Art of Accounting: Practice Management Information Requests

IMGCAP(1)]In my column two weeks ago I offered to send a free copy of my Power Bites book and received over 150 requests.

In last week’s column I offered to send a copy of my speech handout 77 Value Added Low Cost Services when Performing a Review and received over 900 requests. [Note: As of Sunday, Dec 13, requests are continuing to come in.] Obviously the response to both offers was overwhelming. It looks like it will take me about three weeks to respond to everyone, so please be patient. I will be doing some each day and should be completed by the end of the year.

I also learned a few things. First of all, it is very gratifying that my columns are being read so carefully, as the offers were near the end of the articles. Second, the first article was directed at newer accountants, while the second was aimed at more experienced accountants, so it indicates that more experienced people read the e-newsletter. Third, it also indicated that information directed at performing better client service is sought after more than management and leadership information (which Power Bites is about).

I will use this information to try to write more columns that deal with better or more effective ways to service clients and to excite and wow them. The Art of Accounting series is autobiographical in that it deals with my experiences as an accountant. I like sharing them in the expectation that my fellow accountants could benefit from what I have gone through (and continue to go through). I also like it when readers post comments because it gives me a sense of what readers are interested in. I also get emails directly from readers with practice management questions and welcome them, so continue doing this—or start now. Include your telephone number so I could call you if necessary.

I appreciate the fantastic response and am pleased to share what I do. Thank you for reading my columns, and have a very happy holiday season and New Year.

Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, is partner at WithumSmith+Brown, PC, CPAs. He is on the Accounting Today Top 100 Influential People List. He is the author of 24 books, including “How to Review Tax Returns,” co-written with Andrew D. Mendlowitz, published by www.CPATrendlines.com and “Managing Your Tax Season, Third Edition,” published by the AICPA. Ed also writes a twice-a-week blog addressing issues that clients have at www.partners-network.com. Art of Accounting is a continuing series where Ed shares autobiographical experiences with tips that he hopes can be adopted by his colleagues. Ed welcomes practice management questions and can be reached at (732) 964-9329 or emendlowitz@withum.com.

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