{"id":82270,"date":"2021-03-07t22:00:44","date_gmt":"2021-03-08t03:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/48e130086c.nxcli.net\/?p=82270"},"modified":"2021-03-08t00:06:50","modified_gmt":"2021-03-08t05:06:50","slug":"business-development-activities-shouldnt-be-a-chore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.g005e.com\/2021\/03\/07\/business-development-activities-shouldnt-be-a-chore\/","title":{"rendered":"business development activities shouldn\u2019t be a chore"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"man<\/a>be ready when the time comes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

by steven e. sacks<\/i>
\nthe new fundamentals<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

seasoned professionals in cpa firms would rather skip the \u201cmeet and greets\u201d because they are burned out, especially during tax season. but it is known that the best time to look for business is when you are doing year-end audit and tax work, letting the client know that you have his or her best interests at heart.<\/p>\n

more: <\/b>business is about relationships<\/a> | reaching for authenticity in client service<\/a> | deadlines? ha! don\u2019t make me laugh<\/a> | organizational change starts and ends with people<\/a> | busyness isn\u2019t the same as productivity<\/a>
\n\"goprocpa.com\"exclusively for pro members. <\/span><\/strong>log in here<\/a> or 2022世界杯足球排名 today<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

so, if the managing partner suggests you attend a conference or an open house \u2013 either offered by your own firm or by an outside firm \u2013 don\u2019t look at it as a chore but rather a way to differentiate you and your firm from the competition. this holds true whether you are a new partner, on the partner track or an up-and-comer who is not sure how to navigate a professional gathering. especially for the younger professionals, i recommend just jumping in to learn the ropes and the dos and don’ts \u2013 sooner rather than later.
\n
\nmaking a positive first impression<\/strong><\/p>\n

so, you agreed to appear at an event (albeit begrudgingly). while woody allen may have said that \u201ceighty-five percent of life is just showing up,\u201d you need to do more than just appear. making a positive first impression is your number one goal; seeking opportunities to push your skills, products or your firm is second \u2013 a distant second. if you fail at the former, the latter may never materialize.<\/p>\n

\u201cyou never know what results will come from your action. but if you do nothing, there will be no results.\u201d \u2013 mahatma gandhi<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

what is meant by a positive first impression? what are its components? typically, it is appearance, behavior and language (including voice modulation, tone and word selection). why is your\u00a0appearance <\/strong>so important? it\u2019s the first thing that people notice as you approach them or are being introduced by a third party. your attire conveys that you are professional, serious and competent \u2013 and may even project a level of success. it’s like driving a fancy car. you are trying to keep up appearances.<\/p>\n

behavior<\/strong>, or more specifically, body language, influences the opinions formed about you. be aware of such things as solid eye contact during a conversation (when both speaking and listening), a firm handshake upon the initial introduction, a posture that shows interest and the elimination of distracting hand movements and other idiosyncratic habits.<\/p>\n

you may have perfected appearance and behavior, but the last leg of the three-legged stool is your\u00a0language<\/strong>. your use of words will be carefully noticed by others and will be the arbiter of whether you are truly a professional. words matter as does the tone and quality of your voice. speaking clearly and employing the proper words (25-cent words have their place in journals but may be turnoffs to others in networking settings) will enhance understanding and the flow of the conversation, as well as build trust.<\/p>\n

for those who listen carefully to what others say, precise speaking and the avoidance of derogatory or disparaging remarks will ensure that those with whom you are conversing will still be with you. and for our younger professionals, the elimination of word fillers such as \u201cyou know, \u201cright,\u201d \u201cum\u201d and \u201cuh\u201d will make your points more impactful. it may be okay with your contemporaries but will surely turn off potential customers and clients.<\/p>\n

finally, as the old adage goes, \u201cit\u2019s not what you say but how you say it\u201d is as relevant today as it has ever been. this is more important in face-to-face interaction rather than in tweets or texts, which invite opportunities for misinterpretation \u2013 causing ill will to manifest and escalate. try to take the high road even when you are dealing with someone who is violating the rules mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n

older professionals may know this (though they may not be strict adherents). but if you are planning to bring your younger professionals to a networking event or a client proposal meeting, make sure they know the proper comportment. as their boss, serve as a role model. it\u2019s a difference between the successful cultivation of a relationship and an abrupt and unsuccessful end to advance your personal brand and that of your firm.<\/p>\n

these are fundamental guidelines, but how many times have they been violated or ignored?\u00a0too many.<\/p>\n

as mark twain was to have said: “i was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.”<\/p>\n