12 branding tips

man and woman holding briefcasesappearances matter.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

branding is part of marketing, but requires you to come up with a unique identity toward your specialty.

more on marketing: how to meet referral sources | 8 considerations with new clients | how to prepare returns for a multiple-year non-filer | how to conduct business valuations and forensic investigations | yes, accountants can perform conflict resolution | offering second marriage assistance | what you need to start a financial planning discussion | tax projections: how and why | how to raise client awareness of services
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

tax department branding can be done as part of the overall firm, or separately.
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how to meet referral sources

illustration of different types of people connected9 tips you can start implementing today.                                                                                             
by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

referrals should be your greatest way of obtaining additional business and in particular tax services.

more on marketing: 8 considerations with new clients | 11 ways to get more tax clients | structuring partnership and buy-sell agreements | the 64-point business startup checklist | how to offer second opinions | how to offer employment compensation assistance | basic budgeting for clients | guiding heirs | 11 questions to ask every tax client | add new revenues with tax prep follow-ups | marketing vs. selling: both must serve the client first
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

referrals do not just come from existing clients, but can come from almost everyone you know. referrals are made by people who believe
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8 considerations with new clients

businessman expressing refusal with open handssometimes you should say no.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

we all want additional business, but sometimes the client should be vetted to determine if it is a good fit for your firm and if there are any danger signs.

more on marketing: more on marketing: 11 ways to get more tax clients | how to sell bundled tax services | 7 questions for succession planning | 15 points to buying or selling a business | 9 questions to ask about divorce and taxes | guiding clients in investment allocation and management | why cpas are suited to financial planning | how to suggest more services | adopt a marketing mindset
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

following is a checklist that could help you in making a decision to accept the client.
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11 ways to get more tax clients

hand with money fanned out against tax return formplus 22 ways to get additional business clients.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

a target is the result of a plan.

more on marketing: how to sell bundled tax services | how to prepare returns for a multiple-year non-filer | how to conduct business valuations and forensic investigations | yes, accountants can perform conflict resolution | how to counsel on retirement planning | investment clubs and how to counsel them | offering second marriage assistance | what you need to start a financial planning discussion | tax projections: how and why | how to raise client awareness of services
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

so, what is your plan?
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letting staff go after tax season

4 reasons it’s a bad idea.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

question: i am planning on letting go of some staff after april 18 and will hire replacements at a higher level. any suggestions?

more: checklist: 46 avoidable tax-filing errors – if clients only knew | free instant download: sample fee schedule for 1040s | how to prepare returns for a multiple-year non-filer | 9 questions to ask about divorce and taxes
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

answer: 1) your implication is that you will hire replacements at a higher level.
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how to sell bundled tax services

flat fees relieve “clock watching.”

by ed mendlowitz
how to build a stronger tax practice

following are two sample engagement proposals for tax return preparation bundled with additional financial planning and business planning services.

more on marketing: how to prepare returns for a multiple-year non-filer | structuring partnership and buy-sell agreements | the 64-point business startup checklist | how to offer second opinions | how to offer employment compensation assistance | basic budgeting for clients | guiding heirs | 11 questions to ask every tax client | add new revenues with tax prep follow-ups | marketing vs. selling: both must serve the client first
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

letter 1:
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checklist: 46 avoidable tax-filing errors – if clients only knew

tax season checklists: learn more

here’s a handy checklist to share with clients.

by ed mendlowitz
tax season checklists

taxes are hard enough without making avoidable errors. before clients file, they should double check to make sure they don’t make these errors. we often hand out this checklist to clients to avoid mistakes in advance.

  1. not signing the return (if you file paper copies)
  2. number transposition and spelling errors
  3. unchecked or unanswered questions
  4. entering incorrect or unpaid estimated tax payments
  5. missing pages in a paper filed return read more →

how to prepare returns for a multiple-year non-filer

man staring at pile of paperworkthese clients might need a (gentle) push.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

it is not unusual to meet with potential clients that have not filed tax returns for many years.

more on marketing: structuring partnership and buy-sell agreements | 7 questions for succession planning | 15 points to buying or selling a business | 9 questions to ask about divorce and taxes | how and why to offer estate planning | why cpas are suited to financial planning | how to suggest more services
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

with these clients it is important to get them to understand the seriousness of their situation and that the sooner they comply, the greater the likelihood that the worst they would be subject to would be penalties for late filing and payment if they owe money.
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staff performance feedback done right

marc rosenberg: "because supervisors know there will be an annual review, they may hold off giving feedback on an ongoing basis. so staff often hear criticism for the first time during the annual appraisal."6 problems with annual reviews. plus sample forms for job and (sigh) annual reviews.

by marc rosenberg
on staffing

“feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – ken blanchard

 

more on staffing: why staff scheduling should be centralized | 8 recruiting strategies: how many are you using? | 6 keys to advancement programs | guidelines for flexible work policies | staff need meaningful recognition | survey: 97% of leading firms now offer flexible work arrangements | how to create a talent management strategy
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

this post is divided into two sections:

  • the progressive view of providing performance feedback, which a minority of firms today practice. whenever something new appears in a major way, some firms are always slow to embrace it. examples: proactive selling, going paperless, adopting the cloud and managing a cpa firm like a real business.
  • the traditional view of providing performance feedback, which a majority of firms still practice today. if asked why the traditional practice continues, a common response is often, “that’s the way we’ve always done it. it ain’t perfect, but we are reasonably satisfied with it.””

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structuring partnership and buy-sell agreements

number 20 with target and arrows in center of zeroa 20-point checklist.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

this service puts the accountant in the role of a mediator attempting to resolve conflicts and to serve as a facilitator to move things along to accomplish stated goals.

more on marketing: how to conduct business valuations and forensic investigations | yes, accountants can perform conflict resolution | how to counsel on retirement planning | investment clubs and how to counsel them | offering second marriage assistance | what you need to start a financial planning discussion | tax projections: how and why | how to raise client awareness of services
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

who needs this service

many businesses do not have shareholders’ or buy-sell agreements.
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7 questions for succession planning

this work uses our highest skills.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

clients who own businesses should have a plan of succession.

more on marketing: how to conduct business valuations and forensic investigations | the 64-point business startup checklist | how to offer second opinions | how to offer employment compensation assistance | basic budgeting for clients | guiding heirs | 11 questions to ask every tax client | add new revenues with tax prep follow-ups
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

one plan should be for when and how they will retire, and another for if they should die while they are in full control of the business. things happen and will happen and can be devastating to the family – financially and emotionally.
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how to conduct business valuations and forensic investigations

includes a sample preliminary document request.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

business valuation is performing appraisals of businesses for many uses and reasons.

more on marketing: the 64-point business startup checklist | 15 points to buying or selling a business | offering elder care assurance services | 9 questions to ask about divorce and taxes | guiding clients in investment allocation and management | 11 questions to ask every tax client | add new revenues with tax prep follow-ups
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

forensic investigations relate to disputes that are in or will lead to litigation.
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the 64-point business startup checklist

multiple question markshelp your clients find answers to questions they never knew to ask.

by ed mendlowitz
the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice doctor

many clients start small businesses and some grow into big businesses. anyone starting a business needs assistance at the beginning from an accountant on choosing an entity, determining the initial capitalization, getting an identification number and setting up the books.

more on marketing: 15 points to buying or selling a business | yes, accountants can perform conflict resolution | how to counsel on retirement planning | offering second marriage assistance | what you need to start a financial planning discussion | tax projections: how and why
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

services also related in this area are buying a franchise, entering into a partnership and structuring investments. all proposed transactions by clients should be reviewed by an accountant for the tax consequences of such activities.
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