“this is the hardest for cpas…”
by jody padar
from success to significance: the radical cpa guide
first: create accountability. follow up. ask a question to a business owner, give them a deadline and then call them out on the follow-through.
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this is coaching 101. did they do what they said they were going to do? most small business owners have no one to report to, and they appreciate you taking an interest.
2. set up a tool to measure something. this creates a data point to reflect on or set goals against. tools add value; there is expectation to pay more when a tool is involved.
3. ask questions independently of the owner. talk to the team and get unbiased responses. then ask the owner for their responses. do the responses align? is there a problem? how can you help bring their team together?
4. observe, observe, observe.
5. ask questions to truly understand.
6. report, written and oral.
7. walk alongside, not in front of, the purchaser.
this is the hardest for cpas because they want to deliver all the answers. the key is an outsider’s awareness of the situation to help create the solution, not the ability to solve the problem.
outside-in solutions have a limited shelf life; the solution created with the customer has a better opportunity for success. you want ongoing success because you do not want to be a consultant who is walking away. you will be part of the ongoing solution.