ed mendlowitz, cpa, abv, pfs author of “implementing fee increases“ question: i helped a client get a bank loan, negotiated the rate and fees with the bank and had a tight covenant loosened. i prepared a personal financial statement, prepared … continued
…as accounting firms redefine value. by bruce w. marcus professional services marketing 3.0 today’s modern accounting firm — and there are more of them than we think, and fewer of them than we’d like to think – is still evolving. … continued
even if the first one gets away.
by ed mendlowitz, cpa, abv, pfs
author of implementing fee increases;
the 30:30 training method; and tax season opportunity guide.
question: i just heard from a client we hadn’t heard from in seven or eight years and he says he has an “emergency.”
here’s the story: he had started a business eight years ago and he used us for a couple of years until some big money was raised and they switched to a big four firm. he also stopped using us for his personal return switching to the big four firm. then, just last week, he called us to ask for assistance in evaluating a multimillion-dollar termination package. he needed to meet with me right away since he did not want the offer to slip away. he then asked what the rates would be and could he have a discount since he was once a good client (he was – seven and eight years ago!). the asking for a discount left a bad taste in my mouth.
ed, how should i handle it? i feel like i could bill $2,000 to $3,000 and i want to do the work. is that the right price?
by sandi smith leyva, cpa
accountant’s accelerator
with labor day closing in, it’s a good time to take stock of where we stand for the year, plus re-group as needed before the 2014 busy season is upon us. with so many changes in software, politics, tax laws, and global standards, it’s pretty easy to feel a little disorganized.
more for soloists and small firms: the five essential skills accountants need today | the seven essential components of a simple marketing plan for accountants | take six big steps to go beyond compliance services | when your business needs to be rebooted | two steps to easy cross-sells | the hot new tech product for automated data entry | five value-add service areas to take you beyond bookkeeping | six money-making strategies to take you beyond quickbooks | proactive ways to get more referrals | the three biggest money leaks in your practice | new client opportunities with mobile apps | six questions to launch your summer strategy sessions | what most accountants miss in the five simple steps to get more clients | accountants, do you know your opportunity number? | five ideas to reduce client price-sensitivity | rise to the top with a fresh elevator speech | four ways to practice entrepreneurial perseverance | 5 mistakes to avoid when seeking new clients | the top 12 business card blunders accountants make | seven tips to keep the clients you have | how to attract clients like a magnet | eleven easy ways to deliver more value to clients
here are three steps to help us take stock of our foundational business goals, re-evaluate our big picture, and get us centered as we enter the next quarter. read more →
when to let the next accountant take the losses.
ed mendlowitz, cpa, abv, pfs
author of “implementing fee increases“
question: a client of 10 years was paying a fixed fee that was now a little less than half of our time charges. also, there had been a gradual scope creep with additional services being forced on us without any extra fees. the cpa had not received an increase in six years because of the client’s constant complaining that the fee was too high. the client just told us they had a quote from another firm that was half of ours, and said if we didn’t match it, they would leave us. what should we do? read more →