Building Value by Thinking Strategically

You will have to be prepared to be innovative, flexible and thoughtful while blending in a mix of reasonableness to your recommendations. It will be helpful if you can bring a few tools to the table whether those technologies are business planning tools, budgeting tools, financial reporting tools or specialty applications to solve specific problems. You may even have to help them navigate new Microsoft technologies or strategic decisions about the cloud and mobility. You’ll have to leave your comfort zone to help your clients.

The Action

Consider your firm’s business planning approach. Can you improve this and convince other partners that the change is good for your firm and your clients? Can you select the appropriate tools for your firm and be prepared to use them with clients in the future?

Build your plan for the future looking at both your firm and your clients. Include a strong dose of vision and technology and make a difference in your local market. Improve your firm and consider how you can help your clients more. If you proactively help with new services, you’ll see the difference you have made in your clients before many others around you. You’ll be glad you acted to make the difference.

Mr. Johnston is executive vice president and partner of K2 Enterprises and Network Management Group, Inc.

He is a nationally recognized educator, consultant and writer with over 30 years’ experience. He can be contacted at randy.johnston@cpapracticeadvisor.com.