Strategize & Organize ezine header
 In This Issue: 
 
Greetings!
  • A Note From Anne
  • The Cash Flow Analysis
  • What's Going on There?
  • Return on Investment
  • Get Your Finances Organized

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 A Note from Anne

Hello!

Seems like everyone is talking about cash these days (with good reason) and to be aware of how you are using your cash. Personally, although I spent years in procurement, it was always "other people's money", so I was extremely responsible with the cash flow. That being said, my money often would take a back seat. The expression "junk in the trunk" comes to mind because sometimes, I felt like it was hiding in there and I just shut the trunk on it.
 
The experience of this recession, I believe, is an opportunity to grow by clearing out your trunk of junk. So let's look at how you can get a handle on your cash flow and identify a plan that will help you get focused on what's going on in your mystery trunk and ultimately increase your productivity and your profits for a smoother ride in the future.
 
All my best,
Anne
 
 The Cash Flow Analysis
 
When I first started my business, I knew I needed to set up a budget. However, without any cash coming in it was difficult because I really didn't know how much money I had to work with. (I started my business after a layoff, so it wasn't a planned business from the start.)  I was frustrated for several years because of this scenario. In working with my Action Coach, Yolanda Duperret, the concept she introduced to me, was the "cash flow analysis."
 
It starts with a pretty detailed list of how I spend money. We then back track and figure out how much revenue I need to generate based on my expenses. When you see how you are spending your money, you can see what's going on, rather than driving forward and not looking at where you've been. When you really look at where your money is going, you can start making decisions on what's working and what's not working in your business.
 
Note: If you are in the greater Denver area, see the announcement below for Yolanda's 6 Steps to a Better Business Workshop.   It's free and next week!
 What's Going On There? 
 
The scheduled payments. When I did my cash flow analysis, I realized that I was a bit unaware of how my auto payments and automatic debits were hitting me and affecting my cash flow. When I really took a look at my auto payments, I discovered that a monthly fee for $14.95 (which I thought was for a credit card processing for my business) turned out to be for a restaurant/entertainment club. Four months previous I had purchased an online coupon for a restaurant with my credit card. Unknowing to me, they were charging a monthly fee for membership now that they had my card. That $15 savings for lunch ended up costing me $60 more!
 
Are you in control of all of your auto pays and automatic debits?  Ironically, there was just a snippet on Good Morning America this week about those restaurant clubs and other frequent purchase programs. Are they costing you money? Often times, the answer is yes! The point is to spend a few minutes each month and really look at your automatic credit and debit card payments to make sure they are legitimate expenses.
 Return on Investment
 
It gets pretty humbling when you look at your expenses and sometimes your ego can get in the way with how you spend money. For example, do you belong to associations or certification programs? It's nice to have these professional logos posted to your website, resume, or business card. I challenge you to look at those expenses and ask yourself, what value have I received from the fees associated with the membership? Really look at your time invested as well as the money. Is your association with particular memberships or certifications bringing you more clients? Or is it just an ego thing that makes you feel more professional or legitimate as a business owner?
 Get Organized
 
It took me about a month (or more like three), to really get into the habit of using my cash flow analysis. I challenge you to get organized by making it part of your default schedule each week, where you do it... no matter what. When I say "do it", I mean take 15 minutes to half an hour each week to reconcile your finances, scan your receipts, update your cash flow analysis, and be prepared for what's on the road ahead of you.
 
You CAN create a more abundant cash flow even in this recession. Take some time and document where you are spending, observe your patterns, and take action where you can adjust your path. Get organized with a scheduled system and keep it up!
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Productivty Trainer and Organizing Consultant, Anne McGurty, publishes the  "Organizing Strategy" weekly ezine with 1,200+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your productivity, save time, and enjoy the quality of your life at work and at home, get your FREE tips now at www.StrategizeAndOrganize.
 
WANT MORE INTERACTIVE CONVERSATIONS AND TIPS:  See Anne's blog.
 Six Steps to a Better Business Workshop
 
Licensed business coach Yolanda Duperret offers this workshop sponsored by First Community Bank:
  • Date:  Wednesday, April 15th
  • Time:  11am - 1pm (lunch included)
  • Location:  First Community Bank, 201 Josephine Creek, Cherry Creek

Learn How To:

  • Work ON your business instead of IN your business
  • Create a solid financial foundation for your business
  • Take immediate control of the time you spend at your business
  • Turn Advertising and Marketing into an investment instead of an expense
  • Recruit, motivate, retain exceptional employees
  • Systemize your business to provide consistent, exceptional customer service
  • Leverage your time to maximize efficiency & profits
  • Get the quality of life you started your business for in the first place!
Seating is Limited! Call (303) 669-0799 to confirm your attendance.
 
~Don't you owe it to yourself to invest some of your time to learn how your business can reach it's full potential?~
About Anne:

Anne McGurtyAnne McGurty is CEO of Strategize & Organize, a company devoted to training individual's to be more effective with the tools and resources to be productive in their work environment.  
 
If you liked today's issue, you'll love Anne's transforming productivity training and organizing products to help you organize your business -- and yourself -- ranging from productivity consulting for individuals and executives to small business coaching programs to keynote speaking and corporate training programs to improve efficiencies in the workplace and improve productivity.   

While Anne's best known for her expertise in productivity and expert office organizing, her clients share that her biggest impact comes from her philosophy of "personalizing her programs to fit the needs of her clients so they can streamline more efficiently with existing processes" - ensuring to create a sustainable work environment. This, Anne says, is the most important key to bringing an individual to personal freedom with time and organization.

You can learn more about Anne and her services, programs, and products for small businesses at www.StrategizeAndOrganize.com.    She is also a partner with Catapult Growth Partners.  Catapult Growth Partners is a leading interim executive and advisory firm that specializes in providing turnaround and business revitalization services.   For referrals to professionals to work with you in the residential/home enviornment, visit www.OrganizingDoctors.com.
Strategize & Organize
P. O. Box
Denver, Colorado 80206
(303) 778-0588