By Rob Nance, Publisher

Notes from this morning's session of the California Accounting & Business Conference:

Virtual workforces, clients' kids
The Future of Small Business & What it Means for Your Practice was presented by Brad Smith, SVP and GM, Small Business Division, Intuit and Steve Blundell, CPA Accountant Strategy Consultant, Intuit.

Blundell raised eyebrows in the packed session when he declared that firms should seriously consider hiring a virtual workforce.

Blundell also suggested that firms "do a free class on financial responsibility for the children of clients."

Aside from giving the great line of "General Ledger was not a World War II hero," Smith really hit home with the message and advice of "Accountant, Market Thy Self."

Security strategies
While later listening to Bob Gaby of Arxis Technology, a cloud of fear enveloped the room. Few firms are where they need to be with their security strategies. If your firm is among them, schedule a meeting with a technology security company today.

Overheard
On the second day of this event, I heard several CPAs commenting about "the number of gray heads and bald heads" in the technology sessions. One CPA commented, "Hey, I'm paddling upstream with this stuff." He is not alone.

The strong attendance fo the CPE sessions and an accompanying vibrant trade show, the 2007 California Accounting & Business Show & Conference seemed to provide the knowledge and education opportunities California CPAs were seeking.