F.O.C.U.S. Newsletters Current & Past

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	July Issue 2005 07-24-2005 -- Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Regardless of the degree of success our business has achieved, every day is about decisions. If things are going well and money is "readily" available, then we make decisions on how to use that money to get the best return. If things are not going well, then our decisions are about how to turn things around, improve performance, or even about whether to close the business. This month's issue of the FOCUS Newsletter is about decisions and information important to sound decisions. This issue includes a review of the new bankruptcy law going into effect on October 17 and the potential impact on small businesses, as well as perspectives on "decision methodology", the things that impact how, when, and why you make a decision.
	June Issue 2005 06-23-2005 -- Laying the Foundation for Success Every organization regardless of purpose or legal structure must be built on a sound foundation to achieve maximum, sustainable success. Many times the foundation of a business results as a by-product of activity rather than as a conscious effort, because everyone is in a hurry to see results.
	May Issue 2005 05-23-2005 -- Results, Results, Results Regardless of what type of business you have - service, manufacturing, retail, tech, bio-tech, and so on - it is about getting results. Those results are measured in dollars and cents. By understanding the financial results and their linkage into the activities of your business you are able to make changes and better decisions. The changes and decisions you make today are reflected in tomorrow's financial results.
	April Issue 2005 04-25-2005 -- Your business must have sound business management systems to enable it to maximize the opportunities that having a fantastic technology, product, or service provides. Without the ability to manage your financial resources, people, and all the other aspects of your business efficiently and to deploy resources effectively - where they will get the best return, a business finds itself operating under ever increasing constraints.
	March Issue 2005 03-27-2005 -- Can anyone truly see themselves or their business objectively? What difference does it make to our decisions and how will evaluate our results? Our ability to be objective about our own actions and results is limited. It is impossible to completely separate ourselves and our self-interest from the decisions we make and actions we take.
	February Issue 2005 02-19-2005 -- This month's newsletter is about goals. From having a clear picture of your goals discussed in the article Assembling the Puzzle Pieces of Your Business, to continuing the discussion on cash flow in Why is "Cash-Flow" the Most Important Thing In My Business, the articles are intended to provide you with insight into what is happening in your business.
	January 2005 Issue 01-20-2005 -- As each new year begins, lots of us make resolutions for making changes - large and small - in our lives. A specific date on a calendar isn't what will motivate changes with our personal lives or our businesses. There is no magic in a specific date. The "magic" is in making the commitment to doing things differently, implementing and sticking to taking the steps toward a new behavior.
	December 2004 12-19-2004 -- This issue is centered on understanding the impact of what we do and how we do it on our customers and ourselves (personally and as a business). It also contains some "housekeeping" items to keep in mind as you close out 2004 and launch 2005 - 1099 Miscellaneous and tax mileage reimbursement reminders.
	November 2004 11-21-2004 -- Businesses grow and evolve. This month's articles provide perspective and information on how to encourage and manage the process.
	October 2004 Issue 10-25-2004 -- This months issue contains the following articles: Before You Hire A Consultant Beyond Yesterday Ethics No Easy Answers Caterpillar or Butterfly? Events
	September Issue 09-24-2004 -- Establishing clear direction, strategy, and financial targets enable the business to move forward toward a common objective, make consistent decisions, and allocate limited resources to the top priority projects. It isn't enough to be reactionary. Businesses need to be proactive and targeted in there approach - especially during times of growth or when cash is in short supply.
	August 2004 Issue 08-23-2004 -- This issue is about finding different approaches to "common" business challenges. One of the common threads that most businesses today face is how to do more with less - less time, less money, and less leeway for missteps. In recent month's, I've met with and heard from numerous businesses spanning industries and in various stages of growth. A significant number of these businesses are looking for expert assistance with their particular business issue, but are limited to the amount of cash to spend.
	July 2004 Issue 07-24-2004 -- Business challenges you every day to plan, operate, and fund the business. It takes good people, systems, and processes. This month the newsletter covers a broad range of topics that impact of:  different funding (grants) on your business  strategic plans and budgets  business concepts  communication  much more!
	June 2004 Issue 06-25-2004 -- As we are wrapping up the 2nd quarter of 2004, many different issues and topics are important to highlight. This month's newsletter takes on some of the questions, misconceptions, and activities that financial and business leaders have to address throughout the year, but especially during the traditional "strategic planning and budget" period. Third quarter is when many organizations begin to define and plan for the next year's activity.
	May 2004 Issue 05-24-2004 -- Moving Targets Finding the Right Expert Diagnosing Enterprise Risk The Business of Business New Hire Reporting Events and Services
	April 2004 Issue 04-25-2004 -- In this Issue: Get Clear on Strategic Objective, to Get Bottom-line Results, Understanding the Impact of Cash on Growth, 10 Ways to Create Positive Cash Flows
	March 2004 Issue 03-24-2004 -- This issue contains information on the differences between LLCs and S Corporations (tax and legal), Check21 Legislation, proposed changes 1099-MISC and information on upcoming events and workshops.
	February 2004 Issue 02-27-2004 -- In this Issue: FOCUS Services, Problem-Performers Impact the Bottom-line, Trends in Sales and Use Taxation, Executable Strategies and Copyrights
	January 2004 Issue 01-28-2004 -- In this Issue: "Cash Management" - What It Means to Not Meet Vendor/Contract Terms; Small Business Technology Magazine Article on Computerized Accounting; Employee or Independent Contractor?; Form 1099-MISC