A quick five point plan to get more referrals. And more.....

Did you enjoy the bank holiday or work as normal? Or maybe both - if you don't consider them to be mutually exclusive?

Below you'll find more practical ideas and insights to help you achieve more success, plus:?A quick five point plan to get more referrals.

And this week's fun item contains the cleaner suggestions re things that could be said to your accountant but not to your partner.

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

My mentoring clients appreciated these tips in the context of their issues, challenges and problems. I hope you will find them helpful too.

1. Give it time:?When things seem to have gone wrong, do tell me, and I'll try to help you avoid a panicked or instinctive response before you have thought things through. It invariably helps to first pause. To do something else and then only decide how to react after due consideration. As we saw today, things are rarely as bad as they might seem at first.
2. Track your achievements:?Keep track of things that go well for you. Note them down so you don't forget. Regularly review your list and celebrate your achievements. At the very least give yourself a pat on the back. This will make it easier to deal with things that don't go well.
3. Be confident:?Yes, I'll be here to remind you that you have the experience and expertise to tell clients what's what. You need to start doing that more often - without appearing arrogant. That won't be hard as your current approach seems to be due to a lack of inner self-confidence.

More on mentoring >>>

1-2-1 strategic and practical advice for you and your practice

It all starts with an informal chat on the phone or on zoom. I'll ask you to tell me about the biggest issue you face. And anything else on your mind. Go on [[ contact.first_name | default: 'Friend' ]] - book a call now. It costs nothing and could prove to be very worthwhile.

Book a call now >>>

Expert tax support for your clients

Next time you need tax support - for a one-off situation or to find someone to refer your heavyweight tax issues on a regular basis, just go to FindATaxAdviser.online.

The advisers are all members of the Tax Advice Network, which I Chair.

There's no charge for you to use the quick, easy and free online search facility to find the right tax adviser by expertise and location whatever your tax problem, question or challenge.

You can also register (also no charge) to receive the Tax Advice Network's unique tax updates. Every week these contain at least 3 topical, timely, commercial and practical tax tips with direct links to original source material.

Members of the Network come from various backgrounds, but all are tax specialists and experts in their field. Most work from home (and did so before the pandemic), so they don’t charge the inflated fees you might expect of a large consultancy or accountancy firm.

FindATaxAdviser.online >>>

A quick five point plan to get more referrals

So many accountants tell me that most of their new clients come from word of mouth and client referrals. In most cases however this seems to be a function of luck rather than planned in any way.

Have you ever thought about how you could make it easier for your contacts to know who would make a good referral for you? And to encourage such referrals rather than simply waiting and hoping they will make such referrals?

Here is a quick 5 point plan that could help you in this regard:

1. Identify ten people (your Target Ten) who might know people who could be ideal referrals for you. Your Target Ten might include some good clients, lawyers, bankers or other professionals with whom you have worked and established a mutually trusting relationship.

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In this week's blog post you'll find the rest of the 5 points starting with what to do with your 'Target Ten'.

Read more >>>

Fun time - Things that could be said to your accountant but not to your partner

This is the cleaner list of suggestions I collated in a facebook group:

• Can I claim this as an expense?
• I've done a couple of things I shouldn't have done but it's best I don't tell you.
• Is there any chance of a discount if I recommend you to a friend?
• I am afraid your assets are not very impressive
• Do you charge by the number of transactions, or is it one set fee for the entire relationship?
• How much do you charge an hour?
• You're very experienced, is that why you charge so much?
• Is there any interest? I used to get more interest a few years ago.
• How much?

You'll find a longer list of less clean suggestions plus plenty more to make you laugh on the?Accounting Fun blog here >>>

Let's have a chat...

Let's have a chat if any of the above topics resonated with you. I love supporting and encouraging accountants who want to secure more referrals, reach and results.

You can take your chances here now: 07769 692890

or book a call at a time that suits us both:?www.calendly.com/bookmarklee

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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 (for just two more weeks)!

BookMarkLee.co.uk