tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47551204676997395092024-03-12T20:09:03.779-07:00 Accounting and Business
Accounting and BusinessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-10713135254777208892013-03-31T12:17:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:12:48.341-07:00How secure is your on-line securityby Robert6 Ways You Are Vulnerable On Wi-FiWhether you are on your home or office network or seeking out a free connection on public Wi-Fi, there are known risks that can be managed simply by using a wireless VPN. #1. Outdated operating system-critical security patches. When an operating system is released, it often is secure—or at least as it can be for the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-2107841303944439412013-03-18T01:48:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:12:48.446-07:00The Importance of Project Planningby PerryTeam building, are exercises worthwhile?Team building is a hot topic for any leader. Permanent teams or temporary teams work better when they work together rather than as individuals doing common work. So why do team building exercises fail to bring the team together?Team building - the sum is more than?When a team works cohesively they can produce more Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-84161112908268241702013-03-12T04:34:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:12:48.552-07:00How secure is your on-line security<br />by Robert<br /><br /><br />What’s a Wireless “Sniffer” and Why Should I Care?<br /><br />A sniffer is a software program used by IT administrators to monitor network usage, investigate network problems, investigate network misuse and abuse, identify configuration issues and determine the state of a network’s security. Sniffers ultimately decode the data so it is readable in words, Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-17457383996878489182013-02-19T15:55:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:05:30.050-07:00Software vs Service Provider - Barriers to Cloud Hosted ApplicationsWhen a user logs in to a virtual desktop, and all their valuable and beloved applications are available to them, fully functional and integrated as they are on the PC, with all their data available to them as well, the reaction is almost always one of excitement, empowerment, and - ultimately - bewilderment. "Why", they ask, "doesn't everyone do this?"<br /><br /><strong>Good question.</strong><br /><br />The answer, at least in part, is the way software companies license and sell their applications. Now, if you can continue to produce your product in the same way you always have, distribute it using your known distribution channels (which deliver predictable performance), and realize revenue in the manner to which you have become accustomed, why would you actively seek to create disruption in the "normal" flow of things? Especially when status <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">quo</span> seems to be working pretty well.<br /><br /><strong>Another good question.</strong><br /><br />The adoption of cloud-hosted applications (in this case, hosted desktops and the applications associated with them) is pretty much in the hands of the application software companies. It's certainly not the platform that we are waiting for. The base technology is already proven on the hardware side, with awesome virtualization and high-density machine configurations available. And the software has been proven in a variety of deployments, as demonstrated by Microsoft Terminal Services, Remote Desktops and Remote Apps.<br /><br /><strong>The software companies represent a barrier</strong>.<br /><br />And so it comes down to the application software manufacturers. These guys seem to fall into two main camps when it comes to hosting their applications: redevelop the app with a web framework and deliver a browser-based solution, or pick a single delivery model from the above list, and limit true integration capability. In short - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">webify</span> or segregate. Either way, it creates severe limitations in the way the software can take advantage of integrations and connections with other applications. And, for most desktop software vendors, integration with other desktop applications is frequently one of the key benefits of the product.<br /><br />The web-based applications have already come to grips with this reality. Where a download of a document to your favorite word processor was once just fine, the market now demands data re-use and expanded business process integration, forcing the web applications to open themselves to outside connections and 3rd party developments. Just look at the developer network <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Salesforce</span>.com has created. If that doesn't prove that no app is an island, I don't know what does.<br /><br />On the other hand, many app developers who have chosen to "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">webify</span>" using application publishing and delivery tools have evidently forgotten that one reality: integration is part of what makes their app popular. No business process is an island, and the data rarely stands alone. Would ACT! be so popular if it couldn't integrate with your Outlook email client, or with your MS Word word processor? Would MS Excel be so popular if you couldn't push almost anything to it as a spreadsheet file? The answer is no. This is why the integrations were developed in the first place - greater functionality and an improved value proposition, resulting in increased use and user productivity.<br /><br /><strong>Too many options?</strong><br /><br />To complicate the problem, there is not just one delivery method that works for every application, business model, or user. With the variety of technologies available, independent software companies have hard choices to make in determining how their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">cloud hosted</span> products might be offered, and additionally by whom they might be sold. As of today, though, most of the software companies have approached the problem alone, where opting to use their "hosted" editions frequently eliminates the option of integrating on the desktop with other locally-run applications (like what happened with QuickBooks Online Edition).<br /><br />Not only does the software maker have to find the best technology/platform fit for the delivery and for their market, but they must also then consider their distribution channel - the "food chain"of promotion and delivery of the product or solution. Often this "who" that can offer the product is just as much of a barrier as the "how".<br /><br />The maker of a given software package is in the business of selling their software, not other peoples' software. While integration with other products is exceptionally important to the product's value in the market, the software maker is fundamentally concerned with only the sales of their own solution. They tend to promote sales through resellers and consultants who can not only provide the software but offer install, training, and ongoing support as well. Designating sales organizations which are "authorized" to represent a product is a typical software company approach.<br /><br />Many of these authorized resellers are focused exclusively on selling the software solution, not the ongoing support of the platform. These resellers are often highly skilled at working the specific software application, but may lack in-depth understanding of the platform upon which it runs.<br /><br />Some authorized resellers are actually integrators - companies who sell products from a variety of sources and combine them into "solutions". Historically, integrators have been key players in creating successful markets for certain products, providing the support and other services necessary to keep the products entrenched in the user community.<br /><br />In many cases, the integrator makes their money on the support element on the arrangement, not necessarily on the product. In these situations, the platform and ongoing maintenance and support are the key revenue drivers, and the integrator may be loathe to recommend a solution to the client that cuts into their involvement and revenue stream. And hosted, managed application services can certainly do that.<br /><br /><strong>So - what is the answer? Well, there isn't just one that jumps out.</strong><br /><br />One element in the solution is recognition by desktop software companies that their desktop products need to be available in a hosted delivery model. Consumers require choice in terms of their involvement with the business IT infrastructure. Some folks want to control it, others simply need access. The business of hosting applications is growing, but many of the software makers in the market aren't behind the movement.. they are unwilling participants who leave it up to the service providers (the integrators in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">datacenter</span>) to make things work. In some cases, end-user licenses are even written to make hosting the software an illegal event.<br /><br />Another element, equally if not more important, is the service provider community and their approach. With the wide variety of technical standards out there - the different technologies, different approaches, different levels of consideration, and different market sensitivities - it is no wonder that fear and doubt are prevalent in the market. It would be nice if software developers assisted the hosting service providers with establishing best-practices and standards for implementing the various solutions so that customers didn't have to ultimately bear that burden, too.<br /><br />And then there is the distribution channel and method of selling licensing. Many software companies work exclusively through their authorized reseller channels. While this may benefit the user from a product knowledge standpoint, it creates difficulties with the new delivery model and frequently puts the software sales channel in direct competition with the hosting providers.<br /><br /><strong>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tweener</span> gets you from here to there.</strong><br /><br />While the concept of hosting desktop and network applications may seem to be "fraught with peril", it can be done well and deliver significant benefits to the company. By simply changing the way employees access and interact with their applications rather than changing the apps themselves, businesses can introduce an entirely new range of business benefit and capability. Outsourcing the business IT can also represent cost savings and, more importantly, allow businesses to focus personnel and financial resources on the core business. <br /><br />For those who see true cloud services as the future, this "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">tweener</span>" step gets you divested from localized technology and helps to embrace the flexibility and freedom that virtual and mobile computing can deliver without forcing radical change right now.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtJ-PHKUdgE/URFWifYRoPI/AAAAAAAABU0/MT4UfZPut-Q/s1600/jmbunnyfeet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtJ-PHKUdgE/URFWifYRoPI/AAAAAAAABU0/MT4UfZPut-Q/s1600/jmbunnyfeet.png" /></a><br />Make Sense?<br />JAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-57514334911034676002013-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.557-07:00<br />The Importance of Project Planning<br />by Perry<br /><br /><br />Planning is always touted as the most important part of getting anywhere. If you fail to plan you plan to fail is a common quote. I agree with the sentiment, but what do you do when you aren't clear on where you want to go?<br /><br />Planning as a discovery tool<br /><br />It is a truth that as soon as you put a plan together, it becomes redundant. Whether you are Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-90892370088436430292013-02-07T15:51:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:05:30.148-07:00Knowing More: CFO and Accountant Value in Understanding Business Operations<br /><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Knowing More: CFO and Accountant Value in Understanding Business Operations</h2><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Accounting professionals are being <a href="http://coopermann.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/pressure-to-deliver-more-value-and-intelligence/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Pressure to Deliver More Value and Intelligence"><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">pressured to deliver more value and intelligence</i></a> to their business clients every day. The pressure comes from a variety of areas, not the least of which is the fact that a lot of do-it-yourself tools are now available which lead business owners and managers to believe that they know what’s going on in the business. Lots of charts, graphs, and dashboard presentations make the numbers more readable, but they don’t say whether or not the numbers are even right. Even more important, they don’t deliver insight based on experience and understanding. This is where the accounting professional’s value really comes from – providing insight based on good data and quality data analysis backed by experience and understanding of the business.</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 3em; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can’t be a good CFO or a strategic business partner to your CEO until you thoroughly understand operations and how they drive performance,<br /><a href="http://s.tt/1rtoZ" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CFO.com</a> (<a href="http://s.tt/1rtoZ" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://s.tt/1rtoZ</a>)</div></blockquote><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Knowing what makes a business valuable is important, but what many business owners don’t fully understand is how to best increase that value. Generalized reports which summarize financial information, distilling it into a standard set of metrics, often don’t tell the business owner what they really need to know – how to go about increasing the overall value of their business, whether it is through improved profitability or through growth.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The business owner understands the operations, but not necessarily how operational activities actually impact value and profitability. Helping owners know more about their enterprises requires that the accounting professional also know more, where gaining a deep understanding of operations and learning what business functions are addressed and how becomes the key to bridging the gap between operational knowledge and business valuation. This is where the accounting professional or CFO can really make a difference, and can help to apply their knowledge in building business value directly towards those areas which fundamentally impact it.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make Sense?</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://businessinbunnyslippers.com/?attachment_id=7" rel="attachment wp-att-7" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" src="http://businessinbunnyslippers.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/jmbunnyfeet.png?w=500" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="jmbunnyfeet" /></a>J</div><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 24px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://coopermann.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/accountants-need-business-intelligence-too/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Accountants Need Business Intelligence, too">Read more</a> about how <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">accountants need business intelligence, too</em></li><li style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://coopermann.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/no-fear-and-loathing-in-accounting-its-not-my-fathers-accounting-firm-any-more/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="No Fear and Loathing in Accounting: It’s not my father’s accounting firm any more.">Read more</a> about how there’s <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">no fear and loathing in accounting</em></li><li style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://coopermann.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/data-warriors-accounting-in-the-cloud/" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Data Warriors – Accounting in the Cloud">Read more</a> about <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Data Warriors: accounting in the cloud</em></li></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-9605390654217336682013-02-03T23:27:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.562-07:00<br />Helping to protect the environment<br />by Maki<br /><br />A life without air conditioning<br /><br /><br />Take a look at the numbers for how much energy you spend for<br />making yourself warm or cool in the changing weather. National Geographic says<br />47% of the world’s energy is spent on heating, way more than transportation at<br />27%. If you consider just your home, the number goes up to 60%, says HRAI<br />Canada. Why not get rid of Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-49316642420719656312013-01-20T01:12:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.667-07:00The Importance of Project Planning<br /><br />by Perry<br /><br />Debriefing: a tool for change<br /><br /><br />I was over at Scoop.it yesterday looking for interesting posts to share with my community and I found this article from Todd Nielsen. I shared it out, and then I wondered if the term reflection is really describing the process I do.<br /><br />I spend a half hour every Sunday debriefing the previous week and planning the next oneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-31847158860111940172013-01-09T02:03:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.674-07:00<br />The Importance of Project Planning<br />by Perry<br /><br />Organizational culture, making sure you are using the right tools<br /><br />Organizational culture is your greatest asset in successful change management as long as you use the right tools.<br /><br />Knowing your culture is the first step to successful change.<br /><br />I found this article over at SmartBlog on Leadership about how to understand the culture in an organization. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-9154769858770902762012-12-27T15:38:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.779-07:00Helping to protect the environment<br />by Maki<br /><br />Learning from traditions – K’aaw K’iihl <br /><br />This spring, I was asked to teach a Grade Four class how to show respect for the environment. To start them thinking from a new perspective, I brought up a story from the First Nations people about their tradition called “K’aaw K’iihl”. When the Skidegate community in Haida Gwaii attend a feast, they all bring Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-76858659728452351492012-12-22T11:30:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.884-07:00Small business advice - Should you incorporate ?<br />by Trev<br /><br />I<br /> am frequently asked this question by various individuals who I meet on a<br /> daily basis. They have a small business that was initially set up as a<br /> sole proprietorship, and they are now considering changing the business<br /> to a corporation. Is it worth the time to set up? Could it create <br />problems? Is it easy? How much does it cost? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-50474107845785518852012-12-21T13:14:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:48.989-07:00Prescribing good health<br />by Dr. Kartik Shah<br /><br />New relief for low back pain<br /><br />There are 3 kinds of people, those who had back ache, those who have back ache, and who will eventually end up having back pain. Considering the intricate muscular, neural and skeletal structure of the human back, it's surprising that more people don't suffer from a daily back ache. The muscles of the back and the bones of Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-11881260093774260902012-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.094-07:00The Importance of Project Planning<br />by Perry<br /><br /><br />To achieve life goals<br /><br />A lot of project management articles talk about how to use the methodology in business, there's nothing wrong with that, but today I'm going to talk about how project management can help you achieve success in your life goals.<br /><br />How to know you need help?<br /><br />For the most part, I know when people need help, and I need help, when Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-78950584640706674332012-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.198-07:00<br />Helping to protect the environment<br />by Maki<br /><br /><br />Driving Electric<br /><br />Look at that cool Lotus sports car! Wait, that’s a hybrid?<br /><br />That was my reaction when I saw the “green” Lotus Evora 414E on its test drive.<br /><br />This car has an impressive power and acceleration for a hybrid car. Each year car makers are developing more higher-performance electric cars, but existing large, heavy-weight motors do not suitAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-10806197419216780672012-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.303-07:00The Importance of Project Planning<br />by Perry<br /><br /><br />Planning the Project<br /><br /><br />We ended with a plan that needed validation. Here are the tips for doing that quickly and efficiently. whiteboard with a boxes circles and lines that form the Google plan<br /><br />Review of what you have<br /><br />You have a work break down structure and you've had a look to see if there are any gaps. If there are, you've filled them. Now you Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-7780565965419352422012-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.308-07:00<br />In The Swing<br />by Clive<br /><br />Ball on Bridge<br /><br />This is a golf rules question about what happens if your shot ends up on a bridge when the bridge spans a ditch that is a hazard. Are you allowed a free drop off the path – the bridge - or are you counted as being in the hazard because the path is on a bridge crossing the ditch and therefore you have to drop under penalty?<br /><br />Brian<br /><br />I have to be honest Brian,Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-42725227570362033962012-11-16T00:10:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.413-07:00<br /><br />Helping to protect the environment<br />by Maki<br /><br /><br />Squeeze More From Every Drop<br /><br />How much do you think of water as a “precious resource”? Of course I appreciate water after a long, hot day on my first sip to quench my thirst. But we hear much stronger calls to “conserve water”. Water is so easily available at home, there’s tons of water in the ocean and lakes, it even rains all the time in Vancouver!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-84632157997783562162012-11-10T22:31:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.518-07:00<br />In The Swing<br />by Clive<br /><br />Footwork<br /><br />Much – too much – is made of footwork in the golf swing. There are two classic, commonly made mistakes concerning the feet, each with an explainable cause.<br /><br />The first mistake is what I call the exaggerated-left-heel-raise. This is where the player lifts their left heel straight up on the backswing, and are almost on tippy-toe. It is a very unnatural move, so I Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-83782862839040263572012-11-06T16:23:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.623-07:00<br />The Importance of Project Planning<br />by Perry<br /><br />How much is enough<br /><br />In my opinion, initiation isn’t complete until the plan is signed off. It seems that one of the lessons project managers take some time to learn is that phases aren’t usually cut and dried. You learn something every step along the way that opens up questions about the step before.<br />This isn’t a failure of the methodology; it’s Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-77948454046172555712012-11-04T09:55:00.000-08:002013-04-03T08:12:49.728-07:00<br />Helping to protect the environment<br />by Maki<br /><br />Sustainable Hollywood<br /><br />Have you thought about the amount of energy used to make the movies we enjoy? For example, sets require lots of wood, bright lights, and air conditioning to cool them. Sustainability and care for the environment is a hot topic now, but where does the entertainment industry play in this?<br /><br />Recently, I have been intrigued by the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-53644198957828529902012-10-30T16:38:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:12:49.833-07:00<br />In The Swing<br />by Clive<br /><br /><br />Two questions that each demand similar answers, so I thought I would address them together…<br /><br />Lost my swing after taking a break from golf for a month?<br />“So, I've been busy these days so I had to take a break from playing golf because of school work, however after a month I went to the practicing range and I lost my feel and my swing. It felt really weird to swing the golf Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-73240093692183497272012-10-15T10:34:00.001-07:002013-04-03T08:07:23.268-07:00Small Business Accounting: How to Choose an AccountantA small business is an enterprise that is usually small in scale in terms of number of employees and/or sales revenues. A large majority of the businesses in the United State are small business. These businesses are usually registered as sole proprietor, meaning one individual owns it, or partnership, meaning 2 or more people owns the business.<br />One of the problems facing a small business is in terms of accounting. With the limitation in funds, some accounting is done by the business owner. The entrepreneur is tasked to run the business and at the same time handles the day-to-day accounting requirements of the company. Because of this, the company is often penalized by the government for late payment of taxes, late submission of tax documents and at times, non-submission of tax forms. Also, the business can also be penalized for erroneous computations of tax dues. The business owner has his/her hands full with running the business that handling the accounting requirements can be turned over to another person.<br />A business owner can hire an in-house accountant or he/she can outsource the small business accounting work to a CPA firm like Desert Rose Tax & Accounting. An outsourced accountant can sometimes be more beneficial than hiring an employee because it is less expensive to outsource than to hire. Also, the outsourced accountant doesn't need a designated space while an in-house needs his/her own space in the office.<br />In choosing an accountant to handle small business accounting for the company, some tips can be useful. Before opening a business, the business owner must have a ready accountant. Since a CPA requires a license before he/she can practice the profession, one has to make sure that he/she has a license. The accountant must have experience in the kind of industry the business is in.<br />Also in a small business accounting setup, before hiring an outside CPA make sure that one knows how much the accountant charges. Fees charged by CPA firms can vary widely. It is good practice to compare the accountant fees with industry standards. The accountant must be able to fill the needs of the company. Before hiring an accountant, one has to interview at least 3 or more prospective accountants so one can compare which among the three will best serve the company's purpose.<br />In handling the accounting needs of the company, the business owner must ask the prospective accountant about other possible services he/she can offer to the company like sales tax and payroll tax reporting services. Some Certified Public Accountants offer business advice to help the enterprise grow.<br />Also, the accountant best fitted to handle the small business accounting is the CPA whose accounting firm is also small. Accountants who own small firms understand how small businesses are run. They also have the time and resources to share with the business owner. It's one thing to have a fancy degree in business and another to have practical experience running a small business. In the event that the business owner sells the business, the accountant must be good enough to discuss with the owner how to go about with the sale so that tax liabilities are minimized.<br />Prior to signing up an accountant for the small business accounting, the business owner must ask the accountant for client references so that the owner can investigate. One must also make sure that the accountant establishes a business relationship with the owner, meaning the accountant has time to visit the company every now and then rather than just seeing him/her only when it's tax filing season.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-74350261479946006262012-10-15T10:34:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:07:23.262-07:00Small Business Guide in Hiring an Accountant<div id="article-content"> An accountant is a necessity for any business. Huge corporations may have lesser problems finding one but small businesses might need more effort to hire this professional. How do you choose and hire the suitable accountant for the accounting needs of your small business? Here are some guidelines that you might find helpful for this task.<br />• Ask for references from your lawyer, banker, or business colleagues. It's either you will be hiring a person or an agency. Check how much work will your company do and the accountant will do.<br />• Interview the referrals. Here are the things you need to know during the interview:<br />-Services to render. What will be the scope of the accounting service? The common inclusions are tax and auditing services. Know if bookkeeping, management consulting, business planning, and other specialized financial and accounting services are also part of the offer. Ensure also that they have experience in working with small businesses and if they are suited to your company's needs.<br />-Personality. Being compatible with the accountant can enhance the working relationship and make the output a lot better. Ensure that the people you meet at the accounting firm would be the same people doing the services for you. Clarify this matter from the start when you contract the agency's services. To assess the competency and compatibility of the accountant, you may ask how he or she will handle a situation relevant to what is happening or might happen in your business.<br />-Fees. This aspect should be accomplished upfront. Make this as clear as possible. Some accountants charge by the hour while others work on a monthly basis. Costs, however, should not be your sole reason in choosing. Some charges more because they are more experienced and skilled while others charge littler because they are not as experienced. Make sure that you base your judgments by considering all relevant things.<br />• After choosing, draft the agreement. All details should be clearly seen at the agreement letter. State properly the statements included returns, fees to be charged, and others. A well-written agreement will prevent any misunderstandings in the future. This also ensures that expectations of both parties are met.<br />• Make your own assignment. Ensure that you'd not just hand the accountant records and loose receipts. Have a record of your income and expenses and the details that goes with the transactions. This helps your accountant work faster which means lower fees on your part.<br />• Regularly meet with your accountant. Review the financial statements and assess problems if there are any. You should know where your money is going. A good accountant should not only be concerned with preparing financial statements but should also be able to suggest ways to cut expenses and provide ideas and answers to questions you may have.<br /> </div><div id="article-resource"> A good accountant may save you more than you can think of when done effectively and systematically. Working for a Nashville accounting firm, I believe an accountant is a lifetime partner for any entrepreneur to keep a great business going.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-18394009698250156702012-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:07:23.272-07:00Small Business Accounting - Undergoing the Face of Change<div id="article-content"> Individuals are learning that a way forward is clearly up to themselves, it is no longer practicable to expect that the path laid by big business is the correct one. No longer can we allow big business to pressure our governments into policy creation that serves only a few. Those individuals who are currently enjoying the handouts and privileges from an alliance with big corporations can now expect to enjoy a quick death along with them.<br />We are now moving forward at an incredible pace and we are seeing a changing of the guard as small business once again returns to the forefront.<br />Small Business comes directly from the family, and out of the family comes a desire to nurture, a desire to give without the need to make another suffer in the process. Because of this the world of tomorrow will be a far different place than where we sit right now, change may be slow at times but as momentum is gathering we are already starting to see the impact this is having in our communities.<br /><strong>Small Business Finance</strong><br />As part of this change we have realized that the way we do business, the way we account for our activities can no longer be done using the same mentality employed by the corporate giants.<br />For decades these same corporate identities have given us accounting methods and programs born out of their own importance, and from their own system of accounting. As we have recently learnt with so many of them going down the drain their method of accounting is no longer working, we need a method that gives power back to small business and back into the hands of mum's and dads. We can no longer sit back and continue to allow big business to dictate to us telling us what we should or should not be doing, because in the end if we allow this to continue we will condemn ourselves to join with their mass extinction.<br /><strong>A New Generation of Software</strong><br />The biggest complaint is that traditional accounting software programs are so bulky and so unnatural in their approach that the user becomes more confused and more anxious with every use. This has seen an increase in small business failing to satisfactory comply with government regulations, and an increase in inaccurate taxation reporting, simply because the owner has lost confidence in what they are doing with their business finances.<br />For the most part the average owner starts out with an expectation of meeting their taxation obligations, however they find themselves bogged down with inefficient software and under a mountain of useless reports.<br />Accounting Systems of tomorrow need to be developed by small businesses for small business, and these programs need to be designed with simplicity in mind. The reason behind this line of thinking is clear, we have learnt that the average user of these types of programs are not accountants and they have no desire to become one. I point this out as an obvious observation, however this simple truth has been overlooked by corporate software developers for the past 3 or 4 decades.<br /> </div><div id="article-resource"> Simple Easy Small Business Accounting Software which is available from EasyAs Accounting Software.<br />Let me show you a simple easy approach to small business accounting. Lets Face it, many Small Business owners are mums and dads trying to make a living, and the last thing you want is to be spending all your free time in front of the computer. EasyAs, Simple Easy Bookkeeping<br /> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755120467699739509.post-22149798840861396512012-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:002013-04-03T08:07:23.277-07:00Accounting Services For Small Business - Four Types of Services to Look For<div id="article-content"> There is no doubt that doing all tasks for your new business will help it grow. However, it will reach a point where your company will be known by many people. When that moment comes, you will know why delegating duties is essential. When more customers come, the accountants are normally put under pressure. If you have one accountant or none, important money transactions are likely to be omitted or recorded wrongly. Accounting services for small business will be more preferable in case your company is growing fast.<br />There are four main types of accounting services for small business that you can buy. If you want to purchase all or some of these services you are free to do so. The first crucial service is bookkeeping. Without keeping your books of accounts properly, your accountants will have a difficult time tracking past transactions. When looking for bookkeepers, in USA, be sure to focus more on registered accountancy firms.<br />This is because you only want legal accounting services for small business. There are countless companies offering automated or manual bookkeeping. Some of the services they offer include recording accounts payables and accounts receivables, task reporting, producing annual tax projections and financial analysis. Another area where an independent accountancy firm can chip in is the management of business credit files.<br />Many entrepreneurs fail because of their inability to separate business and personal money matters. Providers of accounting services for small business will not only take charge of your business credit file. They will also offer you free financial advice. Their actual roles will include monitoring your credit behavior and reporting it to the business credit bureaus. When a company borrows a loan, lenders deal with the owner personally. If it defaults, the credit bureaus taint the owner's credit score.<br />You want to avoid this as it will decrease your probability of receiving more business credit in the future. By having someone working from a remote office to control your credit reporting, you can focus on paying your bills on time. The third accounting services for small business include tax reporting. Although you have an accountant, he or she may not be knowledgeable about reporting tax returns.<br />They can therefore put your company at risk of facing IRS penalties. To solve this problem, you should simply outsource tax work to a third-party that owns a separate firm. Normally, third-party firms own big teams of accredited accountants and this is why they accept all types of clerical work. The last accounting services for small business that you can find useful entails updating books and releasing financial statements.<br />Again you must know that it is not all accountants who can update your books manually or by a computer. Thus assigning your task to a team can assure you success. Outsourcing office work to self-employed accountants is not difficult. You can now use the internet to choose a very reliable team in the country. Some providers of accounting services for small business own large businesses that operate in the entire country. If you want no regrets then hire highly reputable and reliable businesses.<br /> </div><div id="article-resource"> Business Accounting Services helps many companies cut costs. Amitaabh heads a leading Accounting Outsourcing Service that caters to small and medium businesses worldwide with a structured process to ensure client success.<br /> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18202572398527423130noreply@blogger.com