Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos . . .
Christmas carols and thoughts of a traditional winter holiday have a warm familiarity that’s comforting—a glow of timeless optimism. Some things are different this year; for one, many caroling choirs have moved to Zoom. A year of challenges makes all the trappings of Christmas even more comforting.
2020 went by very fast for a year that also seemed to last forever! One of my many blessings this year was my son Brian’s decision to join the ECA team. I’m thrilled to introduce him in this month’s Navigator. Also on the burner: ways to share an abundance of gratitude, and tips for preparing your workspace for the new year.
. . . Love and joy come to you
And a Merry Christmas, too
And God bless you and send you
A happy New Year
And God send you a happy New Year
-The Christmas Song, by Mel Torme & Robert Wells
All the best from the ECA family to yours,
Ways to Serve Virtually Over the Holidays
Support Charities That Do Great Work
Many of us look to expand our impact around the holidays. The current pandemic has taken a toll on non-profits, including museums and other cultural centers. When it’s time to give, there is no shortage of options. Asking friends, family, and members of business or church communities is a great way to learn about nonprofits in need.
Another option for making informed decisions is Charity Navigator, https://www.charitynavigator.org/, a charity assessment organization operating as a free 501(c)(3), that accepts no advertising or donations from the charities it evaluates. In 2011, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance selected Charity Navigator as a Money Management Innovation for “helping millions of people become philanthropists,” and it was on Time magazine’s top 50 websites of 2006 list.
Support Your “Neighbors” Through Small Businesses Local and Online
Made in Nevada, https://madeinnevada.org/, is an online marketplace supporting business in the State of Nevada.
Etsy, https://www.etsy.com/, is a “global online marketplace” known for hosting the online storefronts of thousands of small businesses. Unlike eBay, Etsy is strongly associated with handmade items, although that’s not the rule. Etsy shoppers can filter searches by “item location.” For example, a search for holiday ornaments located in Las Vegas yields many options sold by “micro businesses” specializing in handmade goods.
Five Steps to End the Year Right
Clear Your Workspace
Go through your stagnant files and emails. Archive what you no longer need immediately at hand and get rid of the rest. Consider changing your office layout and taking a new approach. Symbolically cleanse 2020 from your office. You’ll feel great!
Reflect on Your 2020
Look at your numbers (revenue, profit margins, and other KPIs), trends, and lessons learned. Document everything so you avoid having to relearn the lessons. Think about the types of clients that were the best match this past year. An impeccable record of your history is the best way to prepare for your future.
Get Informed and Get Your Taxes in Order
New laws for small businesses take effect on January 1 that could impact your business. Reach out for advice and information. Make sure your HR team and tax accountant have what’s needed to ensure that every person you employ or contract receives their paperwork by January 31.
Review Your Goals
What do you want to achieve next year? Many successful business owners use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based) qualifiers to formulate their goals.
Build Your Strategy
Once you have goals for your business, get your team on board. Schedule a planning and strategy meeting with your employees, colleagues and support system to create the plans you need to reach those goals. Know that Eagle Corporate Advisors is ready when you are, to help boost efficiency and effectiveness.
New Blood at ECA: Brian has joined our team!
Brian C. Mohler, CPA, CMA
Brian C. Mohler is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Management Accountant. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master of Accountancy in Tax Emphasis, and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Prior to joining Eagle Corporate Advisors, Brian worked in the public accounting division of Halverson & Company, where he focused a majority of his time on managing tax return preparation for a $2 billion, publicly traded, consolidated company consisting of more than 450 entities. In addition, Brian managed the fixed asset reporting of over 50,000 assets and oversaw the use of robotic process automation (RPA) technology to assist in the preparation of tax returns.
Eagle Corporate Advisors is excited to welcome Brian!
Send him a hello at brianm@eaglecorporateadvisors.com
Even the strongest entrepreneurs can encounter challenges that exceed their resources, causing undue pressure that can make it difficult to sleep at night. It’s for these business owners that Chuck Mohler established Eagle Corporate Advisors.
Eagle Corporate Advisors is dedicated to providing caring and customized support for complex, critical issues, improving your business outcomes while giving you the ability to rest more easily. Our fact-driven, in-depth approach helps our clients face change head on, making informed business decisions with future goals in mind.
Seek expertise. Reap long term benefits.