Inevitably we will all make a career/employment change at some point in our lives. Personally I'm in the middle of my 5th employer and 2nd career change. This feels like the most difficult but I'm also most optimistic about this being my last change. Of course, I'm older, but still have a good 20 years of strong production left in me.....I hope! The interesting thing about his change is that I find myself feeling sad and relieved at the same time. Why?
What I'm learning and want to share with you is that during trying times, you must continue to check in on your beliefs, morales or whatever drives your core. I'm leaving because there are basic philosophical business differences between my current partners and myself. The differences are so core that changing them just isn't going to happen, I've already tried for 10 years. I cannot see myself spending the rest of my career battling things that cannot be won. The sadness comes from seeing potential and loving everything else about the position I'm in bu knowing it will never get achieved here. Stay true to your core!!!
What we sometimes don't realize is who we become or how we behave around others when we're experiencing troubles in some part of our lives. My family and friends experience me as a frustrated person instead of a happy person...no fun for them, no fun for me and no fun for the people I work with and nobody is getting any younger...That's why you make changes! Believe in your core, listen to the people you love and trust and strive to be happy, we only have one life. We all have the power of choice. Doing the right thing can ge hard and very difficult to decipher, but when you recognize things aren't right...invoke your power to change and live happily.
I wish all my current partners the best of luck and will always willingly help with anything I can. R&A CPAs is a great professional firm but Eide Bailly sees what I see and my struggles today will be the peace tomorrow!
Speaking of struggles, this economy has taken its toll on all of us. Never be afraid of looking for new ways to supplement your current income or reach out to help others. I remind you that Tampogo is a great way to do both. I encourage everyone to visit the site and see how easy it is to build a simple, no pressure network of caring people that can save lives and add a little cushion to your pocketbook.
Victor
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Time for Change
Effective May 1, 2010, I will leave R&A CPAs and become an equity partner in the CPA firm Eide Bailly, LLP (EB). There are numerous times in everyones life when change is inevitable. Then there are those times when we seek change. In most cases I would say change is good for all parties involved. I have reached one of those times where I have sought change AND I believe the change is good for all parties.
After 10 wonderful years at R&A CPAs in Tucson, AZ I came to realize it was time for a change! The last 10 years have without a doubt been my most professionally productive, educational, emotional and rewarding of my life. I took on many new challenges personally and professionally and, as usual, some of those worked out and some did not...oh well that's how life goes. Because of my experience at R&A I have some great connections with some incredibly talented CPAs (the remaining partners) and have some special friends (all the past and current staff) too. Those relationships are invaluable to me.
So why is this change good for all parties? Well I have become the "square peg" within the R&A senior management group, so with me out of that picture R&A will have a more cohesive vision to execute...big winners! I, on the other hand, will be involved with a much larger organization whose management is much more inline with my professional business management philosophies. I also get to pursue the development of a service I am passionate about using today's technology over a large enterprise with total support of senior management...huge win for me too! Finally, EB gets me, my dedication, passion and knowledge but probably the most important thing they get is someone with the passion and leadership skills to take on a service area that needs some attention...another huge win!
I'm going to miss R&A but I relish the opportunities that lie ahead. As a final note, I hope everyone gets to experience change in their life. Whether change is good or bad is based on your attitude and ability to seek out opportunity. Make the best of your life every day!
Victor
After 10 wonderful years at R&A CPAs in Tucson, AZ I came to realize it was time for a change! The last 10 years have without a doubt been my most professionally productive, educational, emotional and rewarding of my life. I took on many new challenges personally and professionally and, as usual, some of those worked out and some did not...oh well that's how life goes. Because of my experience at R&A I have some great connections with some incredibly talented CPAs (the remaining partners) and have some special friends (all the past and current staff) too. Those relationships are invaluable to me.
So why is this change good for all parties? Well I have become the "square peg" within the R&A senior management group, so with me out of that picture R&A will have a more cohesive vision to execute...big winners! I, on the other hand, will be involved with a much larger organization whose management is much more inline with my professional business management philosophies. I also get to pursue the development of a service I am passionate about using today's technology over a large enterprise with total support of senior management...huge win for me too! Finally, EB gets me, my dedication, passion and knowledge but probably the most important thing they get is someone with the passion and leadership skills to take on a service area that needs some attention...another huge win!
I'm going to miss R&A but I relish the opportunities that lie ahead. As a final note, I hope everyone gets to experience change in their life. Whether change is good or bad is based on your attitude and ability to seek out opportunity. Make the best of your life every day!
Victor
Friday, December 11, 2009
Does Your Bookkeeper Know What Your CPA Needs
How many employees are asked to handle the basic bookkeeping needs of their employer even though they aren't technically trained to do so? For the small business, my estimate is about one in every office. After all, they have Quick Books. Unfortunately, the assumption that once you can create an invoice and print a check does not mean your accounting system is functioning properly.
Most business owners don't understand accounting and many of them are quite successful. Seems logical then that they believe a bright employee of theirs should be able to figure it out, especially with a highly touted computer program like Quick Books. Well I can tell you from 25 years of personal experience that 80-90% of those situations cost that employer when it comes time to work with his/her accountant or CPA. There seems to be so little focus or importance placed on the accounting records even though every business owner knows they need them. At the very least the business owner knows they need to file tax returns every year. They also know the tax return is derived from their accounting records but yet the importance placed on those records is so little.
When importance is place on a function, it normally performs well. When it isn't functioning well, people are trained or hired that have the skill set to make sure it is performed well. I guess thats what the CPA is for...they/we should be able to figure it all out. And figure it out we do, but at what cost? Doesn't it make sense to spend a few dollars training your bookkeeper to do a better job so that the CPA can focus on high value services like tax planning instead of cleaning up Quick Books files?
I have trained many bookkeepers during my 25 years but never developed a training program for them. With the recession in full force I have put together a series of three webinars that teach bookkeepers the practical side of bookkeeping and finally explaining to them exactly what the independent accountant/CPA needs from them. The goal is for employers to get more for the dollars they are spending on their staff and more for the dollars they are spending with their accountant/CPA. As good as Quick Books is, it falls way short on explaining how crucial it is you understand the accounting that happens on the on the back side of those invoice and check transactions and how expensive it is for a trained professional to clean it up.
The first webinar, titled "Understanding What Your CPA Needs From You", launches this month and the rest will launch in January, stay tuned for the details. Get your house in order, invest training dollars wisely and I wish everyone a fantastic holiday season and a tremendously prosperous new year!
Most business owners don't understand accounting and many of them are quite successful. Seems logical then that they believe a bright employee of theirs should be able to figure it out, especially with a highly touted computer program like Quick Books. Well I can tell you from 25 years of personal experience that 80-90% of those situations cost that employer when it comes time to work with his/her accountant or CPA. There seems to be so little focus or importance placed on the accounting records even though every business owner knows they need them. At the very least the business owner knows they need to file tax returns every year. They also know the tax return is derived from their accounting records but yet the importance placed on those records is so little.
When importance is place on a function, it normally performs well. When it isn't functioning well, people are trained or hired that have the skill set to make sure it is performed well. I guess thats what the CPA is for...they/we should be able to figure it all out. And figure it out we do, but at what cost? Doesn't it make sense to spend a few dollars training your bookkeeper to do a better job so that the CPA can focus on high value services like tax planning instead of cleaning up Quick Books files?
I have trained many bookkeepers during my 25 years but never developed a training program for them. With the recession in full force I have put together a series of three webinars that teach bookkeepers the practical side of bookkeeping and finally explaining to them exactly what the independent accountant/CPA needs from them. The goal is for employers to get more for the dollars they are spending on their staff and more for the dollars they are spending with their accountant/CPA. As good as Quick Books is, it falls way short on explaining how crucial it is you understand the accounting that happens on the on the back side of those invoice and check transactions and how expensive it is for a trained professional to clean it up.
The first webinar, titled "Understanding What Your CPA Needs From You", launches this month and the rest will launch in January, stay tuned for the details. Get your house in order, invest training dollars wisely and I wish everyone a fantastic holiday season and a tremendously prosperous new year!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Staying Grounded
I was on a nice direct flight from Phoenix to Chicago yesterday and was able to listen to a great book called "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg...what a great book!
How many times have we seen a person at work that just seems like they have it all and are going to be greatly successful but never quite get there? Maybe you've seen it in your children? I know I have and still struggle with one of my children that just hasn't quite given in to the ways of the world yet. The premise of the message in "The Go-Giver" is that you must be willing to receive in order to get and "receiving" is required in order for "giving" to even happen. Remember the message "It's better to give than to receive"?
I don't know about all of you, but I think we could all use a reminder every once in a while, ok maybe its more of a kick in the butt! In either case Bob Burg does a fabulous job of "waking you up" in this short but powerful book. Do yourself a favor and read this NOW. You, your students, family, friends, clients, staff and everyone around you will benefit if you do a bit more than just read it too. I know you all will, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. In case you like to listen to books there's a link to the audio book from itunes on Raendrop.com
Good luck today, go make a difference in someone's life!
Victor
How many times have we seen a person at work that just seems like they have it all and are going to be greatly successful but never quite get there? Maybe you've seen it in your children? I know I have and still struggle with one of my children that just hasn't quite given in to the ways of the world yet. The premise of the message in "The Go-Giver" is that you must be willing to receive in order to get and "receiving" is required in order for "giving" to even happen. Remember the message "It's better to give than to receive"?
I don't know about all of you, but I think we could all use a reminder every once in a while, ok maybe its more of a kick in the butt! In either case Bob Burg does a fabulous job of "waking you up" in this short but powerful book. Do yourself a favor and read this NOW. You, your students, family, friends, clients, staff and everyone around you will benefit if you do a bit more than just read it too. I know you all will, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. In case you like to listen to books there's a link to the audio book from itunes on Raendrop.com
Good luck today, go make a difference in someone's life!
Victor
Monday, October 26, 2009
Network Marketing vs Network Affiliate
In my profession I have been asked to participate in dozens of network marketing programs. Every time I listen to the "pitch" I hear the same thing....convince people to buy this product that's the latest and greatest in the world. They all compete against each other on product AND the compensation plan is complicated. The other thing that always turned me off is the size of the investment to get started plus the required level of continued financial commitment for "inventory".
A few months ago I was introduced to Tampogo. If you haven't heard of it, google it and visit www.tampogo.com/krc, that's my page. So why did I get involved in an industry I just bashed? Because the BUSINESS MODEL is different and it makes business sense! Instead of competing on the next "save your life" product, they have created an online "store" with hundreds of every day items that are practical for everyone. They sell these at great discounts and pay a fee every time you and everyone you bring into the program buy something. Ever looked at how affiliate programs work? Most major retailers have one.
The concept is simple, we (the retailer) will pay for new business affiliates(ireps/network members) send our way. It's like having a huge sales team that is tracked when online purchasers are sent to the online store via an affiliate "link" or website. I got very interested in this when I was introduced to the Tampogo concept. It makes so much sense that I have created a website with numerous useful and very practical products (affiliate links) on it for small businesses www.raendrop.com
Tampogo is about to introduce things that I don't believe have ever been done in this industry. I encourage anyone that has a drop of entrepreneur blood in them to seriously check this out. They call it the President's Circle which is closer to other network marketing compensation plan efforts but this one has a huge twist! The products they are going mass market will also be placed in brick and mortar stores and the sales of those products will generate extra commissions for the network members...huge potential!!
Kudos for the model and guts to create something different. Viva netowrk AFFILIATES!!
A few months ago I was introduced to Tampogo. If you haven't heard of it, google it and visit www.tampogo.com/krc, that's my page. So why did I get involved in an industry I just bashed? Because the BUSINESS MODEL is different and it makes business sense! Instead of competing on the next "save your life" product, they have created an online "store" with hundreds of every day items that are practical for everyone. They sell these at great discounts and pay a fee every time you and everyone you bring into the program buy something. Ever looked at how affiliate programs work? Most major retailers have one.
The concept is simple, we (the retailer) will pay for new business affiliates(ireps/network members) send our way. It's like having a huge sales team that is tracked when online purchasers are sent to the online store via an affiliate "link" or website. I got very interested in this when I was introduced to the Tampogo concept. It makes so much sense that I have created a website with numerous useful and very practical products (affiliate links) on it for small businesses www.raendrop.com
Tampogo is about to introduce things that I don't believe have ever been done in this industry. I encourage anyone that has a drop of entrepreneur blood in them to seriously check this out. They call it the President's Circle which is closer to other network marketing compensation plan efforts but this one has a huge twist! The products they are going mass market will also be placed in brick and mortar stores and the sales of those products will generate extra commissions for the network members...huge potential!!
Kudos for the model and guts to create something different. Viva netowrk AFFILIATES!!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Virtual Office - Save Thousands!
I am absolutely amazed at the quality & pricing of some great applications/services out there that allow you to setup a business and operate as if you had a complete staff and had invested tens of thousands of dollars in infrastructure.
I've been in business for over 2 decades. In that time I have setup or help setup dozens of companies and offices. Where does the majority of investment go? Well outside of the physical location (leasehold improvements) and the product (assuming you're selling one), it goes to infrastructure and marketing. You know, a phone system, fax, flyers, brochures, lead lists and services and of course the salaries for the people to answer your phones, send your faxes and contact and track your potential customers.
For all those people that find themselves without a job and considering starting up their own business, allow me to introduce some applications and services that might allow you to open your own business for much less than you were originally thinking
1. If you don't need a physical location don't get one (this is just common sense, no application or service). Setup a website at either 1and1 or Go Daddy. It's very inexpensive and very easy to create and edit.
2. Phone System - most people have a cell phone and that's great but you have no help this way. Try Give the Impression of a Large Corporation with Virtual Call System! Toll Free 800 Number
which gives you all the services of a normal phone system (PBX) and a receptionist for next to nothing and you can pay monthly.
3. Fax System - this one is easy. Just get an eFax Annual Subscription
and be done with it.
4. Contact Management - So this has never been my strong point but this product is amazing. Please evaluate this, you will be doing yourself a favor. Free Trial of iContact
5. Legal Entity - don't forget to protect yourself. If you need a complex structure because you will have partners or outside financing, go see an attorney and get it done properly. If you're going at it alone, you can do it yourself at Legal Zoom
For your convenience I've put banners to these sites just to the left of this blog. Just click and evaluate. These are also located on my personal website www.raendrop.com.
Good luck to you all,
Victor
I've been in business for over 2 decades. In that time I have setup or help setup dozens of companies and offices. Where does the majority of investment go? Well outside of the physical location (leasehold improvements) and the product (assuming you're selling one), it goes to infrastructure and marketing. You know, a phone system, fax, flyers, brochures, lead lists and services and of course the salaries for the people to answer your phones, send your faxes and contact and track your potential customers.
For all those people that find themselves without a job and considering starting up their own business, allow me to introduce some applications and services that might allow you to open your own business for much less than you were originally thinking
1. If you don't need a physical location don't get one (this is just common sense, no application or service). Setup a website at either 1and1 or Go Daddy. It's very inexpensive and very easy to create and edit.
2. Phone System - most people have a cell phone and that's great but you have no help this way. Try Give the Impression of a Large Corporation with Virtual Call System! Toll Free 800 Number
3. Fax System - this one is easy. Just get an eFax Annual Subscription
4. Contact Management - So this has never been my strong point but this product is amazing. Please evaluate this, you will be doing yourself a favor. Free Trial of iContact
5. Legal Entity - don't forget to protect yourself. If you need a complex structure because you will have partners or outside financing, go see an attorney and get it done properly. If you're going at it alone, you can do it yourself at Legal Zoom
For your convenience I've put banners to these sites just to the left of this blog. Just click and evaluate. These are also located on my personal website www.raendrop.com.
Good luck to you all,
Victor
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Dear Ole Dad
I want to salute all the parents of the world! Without even knowing it, we go through an enormous part of our lives playing the role of "Master Teacher" and forming and shaping the lives of our children that go on to define tomorrows world. Talk about responsibility...WOW!!!
I find myself looking backwards these days a heck of a lot more than ever. I know everyone says I'm just getting old. Call it what you want, but everyone's life is a huge book of knowledge so learning from it can't be a bad thing. My dad was the most influential person in my life. I guess I should say "is" because I'm still learning from him today even though we lost him to the "Big C" (cancer) as he used to call it. It's been four years already and in just those four years the things I have gone through are amazing.
I've had two kids come of driving age (and promptly crashed of course), a kid go through rehab (doing great in recovery by the way), watch my mom's alzheimer's get pretty bad, almost cash in on the real estate bubble when my house was on sale for 7 figures only to have it fall through at closing, had challenges with the wife, won and lost clients, hired and fired a few employees, witnessed the first Afro-American become President of the United States, attended a few funerals...and this was in 4 years. Was I always thinking and trying to be a "teacher"? NOT! Was I being a teacher? Absolutely!
The scary part about that is people were watching how I acted and reacted in all of those situations and they learned from my behavior whether I wanted them to or not. Just think about that in relation to children. Where do they spend the majority of their lives? Yes with their parents and hopefully with both their parents. The lessons we learn from those that are near and dear to us last forever. We can all only hope to have most of those lessons be helpful and positive. I'll always remember my Dad as a fair but strict parent. He laid down the law and when (not if) you challenged it you were well aware of it. I have five brothers and sisters and I don't remember anyone successfully challenging that law. I remember my Dad laughing at the silliest commercials and jokes and how much he enjoyed us and all family, how he praised and respected my Mom for being the "Best Mother in the World". I remember him caring for his employees and going out of his way to help the local community. Was he aware he was teaching this whole time? Now that I can comprehend the issue I can't ask him so I ask all of you. Do you consider the fact that those near and dear to you are watching and learning from your every move?
Well if my Dad didn't I think he did a phenomenal job anyway. So to all the parents and teachers out there, here's to you!!! I must mention that Mom is a close second to the most influential people in my life. From where I stand, Mom's really are the ultimate "teachers" and I can't express the respect and honor I have for all of them, especially mine and my wife of course!
Here's a small thing I'm trying to do to give back to my community www.Raendrop.com.
God bless you all, enjoy your Sunday and please be careful someone is learning from you.
Victor
vpuchi@raendrop.com
I find myself looking backwards these days a heck of a lot more than ever. I know everyone says I'm just getting old. Call it what you want, but everyone's life is a huge book of knowledge so learning from it can't be a bad thing. My dad was the most influential person in my life. I guess I should say "is" because I'm still learning from him today even though we lost him to the "Big C" (cancer) as he used to call it. It's been four years already and in just those four years the things I have gone through are amazing.
I've had two kids come of driving age (and promptly crashed of course), a kid go through rehab (doing great in recovery by the way), watch my mom's alzheimer's get pretty bad, almost cash in on the real estate bubble when my house was on sale for 7 figures only to have it fall through at closing, had challenges with the wife, won and lost clients, hired and fired a few employees, witnessed the first Afro-American become President of the United States, attended a few funerals...and this was in 4 years. Was I always thinking and trying to be a "teacher"? NOT! Was I being a teacher? Absolutely!
The scary part about that is people were watching how I acted and reacted in all of those situations and they learned from my behavior whether I wanted them to or not. Just think about that in relation to children. Where do they spend the majority of their lives? Yes with their parents and hopefully with both their parents. The lessons we learn from those that are near and dear to us last forever. We can all only hope to have most of those lessons be helpful and positive. I'll always remember my Dad as a fair but strict parent. He laid down the law and when (not if) you challenged it you were well aware of it. I have five brothers and sisters and I don't remember anyone successfully challenging that law. I remember my Dad laughing at the silliest commercials and jokes and how much he enjoyed us and all family, how he praised and respected my Mom for being the "Best Mother in the World". I remember him caring for his employees and going out of his way to help the local community. Was he aware he was teaching this whole time? Now that I can comprehend the issue I can't ask him so I ask all of you. Do you consider the fact that those near and dear to you are watching and learning from your every move?
Well if my Dad didn't I think he did a phenomenal job anyway. So to all the parents and teachers out there, here's to you!!! I must mention that Mom is a close second to the most influential people in my life. From where I stand, Mom's really are the ultimate "teachers" and I can't express the respect and honor I have for all of them, especially mine and my wife of course!
Here's a small thing I'm trying to do to give back to my community www.Raendrop.com.
God bless you all, enjoy your Sunday and please be careful someone is learning from you.
Victor
vpuchi@raendrop.com
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