When seen as an expert in your field, you gain something that\u2019s invaluable to business owners\u2014renown, respect and referrals.\u00a0 Most people want their money managed by someone with noted expertise, and you may be surprised to discover that it doesn\u2019t take much to acquire it.\u00a0 In a recent BNET article entitled \u201cPosition Yourself as an Expert,\u201d Dorie Clark gives 5 easy suggestions to help you establish yourself as the resident accounting expert:<\/p>\n
1. <\/strong>Develop relationships with local finance reporters.<\/strong><\/p>\n Local newspapers are always looking for good content, and when you build relationships with local finance reporters, you may develop a relationship through which you become quoted as a local accounting expert.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Speak out!<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019d be surprised at how many community events need speakers.\u00a0 Clark suggests you start with your local chamber of commerce or trade association and volunteer.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find leads as you go along, and the experience will enhance your public speaking skills.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Align with a high-profile client.<\/strong><\/p>\n Clark says, \u201cAs the saying goes, you\u2019re known by the company you keep.\u201d\u00a0 Dropping names really can get you far.\u00a0 If one of your clients is a local celebrity or well-known entrepreneur, ask their permission to let people know the caliber of the company you keep.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Write about your expertise.<\/strong><\/p>\n Content is king, and if you make a habit of writing about accounting, you\u2019ll become known as the accounting content king (read: expert).\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re circulating your own newsletter, writing a finance column for the local paper or regularly posting to an accounting blog, you\u2019re establishing yourself as an expert.<\/p>\n 5. <\/strong>Teach.<\/strong><\/p>\n While you won\u2019t make much, teaching adjunct courses at your local university is a great way to establish expertise.\u00a0 My father spent years teaching a satellite accounting course for Lewis Clark State College because he was a local CPA.\u00a0 Clark explains, \u201c\u2026many clients will assume if you\u2019re enough of an expert for XYZ University, you\u2019ll certainly be able to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n Branding yourself as an accounting expert is a great marketing strategy that will not only strengthen your professional reputation, but it will earn you a number of solid referrals.<\/p>\n Build Your Expertise by Becoming a QuickBooks Specialist!<\/strong><\/p>\n In strengthening your professional expertise, you want to find those opportunities with a low initial investment and a high return.\u00a0 One such opportunity is found in UAC\u2019s Professional Bookkeeper\u2019s Guide (PBG) to QuickBooks<\/a>.\u00a0 With a modest enrollment fee and a reasonable investment of your time and energy, this product can help you attract more clients while increasing your service offerings and billable hours.<\/p>\n