January 2017 is hurtling at us, isn’t it?
Well, I’m here to remind you that while we can (and, often, do) do wonders with “after the fact” tax return information, the best work we can do for you is to help you get ahead of the upcoming filing season, and plan now for how to best position your income, assets, and other revenues for the most favorable tax positions possible.
But doing so requires your participation in our planning. So call us (610-353-0686) or send me an email, and let’s make some tax-smart moves before 2016 comes to a close.
Here are some “quick and dirty” ideas:
• Adding to your 401(k) or other company-sponsored retirement plan
• Spending down your medical flexible spending account (FSA) balance
• Bunching deductible expenses, both miscellaneous and medical
• Maximizing the sales tax deduction with a tax-qualifying major purchase
• Considering ways to defer income until January 1 if at all possible (unless you already know 2017 is going to be higher)
• Giving to your favorite charity
Let us know if there’s anything in there that piques your interest: 610-353-0686
Now, while I write here about business strategy, I also make an effort to keep in close touch with my family tax preparation clients.
And, as it happens, I get emails regularly from subscribers to that family tax list with thanks, compliments, etc. … sometimes of a personal nature.
Why is this the case, and what does it mean for you?
Authentically Marketing Your Services In Newtown Square, PA
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” -Thomas Aquinas
In this age of instant, social communication and 24-7 news, the “new” secret of marketing your services is being authentic and real — being yourself.
When you get my notes or newsletters, see me on social media, or interact with me at a networking event, you get the “real me” … for better or worse. (I am a bit of a tax geek.)
I don’t try to put on an act, or develop some persona to try to “sell” myself and my firm …I am who I am. Some don’t like that person, and they unsubscribe. Some love it, and become long-term clients and friends.
These days, there’s an effulgence of self-styled “guru’s” who make themselves out to be almost God-like entities — professional and flawless, insisting on the gospel-truth of their certitude.
That’s junk. We all make mistakes, fall short, and screw up from time to time. I find that it’s just as beneficial to learn from somebody’s mistakes as it is to see their successes.
In your marketing … *be yourself*. Let people see the humanity behind the persona. The more you do this, the more clients you’ll attract, the more people will glowingly refer you to their friends and family, and the more sales will come your way.
Too many Newtown Square, PA business owners and professionals stick to the script and seek to be “professional” in all communications with clients and prospects. Frankly, it’s a sure way to leave your clients and prospects bored into finding another provider.
But do the opposite — be plainspoken, cheerful and blunt, especially in written communication — and your clients will be fiercely loyal to your business, and to you, in previously-unheard-of numbers.
That’s how you stand out in the Newtown Square, PA marketplace. The world doesn’t need “just another business owner” … it needs YOU.
Feel very free forward this article to a Newtown Square, PA business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance — or simply send them our way? While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we specialize in tax preparation and planning for Newtown Square, PA families and business owners. And we always make room for referrals from trusted sources like you.
Warmly,
Stephen Venuti
610-353-0686
Stephen J. Venuti, CPA, MST, LLC
