The Virtual Consultant

Technology hasn’t completely removed travel from Pam’s life, however. In fact, she’s a bit of a road warrior, because when she’s not directly assisting clients, she speaks at dozens of tradeshows and conferences each year, most recently at the National Society of Accountants’ annual meeting in August. She’s a member of the National Speakers Association, Intuit’s Speakers Bureau and Toastmasters International. She is the author of two books on management accounting: “Out of the Red” and “Boost Your Bottom Line: Financial Tips for Consultants.” Her other educational outreach includes audio CDs on business tips and writing articles, including a column for Entrepreneur Magazine. Pam previously hosted her own business-oriented radio talk show and is frequently used as an expert resource by various other media.

This adds up to a pretty busy schedule; but, with a remotely oriented practice, Pam says she is able to provide her clients with most of the services they need from any location. And without the burden of tax preparation services, her business workflow remains fairly steady throughout the year, and she is able to keep a more traditional workday. In other words, no late nights at the office (although she may be working, at least she’s not in an office away from home).

Speaking of home, the virtuality of RPPC has also certainly afforded her many personal benefits, particularly when it comes to spending time with her children Paige and Cole. Pam is able to keep up with them and their interests, supporting them in soccer, football, drama, dance and other activities. During the summer, of course, the grandparents get their fair share of time, too. “With all of their hobbies, sports, friends and camp, they are definitely well entertained,” says Pam. Then, of course, there’s vacation time. Pam’s family prefers warm weather locales and recently went to California, where they enjoyed Disneyland, and later travelled to Miami.

It’s a brave new world, but Pam is definitely proof that keeping ahead technologically can not only help a professional provide better and more responsive services, it can also improve the professional’s personal life. With her multiple speaking engagements and other activities, Pam can literally be almost anywhere at any given moment, but she is always virtually there for her clients.