Networking Events for CPAs- Making the Most of Conferences and Seminars - 06-15-25

Networking is vital to any profession and is no different for us Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Attending conferences and seminars can be a game-changer, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and grow your professional network. These events are not just about business but also about personal and professional growth. However, to truly benefit from these events, it's essential to have a strategy in place. Listen in to learn more...

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Transcript

Okay. Let's unpack this. You're, working in tax. Alright. Maybe a a CPA, EA, tax preparer, maybe tax law.

Mhmm. Your head's probably already full of regs, deadlines, client stuff. Yeah. Constantly. And then on top of all that, you're supposed to keep up with changes, find opportunities, and, connect with people Mhmm.

Without it feeling like just another task. It's a lot. Information overload is real. And sometimes, you know, connection overload too if it's not actually productive. Exactly.

And that's kind of our mission for this deep dive. We wanna cut through some of that noise around networking and development, specifically for you, the tax pro. Right. We looked at a source that really focuses on how to get the most out of things like conferences and seminars. Yeah.

A pretty practical guide. So the goal here is to pull out the really actionable stuff, the key strategies, maybe a few surprises to help you make these events genuinely work for your growth, learning, and, well, building connections that actually matter. Think of it like a road map, you know, tailored for your world to make sure that time and money you spend going to these things, it actually pays off. Okay. So let's jump in.

The source starts with something that sounds basic but maybe gets overlooked when you're busy, networking. Mhmm. Foundational. It says it's vital, not just nice to have, for staying current, finding referrals, even figuring out career moves. And it really highlights conferences and seminars as, like, prime territory for this.

Yeah. Potential game changers is the term used, I think. Not just classrooms, but places for, strategic interaction. And it's broader than just drumming up business. Yeah.

Right? Although that's obviously a possibility. Definitely. The source talks a lot about personal and professional growth. You know, learning new things, understanding where the market's heading, getting different takes on issues.

That all helps you serve your clients better. Okay. And here's something I found really interesting that the source brought up. Attending non CPA conferences or, you know, events outside the usual tax bubble. Right.

That's a great point it makes. Why though? Like, why would you, as a tax expert, go to maybe a small business summit instead of the big tax law update conference? Well, the thinking is it exposes you to different kinds of knowledge. Maybe you understand your clients' business challenges better.

Okay. See it from their side more. Exactly. And you meet completely different people, people who might need tax help who you just never bump into at a purely tax focused event. So better prospecting maybe?

Yeah. Unique prospecting opportunities. Plus, things like tech or marketing that's super relevant, even if it's not about section one nine nine a. You know? And that makes a ton of sense, actually.

Yeah. Broadens your view, puts you in the room with potential clients, not just, competitors or peers. Precisely. So deep dives into tax niches are great, but so are these other industry events. Both have value.

But the source is clear. Just showing up isn't the strategy. Not at all. You've gotta be strategic, and that starts, way before you even get there. Which takes us to phase one, preparation.

The absolute first step, nonnegotiable according to the source. Do your homework. Mhmm. Research the event inside out. What's the agenda?

Who's speaking? Which sessions actually align with what you need or what you're interested in? Knowing the lay of the land. And that homework feeds right into the next thing the source says is crucial, like, really crucial. Setting clear goals.

Yes. Not just vague ideas. What do you specifically want out of this event? Right. Is it about learning the latest on, say, salt issues or connecting with five people in the construction industry or just finding some peers to bounce ideas off.

Having those specific goals keeps you focused, gives you something to measure against afterwards. Did I actually achieve what I set out to do? And knowing what you want helps you figure out who you need to connect with. Exactly. Which leads to the third prep step, trying to schedule some meetings before you go.

Ah, proactive. I like it. Yeah. Use those participant lists if they send them out or, you know, LinkedIn, maybe Facebook groups for the event. Find people who look interesting and reach out.

So instead of just hoping for a random encounter. Right. You walk in already having a couple of coffee chats lined up or quick meetups planned between sessions. The source points out event hosts often want you to connect beforehand. Use that opening.

Yeah. That feels like it changes the whole dynamic of attending. Much more targeted. Definitely more effective. So that's the prep.

Then you actually arrive, phase two, optimizing your presence and engaging actively on-site. Okay. Optimizing presence. Starts with the basics. Yeah.

How you look. Mhmm. First impressions, the source is pretty direct, dressed professionally. You can show your style. Sure.

But looking polished, it signals you're serious. And there was that anecdote in the source, right, about CPA or EA conferences. Oh, yeah. Where, they saw a lot of people in shorts and flip flops. Seriously?

Yeah. At a professional conference Yeah. Shorts and wide. According to source. And the point was sharp.

If you want respect, you need to look respectable. It's not about being stuffy. It's about, you know, professionalism. Okay. Point taken.

That anecdote sticks. Beyond the close, business cards. Still a thing. Absolutely. Still powerful.

Old school paper, plastic, digital QR codes. The format doesn't matter as much as having current info ready to go. Got it. And then the elevator pitch always comes up. Yep.

Have a quick, clear intro ready. Who you are, who you help like, your ideal client or the problem you solve, the value you bring, and maybe what you're looking for there. And practice it so it doesn't sound like you're reading it off a card. Exactly. And here's that really smart test the source mentioned.

If you give your pitch and the other person just kinda nods and doesn't ask anything else Mhmm. Something might be off with your pitch. Maybe it wasn't clear or compelling or relevant to them. Use that silence as feedback. Time to tweak it.

Oh, that's brilliant. Real time feedback right there. Okay. So you're prepped. You look the part.

Pitch is ready. Now actually engaging. Right. Go to those key sessions you picked out during prep, the ones relevant to your goals. And it's not just about listening, is it?

It's about who else is in that room with you. Precisely. People with shared interests and a great way to, make yourself known, participate in the q and a. Asking questions. Yeah.

But thoughtful ones, relevant ones. It shows you're engaged, you know your stuff, gets you noticed by the speaker, sure, but also by others in the audience who thought, hey. Good question. And why you wanna be noticed depends on your goal, right, like the source says. Exactly.

Are you trying to establish expertise, connect on a specific topic? Let your question help you do that. Be intentional. Okay. And while the sessions are important, the source seemed to really highlight the informal times.

Oh, big time. Coffee breaks, lunch, those evening mixers or receptions, often described as the best places for making real connections. Less formal, less rushed. People let their guard down a bit. Yeah.

Exactly. Yeah. Easier to have a genuine chat. Okay. Makes sense.

So you've done the prep. You've engaged on-site. Now the crucial part, making sure it all doesn't just evaporate when you get back home. Phase three, extending connections beyond the event. Right.

And the first tool mentioned is social media. Powerful for staying connected long term. Because people change jobs, change emails, but maybe not their LinkedIn profile so often. Exactly. It's more stable.

The source even suggests connecting right there at the event, like, immediately after you chat with someone. Smart. Yeah. Links the face and conversation to the profile right away. Mhmm.

So how to use social? Live tweeting was mentioned? Yeah. Sharing insights from sessions using the event hashtag. It makes you visible online, connects you with people following the event feed, even those who aren't physically there.

Expands your reach. And then, obviously, connect you on LinkedIn with people you met, speakers, attendees. Mhmm. But here's the crucial bit. The source really stresses this.

Personalize that connection request. Don't just hit connect. Please don't. Mention where you met them. Reference something specific from their talk or your chat.

Maybe suggest a next step. Even if it's just looking forward to following your work, it makes a huge difference. Shows you were actually listening. Way more likely to get accepted and remembered, and also using your own social media to share what you learned. Yeah.

Post updates for your network clients, your team. Share your takeaways. It positions you as someone who's engaged, learning, bringing back value, builds credibility. Okay. Now this next part, the source seemed, particularly direct here, especially about tax pros, follow-up and follow through.

Oh, yeah. Called out is a crucial area where accountants often, well, fall short. And there was that statistic. What was it? The one that jumped out.

75% of CPAs polled said they don't follow-up with prospects. 75%. That's wow. Think of the lost opportunities there. It's huge.

And the source says follow-up isn't just, like, good manners. It shows you're serious. It shows intent, commitment, whether it's a potential client or partner or whatever. So what does good follow-up look like then? Thank you, Nils.

Yep. Email is fine, quick, easy, but the source makes a good point. A handwritten note sent in the mail. It can really stand out now because everything else is digital noise. Interesting point.

Old school is new again. Kind of. But whatever you send, personalize it. Remind them who you are by mentioning something specific you talked about. Jog their memory.

Cuts through that post conference fog. Okay. So initial thank you. Done. Then what?

Staying in touch. Set reminders, tasks. If it's a prospect, maybe add them to a nurture sequence. Send a relevant article later. Invite them to something else.

And if it's more like a potential collaborator. Schedule a call. Talk actual next steps. How can we help each other? The idea is to keep the connection warm, build the relationship over time.

Right. Not just a one off chat. And the follow through isn't just with people, is it? It's with the knowledge too. Absolutely.

The source is clear. Learning is great, but you have to apply it. Take those insights, those strategies, and actually implement them back at the office. Mhmm. And share them with your team.

It helps them, reinforces it for you, and shows you're committed to improving things based on what you learned. Okay. Beyond those main phases, there were some other sort of general networking tips mentioned. Yeah. Evergreen stuff, like being approachable.

Yeah. You know, smile, eye contact, open body language, basic but important. And listening. Actively listening. Crucial.

Show genuine interest. Ask questions about them. It's not all about your pitch. Offering help too? Being generous?

Yeah. It's a two way street. What can you offer? An introduction? An insight?

And following up on promises. If you say you'll send something Do it quickly. That builds trust like nothing else. Reliability is key. Good reminders.

And, technology, how does that fit in? Well, using official conference app is usually a must. For the schedule, maps, sometimes connecting with people right in the app Right. Leverage the tools they give you. And joining online groups associated with the event, like on LinkedIn or Facebook keeps the conversation going afterwards.

And what about virtual events if you can't travel? Still valuable. The source mentions you can network through chat, q and a, virtual breakout rooms. It's different, but the opportunities are there if you look for them. Okay.

So let's try and wrap this deep dive up. What's the bottom line here for you, the tax professional listening? It really confirms that going to these events, conferences, seminars, tax specific, or even those adjacent industry ones, it's a really powerful opportunity. More than just getting your CPE credits. Way more.

It's a chance to get fresh insights, maybe meet clients you wouldn't otherwise find, build real relationships, and just, you know, fuel your own growth, both personally and professionally. Things you just can't get staying stuck behind your desk all year. Exactly. And the source really emphasizes that successful networking, at the end of the day, it's not about having the biggest stack of business cards. Right.

It's about building genuine connections, sharing what you know, and staying engaged with your community. During the event, yes, but also long after. So the source leads us and you listening with a pretty direct question to chew on. Yeah. It asks, what is the next conference you will attend, and what will be your goal?

It's a good one to think about. Is there something on your calendar already or something coming up you maybe should be thinking about? And now thinking about these strategies we just talked through, what's your specific goal going to be for that event? How are you gonna use that preparation, that active engagement, and especially that, that crucial follow-up? That 75% need to work on.

Right. How are you gonna use all that to make sure your next conference is actually a real step forward for you, for your practice, and for your network?