katie tolin: what’s the market telling us? | capstone conversations

understanding the story behind the data is critical to success.

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

katie tolin, a veteran marketing strategist and the driving force behind cpa growth guides, recently sat down for a capstone conversation to share her expertise on navigating the complexities of marketing in the accounting industry. tolin, a decorated member of the association for accounting marketing (aam) and its volunteer of the year for 2023, offeres a candid exploration of current industry trends and the pivotal role of marketing in cpa firms.

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

tolin identifies the rapidly changing accounting landscape as the greatest challenge facing marketers today. from private equity’s entry into the industry to the emergence of alternative firm structures that don’t rely on traditional cpa models, tolin notes that uncertainty reigns.

“marketers must understand these shifts and anticipate their impact on our firms,” she explains. “whether it’s technology reshaping our strategies or new competitors entering the field, staying informed and adaptive is essential.”

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jennifer harrity: esg unlocks opportunities | gear up for growth

uncover how regulations, investor demands, and market expectations are driving organizations to embrace sustainable practices.

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

in a world where sustainability is increasingly critical, environmental, social, and governance (esg) has emerged as a vital component of the accounting profession—described as the “fourth leg” of the accounting stool, alongside tax, audit, and consulting. esg integrates sustainability metrics with financial data, offering a holistic view of an organization’s health and strategic opportunities.

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

“esg is about measuring and quantifying sustainability-related data and aligning it with financial metrics,” explains jennifer harrity, esg and sustainability director for sensiba. “this approach not only provides a clearer picture of an organization’s health but also identifies strategic opportunities for growth.”

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jason blumer: serving your team is the ultimate leadership strategy | gear up for growth

discover why intentionality and clarity are key traits for successful leaders.

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

leadership in accounting firms requires a shift from technical expertise to guiding and empowering teams. jason blumer, founder and ceo of blumer cpas, discusses the journey of embracing leadership roles, overcoming self-doubt, and fostering a service-oriented mindset on gear up for growth,

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

blumer is no stranger to innovation and leadership. recognized as one of accounting today’s 100 most influential people in accounting and a cpa practice advisor. with over two decades of experience leading a thriving cpa firm and coaching accounting entrepreneurs, blumer’s expertise is a beacon for those navigating the challenges of leadership in today’s fast-paced industry.

“effective leadership involves creating future leaders and tackling difficult conversations head-on,” blumer says. “it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and trust while confronting the discomfort that often accompanies leadership responsibilities.” 

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kimberly ellison-taylor: talent is key to growth | gear up for growth

“we have to tell a better story, but we also have to have a better story to tell.”

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

a powerhouse in the accounting profession, kimberly ellison-taylor, cpa, cgma, citp, cisa, the ceo of ket solutions, shares her deep insights on talent recruitment and retention, inclusive leadership, and the evolving role of cpas in a rapidly changing world.

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

ellison-taylor’s journey into the accounting profession began earlier than most. she recalls a pivotal career day in third grade when she learned that “accountants manage the money.” this revelation not only sparked her initial interest but also set her on a path to becoming one of the most recognized leaders in the profession, including serving as chairman of both the maryland association of cpas and the aicpa. her story is a testament to the power of early inspiration and leadership support.

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barry melancon: private equity and the partnership | gear up for growth

“private equity firms are beginning to realize how annuity-based tax and advisory work is, which creates a different value proposition for cpa firms compared to other industries.”

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

in a landmark episode of the gear up for growth podcast, barry melancon, cpa, cgma, the longest-serving ceo in aicpa history, joined host jean caragher to share his invaluable insights on the evolution of the accounting profession. after 30 years at the helm of the aicpa, melancon stepped down at the end of 2024, leaving a profound legacy of innovation and transformation.

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

reflecting on his appointment in 1995, melancon paints a vivid picture of a pre-digital world where cpa firms relied on print newsletters and direct mail for outreach. “there was no social media, no websites, no digital presence,” he notes. the intervening decades have seen a seismic shift in how firms promote themselves, driven largely by the expansion of services and advancements in technology.

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expert panel: how marketing is reshaping the accounting profession | capstone conversations

“this is the golden age of opportunity for accounting… let’s seize it.”

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

accounting marketing has come a long way since the landmark bates v. state bar of arizona case, which 45 years ago allowed professional services firms to market their services. today, as firms navigate digital transformation, client experience, and talent challenges, marketing plays an increasingly pivotal role. capstone conversations brought together a panel of trailblazers to explore the journey and future of accounting marketing. featuring four decades of association of accounting marketing (aam) marketers of the year, the panel included adrian ornik (ey), sally glick (formerly sobel & co.), eric majchrzak (beachfleischman), and sarah cirelli (hbk cpas & consultants).

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

ornik, the 1993 marketer of the year, recalls a time when accounting marketing was uncharted territory. “ignorance was bliss,” he shares, reflecting on a period when both marketers and their stakeholders were still learning. despite challenges, ornik emphasizes that the profession’s transformation provided immense opportunity.

glick, recognized by aam in 2003, credits her father, a sole practitioner, for offering her the freedom to innovate when marketing lacked measurable tools. “there wasn’t always a correlation between initiatives and results,” she notes, yet her creative strategies laid the groundwork for relationship-building in the profession.

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katie lyles: triumphs amid chaos | capstone conversations

risk-taking and transparency emerge as key drivers for success in accounting marketing.

 

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

when katie lyles joined dallas-based accounting firm lane gorman trubitt at the end of 2019, she anticipated a role focused on coordinating live events. little did she know, her career trajectory would be shaped by a global pandemic, propelling her into a spotlight she hadn’t foreseen. in 2021, lyles was named the association for accounting marketing (aam) rookie of the year, a testament to her ingenuity, adaptability, and dedication to her craft.

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

on a recent episode of capstone conversations, lyles reflects on her journey, marked by resilience and resourcefulness. when covid-19 halted in-person events in early 2020, lyles quickly pivoted to virtual platforms, saving her firm over $90,000 and generating record-breaking revenue. beyond the financial impact, her efforts were instrumental in lane gorman trubitt’s ppp task force, where her marketing expertise contributed over 55% of the task force’s revenue.

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lauren clemmer: confidence, collaboration, and the future of accounting marketing | capstone conversations

firms that embrace marketing as a strategic priority unlock better opportunities.

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

the world of accounting marketing is one of transformation, resilience, and adaptability. few individuals embody these qualities as profoundly as lauren clemmer, the former executive director of the association for accounting marketing (aam) and one of its most recent hall of fame inductees. in a recent capstone conversation, clemmer shared her journey, insights, and advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities in accounting marketing.

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

clemmer’s career began outside the accounting industry, which initially presented challenges. she emphasized the importance of understanding accounting firm dynamics and building relationships with firm partners. “i had to learn how to communicate in a way that resonated with accountants,” she explains, citing her decision to invest in executive coaching to bridge communication gaps.

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sarah dobek: how curiosity and problem-solving propel success | capstone conversations

understanding buyer behavior is the toughest—and most rewarding—part of the job.

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

a trailblazer in the field, sarah dobek was recently inducted into the association for accounting marketing (aam) hall of fame, cementing her status as a bruce w. marcus lifetime fellowship member. with over two decades of experience in accounting and professional services marketing, sarah shares her insights, challenges, and strategies that have shaped her remarkable career.

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

dobek reflects on her unexpected journey into the accounting marketing profession, which began as an internship at an accounting firm in 2002. since then, she has been at the forefront of shaping marketing strategies for public accounting firms, serving on the aam board of directors, and being recognized multiple times as one of accounting today’s top 100 most influential people in accounting.

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august aquila: when marketing drives profit | gear up for growth

“every client interaction is a marketing opportunity.”

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

marketing has evolved from a client acquisition tool to a vital part of a firm’s overall strategy. “when we first started marketing firms, it was all about bringing in the client and not worrying about anything else,” says august aquila of aquila global advisors and author of the new 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 practice manual, “max: maximize productivity, profitability and client retention

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gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

“marketing today should be so integrated into a firm that it can help the firm increase its enterprise value by making the firm more valuable if you decide to sell,” he says. marketing activities, such as pricing strategies and enhancing client experiences, are essential for firms to differentiate and stay competitive.

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gary shamis: strategy is easy. execution is key | gear up for growth

moving beyond a “partner-driven” model is essential to scale operations and continue growth.

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

while many skills contribute to effective leadership, gary shamis, president & ceo of winding river consulting, says executing strategic plans is the most critical.

 

more gary shamis: private equity hazards for young partners, on accounting influencers with rob brown here |

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here | more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

“i have come to the conclusion that strategy is not hard,” says shamis. “strategy is easy. and there are no secrets around strategy. the difference is your ability to execute that plan.” 

shamis says only the ability to implement plans at a high level enables firms to progress, grow, and achieve their long-term goals. 

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glen carmichael: leadership sets the tone for marketing success | capstone conversations

discover the strategies behind one pro’s 30% year-over-year lead generation growth.

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capstone conversations
by jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

glen carmichael, digital marketing coordinator at yhb cpas and consultant, is pushing the firm’s newsletter to more than 55,000 recipients, growing educational webinars to 23, and garnering 64,000 blog readers annually.

and she’s just getting started.

follow jean caragher on 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 here. | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | catch jean caragher’s other show, gear up for growth, on fridays here. | and browse all the shows in the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 broadcast network here

but with achievements like those, it’s no wonder she has received the association of accounting marketing rookie of the year award.

in this episode of capstone conversations, carmichael shares her thoughts about her accomplishments, challenges, and insights into marketing for cpa firms.

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alan whitman: unlocking the secrets to smart growth | gear up for growth

“speed and being nimble are critical to being able to try new things and iterate quickly.”

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gear up for growth
with jean caragher
for 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间

alan whitman, ceo of adw advisory, formerly led baker tilly u.s. through a meteoric rise from $475 million to $1.5 billion in revenue. in this episode of gear up for growth, he shares his wealth of experience and insights.

see alan whitman on the disruptors: stop accepting the status quo

gear up for growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and effficient growth in today’s competitive landscape. more gear up for growth every friday here.more capstone conversations with jean caragher every monday | more jean caragher here | get her best-selling handbook, the 90-day marketing plan for cpa firms, here | more 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 videos and podcasts here

one of the central themes of the conversation is the potential for smaller cpa firms to outpace their larger counterparts in innovation and agility. whitman highlights the advantages small firms have, such as their ability to pivot quickly and try new approaches without the bureaucratic hurdles larger organizations face. “speed and being nimble are critical,” whitman asserts. however, he notes that smaller firms must adopt a forward-thinking mindset, emphasizing, “hopefully, smaller firms aren’t biased by always doing it the way you’ve done it in the past.”

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