Archive for July, 2011

Why join iShade?

July 24th, 2011

Well first and foremost, it’s the online home of the accounting profession.

But also it’s a great source of inbound referrals for 2020 Premium Members.

2020 has partnered with iShade to be the exclusive membership organization of iShade. What does that mean for you? When you create a profile on iShade you get listed in the 2020 Gateway. The 2020 Gateway is an online directory that allows other accountants to search for your expertise in your area if and when their clients have a need for your services. We believe that our members will enjoy a significant opportunity for additional business.

Ready to sign up? Fill in the registration form.

TIP: The more detail the better! But don’t tick every box, make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Find out more information about the 2020 Gateway.

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Marketing Tip – Email Marketing

July 22nd, 2011

Never send email marketing on a Monday or Friday.

The research (subjective and qualitative) suggests the least open and click through rates of email marketing on occurs on these days. Why? Well could be any number of reasons. Here’s our guess, on Monday, folks are busy catching up on what happened over the weekend – returning calls, deleting junk email etc – or Monday is a designated administrative day (payroll, accounting etc) and they only read emails from their customers.

On Friday, again it’s just a guess, but people may be trying to get everything done to get out of the office to start enjoying the weekend, so they avoid reading non-essential email.

For the best impact (open and click through rates), send your email marketing on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. And try to send it during business hours, preferably between 10 & 4. This way it doesn’t get lost in the morning spam, or left unread.

Importantly test your marketing. Send the same header email at different times of the day to see what has the better open rate. Monitor the results and implement it in your future marketing.

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New Service for Premium Members – Annual Performance Review

July 20th, 2011

We have been speaking to members in the last couple of months finding out what they want from 2020. One key message we have heard is that members want more guidance and more help in building their firms. They want to know how they’re doing, and so we are introducing the Annual Performance Review (APR).

The APR is a 60 minute consultation for Premium Members that looks at your key performance indicators, and how they compare to key industry benchmarks; as well as create an action plan for the coming 12 months. The goal is to help you establish and work towards at least 3 key initiatives to implement for in your firm.

To take advantage of the APR, log in to the Premium Resources section and download and complete the excel questionnaire. When you send it back to 2020 include any marketing materials, proposal letters etc that will help us gain a better understanding of your firm. We’ll then schedule a phone call with you to discuss your responses and craft a strategy for the future. Once all the numbers are in, we’ll share a benchmark report of 2020 Group members.

We’ll also check in on you in 6 month time to make sure you’re doing what you said you would do.

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Free Accounting Today Subscription

July 19th, 2011

Did you know that Accounting Today was free for folks in public accounting? Accounting Today is a great resource to keep up to date with what’s happening in the profession. And while they have a larger firm focus, it’s definitely a valuable read for all accounting professionals. You can get your free copy by clicking on http://www.accountingtoday.com/2020Group.

Tip: Be sure to answer YES on question 1 – Does your firm offer public accounting/professional accounting and tax services.

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Free webinar – How to Systemize Your Accounting Practice

July 18th, 2011

Why is it that some accounting firms grow to become well oiled, profitable enterprises that make their owners very wealthy and others, (and the odds are that 86% or more of all firms are in this second category) toil away grinding it out day after day and never make any serious money. It’s not about location. It’s not about a better idea. It’s not about lots of funding. And it’s not about working really hard.

While all of these are important factors, there is one key factor that you must understand if you plan to grow a business that maximizes its value and gives you the life you deserve.

We’ve asked business systematization expert Michael Mills of Business Design Corporation to present a webinar specifically on systematizing an accounting firm. Michael will share what you can do to create a firm that can grow reliably, profitably and consistently without consuming you and your life.

This presentation runs just under an hour. Register now so you can replicate what you do and create a firm that runs reliably and predictably with top grade loyal employees who actually do what you expect them to do.

When? Wednesday July 20 at 11.00 am PST.

To register: Click on the following link: http://tiny.cc/systems2020

Register now. You’ll be glad you did.

All attendees will receive the a complimentary copy of the e-book “How to Systematize Your Accounting Practice” valued at $49 and 1 free month of Michael’s Business Systemization platform.

Even if you think you can’t make it, be sure to register. We’ll be recording the event and emailing the recording to all who register.

Testimonials from some of those who have attended this presentation previously:

“I thought it was an excellent presentation. Absolutely excellent. I got more than I hoped for…” — Jim B.

“I really enjoyed your presentation. The psychology and the techniques of business fascinate me. I learned a huge amount about building a successful business – that building a business to be successful is a science in addition to having a good product or service. Your presentation was well thought out and it was logical and useful.” – Betsy G.

“I found it all very helpful and useful information. I can’t wait to get started…..” — Karen H.

“I learned a lot…” — Jim A.

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