Welcome to another edition of the Growth Minded Accountant. 

My name is Lee Reams, Founder and CEO of CountingWorks and our AI-powered community site, TaxBuzz.com. I will be your host today as we discuss Developing a Referral Business Around the U.S. Tax Code, niching down, and other strategies to help your practice thrive. 

Our esteemed guest today is Randy Crabtree, a renowned CPA with a wealth of experience and insights to share. 

Since 2019, Randy has hosted the bi-weekly "The Unique CPA" podcast, which ranks among the world's 5% most popular programs. You can find articles from Randy in Accounting Today's Voices column and the AICPA Tax Adviser and CPA. He regularly presents at conferences and virtual training events hosted by CPA associations, state CPA societies, and the top 400 CPA firms nationwide.

Today, we explore why being a generalist will destroy your work-life balance and limit your growth opportunities. 

• Discover how the strategic move of niching down can establish you as an expert in your field and significantly enhance your ability to attract high-paying clients. 
  
  
• What thought leadership looks like, including hosting podcasts and webinars and developing other educational material for your audiences. 
  
  
• Uncover practical tips on identifying the right niche for your practice, even if it might not be what you initially thought. 
  
  
• How to use automation and processes to transform your workflow and give you your weekends back.

Breaking Down the Role of Automation and AI in the Accounting Space

Welcome to the latest episode of the Growth Minded Accountant! I'm Lee Reams, Founder and CEO of CountingWorksPRO and TaxBuzz.com, and I'm excited to be your host today. In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of automation and AI within the accounting industry. Joining us are Jesse Rubenfeld, Founder and CEO of FinOptimal, and Tom Zehentner, Director of Growth at FinOptimal.

Jesse and Tom are at the forefront of innovation in accounting, leveraging their expertise to develop tools that empower accountants and business leaders to overcome challenges and drive growth. As we explore the evolving landscape of accounting, we address pressing questions and discuss actionable insights for professionals in the field.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Recognizing Opportunities: Are accountants fully embracing the potential of AI to optimize their practices?
  
2. Talent Shortage and Adoption: How will the shortage of accounting talent influence the adoption of automation and AI?

3. Evolution of Accountant Roles: What shifts are occurring in the responsibilities of accountants, and what trends can we expect in the future?

4. Streamlining Financial Processes: Discover how finance automation enhances efficiency and time savings for accounting professionals.

5. Practical Impact of Automation: Learn how automation can eliminate manual tasks and drive efficiency, unlocking growth potential.

6. Importance for Startups: Why is prioritizing accounting essential for startups, and how can AI enhance financial management practices from inception?

7. Navigating API Challenges: Addressing limitations with native APIs in accounting tools and strategies for effective navigation.

8. Flaws in QuickBooks Integrations: Understanding potential pitfalls in QuickBooks integrations and ensuring seamless value addition.

9. Contributions to Industry Revolution: Explore examples of innovative practices and technologies reshaping the traditionally undisrupted accounting industry.

10. Dispelling Misconceptions: Addressing common misconceptions surrounding automation and AI adoption in accounting.

11. FinOptimal's Impact: Discover how FinOptimal enriches the lives of small business owners and accountants through innovative solutions.

12. Connect with FinOptimal: For those eager to learn more, find out how to connect with Jesse, Tom, and the FinOptimal team.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of automation and AI in accounting, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for professionals navigating this transformative landscape. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

In this episode we explore strategies to improve your tax practice’s local presence , from community engagement to forming partnerships with local businesses. Below are some effective local marketing strategies, paving the way for enhanced visibility, increased client trust, and sustained growth.

If you have SEO questions or want to improve your firm's visibility in 2024, reach out to us here. 

In this insightful episode, Rick shares his unique journey—from building a firm with only $20 in savings to managing a staggering half a billion dollars in his current RIA. His book delves into 30 essential lessons for professional service business owners, covering topics from branding to increasing referrals through professional networks.

Here's a glimpse of the engaging topics we explore with Rick:

Topic 1: Company Culture and Business Growth

Defining "company culture" in the context of building a professional firm.

How a strong company culture contributes to firm growth and success.

Topic 2: Trust Compression and Edification

Understanding "Trust Compression" and its significance in business relationships.

The role of "edification" in growing both a company and professional networks.

Topic 3: Challenges to Growth for Professional Advice Firms

Common challenges that professional advice firms face in achieving growth.

Strategies to overcome challenges for sustainable and meaningful growth.

Topic 4: Good Growth vs. Bad Growth

Distinguishing good growth from bad growth in professional firms.

Advice for navigating the complexities of growth for service business owners.

Topic 5: The National Referral Network

Unique aspects of the National Referral Network and its benefits for professionals.

How professionals can leverage participation in such a network.

Buy The Book

The National Referral Network

Subscribe now and join the Growth Minded Accountant community!

Your website serves as your virtual storefront – and, in the case of fully remote firms, your only storefront –welcoming potential clients into your world of expertise and trustworthiness. It's a platform where you have the opportunity to connect on a personal level, making a lasting impression that can lead to fruitful professional relationships.

In this episode, Lee Reams II and Rebekah Barton talk about the best practices for an accounting or tax website.

Have questions? Visit our website at www.countingworkspro.com or call us at
(800) 442-2477. 

In this episode, Lee Reams and Rebekah Barton discuss the best strategies you can use to develop an effective and complete marketing strategy for your firm.

Have questions? Visit our website at www.countingworkspro.com.

Request a demo from our team here. 

In this day and age, a website is essential for nearly every kind of business. Tax and accounting firms are no exception. Yet, even the most seasoned tax and accounting professionals can find themselves ensnared in the web of common mistakes that can sabotage their online success – the world of digital media is very different than the “old school” tax and accounting industry many of these experts are used to, and it can be confusing and overwhelming.

In this episode- join us as we discuss common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 

Have questions? Visit countingworkspro.com, or give us a call at (800) 442-2477.

In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Paul William Davis, and they discuss how to discover your life purpose.

About our guest:
Paul is an experienced Personal & Business Growth Specialist with a passion for helping individuals and businesses realize their true potential and achieve outstanding results. 

Check out Paul on Instagram,  LinkedIn, and his website.

In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Manuj Aggarwal, a speaker, author of two best-selling books, and host of the podcast Bootstrapping Your Dreams. This episode discusses AI and how it will reshape the future of many professions, specifically the tax and accounting space.

About Our Guest:
Manuj Aggarwal is a thought leader in Artificial Intelligence and has spoken alongside a Nobel Prize Winner at the United Nations.

Check out Manuj on Twitter,  LinkedIn, and his website.

Today Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Rebekah Barton, Chief Visibility Officer of CountingWorks PRO. In this episode, they discuss how you can double your tax and accounting practice revenue this off-season.

Today Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Rebekah Barton, Chief Visibility Officer of CountingWorks PRO. The Growth Minded Accountant offers unique insights to help CPAs, EAs, and other tax professionals succeed in today’s business climate. In this episode, discover how thought leadership can transform how your firm operates.

Today Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Scott Bywater, a sought-after speaker and copywriter. In this episode, Lee and Scott discuss how to use the written word to drive more revenue for your practice.

About Our Guest:
Scott Bywater is based in Australia and has spoken at many important digital marketing events, as well as facilitated countless workshops.
Check out Scott on Twitter,  LinkedIn, and his website.

In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Rudy Zabran, from Consolidated Analytics, a CountingWorks partner for on demand tax and accounting staffing. This episode discusses the profession wide labor shortage, and whether offshoring might be a good option for your firm.

If you are currently understaffed and need help, see our program details here. 

About Our Guest:
Rudy Zabran is Chief Revenue Officer at Consolidated Analytics, a leading provider of end-to-end mortgage services including residential valuation, fulfillment, due diligence, component services, consulting and advisory.

Check out Rudy on Twitter,  LinkedIn, and his company website.

In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Mark Willis, a Certified Financial Planner™. This episode discusses how you and your business can be better equipped to handle the current economic and financial situation.

About Our Guest:
Mark Willis is a three-time #1 Best Selling Author, co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast, and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services.
Check out Mark on Twitter,  LinkedIn, and his website.

Lee Reams II is joined by Anna Runyan, the brains behind the 90-Day planner, a career strategy that helps you have the practice you love and supports the life you want. Anna is the Founder & CEO of ClassyCareerGirl.com, a Forbes Top 35 Most Influential Career Site. 

In this episode, they discuss the value of content creation for tax and accounting professionals. This episode also covers the benefits of utilizing a 90 day planner in order to change habits, make goals, and run the practice you love.

Lee Reams II is joined by Drs. Todd & Kim Saxton, award-winning professors at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business who have made it their mission to help startup founders and investors navigate the “icebergs” that so often sink startups in their early stages. They are co-authors of the Titanic Effect, a book covering what makes startups successful. Instead of telling startups what to do, like most startup books, they share what startups should avoid. www.titaniceffect.com

Together, they discuss the stages of startup development, avoiding sources of startup failure, best product development approaches, and more. 

Have you ever wondered how you can launch and grow a payroll speciality practice? In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder and CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Charles Read to discuss how you can scale a payroll business from scratch.

About Our Guest:
Charles is a CPA and Founder of Custom Payroll Associates, Inc. and GetPayroll.
www.getpayroll.com

In this episode, Lee Reams II, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Nicky Billou, an expert in helping service professionals become branded thought leaders. This episode covers the topic of helping service professionals build a comprehensive personal brand and evergreen thought leadership position.

About Our Guest:
Nicky Billou is the host of the Thought Leader Revolution podcast and President/CEO of eCircle.
www.ecircleacademy.com

In this podcast episode, Lee Reams II, Founder and CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by Daniel Alfon, a seasoned marketing and LinkedIn expert. This episode covers the ways that LinkedIn can create opportunities and conversations that lead to new business.

About Our Guest:
Daniel takes pride in helping business owners leverage their LinkedIn presence to get leads. He is also the author of the book "Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success". www.danielalfon.com

In this episode, Lee Reams, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO is joined by Jay Baron, CEO of Elevate Demand, to discuss digitizing the client experience. They touch on the importance of establishing your digital footprint, digitizing each client touchpoint, and how the digital front office has changed.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Growth Minded Accountant! In this episode, Lee Reams, Founder/CEO of CountingWorks PRO, and Jay Baron, CEO of Elevate Demand, talk about a variety of changes occurring in the tax and accounting space. This episode is quite informative! Listen closely, as they touch on the benefits of a positioned firm, being a generalist vs a specialist, the importance of having a strong digital presence, building authority and trust, and much more.

Changes in the tax code and our population's demographics have made reverse mortgages more appealing than ever before. In this episode Lee Reams II, founder and CEO of CountingWorks PRO, is joined by David Gittelson of Finance of America as they discuss the best strategies for tax planning with reverse mortgages.

Are you a tax pro interested in learning more? Check out our free webinar, Enhancing Retirement Through a Reverse Mortgage - 1 Hour CPE.

With so much turmoil in the staffing space for tax and accounting practices, our newest podcast covers how tax and accounting practices are surviving the great resignation. This podcast is hosted by Lee Reams II, Founder and CEO of CountingWorks, Inc., with special guest Lucero Smith, the founder and CEO of Your-Coo.com, an Operations + Human Resources Consulting Firm based in Irvine, California. 

Building trust and rapport are the top traits you can use to sell your tax/accounting services to any prospect. Join CountingWorks PRO CEO/Founder, Lee Reams II and Jamie Noriega, ADP VP Channel Sales, to hear more about the importance of building relationships in regards to selling skills— whether these sales happen in-person or remotely. 

Imagine for a moment...

That your firm only said “yes” to the clients you really enjoyed working with.
AND
 That those clients happened to be the highest paying clients.

Dream scenario, right?

When you’re just starting out, anyone willing to pay you to help them is a “good fit.” Everyone has to pay their dues. 

But too often as you grow, you add additional industries and services to the roster to appease new clients, and before you know it, you’re doing everything for everyone.

Welcome to the first in our Marketing First Framework Series.  In this podcast, Lee Reams II, Founder and CEO of CountingWorks PRO, and CountingWorks PRO Design Associate, Janice Hostager, cover what’s wrong with a referral-only firm, stress the importance of positioning your firm to find your dream clients and HOW to position your firm.