As a job seeker or entrepreneur, you know that making a great first impression is key to your success.
That’s where your headshot comes in. Your headshot is a powerful tool that can help you stand out from the competition, showcase your professionalism, and ultimately boost your career. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use your headshot to make a lasting impression and advance your career.
Choose the right headshot: When selecting your headshot, choose a photo that accurately reflects your personality and brand. If you’re a job seeker, consider choosing a headshot that’s more traditional and conservative. As an entrepreneur, you may have more flexibility in choosing a headshot that showcases your unique brand and personality.
Use your headshot on your professional profiles: Once you have a great headshot, use it across all your professional profiles, including LinkedIn, your personal website, and business cards. Consistency in your branding can help build recognition and trust with potential clients or employers.
Customize your headshot for each platform: While consistency is important, it’s also a good idea to customize your headshot for each platform. For example, you might choose a more formal headshot for your LinkedIn profile, and a more relaxed, approachable headshot for your Instagram or personal website.
Update your headshot regularly: As you progress in your career, it’s important to update your headshot on a regular basis so that it accurately reflects your current self. Update it at least every 1-2 years, or anytime there’s a significant change in your appearance or branding.
Work with a professional photographer: To ensure you get the best possible headshot, consider working with a professional photographer. They can help you capture your unique brand and personality in your photos, and provide you with high-quality, professional images that can help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Using your headshot to boost your career is all about presenting yourself in the best possible light. A professional headshot helps you make a great first impression, showcase your professionalism and personality, and ultimately advance your career. Invest in yourself and your brand by taking advantage of the Chamber of Commerce’s Headshot Session with photographer Michael Straub on March 13, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Chamber building. Register now at wyccc.com and reap the benefits for years to come!
Wyoming County, PA – The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass. The Wyoming County BDO Zone is the first ‘A’ rating in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, extending a 75-mile drive from Tunkhannock, PA.
The BDO Zone Initiative is a certification and regional risk rating program that enables economic development agencies and communities to effectively and credibly disclose feedstock and infrastructure attributes and risks and promote biobased development opportunities to developers and investors around the world.
Wyoming County’s BDO Zone ‘A’ rating denotes high prospective viability of feedstock supply chain and infrastructure, and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. The region features strong capabilities to accommodate new biobased plant operations, supported by a highly productive forest products industry, ensuring a stable feedstock supply and limited competition for pulpwood due to the absence of pulp and paper facilities in the area. The zone includes a prime M1 manufacturing site spanning 104 acres, located near companies offering complementary services essential for biofuels projects.
“The ‘A’ rating for Wyoming County highlights our community’s remarkable potential to lead the way in the bioeconomy,” stated Gina Suydam, President of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to partnering with bioenergy, biochemical, and bioproduct companies to enhance and diversify our forestry resources, positioning Wyoming County as a leader in bio-based industrial manufacturing.”
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative added, “As Pennsylvania’s first ‘A’ rating, Wyoming County is poised to transform underutilized forest resources into a significant expansion of the value-added wood products industry. The BDO Zone is ideally positioned to support biobased companies seeking top locations for large-scale biomass projects.”
To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Wyoming County, Pennsylvania please visit www.bdozone.org.
About The BDO Zone Initiative
The BDO Zone Initiative certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, creates global connections with project developers, and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities.
A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk with respect to the development potential of new biofuel, renewable chemical, biogas, and bioproduct plants. Investment grade ratings attract new bio-based manufacturing plants to the areas where they are most likely to succeed– and create jobs.
For more information on the BDO Zone Initiative, contact info@bdozone.org. To view all BDO Zone ratings, visit www.bdozone.org. Check out the BDO Zone LinkedIn page for news and updates.
Jordan Solomon is Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative and President of Ecostrat (www.ecostrat.com). He can be reached at jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com. Ecostrat is the North American leader in biomass due diligence for biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, and bio-product project development and finance.
Since December, we’ve been working behind the scenes with Jason Ebey of YGM to bring exciting new opportunities to our members. Now, the wait is almost over!
We’re THRILLED to introduce GROW, a bold new way to restructure chamber resources to elevate your business, build meaningful connections, and support local initiatives!
Launching Mid-February! “With GROW, businesses will have unparalleled opportunities to shine—from increased visibility to game-changing partnerships,” says Chamber President Gina Suydam.
At the helm of this exciting initiative is GROW Chair Bill Ruark, Owner of Meshoppen Stone, who shares: “As part of the vibrant regional business community, I wholeheartedly support the mission of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce to fuel growth—not just for our local economy, but for every business.”
With GROW, businesses of all sizes can tap into the Chamber’s powerful network—whether that means reaching new customers, enhancing brand recognition, or getting involved in programs that align with your company’s mission.
Why GROW?
Customized marketing opportunities tailored to YOUR business
Meaningful connections with local leaders
Unmatched visibility through high-profile Chamber programs
A stronger, more connected business community
Starting February 25, 2025, chamber advocates will contact local business leaders with tailored opportunities to help you THRIVE!
“We’re excited to help businesses, especially smaller ones, identify the Chamber programs that resonate most with their mission and customers,” adds Chamber Chairman Neil King. “This initiative is a fantastic way to get involved and grow!”
Together, we’re building a future where businesses GROW stronger, together.
The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in our community, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that our members receive the resources, advocacy, and opportunities they need to thrive. This year, the Chamber team has been actively engaged in various projects and programs designed to empower businesses and strengthen our community. Leading these efforts is Gina Suydam, whose work in economic development is paving the way for a brighter future. One of Gina’s key initiatives has been securing a BOD Zone ‘A’ rating for Woody Biomass Development, an achievement that could open new doors for sustainable industry development in the region. But her focus doesn’t stop there; Gina has also been organizing industry roundtables, bringing together leaders to discuss pressing issues and collaborative solutions. As the Chamber looks ahead, she’s busy with planning the 2025 budget, carefully strategizing the financial priorities that will keep the organization and its members on solid footing. Gina’s passion for leadership extends beyond business and economic matters. She’s also involved in programs aimed at cultivating future leaders, such as Leadership Wyoming and the YOU Youth Leadership Program. These initiatives aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of community and business leaders. Her efforts to recruit new members are expanding the Chamber’s network, ensuring that the organization continues to grow and diversify.
Meanwhile, Allison Schultz is the driving force behind the Chamber’s communications and event planning. She manages the production of IMPACT Magazine, the Chamber’s key publication that keeps members informed about local business news, upcoming events, and success stories within the community. Her work extends to coordinating all advertising efforts, including the widely read Thursday e-newsletter that keeps members connected. Event planning is another area where Allison shines. She organizes numerous Chamber events throughout the year, providing members with valuable networking opportunities. The Chamber’s Midsummer Mingle has grown into a popular event, hosted at a different venue each July and consistently drawing a great crowd. Some of the educational program iniatives is Reality Check, a student financial literacy program that equips young people with the tools they need to make smart financial decisions. As the holiday season approaches, Allison is at the forefront of promotions aimed at boosting local businesses, including the Chamber Gift Check program and the Shop Small Business campaign, which encourages holiday shoppers to support local merchants.
The smooth day-to-day operations of the Chamber wouldn’t be possible without Lindsay Shepherd, who manages a range of administrative tasks essential for keeping things on track. From updating membership records to processing dues and handling accounts payable, Lindsay’s attention to detail ensures that the Chamber runs efficiently. She also oversees conference room reservations, making sure that members have access to meeting spaces when they need them. The work of the Chamber team doesn’t end with these formal roles. They are always available to assist members in a variety of ways, from streamlining processes and connecting businesses with local vendors to advising on strategies for reducing tax liabilities. Their efforts have also helped businesses expand their marketing reach through Chamber platforms, increasing visibility and driving growth. This year has been one of action, engagement, and forward-thinking for the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. Whether it’s through strategic economic initiatives, dynamic event planning, or behind-the-scenes administrative support, the Chamber team is committed to empowering local businesses and fostering a vibrant community. Their dedication continues to make a difference, helping our members not just succeed, but thrive.
Chamber Board presents staff with gifts for appreciation.
In today’s fast paced and evolving workplace environment, employers face numerous challenges in their efforts to remain competitive and successful. One method of establishing an essential edge is through upskilling. Upskilling is a strategy that involves investing in the development of an employee’s skill and knowledge. And upskilling not only benefits employees by enhancing their professional growth but also proves to be an asset for employers by fostering a skilled, engaged, and more productive workforce.
When a company is willing to invest in employee development, it shows genuine interest in growing people and helping them succeed…on the job and in life. By investing in upskilling programs, employers enable their workforce to stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology. As employees acquire new skills and knowledge, they become more adept at their roles and develop the necessary proficiency to handle new tools and cutting-edge systems. This adaptability translates into a more agile and future-proofed organization with increased productivity and efficiency among staff. Upskilling provides a way for employees to handle complex tasks with confidence and competence, leading to higher-quality outputs and better results for the organization.
Upskilling can be a winning strategy, enriching the career prospects for employees while contributing to the long-term success and prosperity of the employer. Embracing upskilling as a fundamental aspect of talent management can position organizations for growth and excellence in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment.
Investing in your employees helps attract and retain quality talent and further shows your employees you are interested in their professional and personal well-being. A competitive employee benefits portfolio is another way to invest in your employees.
The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at wyccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
With a plate full of stressful workdays, restless children, and the mundane tasks of adult life, most parents settle into the comfort of a safe and predictable day-to-day routine. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this lifestyle, it unfortunately prevents many adults from daring to pursue dreams which venture far from this comfortable path. Stacy Miller, Wilkes-Barre native and Tunkhannock resident of 16 years, is a woman determined to show that taking the leap may be risky but is always more fulfilling in the end.
Stacy Miller’s journey began at GAR high school in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where she started dating her husband of 19 years. After high school, Stacy pursued higher education at Luzerne County Community College and Misericordia University. She then achieved her doctorate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. After all of her extensive studies, Stacy is now a forensic nurse practitioner, being just one of around 600 in the country to hold her certification, and teaches nursing courses at Vanderbilt and Scranton University, all while taking care of a full house of four children. Last month, Stacy added a fresh (and large) hunk of meat to her plate: a new wedding dress boutique in Tunkhannock. Dubbed Lillian Mae Atelier, the boutique is infused with passion and pure glee. “I was thinking about the happiest moments of my life,” Stacy expresses, “and my children being born and my wedding day are what came to mind.”
After joking about not wanting to endure more years of schooling to become a midwife, Stacy’s eye’s sparkled as she reminisced on the blissfulness of being a bride: planning, dress shopping, actually getting married, and the genuine love present throughout the whole process. It was a no-brainer for Stacy to bottle up all of that wedding joy and unleash it into a storefront; thus, Lillian Mae Atelier was born. Stacy thought of the idea for the store just a year and a half ago; before she even had her hands on a location though, she was already reaching out to designers, learning about the bridal industry and making connections to hopefully stock their designs someday. She was also busy curating a name for the shop, which she describes as a combination of her two daughters’ names, Lillian and Madelyn (nicknamed “Maddy Mae”). About six months after tossing the idea of Lillian Mae around, Interfaith Friends moved to a new location and their downtown storefront went on the market. While the inside of the store was painted a large assortment of rainbow colors and didn’t quite embody the elegance of a bridal boutique just yet, Stacy had a vision.
With the support of her husband, parents, children, and friends, Stacy’s dream boutique eventually came to fruition, with Stacy herself designing the inside of the shop and her husband completing all of the exterior construction.
“I’m so very blessed because he really goes above and beyond to make my dreams come to life,” Stacy reflects.
Sporting a classy black and white storefront and a white and wooden interior, the dress shop came to be the perfect blend of contemporary boho and chic elegance, creating a warm, welcoming environment for any bride-to-be.
The atmosphere especially compliments the trendy rental and event styling boutique just down the street, Chippy White Table. Along with Monzie’s Floral Design and The Mayflower Florist in town, Tunkhannock is shaping up to be a place where one can source their entire wedding locally! This kind of community spirit is exactly what Stacy is hoping for with Lillian Mae. She desires the dress shop to be a store that other people travel to see, a destination boutique.
“I want other people to love Tunkhannock just as much as I do,” Stacy says. Even though she is juggling four kids and a full-time job, Stacy Miller found a way to pursue her passion project. Despite the dress shop introducing its own additional hurdles for Stacy, such as navigating social media, she has found that through positive support and determination, anything can be done. When asked to give advice to those who are unsure of taking the leap to start their own business, Stacy encourages, “As long as someone is passionate, there is no failure. Even if the business is not successful, you learn so much through the project about yourself and relationships. Investing in yourself is never a bad thing.”
PACP Announces 2024 Chamber of the Year Award Recipients
The Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) recognized their 2024 Chambers of the Year during their Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference held this week at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster, PA.
In addition to recognizing organization excellence, the PACP Chamber of the Year Award focuses on acknowledging one or more significant achievements or accomplishments that a chamber has initiated, stimulated, and/or led in its respective service area at some point during the past 18 months. Organizational excellence is evaluated in the areas of membership, programs, planning, and finance.
The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious award in the category of chambers with under 700 members. The Wyoming County Chamber recently formalized a partnership with the Wyoming County Community Alliance, a 501c3 organization dedicated to strengthening the community. This alliance, which promotes innovation, integrity, diversity, and collaboration, allows the Chamber to engage in community initiatives that significantly enhance our residents’ well-being and quality of life. The Alliance and the Chamber secured over $300,000 in the past 3 years through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program for community planning and projects, economic development, and student engagement. The Neighborhood Assistance Program allows businesses passionate about the proposed projects to receive tax credit for their contributions and keeps these tax dollars in our local community. The Chamber is grateful for Coterra Energy for providing this funding for our projects over the past 2 years.
Gina Suydam says, “This award acknowledges the dedication and commitment of our members to build a thriving and vibrant community. The Chamber is honored to accept this award for all Wyoming County Chamber members.”
In addition to the Chamber of the Year recognition, Allison Schultz was acknowledged for her 5 years of service to the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. Allison began her career as the Chamber’s Marketing & Events Coordinator and now serves as the Director of Chamber Engagement. Gina Suydam was thanked by PACP for her service as the 2024 President of the PACP Board of Directors. Suydam
remarked that evening, “We, Lindsay Shepherd, Allison Schultz, and I, are a small but mighty team who love Wyoming County and work hard to create a vibrant county where our businesses thrive.”
On behalf of the Wyoming County Commissioners, I am pleased to inform you that the County has entered into a strategic partnership with Penn’s Northeast.
Penn’s Northeast is the region’s leading economic development agency. Its main goal is to attract quality employers to Northeastern Pennsylvania by acting as an easy one-stop shop for businesses looking to expand or locate in our region. We will collaborate with the County Commissioners and the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce to accomplish this goal. As the first point of contact, Penn’s Northeast promptly provides regional information to potential prospects by identifying buildings or sites, supplying demographic and workforce data, creating connections with economic development groups and workforce partnerships, and organizing site tours in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Therefore, we need your help identifying any properties – land and buildings- that can potentially house a new business. We will work with you and your realtor to market these sites for business attraction at no cost to you. Viable leads are passed on to our local partners, and we will work with you as needed.
Please feel free to visit our website for more information about Penn’s Northeast – www.pennsnortheast.com I look forward to hearing from you and, most importantly, receiving property submissions. Please copy Gina Suydam gina@wyccc.com on any property submission; she is your county partner in economic development. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this partnership in greater detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Chamber hosts a community hike to summit of Miller Mountain guided by Jeff Mitchell
Residents of Wyoming County have long appreciated the natural beauty of its rolling landscape and plentiful waterways. But what is often termed the “Gateway to the Endless Mountains” has, in recent years, become more of a destination in itself with the support of county and state officials. “Wyoming County has always been an integral part of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) with its artistic and historic resources, as well as its scenic section of the beautiful Susquehanna River,” says EMHR director Cain Chamberlin. “But, with the recent additions of Wyoming County’s Seneca Park, Vosburg Neck State Park, and the newly opened tract of the Pinchot State Forest on Miller Mountain, Wyoming County now has so much more to boast about in terms of outdoor recreation opportunities and is now on equal footing with our other three counties – Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna – in terms of accessible green space for residents and visitors alike.” Seneca Park was acquired by the county in 2022 after a group of dedicated citizens and Eaton Township officials cleaned up the former Roadside Rest that had been a popular family destination for decades. Nestled between SR 29 and Bowmans Creek – stocked annually with trout to the delight of regional anglers – the park was historically a meeting place for members of the Seneca Nation into the 1700s. Thanks to the county commissioners and a newly formed County Parks Committee, the park is once again a focal point for family outings and other events. “We have a great location for family fun,” said Wyoming County Commissioner Ernie King. “Large open fields for games. Many picnic tables and access to the creek. Rest rooms and fire pits are also provided.” Vosburg Neck State Park (VNSP) was one of three to be designated in Pennsylvania in 2022, putting the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) in charge of 669 acres that were previously known as Howland Preserve and managed by the North Branch Land Trust and Friends of the Howland Preserve. The park features a non-motorized boat ramp and eight miles of well-maintained trails that connect to adjacent and similar-sized Camp Lackawanna. VNSP environmental educational specialist Amanda MacTarnaghan has the enjoyable task of developing and implementing programs and activities that bring Park visitors and nature as closely together as possible. “Awareness about park programming is still growing in the community,” she stated. MacTarnaghan started with pop-up programs on weekends to provide visitors, limited on time, a taste of what is to come and to learn about the park’s development. “A lot of people I interact with during these events are not aware that programs are happening at the park but are eager to attend future events when they find out.” Pop-up events will continue through Labor Day, and visitors can find information in the tent next to Riverside Barn. The park is primarily a day-use only facility, but MacTarnaghan has conducted several nighttime hikes that have proven popular. “I’m excited to continue to offer these experiences in the future,” she noted.
Miller Mountain was purchased by the Commonwealth in 2023 to become part of Pinchot State Forest. A 2,216-foot stand-alone peak rising above the Susquehanna River and Tunkhannock, Miller Mountain boasts a 5.9-mile trail loop with elevation changes of 1,607 feet. In a 2023 press release, DCNR secretary Cindy Dunn stated, “We are excited to finally be able to add state forestland to the region. I can’t wait to view the area from the top of Miller Mountain and take in the beautiful sites from its vistas.” Dunn cited the Conservation Fund for “their tireless work on this project for conservation across the nation.” Popular with birders and mountain bikers, hikers will find that the challenging route takes an average of three hours and 23 minutes to complete. The vistas from its summits are truly breathtaking and make the climb worth the effort. “DCNR is extremely proud to add Miller Mountain to Pinchot State Forest and the 2.2 million acres of state forestland around the Commonwealth,” DCNR press secretary Wesley Robinson added. “We are excited to offer increased access to public lands in the northeast part of the state.” The three large recreational parks and forests are not the only outdoor wonders of Wyoming County. The Susquehanna River, which enters Wyoming County from Bradford County at Braintrim Township and Laceyville and exits into Luzerne County between Falls and Exeter townships, is considered the fifth oldest river in the world at more than 300 million years. The meandering waterway wraps around Vosburg Neck and provides a unique view of the county’s farmlands, steep hills, and villages. The 146-mile segment that runs through Susquehanna, Bradford, and Wyoming counties has been designated by the National Park System as the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail and is managed by the EMHR with help from several river outfitters, including Susquehanna Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Falls. In addition to the aforementioned, Wyoming County is home to numerous smaller municipal parks, preserves and trails that connect people with nature and other outdoor recreationists in the community, as well as State Game Lands 57 near Forkston. A full list of these treasures can be found in the Explore Wyoming County Parks & Trails brochure produced by the Wyoming County Cultural Center, available at locations like the Dietrich Theater and Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and accessible online at the Dietrich Theater’s website.
Written by Rick Hiduk
Chamber hosts annual after hours family friendly kayak paddle guided by Art Coolbaugh, Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals – Falls, PA.
Ah, the dog days of summer. The time for beach trips, ice-cold lemonade, and… bookkeeping? Yes, folks, now is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on your year-end financials while everyone else is still thinking about sunscreen.
Business owners lose more sleep over taxes than the fear of being outperformed by competitors. No joke. According to a survey by the National Small Business Association, over 50% of small business owners say that dealing with federal taxes is the most significant administrative burden they face.
But as much as you’d love to ignore them, taxes are like that one relative who always shows up uninvited. To keep the taxman happy, you’ll need to give your books a good scrub, wrangle those wild invoices, and make peace with your accounts well before the year-end party starts.
Alright, let’s plunge into the wacky world of year-end bookkeeping. Do it wrong, and you’ll feel like a squirrel trying to swim—progress hindered, taxes in a mess. But do it right, and you’ll have a business tougher than a week-old bagel. So, with calculators in hand and a touch of humor, here’s a helpful guide to navigate through it with ease!
Update Your Books
First up, the basics. Make sure all transactions for the entire fiscal year are recorded and organized. When your books are updated, annual bookkeeping becomes as breezy as a summer day, and you’ll dodge a barrage of questions from your accountant faster than the RoadRunner at a dodgeball tournament.
If you’re going the DIY route, start by reconciling your bank and credit card statements. Record all those invoices and bills—yes, even that suspiciously high takeout bill from “office supplies.” Don’t forget to review those less frequent expenses too—like that one-off legal fee or that fancy coffee machine you just had to have. (Hey, productivity fuel, right?)
Reconcile Your Bank Account
Next, it’s time for some reconciliation. No, not with your ex, but with your bank accounts. Ensure your bank and credit card statements match your bookkeeping software records 100%. This step prevents mysterious transactions from sneaking into your financial records like a teenager creeping in past curfew.
Grab your bank statements and business records. Find the last time the balance of your book matched your bank account balance—think of it as a financial “Where’s Waldo?” moment. Match your income and expenses to bank deposits and withdrawals. Investigate any discrepancies like a bloodhound on a scent. (Jessica Fletcher would be proud!)
Review Financial Statements
Now, take a hard look at your financial statements: cash flow, balance sheets, and income statements. Weed out errors like you’re on a mission to clean out the attic filled with decades of junk. Here’s how to royally mess up your financial reports (and suffer the consequences):
Ignoring account receivables when customers don’t pay, like pretending that IOU from your sister’s brother’s cousin’s former roommate is real money.
Overlooking cash flow statements and suddenly realizing your funds are lower than a dachshund’s belly.
Failing to compare data between quarters, because who needs to know if your business is performing like a malfunctioning GPS, sending you on unexpected detours?
Address these issues while reviewing your financial statements. Look for anomalies, dig into transactions, and find the root causes like you’re a detective solving the mystery of the missing remote control. (Because sometimes, those hidden errors feel just like that!)
Review Accounts Receivable
Focus on the incoming cash flow: accounts receivable. You want a healthy cash flow, and your accounts receivable are as crucial as Wi-Fi at a tech convention. Given the rise in late payments, it’s more important than ever to tighten your review.
Check how much money you’re owed, the status of invoices, and ensure supporting documents are organized. Use accounting applications to make this easier. For example, QuickBooks Online helps you track invoices and follow up on outstanding ones directly from the dashboard, so you can chase down those late payments like a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball.
Review Accounts Payable
Just like with accounts receivable, it’s time to give your accounts payable some attention. Accurate expenses are essential for financial planning, so grab those outstanding payables and validate expense categorization against payment status. It’s like checking your pantry before a big grocery run—you don’t want to buy more peanut butter if you already have ten jars! (Is anyone else besides me guilty of this?!?)
Pull out your outstanding payables and ensure everything is categorized correctly. This not only keeps your financial planning on point but also helps reduce your tax bill—a significant incentive unless you enjoy contributing to the government’s office coffee fund more than necessary.
Plan Deductibles and Tax Strategies
With a clear picture of your expenses, it’s time to play the tax game and maximize those deductions. Take a good look at your expenses and figure out which deductions you can claim. Think of it like a scavenger hunt for golden tickets—home office deductions, software subscriptions, and maybe even that fancy standing desk you splurged on.
Remember, the IRS is like a nosy neighbor who wants to see all your receipts. Make sure they’re organized for audits and tax filings. Proper record-keeping throughout the year helps you accurately claim deductions and minimize tax liability. Plus, it keeps you from scrambling through shoeboxes of receipts like a game show contestant on a mad dash for the prize.
Reflect and Plan for Next Year
Now is the perfect time to take a step back and ponder your business’s performance. Are you hitting your financial goals, or are they as elusive as finding a needle in a haystack? Potential issues might be lurking in your financial statements, so take a good look.
Once you’ve dissected this year’s performance, it’s time to focus on next year’s goals. Want to change your business trajectory or readjust expectations? This is your moment. Don’t procrastinate until the last few weeks of the year to review and plan—unless you enjoy last-minute stress and potential late fines. Plan ahead, because rushing at the end is like trying to pack a family of five for a week long vacation the morning of your flight.
Starting your year-end bookkeeping prep now might not feel like winning the lottery, but it’s crucial for assessing your business’s financial health, tax planning, and future goal setting. And remember, if you bring in a skilled bookkeeper, you’ll find they can do a lot more than just year-end bookkeeping.
So, while getting your books in order might not have the excitement of a thrilling adventure, it’s essential for keeping your business on track. And if you’ve realized a bit late that your books are more tangled than holiday lights, don’t panic! Your trusty bookkeeper can swoop in like a superhero, sans cape, to save the day. Let the experts handle the number-crunching chaos, so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business and maybe even enjoying a stress-free cup of coffee. Cheers to a financially fit new year!
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