Let’s assume you are too young to remember (or to have heard about) the 1938 infamous broadcast by Orson Wells based on the novel by H.G. Wells, Viral headlines/messages to avoid at all costs:
· Client flips out (goes postal) over missed deadline
· 70 percent of bills go out with a fee surprise inside – and we’re not talking Cracker Jack.
· 30 percent of staff walk out the door on March 1 leaving clients scrambling for new accountant
· Staff mutiny forces partners to sell practice at a discount
Viral headlines/messages that would be awesome:
· There is a year long waiting list of prospects hoping to sign on with YOUR FIRM
· YOUR FIRM receives recognition by U.S. Chamber for “Business Champion of the Year”
· Accounting grads line up to interview at YOUR FIRM
· 85 percent of YOUR FIRM’s clients did not experience any recessionary set backs
· 15 percent of YOUR FIRM’S billable time is “donated” to clients to help them ride out the recession
· Independent study shows YOUR FIRM has had a significant impact on the health of local businesses and YOUR CITY’S economy
· Wall Street Journal profiles YOUR FIRM on front page
· Warren Buffet invites YOUR FIRM to speak at business growth Symposium
Have some fun with this concept and post an unbelievable (but possible) headline/message for your team to see. Then watch the team’s reaction. As you tell them the truth, ask the question, “What would have to happen for this headline to be true?” Let that discussion guide your firm improvement strategy going forward. Orson Wells made a name of himself by playing out an outrageous scenario over the radio. YOUR FIRM can enjoy the same notoriety, but without the negative spin, by seeking to take a seemingly outrageous claim and turning it into reality.
