Practice Management news September 2008

A&A

Exceptional service is an exception to the rule

So, you don't communicate so good! How do you think people perceive you? Is it professional or is it just OK?As a business owner or a manager, you must remember that the people who work for you represent you as well. In fact they are you!Example: You have a bad meal or bad service in a restaurant and then what do you tell people - "Don't go there!" You blame the whole place for one person. You do not simply say, "Don't have Bob as your waiter," or, "Carol was a lousy hostess." You blame the entire establishment. One person is the business.
330
Practice

I'm not a salesperson . . . or am I?

By Lenann GardnerAs a thoracic (chest) surgeon, Aaron was used to working on hearts and lungs.He's a gifted surgeon, with a wonderful bedside manner, impeccable skills, and true caring for his patients' lives and families. But the truth was, his case volume was down, and so too was his income. What to do?Aaron was surprised to realize that he had a sales problem.
357
A&A

Can we talk? Surveying your prospects and clients

By Angi FisherToday more and more companies around the world understand the importance of really knowing how their customers and prospects view their organizations. They also realize that customer viewpoints can change quickly. So how do you keep informed of your customers' opinions? How do you know they're continually satisfied? That they value your company? That they feel appreciated?
658
A&A

Individuals and home businesses: A survival plan for important documents

When storms ravage the country, we often concentrate on how lucky we are if we're not in the path of the storm, but fail to consider the possibility that the next storm might just be a direct hit. Before you find yourself bailing out the basement, try re-examining your own readiness to react, should catastrophe strike your home.Most of us know what to grab should we need to evacuate on short notice and many of us have these items in an easily accessible location, ready to be loaded into the car in five minutes’ time.
577
Practice

From Boomers to Gen X and Y: How and what to communicate

By Phyllis Weiss HaserotThis is the start of a new series of regular columns by generational expert and internationally known consultant, coach, writer, and speaker Phyllis Weiss Haserot on intergenerational relations and navigating the challenges of the multi-generational workplace for better productivity, retention, succession planning, and business development results. Communication is a key sticking point, so we start with very specific tips to increase rapport and understanding.
1228
Practice Management

The business discipline of practice growth

"Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."-- Thomas EdisonBy Gale Crosley, CPAPromising opportunities may not be sporting overalls at your firm, but it's likely a number of them have successfully camouflaged themselves from you and your partners! Sure, you're busy these days, but sheer momentum isn't enough to guarantee long-term sustainable growth. For that you need an orderly approach to opportunity planning.New Attitude
317
Practice Management

Seven ways to make sure your workforce investment is paying big dividends

Now that the economy is dragging and business is tight, it's more important than ever to get maximum return from your employees. Change management expert Morrie Shechtman tells you how.It's no secret that the economy is barely limping along. And whether or not your company is feeling the pinch, the downturn is making you scrutinize your employees with a skeptical eye. Is Anthony really working or is he goofing off? Why does Stacey hole up in her office and never speak to anyone? And as for Edward, he seems even more hostile than usual these days.
275
Education & Careers

For young accountants, communication is key to developing successful client relationships

For many new accountants, landing a first job or getting to know the culture of a firm can be a major accomplishment. But in today's tight economic times, it is a new accountant's client development skills that will help him or her stand out from the pack and get on the fast track at a firm.Of course, there are the tried-and-true methods. Network with fellow accountants, join professional organizations, and dress the part if you want to be taken seriously as an up-and-comer.
3398
Practice Management

Is golf just “A good walk spoiled” or a premier business tool?

To some, golf is just a boring waste of time. To others, it's an expensive hobby masquerading as a sport. Mark Twain called it "a good walk spoiled." But whatever your attitude towards golf, this is one endeavor that may have the power to multiply your business success. Not only is golf an excellent place to network and to build relationships with clients and prospects, some fans view a round of golf as a window into the soul of a fellow player, both in business and in life.
1930
Practice

Real world education: Tips for workplace training

Formal education is a finite exercise, it ends with graduation or certification, although there is no limit on the number of degrees and diplomas a person can earn. Learning, however, never ends. In fact, long-term success in business demands that individuals continue learning, but not always through continued formal education.
606

Voice of the Editor

What would you do if one of your clients won the lottery? We asked several accountants to weigh in with their advice for the lucky Powerball winner, and the tips we received are useful for anyone who receives a windfall, whether it's a lottery win, an inheritance, a big bonus on the job, or a killing in the stock market.
Read more
Gail Perry, CPA
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, AccountingWEB
editor@accountingweb.com
ADVERTISEMENT

This Week on AccountingWEB

CPAs Mira Finé, Scott Hitchcock, Rob Keasal, Kathy Scorcio, and Ken Travis offer ten pieces of financial advice for the newest Powerball winner.
Hang Bower of BDO USA and Dan Black of Ernst & Young share their perspectives on why their firms made the Best Places to Work for Recent Grads 2013 list.
Herbein + Company, Inc. firm members talked with AccountingWEB about their year-round employee wellness program.
Bill Walter of Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates and Harold Gaar of TravisWolff LLP weigh in on mobile technology use while employees are at work.
Loading...
AccountingWEB Live!
This is the groundbreaking virtual conference that gives you the experience of attending a major national conference without having to travel or leave your office. We're gathering national-caliber speakers from the accounting profession to share their knowledge and insights with you. We promise each session will contain valuable takeaways you can implement in your practice immediately.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT