The Last Quarter of 2024

Service Based Business Society Podcast

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, Tiffany-Ann dives into the critical strategies business owners need to implement to close the year on a high note. In this episode, she explores the importance of tightening operations, focusing on key metrics, and staying organized in the hectic lead-up to the holiday season. From managing finances to planning for client gifts and holiday hours, Tiffany-Ann covers it all, with her signature mix of practical advice and engaging stories. Whether you're looking to boost your Q4 performance or lay the groundwork for a successful 2025, this episode has you covered.

Key Insights

• Establishing structured financial processes is crucial for avoiding cash flow issues.
• Timely invoicing is essential, especially during the holiday season, to maintain cash flow.
• Starting budget preparation for the new year now can lead to better financial readiness.
• Thoughtful client gifts and early planning for employee bonuses can strengthen relationships and morale.
• Engaging with accountants early for tax planning can maximize profit retention and avoid last-minute scrambles.
• Accountability in business is vital; participation leads to better outcomes.

Creators & Guests

• Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - Host

Click here to watch a video of this episode.
(00:10:40) - Discusses the challenges of the fall season and the importance of strategic planning.

(00:11:06) - Emphasizes the need to focus on metrics and budget for 2024 to achieve goals.

(00:11:44) - Questions whether current goals are too attainable and the importance of accountability.

(00:12:10) - Reflects on the freedom and responsibility of being a business owner.

(00:12:37) - Highlights the importance of self-accountability in business success.

(00:13:14) - Draws parallels between civic engagement and business accountability.

(00:14:00) - Encourages reflection on personal achievements and accountability as the year ends.

(00:14:46) - Stresses the importance of preparing a budget for the upcoming year.

(00:15:31) - Discusses the need for timely financial planning and closing monthly accounts.

(00:15:57) - Introduces the topic of planning client gifts and their significance.

(00:16:29) - Advises on creating memorable client gifts that stand out from the usual options.

(00:16:54) - Discusses the importance of thoughtful gifts over generic branded items.

(00:17:40) - Questions the effectiveness of promotional items as gifts.

(00:18:07) - Considers alternative ways to show client appreciation, such as holiday cards.

(00:18:31) - Warns about the timing of sending holiday cards to ensure they are received in time.

(00:19:10) - Encourages updating business profiles with holiday hours ahead of time.

(00:19:22) - Discusses the importance of planning for vacation time and team availability during holidays.

(00:19:55) - Stresses the need for a leadership plan during busy holiday periods to ensure business continuity.

(00:20:29) - Discusses the importance of organization and planning for team holiday parties.

(00:20:50) - Reflects on the challenges of organizing holiday events as a company grows from five to nearly 100 employees.

(00:21:16) - Compares the costs and logistics of holiday celebrations for small versus large teams.

(00:21:37) - Considers employee interest in holiday parties and the importance of planning around busy schedules.

(00:22:05) - Shares thoughts on employee gifts versus bonuses, emphasizing the differences in approach for smaller organizations.

(00:22:35) - Discusses the timing and common pitfalls of issuing holiday bonuses at the end of the year.

(00:23:01) - Highlights the rush to give bonuses and the potential for mistakes in payroll processing.

(00:24:04) - Advises on the importance of proper planning for bonuses to avoid complications later.

(00:24:26) - Stresses the need to consider holiday timing and employee availability when planning celebrations.

(00:24:57) - Explores the impact of holiday seasons on business operations, regardless of personal beliefs about Christmas.

(00:25:31) - Emphasizes the significance of planning for tax season to maximize profits.

(00:26:38) - Shares a recent experience with a client regarding bookkeeping and tax preparation timelines.

(00:27:04) - Discusses the importance of having accurate starting balances for effective bookkeeping.

(00:27:46) - Comments on the increasing time required to complete year-end accounting tasks.

(00:28:20) - Describes the need for proactive tax planning and the missed opportunities when not prepared.

(00:29:27) - Advocates for monthly bookkeeping to stay informed about financial health and make timely decisions.

(00:30:18) - Urges listeners to engage with their accountants early to implement necessary changes before year-end.

(00:30:53) - Encourages communication with CPAs and bookkeepers to ensure financial strategies are in place.

(00:31:18) - Discusses the limitations of bookkeepers providing tax advice and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive tax strategy that considers personal circumstances.

(00:32:00) - Explains the interconnectedness of various income sources and how a holistic approach can maximize profit retention.

(00:32:24) - Encourages listeners to evaluate their accountants, especially if they felt unsatisfied with past services, and highlights the importance of finding the right financial advisor.

(00:33:06) - Compares the relationship with accountants and banks to that of a long-term dentist, noting the difficulty in changing providers despite dissatisfaction.

(00:33:29) - Urges listeners to consider new accountants who can better serve their needs and help strategize for success.

(00:34:06) - Motivates listeners to reflect on their goals before the year ends and take actionable steps to achieve them.

(00:34:26) - Introduces the concept of the "entrepreneurship rabbit hole," where one decision leads to numerous questions, emphasizing the need for deeper exploration.

(00:34:59) - Shares insights on the meticulous process behind creating effective YouTube thumbnails, using Mr. Beast as an example of dedication to detail.

(00:35:20) - Discusses a recent conversation about content creation and the importance of balancing efficiency with achieving desired outcomes.

(00:36:57) - Describes a brainstorming session using Loom to evaluate different content presentation styles across platforms.

(00:38:51) -...