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Ten Ways To Protect Your Business Presented by Rick Wildes, CPA. Business Plan. Reflects your goals for the company Identifies steps necessary to accomplish them Plan describes: Where you company is today Where you want it to be tomorrow How you plan to get it there. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Ten Ways To Protect Your BusinessTen Ways To Protect Your BusinessPresentedPresented
byby Rick Wildes, CPARick Wildes, CPA
Business Plan
• Reflects your goals for the company• Identifies steps necessary to accomplish them• Plan describes:
– Where you company is today– Where you want it to be tomorrow– How you plan to get it there
Financial Aspects
• Getting started• Financing sources include:
– Angel Investors–Venture Capital Firms–Local Banks– Small Business Administration
• Determine the loan schedule that best fits your needs
Debt and Equity Financing
• Debit Financing – loans must be repaid– Commercial, savings banks– Credit unions
• Equity Financing – selling all or part of your business to others
– Capital firms– Employee stock ownership plans– Joint venture or licensing agreements
Cash Flow“Cash is King”
• Effective cash management enables you to increase
and invest your money • Work with your CPA and review financial statements• Simple ways to improve cash flow:
– Bill customers at the time of transaction– Offer discounts for early payments
Annual Budget
• Create an annual budget and review it• Budget allows you to:
– Compare performance to projections– Communicate your expectations
Marketing• Customer loyalty is key• Promotional efforts to raise your visibility
– Customize advertising to niche markets– Identify and respond to emerging trends– Set up joint promotions– Become involved in local business associations– Give speeches in your community
Legal Structure
• Sole proprietorship• Partnership
– General – Limited
• Limited liability company• C or S corporation
• Sole proprietorship – one-person business– Do not need to file any papers to set up– All business income and losses are reported on
personal tax return• Partnership – owned by two or more people
– General – responsible for operations and
personally liable for debts– Limited – minimal control over decisions,
but not responsible for debts
Legal Structure
Legal Structure
• Limited liability companies, or LLCs – owners pay
taxes on their share of the business income• Corporation – separate from people who own,
control and manage it – S corporation – stockholders pay income taxes on
business income on personal tax returns – C Corporation – company is taxed on business
profits
Managing Business Risk• Types of Insurance:
– Group, life and health– Casualty and theft– Disability– Workman’s compensation– “Key man”– Liability– Automobile
• A CPA can appraise your business to assess risk
Managing Your Workforce Effectively
• Determine the need for adding a position• Follow federal and state hiring guidelines
to avoid violating discrimination laws• The job description is an important tool• What is your responsibility as a business owner?
– Clearly communicate philosophy to employees– Provide regular evaluations– Carefully document legitimate reasons
for termination
Effectively Using Technology
• Is your technology serving the needs of your
business and customers?• Businesses can deduct new equipment purchases• Government allows you to recoup depreciation
deductions not taken from prior years• May want to consider leasing equipment
Succession Planning
• More than 70% of family-owned businesses
DO NOT survive from founder to second generation• Planning should begin 5 years prior to leaving• Tax saving strategies are an integral part• Life insurance is an important planning tool• Create incentives to retain key employees• CPAs can provide invaluable advice
Fraud
• A number of ways to reduce the risk– Conduct audits to uncover irregularities– Separate your recordkeeping functions
• What should you do if you discover a discrepancy?– Call your bank– Check your credit report every six months– Be sure you have virus protection on
your computer
Using Professional Advisors Effectively
• How can you find a CPA?– Ask business associates, friends, state CPA society
OR
Wildes, Stevens, Brackens & Company!• Legal guidance may be necessary• Screen before hiring
– Conduct an in-person interview– Ask for written proposal outlining objectives– Make sure fees and expenses are listed
Wildes, Stevens, Brackens & Co.812 Moorefield Park Drive, Suite 204 Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 330-7811
We can help with:Operational ReviewsBusiness Coaching
Consulting and PlanningAudits and Reviews
Bookkeeping
Contact our office today to setup an appointment!