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Are you beginning to feel like it’s crunch time? We all know that it is tax season, and everyone should have received their T4’s. We now need to put the number on the clock if we haven’t already filed our taxes. April 30th is generally the due date for employed persons to have their taxes filed as well as the balance owing for the previous year is due upon this day. This can take quite the toll on any individual especially if you owe to the government. The good news is, there are a few options that are readily available to help reduce the stress you are feeling. The last thing you want to have to worry about is the CRA getting involved in your amount owing.

With our economy having taken the downfall that it has and many people out of work and or struggling financially, it can be hard to think about how we are going to pay our taxes if we haven’t paid enough throughout the year. There is some helpful news though that may aid in reducing the stress you may be feeling. The CRA can be very accommodating when you are honest with your situations and contact them right away. It is not their goal to garnish wages and withholding money when you follow the guidelines set out. There is a due date set to when the previous year tax money is due, but they are very willing to work within your means if you contact them to set up payments. They offer payment plans to accommodate most situations where you can either pay in lump sums quarterly or at a lower amount monthly.

Another interesting fact that some may not know is yes for many the deadline for taxes to be completed is April 30th but for those who are self employed you do not need to have your taxes filed till June 15th. That can offer some stress relief to those who are still getting everything together. This also includes those who are married/common-law with someone who is self employed. It is important to note though that there is interest charged on your amount owing starting on April 30th with the rate fluctuating every three months.

Tax season does not have to be as stressful as it sounds. With a bit of planning and some continued work throughout the months of a year, it can be a smooth ride. Here is some additional ways to help reduce the amount of stress you may feel at tax time.

Last week we talked in some detail about supporting small businesses and what some of the benefits are in doing so. This week let’s look at what we can do as a small business to keep encouraging the choice of using community base and family run businesses. We know there are many choices in our communities for people to look at when they have a need that has to be met. Competition is always going to be there, so what are we going to do about it? What steps can we take to ensure our community knows we are out there and that we should be their choice?

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower). This quote really sums up exactly what you should want within your small business. You want people to be motivated to come to you for their business. There is no better feeling than knowing others are choosing your business because THEY want to. Look at the competition around you in a manner of a learning opportunity. What are they offering that is different than you and what can you give that is different than them? Constantly we need to be thinking about what we can be doing to better our company for our customers. That is going to create positive change which will encourage others to want to come to you.

Being innovative and creative will really bring you the extra mile. Let’s not always follow the flock of sheep but look at creative ways we can showcase ourselves and what we are offering. To be noticed now with the mass amounts of media, we must stand out from the crowd in a positive light. This does not mean “go big or go home,” but more so ethically and morally. Those two pieces can make a table turn. Having the honesty within your company and ethics that you firmly believe in and practice are going to show others that you are worth investing in. Holding yourself and your business to a high standard will give your current customers and potential customers the security knowing they will be given a quality service.

(photo courtesy of quotefancy.com)

“Behind every small business, there is a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores, these didn’t come out of nowhere.” (Paul Ryan). Every small business has its own story on how it started, why it started and why they continue. Our towns are full of wonderful locally owned businesses that offer so much to our communities. Not only do they add character to where we are, but they provide services that are exceptional. We question our choices considerably when we are making purchases or pursuing a need and service. Where should we go? Should we have dinner at the chain restaurant or let’s try something new and eat at the locally owned restaurant. You will continue to be surprised at what our locally owned small businesses have to offer.

So often as consumers we are quick to jump onto the big corporations for meeting our demands and needs. Generally, this is due to the lower cost of products and the familiarity. We hear and see about these large businesses through media and our questions and concerns dissipate rather quickly. They can meet our demand right then and there which is a convenience for a consumer. But have we questioned the impact this has on our own businesses right here? The reasoning behind why these large businesses have such lower costs etc. If we keep feeding the larger, the smaller will suffer which will not only have an affect on our small business owners but it gravely affects our communities as well as ourselves.

Small businesses are the heart of the communities. They add the character and the personal experience. They are our family, friends and neighbors. When we look further into our communities to find these unique businesses we are most often met with exceptional personal experience. We are relatable, and this can build relationships. Not only can we build personal relationships, but this can also create business relations as well. Why not support one another? All it takes is a little bit of time. Instead of rushing against the clock take the time to see if there are locally owned businesses offering what you are looking for. It is destructive when we see these shops closing their doors because the support isn’t there due to us sending our money elsewhere instead of keeping it in the community. If we were to continue to shop local, we are bound to see a price reduction in services because it will create more small businesses. This in turn creates competition where we see the lowering of prices. Supporting local creates a positive ripple effect in our community benefiting everyone.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” (Steve Jobs). There is so much truth to this quote. In anything we do in life we push our limits and boundaries for what we love. If we aren’t working on something that has a monumental personal value to ourselves, then we find ourselves struggling internally with filling a void. Would you rather work day in and day out over the course of 40 years with a feeling of dread and regret? We are given the ability to create our own success if we are happy in what we are doing.

A large portion of our lives are spent working. We are entitled to have fun and love what we do. When you combine those pieces in your business you are bringing a passion to the table that is going to bring out many of your bests. It is of great importance to love what you are doing in your business. This is going to carry to your customers. For example, as a customer, I am more likely to choose a business that has an excitement in what they are offering as opposed to a business who gives off a feeling of not caring about what they are doing. We have all experienced both kinds of businesses.

Enjoyment will take you much farther. You will be met with less resistance both personally and from your employees and customers. In turn this will also be an inspiration for others. We all admire those who make changes and love what they do. Don’t lose sight of your passion and like the quote says, “Do what you love, and the business will follow.” (Michel Fortin).

The world seems to move based on finances. We are not able to get anywhere without having a spendable income. Financial pressures constantly are pushing us to have more wants than needs which can create a lot financial damages. When you decided to start a business or are currently thinking about starting a business, is your main reason for financial gain? Of course, the financial aspect of your business is important. Money is needed to run a business as well as live an abundant life, in whatever way that looks for you, but money cannot be the only reason for starting a business. Take some time to really think about why you started a business in the first place or why you are considering starting one. What was the thought that started it all?

A new business can start with wanting change. Maybe you want to make a difference in that line of business and work things in a different way. With your business you are able to make any changes that you deem acceptable with the hope of creating improvements. Going in with a positive mindset that you can create change will surely go the distance. Ensure you keep that focus when things become stressful. What about a love of what you’re doing? Maybe you have a passion for the line of work. To be successful you need to have that emotional and mental desire to pursue what you are doing. If your focus is only on financial gain then there is going to be a daily dread of the work you are doing.

If you are able to pinpoint a handful of reasons for beginning and continuing with your business on a positive scale, then the work you are putting in is going to go the extra mile. When you have a love for what you do, it is proven you will push harder to accomplish your goals, within a business, or in life. Once you find that passion and have the drive you need everything else is going to fall into place with some work. Stay honest to your initial vision in what you are doing and your employees will follow suit. Lead by example and others will respect who you are and what you are doing. Don’t lose sight in the reason that started it all.