Mark's Magic of Success 9 Feb 21

3 practical tips I shared recently in 1-2-1 sessions

1. The bull's horns - That problem you are putting off dealing with is like a bull in a china shop. You cannot just leave it be. You have to deal with it. Grasp the bull's horns and do the stuff you don't like first and before it damages everything else.
2. Change the package - When you feel under pressure to vary the fees you have quoted, never just agree to reduce them. If you have to change the price, change the package too. That means changing the terms or scope of the service you are providing to reflect the change in price.
3. Whose thoughts are they anyway? Those negative thoughts you have may be based on other people’s words. Try telling yourself in your own words the reality of the situation, rather than just relying on the memories you have. You don’t need to tell yourself lies about your ability. Just be honest about what you’re capable of in your own words. This can help reset your mindset.

What are you talking about Mark? --> How to be seen as more than just another accountant

Very proud to have been booked to present this talk online for a special group of accountants later this month.

The key to achieving greater success as an accountant often requires you to be more influential and to better evidence your credibility. At the same time you need to make it easy for people to Remember you, to Refer you and to Recommend you (3Rs), more so than your competitors. This is equally true for your face to face interactions and for those you have online too. [More here>>>]

Please get in touch if you want to consider such a session for your office/team.

Ten Resolutions for Accountants in February

Now that January 2021 is behind us, perhaps it is time to consider any resolutions or promises you might want to make to yourself.

Certainly you should have more time now than you might have done at the turn of the year.

In my blog post today I suggest ten resolutions that I think many accountants should consider making.

You can read the full blog post and my advice here >>>

How self-confident are you?

Maybe you would value my insights and encouragement to boost your self-confidence and help you to:

• Stop wasting time and manage your time more productively
• Stop worrying about marketing and promotional activities
• Get the leads you really want from the time you spend on Linkedin
• Get more value from networking and business development activities
• Spend more time working ON your business rather than IN your practice
• Plan more effectively for the future
• Take the actions necessary to achieve your goals

How might you want to get my support?

Strategic support calls: You can book a 2 hour zoom strategy call as a one-off, or as a series in blocks of 6. All such calls include related follow up within reason.

One-off calls: There's no charge for the shortest of calls. You can also book a longer focused call for a fixed fee. You share your background, where you are, what you’re worried about and what you want to achieve in the short and long term. We discuss what actions you could be taking in the immediate future. You clear your head. I help you prioritise and get motivated.

One month programme of weekly goal focused calls: What is it you want to achieve, be or do differently? Whilst I cannot wave a magic wand to make it happen for you, I can ‘hold your feet to the fire’ encourage, support and guide you to achieve your short-term goals.

Flexi-Mentoring programme – with ‘P’ calls: This programme gives you up to 12 calls where we focus on you making Progress as we resolve your Problems, establish your Priorities and your Possibilities. Our conversations will be focused, flexible and fun. There are 3 options as regards this programme.

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Further details, charges and payment terms are all set out here >>>>

Fun time: When things were more formal than today

Many years ago when accountancy firms were more formal than they are today, the senior partner noticed a new trainee in the office and called out to him, across the older articled clerks:

"Come over here! What's your name young man?"

"John," the new trainee replied.

"Look, I don't know where you grew up or what school or colleague you attended, but I don't call anyone by their first name," the senior partner scowled. "It breeds familiarity, and that leads to a breakdown in authority and respect. I refer to all my staff by their last names only: Smith, Jones, Baker, whatever. And you are to refer to me as 'Sir'. Do I make myself clear?"

"Absolutely Sir!"

"Now that we've got that straight, what's your last name?"

The trainee sighed, "Darling, My name is John Darling, Sir."

"Okay, Then. Welcome to the firm John.”

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* When something funny happens to you or you see something that might be suitable for the Accounting and tax fun blog, please let me know.

Think on this...

What do you and your people do when faced with an unfamiliar challenge?

Ask clients to think on this too.

Final thoughts

I hope February is proving to be less stressful, more enjoyable and more profitable than January!

Going forwards I hope that you can stay positive, test negative while remaining safe, smiling and well sanitised.

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Mark Lee FCA provides strategic advice, talks and mentoring to accountants and tax advisers who want to improve their reach, referrals and results. He is also Chairman of the Tax Advice Network, the UK’s largest network of independent tax advisers.

Mark has long been a popular speaker for UK accountants both on stage and online. Informed, entertaining and commercial he also debunks hype and misconceptions. Earlier in his career he was a partner in two top firms. He has a number of voluntary roles including being Treasurer of The Magic Circle.

In addition to his frequent posts on Linkedin, Mark writes a weekly blog and a popular weekly 'Magic of Success' email. His website is: BookMarkLee.co.uk