EBAYERS 2010

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How many times have we expressed to ourselves that we are going to start something, or perhaps see it through to its completion.There lies in the recesses of our minds that self doubt, that thought that, we are not good enough to take on that task, or we are not worthy for such lofty aspiration. I am reminded that, higher than the highest human thought is our Creator’s ideal for us.

We are struggling and outright scare to death to pick up that phone and follow-up on that prospect, because of the fear of rejection.We can still remember that first date, and how we barely manage to pull it off, if it wasn’t for her/his willingness to go with us regardless of how we look.We recall that class assignment that wasn’t turned in until the last minute, thinking it wasn’t good enough.What we are losing sight of is the fact that we did it, because in the grand finale, what count the most, is completing the task.

Too many times we focus on the start and not on the finish. We are fighting for victory, instead of fighting from victory.We must see ourselves having accomplished the task, rather than attempting the task. I have expressed, that I am a sports fanatic especially basketball. I recalled Larry Bird( who played for the Boston Celtics in the late 70′s and most of the 80′s) ,during an interview, was asked what made him such a great player, and with humility, because he didn’t want to be associated with the word great,said,before he took the shot, he saw himself already making the shot.If we are able to deal with ourselves and believe in ourselves, then we have gain the victory.Follow through on the promises that we made to ourselves, that we are going to achieve our goals and live our dreams. Then to follow-up, its a matter of action, that must be done to bring closure and fulfillment to our promises. That prospect deserved the very best of us, knowing that we have the very best to offer. We are now ready to do the follow-up, because we have been there and done that..

 

 

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About the Author:
I am a Marketing Consultant. A motivational Speaker and Father of 7 awesome kids.I am a Globe Traveler with the mindset of Teaching People from all walks of life how to be positive thinkers and how to gain control and better manage their lives. I am a fan of all sports and at times become a fanatic of Soccer(Football), Basketball,American Football, Table Tennis and Baseball. Love the outdoors and a student of Nature. I am on most Social Media.
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If there’s one question that every accountant wants to know the answer to it would be, “Where should I concentrate my marketing efforts?”.

 

That’s an awkward question to answer. The matter has been the subject of entire books. It’s dependant on what kind of practice you have, where you are, where you’re trying to take your firm, and of course, your persona. This is just a quick abstract to kick-start you. In the end you’ll want to develop a marketing strategy fitting to your talents.

 

Network marketing is not a quick fix, but it’s imperative that you get started on it right from the get-go.

 

Networking may be the life’s blood of any successful firm, but it’s a long term strategy. Take the time to cultivate prospects. It might be frustrating and pointless at first, but as the years pass and high quality prospects start calling you’ll be pleased you did it. In general the most intelligent, wisest business owners rely on networking to find their accountants.

 

In the meantime there are a lot of rank and file clients to be had, but there are also a lot of accountants competing for them. When you first get started these people will form the bulk of your client base. These clients are what used to be called “walk-ins”.

 

Ten years ago direct marketing was very effective, but times have changed. Direct marketing is pretty much useless these days. Spare yourself some grief and just take my word for it, but if you insist on giving it a try don’t waste a lot of time on it. Track down recently issued business licenses in your area and try to contact the owners by phone. For quite a few years I made a a respectable living out of this strategy. It just doesn’t work these days, though. I don’t recommend it.

 

Get yourself some business cards (with web address and tag line) and network your butt off. Give them to everyone. And don’t forget the tag line. Every time you hand someone your card give them a reason to visit your site. Don’t be shy. Get cards. Just ask for them. Get phone numbers and email addresses. Once you have them, cultivate them. Sign them up for your newsletter. Send them an Email wishing them a happy thanksgiving.

 

In my admittedly biased opinion the internet is one of the best sources of clients. Get a good website and a monthly email newsletter. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a lot of work and very slow and expensive, but it’s also an AWESOME prospect magnet. For the long term it’s worth investing in. For short term just buy ad space on Google using Google Adwords. Also, get your business on Google Maps and optimize your site for Google Places (Local search). This will probably also require some investment on your part, but local search is a let cheaper and easier to get a good ranking in than old-school SEO. Expect a one-time cost of about $500.

 

So how can websites help accountants network?

 

The basic strategy of networking is to identify a prospects need, then to offer a solution to fill that need. It’s all about demonstrating the benefit of your service to the prospect. As an accountant you’re in a unique position to offer solutions to problems that really matter to people. Perhaps they’re buying or selling a house. Maybe they’re saving for their children’s education, or retirement, or maybe they’re not certain if they should buy or lease an expensive piece of equipment for their business.

 

Don’t misunderstand the purpose of this kind of marketing. Prospects will almost never be so impressed with that value that they’ll fire their CPA and hire you right there on the spot. It won’t rack up billable hours for your firm. Networking is a long term marketing strategy. The goal of your networking efforts is to demonstrate your value to the prospect. You’re trying to put your brand in front of the prospect and keep it there so that in a year, or two, or five; when the prospect is ready to switch accountants; yours will be the first name they think of.

 

A good CPA website can significantly impact your networking power. Online financial calculators and a libraray of financial articles will bring visitors back to your website over and over. As we’ve already established, when networking your job is to figure out what that persons needs are and demonstrate your value by presenting a solution. Your website can help with that. Next time you hand a prospect your business card you can offer a solution that takes them to your website, complete with your brand at the top of the page and your phone number at the bottom.

 

Learn the art of the Tag Line. Nobody is going to call you or even visit your website unless you give them a compelling reason to.

 

 

 

These “walk-ins” will pretty much take care of themselves if you do a good job setting up your website. All you really need to do is keep a close eye on your Adwords account. Make sure your ads are appearing towards the top of the page. You’re position on Google’s search results is important. Think of it as the modern equivalent of your office location.

 

Once you’re set-up get back to networking.

 

Learn to use online social networks too. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook…

 

In the end, though, it’s all about networking. Everyone is a potential prospect. Parents, friends, vendors, everyone. Be careful not to judge prospects. That’s a trap. Nobody is too poor for a business card. In 5 or 6 years they may well be standing someplace very different.

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About the Author:
Brian O’Connell is the CEO and founder of CPA Site Solutions, one of the country’s leading website design businesses oriented exclusively to websites for accountants. His company at present provides websites for more than 4000 CPA and accounting firms.
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Since the time that the first business card was released in the market back in the 17th century, company cards have become a well-known and prominent part of business advertising and promotion. Most of the earlier company cards that have been used in the market were usually located in Europe such as in Great Britain and now they are commonly found in every part of the world. These cards have also been through several transitions and are popular option when it comes to marketing or promotion of a business’ product and service. The font, paper material and especially the design in these business cards have been a notable enhancement these days. Full colored business cards, several design schemes, and especially the colors of the font can be all seen on all business cards in the market nowadays.

The most famous business card design and layout styles in the market nowadays usually have in them the business name or the owners name printed at the top of the business card template. This style is usually known as the horizontal layout, which every crucial piece of information is located horizontally and printed across the card itself. And below, located is the name position or the message of the business. This is also usually accompanied by the address of the company, email address and especially the phone number of the business establishment.

A clean and white paper material is the main background of almost all business cards since the color white will not overcome the fonts and colors being utilized in front of the business card and it can also help in enhancing the words on it. The color element in your business card is a very crucial aspect because of the need to have a good outcome when it comes to overall design. If you have a dark background with dark fonts, the words in your business cards may not be seen.

And when it comes to the business card layout, it can be designed with the name of the person or an organization displayed or located on the side of the business card in a good vertical fashion. This is a very famous method compared to other designs as it is unique enough to give focus on the important information. In this arrangement, the organizational or the company logo could be the header of your business card, which is usually shown with a bigger and bolder print. And when it comes to the other information like your company address, phone number and the web or email address, these things are usually located beneath the business logo in the same vertical style.

Another good idea or technique for you to create a vertical business card layout with a twist is to place your business address on top of the other information in your business cards. The font for your business address must be small as well the email address and fax number. And beneath that information, your business contact or phone number should be printed in a bold font like the preceding details and information. Aside from that, you must always choose a font coloring that will complement the logo that you are using.

Follow all these pointers and you are sure to create an exceptional cheap business card printing. Keep in mind that it doesn’t take a lot to create a compelling business card, and it doesn’t cost much to produce them. So, start on your business card project today.

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About the Author:
Brad Kartel is a marketing executive whose passion is helping business owners build their image through using business card template in business card printing. More info on cheap business card printing.
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