.

    Right now, this must be stopped. So, it would help if you made rules that prevent people from gathering people in a place.  

    Readjust Your Floor Plan

    Readjusting your floor plan to create more distance or space between your employees and also your customers is a good safety measure. Also, adjust your employees to face walls instead of each other.

    Avoid Item Sharing

    Items like pens, notebooks, and folders could be assigned to specific workers, or you could simply digitalize your workplace. This will reduce contact between your workers and also maximize work time.  Shared tools must be sanitized before and after each employee uses them.

    Adjust Breakroom Rules

    Everyone needs a respite from working, so how you handle the breakroom rule is essential. If your business has a breakroom, then adjusting the break time of each department will help avoid large gatherings.

    Limit the Number of People In a Closed Room

    It’s best to limit the number of people in closed rooms like conferences, seminars, and board meetings.  Each phase will have different specifications.

    Hand Sanitizing Stations

    Creating sanitizing stations is compulsory. Maintaining sanitizing stations for both your workers and your customers ensures both safety and customer confidence. If your place feels risky, customers might not do business with you.

    Disinfecting and Cleaning Your Business Place

    Coronavirus can survive on the surfaces of objects for some time, so it’s best to disinfect and clean your business periodically. This helps to kill the virus on every surface in your office. You might think this is too stressful, but remember safety builds customer confidence and, in turn, generates profits.

    Proper Disposal

    Ensure your employees dispose of used items properly. Providing lined trash bins for disposal is important.

    Posters and Notices

    Office rules, including placing notices about COVID-19 precautions, safety, and contact procedures, can help inform and educate both employees and clients.

    Laws and Policies

    Reviewing and updating your policies following the country and state laws will help your business avoid issues.

    Thanks for checking our guide, and if you find this article useful, please pass it on. Or if you need someone to look over your policy, contact us. Stay safe.

  • Exercise at Your Desk

    Exercise at Your Desk

    Did you know you can exercise at your desk? There are several exercises devised for busy people who are always at their desks and people who don’t have the time to exercise as often as they would prefer.

    These exercises can help improve your health and well-being. Also, we understand that work can get exhausting, and it’s helpful if you can take breaks, relax, and then refocus on the job at hand. Here, you’ll find great exercises designed to help you relax and keep you in shape.

    Wall push-ups

    Wall push-up is the simplest exercise you can do in your office. It requires no tool, just you and your walls.

    How do you go about wall push-ups?

    Stand a few steps away from your office wall, lean towards the wall, and place your hands flatly and apart on it. After that, lower yourself towards the wall, and then push back up until your arms are straight. Now, do that at least 15 times.

    There’s a rule, though. You have to maintain a straight line from your head to your toes for wall push-ups to be effective.

    Arm pulses

    Are you looking for a simple exercise that works your triceps and shoulders? Look no further than arm pulses.

    You might want to stand up. Alright, place your arms by your sides and have your palms face back. Now, pulse your arms backward for at least 20 seconds while keeping them as straight as possible.

    Pretend jump rope

    Before you become like “Akeelah and the Bee” in your office, you won’t really jump any rope, so don’t worry. Here’s what this exercise entails:

    Hop on both or either of your feet as you would with a jump rope. Subsequently, increase the intensity of the hops by moving your arms.

    Standing rear pulses

    This is another simple exercise. All you need for standing rear pulses is your desk.

    Hold the edge of your desk for support, bend one leg behind you, and flex the foot. Next, raise your heel a few inches; release it slightly to press the foot directly back behind you.

    Repeat the routine for at least 20 times, and then switch the legs.

    Calf raise exercise

    Stand behind your chair and hold it for support. After that, raise your heels until you are standing on your toes. Next, slowly lower yourself until you’re standing back on your feet.

    Arm circles

    Firstly, stand and have your arms and feet apart. Straighten your arms and stretch them further apart at your shoulder height.

    Lastly, move your arms in a small backward circle. And that’s arms circle! To make it fun and more effective, switch directions after every 20 circles.

    Wall sit exercise

    Slide your back down your office wall until your hips are at the same level as your closed knees. Maintain that position for at least 30 seconds before releasing yourself.

    Desk push-ups

    Desk push-ups are like a typical bodyweight exercise. Mind you; your desk ought to be strong enough to support your body weight.

    With that said, take a few steps backward from your desk. Place your hands flat on the desk, and spread out your arms just a little wider than your shoulder width.

    Next, lower yourself to your desk and push back up until your arms are straight. Try that for at least 15 times.

    Lunge

    Place one of your legs in front of the other. Gently lower the knee of the leg behind towards the ground. Next, switch the legs after every ten lunges.

    Oblique twists

    To do an oblique twist, you need a swivel chair. Sit upright and let your feet hover on the floor.

    Hold onto the edge of your desk. Next, use your core to swivel your chair from right to left (or left to right). Repeat the routine for at least 10 times. 

    Triceps dips

    To do this exercise, you need a stationary chair so that you won’t fall off. You don’t want to create a scene in your office.

    Now, scoot to the front of your chair, stretch your arms backward and place your palms flat on the chair.

    Subsequently, bend your elbows straight back to lower yourself several inches. Lastly, straighten your arms to rise back – voila! That’s a complete dip. Repeat that 20 times.

    Triceps stretch

    Sit on your chair now, raise one of your arms, and bend it back until it is touching the opposite shoulder blade. Next, use your other hand to pull the elbow of the former towards your head.

    Maintain your position for at least two deep breaths, and then switch the arms. It’s okay if your arms can’t reach your shoulder blade. Just bend it to a comfortable limit.

    Chair squats

    Stand up from your chair, and lower your body down – stop right before sitting. Now, stand up again to make a complete chair squat. You may hold onto your desk for support. Keep your weight in your heels.

    Seated Bicycle crunches

    Of all the exercises to do in offices, seated bicycle brings the ultimate fun. More so, it helps you to make good use of your crunch time.

    What to do?

    Sit in your office chair, and place your feet flatly on the floor. Then, position your hands behind your head and lift your knees towards an opposite elbow while twisting your body towards that same elbow.

    Repeat the routine 15 times and switch to the other knee.

    There you have it! Whenever you want to exercise real quick while on the job, try these exercises. Trust me; they will make you feel so good!

    At Sound Accounts, we aren’t just about keeping your books healthy, we want our clients to be happy and healthy, too!

  • Unfiled Tax Returns

    Unfiled Tax Returns

    A non-profit came to us one day because they received a bill from the IRS for over $120,000 plus penalties and interest for failure to file their tax returns.  They were in a panic and had no idea what to do.  This is where we stepped in.

    The Issue

    This non-profit thought they had been compliant.  That is, until they realized their treasurer had been stealing money from them.  Additionally, they had no idea that the treasurer hadn’t been filing the non-profit’s tax return for the past three years.  Per the IRS, “the maximum penalty for any return is the lesser of $10,000 or 5 percent of the organization’s gross receipts for the year.  For an organization that has gross receipts of over $1 million for the year, the penalty is $100 a day up to a maximum of $50,000.”

    The Plan

    First, we knew we had to work quickly.  We had to get all their information into a QuickBooks file so that we could produce financial statements.  Then we had to have a tax preparer utilize those statements to file the past due tax returns.  Lastly, we had to put together a letter explaining the situation this non-profit was in and their plan to keep this from happening in the future.

    The Work

    We quickly started putting together their numbers for the years they had not been compliant.  This was not an easy task as they did not have all the information readily available.  They had to go to their bank and request paper copies of their prior year bank statements because they were no longer available to download online.  They also had to speak to their bank and request copies of checks that were written because they had no idea what some of their expenses were.  Once we had all the information together, we entered it into QuickBooks and produced financial statements.

    The Wait

    As soon as we had everything together and handed it off to the tax preparer, we put together the letter explaining the situation the non-profit was in and the systems they had in place to ensure future compliance.  Our letter also outlined the financial situation this penalty was putting them in and asked that the penalties and interest be waived.  We knew that the IRS might not be so lenient, but we had to ask as trying to pay this amount would surely put this non-profit out of business.  Once our CPA put the tax returns together and sent them in with our letters, all we could do was wait.

    The Outcome

    Several weeks passed without any word from the IRS.  Then, approximately two months later, our non-profit client called us.  They were giddy with excitement!  They had just received a letter from the IRS informing them that all fines, penalties, and interest had been dropped.  The non-profit owed nothing to the IRS.  They couldn’t thank us enough!  So, if you find yourself in a situation with the IRS, give us a call.  We would be more than happy to help you work your way through these issues and we have an amazing CPA that we partner with to take care of your tax issues.