Investments are usually made with the help of financial advisors. What knowledge do financial advisors have besides a degree, you ask? Well, they know money like no other. They do not play with money; they juggle it. You say you do not want human error. Fortunately, we have automated investing! Let us talk about a few things to keep an eye out for when working with automated investing.

What is Automated Investment?

With automated investing, you use digital platforms to construct pre-programmed investing and trading decisions. They help with financial investments and retirement plans. Isn’t that complicated? Not really, because you use algorithms and variables to walk you through the process. These algorithms essentially work based on how old you are, your life goals, and, most importantly, your income. These computerized algorithms need these key answers to justify the way investment works and develop a financial plan that would keep all these factors in line. 

What is Robo’s Advisor?

A Robo-Advisor collects information from clients regarding their financial stability and how they want to shape their lives. After collecting all the required information, Robo-advisor assembles a plan for you. Why a Robo-advisor might or might not be a good choice for you depends on whether you agree with how it works. A Robo-advisor uses negligible human interaction, almost none. 

After it has collected information on your financial stability and what you want to do with your money, it marries that with the factors mentioned above, such as age, which would play a key role in how you should be handling your money, and your income, which would play yet another significant role in defining the percentages you contribute to what every month.

Beware

Financial Advisors involve human interaction. Believe it or not, it does tend to make a difference. Constant interaction with your financial advisor can form a bond between you, contributing to the kind of advice you receive. 

Your advisor can list intangibles affecting your finances and define them to be more tailored to your requirements. A computer, at the end of the day, is a computer. A financial advisor will also include many years of experience in your plan.

A computerized system can only go so far. It can use customized programming; however, there is no flexibility. They are not personalized on an individual basis. Two people with a similar income and age group might get a similar financial plan; however, there might be a factor that automated investing would be missing out on.

But is it Worth it?

Robo-advisors extend the market for more options. Now, with tailored made plans, what does happen is that human error does not occur. It gives information to the letter and presents a clear-cut image in front of the client. You will be aware of where your money is going, and if you trust the authenticity of a computerized system, you are good to go. 

The market grows with financial advisors and Robo-advisors. Technology has taken another turn, and with more advancements, the algorithm is bound to develop more strategically. 

WealthFront offers automated investing. They will build a portfolio for you, one that is customized to what you like and, more importantly, what you need. They handle the trade for you and keep you in the loop. They have tested their strategies and have an efficient system working out for them.

Conclusion

Automated investing is a brilliant idea, provided you also have financial knowledge. Money is one of our most essential assets; it leads our world, how we choose to live our lives, and, most importantly, how we plan our lives. Financial planning will lay your life out for you, so you must choose the right plan. You must be thorough in your research, which firm you use, and if you want to do it.

You can go to a financial advisor or participate in automated investing. Layout your pros and cons. Can you trust a machine to understand what you want, or do you trust a human being to use his knowledge, intelligence, and experience to plan for you? It is about who you trust with your money, a machine, or a human being.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

There are many ways to earn online, and running an online business will make you a livable wage, provided you work hard and invest your time in it. Here are eight online businesses you can start today.

Paid Surveys

One of the quick ways to earn fast and easy money online is through paid surveys. Many companies do market studies. Manufacturers pay consumers to get their opinions about their products.

Paid surveys carry this out on the Internet, which is why they are willing to pay for the surveys and that this information is valuable. Although there are indeed many companies that only dedicate themselves to people, there are also many companies that are legitimate and pagan to complete their paid surveys. Learn how you can earn money with surveys.

Freelance Writing

One of the most popular ways to make money online is independent writing. You do not need to invest money. There is no need to own a website, although having one would help you earn more money. The best part is that you can win fast. In most cases, they are paid the same day they finish working on the project and deliver it.

There are a few places online where you can offer your writing services. There are even some websites where you are paid to write exclusive content for them. See how to earn money online by writing.

YouTube

YouTube is one of the most popular websites that people visit when they want to watch a video of something. If you have adequate equipment to shoot a movie at home (if you do not have one, you can get a cheap movie anywhere), you can start a business or develop an existing one by filming videos and uploading them to YouTube. You can learn how to make money with YouTube and generate a reasonable income.

Photography

If you like photography and can take interesting pictures, there are many sites where you can upload your images and pay for them each time someone downloads a snapshot of your images. The good thing is that a photo can be sold many times repeatedly. You may realize that the potential to develop this business is excellent. Suppose you have about fifty exciting photographs and each time you add more. In that case, this can become a perfect entry to earn extra money or supplement with another program to make more money. Learn how to earn money selling photos online. 

Reselling 

There are so many used things that we do not need, and we have them packed in our garage. If you put them on sale in the free market, you will be surprised at the money you can collect for them. You can also sell new products. It would help if you bought these products wholesale, that way you can get a good discount, which will allow you to earn profits from your sales.

Advertising

There are many ways to earn money with advertising, such as AdSense advertising, which can be used by putting it on your site or blog and in your YouTube videos. Whether you post notices on your blog or YouTube, you receive a percentage of money each time someone clicks on the ads. Create a Google AdSense account and post ads on your blog.

Ads Clicking

There are many sites where you can register for free, and you will be paid to navigate and click on the ads. However, you should also proceed cautiously and ensure you are not registering in places dedicated to tricking people. Therefore, be careful and sign up for known and trusted sites. There is little that is gained by navigating. It is to earn a few extra dollars only. Here, you can register with trusted companies that pay to navigate.

Domain Purchase

Buying domains and reselling them is a lucrative business. Websites or blogs are built, then they work for a while, and then are put on sale. Domains are considered real estate on the Internet because they work the same way as when you buy a property for investment. Going to an auction is about getting the house for a low price. You decide, then wait a few months and sell for a reasonable price to recover the investment and make a profit. The purchase and sale of domains work in the same way. Learn how to earn money with the purchase and sale of domains. Some people are willing to pay large amounts for the domains they wish to acquire.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Take bankruptcy as a motivational matter; it isn’t a barrier to success. After getting freedom from debts, you get a great chance to re-establish your credit score. And all your financial burdens pull out. But it doesn’t mean you will never experience adverse outcomes of bankruptcy. MyFICO says your FICO scores will vary after bankruptcy, for example.

• Good credit score before bankruptcy – FICO scores will decrease substantially.
• Average credit score before bankruptcy – the score reduction will be less severe.
• In other conditions – your scores may vary around 300 to 850 scale.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy gives you a clean and debt-free financial status to a great extent. It also affects your credit score for seven to ten years because all bankrupt accounts stay on your credit report. You can’t get another loan because of financial instability as well. However the weight of such problems reduces over time with on-time debt return and careful use of credit.

You can re-establish your credit score by implementing various intelligent strategies. Let’s have a look at a few of them.

Offset the Bankruptcy Effect in 12 Months

The US credit system discounts penalties as it is pretty forgiving. It is an excellent chance to offset the affected credit within 12 to 18 months. It can only happen when your credit score is 550 or lower after bankruptcy.

You can’t get a good credit score until the bankruptcy is removed from your credit report. But at least this strategy can improve your credit score.

Show Bankrupt Accounts with Zero Balance

Keep all bankrupt accounts with zero balance for a good credit score. Show this balance of accounts, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy, on your credit report.

If these accounts still have credit, the score will remain lower than its original amount. Regularly update your bankruptcy accounts and credit reports. It will not let any error exist regarding credit display. Also, an error-free credit report will increase your credit score.

Send your credit report to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau without paying a single penny. You can discuss any incorrect information on your credit report with them. They also adjust your error-free scores when you update your credit report.

Get Leverage from Reaffirmed Debts

You have an opportunity if you are still a debtor, even after bankruptcy. You use it to re-establish a good credit score. Use your current credit card rather than purchasing a new one. Pay all your bills on time. It will recover your payment history, the most vital credit scoring factor. So, it would be best to thank those debts or due dates.

The careful use of credit will help you in achieving good credit scores. The evidence of high-level responsibility will boost this achievement. However, chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years.

Keep a Secured Credit Card

If you don’t have an active loan or credit card, no problem. You can get good credit scores by applying for or having a secured credit card. You can keep the one whether you have a bankruptcy notation or extremely low credit scores.

You must deposit cash for a secured credit card safety that you will purchase. The amount of deposit cash is typically like the credit line. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit card limit will be the exact cost.

Mostly, creditors return the deposited money. It happens when you pay all credit bills on time. Then, your credit card will turn into an unsecured card. While a few creditors offer rewards so you can make the same money you will charge.

Fill Your Credit Profile with Alternative Data

Add alternative data to your credit reports, such as utility and mobile phone bills. It will increase your credit score. Also, fill your Experian credit report with this data by freeing the Experian Boost program of the credit bureau. There will be no terms and conditions for approval. Only you will need to pay all bills on time. According to Experian Reports, this program increases your bad credit range to 64%, a fair credit score.

Final Words

You don’t need to worry about bad credit scores after bankruptcy. For tremendous credit scoring strides, you need to focus on the following:

• On-time debt and bill payments
• Careful use of credit
• The level of time and efforts

Don’t call bankruptcy a barrier to success; it is a motivational push to increase your credit score.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Launch Your Dream: Essential Steps for Starting a Business

How to start a business begins with validating your idea through market research, creating a business plan, choosing your legal structure, registering with authorities, securing funding, and launching operations—each step building the foundation for sustainable success.

Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through their startup journeys, witnessing both spectacular successes and heartbreaking failures. The difference rarely comes down to the quality of the initial idea. Instead, success hinges on systematic preparation and execution. With nearly 1 in 4 businesses failing within their first year according to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, understanding the complete startup process has never been more critical. This guide breaks down the exact steps that transform business dreams into profitable realities, drawing from real-world experience across every industry imaginable.

How do you start a business successfully?

• Market research validation, business planning, legal structure selection, registration, funding acquisition, and operational launch form the core startup process
• Market research proves demand exists and identifies your ideal customers before spending money
• Business planning creates your execution roadmap and demonstrates credibility to stakeholders
• Legal structure choice impacts taxes, liability protection, and operational flexibility forever
• Registration and licensing requirements vary by location and industry but must be completed correctly
• Funding options range from bootstrapping to venture capital, each with distinct trade-offs

Understanding Market Validation Before You Invest

Market validation separates wishful thinking from viable business opportunities. Companies that frequently conduct market research report 76% revenue increases versus 65% for those who skip this step, according to Hanover Research data. This 11-percentage-point difference represents millions in potential revenue over time.

The validation process examines four critical dimensions. First, feasibility determines whether you can actually deliver the product or service sustainably. Second, viability analyzes if sufficient profit margins exist after all costs. Third, desirability confirms customers want and will pay for your solution. Fourth, ethical considerations verify positive societal impact.

Smart entrepreneurs test assumptions through customer interviews, competitive analysis, and prototype feedback before committing resources. This approach prevents the costly mistake of building something nobody wants.

Crafting Your Business Plan for Maximum Impact

Business plans serve as both execution roadmaps and credibility builders. Companies with formal plans grow 30% faster than those without clear goals, while being 133% more likely to secure investment capital according to Upmetrics research.

The executive summary opens your plan, synthesizing key points to capture the reader’s attention immediately. The company description follows, explaining your mission, vision, and unique value proposition. The market analysis demonstrates a deep understanding of industry dynamics, target customers, and competitive positioning.

The operational sections include organization structure, product descriptions, and marketing strategies. Financial projections, which include realistic revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and break-even analysis covering at least three years, cap the package.

Essential financial planning components

Conservative financial projections prevent cash flow disasters that kill otherwise promising businesses. They include detailed startup cost calculations, monthly operating expenses, revenue ramp timelines, and contingency reserves equal to 6-12 months of expenses.

Many entrepreneurs underestimate costs by 50% or more, creating immediate crisis situations. Professional bookkeeping systems from day one provide the visibility needed for course corrections before problems become fatal.

Choosing Your Legal Structure Wisely

Business structure decisions create permanent implications for taxes, liability protection, and growth flexibility. The four primary options each serve different entrepreneur needs and risk profiles.

Sole proprietorships offer maximum simplicity but zero liability protection—personal assets remain exposed to business debts and lawsuits. Partnerships split ownership between multiple people, requiring detailed agreements defining roles, profits, and decision rights.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) balance protection with flexibility, shielding personal assets while allowing operational freedom and pass-through taxation. Corporations provide the strongest protection plus easier investor access, but require more formalities and potential double taxation.

Registration and compliance requirements

Federal requirements start with obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS—your business equivalent of a social security number. State registration involves filing formation documents and paying required fees, typically $50-500 depending on structure and location.

Business licenses vary dramatically by industry and municipality. A home-based consultant might need only a basic business license, while restaurants require health permits, liquor licenses, signage permits, and more. Research requirements thoroughly to avoid expensive compliance violations.

Securing Startup Funding Without Losing Control

A record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications filed in 2023 represent a 56.7% increase from pre-pandemic levels, intensifying competition for funding sources. Understanding options helps match capital sources to business needs.

Bootstrap funding through personal savings and revenue maintains complete control but limits growth speed. Ben & Jerry’s famously started with just $12,000, proving modest beginnings can yield massive success through clear differentiation and systematic growth.

Angel investors provide $25,000-$1 million, typically, offering industry expertise alongside capital. Venture capital targets high-growth opportunities, investing millions but demanding significant equity stakes and board seats.

Alternative funding strategies

Crowdfunding platforms validate demand while raising capital, though success requires compelling storytelling and sustained marketing effort. Small business loans provide non-dilutive funding but require personal guarantees and fixed payments regardless of performance.

Government grants offer free money for qualifying businesses, particularly in technology, sustainability, and underserved communities. Revenue-based financing ties payments to actual sales, reducing pressure during slow periods.

Launching Operations With Professional Systems

Operational excellence separates sustainable businesses from those constantly fighting fires. Opening dedicated business bank accounts immediately protects personal assets and simplifies tax compliance—mixing finances ranks among the most dangerous startup mistakes.

Technology infrastructure determines scalability potential. Cloud-based accounting software, customer relationship management systems, and project management tools provide the foundation for growth. Starting simple and upgrading as needed prevents over-investment while maintaining flexibility.

Physical or virtual location decisions impact everything from customer accessibility to tax obligations. Even online businesses must consider state nexus rules affecting sales tax collection and business registration requirements.

Building Awareness Through Strategic Marketing

Limited budgets force startups to maximize every marketing dollar through targeted, measurable campaigns. Content marketing and search optimization generate long-term results by attracting customers actively searching for solutions.

Social media marketing enables direct customer engagement at minimal cost when focused on platforms where target audiences actively participate. Quality content providing genuine value outperforms promotional messages every time.

• Email marketing delivers $42 return per dollar spent on average
• Referral programs can reduce customer acquisition costs by 50-75%
• Partnership marketing leverages complementary businesses’ audiences
• Local SEO drives foot traffic for location-based businesses

Measuring marketing effectiveness

Track customer acquisition costs, lifetime values, and channel performance from day one. This data reveals which strategies deserve increased investment versus elimination, preventing wasted spending on ineffective tactics.

A/B testing different messages, offers, and channels systematically improves results over time. Small improvements compound into dramatic performance gains when consistently applied.

Common Pitfalls That Destroy New Businesses

Learning from others’ failures costs far less than making the same mistakes yourself. Inadequate market research tops the list—no amount of marketing fixes products nobody wants.

Insufficient funding reserves create immediate pressure, forcing poor decisions and preventing strategic investments. Most businesses require 18-24 months to reach profitability, making an adequate runway essential.

• Hiring too quickly dilutes culture and burns capital
• Ignoring customer feedback delays critical pivots
• Mixing personal and business finances complicates taxes
• Avoiding professional help creates expensive mistakes
• Scaling prematurely increases costs faster than revenue

The entrepreneurs who succeed treat business building as a systematic process requiring patience, preparation, and professional guidance. After helping countless startups navigate these challenges, I’ve seen how proper support transforms overwhelming complexity into manageable steps. Ready to build your business the right way? Visit Complete Controller to discover how our comprehensive services guide entrepreneurs from idea to sustainable success.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Start a Business

What permits and licenses do I need to start a business?

Requirements vary by location and industry, but typically include a general business license from your city, state registration for your business structure, an EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits like health department approvals for food businesses or professional licenses for regulated fields.

How long does the business registration process take?

Basic registration can be completed in 2-8 weeks, depending on your state and business structure. However, some industry-specific licenses and permits may take several months, so research requirements early in your planning process.

Should I quit my job before starting a business?

Most successful entrepreneurs recommend keeping your primary income source while validating your business idea and building initial revenue. This provides financial stability and reduces pressure to make desperate decisions during the critical early stages.

What insurance does a new business need?

General liability insurance protects against customer injuries and property damage claims. Professional liability covers service-related errors. Property insurance protects equipment and inventory. Many businesses also need workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and cyber liability coverage depending on their operations.

When should I hire my first employee?

Hire when specific tasks consistently prevent you from focusing on growth activities that only you can perform. Start with contractors to test roles before committing to full-time employees, and prioritize positions that directly generate revenue or free you to do so.

Sources

• Aspen Public Radio. (2024, May 16). “Report: Small businesses are failing at higher rates in their first year.” Retrieved from https://www.aspenpublicradio.org/economics/2024-05-16/report-small-businesses-are-failing-at-higher-rates-in-their-first-year
• Complete Controller. “The 5 Best Startup Ideas.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/the-5-best-startup-ideas/
• Complete Controller. “Startup Launch Essential Steps.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/startup-launch-essential-steps/
• Complete Controller. “Startup Marketing Success.” Retrieved from https://www.completecontroller.com/startup-marketing-success/
• Hanover Research. (2018). “Market Research Impact Report.” Retrieved from https://www.hanoverresearch.com/news/corporate/press-release-2018-market-research-impact-report/
• Internal Revenue Service. “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).” Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-ein
• MyBusinessGuys. (2025, March 5). “Business Plan Success: Real Stories to Inspire You.” Retrieved from https://mybusinessguys.com/business-plan-success-real-stories-to-inspire-you/
• Oregon Secretary of State. (2025). “Oregon Start a Business Guide.” Retrieved from Business.Oregon.gov
• Shopify. (2025, August 13). “72 Small Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in 2025.” Retrieved from Shopify Blog
• Small Business Administration. (2025, May 3). “10 Steps to Start Your Business.” Retrieved from https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024, February 2). “New business applications are booming. Track them by state.” Retrieved from https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/new-business-applications-a-state-by-state-view
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2025, May 22). “Ready, Set, Startup Checklist: Steps to Starting a New Business.” Retrieved from USChamber.com
• Upmetrics. (2025, June 9). “50+ Business Plan Statistics You Should Know in (2025).” Retrieved from https://upmetrics.co/blog/business-plan-statistics
• Wikipedia. “Business Plan.” Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_plan

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Reviewed By: Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen

Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

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By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

A Winning Interview: Master the Art of Interviews with Our Tips for Success

Landing a dream role isn’t just about having the right qualifications—it’s about showcasing those qualifications with confidence and clarity during the interview process. Over the years as the CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how preparation and thoughtful execution can transform an interviewee’s experience from nerve-wracking to empowering. In this guide, I’ll share strategies to help you ace your next interview, stand out from the competition, and land that coveted position.

Why Preparation is Your Key to Winning

I’ve often said that preparation turns interviews from an unpredictable gamble into a calculated opportunity. When you prepare properly, you not only showcase your readiness but also project a confidence that speaks volumes.

Steps to nail interview prep

• Research the Company

Understanding the company’s mission, values, and challenges positions you as someone genuinely invested in their goals. Check their website, follow their social channels, and read recent press releases. This insight helps you craft tailored responses and ask intelligent questions. If you’re actively finding a new job, this foundational research will put you a step ahead.

• Study the Job Description

Every answer you give should connect back to the role you’re applying for. Review their listed qualifications and responsibilities, then link them to your own skills and achievements.

• Practice Common Questions

While every interview is different, certain staples like “What are your strengths?” or “Why should we hire you?” come up almost every time. Preparing succinct, confident answers will ensure you’re never caught off guard.

Remember, just getting an interview is a milestone. On average, 118 people apply for every job opening, yet only about 20% make it to the interview stage. Getting a seat at the table means you’ve already outrun 94 other candidates.

Mastering Responses with the STAR Method

From my experience, behavioral questions can trip up even the most qualified candidates. That’s where the STAR method shines because it ensures every response is clear, structured, and impactful.

Breaking down the STAR method

• Situation: Set the stage by describing a specific challenge.
• Task: Highlight your role in addressing it.
• Action: Explain the deliberate steps you took.
• Result: Emphasize measurable outcomes that underscore your impact.

Example: Tackling a Common Behavioral Question

Question: “Can you tell me about a time when you faced a difficult deadline?”

Answer: “Our team had just two weeks to prepare for a major client presentation—a timeline far shorter than usual. I created a detailed project plan, divided tasks based on individual strengths, and held brief daily meetings to address blockers. Not only did we deliver on time, but the client extended a new contract that increased revenue by 30%.”

This level of preparation sets you apart and eases doubts regarding your abilities.

Building Confidence Through Deliberate Practice

Nobody is born ready for interviews. Confidence is built, not stumbled upon. Early in my career, I realized that preparation was my antidote to nervousness, and the same principle applies to you.

Two techniques I swear by

• Mock Interviews

Conduct trial runs with a friend or mentor. Their feedback can uncover blind spots you didn’t realize existed.

• Record Yourself

Playbacks can be a revelation—watch for filler words or tendencies like avoiding eye contact, then refine your delivery. Small tweaks here can change how confidently you’re perceived.

Those who repeatedly practice are better positioned to beat the odds. Remember, only 1 in 5 interviewees gets the job—a success rate of 20%. To stand out, preparation isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Using Body Language to Reinforce Your Message

Believe me, what you say is just half the battle. How you carry yourself—from your posture to your gestures—often determines the impression you leave.

Five body language hacks

• Sit straight to show you’re engaged, not slouched or disinterested.
• Avoid crossing your arms. It subtly signals resistance or disengagement.
• A genuine smile (not forced) makes you seem approachable and personable.
• Make intentional eye contact throughout the conversation. Be natural but deliberate.
• Use hand gestures sparingly to emphasize points—but don’t overdo it.

Confidence is about consistency. Ensure both your body language and words say, “I’m ready for this.”

Dodging Common Interview Pitfalls

Even stellar candidates can sabotage themselves. Over the years, I’ve seen fantastic résumés undermined by simple missteps.

Three Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Late

Punctuality speaks to professionalism. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early.

• Skipping Questions

Asking nothing when prompted signals disinterest. Instead, prepare thoughtful queries like, “What does success look like in the first six months of this role?”

1. Rambling

Stay succinct. Over-explaining dilutes your message and risks losing your interviewer’s attention.

Preparation and respect for the process, down to being detail-focused—much like keeping accurate financial statements—are attributes interviewers value immensely.

Why Following Up Sets You Apart

Here’s a truth few candidates understand: the interview doesn’t end when you walk out the door. A proper follow-up can tilt the odds in your favor.

How to craft a perfect thank-you note

• Send it within 24 hours via email.
• Address specifics from the interview to show genuine interest.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.

Sample Thank-You Note:

“Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the marketing manager role. Learning about your initiatives to expand digital campaigns resonated with my experience. I’m excited about the possibility of joining the team to contribute to its ambitious goals.”

It’s a simple gesture, but one that leaves a lasting mark.

Improving Through Feedback

Interviews are stepping stones, and whether you succeed or stumble, what you learn from each one is invaluable. After losing out on a role early in my career, I asked the interviewer for feedback. Their insight helped me refine my responses and nail my next opportunity.

Tips For applying feedback

• Proactively Seek It

Whether from mock interviews or actual ones, constructive criticism helps illuminate where you can improve.

• Act On It

Use feedback as fuel for growth. For instance, if they highlight weak answers to behavioral questions, double down on the STAR method next time.

Making Insightful Questions Your Secret Weapon

When the interviewer turns the tables and asks, “Do you have questions for us?” use this as an opportunity to wow them.

Strategic questions to ask

• What challenges does your team face, and how can my role help address them?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the top priorities for this position in the first 90 days?

Thoughtful, strategic questions can shift the interview dynamic, showcasing you as someone engaged and forward-thinking.

Conclusion

The essence of a winning interview comes down to preparation, presentation, and persistence. By researching deeply, practicing deliberately, and following up thoughtfully, you put yourself in the best possible position to succeed.

As the founder of Complete Controller, solving hurdles for entrepreneurs is my passion. Tackling interviews is much like solving a puzzle—every piece of preparation and confidence snaps together to reveal your value proposition.

Looking for personalized strategies to elevate your career? Visit us here to unlock tools, tips, and expert insights for your success.

FAQ

What’s the best way to prepare for an interview?

Research the company, review the job description, and practice answering commonly asked questions.

How can I build confidence for an interview?

Mock interviews and recording yourself are powerful tools to refine your delivery and self-assurance.

Why is follow-up important?

Sending a thank-you note expresses gratitude, reinforces your interest, and leaves a positive impression.

How can I avoid rambling in interviews?

Practice concise responses aligned with the STAR method and stay focused on the question.

What should I focus on in behavioral questions?

Use the STAR method to structure your answers, ensuring clarity and impact.

Sources

• [1] Simplilearn.com. “Job Interview Statistics and Trends for 2024.”
• [2] IU Southeast – Indiana University. “Sample Behavioral Questions.”
• [4] Apollo Technical. “21 Essential Job Interview Statistics You Want to Know (2024).”
• [5] Built In. “35 Behavioral Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.”
• Google’s Interview Prep Tips. “Preparing for a Google Interview.”

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Whenever you consider a bank, you will see a place to make deposits, track your savings account, etc. True, but another type of bank focuses on stocks, securities, and other financial instruments. These financial organizations may be subsidiaries of larger firms that offer banking and financial services. Still, they play an essential role in the financial industry, considerably impacting the whole economy.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is one of the most prominent investment banks in the world. It is a more than 150-year-old public organization with about $2.5 trillion in assets under supervision at the end of 2021. Goldman Sachs has hosted several high-ranking government leaders. There are Treasury secretaries from the United States, White House advisers, and leaders from central banks and governments throughout them. As a result, it is a significant power center on Wall Street.

The bank has been involved in several scandals, notably its participation in the 2008 financial crisis, but it also participates in various social activities.

JP Morgan

JPMorgan Chase is one of the world’s most powerful financial institutions. This enormous corporation is divided into two parts. The Chase part of the firm is a commercial and business bank. JPMorgan concentrates its efforts on investments, especially investment banking. At the end of 2021, the company reported total assets of $3.7 trillion.

Barclays

Barclays may not be the most well-known bank on our side of the Atlantic, but it is well-known in the United Kingdom. Based in London, Barclays was founded in 1690 and currently has £1.5 trillion in assets (almost USD 2.0 trillion).

Barclay’s credit cards are well-known in the United States, and the corporation is developing consumer financial services for the nation. It is well-represented in New York and other major financial centers worldwide, both inside and outside Europe.

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a big investment bank founded in the United States in 1935.

Morgan Stanley is a financial services firm based in Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co. merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. in 1997. Dean Witter Discover & Co. Morgan Stanley was renamed Morgan Stanley in 2001. With $6.9 trillion in assets under management, it is part of the “too large to fail” financial stable.

The three main sections of an international investment bank are institutional securities, wealth management, and investment management. The wealth management segment caters to individual investors. Most of this gap was caused by Smith Barney’s acquisition of the famed investment bank Salomon Brothers, which Smith Barney had previously purchased.

Bank of America

This investment bank, a subsidiary of Bank of America, was founded through a period of consolidation, the latest of which is Bank of America’s absorption of significant investment bank Merrill Lynch amid the financial crisis of 2008. Bank of America is the second-largest bank in the United States, with assets of $3.3 trillion. Its offices are in Bangkok, Edinburgh, and New Jersey, among other places worldwide.

Credit Suisse

Investors typically seek the Swiss franc as a haven when the U.S. dollar looks unstable. Regarding significant financial transactions, Swiss banks have a reputation for expertise and discretion. Credit Suisse, which dates to 1856, is a leader among Swiss banks.

Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank is a diversified financial company that was founded in 1870. Its investment banking branch is powerful and influential. Deutsche Bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, has around 1.3 trillion euros in investments, making it one of Europe’s top ten investment banks.

Deutsche Bank is the best player in the U.S. and across the world. Its operations in the mortgage bonds market had a crucial role in the financial crisis of 2008, earning it a $7.2 billion fine in 2017.

RBC Capital Markets

In Toronto, Canada, RBC Capital Markets is RBC’s investment bank. RBC, or Royal Bank of Canada, has assets of CAD 1.7 trillion, with origins dating back to 1869. This significant bank is also one of the largest in North America and globally, with offices in the United States and other nations. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

There are many ways to create content, but some are better than others. And there are life hacks that allow you to increase efficiency further and attract a wider audience. This article has analyzed all the trending methods, from simple to the most complex. A fundamental economic hack is a toothpaste with another non-standard application method. It copes well with drying inflammation and various pimples, as it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substances. Sometimes, toothpaste is also used to treat minor burns.

Learn to Work in Microsoft Excel

Take the time to learn how to use MS Excel because it is an essential tool in the finance and auditing fields. Don’t be hesitant; don’t assume it’ll be simple; you’ll figure it out as soon as you secure a job or an apprenticeship. Excel, believe us, is a beautiful tool that will make your work a lot more successful. Start taking Excel courses if you’re not a specialist, and augment what you learn using online learning materials. It is appropriate for any business or science graduate who wishes to devote time to personal growth and broaden their perspective on the matter, situations, and individuals.

Looking For a Part-Time Job

Experience in real life is superior. Nothing can replace it. Even if this job doesn’t suit you, you can learn a lot as a beginner. The corporate world has a lot to teach you.

Keep Doing Your Hobbies

When you have work that you enjoy, it is a dream come true. But what about unstructured time? Why not explore those talents or hobbies you’ve always wanted to pursue but may have had to give up during your education if you’re a trainee or have recently done your exams? It can include mountain climbing, entertainment, presentation skills, drawing, kung fu, poetry, and writing.

Learn The Language!

This task is not for everyone, but for most of us, learning a language can be a plus, primarily if you work for a foreign corporation, go abroad, or start studying another language.

Lifehack generally means a little trick, folk wisdom, or helpful advice to help solve everyday problems. It is a set of methods and techniques for “hacking” the surrounding life to simplify achieving your goals with the help of various helpful tips and tricks. Usually, a life hacker does not create new techniques but masters existing ones. A few economic hacks that we don’t know are:

1. Did you know that one battery is enough for the remote control?
2. If you need to take a photo together, and there is nowhere to put your smartphone, a shoe and improvised items can help you.
3. IKEA bags are so durable that they are great for carrying firewood.
4. You can replace the keychain (puller) on the slider with a simple eyelet from a can.
5. A box from Tic Tac can be a convenient container for storing hairpins or any other small items that are always out of place.
6. A potato peeler is excellent for cutting hard cheese into thin slices.

If you don’t know how to eliminate the smell from the cat litter, you can add some baking soda to it. Or that warm rice, put in a bag and then in a sock, will save you from pain because it is an excellent thermal remedy. – Probably not, which is why today, on our site of interesting facts for you, a selection of life hacks for every day. Another hack is to make the mascara easier to apply; you should douse the brush with warm water—no need to poke the brush up/down inside the tube. Before using the next layer of mascara, it is better to rotate the brush in a circle. Removing bags under the eyes will help with the usual ointment for hemorrhoids. It contains active substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect. They help to narrow the blood vessels, thus reducing the flow of blood to this place. It is essential to ensure that the ointment does not get on the mucous membranes, for example, in the eyes.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Personal finance. It is a subject that is part of anyone’s routine, but have you ever thought college is an excellent time to start establishing a healthy relationship with money? After all, if you reach this stage still young, the chances of achieving a quiet financial situation during adulthood and old age are much higher!

As if it were not enough to worry about the grades at the end of each semester, one of most university students’ significant problems is dealing with the lack of money. It is difficult to pay for college, rent, books, transportation, and food. It also excludes the other activities included in the student’s daily life!

Has this scenario seemed too familiar to you? To help organize your financial life, here are several tips for keeping your accounts in order and saving for a better future. Check out!

How to Organize Personal Finances Early?

Have you ever wondered if you had taken a course called Financial Planning for Beginners in elementary or high school? No doubt you could consider yourself privileged! After all, most students do not have any contact with financial education during their primary education.

That is why, when they reach youth and adulthood, people find it difficult to start saving, even knowing the basics about how to make investments. In the family, financial education is a topic that tends to pass well away from the conversations. Due to these shortcomings, people get into debt quickly. They often live with the rope around their necks to close the accounts at the end of the month.

But beware: even with this unfavorable track record in the country, you’re not required to go that route, okay? Quite the opposite: you can take advantage of college time to start your financial planning and thus not suffer from the lack of money in the future.

It is noteworthy that, because you are young, you have several advantages that others no longer have, such as time to accumulate resources. In addition, youth is when you can change habits more efficiently and have more energy to overcome challenges. So, anyone who realizes early on the importance of setting economic goals will possibly achieve goals equally soon.

Revenue and Expenses

Revenue can be understood as all the money that goes into your budget, be it salary, internship, remuneration for freelance work, or the result of the sale of products or services, among other diverse possible origins. The expense is the opposite, referring to the amounts that leave your budget. In an ideal scenario, revenues must exceed costs. Otherwise, your budget will turn red.

Savings and Investment

If you strive to leave a scrap of resources every month, you can form a saving – here understood as the result of the act of saving and not like that famous application offered by the banks. Getting into the habit of keeping monthly, you accumulate, little by little, a significant amount. With this, you can go to the investment world to make your money yield.

What to do with Debt?

No matter how rare it is for someone to live without making a debt, this cannot be an excuse for the lack of control of personal finances! The idea is not to have outstanding debt. If you cannot keep it that way, try to adjust the obligations to your income and ability to pay. And without despair because we will explain this relationship later.

While outsiders may think that a student has no reason to have debts, the truth is that graduation requires a lot of spending. For example, only the funding for a particular college already represents a relevant portion of the monthly budget. Even if I can start repaying the principal amount of the loan only after graduating, part of the income will still compromised for four years or even more.

Cash Flow

When faced with so many possibilities of debts, controlling everything that comes in and what goes out of the personal budget is essential when organizing finances. To do so, get used to using a management tool called cash flow – which is much used in the business environment. Believe me: this feature will be very useful in achieving a very bluish financial life!

To make it easier to understand, imagine this tool as an employee of any company’s warehouse who must write down everything that comes in and everything out of stock. In your case, you will use the cash flow to record your budget’s receipts (receipts) and outflows (expenses). Thus, you will know exactly where your money came from and where your money went.

By adopting this strategy, you will not forget the little expenses that usually go unnoticed, making a big difference at the end of the month. We are talking about coffee with cheese bread in the college cafeteria and even that ice cream you drink for dessert every 15 days.

It is quite true that it is not enough to record expenditure. It is necessary to think critically about all expenditures to identify which are essential and necessary but can be postponed and which are superfluous and should be left out.

Moreover, using resources from these sources shows that the university has not adequately controlled its finances!

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

What would a company be without marketing? Marketing is a fundamental tool for any company at any level. Do not be disappointed with the false idea that marketing is synonymous with television ads. This discipline goes much further.

Then we will discuss a few marketing tips, and you can start up those ideas that flutter in your head for your company and that, for some reason or another, have remained just that. While it is true that marketing strategists and advertising analyze insights to know their consumer audience and generate campaigns capable of creating needs, it is also clear that the consumer is no longer seduced so easily. Four out of ten users of smartphones or smartphones are looking for and being informed of some product directly online to acquire it later, for example.

It means that people with this technology tend to research the product in the network before purchasing it. If the information does not convince you or does not meet your expectations, it could be the decision between choosing our product or not.

Another curious fact is that most people who ask for help, ask a question, or consult expect to receive information almost immediately. Waters!

A recent IBM study among 1,700 leaders in marketing revealed that 32% were not ready for the changes already manifesting in their areas of operation, in contrast to the 48% who said yes, be prepared for the challenges that it will present in the next five years.

• Use several means to advertise. Do not focus on a single medium; if you can invest in mass media such as television and radio, do not focus on a single space. The schedule of your ads varies from time to time.
• Use direct mail. Although digital media is booming, do not forget the effectiveness of physical mail, which produces good results with the right message to the target audience.
• Use a newsletter. Your website provides the opportunity for your customers to subscribe to the news you provide. Undoubtedly, the newsletter is a tool that will help you to reinforce the message you want to send to your clients.
• Email Marketing. Remember to use personalized email: do not send mass emails. You will see that you will get better results if you send individual emails. Always keep your list updated. Remember to get feedback on each campaign you use.
• Impeccable customer service. It is the most crucial thing and begins with answering the phone correctly. When a client has a problem, you must solve it as quickly as possible. It is essential to focus on the client. There is no other day to solve problems: today or never!
• Works of charity. We do not necessarily have to make monetary donations, but we can give our time to help organizations. Remember that the focus is not on your company but on an organization that makes a difference by helping others.
• Participate within your community. Be part of your community, help others, and show your human side to build a company’s positive image.
• Maintain a blog. It is an excellent way to get to know our clients and their thoughts. We can also reduce the distance between the company and the client. Take time to read the comments left by your customers and resolve your questions, complaints, or comments. It is a simple tool, but at the same time, potent; take advantage of it.
• Turn your business into 2.0. Create Twitter and Facebook, and take some time to learn how to use them with all your possibilities, participate and learn. Take advantage of the new opportunities offered by new technologies.
• Use your imagination. If you, more than anyone, know the market, the business, and your customers, dare to innovate, do not be one of the bunches, and be different. With your collaborators, try to create a new way to attract more clients, and you will see that you will obtain magnificent results.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The fashion market is full of opportunities to start. Proof of that is the countless establishments that sell accessories of various styles according to the season’s trends. If you are interested in this segment and want to enter this but do not know how to open a jewelry store, continue reading and understand some crucial criteria to consider.

How to Open a Store: Study the Market

Two ways to maintain an accessories store are through a physical store or e-commerce. Analyzing the market before starting the venture is necessary because you need to face much competition in both cases.

Partner and manager of the Chilean virtual store Accessories, Carolina Ituraea, evaluates that the market is problematic because it is saturated. For her, while there are few e-commerce accessories, there is excellent competition and low prices.

“The online market is promising to the extent that you have a broad mix of categories and know how to deliver a good service, with good prices and offering the novelty factor. That is when you add products constantly, ” he analyzes.

Peculiarities of the Aftermarket

As in any market segment, opening an accessories store involves peculiarities to which the entrepreneur must pay attention. According to Carolina, you must be very informed about the latest trends through social networks, so observing the following season to know what will be imposed by fashion is necessary.

The trade manager of the Argentine store San Pretta, which focuses on handbags, shoes, and accessories, must constantly look for new niches and stand out in the offer. “Maybe the most significant difficulty is differentiating yourself from the competition. There are as many options in the local market as possible customers, “he points out.

According to her, the accessories and the ways to use them are diverse. “You can differentiate yourself in quality, colors, textures, materials, and contrasts and, in this way, generate a good balance between price and quality.

What You Should Analyze Before Opening a Store

You may doubt how to open a jeweler store even knowing the market. Therefore, analyzing some factors before entering the segment is essential.

Before starting the venture, knowing how to help the client is necessary. According to her, many girls need advice, and an accessory can make a difference in the look. “It is essential to understand that you are not only going to sell an accessory, you must also have knowledge and attitude. This is the key to having a store, “he says.

On the other hand, for Carolina, three points are essential. The first is that you like the sector because that makes the entrepreneur persevere in difficult times. “You have to fall in love with the project and be certain of your success.” In addition, she affirms that it is necessary to have an idea that differs from the rest and has an added value.

“Finally, I think it’s important to have a sufficient reserve to create the store in the way it was designed and to cope with the good and bad situations of the first months,” he clarifies.

Having a successful business means surviving amid competition. Incompetent markets such as fashion, offering a differential for customers is essential.

Carolina affirms that it is possible to stand out with an exciting mix of products, with accessories that follow the trend, but that has some peculiarity that makes them different in some way, different from what is found in each corner.

“A great challenge is to look for quality suppliers, with products of the trend, different and at a good price. This last issue is not easy because, unless you buy in large quantities, finding suppliers that meet the four factors is a constant challenge, “he says.

Plan the Store

From analyzing the market, knowing the sector’s peculiarities, and considering the issues mentioned in this text, you will learn how to open a store and start planning the company. Make a business plan, develop a marketing strategy, consider your store’s best location, and plan the initial expenses.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.