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Advice Capital Entrepreneurship Growth Investing Negotiating Negotiations

Get Funded: Overcome Rejection To Reach Success

 

The early stages of any entrepreneurial journey are fraught with excitement, anticipation, and a healthy dose of uncertainty and intense fear of failure.

You have a groundbreaking idea, a vision and a burning desire to turn that potential into a reality. But there’s one major catch. You need to raise money to fund your new venture and growth potential.

As you step onto the road to getting funded, you quickly realize that it’s not all smooth sailing. In fact at times, it doesn’t feel like sailing at all. It feels like you fell out of the boat without a life preserve and it’s a daily struggle just to keep your head above the water.

Welcome to the jungle of getting funded. Here’s some advice and condolences on the journey of overcoming the rejection of getting funded and some tips to get back in the boat and sail your way in the sunset of success.

 

 

 

Being Rejected by Investors Isn’t For the Faint of Heart, But it’s a Necessary Right of Passage

In the quest for funding, rejection becomes a familiar companion. You reach out to potential investors, eager to share your passion and the immense potential of your venture. You meticulously prepare your pitch deck, honing every slide, crafting each word with care into the depth of the midnight hours with blood shot eyes. Your heart races as you go to meet with your first investor, ready to make your case with eager and naïve anticipation.

But then, the dreaded words echo in your ears: “We’re sorry, but we’re not interested at this time.”

Rejection stings, like a sharp arrow piercing through your armor of confidence. It’s easy to feel disheartened, to question your abilities, and to doubt the very essence of your idea. You may even feel like giving up and going back to your dreaded day job.

But take heart, for rejection is not the end of your journey. It is merely a detour, a bump in the road that tests your resolve and fuels your determination. Many successful entrepreneurs have faced countless rejections before finding the right investor who believed in their vision. Remember – every rejection brings you closer to that pivotal “yes.”

 

 

Tips to Overcome the Sting of Rejection and to Get Funded

1. Reframe Rejection as Free and Valuable Feedback:

Instead of dwelling on rejection, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Seek feedback from investors who turned you down. Listen attentively, absorb their insights, and use them to refine your pitch.

Constructive criticism is the compass that guides you towards improvement.

 

2. Build Relationships:

Funding is not just about the numbers; it’s about the people. Invest time in building relationships with potential investors. Attend industry events, network with like-minded individuals, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance. The power of a strong network should never be underestimated.

I’ve made my career out of building a large network of connections, and leveraging them to open doors I never knew where possible.

3. Showcase Traction and Milestones:

Investors want to see progress and tangible results. Demonstrate traction by highlighting key milestones you’ve achieved since your last pitch. This could be user growth, revenue generated, strategic partnerships forged, or product iterations. Concrete evidence of progress instills confidence in investors and makes your venture more attractive.

Don’t be shy about taking credit no matter how big or small the progress.

 

4. Clearly Articulate Your Unique Selling Proposition:

What sets your venture apart from the competition? What problem are you solving, and why is your solution superior? Craft a compelling narrative that conveys your unique selling proposition with clarity and conviction. Investors are drawn to stories that resonate and inspire. The difference between competition in any industry is the ability to articulate your brand story.

Test your pitch to as many people as you can and constantly remove any friction to irrelevant or vague slides and talking points.

To articulate your unique selling proposition make sure you can answer the following 9 questions specifically:

  1. What problem are you solving and
  2. How significant is the problem?
  3. How is your solution different or unique from anything else on the market?
  4. How will you generate revenue? What’s the business model?
  5. How have you proven the problem you are solving is real to the target audience?
  6. What is your financial outlook?
  7. What is your funding requirement?
  8. What will you do with the funds to grow the business?
  9. How will the experience of your founding team aid to the success of the launch?

Don’t forget to highlight and showcase the experience of your team!

 

5. Showcase the Team:

Investors invest in people as much as they invest in ideas. Highlight the expertise and experience of your team members. Showcase their accomplishments and demonstrate how their collective skills will drive the success of your venture.

A strong, cohesive team inspires confidence and reassures investors of your ability to execute.

 

6. Leverage Warm Introductions:

Cold emails and unsolicited pitches have their place, but warm introductions hold greater weight. Tap into your network to find connections who can vouch for your credibility and introduce you to potential investors.

A warm introduction opens doors that may otherwise remain closed.

7. Persistence and Resilience:

The road to funding is rarely a swift journey. It is paved with setbacks, disappointments, and unforeseen obstacles. But it is those who persist, who summon the strength to rise after each fall, that ultimately reach the destination.

Embrace resilience as your steadfast companion and let it propel you forward.

 

 

Conclusion:

The road to getting funded is a winding path, often fraught with rejection and unforeseen challenges. But it is also a road of incredible opportunity, where determination,

The road to getting funded is a winding path, often fraught with rejection and unforeseen challenges. But it is also a road of incredible opportunity, where determination, resilience, and strategic thinking pave the way to success. As you navigate this journey, remember that every rejection is not a reflection of your worth or the potential of your idea. It is merely a stepping stone, a lesson in resilience, and an invitation to refine your approach.

Throughout your entrepreneurial voyage, it’s crucial to reframe rejection as valuable feedback. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and iterate. Seek insights from those who turned you down and use their perspectives to sharpen your pitch and enhance your offering.

Each rejection brings you one step closer to finding the right investor who shares your vision and understands the true potential of your venture.

 

Categories
Advice Negotiating Parenting

How Do You Discipline a Child That Doesn’t Listen? Tips from a Parenting Expert

As a parenting expert, one of the most common concerns that I hear from parents is how to discipline their children when they don’t listen. It can be frustrating and overwhelming to feel like you’re losing control, especially when you’ve tried different methods to get your child to follow your instructions. However, it’s important to recognize that controlling our children’s behavior isn’t the answer. Instead, we need to approach discipline with consideration and understanding of our children’s needs and capacities and skills for managing their emotions and responses.

Here are some tips on how to manage when your child doesn’t listen to what you say:

  • Have a solution-focused mindset: When approaching a meltdown, is there a specific time of day when your child is falling apart? Are they tired? Hungry? Need some closeness? you can begin to see positive changes in your child’s behavior when you support them to meet their needs and develop skills to regulate their emotions.
  • Address underlying issues: Sometimes, a child’s behavior is related to an underlying issue such as ADHD. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
  • Identify the root cause of “disrespectful” behavior: It’s important to address the underlying causes: Is your child feeling neglected or ignored? Are they struggling with a difficult situation at school? By addressing the root cause of their behavior, you can help your child develop better problem-solving skills and improve their behavior. To keep your own feelings in balance avoid thinking judgmentally and stay curious.
  • Approach the situation calmly: Yelling and losing your temper will only undermine your child’s self-confidence and lead to further behavior issues. Take a deep breath, apply the oxygen mask to you first, and approach the situation calmly and assertively when you’re ready.
  • Be flexible with your approach: Be open to trying new methods and approaches to see what works best for your child. Guidance approach to discipline is about supporting your kids to be the masters of their emotions and for them to learn how to be present to the outer voices in their world and speak up assertively for any conflicts occuring inside them so that they can meet their needs too.

Remember, disciplining your child is not about controlling their behavior, but about finding a balance between their desires and your expectations. Healthy and positive ways to discipline your child include setting clear expectations, catching them doing it right and acknowledging, highlighting and verifying that, and modeling the behavior you want to see. By approaching discipline with consideration and understanding, you can create a more positive and close relationship with your child.

So, are you struggling with a child who doesn’t listen to you? It can be frustrating for any parent, but there are ways to discipline your child without resorting to harsh punishment. The first step is to identify what works and what doesn’t. Observe your child’s behavior and see if there is a particular time of day when they are more receptive to problem solving. The rule of thumb is to listen to their side when they are resistant to your directions. Listening to them doesn’t mean you agree with their perspective, but, ignoring their perspective and repeating your own is guaranteed not to work.

It’s also important to keep in mind that some children may have underlying issues, such as ADHD, or an irritation in their nervous systems from an allergy to gluten or red dye or sugar or dairy, inflammation too can make it difficult for them to focus, think clearly, and follow instructions. If you suspect that your child may have an underlying condition, seek the advice of a healthcare professional who can provide proper diagnosis and treatment. Getting a neuropsych evaluation is always helpful!

When your child is being “disrespectful” it’s important to identify the root cause of their behavior and address it directly. Are they feeling neglected or ignored? Are they struggling with a difficult situation at school? By addressing the underlying cause of their behavior, you can help your child develop better problem-solving skills and that gives rise to feeling better and will improve their overall behavior.

Losing your temper and yelling at your child may seem like the only way to get their attention, but this can damage their self-esteem and lead to more behavioral problems. Not to mention, it can result in you feeling yucky about you! Instead, be assertive about meeting your needs and approach the situation with a clear mind.

Remember that discipline is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one child may not work for another, so be open to trying new approaches. Healthy and positive ways to discipline your child include setting clear expectations, providing acknowledgement, and modeling good behavior. Setting clear expectations helps your child understand what is expected of them and encourages them to meet those expectations. Acknowledgment can help build your child’s self-confidence as they learn to be more aware of their own traits and capacities. Modeling good behavior sets a positive example for your child to follow.

Disciplining a child who doesn’t listen requires a solution-focused approach. By observing what works, addressing underlying issues, and utilizing healthy and positive discipline methods, you can develop a positive relationship with your child and help them become confident and well-behaved individuals.

Love and blessings,

Katherine

P.S. Looking for more weekly guidance? Join me in my private Facebook group for tips every Tuesday!

 

 

Categories
Advice Case Studies

Selling Smarts: Why No Is the Second-Best Thing You Can Hear!

As a salesperson, of course you want to hear yes, and you’re a little afraid of no. No of course is failure. Who wants to fail? Certainly not me.

The fear of failure though, causes you as a salesperson to play small. You don’t ask the questions you need to ask because you’re afraid of no.

But No Is Actually a Fantastic Answer

No is a fantastic answer. When you hear it, it frees you up to focus on a prospect and do the work that can lead to a yes later on.

And what about hearing maybe? Too many of us love maybe because it isn’t an outright rejection . . . it isn’t no. And prospective clients can feel better when they say maybe. Why? Because they can tell themselves, “At least I didn’t say no.”

Chances are your prospects like you. You have good people skills and something worthwhile to offer. Plus, you have spent time with them. So they say maybe so as not to hurt your feelings.

Everybody might feel better because they got to maybe instead of to no. But if you get to maybe, all you really got was a colossal waste of time. An amazing amount of time and productivity are wasted, simply because people try to get to maybe.

Some Bigger, More Effective Ways of Selling

Here’s the point. Ask the tough questions and bring up the tough issues early, and don’t be afraid. Getting to an early no (and of course, an early yes) is preferable in every way to investing too much time to only arrive at maybe.

Some of the tough questions include:

  • “Do you know how much work this is going to be?” Give a prospect a realistic understanding of the expectations of them and what the work is going to be like for them, every day, if they buy what you are selling. While discussing about those issues might not be fun, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. And it offers a more time-efficient way to sell.
  • “Have we discussed how much this is going to cost?” Many salespeople don’t like to talk about money at the beginning of a sales effort. They assume that is better to sell prospects on the concept first and then talk about the cost. But how much sense does that make? If you talk about money at the beginning and they don’t have enough, you can get to no really quickly. It doesn’t matter how much they love your concept if they can’t afford to buy it.
  • “Have you got the people, technology and other resources to successfully implement what we are talking about?” Many salespeople avoid asking questions like that, because they are afraid of killing a sale before it has gotten due consideration. But stop and think. Any prospect at some point is going to think about those issues. You don’t want to hear at the last minute, “We’re sold on what you’re offering, but we lack the ability to do it.” You want to hear about those problems early so you can solve them, address them, or even get to that early no.

And Remember . . .

No is also not always no. It is often an opportunity to start a new conversation and overcome objections you might not hear otherwise.

Many times, no is the start of a valuable conversation. If you hear no, start digging into the issues at hand. Be careful though. If the no is really a no, let it stand.

So stop to review your sales process. Are there questions in it that you put off because you’re afraid of turning off the prospect?

My advice? Move those tough questions up front. If they’re going to disqualify a customer, it’s best to do it early. You don’t need to wait until the fourth or fifth conversation to get into the more difficult conversations. You can have those conversations in your first conversation.

Like anything, this is a skill you need to learn and practice.

mailto:ehackel@ingage.net

Categories
Advice Wealth

Unlock the Secrets to Keeping Your Hard-Earned Money: 5 Ways to Defeat Double Taxation

Taxes – a word that can send a shiver down anyone’s spine. We all know that paying taxes is a necessary part of life, as it fuels the growth and development of our society. But what if there was a way to save your money from being double-taxed? In this exciting article, we will reveal five powerful strategies that can help you retain more of your earnings and pave the way toward financial freedom.

  1. Supercharge Your Retirement Fund: One of the most effective ways to minimize double taxation is by contributing to your employer’s retirement fund. Not only will this boost your nest egg for the future, but it will also reduce your taxable income, ultimately lightening the burden of double taxation.
  2. Harness the Power of Organization: To stay one step ahead of the taxman, it’s essential to keep your tax receipts and documents in order. By maintaining a clear record of your expenses and deductions, you can maximize your savings and minimize the risk of double taxation.
  3. The Art of Smart Purchasing: Avoid falling victim to double taxation by diligently tracking your purchases. Keep records of what you buy, when you buy it, and the taxes you have already paid. This way, you can ensure that you don’t pay taxes twice on the same item, saving your hard-earned money from unnecessary drains.
  4. Knowledge is Power: Arm yourself with knowledge and become a tax-saving champion. Take the time to educate yourself about the intricacies of tax laws, exemptions, and credits. By understanding the rules of the game, you can navigate the system more effectively, uncovering opportunities to save your money from being double-taxed.
  5. Embrace the Journey of Learning: The world of taxes is vast and ever-evolving. By continuously expanding your knowledge and seeking expert advice, you can stay ahead of the curve. Attend seminars, read books, and explore online resources that delve into the intricacies of tax planning. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to protect your finances from double taxation.

Nobody wants their hard-earned money to be drained by double taxation. It’s time to take control and implement these five powerful strategies that can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. Discover the secrets to maximizing your savings, reducing your tax burden, and ensuring that your money works for you.

Read this inspiring article to unlock the secrets of defeating double taxation and reclaim the power over your finances. Together, let’s embrace the journey towards financial freedom, where your money is protected, and you can thrive in a world free from unnecessary financial burdens.

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast  “Money 911”

Subscribe to my Youtube channel youtube.com/@healthymoneyhappylife

Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session at Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

Go to my website healthymoneyhappylife.com

Email me at Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Call me at (951) 926-4158

Categories
Advice Investing Wealth

Unlock the Secrets to Aging Gracefully: 10 Ways to Embrace Independence and Avoid Nursing Homes

As we journey through life, we cherish our independence and the freedom to make our own choices. When it comes to our later years, the thought of nursing homes may evoke mixed emotions. While some nursing homes provide excellent care, others may fall short of our expectations. So, wouldn’t it be empowering to explore alternatives and take charge of our destiny? In this inspiring article, we will unveil 10 remarkable ways to avoid nursing homes and embrace a fulfilling life on your own terms.

  1. Question the Propaganda: Don’t blindly accept the notion that nursing homes are the only solution. Investigate other options that can provide the care and support you need while allowing you to maintain your independence.
  2. Read the Fine Print: Be cautious when signing any papers related to long-term care. Seek legal advice and fully understand the implications before committing to anything.
  3. Share Your Health Strategically: While it’s important to be open with your loved ones about your health, refrain from constantly discussing your illnesses. Focus on positive aspects of your life and maintain a sense of optimism.
  4. Embrace the Power of Family: Family is a priceless treasure. If circumstances permit, explore the possibility of having your loved ones take care of you at home. Their love, presence, and support can create a nurturing environment that fosters well-being.
  5. Location Matters: If the cost of living becomes burdensome, consider relocating to an area with a more affordable standard of living. By minimizing expenses, you can redirect your resources toward quality care without the need for a nursing home.
  6. Love and Affection: Show your love and affection to those who care for you. Express gratitude, kindness, and appreciation. Creating a positive and loving environment will enhance the overall quality of your life.
  7. Care with Compassion: Being caring and helpful is a fundamental aspect of human connection. Nurture your relationships, lend a helping hand, and foster a community of support. Together, we can navigate the challenges of aging.
  8. At-Home Nursing: Explore the option of hiring nurses who can provide specialized care in the comfort of your own home. This personalized approach ensures your well-being is prioritized while allowing you to maintain your independence.
  9. Secure Your Future: Life insurance can be a valuable asset when planning for the future. It offers financial security and can be used to cover long-term care expenses, reducing the need for nursing home placement.
  10. Saving for Peace of Mind: As we age, it’s crucial to have a solid financial foundation. Prioritize saving for your future, creating a nest egg that provides security and peace of mind.

Remember, your journey through life is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By exploring these alternatives, you can maintain your independence, dignity, and autonomy while avoiding the limitations often associated with nursing homes. Embrace the possibilities, seize control of your destiny, and live a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

 

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast  “Money 911”

Subscribe to my Youtube channel youtube.com/@healthymoneyhappylife

Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session at Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

Go to my website healthymoneyhappylife.com

Email me at Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Call me at (951) 926-4158

Categories
Advice Investing Wealth

Secure Your Legacy with Estate Planning: The Benefits of a Living Trust

Have you ever wondered what happens to your property after you pass away? A will is a legally enforceable document that expresses your wishes regarding the distribution of your property. But, is a simple will enough? The answer is, it depends.

A will is a cost-effective way to distribute your assets, but it does not offer much flexibility. In contrast, a living trust provides more control over your estate rights and is a better option if you own real estate and have assets. However, the initial costs are higher in the case of a living trust.

Probate is the legal process through which a court determines how to distribute a person’s assets after their death. In California, if you have $20,000 in real estate or $125,000 in assets, you are set to go to probate. Probate is not only expensive but also a lengthy process that can take up to one or two years or more, and the attorney and court fees can eat up a significant portion of your estate, leaving less for your beneficiaries.

To avoid this complex probate process and ensure your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance, a living trust is the smarter choice. Living trusts have been around since the middle ages and offer many benefits over a simple will. They provide more control and flexibility over your assets, offer privacy, and are generally less expensive than probate.

In my book, “Ready for PREtirement, 3 Secrets for Safe Money and a Fabulous Future,” I talk about the importance of estate planning and how a living trust can help protect your assets and ensure your beneficiaries receive their inheritance without the hassle and expense of probate.

So, whether you have a simple will or are considering a living trust, it’s never too early to start thinking about estate planning. By taking the necessary steps now, you can ensure your assets are protected and your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. Start planning today, and read “Ready for PREtirement” to learn the secrets of a safe and secure future!

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast  “Money 911”

Subscribe to my Youtube channel youtube.com/@healthymoneyhappylife

Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session at Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

Go to my website healthymoneyhappylife.com

Email me at Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Call me at (951) 926-4158

Categories
Advice Health and Wellness Personal Development

You are not alone- Celebrating mental health awareness month

Dear Reader,

Every year, an average of 150,000 lives are tragically lost to drug, alcohol, and suicide-related causes in America. In the midst of the pandemic last year, the number of substance-abuse deaths rose by a devastating 18%, making 2020 the “deadliest year in drug history.”

These alarming statistics highlight the fact that many individuals feel isolated and alone in their struggles. However, May brings with it a powerful reminder: it is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Throughout this month, mental health experts, psychologists, and wellness teachers unite to emphasize a crucial message – you are not alone. Despite the physical isolation, global unrest, and unimaginable loss, we stand together in solidarity.

As someone who personally experienced the heartbreaking loss of my own brother to suicide years ago, I came to realize how shared childhood experiences and patterns often lead us to suppress our emotions and needs. Tragically, unmet needs can manifest in devastating ways. It was during that unimaginably painful period that my commitment to conscious parenting and mental health advocacy began to take shape.

Our society needs more than just awareness of mental illness; it requires a proactive approach to promoting mental wellness. We must equip ourselves with tools and strategies for effective and compassionate communication, managing emotions, and navigating distressing situations.

In the spirit of promoting mental well-being, I would like to share three simple hacks that can help you feel less anxious, more centered, and clear-headed:

  1. Draw Figure 8s: Using your index and middle finger, trace a figure 8 pattern around your eyes. Apply different pressures to instantly integrate the right and left brain, bringing a sense of balance and harmony.
  2. Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing: Breathe through one nostril at a time to experience deeper breaths, centeredness, and a release of anxiety. Begin by blocking the right nostril, inhale through the left, then block the left nostril and exhale through the right. Repeat the process, alternating nostrils.
  3. Engage in Ha! Exhales: Make fists with your hands, inhale deeply, and exhale with a forceful “HA!” as you bend forward. This technique will help calm you down, induce relaxation, and release nervous energy.

For those seeking more resources on mental health platforms, I recommend watching this enlightening video from the National Mental Health & Mental Fitness Summit in July 2019.

Remember, we are all on this journey together. Let us continuously remind one another that we don’t have to face our challenges alone.

Wishing you strength and well-being!

Love and Blessings,

Katherine

P.S. If you’re looking for a welcoming, compassionate support group that will accompany you through parental ups and downs, join our Conscious Parenting Facebook Group.

 

Categories
Advice Leadership Strategy

It’s Time to Replace Performance Reviews with Check-In Meetings

For years, managers have been giving performance reviews to the people they supervise.

The idea behind them is sound – to review what employees have been doing, set new goals, and schedule a time to meet again to review the progress they have made.

My issue is that the structure of job reviews has led employees to view them this way . . .

“I am going to have to admit things that I have not done well, and my supervisor will correct and blame me.”

That expectation has caused employees to dislike, or even dread, job reviews. Many of them think the best way to survive one is to hide or misrepresent problems, which obviously will not help them or the organization attack the right issues in the right way.

The solution, in my experience, is to replace classic performance reviews with frequent check-in meetings between managers and the staff members they supervise. These check-ins should be held about once a month, or more frequently during times when a lot of critical work is being done.

Structuring Your Check-In Meetings

It is important to frame the check-in discussions in positive and motivational ways that drain the blame from the entire manager/employee discussion. Here are some suggestions that can make that critical change happen.

Start by asking, “What have you done since we last met that you have felt especially good about?”   

This question encourages the employee to discuss things that have gone right, not wrong. And it sets a positive tone for the entire discussion.

Follow up by asking, “Is there a way the organization can support you better in this area?”

Perhaps the employee needs a temporary worker to do administrative work, a piece of technology or some other resource that will make the work more efficient. When you ask this question, you show that you are there to offer encouragement and support, not blame.

Use what I call the “Five to One” Rule

This means that as a manager, you should make five positive statements for every one that could potentially be viewed as negative criticism. One example of those five positives could be, “I would like to compliment you on the way you have motivated people on your team to complete the recent customer survey.” One statement that could be viewed as criticism could be,  “Why did it take six weeks to gather and summarize the results of our survey?” Note that both questions will lead to an operational discussion about a survey, but the second one will reveal the same information in a positive and proactive way.

Finish the Discussion with Yet More Positive Motivation

A process-centered question like, “When should we follow up to discuss what you and your team have gotten done on this?” can be followed with a positive statement like, “You are doing just a great job on the projects and processes we have talked about today. Great job!”

When the employee leaves a meeting with a positive statement like that still ringing in her or his ears, there will be positive motivation to perform.

Resist the Temptation to File a Detailed Report in the Employee’s Personnel File

Yes, it is a good idea to document what was discussed. But you can note the topics and goals that were set in a short memo that you keep on file.

One thing for certain? Handing the employee a memo that itemizes everything you discussed – and requiring that he or she sign it before it is placed in a folder in your HR department – is not a way to motivate employees or make them feel energized to do great work.

In Summary . . .

If your company’s policies require you to do annual or semi-annual job reviews with every employee, you need to go ahead and do them. But you can also hold frequent check-in meetings like the ones we have discussed in this article.

If you try it, I know you will achieve remarkable improvements in your leadership and your team’s progress.

About Evan Hackel, C-Suite Advisor

As author, speaker, and consultant, Evan Hackel has been instrumental in launching more than 20 businesses and has managed a portfolio of brands with system-wide sales of more than $5 billion. He is the creator of Ingaged Leadership, is author of the book Ingaging Leadership Meets the Younger Generation and is a thought leader in the fields of leadership and success.

Evan is the CEO of Ingage Consulting, Delta Payment Systems, and an advisor to The Learning Network (formerly Tortal Training). Reach Evan at ehackel@ingage.net, 781-820 7609 or visit www.evanhackelspeaks.com

 

Categories
Advice Strategy Wealth

Should My Corporation Or LLC Own A Vehicle

People ask me all the time, should my Corporation or LLC own or lease a vehicle? There are a lot of great benefits for having your entity own or lease a vehicle, such as being able to deduct all vehicle payments, insurance, and maintenance costs. You can additionally take advantage of the Section 179 deduction which allows for accelerated depreciation on vehicles weighing over 6,000 pounds. That is why you see people buying G Wagons and other large SUVs to capture that write off in their company. However, there are some things you need to consider before buying a vehicle in your company. 

First, your entity is assuming ALL of the liability of the vehicle. What do I mean by that you may be asking? This vehicle travels down the road at 50, 60 and sometimes 70 miles an hour. Should that vehicle be involved in an accident, and someone files a lawsuit, the liability is going to fall back to the company and the driver. Now, you may be saying, that is what insurance is for. If someone claims negligence or punitive damages, insurance companies will always find a way out of the equation and not be responsible for paying. This means that if there is a judgement, the creditor could go after the assets of the business and you personally. 

This leads me to the next thing you need to consider. When you switch the vehicle over to an entity, you are now going to have to deal with a whole different type of insurance. Since the vehicle is no longer a personal vehicle, it is now a business vehicle, you will need to obtain fleet insurance. This means that if you do not have a fleet of vehicles, your premiums could be astronomically high. You really need to consider the burden vs. the benefits and speak with an expert! 

So, you may be asking yourself, then how can my business write off a vehicle and not have it be a liability to my primary income source? There are strategies that you might want to consider taking advantage of. Give my office a call at 775-384-8124 or book an appointment with my Sr. Strategist. https://www.controllersltd.com/booking-calendar/complimentary-consultation?referral=service_list_widget. 

Follow me for more tips and tricks and read my next article on: “How To Write Off Your Vehicle Without All The Risk!” 

Categories
Advice Best Practices Culture Parenting

The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Your Parenting Relationship: 5 Proven Ways to Become Better Partners

Troubled relationships with parenting partners are all too common. Whether parenting with a partner who sleeps next to you at night, co-parenting with an ex, or even sharing the responsibility of raising a child with grandparents, it is normal to experience ups and downs in the relationship. If you are struggling with parenting together, it is important to work towards repairing your parenting relationship in order to become better partners. Parenting is fraught with daily stresses, and our conversations can very easily sound like this:

Didn’t I tell you they need to get dressed by 8am? It’s 8:30!
How can you let them watch TV when I literally just said they can’t?!

Why do I feel like I’m doing everything and you’re doing nothing?

Sound familiar? You might find it increasingly challenging to manage working, keeping house, and managing your child’s extracurricular activities. And because of that, your relationship with your parenting partner may be on the rocks. Here are 5 ways to help you repair that relationship and become a better parenting partner:

  1. Practice effective communication. Effective communication is key. Instead of using negative language or showing frustration, try kind and clear communication to raise healthy and secure kids. For example, instead of yelling, “You never help me when I need you to!”, try calmly saying, “I feel overwhelmed because I have a meeting in five minutes. Can you help me by [insert your specific request]?” Repairing your parenting relationship starts with effective communication.
  2. Be strategic.Strategic planning is another important aspect of parenting together. Treat your parenting tasks like business goals, especially when issues arise. Create a schedule, prepare an agenda, have objectives, exchange relevant information with your partner, and keep them in the loop. Work together to come up with solutions that benefit both partners. Repairing your parenting relationship means being strategic in your approach.
  3. Cultivate an atmosphere of respect. Communicating with respect is one of the fundamental values of conscious parenting. As parenting partners, model respectful behavior in how you talk to and about each other. Avoid trash-talking your partner or undermining their authority, especially in front of your child. Repairing your parenting relationship starts with respect for each other.
  4. Agree to be consistent. Consistency is also crucial. Consistency is key for children. Shifting from one set of rules and expectations to another can be confusing for them. Apply consistency to bedtimes, chores, and study and play periods. Get on the same page about what’s permitted and what isn’t. Once you’ve made your decisions, stick to them and be consistent. Repairing your parenting relationship requires consistency in your approach.
  5. Chill out. Lastly, taking time to relax is important. Overextending yourself in too many directions can make you tired, overwhelmed, and cranky. For the sake of your partner, child, and yourself, create time in your schedule to kick back and relax. Even a few minutes of quiet time can make a big difference in diffusing high-emotion moments and bringing peace to your home life. Repairing your parenting relationship also means taking care of yourself and each other.

Parenting together can be challenging, but by using effective communication, strategic planning, cultivating an atmosphere of respect, being consistent, and taking time to relax, you can minimize meltdowns, create successful outcomes, and bring peace to your household. By repairing your parenting relationship, you and your partner can become better partners and raise healthy and happy children together.

Love and Blessings,

Katherine

P.S.: Looking for more weekly guidance? Join me in my private Facebook group for tips every Tuesday!