Forward Looking Business Training

  “We do want to own our own building one day Isaac, we’re just afraid of taking the risk!” “You’re not the only ones Linda, many people had that fear, and some were right.” “That’s reassuring!” “What I mean is, some people have lost with business ventures, but far more have succeeded. As long as you have thought it through, have a plan, and give it all you’ve got, you will succeed.” “Well Isaac, my Dad always said, as long as I pay rent I´m  making someone else rich.” (El Casero) Until you spread your wings, you’ll have no idea how far you’ll fly . (Napoleon) One of the biggest obstacles in achieving our goals is ourselves; regardless of what happens around us, we have the ability to step around it and move forward. If you have a dream, make your plan, put it in place, and make it happen. And remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Being an entrepreneur is not easy; you start with a good idea, gather financing, put it in place, and then hope for the best... right? Wrong! I...

  Welcome to The Business Blunders Series.  Each week we will post snippets on business related topics, and  some of these will be from our series of stories. Although anecdotal through our character Isaac, these are based on true stories and are designed to provide you insightful information. About The Beancounter: Isaac McKnight is an Accountant who retires and moves to a Caribbean Island where he becomes a Bartender. Throughout our stories, Isaac meets vistors from many walks of life where they exchange their businees related stories.  Thank you for joining our adventure!

Rolex® or Roto-Rooter® “Okay folks, this is what you have to do!” Jack and Paul have just arrived at the competition site with Bernice and Lydia, where Elena is starting the briefing. “Ha! Plumbing is my specialty; you guys haven’t got a chance!” Jack and Paul look down and shake their heads anticipating defeat.   “This year, the faucet event will have two parts; the first will be to change a set of valve seats including removing and installing the valves, and then you move to the second sink, and replace the whole fixture.” “You ever done this Jack?” “Oh yeah, many times Paul.” “But this year, this is a singles event versus teams.” “What!” Bernice was expecting to pair up with Lydia again. “Ha Ha….” “Watch it Paul!” Bernice gives her new colleague the look. “Okay folks, first up are Paul and Lydia… pick your station!” The two shake hands and make their way to their respective sinks.   As the clock starts to run, Paul waffles between which to do first; he has changed many ...

Just in Time   “Just put the juice on the table, and please bring the liquor over here Juan.” “Sí señor.” Isaac has come in early, because this is the day he receives his inventory. “You didn’t have Gin on your list Mr. Isaac, I brought some just in case.” “That’s fine Juan, I will use it eventually.” The two men finish unloading the supplies, then Juan heads for the door. “Hasta luego Señor Isaac.”   During the past two years, Isaac has been able to get a fairly good idea of what sells, and how often. He also knows that some products are often backordered depending on the season, so he makes sure he adjusts his ordering accordingly, and allows enough lead time. If he wants to compete with the other bars, he certainly cannot be running out of product.   “Good Morning Isaac!” “Carter! I’m surprised to see you up so early. Where are the others?” Isaac does not normally see Carter until much later in the day, and always with his friends. “I had to take it easy last night...

Icecreamgate   “Did they take anything Mr. Isaac?” “Luckily, I keep the alcohol locked in this room behind the steel door, but they did take some of the beer.” Isaac arrived this morning to find thieves had broken into the bar and stolen some of his inventory. “I think it was kids, and they only took what they could carry Pablo.” “I agree, otherwise they would have taken more. Do you have insurance?” “Yes, but even with a low deductible, a claim would raise my premiums.” Officer Pablo takes a few pictures and notes, then heads toward the door. “I will see what I can find out Mr. Isaac.”   Moments later, Melissa comes through the front doorway, and is distraught. “Isaac! We need your help!” The young lady is upset, and in need of assistance. “It’s Carter, he got himself in trouble last night, and the Police have thrown him in jail!” Moments later, Jake catches up to his friend as he trips on the threshold coming through the doorway. “Careful Jake!” Isaac of course is dealing ...

  Do you want a different approach to Business Consulting? In addition to the traditional approach, we share our experience through a series of blogs, guides, and stories from The Business Blunders Series. Our character Isaac will share anecdotes based on true stories, that will provide insight, and make you laugh. From building drilling rigs, to tax auditing, to working in a prison... Isaac has see it all.  Introduction: Isaac McKnight is a retired Accountant, who worked in the profession for over twenty years, then became a bartender on a Caribbean Island. A group of university students visit the Island for spring break, including accounting majors Melissa, Jake, and Carter. The students befriend Isaac when they learn he was an Accountant, and during the week, their new mentor shares his humorous stories, providing enlightenment on the real world of business. As the students share their daily adventures, Isaac reflects on his career, which included private industry, tax audi...

  “Good morning Ricardo!” “Mr. Isaac, how are you this morning?” “Just fine thank you.” “Who is your friend?” “This is Melissa, she is an accounting student from up north; Melissa, this is my friend Ricardo, the owner of the plant.” “Welcome Melissa.” Ricardo and Isaac first met when Isaac opened the bar and was contemplating buying an ice maker. The ice plant owned by Ricardo, is the only one on the Island, and services all of the small bars and restaurants.   “How is the solar and wind system working out Ricardo?” “It’s working very well; I have lots of power in the batteries today.” “That’s great.” “Would you like a tour Melissa?” “I would love that Ricardo, but I think we need to get our ice before you run out from the line-up.” “Not to worry my friend, I have already set aside Mr. Isaac’s ice.”   Ricardo gives Melissa a tour of his facility, and in particular, the alternative energy systems he has in place. “The sun and wind are used to charge these batteries; an...

 “Here it comes now!” Fourty minutes later, a helicopter is heard approaching. As it appears over the trees, it stops and hovers to evaluate the patient and her location. “We won’t be able to land here, but there is a clearing a hundred meters up the trail.” The pilot advises the crew they will have to land further up, and the rescuers will have to walk down the trail and get Melissa. “Well fancy meeting you here young lady!” “Isaac! What are you doing here?” “I told you I was a man of many talents?” Isaac decided to keep up his volunteer service, and joined the local rescue team “Always serving my community, that’s what accountants do!” Mellissa is placed into a stretcher with a big wheel on the bottom, and the rescue crew, along with the help of Jake and the other tourists, wheel Melissa up the trail toward the awaiting helicopter. “How did you guys get here so quick Isaac?” “It’s called contingency planning Melissa; you anticipate the probability and potential impact of a certai...

  “In leadership theory they talk about authoritative, participative, and free-rein styles.” “What are those Isaac?” “Authoritative is when the boss makes all the decisions.” “Like the Military.” “That’s right Melissa, because in combat, there’s no time for debate.” “And the others?” “Participative is where there is discussion amongst the team to find a solution to a problem, but in the end, the leader must still make the final decision.” “Sounds reasonable.” “And then there’s Free-Rein; this is where there is no formal leadership, and everyone does what they please.” “I can’t see that working Isaac.” “Actually Melissa, I have seen this work.” “Where?” “I was on a Search and Rescue team and when we returned from a call, there were many tasks to do; this included washing trucks, cleaning equipment, sweeping and mopping the bays.” “And.” “Well Melissa, the members all knew what had to be done, and each person had their preferred task, they just went and did it without being assigned ...