A January To-Do List for Your Firm

How are those New Year’s resolutions going? By now you’ve already trained for a marathon, made a workable budget and thrown out every piece of Tupperware without a lid that fits, no doubt. With all that done, let’s think about ways to get your firm in good shape and ready for 2017 before things get…

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Marketing During Busy Season

I know, I know, it’s called busy season for a reason. But if you think about it, busy season is really the best time for you and your firm to market your services. Here are some reasons why and tips on ways to make it happen.

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Presentations Hold Lasting Power

When was the last time you had a speaking engagement? If the answer is “never” or “a long time ago” you may want to focus on finding an opportunity to present to an audience, either in person or through a live webinar or another online option. Many people ignore these valuable chances to address a…

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Who Wants to Go to Tonga?

The high point of the Big O Athletic Events occurred within the first few minutes and the big winner is already clear. It’s Tonga. Who would have predicted that?

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WTF, English Language?

With the ascent of social media, Americans are utilizing written communications in a public forum to a far greater degree than they once did. That’s not true for everyone, of course; there have always been prolific writers who shared their opinions and debated the issues of the day via thoughtful essays, outraged manifestos and carefully…

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Grab Your Crayons for National Coloring Book Day

Today is National Coloring Book Day. No joke, it really is. On August 2nd, people everywhere will be having coloring parties (yep, really) and celebrating their ability to color within the lines way better than elementary school children. In recent years, coloring books have gained in popularity among adults as a means of reducing stress…

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Find Out What It’s Like to Be Your Client

by Sarah Warlick, content director Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a client working with your firm? That’s important information and try as you might, you’re simply not going to find out by looking at your own experience or that of your staff. The solution is simple: engage professional help to conduct client interviews…

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Location, Location, Location

  by Sarah Warlick, content director What are the three most important things in real estate? Location, location and location! Everyone has heard that old adage, because though trite it is undoubtedly correct. And while professional services providers may not be as attuned to geography as those selling properties, they can and should still consider the…

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How You Spend Trumps What You Spend in Accounting Marketing

  by Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, president For the 2nd time, the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) and Hinge Research Institute have partnered to conduct a detailed study of marketing budgets within CPA firms. We highly recommend you get your hands on this study since it is the only one of its kind in the industry and…

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Net Neutrality FTW!

  by Sarah Warlick, content director The votes are in and net neutrality is now a policy protected by law. Internet junkies rejoice! After months of worrying, what-if-ing and lobbying on both sides, the Federal Communications Commission has voted 3-2 to adopt net neutrality rules that ban “paid prioritization.” The rules make it illegal for…

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Linkbuilding Confusion Cleared Up (Sort Of)

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Are you unable to figure out if linkbuilding is positive or negative after reading conflicting advice? If so, you’re in good company. There has been a steady stream of new information and misinformation clogging up the pipelines for years now, ever since Google’s Penguin algorithm update was first released.…

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Cruising the Fine Line Between Edgy and Unacceptable

marketing

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Marketing isn’t always black and white. Judgment calls are part of the job when it comes to deciding what works for your audience. One of the challenges in marketing – whether you’re trying to sell shoes, services or Swiss chalets – is finding the sweet spot in your communications.…

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Wordsmith Party Time! Here Are the 2014 Words of the Year

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Word nerds around the world are reveling in the revelations, vociferating their approval or beginning their well-reasoned rebuttals. The most exciting time of the year is finally at hand: the Words of the Year are here!  This annual season of lexicographic joy is pure fun, with the added bonus of…

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The Dangers of Stock Photography Part II

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Recently we posted about the importance of using real pictures that reflect the truth about your firm and its people. The main point we tried to make is that stock photography isn’t always appealing and can embarrass your firm. Just ask the folks who implemented the Republicans Are Black campaign. At the…

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Give Marketing the Respect It Deserves

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Published in AccountingToday on October 15, 2014. Creating a Chief Growth Officer or Chief Marketing Officer position is the trend among larger professional services firms today. It’s a good idea for yours, too. The C-Suite marketing chief isn’t a brand new concept but it is one that’s rapidly gaining popularity among…

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The Orange Jumpsuit as Fashion Statement

by Sarah Warlick, content director Love Orange Is the New Black? So does everyone else. What makes it so powerful?  Netflix hasn’t traditionally been the go-to source for the hottest original content of the season, but it’s had a couple of powerful successes now. With an additional season of the cult classic Arrested Development and then…

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Word Fun for Everyone

  by Sarah Warlick, content director  Ever wondered what comes across from the things you write and say? Now you can find out the real message you’re sending. Marketing messages come in many forms: logos, colors, fonts, body language, office styles, images and dozens of other subtle and not-so-subtle ways of getting your point across.…

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Don’t Forget to Communicate with an Older Audience

  by Sarah Warlick, content director Millennials are cute and fresh-faced but there’s an important audience with a lot more money. If you keep up with business and marketing publications, it’s easy to get the impression that the only people buying anything at all these days are the all-important Millennials. Obviously that’s not correct. Older generations have…

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