Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
when to seek professional assistance By Daryl Kulak There are two reasons for hiring or trading with a professional. In one case, you need a professional to handle the issues in your business that you cannot because you simply don't have the detailed knowledge they do. This is especially true with attorneys and accountants. In the second case, you hire a professional for the parts of your business that you don't want to do or for which you don't have time. This is why you might hire a bookkeeper, an administrator, or receptionist. First, how do you choose the right professional? Use the referral system. Ask other (not necessarily holistic) business owners you know who they use. They will usually be very honest, giving either glowing or seething reviews. Choose carefully. Hiring a bad accountant or a bad lawyer can really make a mess of your business. Tax audits or unenforceable legal contracts will result. Take the referrals you receive and interview a few professionals in the area you require help. Interviews ought to be free—no good accountant or attorney should charge you for that initial consultation. Ask about their credentials. How long have they worked in your state? (Very important for attorneys and accountants.) What does your gut say? Do you trust them? Once you've found a competent attorney and accountant, you need to fill out your slate of professional help. Please understand that not every business will need every type of the following professionals. But it is nice to know a professional you can run to in a crisis before the crisis happens. So, it doesn't hurt to establish relationships first and then begin using his or her services later. Attorney Find someone who has worked in your state for at least three years, who specializes in corporate law, and who preferably has experience with businesses similar to yours—that is, small service-oriented businesses. Of course, you should ask about rates, but don't let that be the major factor. You will use his or her services so little over the course of a year (maybe four to 20 hours a year) that a difference in rates will not hurt or help very much. The biggest plus is an attorney who is interested in and passionate about holistic health, if you can find one. Accountant Find someone who has worked in your state for at least three years. The main purpose of hiring an accountant is to prepare an accurate tax return. If you do your own personal taxes, you might think it's a good idea to prepare your business taxes yourself. But business taxes are generally much more complicated than personal taxes. Could you