What Are You Pretending Not to Know?

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Watch cable news, scan a few TV commercials, or flip through any newspaper these days and it would seem that there are no mysteries any more. Let's face it, we know way too much about too many people's habits, problems, and proclivities. We've got more factoids, tidbits, inklings, stats, blogs, and so-called expert opinions (legal and otherwise) than we can use in a lifetime - except when it comes to the inner workings of our own business. It's often our single biggest investment; the entity into which we've poured our life savings and efforts and yet at the core, paradoxically, it can be as mysterious as the continent of Africa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Here are some of the more interesting unsolved mysteries we've encountered from conversations with business owners:<br /><br />"Why am I so confused over what my profit was for the last three years and what my actual inventory is at year-end?"</span></p><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">"Why does my balance sheet show a negative net worth and what can I do about it?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black"><br />"Why does my new banker insist that I pay off my credit line now?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black"><br />"Why do I feel like my CPA gives me the run-around when I try to get answers?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black"><br />We've found there's a consistent process in the unearthing of and resolution to these mysteries:<br /><br /><b>Catalyst Events</b><br />Death, illness, and infirmity bring transition issues to a head. No prior planning usually brings unpleasant surprises. <br /><br /><b>New banker in town<br /></b>Credit lines need to be paid off, timely and accurate financials submitted, and questions need to be answered.<br /><br /><b>Joining an industry peer group</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Especially when you have to share your financial data and, as they say in the biz, "Get naked in front of your group." You start seeing your business, muffin tops and all, and think about a plan to get in shape.<br /><br /><b>Declining markets/increased competition</b> </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Nothing like that new chain or big box store coming to town to get you on your toes!<br /><br /><b>New outside Advisor, CPA or coach<br /></b>A good sign is when you hear them ask, "that's interesting - can you tell me why you handle X that way?" …way before you start hearing any advice.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Defining Moment</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black"><br />If it doesn't come from outside influences or events, sometimes it comes from within. A great book, a peer who has successfully faced the same issue, or someone who kept their head in the sand until it was too late. The simple question, "What am I going to do today to make things different tomorrow," is where it all starts.<br /><br /><b>Where Do You Go From Here</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">You can't do it alone. Get help. Join a peer group, find someone who's been there, done that, and/or assemble a great team of advisors.<br /><br /><b>Bring in an outside party if appropriate<br /></b>We can't tell you how many times we've seen an apparent irresolvable business dispute resolved when a skilled intermediary is brought in.<br /><br />Realize it's usually the question you are most afraid to ask that must be answered. Take a minute now to write down the answer to this question:<br /><br />                         </span><i><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">What am I pretending not to know?</span></b></i></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">Be determined, don't take no for an answer, but be patient. If your financial statements are a mess, it will take some time and patience to get them accurate. Keep the faith that it will happen, just not overnight. <br /><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black">© Business Resource Services, Inc. Reprinted by permission.</span></i></div> 2008-05-27T02:24:24Z