Last week we took a field trip. Not to the chocolate factory. Not to the zoo. This was a "business" field trip. I have always been a huge proponent for letting fledgling accountants have more client contact. I believe the more they can relate to the end consumer of their hard work, the more pride of ownership they will have. I also believe that in order for these young people to become true trusted advisors, they need to understand not just the financial performance aspect of a company, but all performance aspects.

There has been a lot written about the multi-generational work force, and most of it has been directed toward the differences in the values and the behaviors that each generation exhibits. Highlighting the conflict between them, how they don't get along, and that "we just have to live with it". Of course this is coming from the point of view of an ageing Baby Boomer.

Did you drop the ball on marketing during tax season? Every May I hear accountants lament they should have done more marketing while they had clients right in front of them. The reasons cited are pretty much the same year after year and, frankly, come May 1st they don't even matter. What is important is that you have a strategy for recovering from your marketing fumble. Read more...