Category Archives: Company Minutes Tips

Company Minutes and Resolutions are mandatory for every business. You MUST keep your company protected. Each month I will give you a tip to make the whole process fun.

Starting Your Year Off Right

Posted on by January 9, 2013
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Happy 2013 to you and your business!

 

Now that it is a new year, we have the chance to set your goals for this year, and set your New Year’s Resolutions. Why not set one for your business as well? With the new year, you have a new chance to keep your Minutes up to date.

Maybe last year you didn’t stay on top of it, and you had to play catch-up? Maybe you didn’t keep track of things throughout the year, and at the last minute you had to try and remember everything that you did for the whole year? Make it your goal to not play catch-up this year, and keep your minutes up to date! Don’t keep sloppy records, stay on top of them, and do them right to ensure that your business stays protected.

Not sure what you should be documenting? HERE is what we recommend you should be documenting every month.

Don’t have minutes service? Get it from us HERE.

 

 

Gratitude to a Successful Year

Posted on by December 18, 2012
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The Power of Gratitude…

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach, inspirational author

 

 

 

This is the best time of the year, and the most hectic time of year for most small business owners. It is easy to fall into the anxiety and rush of the season.

But when you pause to reflect on what you are thankful for, it can put you in a positive mood; Last month we talked about gratitude journaling, and the great way it brought meaning to the season of Thanksgiving. We have continued this feeling of gratitude through to this month, focusing on what we have accomplished this year with our business. And isn’t that the greatest way to end the year? Take a look at how far YOU have come this year, and use this to remind yourself to be grateful and positive.

One tradition we have at our business, is to take time to list all of the major (and some of the minor) accomplishments for the entire year. We write them all down and schedule an entire morning to review them with everyone in our office. It becomes an energetic time to share and reminisce about the year! And if I left anything off of the lengthy list, someone is sure to let me know. We love to celebrate how far we have come and reward those who have done an outstanding job.

This “meeting” gets us in the frame of gratitude for all who have helped to move the business forward, and becomes a time of recognition (which everyone loves).

We also take time to recognize the feedback we receive from our clients and how those suggestions have made us a better company.

It is amazing to see this “Year in Review” and spend the time to show our employees our appreciation.

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself that will put you in that grateful perspective, and get you ready to think about your direction for 2012:

1) Who has made a difference in your life this year? What did they do? Have you thanked them for it? (It’s not too late to send a card of thanks!)

2) What has created the biggest impact on your business this year? Was it an event, an employee, a new marketing strategy? Who has helped you to implement and create positive change in your business?

3) What are some of your unique talents and gifts? What are some talents of your employees? What outstanding trait could you recognize for each employee?

4) Name five new things you learned this year related to the business. Is something working well…not working…does something need to change? Write them down and use this as a starting point for the new year.

We Love doing this! It leads us into a new year with a feeling of great accomplishment and gratitude, as well as preparing us for a great year ahead! What are your biggest accomplishments that you are grateful for this year?

 

 

Business Trips – Make it a Family Affair

Posted on by November 14, 2012
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Business Trip + Family Vacation = One Happy Family

Make it a Family Affair.

Now that the holidays are upon us, we all want to spend more time with our families enjoying the season. While we want to take all this time off to enjoy it with our loved ones, we know that if we do that, Santa won’t have the means to bring a big Christmas to all the girls and boys. Instead of letting  a business trip stand in the way of family time, make it a family affair and bring them with you!

This trip will take a little bit of planning before you go, but it is possible to take the crew along and enjoy some family time. Before you go, you will need to:

  • Find time in the family schedule. Is there time during the holiday breaks?
  • Okay it with the boss. They need to know that you’re going to fulfill all professional requirements.
  • Plan out the trip itinerary. Set expectations beforehand, including the business schedule and the family time schedule.
  • Don’t forget to put it in your minutes! Send us all of the details and we’ll make sure they are documented correctly for you!

There are some great benefits of combining business and family trips. You’ll save money that would have been spent on two trips. Your family will get to spend more quality family time together. Also, your children will have a greater appreciation of Mom or Dad’s hard work!

Today it seems like there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything we want, but if we take a little time to make some plans, we’ll find that the days aren’t short after all!

 

Making the Most of JAM, Part Two

Posted on by October 3, 2012
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2-13-making-most-of-minutes-service-part-2

 

Remember when we gave you some great ways to get the most from you Just A Minute account here? Want more ways to make sure you are making the most of your account with us, making sure you are completely covered when it comes to your minutes? Here are some more tips from us, your minute experts, to make sure you get the best service possible!

Completing Monthly Minutes

Use the “Reminder Sheet” you’ve filled out during the previous month to help you remember all of your business activities.

Gather any receipts & documents from the previous month for details.

Set aside 15 minutes of time to complete the Monthly Questionnaire.

After you’ve submitted your minutes to JAM, keep your eyes peeled for emails regarding your minutes. It will probably have to do with:

  • clarifications on the information sent to us, or
  • Your completed Minutes!

Keep In Touch With JAM

We love communicating with our clients!

Emails

    • Add us to your “safe Senders List” so that you can be sure to receive all of our important emails regarding Contests, Updates, or Questions for clients

Facebook

    • We’re on Facebook and we would love to be your friend. Look for us as Just A Minute, LLC.
    • Read about: Business Tips, Tools for keeping your minutes up to date, and bits of advice from our JAM Team!
    • Comment! WE would love to know what you think, and we would love to answer any of your questions!

Blog!  Here, we share:

      • Our weekly inspirations (straight from our weekly JAM sessions)
      • Tips, for you business, and for your Minutes
      • Online Tools from Linda, our computer whiz
      • What is JAM reading? Our latest paperback obsessions
      • All our favorite JAM minute recipes! Everything with jam or else just takes a couple minutes to make!

Now you know how to make sure you are covered when it comes to your minutes, and keeping yourself protected! and make sure to utilize us to get the best bang for your buck, that’s why we are here after all!!

 

Making the Most of JAM, Part One

Posted on by August 1, 2012
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2-13-making-most-of-minutes-service

Now that you’ve hired us, make sure you are getting the most out of us! After all, that’s why we are here for you, to make your life easier and save you lots of time so you can focus on running the business, not worrying if you are properly documenting that you are running your business! If you are wondering what making the the most of your Just A Minute, LLC (JAM) account, let us fill you in on some tips from us, your minute doing experts!

Initial Questionnaire

Gather all of the company information you’ve received so far. It most likely will include:

  • Operating Agreement or Bylaws
  • EIN #
  • Bank documents for the business
  • Lawyers, Accountants, or Insurance Brokers information

Submit the Initial Questionnaire with 2 weeks, so we can begin on your Minutes!

  • We will either ask you for (1) a copy of your Operating Agreement/Bylaws, (2) clarified information, or (3) send you the Initial Set of Minutes for your company

Organize Yourself!

Keep tabs in your minute Book! (Need a Minute Book? Get one here!)

  • Certificate of Organization
  • Operating Agreement
  • Minutes
  • Certificates
  • Membership Listing

Set a day each month to complete your minutes

  • Example: Every 1st friday of the month
  • Mark in your calendar the day you will be holding your Annual Meeting

Keep login information close and handy

  • write it down, or type it up and put it in the front pocket of your Minute Book

 

Is it Time for a Small Business Rescue?

Posted on by July 3, 2012
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3-13-is-it-time-for-business-rescueIt’s really surprising how many Small Business Rescues we have completed in the last few months.
We are finding more and more business owners who need to be “rescued.”

Is this you?

Click HERE to find out what a rescue is, and if you need one for your company.

When we “rescue” a company, we are essentially setting up the foundational documents and that
are needed to build a strong company; documents such as: Operating Agreement (for an LLC) or
Bylaws (for a Corporation), Organizational Meeting and Company Summary, Exhibits identifying
managers and/or officers, and initial capital contributions.  A rescue also includes a company
minute book, company seal, company stock certificates and transfer ledger.

Recently, Aubrey and I just completed a rescue for a client who had SIX companies that each
needed attention. What a blast! I don’t know about you, but at our office we LOVE to organize
and get company documents in ship shape. I guess that is why we do what we do! It becomes a
little more complicated with that many companies to handle (some were LLCs, others were
Incorporated). We had fun creating the spreadsheets to manage them all.

The great thing about a rescue is that when it’s done, it’s DONE! The foundational documents
don’t have to be created again. BUT, the ongoing minutes and meetings must now be kept.

So, take a look at your company documents… and your company minute book. How strong is your
foundation? Is it time for a Rescue?

Click HERE for more information about our Rescue program and costs involved.

LLC Veil Pierced Due to Lack of Minutes

Posted on by March 15, 2012
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Here is yet another case law study where an LLC owner lost their veil protection because of lack of minutes. We are sad to see these cases and we know that small business owners just need to KNOW that minutes are important and how easy it is to keep up with the required documents!

That’s why we are on a crusade to educate and assist small business owners with company minutes and meetings. Such an easy thing that could save so much money, time, and loss of assets!

Click here to read the law study about the LLC veil being pierced.

Note this is a very “legal” type read by Attorney Richard Keyt (whom we highly recommend), but it is worth it to know the information so the same thing won’t happen to you.

Here’s the direct link: http://www.keytlaw.com/azllclaw/2012/02/colorado-court-pierces-llc-veil/ 

 

Topic: LLC Veil Pierced

Business Year End Review Strategies

Posted on by December 7, 2011
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The Power of Gratitude…
Why a “Grateful Year In Review” will get you ready to Look Ahead 

This is the best time of the year, and the most hectic time of year for most small business owners. It is easy to fall into the anxiety and rush of the season.

But when you pause to reflect on what you are thankful for, it can put you in a positive mood; And isn’t that the greatest way to end the year?

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach, inspirational author

One tradition we have at our business, is to take time to list all of the major (and some of the minor) accomplishments for the entire year. We write them all down and schedule an entire morning to review them with everyone in our office. It becomes an energetic time to share and reminisce about the year! And if I left anything off of the lengthy list, someone is sure to let me know. We love to celebrate how far we have come and reward those who have done an outstanding job.

This “meeting” gets us in the frame of gratitude for all who have helped to move the business forward, and becomes a time of recognition (which everyone loves).

We also take time to recognize the feedback we receive from our clients and how those suggestions have made us a better company.

It is amazing to see this “Year in Review” and spend the time to show our employees our appreciation.

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself that will put you in that grateful perspective, and get you ready to think about your direction for 2012:

1) Who has made a difference in your life this year? What did they do? Have you thanked them for it? (It’s not too late to send a card of thanks!)

2) What has created the biggest impact on your business this year? Was it an event, an employee, a new marketing strategy? Who has helped you to implement and create positive change in your business?

3) What are some of your unique talents and gifts? What are some talents of your employees? What outstanding trait could you recognize for each employee?

4) Name five new things you learned this year related to the business. Is something working well…not working…does something need to change? Write them down and use this as a starting point for the new year.

Take a look at how far YOU have come this year, and use this to remind yourself to be grateful and positive. Then let us know what you are grateful about!

Advantages of Linking your Business to your Living Trust

Posted on by October 13, 2011
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3-13-advantages-of-linking-business-to-living-trust
Have you given thought to what would happen to your business if
something happened to you?

Would it continue on, or would it be sold by your heirs?

Linking your business to your Revocable Living Trust will allow
the flexibility of choosing what you want to happen with your
company.

As a business owner, your stock or membership interest is subject
to probate if it is held in your name personally.

The probate process takes anywhere from a required minimum of 4
months up to 2 years. I have even seen probate drawn out to a
lengthy 16 years due to arguments.

Would your business be worth anything after going through that?

If your business is like most, it would be better to sell or
transfer the company immediately so as not to lose clients or
contracts.

It’s easy to accomplish this with a revocable living trust. When
you establish a living trust, set it up to own your business
stock or company membership interest (rather than you owning it
personally).

This is the first step to keeping your business out of the
probate process. Here are the main advantages to linking your
business to your trust:

•	Avoid Probate
•	Avoid arguments (Last Will & Testament contests)
•	Transfer your interest to your heirs quickly
•	Continue with Business as usual or sell business with no probate court intervention

Four Steps to Safeguard Your Business Remember these basic steps
to ensure your business is linked to your trust:

1. Prepare Certificates—Issue your membership interest or stock
in the name of your trust, with you as trustee. For example: The
Celebrity Trust, John Doe, Trustee. Cancel the original
certificates previously owned by you and replace them with the
new certificates.

2. Update Ledgers—For an LLC, the schedule of membership interest
should reflect that your interest is held by you as trustee of
your trust. For a corporation, the corporate stock transfer
ledger would show your shares are held by you as trustee.

3. Update Trust Schedule – List your membership interest or stock
certificate shares on your trust schedule under the headings of
Corporations  or  Limited Liability Companies. If your schedule
doesn’t have one of these subheads, then add it. Place your trust
schedule behind the trust agreement itself.

4. Prepare Company Resolutions – Record your resolution of this
transfer to trust in your company records, with the correct
resolution document and place it in your Minute Book. It is
important to take ALL the appropriate steps to correctly link
your business to your trust, so consult your attorney or minutes
professional about getting it done right.

Need to link your Living Trust with your company? We'll do it for
you. Call us at 480-344-1870. http://www.JustAMinuteLLC.com