Last week we told you all about Evernote and how it can help strengthen your professional relationships and enhance your productivity. This week, we want to share insights on a tool you can use to attract more high net-worth clients into your financial planning business: Quickbooks.
Chances are, some of your clients are using it; however, in most cases, they’re not using it to its full capability.
Most small business owners know Quickbooks can help them track day-to-day income and expenses. Yet often, that’s where their understanding of Quickbooks ends.
One way to really differentiate yourself in your industry is co-host trainings for your clients in partnership with the CPA’s you know and trust. First, it will make your clients see you as a professional that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Second, it will make the CPAs you’re building relationships with see you as valued partner that’s creative, insightful and strategic. And as you can imagine, when a CPA sees you in that light, it’s a no brainer for him/her to refer their high net-worth clients your way.
Here are just a few classes that you could host in partnership with your CPA:
1) How to Maximize Earning Potential and Minimize Expenses Using Quickbooks
In this class, the CPA could demonstrate how knowledge really is power when it comes to business finances. A simple lesson in how to properly categorize income will empower your clients to really understand where the bulk of their revenue is currently coming from and also help them identify new revenue opportunities. In addition, if the CPA teaches your clients how to properly categorize their expenses and then evaluate them on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, they’ll empower them to minimize or eradicate unnecessary expenses in favor of making smarter budgeting decisions. And you know what that means, less money wasted = more money to invest—with you, of course.
2) How to Get Paid Faster and Automate Invoicing
In this class, the CPA could teach your clients how to accept payments directly through Quickbooks. When he/she shows your small business clients how to immediately pay an invoice with a credit card or how they can accept payments anytime from anywhere as long as they have an Intuit card reader and a mobile device, they’re going to think you hung the moon by hosting this event and giving them the opportunity to learn this invaluable information.
3) How to Access Your Financial Reports 24/7 from Anywhere in the World
If you really want to butter up your clients, invite a CPA to teach them how to use the Quickbooks Online app from their smartphone. They’ll feel so empowered when they learn how to create estimates and invoices in just a few clicks or how to manage and pay their bills when they’re waiting in line somewhere and have a few minutes to kill. And for your small business clients that carry inventory, imagine what they’ll think when they learn how to track inventory right from their phone. No more calling the home office for inventory reports before making a purchasing decision at a trade show…all of the info they need is in the palm of their hand.
Differentiating yourself in the marketplace is important. When you find a differentiating opportunity that makes you stand out with your client and your joint venture partners, it’s like striking gold! Your clients and joint venture partners are sure to appreciate your proactive, client/partner-centered approach to doing business.
Next week we’re going to share a tool that’s going to help you and your clients get organized faster than you ever thought possible. Make sure you come back to read it!
