Sylvia Inks, Author at SMI Financial Coaching

51 posts, 27

Sylvia helps small business owners become confident by learning the business and financial skills to succeed and become profitable.

7 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Attend Small Business Conferences

Sylvia Inks

benefits, investing in yourself, live events, small business conference, workshops

(*Note: This page may contain affiliate links. This means, at no cost to you, we may receive commissions for purchases made through links.) As a busy entrepreneur trying to balance your small business and family, is it worth the time and expense to attend a small business conference or workshop? If you’re already working late…

Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Business Finances

Sylvia Inks

CPA, expenses, irs, productivity, taxes

After working with and studying many busy entrepreneurs, I found that most small business owners are great at what they do, but don’t understand the numbers. Or, they don’t know what they don’t know, and are overwhelmed trying to learn the business and financial side of running a business. I took these common mistakes, knowledge…

5 Secrets to Making Sure Your Customers Pay

Sylvia Inks

checks, fees, loss, outstanding invoices, payment

Each year, I drop off on average three to four pairs of shoes to be repaired, instead of dumping and buying a new pair. It is usually significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new pair and will save time in trying to replace a favorite, yet discontinued, style. A couple of weeks ago, I walked into my local…

Can you and your business afford a sick day?

Sylvia Inks

Emergency fund, healthcare, virtual assistant

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My entire week and goals were completely changed when my husband texted me from the bedroom on a Sunday morning telling me that he needed to go to urgent care. Two hours later, he was diagnosed with the flu, bronchitis, and the start of pneumonia. He needed two prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that totaled up…

Opportunity Cost of Not Fixing What’s Broken

Sylvia Inks

broken, organization, overwhelm, productivity, receipts, tax extension

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When writing my first book and getting behind on my initial deadlines, I realized that I had writer’s block because I couldn’t think clearly. I was never as productive when working from home, so I would often escape to my local coffee shop to write. Every once in a while, I would try to save…

7 Tips for Getting Testimonials to Boost Business

Sylvia Inks

feedback, reviews, survey, testimonials

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How many prospects and clients have decided to reach out and work with you based on testimonials and online reviews? Testimonials are powerful ways to building credibility for your business and brand. The best time to ask for a testimonial and review is shortly after your client has experienced a success and big win after…

Hassle In Paying By Cash Or Check

Sylvia Inks

1099, independent contractor, irs, lawyer, tax, W-9

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Many people hear that paying by cash is a good thing to help stay on budget and not overspend. Usually I would agree, however, for business owners, there are pitfalls to paying by cash. The hassle and tax implications may have you re-consider paying anyone, especially independent contractors, by cash or check, since you are…

7 Solutions to Earning More Money

Sylvia Inks

books, coaches, income, savings, stocks

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Do you think is it better to spend your time learning how to save money or make money? In other words, which would you choose – save $50 now or invest $100 (in time and/or money) to potentially earn more in the future? While both are important, it is far more valuable to spend your…

How a Journalist’s Approach Can Help Your Business

Sylvia Inks

focus, goals, productivity, referral partners

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How many of you are feeling overwhelmed and not sure how you’re ever going to get through that never-ending ‘To do’ list? After listening to and observing many entrepreneurs who are struggling to get their business started or profitable, I find that they often lack focus. They are usually doing too much and spreading themselves…

5 Reasons Why You Need a Business Plan

Sylvia Inks

business plan, failure, mentor, profit

Most business owners who are struggling to become profitable have not written a business plan. Some debate that a business plan isn’t necessary, especially if a business owner is not planning to obtain financing. While writing a business plan doesn’t sound fun and it’s more exciting to just jump right in and test out an…