Week #12 Progress
This week felt quieter, but not unproductive. With tax slips still coming in and winter weather making travel unrealistic I focused on technical issues, and refining how I work with clients.
What is working?
One of the biggest improvements this week has been on the technical side. I’m really happy that I took the time to update and make changes to the software on my laptop. I had been dealing with issues caused by an outdated version, and after troubleshooting last week, everything is running much smoother now. It’s made day-to-day work feel less stressful and a lot more efficient.
I’m also very happy with my decision to move fully to virtual meetings with clients. With how brutal the winter weather has been in Niagara and the amount of snow we’ve had, travelling to meet clients in person would have been unrealistic. Virtual meetings have been convenient for both me and my clients, and they’ve allowed the business to keep moving even when the weather hasn’t cooperated.
Another thing that’s been really encouraging is the feedback I’ve received about my pricing. Clients seem genuinely pleased with the flat-fee structure and have mentioned that it feels more affordable and transparent compared to other places. Seeing a few completed returns result in decent refunds has also been very satisfying. It’s rewarding to see clients relieved and happy once everything is filed properly. Word of mouth has also started to kick in more this week. I’ve had several clients book appointments for later in February and into March, which gives me confidence that business will continue to pick up as we move deeper into tax season.
What is not working?
One ongoing challenge is timing. Many people are still waiting on their tax slips, which means there isn’t as much immediate business as I originally hoped for at this point. A lot of potential clients are interested, but everything is on pause until their documents arrive.
I’ve also had a small but unexpected operational issue with printing. I realized that my old printer, which uses ink cartridges, was becoming far too expensive to operate. Since I do need to print some returns, I ended up having to purchase a new printer that’s more cost-effective. While this was an added expense, it was necessary and should save money in the long run.
How do you feel the project is coming?
Right now, things feel a bit slow, but not in a discouraging way. I can see that momentum is building. With appointments already booked later into tax season, I’m confident that profitability will improve as more slips are issued and clients are ready to file.
What are you learning about running a business?
I’m learning that timing and external factors play a much bigger role than I expected. Even when everything is set up properly, there are things completely outside your control, like document delays or weather. I’m also learning how important it is to invest in the right tools and systems early, because small inefficiencies can quickly become frustrating if they aren’t addressed.
What are you learning about yourself?
I’m learning that I’m actually very good at dealing with people. Going into this business, I was honestly nervous about that part. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would feel talking with clients, answering questions, or explaining tax information in a way that made sense.
Over the past few weeks, that confidence has grown a lot. I’ve become much more comfortable communicating with clients, walking them through their returns, and explaining things in a way that feels clear and approachable instead of overwhelming. Realizing that I can build trust and put people at ease has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project and something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I do.
