From the BILLiverse
In this issue's commentary, Bill Reeb continues his series, Management and Leadership in a CPA Firm. He concluded his last article with a "commitment to drill down even further into a competency model," and that is just what he discusses in Part Five. Bill shares details of his own competency model as well as introduces a couple of ideas for creating your own.
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Billing and Collections: 12 Tips to Enhance Cash Flow Now & After Busy Season
Ensuring continued cash flow is key during difficult economic times. As the bills for busy season engagements start to go out the door, Accounting Office Management & Administration Report (AOMAR) has put together 12 tips to enhance billing and collections practices that should help you to keep the money coming in now and after the end of busy season. Read the Article
Top Seven Growth Areas for CPAs
The last article by ConvergenceCoaching, LLC discussed different emotional and relational reasons people buy and how to appeal to their needs. However, in order to close the business, it is important to "speak" to the prospect and assure them of the benefits they receive when engaging your firm. This article builds on the previous by providing tips on how to handle objections and reservations from clients and potential business prospects. Learn More
Exclusive Survey: CPA Firm Owners are Happy — Yes, Even in This Economy
Accounting Office Management & Administration Report (AOMAR) asked respondents of the CPA Firm Critical Issues Survey to share their thoughts about a number of CPA firm leadership issues. The research was conducted during what proved to be the worst months of the downturn, starting in late 2008 and continuing well into 2009. Take a look at the article and learn how CPA firm owners responded to the following questions: How happy are you to be a CPA firm owner today? How has that changed over the past five years? And, why do you feel the way you do? Read the Article.
Consumer Electronics Trends in Your Future
Every year, a significant number of new products dedicated to business automation emerge into the marketplace. In 2009, accounting firms generally spent conservatively due to the uncertain economy. Although the uncertainly persists, the latest trends and gadgets could entice businesses to loosen up their wallets. In this article, CPA and technology expert Roman Kepczyk discusses a number of these trends and how they’re changing the businesses.Learn More.
Don't Forget the Sizzle with that Steak — Selling the Experience
In this article, Gale Crosley CPA, discusses the importance of selling the experience in addition to your services. Gale talks about the importance of delivering a consistent message; everything, from the way you present yourself to the way you present your offerings, plays a part. Market research and understanding how your firm is currently perceived also play a key role in developing and improving experiential concepts. Read the article and learn why professional service providers should also focus on selling the experience. Learn More.
The Bonus Nightmare
For many, a bonus system in your CPA firm might seem like a nightmare that keeps repeating itself (comparable to the movie, Groundhog Day). In this article, Rita Keller suggests that while creating some bonus plans can demotivate your people, perhaps the real challenge is getting back to the business of actually interacting and communicating with your team members. Learn More.
The Social Media Big Four: Using LinkedIn for Professional Networking
This article is the first of a series by ConvergenceCoaching, LLC that will take a look at social media tools, how they have entered the mainstream and are transforming the way we communicate at work. The series begins with a discussion about LinkedIn and its personal and professional uses. Krista Remer and Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC take a look at the first of four most popular social media tools, LinkedIn. Learn More.
Save the Date: National Practice Management Conference June 22-25
The Association for Accounting Administration’s (AAA) National Practice Management Conference is June 22-25 in New Orleans and registration is open. Notable speakers in the CPA profession will present best practices and up to date information about the state of the profession. ome of this year’s topics are "Role of the Firm Administrator" by Bill Leach, "Having Crucial Conversations," "Social Networking," "Recruiting and Retaining Staff," "Current State of Health Care," "CPA Firm Technology" with Roman Kepczyk and a session for conference "First Timers" to help them get the most from the sessions. Learn More. |