Once problem is noted, next question is, "What are some effective ways to improve communication without breaking bank?" Workshops on communication might be place to start, but long term answer is day to day simple stuff. Many of most effective ways to improve communication cost very little and require very little time on part of anyone.

The suggestions below can be done by just about anyone from janitor on down to CEO. Check out February 4, 2002 edition of Fortune for some real life examples in their list of "100 Best Companies to Work For." (Their dangling participle, not mine!)

Top Ten Ways to Communicate @ Work Effectively!

ONE: Learn How to "Read" People. Anyone who has read newsletter, "Communication @ Work!" over last several months has become a little familiar with DiSC Personal Profile System®. I like DiSC because it is easy to learn and an effective tool for learning how to "read" people. When you know what motivates individuals, you can respond to them effectively and efficiently.

TWO: Display Pictures of Yourself with Co-Workers. In Fortune edition mentioned above, Agilent, a spin off of Hewlett Packard describe ways they used to successfully communicate. The CEO gladly had his picture taken with individual employees as he made it a point to visit with them regularly.

THREE: Hide Not Truth. If you are into reducing conflict, be up front with everyone in workplace. Hiding important information that can affect working conditions, profits and customer service will probably cause way more trouble than it's worth. Just watch news for classic examples!

Popular Misconception #1: ------------------------- "We Only Need Our Books Done Once A Year For Tax Purposes." ----------------------------------------------------------- Are Your Accounting Records Adequate To Run Your Business? -----------------------------------------------------------

Although it is important to keep records for tax purposes, it is not only reason (or even primary reason) good accounting records should be kept. Another frequent reason clients request financial statement preparation is to obtain bank financing. Although important, this also is not primary purpose of keeping good records for your business.

Good recordkeeping will enable you to extract meaningful financial information for your business that will help you to manage it properly. If you can't access this information, you will not be able to manage your business properly. Bad management leads to business failure.

Yes, primary reason good accounting records should be kept is to produce periodic (at least on a monthly basis) financial statements for management information purposes. Only with this current financial information can you properly manage your business. This information can alert you to declining sales, excessive expenses, tax opportunities, cashflow problems, and many other vital concerns for your business.

To be of value, this accounting system should be set up with meaningful account categories and departments. It may be cost-effective to have an outside accounting service do monthly bookkeeping. However, with accounting software that is readily available, you don't have to be an expert bookkeeper to do your own books and extract meaningful financial information.

If you do your monthly statements yourself, it would still be prudent to have your accountant or business advisor help you set up your system and, as well review such information with you to discuss problems and opportunities.

Popular Misconception #2: ------------------------- "Writing My Hobby Off As A Business Loss ---------------------------------------- Saves Me A Lot Of Income Tax!" ------------------------------ Is Your Hobby A Tax Write-Off? ------------------------------

If your business has no reasonable expectation of profit, if it is a hobby and not really a business, you will ultimately fail in your tax objective. Since your losses are being incurred for a hobby and not a true profit generating business, tax authorities will take position that you aren't entitled to any deductions. This is a double blow. First, you're losing money. Second, you're denied tax deductions.

It is true, however, that if you enjoy what you're doing, you'll do better at it. You'll be willing to work longer hours and you'll be willing to put up with more hardships in order to make your business a success.

Rather than attempting to have tax system subsidize your hobby, why not turn that favorite pasttime into a real, profit generating business? This is a doubly rewarding. First, you make money at something you love doing. Secondly, tax authorities legally have to allow your reasonable expenses to earn your now substantial business income.

Prove that you're running a business by running a business. Prepare and follow a proper business plan. Keep good accounting records with at least monthly financial statements to give you information you need to manage your business. Above all, make money from what you do.