How is Susan Boyle Like an Accounting Firm?
You’d have to be living under a rock not to know who Susan Boyle is, but in case you don’t, she’s came in second place in “Britain’s Got Talent,” a competition that propelled this no-name singer to instant stardom, thanks to a mix of kudos from Simon Cowell and a bit of viral marketing.
How is Susan Boyle like an accounting firm?
Unfortunately, Susan’s in rehab, not for substance abuse (according to reports), but for exhaustion. She’s just plain tired of being in the spotlight and must regroup in order to move on.
Accounting firms are like Susan Boyle in that they, too, are tired after busy season and must regroup. This is typically the time of year when firms hold retreats, partner meetings and similar gatherings.
Isn’t is about time firms figured out that planning for firm growth occurs year-round? Time cannot stop just because you’re in busy season. I had a friend tell me that the best time to market yourself is when you’re the busiest, because you feel the “best” about what you’re doing.
Great advice … and firms should take notice. Don’t stop promoting yourself, networking with clients and prospects, and planning your future just because you think you’re too busy. Find time to sit down on a regular basis and talk about your growth potential.
Otherwise, you’ll be like Susan and only sing one note: a flat D-Minor.
So well said!!! I have often given my colleagues a hard time for acting as if the world stops revolving for 3 months out of the year. There is a general sentiment that during those months CPA’s can take no time or effort to manage their firm let alone consider doing anything outside of their office.
In addition many CPA committees and task forces are put on hold, which creates ultimately 6 months of downtime because it is June before you can rebuild any momentum that you had going into busy season.
As a profession we need to get our heads out of the sand and keep in mind life exists 12 months out of the year…not 9!
Byron - also well said. My own clients appreciate it when I DO contact them during busy season because they admit they need to be reminded that marketing is a 12-month process!
Agreed. I talk with other firm owners all the time and can’t believe how they put absolutely everything else on hold for 3 months. Many of them complain that conference registration deadlines fall before April 15th because they or no one at their firms even have time to fill out a registration firm. I imagine that they are doing absolutely no networking or marketing during this time either.
To me, networking during our tax season is a great way to get out of the office for a few hours and allows me to talk to clients when I am focused and excited. It also helps to let them know that I am available year round - unlike other accountants who they do not see for 3 months out of the year.