hp launches online backup for small biz
hp is unveiling upline, a new subscription service designed to help small-business and home-office users back up, share, and store digital content over any internet connection.
client service opportunities
small businesses outpace larger ones in planning for impact of aging workforce
small-business owners aren’t waiting for more evidence of the ‘brain drain.’ as more than 19 million american workers reach traditional retirement age of 65 in the next three years, a new survey reports that 28% of small-business owners are … continued
what cpas and financial advisors have in common
and it’s not good news. “the advisory profession has a good but challenging problem on its hands: it is caught between an influx of new clients and a shortage of talented staff.†that should sound familiar to cpa firms. it’s … continued
expand your horizons: niche marketing success stories
jean marie caragher, in the april 2008 journal of accountancy, states four irrefutable truths for successful marketing: by identifying target markets and resources, niche marketing can distinguish a cpa firm from its competitors while generating higher profit margins. a well-developed … continued
bkd wealth advisors names layman first cio
bkd veteran jeffrey a. layman has been named chief investment officer of bkd wealth advisors, llc, a wholly owned subsidiary of bkd, llp. see jeff layman on cnbc, here. layman is the first individual to hold this high-level post since … continued
will the credit crisis sink fair-value?
and how much could it hurt the iasb? rob lewis (pictured) at financeweek.co.uk makes five great points: the iasb entered 2008 £3.5 million short of its annual budget… securing the remaining funding could prove difficult if cash-strapped financial institutions no … continued
top three drivers for more firm mergers
why the end of busy season spells a new round of dealmaking. by rick telberg at large at one time, you could count on busy season to provide respite from mergers, acquisitions and talent snatches among cpa firms. but not … continued
four reasons to fire a client today
turn problems into profits.
by rick telberg
every business has problem clients, but not everyone subscribes to the “customer is always right” philosophy. in fact, some businesses will actually fire such clients and report being happier and more successful for it.
cpa firms are often told to be strategic in prospecting for and selecting clients to help dodge such dysfunctional relationships-even when money is tight and all clients look like a gem. that’s easier said than done, of course. read more →
cashview renamed bill.com, offers free service for accountants
rene lacerte’s new company unveils pricing — with a special deal for accountants after helping to build quickbooks and launching paycycle, lacerte (yes, that lacerte family) is ramping up this new venture to handle payables and receivables, online, for small … continued
boomers face bleak retirement
cpas see a generation with underfunded plans. by rick telberg at large not since the advent of the pill have so many baby boomers been caught with their pants down. so say the vast majority of cpas (albeit in other … continued
cpa salaries rise as competition for skilled professionals persists
robert half releases “2008 salary guide” menlo park, ca (robert half international) — starting salaries for accounting and finance professionals are expected to increase an average of 4.3 percent in the coming year, according to the just-released 2008 salary guide … continued
9 profit drivers for your cpa firm
do you have the character traits to succeed?
gerald riskin of edge international recalls the handful of dna markers that can predict success or failure. read more →
who’s gonna hire you?
answer: business owners. but what’s the best way to reach them?
by rick telberg
ever wonder who makes the decision on which cpa firm to hire? when we asked whom cpas think the decision-maker is, only one clown said, “wife of owner rules.”
just about everybody else figured the decision-maker is the owner herself. or himself. about eight in 10 of respondents agreed on that.
only seven percent thought the cfo makes the decision, while five percent said it’s the ceo. read more →