One of the things I love more than anything about my job is getting to know all my different clients and their businesses.
I share in their excitement, love listening to their plans, take an interest in their lives. Why? Because your business is a reflection of you and what you put into it. That passion you had to make that jump into the world of business can be tangible and I thrive on it.
Recently I had an invite from a client to visit his new premises whilst he was mid refurb. To some this may sound a little boring or a waste of a morning, but even if it was a “come and see my new one man office and have a brew” I would have gone. This one however was a little more special and exciting.
A bit of background: I first met this client before his business began, around the time he was ready to put all his ideas into a plan; a plan ready to begin his journey as a business owner.
His enthusiasm from the word go was infectious, the ideas were exciting and I was so proud to take him on as a client. I really could not wait to watch it all unfold and grow. He had something different.
A lot of people will tell new start-ups, quite rightly so, that passion alone will not get you through the tough times – and it won’t. I think this particular client will agree.
Starting up can be slow progress, you put your all into it and often all your money too, and it can take time to see that turn back into income, especially an income that provides you will a decent living.
Where I’d like to feel like I was different to other accountants is I take an interest, I advise on a staged and planned move into fulltime business, ensuring you have thought about how you be able to pay the rent and discuss finding a balance between investing your time in your new business and also being able to put food on the table. I try to tame the master plans into realistic expectations in this initial period.
At these times where you wonder if it is all worth it, I often find clients willing to open up and share their concerns. I respond as a friend not just a professional, the odd text or email reminding them how awesome the plans are, how sound the setup is, how far they have already come. I have been there and understand exactly how they feel, what they worry about and all the emotions they are experiencing and hopefully I can help provide that tiny bit of support and encouragement they need to feel like they are not alone and they can make it.
Back to the new premises – it was part of the dream to find a space to stamp the company mark on and operate from. The drive over there I struggled to find the accountant hat, I was so proud, so excited, so happy to see this guy’s dreams coming true and much sooner than I had expected.
Wandering round as he explained what he had done to the space, what he planned to do, the plans for the grand opening, how he was managing his money, I couldn't stop smiling.
We chatted about what he can claim for, what he needed to find receipts for, we even had time to change the username on his PC to something a little less embarrassing for him.
I said hello to his proud parents who were busy painting furniture and we chatted about how he could make the most of the space and possibly rent it out when he doesn’t need to use it. He got right on the case and used his contacts to look into it.
By the time I left there I was really happy, it was a day of no chargeable work for me but one of the best days of doing my job. That guy will make it and ultimately that just as important.
The best bit, I get to see him continue on his successful journey and watch him grow from man with a dream to man living the dream.
The better I know you, the better I know your business, the better advice I can give.
For an approachable accountant that genuinely and personally cares about your business succeeding call: 0800 978 8241 or email kelly@kfhaccounts.com
A Chartered Certified Accountant based in Crewe, Cheshire.
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