As a business owner, you’ll need to build strong relationships with other professionals who provide essential services and help you run your business. When launching your business, as well as in the first few years of running your business, you’ll run into problems and dilemmas that will require immediate assistance and advice from these professionals. Here are four numbers that every entrepreneur will want to have on their speed-dial so they can get help as soon as possible when an emergency or time-sensitive situation arises.
Author: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters who are the inspiration for her writing. Dixie got her information about manufacturers and suppliers from the professionals of SHS Materials Handling who handle materials and provide workplace products for businesses.
Certified Public Accountant
A CPA does much more than just file the taxes for a business. Throughout the year, an accountant can provide important advice on financial management of a business. For example, accountants can give tips about properly handling transactions involving large sums of money. When tax season comes, the IRS may scrutinize a business based on the ways that all documented financial transactions have been made. On behalf of a business owner, a CPA can also handle all issues involving tax audits by the IRS.
If you need to find a CPA that has experience working with businesses, use the free resources made available by the American Institute of CPA’s that help line you up with a CPA that is right for your business accounting needs. Having your accountant’s number easily accessible will come in handy both during tax season, and all year long when you have questions come up that are beyond your expertise.
Lawyer
The truth is that every business comes with possible legal problems. Any entrepreneur should build a relationship with a reliable lawyer who specializes in business litigation. Such an attorney can defend a business that’s accused of crimes and other wrongdoings. These days, some consumers are relentless when it comes to filing lawsuits against businesses. A lawyer can also defend a business in cases involving liability issues such as slips and falls and other incidences that include personal injuries.
When you’re dealing with a legal issue that affects your business, it is wise to consult your lawyer before you take any action. You’ll want to call and talk to your lawyer before you say or do anything that could cause further damage to the company. If you are a new entrepreneur who is looking for the right lawyer to advise your business, the American Bar Association provides state-by-state listings for resources that will help you find the perfect lawyer. Take advantage of this free information to help you choose a lawyer you can trust and build a good relationship with.
Other Business Partners
To carry out daily operations, most businesses depend on other companies. For example, shipping companies provide essential services to any business that manufacturers or sells items. Similarly, a retail business depends on suppliers to deliver merchandise on time. Therefore, a business owner should have direct contact with any logistical companies that provide essential services for transporting products.
For virtual business operations, it’s still important to stay in contact with companies that provide hosting services and cloud networking. An entrepreneur that conducts business online needs to have 24/7 access to technical support of hosting companies and website developers. Any suppliers or manufacturers you work will should be easy to contact at the drop of a hat in case something goes wrong, which it likely will at some point.
Banks & Financial Institutions
An entrepreneur may find an immediate need for a large sum amount of money. A loan specialist at a bank or another financial institution may help businesses secure instant loans for tens of thousands of dollars. A business should build strong relations with banks by showing a good credit history. Loan officers at banks may be able to transfer money electronically into the accounts of businesses that need funds as soon as possible.
If you find yourself in need of emergency funds, it’s a good idea to have a close relationship with someone at your bank. It can be hard to get help from the same banker every time, but if you can get the personal contact information for someone at your bank, then they will know how to help you when you call.
Whether you decide to go with a bank or a credit union, there are several resources that can help you find a bank or a credit union in your area that can assist you with your business banking needs. Building a relationship with a single individual at your bank will ensure they understand the needs of your business, as well as your current financial situation.
Businesses need legal, financial and other help on a daily basis whether they are in the start-up stages or if they have been around for years. Entrepreneurs should develop great bonds with professionals that provide essential services so that day-to-day tasks will go smoothly, and so that they can attain help when the time is critical. Lawyers, accountants, logistics companies and banks should be in direct contact with business owners and easy to get a hold of when the situation calls for it.
Author: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters who are the inspiration for her writing. Dixie got her information about manufacturers and suppliers from the professionals of SHS Materials Handling who handle materials and provide workplace products for businesses.
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