What you can do when clients won't play ball?

I should have more time on my hands now as I have just stepped down as Treasurer of The Magic Circle after seven and half years. The big question is what will I do with that extra time? Suggestions on a postcard please.....

Below you'll find more practical ideas to help you succeed, plus my advice as regards another common issue:?What you can do when clients won't play ball.

And this week's fun item is 'Ten annoying myths about accountancy'.

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

Which of these tips could help as regards the issues, challenges and problems you are facing in your practice?

1. Who do you want to influence??Decide what sort of person this is and then ensure that you focus the messages on your Linkedin profile on them. This may not only be future clients. You might, for example, want to include influencers and introducers. Or prospective recruits, partners or purchasers.
2. FOOT:?Focus On One Thing. This single tip has had a huge positive impact on my life in the last year. When you know what your 'one thing' is you can focus and you'll get more done.
3. Pioneer or Follower??It can be tempting to want to be first, a leader and a pioneer. And for many people this is a key part of who they are. Remember though that this typically involves paying a premium price (in terms of time and money) compared with those who follow on and can learn from your experience as to what works or doesn't work. Remember it's the second mouse that gets the cheese ;-)

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 - 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 client's 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 >>>

What can you do if you want to attract a better type of client?

Many an otherwise savvy sole practitioner tells me about similar problems with their client base.

"They won't pay higher fees, they don't want additional services and they leave everything to the last minute"

If you have clients like this, you're not alone. Often it's a direct consequence of how desperate you were to take on new clients when you started your practice. Did you just take on anyone and everyone? Did you take on a few clients who just wanted a new accountant who was cheaper than the last one?

Have you ever tried to train them or are you so afraid of losing them that you'll put up with almost anything? It's just not worth the risk as you don't have much of a plan to secure new and profitable clients. Perhaps you've never had such a plan?

If I ask you how you get most of your new clients I'll bet you'll say "recommendations and referrals". And maybe your website helps too. Well done.

Just one thing though. Are you winning the sort of new clients you really want - or are they much like your existing clients? After all, many clients tend to recommend people like themselves.

I do feel sorry for the sole practitioners who are not happy with their client base. They don't feel they can make time to go out and win new clients and yet the existing client base is a strain and frustrating. I don't think I could work like that.

The simple fact is that the only way things are going to change is if YOU take action to make things different.

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In this week's blog post you'll find my simple two-step process to help you take that action.

Read more >>>

Fun time - Ten annoying myths about accountancy

1. Accounting is just about maths
2. Accounting services are expensive
3. Accountants are boring
4. Accounting is all about helping clients pay less tax
5. It's important to have an accounting degree before you start
6. Tax is payable by reference to turnover (rather than profit)
7. Profit and cash are the same
8. If there's money in the bank we must be doing alright
9. You don't need an accountant if you use Xero or QBO
10. Accountants all make loads of money and are loaded

You'll find 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 over 7 years - and until next Monday!

BookMarkLee.co.uk