Conquer your fear and take control!
I saw the following post on #taxtwitter a couple of days ago:
"Sanity check - 4 voicemails and 2 emails in 24 hours is excessive and a policy that I return messages in 24-48 hours for non-emergency and not time sensitive things is reasonable right?"
In the middle of tax season, how is this accountant tolerating such behavior from a client? The likely reason is FEAR; specifically, feared that is rooted in a scarcity mindset. There is only one thing to do with a client like this…show them the door, immediately!
Over the course of 25 years or so in this game, I have routinely asked accountants why they do what they do. Here is a summary of the top 10 most common responses:
1. Love working with clients
2. Meet a variety of people
3. Get involved in different sorts of work
4. Contact with interesting people
5. Fascinated by business
6. Client contact
7. Like to see clients succeed
8. Love to help people
9. To influence lives
10. To help clients achieve lifestyles and improve their financial position
Of course, there are also comments about independence, freedom, and the ability to make good money. Most respondents acknowledge these as expected outcomes rather than things that drive and inspire them.
So, why are so few accountants DOING these things? Why is most of the profession mired in compliance, worried about losing clients and woefully underserving good clients who need more help?
Again, fear. It is a terrible thing. It suppresses our natural instincts and deprives us (and our clients) of opportunities. As you continue your quest for A Better Way, regularly revisit why you do what you do. Seize the day, take control and commit to your passion. It’s more fun, more rewarding and a win / win on so many levels.
Taking Action:
If you're interested in more insights like these, consider signing up for our Renewsletter: https://www.renewgroup.com/newsletter. Alternatively, if you'd like to discuss your CPA firm's specific needs, feel free to schedule a call with us: https://www.renewgroup.com/contact.
About the Author:
Colin Dunn, a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in the accounting industry, is passionate about helping accountants transform their firms and lives. With over 25 years dedicated to creating content for to help CPAs improve their profitability, Colin shares valuable insights into reinvigorating the typical accounting mindset. Colin believes that CPAs can create a better work-life balance by learning from past experiences and applying these insights to their firms, allowing them to spend more time with their families and pursuing hobbies and leisure interests.
About Renew Group:
Are you tired of being on the diet but not seeing results? Most consultants to the CPA Profession do lots of talking and deal in 'fluff'. But there's no accountability and no focus on RESULTS.
At Renew, we start with your numbers. Our firms complete a Pareto for Profit analysis EVERY YEAR, set new targets to improve their profitability and then 'weigh in' regularly. We give you a roadmap to transform the profitability of your accounting firm by accessing our content, collaborating with other firms on a similar path and being held accountable by our coaching team and your peers.
Get paid what you're worth, create a better life based on a scalable business model and eliminate tax season insanity once and for all!