At CustomerCradle we’re not experts in marketing accounting practices, we just provide the tools that allow you to collect the information you need to become one, but perhaps we can provide some ideas that will get you thinking.
Niches
It’s been said that if you claim to be perfect for everyone people will think you are perfect for no one. The first step to getting more clients could be to select a specific type of client, a specific business type, and to focus on them.
Who are you biggest, most profitable, happiest clients ? How could you target their industries. Maybe you could ask them!
Ask your clients what they want and expect from an accountant. No really, ask them.
You probably think you know what your clients expect from your business. You’re probably wrong. There are almost certainly clients who have additional needs that are not being met or who were surprised by an aspect of your service.
If it feels awkward to ask them directly you could outsource a telephone or email survey asking for feedback, people may open up more freely with a third party.
This approach is strongly inline with the CustomerCradle Ethos : Get the facts, don’t guess if you want success.
Make is clear to all that you want to improve
You’ve probably experienced being in a bad restaurant with unenthusiastic staff and disorganized order taking. Perhaps you’ve complained or mentioned to the manager that service wasn’t up to par. Most often though you probably didn’t, it would have been a hassle and if the manager really cared he should be able to see the dysfunction.
Obviously your business isn’t like that, but the little example illustrates that people will generally only help you if you are seen to be helping yourself.
What can you do to make it even more clear to your staff and clients that you want to grow and improve your practice ? Do you have a client feedback form ? Do you ask for feedback on your stationary ? Do you have an easy complaints process so that clients feel free to raise problems ? Do you have reading material available and on display that shows you are committed to learning and improvement ?
You may be surprised at the suggestions and help you get when you’ve let people know that you are trying to grow.
Well that’s all we’ve got for the moment, as always drop us an email or leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you.
