Posts Tagged ‘strategy’
Leading the new generation of accountants
This month we are looking at something a bit different. I have asked my daughter Jessica (Jess) Holton, a 34-year-old skilled graduate journalist working in digital media and fiercely independent, as only a father would know, to comment on the new generation of employees, particularly in the accounting industry, and how to manage them. Here…
Read MoreHow to get started with marketing in your accounting firm.
Fairly regularly I come across firms who for one reason or another have engaged a marketing consultancy. For many, this is entirely the wrong move. Few marketing consultancies understand the nuances of professional service firms. Many focus on things which might have some merit like brand and website but miss the core matters to be…
Read MoreAre You Targeting Your Ideal Client?
I have long spoken to many accounting firm partners and team members about defining and agreeing on their ideal client profile. In my mind, an ideal client is someone who finds the perfect solution to their problems or needs in the services that your firm provides. The ideal client will be loyal to your firm,…
Read MoreStaff Impact on Succession Planning
Many accounting practitioners would agree that it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain good staff that can assist not only in compliance procession but also in business advisory service delivery. There is increased reporting on the skills shortage in various industries and there are no immediate signs that this is going to change.…
Read MoreHow’s that capacity plan going?
As many readers may be aware, I have long advocated that every firm needs a production manager. Part of that job is to ensure that the business has sufficient capacity to get the work done and develop new work. In these resource constrained times, this is no easy challenge. While, before COVID, there were still…
Read MoreStrategies to Improve Client Follow-Up
One of the pivotal issues that has arisen at recent firm reviews and strategic planning sessions is that our clients do not get their telephone and email issues addressed in a timely manner. Many practitioners have mentioned to me that they get frustrated when the client calls back, often agitated that they have not had…
Read MoreRecycled Boomers
A few things have transpired in the past few weeks. Firstly, Deloitte settled the legal action taken by a partner in respect of their mandatory retirement age of 62. They’re not alone in having retirement age provisions in partnership/shareholder agreements. Such provisions have been around for 50 years or so to ensure that older practitioners…
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