High-level Consulting for SMEs
Original by: Strategy Magazine
Individual Advantages makes C-Suite expertise available to firms that aren’t quite big enough to hire chairmen or executive level professionals full time. IA consultants leverage their experience to build high-performance teams and steer organizational change.
It’s no secret that big businesses tend to have the budgets to hire highly experienced executives, but that’s not always the case with small to mid-sized firms. When it comes to integrating people, process, and technology , many companies don’t know where to start.
Enter IA Business Advisors, also known around the world as Individual Advantages, who put best-in-class chairman level consulting in the hands of agile organizations. Its consultants play the part of a fractional C-level employee such as the COO, CFO, CMO, and more that provide expertise on a personalized basis.
IA Business Advisors’ mission is to be that company “in your back pocket or on your shoulder,” ready to play devil’s advocate for crucial business propositions or driving positive change.
Helping the Little Guys
Small to mid-sized firms face many challenges in marketing , human resources, operations , cashflow, and other operations-based issues, as well as planning for mergers and acquisitions , succession planning , and strategic initiatives. That’s why IA consultants specialize in marketing, human resources, operations, and finance. In the years since its founding in 1996, the IA team has won numerous awards around the world, including Business of the Year in multiple jurisdictions. More importantly, its clients have earned recognition from the likes of JD Power & Associates and INC500 in part due to its services.
“Individual Advantages began as and remains a company devoted to the development and refinement of the advantages created by the individuals managing companies. Our belief that an individual’s influence is their single greatest responsibility remains the one tenet embedded in our personal goals and the goals of those that trust our support and advice.” – Dr. Brian Smith, Senior Managing Partner and Founder
IA leads with what it calls “ BizVision ,” a proprietary analytical approach that enables a full assessment of company strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Then, the IA team, along with their clients, adjust or manage the people, process, and technology to ensure that their solutions integrate seamlessly throughout the organization. If challenges arise, the IA team partners with internal leaders to modify the appropriate area and deliver positive resolution and growth for the entire team.
Change at IA
In 2019, IA expanded within the Midwest region of the United States, with a special focus on the Chicago area. In fact, the company plans on doubling the number of advisors available in the region. In support of their underlying mission, they have introduced “ The I in Team Series ” to the business world – a deeper discussion and look at how influence can be managed throughout organizations.
“Influence is biggest responsibility we have as humans and organizations, so understanding our influence is vital when facilitating change,” says Brian Smith , founder, senior managing partner, and author of The I in Team Series. Maximizing positive influence is the bottom line for IA.
Whether it’s through validating decisions or challenging the status quo, the IA team believes that their influence is their single greatest responsibility, and they have made it their mission to empower clients to leave a positive influence in the markets they serve.
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A personal development plan is a tool to build your influence. However, neglecting your plan erodes your positive influence over time. We’re here to help.
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Discover how to navigate change with purpose by reframing it as improvement. Learn how the S.M.A.R.T. framework fosters resilience, intentionality, and measurable growth for individuals and organizations.
Hello, team! Mary here, continuing our journey through the I in Team series, where we empower you to find , be , and build your influence. Cultivating a growth mindset is imperative for self-actualizing. It’s a theory created by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck , and it’s the belief that we are intelligent with abilities that will help us face and overcome challenges. People with a growth mindset tend to love learning and are resilient. If you don’t already, you can have a growth mindset , too. Here are some of our top tips for embracing challenges. Embrace Effort If you want to grow, you need to understand that effort is the only way to mastery. Your hard work and talent will be rewarded if you remain resilient in the face of challenges and treat them as learning opportunities. When you experience failure , reframe it. Instead of viewing it as something negative, have gratitude toward it for teaching you something new. There is always something to learn from failure, thus allowing you to continue to grow. When you do have a win, pause to celebrate your progress. Acknowledging your small wins and improvements helps reinforce the belief that growth is possible through continual effort. Embrace Challenges To grow, you need to be challenged. As stated, you need to fail. Without challenges, you don’t give yourself the opportunity to win or fail, so you deny yourself the ability to learn. Actively seek out challenges that push you outside your comfort zone. The more you embrace challenges, the more accustomed your brain becomes to seeing them as opportunities for growth instead of threats. Over the long-term, this will help you develop mental toughness. When setbacks happen, bounce back and remind yourself that it’s just a temporary obstacle. Resilience will help you continue on your developmental path. Seek Feedback Many people shy away from actively seeking feedback, however, feedback is extremely valuable. It helps you gain insights on how to improve and grow. Having a mentor or someone in the field who has experience will be excellent sources for reliable feedback. If you’re nervous, consider first cultivating a sense of curiosity. By exploring new ideas, techniques, and approaches, you prime your mind for actively seeking new information. Doing so will help you discover creative solutions to challenges you will inevitably face. Surround Yourself with Positive Influence Our entire platform revolves around positive influence, so, as a brand, we are constantly encouraging you to adopt a growth mindset. But it’s not just us! Anyone who pushes you to do your best and who believes in your developmental potential is someone who is a positive influence in your life. These positive, supportive environments foster a growth mindset. Be sure to challenge your negative self-talk (if you have any). Positive self-talk is being a positive influence on yourself. Use phrases like, “I can do this,” and “This is an opportunity to improve.” Don’t miss out on our positive influence: The Ripple Effect (TEDx Talk by Brian Smith) Daily Influence Podcast Individual Influence: Find the “I” in Team Positive Influence: Be the “I” in Team Responsible Influence: Build the “I” in Team Bottom Line Developing a growth mindset is the only way to progress as an individual. If you have no practice with this, start slowly by embracing your effort and developing positive self-talk. Look for people in your life who encourage you and ask for feedback from trusted mentors. Don’t shy away from facing challenges, but don’t give up when you experience failure. Look at every moment as an opportunity to learn and be sure to pause to celebrate your victories. You can do this!
Tax season is here , and businesses are facing one of the most significant shifts in tax policy in recent years. With over 60 tax provisions changing in 2025—including corporate tax rate adjustments, the expiration of key deductions, and increased IRS reporting requirements—navigating compliance while optimizing financial strategy is more complex than ever. Failing to stay ahead of these changes can lead to unnecessary tax liabilities, missed deductions, and potential penalties. That’s why businesses are turning to IA Business Advisors , whose S.M.A.R.T. (Strategic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) Management™ approach ensures your business remains compliant while maximizing financial opportunities during tax season. Why the S.M.A.R.T. Approach is Essential for Tax Planning IA Business Advisors employs the S.M.A.R.T. Management™ approach to help clients navigate complex challenges, such as the 2025 tax changes. This methodology emphasizes: Specificity – Tailoring tax strategies to fit your business’s unique needs. Measurability – Ensuring financial data and tax obligations are precisely tracked. Attainability – Implementing realistic financial strategies that align with your goals. Relevance – Adapting tax solutions to current regulations and economic conditions. Timeliness – Addressing tax compliance and planning proactively, avoiding last-minute stress. By applying S.M.A.R.T. principles , IA Business Advisors assists businesses in developing tailored strategies that ensure compliance and optimize financial outcomes during tax season . The 2025 Tax Landscape: What Business Owners Need to Know Before diving into why outsourcing bookkeeping is the S.M.A.R.T. way to handle tax season, let's examine some of the most impactful tax changes in 2025: 1. Corporate Tax Rate Uncertainty The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, providing major relief for businesses. However, this provision is set to expire at the end of 2025, potentially raising tax rates again unless Congress intervenes. Strategic tax planning is essential to mitigate financial impacts. 2. Small Businesses Face Higher Tax Burdens Many small businesses operate as pass-through entities (LLCs, S-Corps, sole proprietorships), where income is taxed at individual rates. The 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction , which significantly lowers tax liability for these entities, is also set to expire after 2025. This could mean a sharp increase in tax bills for business owners. 3. Reduced Deductions & Credits Several beneficial tax provisions are phasing out or changing, including: Bonus Depreciation : The 100% bonus depreciation for capital investments will drop to 50% in 2025, reducing immediate tax relief for equipment and property purchases. Research & Development (R&D) Deduction : R&D expenses must continue to be amortized over five years instead of being deducted immediately, impacting cash flow for businesses investing in innovation. State Tax Adjustments : Several states are decoupling from federal tax provisions, making compliance more complex for businesses operating in multiple states. 4. Increased IRS Scrutiny & Reporting Requirements The IRS has tightened financial reporting requirements, and businesses must provide more detailed records for income, deductions, and tax credits. Stronger enforcement measures mean that errors, discrepancies, or missing records could result in audits and financial penalties. With these changes, precision in bookkeeping and tax planning is more critical than ever . The best way to ensure compliance, minimize tax burdens, and optimize financial planning is to outsource bookkeeping to tax experts who stay ahead of evolving regulations. The Benefits of Outsourcing Bookkeeping for the 2025 Tax Season 1. Ensure Compliance & Avoid Costly Mistakes Tax law is intricate, and 2025 is bringing more complexity than ever before. Even small bookkeeping errors can lead to penalties, delays, or an IRS audit. By outsourcing to IA Business Advisors , you ensure that: Your financial records are meticulously maintained All tax law changes are applied correctly You meet reporting and compliance requirements 2. Maximize Deductions & Reduce Tax Liabilities Many businesses overpay in taxes because they fail to capture all eligible deductions and credits. With our expertise, we help you identify and maximize tax-saving opportunities, including: Energy-Efficient Building Deductions (Section 179D) for sustainability upgrades Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for hiring employees from targeted groups Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction for pass-through entities Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for businesses keeping their workforce intact Disabled Access Credit for improving accessibility in your business 3. Stay Prepared for the IRS's Stricter Reporting Standards With the IRS ramping up compliance enforcement, financial record accuracy is more important than ever. We help you: Prepare for IRS reporting changes and audits Ensure accurate record-keeping to meet IRS standards Seamlessly transition to mandatory digital tax filing 4. Save Time & Resources – Focus on Growing Your Business Managing your bookkeeping in-house can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful. Outsourcing frees up valuable resources so you can: Focus on business growth instead of tax paperwork Reduce overhead costs associated with in-house accounting staff Ensure your financial data is always up to date and audit-ready 5. Implement Smart Tax Planning Strategies With potential corporate and individual tax rate increases, businesses need to plan strategically. IA Business Advisors can help you: Accelerate income recognition to benefit from lower tax rates now Defer deductions to offset higher taxes in the future Optimize depreciation deductions to maximize tax relief Future-Proof Your Business with IA Business Advisors The 2025 tax season isn’t just about compliance—it’s about strategy. Outsourcing bookkeeping is a proactive investment that ensures your business stays financially healthy and well-positioned for growth, even amid shifting tax regulations. With IA Business Advisors , you’re not just outsourcing bookkeeping—you’re gaining a trusted financial partner who will guide you through tax season with precision, efficiency, and expertise. Don’t Wait—Get Your Books in Order Now Tax season is in full swing, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to stay ahead of deadlines and maximize tax benefits. Let us handle the complexities of bookkeeping and tax planning so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business. Contact IA Business Advisors today and take the stress out of bookkeeping and tax season!
Prioritizing your well-being in a busy world can seem elusive, but it doesn’t have to be. With good intentions, you can take the time you need for yourself.
We always like to say that you don't need a new year to set new goals, but I think we can all agree how good it feels to have something feel new energetically.
Driving with Clarity: Why Your Small Business Needs a Cash Flow Model Running a small business is much like driving a car—you need clarity to stay on course. At IA Business Advisors, we believe clarity comes from making decisions grounded in S.M.A.R.T. principles: those that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Yet, too many small business owners rely solely on their income statements. While valuable, these statements function like the rearview mirror: they reflect where you’ve been, not where you’re headed. If your goal is to grow or address cash flow challenges, focusing only on past performance can leave you unprepared for what’s ahead. That’s where a Cash Flow Model—your windshield view—provides clarity and empowers you to lead your business with confidence.
By grounding decisions in continuous learning, you support not only your growth but also strategic progress for your team and organization.
Written by: Mary Smith
