"Patience Pays Off" - Christmas Story III

Want to read the last, third Christmas story…?

I recently realized how often we don't appreciate the people close to us – those who fight for us and on our behalf; thanks to whom we slowly achieve what we desire. In this regard, 2020 was incredibly successful for me.

How I met Ania Łuczak - my business partner

Going back to the beginning: it all started after my postgraduate studies and several more years working for the government. I wanted to have my own company, but I knew it would be difficult on my own. It was even harder to find someone who would leave their stable job to take a risk and start a completely new business with me. I thought it would be best to find someone who knew nothing about me, who could learn from me and simultaneously build our business with me. But where to find such a person?

I decided to go back to university (where I already had a degree) to find an ambitious, honest, and hardworking student who could become my partner. For a year, I observed people around me in classes. A waste of time – you might say. Not at all! It was the best idea I ever had – I met Ania Łuczak there!

For one semester, Ania helped me with simple tasks for clients whose accounting I was already handling. One day, she asked for recommendations. She wanted to find a job – with me, it was only a few hours a week. I couldn't compete with real employers, but I helped her get the job she wanted. I bided my time, staying in touch with her and waiting for the right moment. Six months later, Ania left that job. I promised her that she could spend time with her children without hindrance and work hours that suited her. A month later, her previous employer went bankrupt. What perfect timing!

Ania Łuczak isn't the only hero today…

Anna Marecik - another star on board at TaxOne

Ania Marecik is known to most Polish businesses in the UK that advertised on Emito.net. It's Ania eM who acquires clients and drives the portal. She has an amazing way with people, is a very warm person, and so open that from the first moment, it feels like you've known her for years. I never needed advertising - she sold it to me. Twice. I had long thought how wonderful it would be to have someone like that on my team. She would complement me perfectly, if only because I have dyslexia. I'm good in many other areas, but I'm no expert when it comes to speeches and the written word.

For months, I tried to convince her that she should be part of TaxOne. In every conversation - half-jokingly, half-seriously - I mentioned that one day we would work together and build something together.

A few weeks ago, I asked Ania eM if she knew anyone who could help us. We're great at taxes and accounting, but as we grow, we're still looking for new accountants and help with client relations and administration. We arranged a meeting to discuss our exact needs. I knew one thing - I wanted her specifically. However, I couldn't convince her myself. To give her a full picture of who we are and what we do, I arranged for her to speak with each of us individually - Ania Łuczak, Eryka Bednarek, and Nikoletta, whom you met in the first story.

I didn't know what they would talk about, but I was counting on them to open up to Ania eM - which would also work in my favor. None of them knew they were part of my plan. Did I use each of these people to achieve my goal? No! I believed and trusted that each of the girls felt so good and secure at TaxOne that they would subconsciously fight for what I so desperately wanted – Ania Marecik on board.

Eryka played a big part in executing my plan. Eryka took our hearts and minds by storm, and for a year now, she has amazed us with her skills every day. It was she, with her simultaneous modesty and assertiveness, who charmed Ania eM in just a few minutes.

Nikola and Ania Łuczak, my business partner, sealed the deal. A few days after her 'consultative' visit to TaxOne, Ania eM had an interview for a position… that she created herself! And once again, patience paid off.

Ania will become part of our team on January 1st. We often joked about the TV series The Suits. Now I know she'll be like Donna to me!

Please welcome the amazing Ania - she will be taking care of you, Dear Clients.

Here's a perfect summary of my year - I achieved nothing on my own.

By trusting each other and fighting for each other, we achieved all of this together, as a team!

This is the last of my three Christmas stories. For the new year 2021, I wish you patience – because, as the Germans say – Geduld bringt Rosen!