Some time ago I spent a planning day with a new client to determine exactly what she wanted to achieve in her business over the next 12 months, where she is now and the exact steps she needed to take to reach her goals.
On questioning Sophie about her income and expenditure, she told me 'my accountant handles that'. She had no idea what was happening with her finances, only that there seemed to be enough money when she needed it. This was not an empowering answer!
Sophie's head was in the clouds or should I say buried in the sand. You cannot allow someone else to 'look after your financial affairs'. No one else is going to look after your money better than you do.
It doesn't mean you don't get help in that area, but you must get a grip of your own money. You cannot make informed decisions about your business and your personal life if you don't have the full picture.
Sophie had no idea about her personal finances either. I know many people who are like that.
They keep on top of the business finances because they have to but when it comes to their personal finances they're a mess.
ORGANISING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
This area should be top priority. If you do nothing because it's too much effort, well think about this.
What would happen if you are unable to work and receive no income for 6 months? How would you (and your family) survive financially? Do you have your insurances in order?
Where will you be in the next five years? Maybe retired and on a pension? Or perhaps you have superannuation you hope will be enough to live on? Unfortunately too many people are under false illusions about how superannuation will be the only answer for a secure retirement.
Hope is not enough. You have to be pro-active and seek out people who can help you. But be careful who you take advice from and what is the motivation behind them "selling" you their ideas.
Educating yourself on how to make the most of your hard-earned money so you can create wealth should be a high priority. After all, if you're not interested in securing your financial future, who is?
THE FINAL WORD
If you take control of your personal affairs you will have peace of mind and know that you are making things happen.
It's nearly six months since you probably made those New Year's Resolutions. Let me ask you; was one of those goals related to money in some way? Have you moved forward, stagnated or gone backwards?
You must learn how to manage your time effectively and get organised enabling you to focus on the highest priorities in your life, otherwise a year from now you could still be no further ahead.
Some people make things happen, others watch things happen and others wonder what happened. What do you choose to do?
Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach. She's a dynamic, motivational and powerful presenter, an author and leading business coach. Lorraine specialises in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs have more time, make more money and have a life!
For more information on how to increase your productivity and your profits in your small business, subscribe to Lorraine's widely read ezine ‘The Organised Times’. Go to: www.office-organiser.com.au
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