Client relations

As a follow-up to last week’s column on determining what to charge, this column will explain a way to determine your hourly rate should you decide to bill using that method.

Art Kuesel on how communication and trust will make a professional indispensable to a client.

How does one properly handle the various ways a death affects each co-worker, client and the firm itself?

Accounting professionals have the potential to become their clients' most trusted advisors. Here's how to achieve that trust.

There are two types of accountants—those who do their work with blinders and those with wide-open eyes. Both can do competent jobs for their clients, but the ones with the wide-open eyes grow and can do far better work for their clients.

Accountants should start building programs to make the most of the 80/20 rule

Art Kuesel presents eight, post-busy season questions to help deepen firm relationships with patrons.

I think branding is very important. Everyone and every business has a brand. Inattention to branding creates a brand that might not be what you would like, but nevertheless you will have a brand. Branding needs deliberate attention.

Of all the obstacles to success in accounting, accountants' own fears may be one of the most important. Consultant Phil Whitman discusses the many ways the profession gets in its own way -- and how to overcome them.

Art Kuesel on the importance of taking stock following tax season.

Accounting firms in North America are taking the risk of losing business by making their customers wait on hold for more than 25 seconds, according to new research.

What you know isn’t as important as who you know – your clients

Firms operate based on myths while enduring realities such as slow growth, low profitability, client losses and employee losses.

Capability, courage, commitment and confidence will help you move up the value chain.

What would really change the way the partners at your firm interact with clients?

Like many business owners, accountants can get so wrapped up in their work that they lose track of important administrative tasks.

I am asked frequently how I get ideas, and each time I give a different response.

As a CPA, I deal with many types of clients’ personalities. If I choose only one type, I would not have had much of a practice. And I doubt I would have found that one perfect type too many times. I have been very fortunate to have really nice and very smart people as clients.

Special Report

I have never been the lowest-priced accountant, but neither was I the highest.