The Association For Independent
Managers, Inc.™
Just Ask
Jack Winebrenner
Association Founder and Chairman of the Board
To submit your question or comment to "Just Ask", click here.
A few years ago a county official strode into a months-old printing company. Chris had opened the print shop after having published a weekly advertising publication for several years. The official demanded to see his license and Chris grabbed the framed license from the wall behind him.
“Not proper,” the official barked, as he pitched it unceremoniously across the counter. Then he dropped a large chain and padlock heavily onto the plate glass counter. “I’m going to shut you down,” he growled.
Chris picked up the phone and dialed the association's number. We asked to speak to the man from the county. His manner did not improve but we convinced him to leave and give the businessman time to obtain the license. Then we called the county office. The officious tyrant was immediately summoned into the supervisor’s office when he pompously sauntered into his cubical that afternoon. Later, the man was on the phone, under the watchful eye of his boss, apologizing to the print shop owner.
At that time businesses in that Florida county were required to have licenses with the each city they did business in and the same with each county. The printer had a city license but had no idea that he needed one also for the county. Not all government workers go on power trips like that one did. Once in a while one does.
That’s why we commissioned the Just Ask service for our members.
Knowledge is power. It is so easy to fall victim to an overzealous government peon or IRS agent or any number of others. How do you know when you’re running afoul of some archaic or superficial law? There’s enough detail to keep up with just handling the things you got into business for.
Do you need a fictitious name? Should you be a Subchapter S or a regular C corporation? Or should you be an LLC instead? When should you pay overtime to employees? Do you need professional liability insurance or general liability?
Most of these questions (and many we didn’t pose) could readily be answered by your attorney or accountant or other professional. Of course, there could be an unknown cost. Equally insane is whether you even knew you needed to be aware of it. You know, like the case Chris faced.
Obviously, we don’t have all the answers at an instant’s notice. We might surprise you with how many situations we’ve faced with others and therefore do know what to say in response to your puzzling moment. If we have an immediate answer we’ll give it to you. Give is an operative word. It’s free.
If we don’t have a ready answer we’ll put the question out to some of your fellow members — without revealing who asked the question, of course. And it’s still free.
In fact, the only time you might need to choose whether or not to pursue any matter is when we determine that your question needs professional advice. Often we can obtain this information at no cost to you.
On occasion, however, the professional may suggest that you have a need that requires more time and research than they can do with a simple telephone response to you. But you will always have an option of pursuing the matter to its conclusion or electing to abandon the matter. No problem. No annoying persuasion. You can end it there with no fear of pursuit. Our professionals are members, also, and members enjoy helping other members.
The point is, there’s no harm in asking. And we might surprise you with a quick, usable answer. You may be surprised how much we know. You also may be helping to answer some other member’s question, even if he didn’t no what question to ask until we answered yours. (We ask your permission before publishing, of course, and only use your first name, or initials if you prefer.)
Well, now you do know. Let your friends and colleagues know what they’re missing out on. When the question arises... Just ask!
To submit your question or comment to "Just Ask", click here.
