or not! but be conscientious about it.
by ed mendlowitz
101 questions and answers: managing an accounting practice, the complete 2-volume set
q: sometimes i get stuck doing work that the client did not ask me to do, that is not chargeable and simply a waste of time, but i get trapped (by myself).
more: what good managers know about bad judgment | when clients call you at home | why partner retreats are worth the cost | selling your practice is not a retirement strategy
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any words of wisdom to avoid this?
a: yes. ask yourself this simple question:
if the client knew what you were doing and the cost, would he or she pay for it?
ask yourself this every time you find yourself chasing your tail or veering off course. i use a half-hour limit and define this as working on something for a half-hour without any progress.
also set a time and cost budget before you start anything, and ask yourself whether the client would pay that fee for that work in that manner.
also, let’s say you have a partner; what would she say when you told her you couldn’t bill for what you did?
this is called management. but effective management doesn’t happen – it is not air, always there – it needs to be done consciously and deliberately.
management! do it!