The Connected Accountant

Aha - Pt. II

Ever had a BFO moment? A BFO is a Big Flash of the Obvious – when something that should have been apparent ages ago all of a sudden reveals itself to you – A Damascene conversion, if you like.

At a recent ASAE (The association for associations!) event, the buzz was all about social media and that was where I got it.  At this point, other IGAF Worldwide staff members probably said, “at last – we have only been telling him for the past 2 years!”  -  But if associations are really about bringing people together then this is really the way forwards.

So (tooting own horn alert) it is great to see that a couple of early adopters of this coolness (not to mention representatives of pretty far-sighted firms by any measure) appear to be somewhat pleased with IGAF Worldwide, but perhaps more importantly with the peer firms that are in the membership.

First of all, Mark Bailey in his Innovative Practice Management blog said nice things about our member firms, and then, in Scott Heintzelman's   blog, he was also very complimentary.  Finally, a group that sometimes gets short shrift in accounting firms - the marketers - got some very positive comments on guru Bruce Allen's  blog.

So, turning off the self-promotion, communication is key - building member loyalty takes consistency of communication and a judgment as to the 'right amount' to keep the message to the forefront without being overwhelming.  Your members want to hear from you - Do they, or do they get an unnerving silence?

Are You Connected?

Jimi Hendrix asked, 'are you experienced?'  I ask, 'are you connected?'

The goal of this new blog is to explore ways in which accountants 'connect' with their peers around the corner and around the World.  Revealing my bias, associations are a huge way in which you can do that, but there are many other methodologies and opportunities too.

As an example of how accountants are connecting using what is commonly called 'Web 2.0' take a look at what the Maryland Society of CPAs has done in Second Life.  Tom Hood, their CEO is quoted as saying 'It's all about social networking - which is what associations are about.'

I know that those of you that have heard of Second Life are probably worried.  You think you will loose control, that communication will happen without running through a centralized 'system' and that your employees will use it in work hours.  All of your fears are not only justified, but possibly correct!  However, being a facilitator (or better yet, a champion) of this type of interaction within and across firms means that professionals in the firm and those looking at an accounting career will set you and your firm apart from many others.

So, are you connected?  Let us know how.