Business Education

You’ve Missed the Tax Filing Deadline (Again) But That May be the Least of Your Problems

April 15th has come and gone. Now, you find yourself in a regrettable but familiar predicament. On one hand, it’s not like you’ve missed filing your taxes before the deadline, but on the other hand, you certainly don’t look forward to the pain and cost that come with missing the final filing date. Yet, this may be the least of your worries and long-term problems. If you are constantly missing deadlines while running your business, you’re inevitably disappointing clients, and it may not be too long before you don’t have any real business left.

How Small Business Owners Can Break the Bad Habit of Missing Deadlines

For small business owners, missing deadlines can erode trust, frustrate clients, and derail growth. The habit often stems from overcommitment, poor planning, distractions inherent in wearing multiple hats, or a combination. Breaking this bad habit requires intentional strategies that balance discipline with flexibility. Here’s how to get on track and deliver on promises consistently.

Understand the Why

First, identify why deadlines slip. Are you taking on too much? Underestimating task complexity? Getting sidetracked by urgent but unimportant tasks? Self-awareness is the foundation. Track your time for a week using a simple tool like a notebook or an app like Toggl. Note what derails you—client calls, social media, or perfectionism.

Recognizing patterns helps you target the root causes rather than just the symptoms. For example, a freelance graphic designer may notice missing deadlines due to hours spent tweaking designs beyond client requirements. Once the designer pinpointed perfectionism as the culprit, that entrepreneur could address it directly.

Set Realistic Commitments

Overpromising is a trap. When clients push for tight turnarounds, saying “Yes” to secure the job is tempting. But unrealistic timelines breed stress and subpar work. Practice saying, “Let me review my schedule and confirm what’s feasible.” This buys time to assess your capacity.

Use a calendar to map out existing commitments. Block off buffers—say, 20% more time than you think a task requires. If a project seems doable in five days, promise seven. This cushion absorbs unexpected delays, like a sick day or a client’s last-minute feedback. Clients appreciate reliability over speed.

Break Big Tasks into Small Chunks

Big projects can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Split them into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, instead of “complete website redesign by Friday,” list tasks like “finalize homepage layout Monday” or “source images Tuesday.” Smaller goals feel achievable and keep the momentum going.

Tools like Trello or Asana can help. Create a board with columns for “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Move tasks across as you complete them. The visual progress motivates and keeps you focused on what’s next rather than the whole mountain.

Prioritize Ruthlessly

Not all tasks are equal. The Eisenhower Matrix—sorting tasks by urgency and importance—can clarify what deserves your attention. Focus on what’s both urgent and important, like a client deliverable due tomorrow. Delegate or delay what’s less critical, like updating your portfolio.

Learn to say no. If a new request clashes with a deadline, politely decline or negotiate a later start. For example, “I’d love to help, but I’m booked until next week. Can we start then?” This preserves your bandwidth for existing commitments.

Use Time-Blocking

Time-blocking allocates specific hours to specific tasks. Each morning, plan your day. Assign, say, 9–11 a.m. for drafting a proposal and 1–2 p.m. for emails. Stick to these slots as if they’re meetings. Silence notifications and close irrelevant tabs to stay focused.

If distractions persist, try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. This structure harnesses short bursts of focus, making tasks less daunting. Apps like Focus@Will or Forest can reinforce this habit.

Communicate Proactively

If a deadline is at risk, don’t ghost. Reach out early with a clear update: “I’m finalizing your report but need an extra day to ensure quality. Is that okay?” Most clients appreciate transparency over silence. Regular check-ins—such as a quick email on project milestones—build trust and align expectations.

For instance; let’s again use the example of a designer, who started sending clients rough drafts midway through projects. The client’s feedback helped the designer stay on track, and the customer felt involved, reducing the designer’s stress about delivering the final product.

Build Accountability

Share your goals with someone—a mentor, peer, or even a client. External accountability adds pressure to follow through. Alternatively, join a mastermind group or online community of entrepreneurs. Regular check-ins with others facing similar challenges can inspire discipline.

You can also self-enforce accountability. Set reminders on your phone or use apps like Habitica, which gamifies task completion. Reward yourself for hitting deadlines—a coffee treat or an evening off. Positive reinforcement strengthens the habit.

Reflect and Adjust

Review what worked and didn’t at the end of each week. Did you overestimate your capacity? Did a tool help or hinder? Tweak your approach. You may need stricter time blocks or fewer meetings. Habits form through repetition, so small, consistent adjustments compound over time.

Breaking the cycle of missed deadlines isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By understanding your pitfalls, planning realistically, and staying disciplined, you’ll build a reputation for reliability. Clients will notice, stress will shrink, and your business will thrive.

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while spending more time with your family doing everything 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 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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Now Might be an Opportune Time to Expand Your Business — Here’s Why

July 29, 2020 No Comments

Any experienced financial advisor will tell his or her clients to buy when the market experiences a downturn. “Everything is on sale,” is the old adage, and for good reason. If an investor rides the roller coaster, he or she will make up any “paper losses” only to add real gains later on. Business owners know this but are often too afraid to take the risk. Then, later regret not seizing the opportunity. Why Economic Downturns Create Opportunity Most economic downturns hurt a variety of industries. By the same token, that creates opportunities for those unaffected, and even those who are. Here’s an example. A construction business will probably suffer during an economic downturn as more people will attempt to go the DIY route. But, once the homeowner gets in over his or her head, they’ll need a professional. Entrepreneurs are often reluctant to spend money to make acquisitions, expand capacity or open new markets during an economic downturn. However, downturns can be an ideal time to invest in your business. Every recession creates opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs. And inaction doesn’t mean safety in uncertain times. Rather than simply hope things will get better, you should act to improve your operations and position yourself for growth when the economy recovers. —Business Development Bank of Canada The contractor who continues to aggressively market their services will likely be the one to benefit. Because their competition will likely cut back on advertising and maybe even layoff crew, the construction firm that remains publicly out front will reap the rewards of strategic marketing. Meanwhile, those who pulled back will only continue to shrink. 3 Reasons Now is the Time to Expand Your Business Even though just about everyone knows that a bear market presents opportunity, a good percentage will err on the side of caution, rather than taking a risk. So, it’s important to know the rewards that favor those who seize the opportunity. Here are three reasons now the time to expand your business: Commercial real estate is slow. Because of the nature of this economic downturn, commercial real estate is in a slump. That means you can use the circumstances to your advantage and negotiate a favorable deal. With a little bit of swagger and confidence, and a keen eye on opportunity, it’s possible to negotiate aggressively and score a real win. Remote work costs less than on-site. It’s no secret that remote workers cost substantially less than on-site employees. This is a great way to expand your workforce while getting a substantial discount and expand your business as a result. This also allows you to streamline your processes to get more productivity without paying more for it. There’s a larger pool of talent available. When the economy slides, many talented individuals become unemployed. That means, if you’re discerning enough, you can put their advanced skill sets to work for your business. What’s more, motivated and successful individuals will most likely come to you, while lackluster individuals and people who aren’t ambitious won’t. What other suggestions do you have for expanding a business? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting and giving others some ideas! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Thinking About Introducing Summer Fridays to Your Employees? Here’s What Small Business Owners Need to Know

June 22, 2023 No Comments

Summer Fridays are a type of alternate scheduling that allows employees to either leave the office early or take the day off at the end of the week. As the name suggests, these reduced hours occur during the summer months and apply only to Fridays. Obviously, team members appreciate the option and this policy can be beneficial to both employees as well as businesses. Just What are Summer Fridays? Again, workplace Summer Fridays refer to a flexible work policy where employees are granted reduced work hours or time off on Fridays, typically during the summer season. The specifics of Summer Fridays can vary depending on the company, but the most common approach is to allow employees to leave early or take the entire afternoon off after completing their required work hours for the week. Reasons to Incorporate Summer Fridays Summer Fridays are a popular perk that can be a great way to boost employee morale and productivity, but it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before implementing this practice in a small business. Here are the advantages companies can expect to gain: Increased employee morale and engagement. Offering Summer Fridays can boost employee morale, satisfaction, and motivation. Knowing they have extra time to enjoy summer activities or spend quality time with friends and family can increase overall happiness and job satisfaction. This, in turn, can enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Improved work-life balance. Small businesses often face challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for their employees. Summer Fridays provide an opportunity for employees to recharge, reducing stress levels and preventing burnout. The increased flexibility can also allow employees to schedule personal appointments, attend children’s activities, or engage in hobbies, which can positively impact their well-being. Attraction and retention of top talent. In a competitive job market, small businesses may struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals. Implementing Summer Fridays can be an attractive perk for prospective employees, differentiating the company from competitors. Additionally, existing employees are more likely to stay with a company that values work-life balance and offers flexibility. And, last but certainly not least – increased productivity and focus. Shortened work hours can lead to increased productivity as employees strive to accomplish their tasks within a condensed timeframe. Knowing that they have limited hours available can encourage employees to prioritize their work, minimize distractions, and focus on completing their assignments more efficiently. Considerations Small Businesses Need to Take into Account Before Implementing Summer Fridays Of course, there are always some potential drawbacks or downsides that go along with just about any type of change, regardless of intention and promise. Here are some things small businesses need to consider about Summer Fridays: Impact on operations and client expectations. Before implementing Summer Fridays, small businesses need to consider the potential impact on their operations and client relationships. Adequate planning and communication should be in place to ensure that reduced work hours or the absence of key employees on Fridays do not disrupt workflow or negatively affect customer service. Scheduling and staffing challenges. Small businesses often operate with limited resources, and adjusting schedules to accommodate Summer Fridays may present staffing challenges. Careful consideration should be given to workload distribution, cross-training employees, or arranging for temporary help to ensure essential tasks are covered. Consistency and fairness. It is crucial to establish clear guidelines and policies for Summer Fridays to ensure consistency and fairness among employees. Setting expectations, defining eligibility criteria, and addressing potential conflicts can help avoid misunderstandings or negative feelings within the team. Communication and transparency. Effective communication is key when implementing any new policy. Clearly communicate the details, benefits, and expectations of Summer Fridays to employees. Openly address any concerns or questions and be transparent about how the policy aligns with the company’s goals and values. What else would you include in the pros and cons of instituting Summer Fridays that small businesses should know about? Please take a few moments to comment and share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

3 Unconscious Mental Blocks Your Routine Creates that Hold Your Business Back

September 24, 2021 No Comments

Your routine is your frenemy. Let’s repeat this paradoxical reality again. Your daily routine is your frenemy. It’s an often unspoken, difficult truth. Something most of us either ignore or just never think about. Regardless, it is inescapable, because there are two sides to everything. And your daily routine is certainly no exception. What is supposed to be highly advantageous, can also unleash equal disadvantages. So, it’s time to look at this with a curious, open mind. Biggest Daily Routine Benefits Routines obviously have their benefits. Otherwise, we would not institute and follow them at all. For example, keeping you on time and task certainly is a huge advantage. By following a routine, you are much less likely to get distracted and you’ll complete priorities in order of importance. Additionally, a routine helps with the ebb and flow of life. Which is to say, uncomfortable or emergency situations. It’s a fundamental truth that sometimes the greatest barrier to your success is yourself. Not that you don’t try, aren’t talented, or don’t have the resources to succeed–you do. It’s just that a self-limiting mindset can creep into your worldview without you realizing it, keeping the achievement of your goals forever on an unreachable horizon. —Inc.com It’s common advice that when you’re in unfamiliar territory and feel overwhelmed, settle back into your routine. This helps you to relax and look at the bigger picture. Ultimately, it gives you the calming effect of being in control. Moreover, a routine lets you to chart your progress throughout the day. You feel a sense of accomplishment with each line item you cross off your list. 3 Ways Your Routine Sabotages Your Business Although routines are beneficial on one hand, on the other, they can be downright detrimental. We usually don’t see these disadvantages because routines offer a sense of continuity and comfort — to mindsets that can be counterproductive. Here are three unconscious mental blocks that your routines create and hold back your business: You feel satisfied. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction. It puts your mind at ease and lets you put your brain on idle. And, that’s the very problem with the mind being satisfied — the satiation is an impediment to wanting and doing more. When you are satisfied, you stop and disengage. Done too often, this is a recipe for stagnation. You’re not as creative. Have you ever noticed those “eureka” moments are now few and far between, or worse yet, absent entirely? When you started your business, you did so with enthusiasm, drive, and purpose. But, you’ve come to a point where you’re not nearly creative as you were in the past. That’s because you’re just following a routine, which means your no longer freeing yourself to think outside of the box. You can’t envision a different future Sure, the future is always uncertain. However, there’s a difference between not knowing and not dreaming. If you hit enough of your goals, you’ll probably stop thinking about reaching new achievements and that is tantamount to not reimagining your possible future. After all, as time goes by, changes occur and the future might actually look completely different than it did before. What other ways do routines undermine your success? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences. Your unique perspective just might help one or several people out! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.