Posts Tagged ‘listening’
Maintaining Chemistry & Engagement in Remote Relationships
Over the past year, thought leaders in every industry and profession have put their figurative pens to paper, writing about communication and engagement with remote coworkers and team members. Of course, it’s just as important to maintain strong relationships with clients even though we may not be able to meet with them face-to-face. Like so…
Read MoreTax Season Debrief Considerations
One of the most effective ways to improve your firm’s tax processes and production is with the post-busy season debrief process. Whether done formally with a meeting or informally in combination with a survey, we suggest it be scheduled as close as possible after the tax deadline while the experience is still fresh in your…
Read MoreReferral Relationship Basics – and a Fresh Idea!
As firms seek to cultivate growth, referral sources continue to rank at the top of the list for developing new client opportunities. Referral relationships take time to mature and develop, and are built on a foundation of trust that we tend to protect like a parent protects their children. Because we hold referral relationships so…
Read MoreCritical Thinking
Many skill sets are needed as professionals enter the workforce. As I travel around the country to conferences and meet with clients, one concern seems to bubble to the top. The lack of critical thinking skills. I would challenge the reading audience to consider this has nothing to do with age, but possibly more with…
Read MoreFind Out What It’s Like to Be Your Client
Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a client working with your firm? That’s important information and try as you might, you’re simply not going to find out by looking at your own experience or that of your staff. The solution is simple: engage professional help to conduct client interviews that will give you…
Read MoreBridging the Gap: Staying Independent vs. Selling or Merging
Most of the firms we work with on succession planning start off with a strong preference to remain independent, and not sell or merge in order to address the need to payoff and replace retiring owners. The common reasons we are given for this inclination are- Control-Most owners of small to mid-sized CPA firms like…
Read MoreA Call For Change: An Open Letter To Each Generation
With three distinct generations in the workplace today, the impacts are phenomenal. Firm leaders are challenged to balance and blend each generation’s unique historical context, motivators and somewhat differing values systems to create a unified team and a sustainable firm. To ensure that the generations co-exist and collaborate, it is helpful to understand the…
Read MoreMarketing is Not Just for Partners Anymore
Marketing in the accounting industry has an interesting, and fairly short, history. It is not unusual to find partners who still remember when it was against AICPA rules to advertise, market, directly solicit or even participate in competitive bidding. Virtually non-existent for most of the 20th century, accounting marketing has evolved at a rather slow…
Read MoreThey Don’t Want to Be Owners!
In our ongoing series about bridging the gap between management and emerging leaders, we would be remiss in not addressing the topic of moving from emerging leader to owner. The perception among many in our profession is that there are fewer individuals at the senior and manager levels who aspire to be an owner and,…
Read MoreGrowing and Developing Future Leaders is a Two-Way Street
Firms are at a crossroad when it comes to transitioning to the next generation of leaders. According to the CPACA study on Succession Readiness 48.3% of firms of all sizes cite “lack of future leadership talent” as a primary obstacle in their succession. While some partners believe there is a lack of leadership talent within…
Read More