You are both. The problem is that you might not think of yourself as a “Brand”. You think brands are Apple, Facebook, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc. Wikipedia says a brand is a… “Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.” I underline the word “distinct” because I believe that’s the key to a good brand. So what’s distinct about you? Are you the BEST bookkeeper on the north side of Atlanta? The small business EXPERT in the western suburbs of Chicago? The LEADING firm for Accounting and Cloud Computing in Las Vegas? If you haven’t thought about this, or haven’t thought about this recently, you should. In this Social Media age, you need to establish yourself as something. Give your clients and prospects a way to distinguish you from all others that may offer a similar (but lesser) service. Your website, newsletter, Social Media and Blog have a lot to do with your brand. These outlets can establish you as a thought leader. They give you the opportunity to make your case. Your well established brand will work to remind your clients of what you do and [...]
Create an Easy, Head-Turning Elevator Speech
You’re sitting in a room with 30 other business entrepreneurs. Each of you has on minute to introduce themselves to the group. You are number 25 to speak. Will anyone listen? What can you do or say to catch your peers’ attention, be memorable, and have them approach you for business? Most importantly, what can you do to get every business card in the room wanting what you have (so you can go to fewer networking meetings and get back to running your business)? The good news is you don’t have to be a poet, a writer, or a great speaker in order to attract attention and desire. All you need to do is put yourself in your potential customer’s shoes for a minute. What is it about your business, your products and services, and you that would interest a potential buyer? Why should they care? Why should they stop what they’re doing from their busy life and listen to you? It’s easier to answer than it sounds. Here’s a formula to help you along. I help “my ideal client” “get a certain result” through “my products or services.” Let’s fill in these three blanks by using some examples: I [...]
A How-to Social Media Action Plan for Accounting Firms
This article in AccountingWeb by Rachael Power discusses Social Media for accounting firms:http://www.accountingweb.com/article/how-social-media-action-plan-accounting-firms/222104Using this guideline, you can at least put together a to do list for your social media.For financial, accounting and tax musings,You can count on us to count for you! email bstonercpa@sbcglobal.net phone 818-317-6035 Website www.briantstonercpa.com