Mick's Crystal Ball for Calxa

Calxa are working on an AI project with James Cook University to try and

Just get started - well how can we actually get started?

Start with a client that is either growing or having cashflow difficulties. Pick one that will really appreciate the difference that reporting and coaching can create. Give them the reports and then talk it through with them. The important thing is asking the right questions. We don't have to have the answers, the client often has the answers.

Just ask the questions - the best place to start.

What sort of questions?

Why is your income lower than it was last year? Is there something you've stopped doing? If it's higher, do you know why it's higher?

The industry (accountants and bookkeepers) have been trained to think that they are the expert with all the answers. But in reality, they should have the right question. It's a mindset shift.

Sometimes advisor is a scary word, maybe the wrong word. Mel sees it as a mentoring relationship.

Working with the client to listen, to understand, find out where they want to go.

We find that typically bookkeepers think they have to go become a CPA before they can advise, but they don't.

Sometimes we need to just listen to the clients.

Steve's famous quote - "Don't be afraid of silence. Ask the question and shut up."

Mick's Tips

Just start. Take the first step, it's always the hardest step.