The world has gone crazy. Well, it certainly seems that’s the case. Inflation continues to push up prices on just about everything. There’s a hot war in Europe that’s seriously impacting the free flow (and cost) of energy. All of this, not to mention an ongoing labor shortage, materials shortages, and plenty of other madness, wreaking havoc on day-to-day life. Of course, businesses aren’t immune to this madness — particularly small businesses. What this chaos does teach any entrepreneur or current business owner is the importance of retained earnings. But, what are retained earnings and how can small businesses build them up for difficult times that will inevitably unfold in the future? What are Retained Earnings Anyway? Retained earnings are an important part of any business. They are the funds that a company sets aside to cover expenses during tough times or to reinvest in the business. (Like now, when the entire world is topsy turvy and the economic circumstances are unstable and unpredictable, to say the least.) Retained earnings are an important concept in accounting. The term refers to the historical profits earned by a company, minus any dividends it paid in the past. The word “retained” captures the fact that because those earnings were not paid out to shareholders as dividends they were instead retained by the company. For this reason, retained earnings decrease when a company either loses money or pays dividends, and increase when new profits are created. —Investopedia.com During normal circumstances, retained earnings are generally used to expand. Examples include hiring additional employees, purchasing new equipment, bringing in new or more inventory to sell, or even acquiring new commercial property. But, when sales slow and the business isn’t earning enough, retained earnings can be used as savings to bridge the gap. How to Build Up a Business’ Retained Earnings One of the most important aspects of any business is its retained earnings. Retained earnings are funds that a company sets aside to cover expenses during tough times or to reinvest in the business. This money can be critical for businesses when they need to maintain cash flow during difficult periods or invest in new opportunities. There are two main ways to build up retained earnings. The first is to generate profits and reinvest them back into the business. This can be done by reinvesting profits into new products, expanding the business, or hiring new staff. The second way to build up retained earnings is to reduce expenses. This can be accomplished by cutting costs in areas such as marketing and/or overhead expenses. If you want your business to be prepared for anything, it is important to have a healthy retained earnings account. By reinvesting profits and reducing expenses, you can ensure that your company has the funds it needs to weather any storm. With a strong foundation of retained earnings, your business can thrive for years to come. Entrepreneurs should also Carefully Consider Retained Earnings if Buying an Existing Business When evaluating a company’s financial statement, it is important to look at the retained earnings line item. This number will tell you how much money a company has set aside to cover expenses during tough times or to reinvest in the business. If you are interested in investing in a company, it is important to make sure that its retained earnings account is healthy and growing. What else do you think new and existing business owners should know about retained earnings? Please share your own thoughts and experiences so others can better understand this important topic. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Help! My Sibling is Sabotaging Our Small Business – What Should I Do? We all know that running a small business can be challenging. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and the right team to make it successful. But what happens when the person who is supposed to be your right-hand man or woman turns out to be the one sabotaging your business? Below, we’ll discuss some practical steps you can take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Recognizing the Signs of Sabotage Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first discuss the signs that your sibling might be sabotaging your business. Here are some common indicators that something is seriously awry and that you’re suspicions are probably valid: Your sibling consistently misses deadlines or fails to complete tasks. He or she spreads negative gossip or talks poorly about the business to others. They withhold important information or resources from you. Your sister or brother makes decisions that negatively impact the business without consulting you. They take credit for your ideas or successes and do so without including you or specifically attempt to exclude your time and effort. If you notice any of these behaviors in your sibling, it might be time to take action. But, don’t just leap without thinking things through. You need to take a step back and look at the entire situation with a realistic perspective. Addressing the Issue with Your Sibling The first step in dealing with a sabotaging sibling is to have an open and honest conversation with them. Make sure to approach the conversation calmly and objectively, and avoid making accusations or placing blame. Instead, focus on how their behavior is affecting the business and your relationship. During the conversation, try to understand the reasons behind their actions. Perhaps they are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with their role in the business. Or maybe they are dealing with personal issues that are affecting their work. Whatever the reason, try to work together to find a solution that benefits both the business and your relationship. Creating a Plan of Action Once you’ve had a conversation with your brother or sister, it’s time to create a plan of action. This plan should address any issues that were brought up during the conversation and outline clear expectations for both of you moving forward. Some things to consider when creating your plan of action include: Clearly defining each person’s role and responsibilities within the business. Establishing regular check-ins to discuss progress and address any concerns. Setting up a system for open communication and feedback. Identifying any areas where additional support or resources may be needed. Remember, the goal of this plan is to create a healthy and productive working environment for both you and your sibling. It’s not – by any means – to establish a rivalry or force a hierarchy. Seeking Outside Help If you’ve tried addressing the issue with your sibling and creating a plan of action, but things are still not improving, it may be time to seek outside help. This could mean hiring a business coach or consultant to help you navigate the situation, or even seeking the advice of a professional mediator if the situation is particularly difficult. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. Running a small business is hard enough without the added stress of dealing with a sabotaging sibling. Seeking outside help can provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome this challenge. What We’ve Learned Dealing with a sabotaging sibling in your small business can be a difficult and emotional experience. However, by recognizing the signs, addressing the issue, creating a plan of action, and seeking outside help if needed, you can overcome this challenge and continue to build a successful business. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.