Invest Time Into Your Reputation
| |With a bit of inspiration, creative talent, and some luck, you can create some mojo about the reputation of your accounting practice. That's right, it starts as a snowball going down a ski slope and slowly builds until there is a ground swell of positive momentum and word of mouth advertising kicks in...
Here are some ideas for enhancing the reputation of your accounting practice to create more "word of mouth" advertising.
1. Be Likeable - While this might sound stupid, smile more in the office, around town, and congratulate people at each opportunity. Social media makes it easier to find out when someone gets a new job, promotion, and buy a new house. Other ways to connect with people includes birthday greetings, whether it's using a service like SendOutCards.com or using the tool within your Build Your Firm website. As an accountant, you have the birthdays of each client, use them to your fullest advantage.
2. Thank You's - Pick up some thank you cards and get in the habit of ole fashioned thank you notes via snail mail. In today's electronic world, an ole fashioned thank you note that is hand written goes a long way.
3. Pay It Forward - Make a deposit into the bank before asking for reciprocation. Take some time to write some positive reviews in Google My Business and Yelp for business clients who you genuinely support and advocate. Gradually, expand your inner circle of businesses that you support over time. Then, ask them to return the favor with an online review. Point them directly to the "request a review" tool on your Build Your Firm website so it's easy for them.
4. Make The Right Introduction - Introduce some of your clients to people that you know can genuinely help them with their business. This might be a lawyer, computer consultant or another professional. As your practice gets larger, your network becomes a hidden asset. Don't keep gems hidden in your war chest.
5. Look The Part - Like it or not, first impressions do count. People make judgements before you open your mouth. Dress appropriately for the environment you're in. Error on the side of being too dressy.
6. Body Language - Body language and facial impressions are more important than you think. Be mindful of the signals you send.
7. Get Engaged - Being engaged in your community helps you meet new people and sends signals about your values. Even people who sit on the sidelines notice the work volunteers do.
Reputations in a local community stick for decades. Positive or negative, reputations precede you. If you invest energy into creating a positive reputation, it will open doors that you never knew existed.