In this episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Thomas Sphabmixay and Jamie Johns delve into essential hiring strategies to build a team that propels your accounting or bookkeeping practice into sustained growth. 

Thomas emphasises the importance of hiring not just to maintain the status quo, but to foster real business expansion. Jamie outlines two critical questions every firm owner must answer: knowing when to hire and determining who to hire. He introduces the capacity planner as a fundamental tool for timing new hires and discusses the importance of identifying the right resource mix—whether you need a finder, minder, or grinder.

The discussion covers practical tips on creating a structured hiring process to avoid mishires, emphasizing the high costs associated with bad hires. Jamie and Thomas stress the value of promoting from within and aligning individual career goals with the firm’s direction. Thomas also addresses a common concern about quickly assessing new hires, highlighting the importance of identifying unsuitable candidates early to avoid prolonged issues and the sunk cost fallacy. Jamie suggests that while a three to six-month probation period is typical, firms should strive to recognize fit within a shorter timeframe.

The episode wraps up with actionable advice on attracting talent in a competitive market, effective advertising, and the significance of integrity, energy, and responsiveness in potential hires. The team discusses the benefits of utilizing an applicant tracking system and structured interview guides to streamline the hiring process. 

Tune in for a comprehensive guide on mastering the art of hiring to ensure your firm is staffed with the right people, fostering a business that can eventually run without you!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

As the client base of practice grows and you begin to expand/add teams to the practice, it's important to develop client portfolios for each client manager.  

In today’s episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Ed Chan and Tim Causbrook discuss the context of building client portfolios, their importance, and some of the challenges that practice owners face when developing them. 

Find out more about the Wize Traffic flow quadrants and how to build an ideal team structure for a more profitable accounting business!  

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

In this week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Brenton Ward with Ed Chan and Jamie Johns will deep dive into the difference between bottom-up and top-down management.

The discussion moves to practical steps for implementing bottom-up management, such as creating a balanced team structure with an appropriate ratio of minders to grinders. Jamie shares his personal experience of transitioning to this management style, highlighting its positive impact on workload and efficiency. Both Ed and Jamie discuss the importance of client managers in maintaining smooth operations and strong client relationships. They also address staff recruitment and retention challenges, providing insights into how a well-structured team can alleviate these issues.

Which is better and how do you implement it in your firm? Remember, your management style can dictate the process and growth of your business. Tune in to find out which management style better fit for your accounting or bookkeeping firm!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

This week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast presents another special edition of WizeFactor Chat with Byron McBroom, the CPA and Founder of Measured Results.

Byron shares his journey from starting his first firm in 1985 to founding Measured Results in 2002. He discusses the strategic growth of his business, driven by effective marketing, partnerships, and the invaluable guidance of Wize Mentoring.

Byron reveals how the Wize Mentoring system transformed his firm, enabling him to reduce his work hours to just 10 per week while achieving significant business growth. He also recounts a life-changing accident in August 2022, where he sustained multiple severe injuries. Thanks to the robust systems in place from Wize Mentoring, his firm continued to operate smoothly and efficiently during his six-month recovery, ensuring all clients were serviced without interruption.

Tune in to hear Byron's inspiring story of resilience and learn how Wize Mentoring's strategies can help create a sustainable, self-sufficient business!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

In this week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Brenton Ward with Ed Chan and Jamie Johns delve into the common challenges faced by accountants and bookkeeping practice owners in managing their time effectively. 

Ed shares his personal journey, explaining how his early career experiences in the production division shaped his time management mentality. He discusses the pivotal moment when he discovered Dr. Stephen Covey's principles, which helped him transform his approach to running a business. At the same time, Jamie reflects on how Covey's teachings influenced his own practice. 

Together, they explore practical strategies for applying time management theories to create a more efficient and sustainable accounting practice. Tune in for valuable insights and tips on transitioning from a time-poor practice to a business that runs without you!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Do you want to become a good leader for your team?

In this week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Brenton Ward with Ed Chan and Jamie Johns will discuss the critical policies that will help you set up your business for growth. 

Remember that if you don't show leadership, then everything falls apart. You want your business to run from the bottom up instead of the top down, and to make that happen, every team member should be the leader and show leadership in their respective areas. But how do you become a good leader? And how do you teach leadership to your staff? Tune in to today's episode to learn how and more!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant grind and lacking time for meaningful team interactions? Imagine if making time for regular staff reviews could transform your practice from hectic chaos into a well-oiled machine. 

On this episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, we unpack the insights from Dr. Stephen Covey's game-changing principles to highlight how prioritising what's important over what's merely urgent can revolutionize your accounting or bookkeeping firm. 

Discover some actionable strategies for evolving from the traditional, ineffective annual review to a dynamic system of monthly or quarterly one-on-ones using innovative tools.

Also, we explore how these regular check-ins, grounded in goal review and KPI feedback, ensure that your team stays aligned and your business remains on course. Learn how to implement a cascading structure where the CEO engages with senior client managers, who in turn lead their own teams, creating a consistent and cohesive workflow. 

Don't miss this episode if you're eager to break free from the busyness trap and foster a more self-sustaining, effective practice. We'd love to hear your thoughts—head to the chat feature and share how frequently you conduct staff reviews in your own firm!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

What if you could manage a thriving firm without being tied to it 24/7?

This week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast presents another special edition of WizeFactor Chat with Kristy Fairbairn one of the Wize Mentors and the CEO/ Founder of The Business Oasis.

In 2017, Kristy bought an accounting firm and initially faced the daunting task of managing it alone. Her search for specialized support led her to Wize Mentoring, where she found the guidance and accountability she needed to balance her family life while growing her business. Learn how Kristy's experience with Wize transformed her approach to business management.

Hear Kristy's inspiring transition from mentee to mentor and how business coaching can be a game-changer for accountants and bookkeepers. Discover her insights on the importance of mentorship in achieving professional dreams without succumbing to burnout. We explore how strategic planning and team empowerment can free business owners from constant involvement, allowing them to pursue personal goals and enjoy greater fulfillment. Kristy shares practical advice on overcoming the fear of relinquishing control and the benefits of a well-structured business plan.

Finally, we discuss the power of connecting with a global community of like-minded business owners. Kristy highlights the value of master classes, webinars, and Super 8 pods in fostering a supportive environment where firm owners can share insights and hold each other accountable. This collective wisdom not only accelerates business growth but also enhances work-life balance. Learn how adopting effective systems can improve service delivery and client satisfaction in bookkeeping businesses. Don't miss Kristy's valuable tips and strategies for building a self-sustaining business.

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

As the client base of practice grows and you begin to expand/add teams to the practice, it's important to develop client portfolios for each client manager. In this episode of The Wize Guys Podcast, Ed Chan and Tim Causbrook discuss the context of building client portfolios, their importance, and some of the challenges that practice owners face when developing them. 

Ed reveals the critical strategies for building an effective client portfolio team. You'll learn the importance of strategic team composition and why hiring experienced senior staff early on is a game-changer. Discover how to streamline client communication and train junior team members, setting the foundation for a robust and efficient team. Ed also shares insights on managing production and communication traffic flows, offering expert advice on the specific skills required for each.

Find out more about the Wize Traffic flow quadrants and how to build an ideal team structure for a more profitable accounting business!  Plus, get the lowdown on why proper hiring and training are essential for creating a successful practice. Don't miss these essential tips for turning your accounting or bookkeeping practice into a profitable and smoothly-running business!

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here

When hiring new staff for your Practice, do you hire based on Education? Work experience? Set of skills? Or whether a candidate will bring a good balance to your resource mix? 

In this week's episode of The Wize Guys Podcast,  Thomas Sphabmixay together with Jamie Johns and Kristy Fairbairn discusses how using the capacity planner helps firm owners with finding the right team mix. 

Unlock the secrets to effective hiring in accounting with Jamie from Sky Accountants. Discover how Jamie revolutionized his approach from informal methods to structured processes, ensuring the right fit and boosting firm success. Learn why transparency and integrity are crucial in hiring and understand the devastating impacts of a bad hire. Jamie also sheds light on the importance of mastering a hiring formula and maintaining team compatibility, with a striking 80% of success attributed to the ability to get along with others.

Take a deep dive into capacity planning and the qualities of successful client managers. Understand how leveraging a capacity planner can optimize your team's efficiency and productivity, maintaining a balanced workload and fostering steady growth. Jamie shares invaluable tips on evaluating candidates' financial concept understanding, ensuring they can communicate complex terms with clarity and confidence to clients. Join us for this episode brimming with actionable insights and strategies to transform your accounting practice into a seamless, thriving business.

________________

PS: Whenever you’re ready… here are the fastest 4 ways we can help you fix and grow your accounting firm:

1. Download our famous Wize Freedom Strategy Map for FREE - Find out the 96 projects every firm owner must implement to build a $5M+ firm that can run without them - Download here

2. Need to Hire right now? Book a 1:1 FREE discovery call with our WizeTalent hiring coaches to help find your next team member the Wize Way – Click Here

3. Book a 1:1 Wize Discovery Session – Spend 30mins with our Wize CEO, Jamie Johns, a $7M firm owner who is ready to give you his entire business plan to build a firm that can run without you – Find out more here

4. Work with Jamie and our mentors for 8 weeks - Build a custom business plan for your firm - Apply here