Utah Real Estate Investors Association

"Be warned: A person content to sit with you and criticize others will speak critically of you out of earshot." - Richelle Goodrich

There are clearly some big problems going on in our world today. And on the nightly news, we often get the 1,000-foot view of how divided our nation is. Yet a topic like gossip is a bit more up-close and personal to us because it's something many of us face everyday. How should we respond to it?

"Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself."

- Leo Tolstoy

You see, this topic is touchy. Why? Because no one wants to admit that they are partaking in workplace gossip. Instead, men and women across the country will instead refer to gossip, if not verbally than at least rationally, as confirmation. Here's what I mean...

Jonathan in Sales

When fellow employees get on your nerves regularly, it's easy to keep those feelings inside. Why start drama with him or her when your team has too much to get done?

But because Jonathan in sales is re
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"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past." - Tyron Edwards

With all of the changes every year (and, of course, that's especially true THIS year), filing your taxes on your own is not for the faint of heart. That's even with nice-looking software on the market which purports to make it easy for you.

But that's what we're here for. Let us make it easy for you.

Below is a list of what you will need during the tax preparation process. Not all of them will apply to you -- probably MOST will not. Nonetheless, it's a useful checklist.

Before you get overwhelmed: yes, this is a long list -- but it's the unfortunate reality of our tax code that it'
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"Tax complexity itself is a kind of tax." - Max Daucus

A, B, C, D, E, F, G ... something, something ... T, C, J and A.

Remember when the alphabet meant singing songs in class? We don't really either...

But now, thanks to those last four letters, it means small income tax rate reductions for individuals, and larger ones for corporations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed on December 22nd, 2017 and brought many new provisions with it.

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"Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom." - George Washington Carver

If I've learned anything by watching hundreds of businesses succeed and fail during the course of running my business, it's this: the lifeblood of any business is its ability to collect cash and pay bills as well as pay its employees, particularly its owners.

However, many Salt Lake County small businesses are profitable on paper, but they do not have enough operating capital to meet their current needs. Consequently, they may be forced to sell out to a stronger competitor, sell a portion of the company to investors at an undesirable price, or close the doors and put the company out of business. None of these alternatives are typically what the owners intended when they started their business.

They're working without a map, and as they say: cash is king. Not knowing how to plan for it could be killing your business.

Any cash flow plan prepared by the management of the company or an outside consultant can be no more than a guess as to when your customers will pay. It is a little easier to forecast when your business obligations are due, but many variables inter
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"Success" is a state-of-mind -- and it's tied to gratitude. It affects how you see sales, savings, retirement, the local marketplace, and investment. And, of course, gratitude is the enemy of fear. It's like an opposite magnet for it -- walk in gratitude, and fear just melts away.

So, here's my advice for this week: Whatever financial situation you happen to find your business to be in, find a way to be thankful. There are hidden blessings in any trial ... and hidden fears lying within any windfall. Find them, savor the blessings, and watch your business (and your mind) thrive.<
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"Go start a business!" they said.

"It'll be fun and you'll make a lot of money!" they said. "FLEXIBILITY!" "BE YOUR OWN BOSS."

But then ... well,you are your own boss now.And there are so-many-things to think about beyond what you got into your business to actually do.

It's time to put on your grown-up pants, because whether you're newly freelancing or have a "bigger" small business in Salt Lake County (i.e. you have employees, overhead, and more), there are a few essential components for which to make sure you have a plan.

Because if you don't, you might find your business in jeopardy should things shake out in a particular way.

These are "the big six" for any small business owner, new freelancer, or participant in the growing "gig economy" to make sure they have covered...

Janet Behm's Essentials On Small Business Insurance Coverage

"F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything And Run' or 'Face Everything And Rise.' The choice is yours." - Zig Ziglar

Most freelancers, and a surprising number of smal
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"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison

In my observation, many entrepreneurs struggle with the same problem: lack of focus. It's hard to say no to good ideas. It's even harder to say no to great ideas.

But when you don't realize that there are some basic points of leverage in your business, you can begin to make better decisions, and more easily turn down the distractions that so readily come at you as a business owner. Read More...

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer." - Henry David Thoreau

I'm curious. What drove you to start your own small business? A passion for the product or service you provide? A desire to be your own boss? A chance to dust off some ambition? A drive to stick it to "the man"?

Did you become a small business owner because you enjoy marketing or management? Probably not. But, if you're going to continue to grow your business you have to realize this important fact: Unless you want your Salt Lake County business to forever stay in the category of "side hustle", you must move on from seeing yourself as a service or product provider.

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When you’re ready to make your move, it’s important to consider the effects of the day on your furry friend. Dogs aren’t especially keen on having strangers show up and start deconstructing the family castle. Here are a few tips to waylay aggression, squash stress, and out anxiety for your canine comrade on moving day.

First things first: do your home research

When searching for a home, be sure to keep Fido’s needs in mind. If he’s a large breed, he’ll probably need a yard to run and play in. If he is older and has trouble getting around or a breed predisposed to hip or back problems, a multi-level house may be hard for him to navigate. Take a look at home prices in your area to make sure you can accommodate him. In West Jordan, UT, the average home sale price is about $310K, so take that into consideration. For example, big homes with large, fenced-in yards may be a bit more expensive than that average, so ask yourself if you can afford that. If you can’t, a smaller dwelling close to a dog park should be on your home-buying radar.

Un
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"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." - John Wooden

For those of you in the early stages in your career, this article might be worth more than many of the classes you took in college -- if you follow my advice on how to find a business mentor.

And, for those of you who are further along in your business career in Salt Lake County ... frankly, the advice still applies. I can't tell you how many lunches (or coffees) I've been to with ill-prepared, meandering partners. And while some of the specifics of the questions might change from what I suggest here, and from person to person, and over the years ... there simply isn't a better way to build relationships with someone who is busy and successful than what I suggest below. After all ... they gotta eat!

Go somewhere easy -- and Y
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