Gearing Up
4 the
End of Year 

We are in the final stretch of 2008! 
It's that time of year to take stock of where you stand with nailing those goals you set 10 months ago.  It's never too late to restrategize to get back on track.  Just never, ever give up because possibilities are endless.  You can always get on course and steer toward a successful close to the year -
stay focussed! 

In honor of the week, Dallas Metroplex small business owners joined at Capriccio Ristorante on October 24.  Sponsored by Hot Pink Mamas and Red Hot Papas Business Network, the signature event provided an opportunity to exhibit a number of small businesses, form meaningful business relationships and listen to the keynote speaker, Alastair Hunte, Owner Presario Productions and self published eBook author. The attendees of the event walked away from Alastair's crisp presentation on "Building and Promoting Your Brand: Are you sending the right message?" with a whole new perspective on Web Branding!  Sign up and get your free mini eBook to get 25 Must Have Tips for Marketing and Branding Yourself.  
The celebrations and acknowledgement of small business success moves forward after honoring the National Business Women's Week.  Hot Pink Mamas is growing rapidly and adding a number of networking chapters throughout the Dallas Metroplex area to continue to help small business owners grow together.  And, the learning opportunities are limitless to stay abreast of the latest in technology, resources and trends.  To find out more about being present on the Web in today's market, Collin County Community College (Plano TX) is offering a course in Web Design Principles, starting on December 8. 

Surviving business in hard times, may mean boosting your presence in the market.  But you don't have to spend big bucks to do it!  Here's a few tips to get you started:

• Explore cost effective opportunities such as business networking to build on new relationships, including engaging in speaking and PR events.

• Develop a new process to connect with other businesses to foster the knowledge and best practices others are doing to get through tough market conditions.

• Review your customer list for the top 10 customers who provided rave reviews of the services you provided.  Reach out to them to announce an updated customer referral program to establish new business.

Did you know that statistics show 70% of new business is gained through referrals?  Referral marketing is cost effective and infinitely powerful if done right. Build on new leads by igniting your connections today!

Get prepped NOW 4 TAX SEASON
With January around the corner, it's time to start pulling together your papers for 2008 filing year! Get a jump start by developing a system to manage your paperwork!  Set-up a file folder, preferrably an expandable one with multiple top tabs. Label each tab to accommodate space for W2s, 1099s, charitable contributions, receipts, investments, education, etc.  While you are at it for 2008, make one for 2009 too!  Keep tax returns, as well as supporting documents like W-2 forms, receipts, and real estate closing statements for seven years. The IRS may audit you within three years if they suspect good-faith errors, six years if they believe you underreported your income by at least 25% and unlimited time if you did not file a return or filed a fraudulent one.

Looking for TAX Help? With over 14 years of experience, SMG BOOKKEEPING SERVICES will work with you to take care of all your tax preparation needs!