Author Archives: Jon Stow

Telling your clients they are wasting their money

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Jon Stow

A lot of my work with clients is helping them get out of a mess. Usually that is because they have made mistakes in dealing with their taxes or have “forgotten” to declare certain income or gains. Sometimes there is … Continue reading →

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Verbal understandings are not contracts

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Jon Stow

  In my business I think it is important to have agreements in writing with my clients so that they know exactly what I will be doing for them in conducting their affairs (and what I will not be doing). … Continue reading →

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Stress and the small business owner

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Jon Stow

Stress is a major threat to the health of a small business, quite apart from being a threat to the owner suffering the stress. It affects productivity, it affects creativity, and it can affect the way we interact with our … Continue reading →

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Running your own business down

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Jon Stow

So often I meet earnest business people who work hard and are not making money. So often it is because they undervalue themselves and what they do. They offer a great service, and if you asked their customers they would … Continue reading →

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Religion, politics and small business

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Jon Stow

Back in the Dark Ages when I studied for my amateur radio license we learned that we must not discuss politics and religion with our fellow hams. That was actually a condition of our licenses, but it is easy to understand … Continue reading →

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You are judged by your appearance

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Jon Stow

About a month ago, one of my clients asked for a special consultation. She wanted to discuss how her plans for the future and change of lifestyle would affect her tax position. I knew that she would also need some … Continue reading →

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Window shopping business services on-line

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Jon Stow

I don’t know about you, but I get a lot of new enquiries for my services via email. That is all very nice, but many of the potential new clients are located a long way from me. That does not … Continue reading →

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Getting the sack

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Jon Stow

Getting the sack is what launched my “career” as an independent person. Yet as an employee, if you are “terminated” it is a terrible shock, the stuff of nightmares. I had a bad dream about it last night; being called … Continue reading →

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The Success Shop?

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Jon Stow

Opening a new shop is a daunting experience, and if you are going to do so then you must plan very carefully. I have already mentioned that the level of overheads is an important consideration. Property taxes and especially rents … Continue reading →

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The Failure Shop

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Jon Stow

There is a new business in our urban village and I really hope they are successful. The owners have taken a shop at the end of the “main drag” and we have a new florist. It is quite a good … Continue reading →

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