Sales and Marketing

Thomson Tax & Accounting has introduced an estate-planning notebook organizer that accountants can send to their clients as gifts.

Let me ask you three questions about your firm. But before you and others in your firm answer, let’s set some ground rules. One is that the answer to each question, in writing, can be no longer than a paragraph. Two, once you have composed your answers, please sleep on it, and see if you want to make any changes. Most importantly, think in terms of the big “firm” picture when answering the following three questions.

Financial services firm Gilman Ciocia is capitalizing on two perennials for this time of year - tax season and Major League Baseball spring training - to offer free tax prep services to attendees at several upcoming spring training games in Florida.

There is growing diversity within CPA firms, and it is taking many forms. For example, the male domination is beginning to wane. This is especially seen at the entry level and is working its way up. There are four distinct generations in the profession, with sharply different views of work and possessing unique skill sets. Then there is the greater influence of marketers, firm administrators, and technologists in firm operations. And don’t forget the more traditional diversity with regard to different cultures and races.

Accounting firms are using Google text ads this tax season and beyond to bring in clients for tax prep and other types of accounting and financial planning services.

Somerset CPAs said it plans to launch a consulting program to help CEOs cope with the economic downturn.

The many Boomers partners of firms who are planning to retire or slow down is being viewed as generating firm succession and staffing issues. Similarly, another expressed concern is the declining number of Ph.Ds. in accounting, which hurts the pipeline of incoming accounting graduates to the profession. A partner in a national firm also commented that he was alarmed by the many college professors teaching accounting who don’t have a familiarity with U.S. businesses.

Fox Coaching Associates has launched a business development Web site for accountants, lawyers and service professionals to help attract more clients and generate additional business.

It's no secret that creating a firmwide disaster recovery plan helps ensure business continuity in the face of crisis, but having one in place could ultimately affect your insurance premiums as well.Gary Marchitello, managing partner and property practice leader at New York-based Integro Insurance Brokers, said that disaster recovery plans are not mandatory when negotiating premiums. But presenting one to your insurer can save you between 25 and 50 percent -- particularly if you are located in a catastrophe-prone area.

In speaking with CPAs from across the country, I've diagnosed many cases of marketing paralysis, or inactivity. The symptoms include: