In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Dan and Doug discuss essential strategies for surviving the busy season. They focus on the importance of setting personal minimums, such as maintaining health routines and prioritizing family time, even during the busiest times.

They also emphasize starting and ending each day with intentional practices like gratitude and focusing on a single important task. Lastly, they explore the concept of Parkinson's Law, which warns that work will expand to fill the time allotted, urging listeners to avoid letting work spill into weekends unnecessarily. By establishing boundaries, being intentional, and staying aware, accountants can maintain a healthier balance during peak seasons.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the key difference between capacity and utilization in accounting firms. They highlight how traditional focus on utilization can make accountants feel like mere tools, while embracing capacity opens up opportunities for growth, efficiency, and personal fulfillment.

They emphasize the importance of celebrating and intentionally using capacity to drive innovation and achieve a more balanced work-life experience. Shifting focus from filling hours to creating valuable capacity is essential for long-term success.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the importance of intentional growth in accounting firms, emphasizing the mantra "growing slow is the fast track to success." They explore the difference between rapid, unintentional growth and the benefits of slowing down to build a more sustainable, profitable practice.

They share insights on how being selective about clients, pricing, and service offerings can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable experience. By taking time to refine your vision, define your ideal client, and plan for long-term success, accountants can avoid the pitfalls of the traditional "hamster wheel" and create a practice that truly serves them.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the chaos of the extension season, focusing on the challenges and lessons to be learned from the upcoming September 15th deadline. They discuss the importance of capturing the current experience—whether it’s workload, client readiness, or personal stress levels—to improve the process for the following year.

They emphasize the need to observe and document what’s happening now, so it can serve as a guide for making next year’s tax season smoother and more efficient. From tracking hours to client communication, the hosts offer practical advice on how to manage the busy season better and set up your practice for future success.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the importance of creating a vision for your firm rather than simply setting goals. They highlight how goals, without a clear vision, can trap you in a never-ending cycle of busy work without meaningful progress. The conversation covers how a strong vision should guide your goals, tactics, and daily tasks, ensuring that every action you take moves you closer to your desired future, both professionally and personally.

Whether you're aiming to be the top expert in your niche, seeking a balanced lifestyle, or wanting to build a more fulfilling practice, this episode provides practical advice on how to reverse engineer your vision into actionable steps.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss the crucial but challenging task of firing your worst clients to improve your business. They highlight how difficult clients can drain your energy, reduce profitability, and negatively impact your overall practice.

The hosts share a straightforward method to identify these problematic clients and offer tips on how to let them go professionally. By clearing out clients who don't fit your ideal profile, you can create more space for profitable and fulfilling work.

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In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the counterintuitive idea that saying "no" can actually lead to more profitable clients and a better business model. They discuss the importance of niching and how it can help you focus on the most lucrative and enjoyable work.

Doug and Dan break down the concept of identifying your ideal client and the benefits of specializing in a particular industry or service. They emphasize that while it may seem like turning away business, saying "no" helps create space for the right clients who are willing to pay for your expertise. This approach not only leads to higher profitability but also allows for a more streamlined and efficient operation.

They offer practical steps for analyzing your current client base, identifying patterns, and determining the most profitable areas to focus on. The episode highlights the importance of being intentional with client selection to build a firm that supports the lifestyle you want.

For more resources and to learn about the benefits of joining The Practicing Accountant community, visit www.thepracticingaccountant.com. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In this episode of the Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan dive into the fall roadmap for accountants, focusing on how to navigate the busy extension season while preparing for the next tax season. They discuss the importance of managing the "people pleaser" tendency to avoid overcommitting, putting self-care first, and strategizing effectively. The conversation highlights the need for intentionality in client selection, setting boundaries, and planning for future growth. By creating a detailed action plan starting after the October deadline, accountants can optimize their capacity, improve client relationships, and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling professional life. Visit www.thepracticingaccountant.com for more.

In this episode of The Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan explore effective strategies for attracting new clients. They begin with a light-hearted discussion about movies and the unique experience at Alamo Drafthouse, then delve into three main client acquisition methods: networking, creating an audience, and delivering exceptional client service.

They emphasize the importance of choosing a business development approach that aligns with your interests and can be consistently applied. Doug shares practical advice on how to track the effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring you're not just busy but also productive in growing your firm. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your client base, this episode provides valuable insights to help you attract the right clients and enjoy your work more.

Visit www.thepracticingaccountant.com for more resources and details on membership benefits. Don't forget to like, share, rate or subscribe!

In this episode of the Practicing Accountant podcast, Doug and Dan discuss how to enhance client retention by creating memorable experiences that encourage clients to brag about your services. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in customer service, sharing personal examples, including standout experiences with Disney and a Disney travel agent, to illustrate how exceptional service can lead to loyalty, higher pricing, and client referrals. The conversation highlights the need for proactive, rather than reactive, client interactions and offers actionable tips for improving client satisfaction. Visit www.thepracticingaccountant.com for more insights.