The First Step is Admitting That You Have a Problem

I’m not perfect.

I never have been.

I will never strive to be.

As business people, I think it’s crucial that we understand our imperfections. If there’s something in our business we aren’t good at, don’t know how to do or just plain old don’t want to do – we can find others to do it for us.

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but have you started doing it? Or are you still trying to be Mr. or Ms. Perfect with your biz?

Well, I have a confession to make. I’ve been a fool. Although I do a get a lot of help in my business, there is one area where I have always had trouble letting go and I have really been suffering because of it.

It’s partly because I didn’t know who to ask for help.

It’s partly because I didn’t want to give up control.

But it’s mostly because I was ashamed.

Ladies & Gentlemen…the truth is, I have no idea how to manage my business finances. All my 2005 receipts and invoices are still lying in a pile on my kitchen counter (but yes, my 2004 taxes are done). I’m always scrambling to get all my finances in order each month. Yes, I have always had an accountant to help me at tax time, but for some reason, I was doing all the dirty work during the year.

I’ve had this problem (numbers really baffle me!) for as long as I can remember and I thought that if I just made more money in my business, the disorganization would “take care of itself”. Well, that is one of the most moronic thoughts I’ve ever had (and I’ve had some doozies!). The more money I make, the bigger the problem gets. I guess Notorious B.I.G. was right when he said, “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.” ;-) The fact is, now I have more money that I don’t know what to do with!

So, here I am with a thriving business – but with my finances in complete chaos. It’s quite embarrassing to admit this, but I can do it because I’m on the road to recovery.

I am finally giving up control of my finances (ummm…like I had any control anyway!) and as a first step, I found the most fantastic bookkeeper/accountant to keep me ultra-organized. She understands how online business works, currency conversions and all the details I struggle with. I've been searching for someone like her for soooooo long and I procrastinated because I couldn't find the "right person".

When I first talked to her on the phone and told her that my business stuff was in complete disarray, you know what she told me?

She said, “This kind of stuff excites me!”

WHAT?

It excites her? Well, then she is the perfect woman for the job and I am officially fired.

So, let me ask you? What is holding you back in your business? What do you keep doing poorly in your business…to the detriment of its long-term success? Or are you just doing too much, preventing you from moving ahead?

I made my confession and I have made steps to make changes…BIG changes. I’m leaving the handling of money to the experts. What are you going to do now?