I Can See Clearly Now with 2020 Vision

Since this is Oregon, I can’t really sing the song as written, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone.” But, 2019 is now “in the books.” Lots of business are checking their numbers twice to make sure they are nice and not naughty.

I often find myself signing contracts, clicking on privacy policies, accepting cookies that are not laced with the chocolate chips I desire. I frequently advise people to consult with a lawyer and to carefully read contracts. I’ve read some contracts for clients and then given them my non-legal interpretation based on experience. The last few weeks I’ve been working on a breakfast panel for business owners that involves a lawyer, a CPA, a broker, and a business coach (me). It sounds like the start of a joke. I’m scheduled to review some patents for an angel investment and have been weighing in on the background of other patents.

What do I know? WORDS MATTER! They matter as much as numbers. In fact, they can affect the numbers tremendously. The difference between “in” and “on” can be enormous. A difference of a few days can be devastating.

Like most business owners, I worked on the last couple of days of the year to find ways to minimize my business and personal taxes. I doubt I got it exactly right. I was sweating bullets when a check I deposited had not yet cleared the bank over the weekend. Thankfully it cleared on Monday the 30th. My payment by credit card cleared on the 31st, just in time for 2019’s numbers. Our granddaughter arrived on the 30th, just in time for my son to have an extra deduction for his taxes.

Now, it’s time to focus on 2020 with perfect 2020 vision. All the SCORE cards in the GAME are reset. This is a GAME to Grow And Make Earnings and you need to keep SCORE with Strategic Characteristics Observed Regularly by Everyone in the company. 

Here’s a link to an interview I did with a CFO/COO. CFOs are often involved in leading efforts for strategy, mission, and vision. They focus on the future about 80% of the time. CPA’s are overwhelmed with all the requirements of compliance with GAAP and SOX they don’t have the time they use to have to look forward.

70-Second Highlight Vimeo https://youtu.be/9RQpLBKYC3g 

Full 31-Minute Vimeo https://youtu.be/9RQpLBKYC3g

Audio on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1378112857 

Are you a business owner in the Portland area? Check out the exclusive breakfast panel, just for you.