KIS & Tell September 2020
Two steps forward, one step back.
All too often, that’s how progress works. We’re hustling along our path, learning, and trying new things. Some work, some don’t. And sometimes, things that used to work, cease to do so.
Lately, I’ve had a lot of things break down, and not just in business. I nearly broke my foot attempting to do a handstand in yoga. A few relationships soured. My visitor visa here in Sweden wasn’t renewed so soon I need to go somewhere else (ideally somewhere Yigit can go, considering the border shutdowns).
My business coach smiled when I told her about these troubles. Knowing what kind of business books I read, she brought up something I’d forgotten.
To make room for growth, a few things have to break. Growth requires change. Therefore everything cannot stay the same. This is why growth isn’t linear—a la two steps forward, one step back.
My point is to recognize that this is the natural path and not to fret. Good things are in the works. It’s not a failure or your fault. It’s progress. Now, I see many good things sprouting up. So instead of being bummed about what’s over, I’m looking at what’s to come.
Let’s appreciate every step, forward or backward, along the way. It could be the universe creating, or creating space for, something amazing in your life.
Fresh Content
Hot off the press & onto the blog, website, and beyond.
If accounting and financials look like a black box, I’m opening the lid and letting the light in for you. This month, I wrote about the steps I take at the end of each month to make sure the accounting books are up-to-date and complete.
To manage your books, you need to keep up with your weekly finance dates (ICYMI here’s more about it). After the end of each month, you run through this MEC checklist. It’s like putting the final touches on a project before turning it in.
Even if I manage your books, it’s important to understand what goes into maintaining them. These are your finances, after all! Check out the blog and freebie checklist download) to see how it’s done.
App of My Eye
I'm always on the lookout for new apps that help make running business easier! Here are the best finds over the past month.
Humans are difficult! Even if we know something is good for us, we resist. Therefore, we must learn how to work with our nature to get the desired results. One way to trick yourself into doing something is by making it a game.
For example, this year I set a goal to create more content, but I struggle to write. I freeze up and remember horrible feedback from a certain high-and-mighty English teacher… But lo and behold, I’ve started to write every day. All thanks to 750words.
This website is like a private online journal. The goal is to write 750 words every day. You can write about anything. I often write for blogs, emails, resources, or make a personal entry.
The fun part is the bird-themed badges! You earn them by writing so many days in a row, writing quickly, early, late, word-count, and more. My longest streak is over 100 days (phoenix badge). But, right now I’m in the mid-twenties (flamingo badge).
The highest level is “the great griffin” - for those who have written over 2,000 days in a row. That’s 5.5 years and at least 1.5 million words. To put it in perspective, the average book is 50k words, so that’s enough to fill 30 books!
Best Reads
I love to learn. Especially with business, there are always new perspectives and information we can benefit from. Here's my latest fav.
Captain Obvious here: not everyone is good at working remotely.
Any problems working in an office are magnified when you switch to home. I like this article on working with people who aren’t good remote workers not because of the tips on communicating, but because it’s a guide on how to be human at work.
"Work has always represented a big portion of our existence, which means that there has always been a deep emotional and psychological component to our careers, largely embodied by our relationships and connections with others."
Business relationships can feel stiff. The author gives tips on how to break down that barrier and support others in doing their best right now. You can be a rock for others. And as a side benefit, coach them to be better virtual workers.
Practicing Simplicity
Practical tips to simplify your business.
Practice: Limit when you're available for meetings.
Rationale: To complete any task, you need to give yourself the time to do it. One way to make time for important work is to limit when others can meet with you.
Tools: Internal policy, scheduler rules, how to work with me guide.
Tax Tips
The world of tax is constantly changing. Here's what you need to know.
Since Congress is gridlocked on the next round of stimulus, Trump signed a few executive orders. I don’t know the logistics or legality, but let’s assume for now that they are in effect.
One executive order, in particular, startled the tax prep community. It delays payroll taxes through the end of the year.
Delays. NOT cancels.
You will still owe that money. The only difference is the timing of when you pay it.
Keeping up with your taxes is the same as keeping up with your bills. If you decide to partake in executive order, be aware that you’re building up a debt. And if you have employees, all your employees will be building debt too.
You may need the extra cash now, but you should understand the full picture. You will pay it back via double the payroll tax deductions from your paychecks in the first four months of 2021.
Out & About
We're going places! Whether it's for networking, client meetings, or personal travels, I love to explore. Here's one recent stop.
Later this month, I will debut KIS Accounting’s refreshed online home! I’ve wanted to spruce it up for a long time. I’m not doing an official “launch,” per se, but I’ll invite everyone over once it’s live.
Like decorating your house-house, creating a website is a heck-of-a-lotta work. This is the last time I plan on doing most of the work myself. (I swear!)
The refresh includes new photos too. Here’s a sneak peak. >>>—————->
I recently read “The E-Myth” by Michael Gerber. He summarized managing others in two ways - by delegation and by abdication. The latter is when you hand off a task, disappear, and expect the job to be done per your expectations. You don't provide regular guidance or monitor the progress. More often than not, you don’t get the results you wanted.
The other method is management by delegation. This is when you’re clear what needs to be done and define the end results. You understand the process enough to make decisions and give feedback throughout the project.
It's hard to learn enough to be able to delegate tasks, but it's absolutely critical if you want specific results. For this website project, I’ve learned so much about copywriting, website design, and the customer journey. This investment will pay dividends in a few years when I decide to revamp my website again and can delegate and manage others effectively.
Kitty Corner
It's probably impossible for me to get through a newsletter without mentioning my furbabies!
Domestic cats sleep 15 hours a day. The other hours are for grooming, eating, and meowing at their humans. Especially if they want to play. Or it’s 3am.
Cami has been in a playful mood this past week. She doesn’t want to stay close and cuddle. She wants to PLAY. And not just once a day. Several times. And she protests when I put down the string toy. She grumbles and runs off in a huff. Thirty minutes later, she’s asking for more.
Doesn’t she know Momma has to work to give her such a comfortable life?!
Probably not… she is a cat after all. 🐾
On the Horizon
Here's what we'll be focusing on over the next few weeks.
It's time to move on, friends. My extended-tourist visa is expiring and I have to leave by the end of the month. The challenge is keeping my family together. Yigit isn't allowed in the US right now and Americans aren't allowed in the EU. Once I leave, I don’t know when I can come back. Add in traveling with a cat, and you get the picture.
Lately, I've seen many news articles about couples separated during this pandemic because of travel restrictions. I feel for those people, not knowing when they’ll see their loved ones again.
Our plan is to head to countries that accept us both now. We are still working on permanent visa applications, and there’s a real chance we’ll have one in six months.
Until then, our first stop is Turkey and after that … adventure!
Wish me luck!
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It’s going to be a busy month.
Are you working on any projects since you’re home more? Comment below and let me know what you’re up to.