The business of running a business

Running a business isn’t just finding clients and getting work done. It involves lawyers, accountants, banking and a whole lot of other stuff. Stuff that is all brand new to me, and stuff that is relatively frustrating to deal with since I am really not the best with numbers. Luckily, I have a killer accountant who will work it all out for me at the end of the year and a phenomenal lawyer when legal advice is needed.

But what I didn’t have until today was a business bank that I wanted to work with.

I have had the LLC proof for about 2 weeks, but until last week, I hadn’t had time to set up my business account. So, last week, I went into Chase (my current personal bank), assuming that it would be fairly simple, some paperwork and I would be good to go. Unfortunately, I was met with really poor customer service and very unhelpful staff. I felt like I was being lectured anytime I asked a question or needed something clarified. They didn’t offer good services for small businesses (the minimum balance to get a quality business account was ridiculous!), and I just didn’t feel like they cared if they worked with me or not. So I walked out. But that also meant that I didn’t set up my business account. And that my accountant was not going to be happy with me because I had to put more business money into my personal account.

After another week went by, and led me to today. I still hadn’t figured out what to do. I called Bank of America, they were relatively helpful over the phone, but their packages/business offers were still not very good. I checked out a few credit unions in the area, but their minimums were really high. Finally, a friend of mine referred me to Union Bank. I had heard of them but didn’t know much about their services. So, I gave them a call. After 35 minutes on the phone with one of their small banking managers and a million questions, she was still friendly, helpful and working with me on ways to save me money and waive as many fees as possible. Something no other bank was even willing to consider! Originally I was planning on leaving my personal accounts with Chase and just opening a business account somewhere (easier, less hassle up front). But, after seeing what customer service from a bank is really like, I am on my way to Chase right now to close my accounts and move them ALL to Union Bank.

The moral of my story? There is no reason to leave any of my business with a bank that doesn’t care about my small business.

…and good customer service always wins.

Related posts:

1. Succeeding in business takes knowing people
2. 8 Great resources from the last few weeks
3. How often do you hand out your business card?