Imagine an Apple store customer arguing with the clerk that, because they just spent $600 on a new iPhone, it would only be fair for Apple to throw in a set of Airpods for free. “After all, $600 is a lot of money for a phone - and it will be a lot easier to use the phone if I have the Airpods, too.” Imagine a restaurant owner who gives all their customers extra servings whenever they love their meals just to make absolutely certain that the customer leaves happy.

One of the best parts of my day is getting to talk with clients about their lives, their dreams, and the ups and downs of life. Often in the conversation, I learn something that has a big impact on the financial part of my client’s life. It’s funny how sometimes I just find out these things by accident and then we can talk about the financial consequences.

Recently, I’ve been finding the most difficult conversations with my clients are in response to the easiest (and most common!) question: “How are you?” Whenever anyone asks these days, I am never quite sure how to respond. More than ever, I’ve found my clients (and myself) compelled to answer honestly.

This week’s protests and riots have been a wake-up call to America. They have also been a wake-up call to me. One of my favorite coping mechanisms is denial. Compartmentalization. Escaping from reality. But there is no escaping reality anymore. So I’ve been doing a deep dive on white privilege and taking a hard look at myself.

When we founded Breakaway Bookkeeping & Advising, we knew that embracing diversity was a given. Because it is who we are as founders and as humans. Because it is #whatmatters.

Any successful business owner knows that to grow an incredible business, you have to learn to delegate successfully. When a business transitions from a start up to an emerging small business, the founder of the company has a lot to do. Building a talented team allows the CEO to focus on growing the business.

The coronavirus had an imbalanced approach to healthcare facilities. While hospitals and larger health systems were overrun with an influx of patients and emergencies, smaller practices were deemed “non-essential.” Elective surgeries and routine primary care were asked to pause, in efforts to support the overburden treatment of COVID-19 patients.

It was a cold January day more than forty years ago in Koln (Cologne) Germany. The pianist Keith Jarrett was scheduled to play a solo concert to a sold out crowd at the town Opera House. Jarrett had selected a Bosendorfer 290 Imperial concert grand for the performance. However, due to confusion among the opera house staff, instead of Jarrett’s preferred piano, the instrument they had ready for him was a “rehearsal piano” used by the opera - in poor condition, wildly out of tune, and virtually unplayable.

This is your business. There is only room for one in the driver’s seat. While it can feel lonely, you are definitely not alone. Now is the time to take stock - assess your dashboard, your crew, and the course to ensure that you are ready.

The CARES act was written in a very short time frame and the rush of business owners to get access to PPP (Payroll Protection Program) loan funds felt a little like the Gold Rush! Now, if you received your funds it is time to understand the rules of how to manage the funds that you received.