Forward Looking Business Training

  Let’s remember to be thankful for the men and women who keep it all together for us… the Trades! Electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics… and the list goes on. This is who built our nation, and who will keep it together.  Coming next year Part 3 of The Beancounter Series - A dedication to blue-collar businesses. We have lots of stories to tell, but write to us if you want your own included: thebeancounterseries@gmail.com

  Are you one of the many who have decided to leave your job and start your own business? Do you find your friends, family, and even employees don't fully comprehend what it means? Let's talk about it! As an employee we are governed by our employers wishes, desires, policies and directions. They decide how and who we hire, what and from who we buy, and how we are going to go about our day. On the flip side, as an entrepeneur, we make these decisions... or as I like to say, 'Steer our own Ship.' But is it as easy as it sounds? Well, first of all, we went from one boss to tens, hundreds, or even thousands of bosses... they are called customers! We went from earning a paycheck to investing our life savings into a shop, equipment, and materials, then waiting for someone to come to the door and buy from us.  Let me tell you about a conversation my friend John had when he was confronted by an employee who questioned why the shop rate was $75 per hour where John only paid him ...

  Even though panic buying and hoarding is not in anyones best interest, we do have a few things for you to consider at all times: Keep 3 months of salary in the bank; Always maintain at least 1/2 tank of gasoline in your car; Have a reasonable stock of the following on hand but don’t get silly about it: Bottled water, canned and dried food, toilet paper, medicine, and diapers, sanitary supplies, and pet food as applicable; Keep a stock of flashlight batteries and recycle them periodically; Keep a stock of candles and matches; Have a battery powered radio and know your local station; A back-up for cooking such as a camp stove and fuel; Become familiar with alternate routes throughout your community as well as your local disaster plan. Stay dry and warm out there!

  “Large latte please.” “Right away ma’am.” Melissa has finished her morning walk and has stopped at a small bistro not far from the resort. After placing her order, she takes a seat at one of the tables close to the street, and starts reading through a tourist brochure which was left behind.   “Hey Isaac!” As Melissa is enjoying her morning drink, she sees Isaac walking out of what appears to be an apartment building. “Good morning, Melissa!” Isaac, who had started to walk the other direction, turns and crosses the street to join the young lady.   “Is that where you live Isaac?” “I do have a suite there, but I own the building.” Isaac takes a seat across from Melissa. “You’re a landlord as well?” “That is one of my investments.” Isaac explains that most of the clients are ‘snowbirds’ who only come down for the winter, but there are two apartment suites rented year-round.   “You seem distraught this morning Isaac.” “I’m getting some of the suites renovated, but...

 Welcome everyone. We are well into expanding The Business Blunders Series to include stories from different professions and business sectors. If there are any topics you would like to address in our blog, or you have a story you want to tell, drop me a line or post below. Dan (AKA Isaac The Beancounter)  The Business Blunders Series is a management and leadership information exchange utilizing fictitious characters to tell anecdotal business stories which are based on real events experienced by the author and contributors. The purpose of these stories include: first, they teach how business problems unfold in the real  world; second they portray bizarre situations readers can learn from; and finally, the stories are fun! The series is based on the main character Isaac who retires after twenty years in the accounting profession then moving to a Caribbean island becoming a bartender next to a resort. In his establishment, Isaac meets many guests from various occupations wh...