For many people hobbies are a source of income. From crafts, eBay sales, soap making, playing in a band to selling Mary Kay, these activities can be sources of both fun and finances. It is a great way to test your ideas and determine if you have a business opportunity.

The definition of an underdog is “a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.” A person starting a new business is a perfect example of an underdog. Statistics show that a new business has a 50% chance of survival. Fifteen years ago, I started Focus CPA. My passion for what we do and my vision has carried me through the years. We have encountered many challenges: too much or too little work, over staffed or under staffed, struggled to comply with regulations and not enough cash at times. It is like riding a roller coaster with all its ups and downs and swerves, some more gut wrenching than others. It is a constant challenge, challenges that engage the heart. Despite the challenges, I love what I do.

I am a strong believer in the American dream of owning your own business. I believe that those who want to be successful business owners can be.

People who have good health have many dreams; those that are struggling with their health have only one – to be healthy. My life is good so I have many dreams.

Like a bucket of water full of holes – your business has areas that can leak profits. However if you do not have the sales coming in – then you may not be holding the bucket under the faucet or you missed the rainstorm.

Whew! Tax season is finally over. This one came at full force with the new tax law, new staff and bringing on new clients. The IRS shutdown didn’t help. The big wave was the release of the final regulations in February on the major tax law passed in December 2017. Our tax software was updating almost every day. We are finally coming up for air.

Can you imagine waking up knowing that your business will cash flow that day? It is possible. Removing that stress will release your energy to do great things! Does it Sound like a miracle to you? Maybe it doesn’t happen in your industry. Take a close look around. Reoccurring sales abound! Many are Subscriptions and membership programs such as Amazon’s “subscribe and save” feature, Cellphone service, online storage, magazines and even meals.

Every spring I get a beautiful surprise! In early March, I discover fresh sprouts on the garden rhizomes and bulbs sitting in my basement. I dug them out last fall before the frost hit. I am always in a rush so they end up dumped in baskets, boxes and paper bags. I store them in the unfinished part of my basement. They have little exposure to light, no water and little dirt. Despite the odds, I find it amazing that they sprout every spring.

Keep personal separate from business – Create a separate checking account, use a separate credit card, separate PayPal account, etc. By keeping it all in only one account it simplifies the recording and strengthens your position with the IRS. They may keep out of your personal stuff.

Earlier this year I was caught in a car chase. I was minding my own business, going home on a Friday night when I notice flashing lights about a block behind me.