For many individuals a career change is the right step to a better future and was the case for Eric. Whether we are pushed or pulled to make a change in our career it still is a big step and the same was true for Eric. Hear what Eric did to become a Professional Tax Preparer (PTP) as well and run a successful tax business.
See what you can do to become a Professional Tax Preparer
Times are changing. Even the most unexpected industries are adopting intricate digital marketing strategies. Because more and more businesses and accounting firms are realizing the importance of a solid online presence in raising awareness and attracting clients.
However, the saturation of businesses and various marketing ploys makes it hard for accounting firms to penetrate the online space and establish their brand. This, in turn, makes it harder for them to acquire clients.
This is where influencer marketing comes in, helping accounting brands, like yours, amplify their digital presence and get their message across to the right audience.
Most challenges companies face today have to do with a lack of communication between the firm and their clients. So getting the correct message across is extremely important. Some clients are not aware of the services offered, failing to retain information that they might need in the future. Most of them are focused on specific problems and fail to look at the bigger picture.
Your marketing strategy must integrate constant reminders about what you do and what you have to offer. However, the competition between accounting firms can easily drown your message. With the help of influencers whose voices are considered authoritative in the industry, you will be able to properly communicate your message and increase your audience retention.
Influencers are ordinary folks who create valuable content and have amassed a strong online following. Their authenticity, relatability, and honesty set them apart from traditional endorsers. For one, online users tend to trust influencers more than celebrities, relying on them for product recommendations.
Why should you integrate influencer marketing into your firm’s digital strategy?
Expanding your audience reach can be made easier with the help of influencers. They have the credibility needed to convince your target market to take notice of your brand. With their voice of authority, their followers won’t only listen to them, but they will absorb your message as well. Followers will also learn to trust the influencer, which will eventually lead them to trust your firm.
Sometimes it’s important to start conversations about your brand in order to have a higher chance of convincing your audience members to become your clients. Influencers can advocate for your brand by creating content that will resonate with your desired audience.
This will help improve your engagement and build a lasting relationship with your potential clients. It will also be easier for you to provide a better customer experience because your audience won’t hesitate to go to you when they need answers to their questions and solutions to their problems.
While most influencers tend to focus more on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, there is no reason why influencer marketing can’t be applied to the accounting industry. Influencer marketing has tremendous power when it comes to drawing the right audience and ushering in favorable results.
In fact, when done right, influencer-marketing content can deliver an ROI 11 times higher compared to traditional forms of marketing. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your brand and achieve a good return on investment.
The nature of an accounting business is more formal than most industries. Therefore, it needs influencers who are credible, knowledgeable and respected in the field of accounting.
Most of these influencers are thought leaders whose knowledge not only stands out but is also authoritative in the industry. Teaming up with them to produce quality content can do a lot to enhance your firm’s reputation and solidify your place in the accounting circle.
Just remember to choose the right influencers who are relevant and suitable for your accounting business. Make sure that their vision and creative content are in line with your own firm’s vision, whether it is offering quality service or providing valuable information for potential clients. Otherwise, your efforts could go to waste because there will be a disconnect between your influencers’ followers and your own target audience.
To learn more about these principles and apply this in your business become a Profit & Growth Expert (PGE).
Infographic URL: https://www.smallbizgenius.
So often our choices in life lead us in directions we couldn’t imagine. This is true for Veronica Wasek, CPA, as she entered the accounting profession and letter built a successful accounting firm. (Founder & CEO of VM Wasek)
Listen to what Veronica shares to start and build your own successful firm offer quality accounting, bookkeeping and tax services.
Everyone has their own journey but after hearing what Veronica says you’ll have the confidence to keep moving and build your own business.
Find out more how you can start and build your own accounting business (Your Turnkey Business Plan)
The Virtual Bookkeeper’s Roadmap
Building the Premier Accounting Firm
Universal Accounting Center (UAC), an accounting school for small business accounting, bookkeeping and tax professionals is joining forces with Veronica Wasek to help bookkeepers grow their businesses by offering them a proven work flow (standard operating procedures) and business system to organize and operate their firm efficiently and profitably.
“It just made perfect sense for us to team up with Veronica,” said UAC President & CEO, Roger Knecht. “For years we’ve emphasized the 3 keys areas to have the premier accounting firm and she nails it when it comes to the production side of the business.”
“Universal offers accounting professionals the resources, training, certifications, coaching and support needed in today,” said Veronica Wasek. “I’m excited to work with them to help accounting professionals build successful businesses. Partnering with them is such an exciting opportunity.”
In the past few years Roger and Veronica have had various conversations about the accounting profession. Running into each other at various accounting conferences this is now the opportunity to work together.
For more information about this opportunity and how it applies to you GO HERE!
To find out more, visit https://5mbacademy.teachable.com/p/bk-roadmap
For nearly 40 years Universal Accounting Center has offered premier training to professionals wanting to provide financial services to small businesses. UAC training helps students develop not only crucial financial skills but also the marketing know-how to help promote those services. Skills are taught through a patented home-study course that is available online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Certifications available are: Professional Bookkeeper (PB) QuickBooks Specialist (QS) Professional Tax Preparer, (PTP). More information about Universal can be found by calling 1-800-343-4827 or visiting www.universalaccountingschool.com.
As technology becomes more enmeshed in our daily lives, cyberattacks are on the rise. Hackers stole hundreds of millions of Equifax login credentials after the credit reporting agency didn’t update its software. Meanwhile, Anthem recently paid a record $115 million settlement to current and former customers after hackers stole their names, Social Security numbers, and contact information. If you run a small business, it’s your ethical and legal responsibility to prevent data breaches like these. Keep reading for some best practices to protect your customers’ data and your profit margin.
What’s a Cyberattack?
To prevent a security breach, you must understand what they are and why they’re so destructive. Consumers and companies increasingly find themselves potential targets for cyberattacks, a type of online security breach. Cisco defines cyberattacks as “malicious” and “deliberate” efforts to “breach the information system of another individual or organization.” Criminals benefit from these attacks by seeking money, disrupting business, or destroying data.
Data Protection is Good for Business
Investing time and money into data protection is good for your business because:
You’ll stay legal.
In some situations, you may be legally obligated to secure your customers’ data. In New York, for example, certain businesses must follow the NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation, requiring local companies to implement infrastructure protecting from cybersecurity threats.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 15 states have similar data security laws. Find your state’s regulations here. If you do business abroad, you’ll also need to familiarize yourself with those countries’ laws. For instance, Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the world’s strongest data protection law, dictates how businesses can handle European customer information.
You’ll stay ethical.
According to Inc.com, it’s up to businesses to “take the lead” when it comes to data protection. That includes having web developers encrypt sensitive data like credit card numbers, passwords, and Social Security numbers. Because hackers specifically target businesses that don’t have proper security measures in place, make sure your network is secure and updated, and promptly fix any security holes.
You’ll stay profitable.
These days, customers value transparent, trustworthy businesses — yet only 1 in 3 consumers trust businesses to do what’s right. By being upfront about the ways you’ll protect your customers’ valuable data, you’ll establish a sense of trust and reliability. However, Financial Post notes, “your words will hold no weight if your customer data falls into the wrong hands.” In addition to securing your network, train your employees on what to do in the event of a data breach. Practice makes perfect, and clearly-communicated policies and procedures will help your company swiftly recover in the event of a data breach.
Protecting Your Customers and Your Business
Although there’s no foolproof way to prevent cyber threats, these precautions will help:
Multi-factor authentication. Rather than relying on usernames and passwords alone, add additional levels of security. Examples include combining passwords with fingerprint scans, retina scans, employee ID cards, or smartphone access.
Implement data loss protection. Adding data loss prevention (DLP) software ensures sensitive data isn’t exposed to internal or external threats by unauthorized users, and DLP ensures your meeting compliance requirements
Data encryption. By hiding sensitive data, such as passwords or credit card numbers, behind a complex passcode, you’ll help control who can access that information, even if someone steals it.
Policies and procedures. Train your employees on how to document, report, and fix cybersecurity threats. Depending upon your industry and location, you may also be legally required to report such events to local authorities.
Stay up-to-date. Make sure your network and website are running on the latest software versions. Hire developers and engineers to help plug any security holes before they become a problem.
Data protection isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s good for your customers, and for your bottom line. By having the right frameworks in place, you’ll prevent threats and recover from worst-case scenarios. By spending a little extra time and money, you’ll increase your profits, show people they can trust you, and have peace of mind knowing your data is protected.
By Julie Morris
Julie Morris is a life and career coach. She thrives on helping others live their best lives. It’s easy for her to relate to clients who feel run over by life because she’s been there. After years in a successful (but unfulfilling) career in finance, Julie busted out of the corner office that had become her prison. Today, she is fulfilled by helping busy professionals like her past self get the clarity they need in order to live inspired lives that fill more than just their bank accounts. When Julie isn’t working with clients, she enjoys writing and is currently working on her first book. She also loves spending time outdoors and getting lost in a good book.
