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November 2010:  Time to Give Thanks
Dear ,

Thanksgiving is a time to look back and give thanks; but with the year coming to a close and December upon us, it also signals client planning time here at SME.  This is the perfect time to review new laws passed in 2010 as well as to discuss and implement year-end planning techniques.  Book an appointment with an SME tax professional to learn techniques that can be implemented to minimize your taxes.  And, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let me say "Thank You" for allowing SME to be part of your success story.

 

- Abram Serotta, CPA

  President
   
In This Issue
QuickBooks Seminars
Marketing Tip by Rebecca Best
Technology Tip by Eric Clark
Tax Tip by Teresa Thirkell [Right hand column]
Upcoming Events [Right-hand Column]
QuickBooks Seminars
 
The professionals at SME are Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors.  We will be there to help you identify the most effective use of the program, teach you how to use it efficiently in your day-to-day operations, and keep you apprised of system updates.

Our next class will be on Thursday, December 2 at our office from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.  To find out more information and to register, visit our website.

This will be our last seminar of 2010!  Register today!
The seminars will resume in May 2011. 
Marketing Tip from Rebecca Best
It's Cheaper to Keep Her...

 

...or Him for that matter.  I'm talking about your current clients.  Often we focus so much on obtaining new business that we forget to thank current clients and give them the same level of attention as a prospective client.  Every dollar and hour you spend keeping your current client base happy is a wise investment.  Here are five tips to implement; why not start during the season of thanks?!

 

1) Identify existing clients you suspect might be in need of a little extra service.  (i.e. make a list!)  These could be clients who have requested to be removed from your mailing list or have delayed returning your calls.  Maybe they make comments like "your price is too high" or "I don't hear from you enough".  Show them the value you provide by reaching out to them - the sooner the better! 

2) Spend time talking to existing clients on a regular basis.  Schedule thirty minutes to an hour each week to call 3-4 existing clients and find out what they need.  Find out what they have liked or not liked about your service.  This action will show that you are making contact and putting forth the extra effort.  3)  Stay current with what is going on with your clients.  Show them you have a comprehensive understanding of their industry.  Be the ultimate resource for their needs. 

4)  Partner with your clients when you can in a marketing effort, a workshop or special event.  The more opportunities you have to spend with your clients, the more you will connect on a personal level. 

5)  Turn your invoices into a marketing tool.  Add messages that promote upcoming events, new products or services or announcements.  This will enable your client to understand more about your company and things they may not be aware of.   

Technology Tip from Eric Clark
Say goodbye to payroll hassles with professional services from SME...

Did you know that every year, 1 in 3 small businesses pays a penalty to the IRS?  With today's economic climate, every dollar matters to your business.  The largest expense most companies incur is  employee salaries.  As an employer it is your responsibility to ensure all laws (federal and state) are followed when paying your employees. 

At SME, we want to help ensure your company complies with these laws to eliminate penalties.  SME has recently implemented a new payroll service that will fulfill all your (and your employees') payroll needs, at a fraction of the cost of the national payroll services.  You can view a demo by clicking here: 

http://www.managepayroll.com/demo

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your payroll requirements, please give us a call at 706-722-5337.

 

 Eric Clark, Senior Accountant

 

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter.  Stay tuned for next month's tips and features.
 
Sincerely,
 
Serotta Maddocks Evans & Co., CPA's
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Tax Tip

Teresa Thirkell

discusses part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Upcoming Events

QuickBooks Seminar

Dec. 2, 8:30am
Hands-on training from our Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors

More details here.
Call 706.722.5337
to register!
 
 
Starting Jan. 1, 2011
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) will be mandatory for all tax payments, including payroll. 

See "EFTPS Change"  article here.