The January meeting of the Santa Barbara Bookkeepers’ Association was held at Mullligan’s Café on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. 

President Karen Mora called the meeting to order, and then asked for any guests to introduce themselves. She had a job announcement that will later be posted on the list server and asked if anyone had further announcements or comments to share. Karen commented that the SBBA website was recently updated by Caron Garliepp and thanked her, in absentia, for her efforts.

Ovidio Mora’s name was drawn for next month’s free lunch. 

Pam Allman introduced our speaker this month, Gloria Molnar, CPA. She spoke about Elder Abuse and the reporting responsibilities of CPA’s, Bookkeepers, Enrolled Agents, etc. 

The meeting was adjourned. 

Rosemary Chidester, SBBA Secretary

MAGIC NUMBERS FOR BUSINESS

By Brenda Richter, CPA

A Member of the Principa Alliance

 

Did you know…?

1. A change of just 5% in customer retention can produce a staggering 125% change in profits.
2. 68% of customers leave because of perceived indifference.
3. Most businesses spend 6 times more to attract new customers than they do to keep the ones they've got.
4. Each unhappy customer tells at least 9 others about their bad experience.
    

Sobering stuff.

 

While you're in business to make a profit, managing a business only for profit is like playing tennis with your eye on the scoreboard. The 4 purposes of your business are to:

• Create new customers
• Keep them coming back
• Turn them into advocates for you, and
• Have fun!

 

Don't aim to satisfy your customers. Aim to delight them!

As a member of the Principa Alliance, an international network of business consultants, my goal is to help business owners and managers build a stronger, more profitable business and enjoy a higher quality of life as a result.

When businesses work with a Principa Alliance member to improve their business, they gain access to a global knowledge base and a wealth of consulting experience that is so much more powerful than any one firm could offer.

In short, a Principa Alliance member can, and will, do so much more for a business than just 'keep the score.'

Contact me today to discuss how I can help implement a strategy to help build a business that delivers on its promise.   Brenda@BrendaRichterCPA.com 

February's Guest Speaker Information:
Submitted by Pam Allman 

Our speaker’s topic for February is Everything you wanted to know about wireless connectivity, featuring:

Gregg Hart

Gregg Hart is the owner of Hart Computer Consulting, a local computer consulting firm that specializes in computer and network support for small businesses and individuals.  Gregg’s background includes an Engineering degree from Michigan State University and work for companies from Hughes Aircraft and McCormick Schilling (Spice) company to local firms including General Research Corporation.  His expertise comes from over 20 years of experience in a combination of systems administration work, operations and general management roles as well as experience as a consultant implementing enterprise-wide business management software.   

Gregg has been through extensive training, including courses from Microsoft ® (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer training), Cisco® (Cisco Certified Network Administrator training) and other major software and hardware manufacturers, keeping himself current on the latest available technologies and tools. 

Happy New Year!   I hope 2005 was a great year for you.

Just because 2005 is over you can still impact your 2005 tax
situation with retirement plan contributions. Check out the
tidbits below you may not be aware of. They could be helpful to
you or to someone you love.

   * You can make 2005 IRA contributions until the April 2006 due
date of your 2005 tax return. Extending your tax return due date
does NOT extend the time you have to contribute to your IRA. Just
make sure you tell your retirement plan trustee to apply the
contribution to the correct year. And check your confirmation
statements carefully. If the trustee applies your contribution to
2006, let them know right away to fix it.

   * You can make your contribution after you file your tax
return. But if you report the contribution on your return and
then fail to make it in time, you'll have to file an amended
return to correct your tax records.

   * The IRA contribution limit was raised to $4,000 this year
for someone under 50-years-old and $4,500 if you are over 50.

   * Even if you are enrolled in a retirement plan at work - like
a 401(k) - you can still contribute to a Roth IRA on your own.
This is a great way to sock away some more retirement money if
you can. You can't contribute to a regular IRA under this
condition.

   * If you make "too much money" you can't contribute to an IRA.

Be sure to discuss your tax situation with your CPA before making
any moves.    

Sincerely,

Mark Schneiderman
Mark Schneiderman Insurance
msinsurance@sbcglobal.net 

This month's Newsletter was created by Jo Rogers.