Happy New Year 2010!

Post date: Jan 4, 2010 4:49:31 AM

Sure I went just about completely broke in 2009, but I'll still call it a pretty good year. Pretty pretty good. (Curb Your Enthusiasm) I moved on from Canon to a really good career that could turn spectacular if I get some results. Technically I started my tax preparation business in 2008, but I filed my first taxes in 2009, so that was positive. Not only that, I realized that, while I can prepare taxes, but my specialty also seems to be marketing. Since my new career limits my tax prep time, I've shifted my focus to helping other independent tax preparers market their businesses.

Last year I opened a small tax office in a partnership with an old friend in the insurance business. We filed close to 100 tax returns in our first year with me only working part-time, which wasn't a bad start. With that office came the idea for VacationTax.com - We file your taxes. You take a vacation! I started that site originally to draw traffic to our office; however, we drew most of our clients from advertising on Spanish radio (Oh, you didn't know that I speak Spanish?).

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals

This year, circumstances prevented me from opening that office again. Not only does my new job demand more of my time, but my partner may be moving out of his office as well as his business. I'll be setting up shop on weekends & a few late nights at a new office, so that will present new growth challenges. That doesn't stop me from believing in my dream for VacationTax.com. I knew it was destined for more than a small office in South Oxnard. Soon, once the new site is completed, you will see my true vision.

I recently heard on the radio that the best marketing will outperform the best product or service. Some may not like the way that sounds. Does McDonald's make the best burger? (I happen to like the Big Mac) Well, they have a heck of a marketing team, so they sell more than anyone else. Yes, I encourage you to do your best work (that's where repeat business comes from), but no matter what, you need to beat the competition in marketing. That's what I learned, and that's what I want to share. To continue with my theme of renewal for 2010, I launched VacationTax Pro to spread my message. It's surprisingly tough to communicate that you want to help tax preparers promote themselves, so I think that site finally gets it right.

So here we go in Twenty-Ten. We got a new family portrait (I think our first official one with The Boy). We have a new financial plan - no more uncontrolled spending. My family is healthy, loving, supportive & motivated. My professional goals are specific & attainable: Help Hurst grow by at least 10% every month, increase my tax prep business to at least turn a profit (radio ads are expensive), at least one VacationTax Pro client in every state, three new SendOutCards distributors, five Complete Social Media Management Service clients and finally (& most importantly) the elusive POSITIVE CASH FLOW!!!

Thanks to my friends & family for your support. Your posts, blogs & emails keep me motivated. Please stay in touch. I'll talk to you soon!!!

The Jeff Wagner