The last few weeks, I’ve been writing with my accountant’s “green shades” firmly in place. Which is fitting, because after all, this is what I do.

But here’s when what we are really about here at Team Hancock might surprise you a little.

You see, running a business with success requires more than just protecting yourself against audits, needless taxes and profit-sucking overhead. It requires that you keep your heart focused and alive.

Truly, if you can take the time to walk in GRATITUDE for what you’ve been given as a business owner, it makes a big difference in your happiness … and your bottom line.

I’ve seen far too many business owners get trapped into the cycle of stress, fear and being “tight” — that it’s incumbent upon me to point out the very real psychological commonalities in business failure: fear and lack of gratitude.

So, while the last few weeks have been all about regulatory protection and tax-savings, I’ll invite you this week to dream a little bit for your business, and for your life. And, of course, with some simple strategy to make those dreams come true.

And once more, a gentle reminder: Do NOT let the spring pass without meeting with us. There are likely to be many “tweaks” which we can make together that would directly affect your bottom line, and your tax bill for 2015. Call us NOW to set up an appointment, as our calendar is rapidly filling up during this season of mid-year evaluations: (205) 715-4488

Randall Hancock On How To Stop Analysis Paralysis andStart Dreaming Big
“The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed.” – Henry Ford

Yes, we can help you with finances and books (it’s what we do best) … but I can’t “get in your head” and make decisions for you.

I can, however, speak some truth (hopefully, with affection and encouragement) … and prompt you to win big during the rest of 2015, and beyond.

And, it starts with breaking free of analysis paralysis.

You see, part of the reason analysis paralysis occurs, is because we become too hesitant to act upon our ideas or dreams. Once we look at the “realistic” side of things, our natural fears and hesitation take over. And, that’s a good thing! It’s stopped many of my clients from acting stupidly.

Unfortunately, it can also keep us from taking ANY risks. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard said, “If we listened to our intellect, we’d never have a love affair. We’d never have a friendship. We’d never go into business, because we’d be too cynical. Well, that’s nonsense. You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.”

Most of the great achievements in life started out simply as a dream. When business owners are able to turn their dreams into goals, and their goals into actions, amazing things happen.

So maybe, even with your established business, it’s time to think bigger? Maybe it’s time to take the mid-year step to start something new that has been burning and building in your heart, but you didn’t have the heart for it?

These might seem like self-evident steps, but there really is power in stepping back and taking the time for them:

Write down the dream. (Then place it where you’ll see it often.)
Think of all the steps/people/objects needed to fulfill the dream.
Jot down short-term and long-term goals to achieve all those needs.
Take it a step at a time.
Keep believing, and keep acting with the knowledge you’ve gained from each step.

One of the most tragic things in life is to see an unrealized dream. As an entrepreneur, you already know that this doesn’t have to be your fate. Be willing to dream a little more, and see what you can do that may break you out of a monotonous cycle.

I hope this helps … these weekly posts are just ONE of the ways we like to serve our clients.

The primary method of assistance, of course — making sure your bottom line is as healthy as possible! All so you can keep your business, and your dreams, alive.

Feel very free to share this article with a Birmingham business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance — or simply send them our way? While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we specialize in tax preparation and planning for Birmingham families and business owners. And we always make room for referrals from trusted sources like you.

Warmly (and until next week),

Randall Hancock
(205) 715-4488
Randall M. Hancock CPA, PC