here’s what you’re looking for: sandi smith leyva

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19 ways to boost your cash flow

three jars of coinscut costs, find more cash for the busy season.

by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator

could you use a bit of extra cash each month? i think most people would say yes.

more on small-firm growth strategies: ready for tax season? not so fast | prospects like a little wooing | is it time to reboot your practice? | 9 ways to boost your value (and your fees) | 5 ways a deadline can help close a deal | draw new clients in like a magnet | busy season survival tips: 5 ways to turn a tough day into a great one

here are 19 tips to start your new year with a little more green in your pocket. read more →

busy season management

ready for tax season? not so fast

purple no. 4 billiard ball4 resolutions to keep as you prepare for busy season.

by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator

i’ve worked with a lot of accountants who do not realize how valuable their skills are in the marketplace. most people can’t do what we do with numbers. we need to shake any self-limiting beliefs we have in this area because it limits our ability to serve more clients.

more on small-firm growth strategies: make your services an investment, not an expense | how a spreadsheet can help stop leaks | 9 ways to boost your value (and your fees) | 9 ways accountants throw away profits

if you were making resolutions for the accounting industry, what would you suggest? the first resolution i’d make is:
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make your services an investment, not an expense

businessman holding idea light bulb; dollars passing through grow larger5 value-added service areas to suggest.

by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator

every business needs to do some level of bookkeeping for a couple of reasons:

  1. various government agencies require reporting and payments based on the company’s results.
  2. the owner needs a certain amount of information to manage their business and keep it profitable.

more on small-firm growth strategies: want more clients? take these 5 steps | do you want to do compliance your whole career? | 7 ways to get new revenue from old clients | how to work the same hours and make more money | four ways to stop leaving money on the table

many business owners hire us grudgingly for compliance work because they have to. and they consider what they pay us as an overhead expense that is a required cost.

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set fee by focusing on value first

hand moving triangle along beam to indicate balance between price and valuethe right time to talk about your fee is not as soon as a potential client calls.

by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator

how do you talk to a prospect or client about your fee?

more on small-firm growth strategies: prospects like a little wooing | 9 ways to boost your value (and your fees) | two daily rituals: focus and measure | how to calculate your ‘opportunity number’

some of the answers i have heard are:

  • “it depends.”
  • “tell them and get off the phone as fast as possible.”
  • “i don’t know.”
  • “what is your budget?”

most accountants spill the beans about their rates way too early in a conversation with a future client. so when should you talk rates?

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want more clients? take these 5 steps

5 steps to successwhy skipping ahead is costly.

by sandi leyva
the accountant’s accelerator

there are five simple steps to getting more clients. but guess what? most accountants make a big mistake along the way.

more on small-firm growth strategies: prospects like a little wooing | do you want to do compliance your whole career? | 5 skills to grow your practice | is it time to reboot your practice? | how a spreadsheet can help stop leaks | 3 ways to get to ‘yes’ with prospects | design your business around your strengths | two daily rituals: focus and measure | how to work the same hours and make more money

first, here are the five steps to get more clients:

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