Dear Internal Revenue Service:
I am responding to your challenge of my business expense write-off of $160 to Dick’s Last Resort on December 12, 2007. While I recognize that you necessarily take a hard line where entertainment expenses are concerned, we really did talk about real estate!
You see, we bloggers have this thing called a Social Network. It is important that, when presented with the opportunity, we connect with this network to improve our business skills and cultivate future referral business. This is what professionals do!
Granted, you alluded to Steve’s Smoking Gun, which you say suggests that the atmosphere lacked professionalism.
Let me just say for the record that Steve was in fact present, sitting opposite Brian Brady in this photo and, while he may deny this or even suggest he was eclipsed by Jonathan Dalton in the foreground, I will tell you that he was hiding under the table.
As for the others in attendance, Jeff “Bawld Guy” Brown is a highly regarded investment advisor. This much should be all too evident.
Brian Brady, of course, is a Mortgage Specialist Extraordinaire. Again, I state the obvious.
As for me, I discovered two things that will help my business in the coming year: I am not a “hat person”, and I really shouldn’t wear my hair pulled back in a clip, as it is simply not a good look for me.
Regarding the bill, I readily admit that my esteemed Social Network did toss random currency on the table at the conclusion of our Business Meeting. But, you know men. They have no concept of what anything actually costs. Trust me when I say that your assertion that I did not pay the entire bill is splitting hairs.
Might I suggest you look into the expense records on Jonathan Dalton’s tax return, as he was in town to attend a convention, or at least that is the story. And, if you see him taking any deductions for dinner at Dick’s Last Resort, you might want to question him on it.
Sincerely,
Kris Berg
P.S. Josh, Son of Bawld Guy, didn’t do anything wrong. Go easy on him.
Jonathan Dalton says:
How is it there’s no photographic evidence of Steve at all? Did I cause a total eclipse?
I’m also proud to say this is the first photo of me at such an event without a drink in hand.
Thanks for a wonderful time (except for telling the IRS to disallow my receipt.)
December 13, 2007 — 3:39 pm
Missy Caulk says:
Kris, this was fun to read. I needed some fun and you all look like you sure had a good time. Kris and the Boys, urrrr men.
December 13, 2007 — 4:17 pm
Robert D. Ashby says:
I am glad to see someone got the group pictures up finally. I can’t wait until I get to take part in one of these..ah…mastermind sessions.
December 13, 2007 — 7:48 pm
Drew Meyers from Zillow says:
“You see, we bloggers have this thing called a Social Network. It is important that, when presented with the opportunity, we connect with this network to improve our business skills and cultivate future referral business.”
Though the referral business doesn’t apply to me since I’m not a RE pro, I agree — blogging is certainly a great way to grow a vast network. As a result of blogging, I know & have talked to (some in person, others only online) people all over the US, as well as several internationally. Networking at its finest if you ask me.
December 13, 2007 — 9:45 pm
Phil Hoover says:
I would have to seriously question anyone who would eat at a place named “Dick’s Last Resort”.
Especially you guys 🙂
December 13, 2007 — 9:53 pm
Brian Brady says:
Payback is a %$%^$. That’s what we get for trying to talk football all night.
Kris, of course, was all business which is why we stuck her with the bill.
Great time, Kris. I’m glad you brought Steve; I was looking forward to meeting him.
December 14, 2007 — 1:01 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Now that looks like the errr…mastermind groups…I know! All I can say is “Wish I was there…” Looks like you guys truly had a good time.
No worries Jonathan! it’s only 50% deductible if memory serves…(grin)
Eric
December 14, 2007 — 5:36 am
Jeff Brown says:
Having participated in this mastermind, ah, gathering, taking the 5th is the first thing that comes to mind.
It was the fastest 90 minutes I’ve enjoyed in quite awhile. It may have been, paradoxically, the most homogenous yet diverse group with whom I’ve shared abuse.
An ex-stockbroker loan guy from Philly; Blog-Princess So Cal Realtor; Cool husband of BP who lives to stay under the radar; 20-something So Cal agent laughing and scratching while waiting to leave for softball game, all the while wondering what he’s doing drinking beer with a bunch of old farts; some guy with no hair a ‘chu’ and the best hat; and an ex-sportswriter turned real estate guy in town for a convention cuz he’s president of his temple.
South Park might offer weirder groups.
If you can make these kinda ‘meetings’ happen — do it.
December 14, 2007 — 7:56 am
Kris Berg says:
>South Park might offer weirder groups.
Doubtful, but you summed it up beautifully Jeff!
>Great time, Kris. I’m glad you brought Steve; I was looking forward to meeting him.
My self-proclaimed “little sidekick” said that comment sounded as if I had strapped him into his car seat and brought him along since I couldn’t find a sitter.
For the record, Phil, Dick’s was Brian’s idea. I am much too high-brow for such places, as you know. 🙂
December 14, 2007 — 9:08 am
Chris Lengquist says:
This is too disturbing to comment on.
December 14, 2007 — 1:03 pm