Allen Bostrom – Universal Accounting

In a recent comment to my blog, John asked the question, “What can your accounting firm offer my business
that is different from my current CPA I am now using?”. It was a great question, and one I don’t mind answering.

Frankly, today I’m not accepting new clients, so I have to assume that John is asking this more metaphorically, as opposed to literally. If I was building a client practice (CPA, or not), I would have a lot to say in answer to his question.

To begin with, my clients know they have my full attention. They know that I take their business personally, and that I am a fan of theirs that is totally committed to seeing their business succeed. My services will include helping them to reduce their tax burden, optimize their use of cash, and maximize their profits. In fact, I will even guarantee each client that if my suggestions and ideas don’t produce additional income at least equal to my fee, they don’t have to pay me.

I will provide a business assessment annually. The first time I produce it, the business owner will learn how they stack up against their competition. Together, we will immediately begin working on plans to improve those areas where the business compares poorly against it’s peers. If the business fares well in every category (which I have yet to see), I will identify suggestions on what the business may do to grow geometrically.

Each year, thereafter we will update the business assessment and evaluate how we stack up this year against the previous year to ensure that the business is heading the right direction. I will become knowledgeable about my client’s industry by subscribing to the trade journals associated with my client’s interests. Each time I receive an issue I will scan it for articles and ideas on improving the bottom line for my client.

I will give my client my cell phone number, and be available by voicemail 24/7, and I will program my client’s contact information directly into my cell address book so that when he or she calls I will know it is them and will pick up the call if at all possible. He/she will never have to go through a receptionist, and if a message is left, I will respond within 30 minutes, if possible.

According to the client’s wishes, I will seek to have a face-to-face meeting with him or her at least monthly to discuss their business results. In most cases this will be held at their business so that I can see their business in motion, and meet their staff. I will learn the names of the key players in their business, and seek to understand the abilities each brings to the Company, so that my advice will be more personal and meaningful. After every visit, I will take some time to note the discussion, and any assignments accepted or given and place it in an email to the client.

In fact, I will be as interested in the client’s success as I am the growth and prosperity of my own business.

I hope this helps.

Allen Bostrom
Universal Accounting Center