Couple Goals
Paul and Jan have successfully worked through a strategy and now run their business on their own terms and have more time to spend with their children and each other.
I was sent this photo the other day and it got me thinking. I wonder what they are up to? Here is how I think these two got here.
We go back 4 or 5 years. Paul and Jan (that is what I have called them) run their own small business. It is 8.00 at night, and like every other week night, they are both sitting at the kitchen table finishing of paperwork from the day. Paul stops what he is doing looks up and says “ I am not happy Jan (some will understand this reference). Paul continues, “Our business is going reasonably well, but we are both spending 12 hours a day to make it work. We have no time for the kids and no time to do the things we want. There has to be a better way!”
So Paul and Jan decide to make a time to go see their friendly and trusted accountant (We will call him David, The Bucket List Accountant), to see if there is a better way. Before David starts talking about their business he asks them one question. What are the things you want to do in your life? Paul and Jan have a think about the question and come up with the following five key they want to do;
· Spend more time with the family
· Have better cash flow so we can do things without stressing about the money
· Take an overseas holiday every year
· Spend less time at work so we can pursue our love of sky diving
· Volunteering one day per week at their local Foodshare
With these things in mind they start analysing their business to identify areas that they can improve to help achieve their goals. With help from David, they implement a plan and strategies that will help them create a better business and allow them to do the things they want. They start to devise systems to help their business run more without them. Paul & Jan decide that they will meet with these things in mind they start analysing their business to identify areas that they can improve to help achieve their goals. With help from David, they implement a plan and strategies that will help them create a better business and allow them to do the things they want. They start to devise systems to help their business run more without them. Paul & Jan decide that they will meet quarterly with David to ensure that they are staying on track and accountable for their own actions. They have their clear goals laid out in front of them and they know what needs to be done to achieve these goals.
Fast forward 5 years and their business is booming. Yes there have been some troubles along the way. Because Paul & Jan were clear in their goals, they were able to navigate through these issues and continue on their path.
They are now spending way less time working in their business. Cash flow has never been greater, and they are spending quality time with their kids. They are as happy as they have ever been. The photo above was taken on their annual overseas holiday. They are having a quick zoom meeting with their business managers just to make sure everything is running smoothly. Then they are off to go bushwalking with their kids.
That is what I think is the story behind this picture. It could also be they are simply checking Facebook before heading back to the office, but I don’t think so. Their names are definitely Paul and Jan though.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant