Local Business Spotlight | Victoria Vastalo
NAME
Victoria Vastalo
COMPANY
Bottom Line Consulting Midwest
POSITION
Lead Associate/President
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
The small business owner who recognizes the need for organized, accurate and up to date financial info
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
I started assisting friends who were opening their own businesses, and I was very good at helping them to get to the bottom of their financial challenges; teaching them how to understand taxation, how to price their products/services to make money, what software to use to keep their books organized, how to navigate cashflow challenges. At the time I was working as a Finance Manager for a professional services company and eventually wanted a change, so I decided to go out on my own. That was over 20 years ago, and I'm proud to say I've helped hundreds of business owners and learned about some very interesting industries along the way.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE think THEY KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Many new business owners think they can hire their family or helpful but inexperienced friend to do their bookkeeping/ accounting, because they don't understand the value that a knowledgeable, experienced professional can bring to the business. I've seen some real messes, with business owners incurring huge penalties or paying large fees to clean up their books and establish best business practices, or even having to close the business due to poor cashflow management or unprofitable pricing. Running a business is hard, and the statistics are pretty grim for start-ups, but I truly believe that businesses can increase their chances of being profitable and successful by working with a professional as early on in the business cycle as possible.
NAME ONE THING THAT YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Keeping organized financials is a lot like keeping a clean house; if you clean a little bit every day and keep up with putting things where they go after you use them, then at the end of the week you can come home and enjoy a clean house, and not be distracted with clutter, mess and disorganization. I help business owners to get in the habit of keeping organized financials, because then they have the insights they need to run their business, make decisions, accurately track profits and increase their chances of success.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I am working with creatives, innovators, risk-takers and visionaries.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Plan plan and plan, and learn how to read financial statements
WHAT IS THE ONE BOOK THAT YOU THINK I SHOULD READ RIGHT NOW?
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber - I think any books on what it's really like to run a small business are eye-opening.
CONTACT VICTORIA HERE:
WEBSITE:
PHONE:
414-934-6177
EMAIL:
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