Let’s Talk Sustainable Growth, Technology and Common Sense

The smell of apple cider, pumpkin pancakes and Octoberfest is in the air. And as we all prepare for weather changes and holiday cheer, CPAs prepare for company growth and sustainability. An article in CPA Trendlines explains how six elements determine the growth and sustainability of a firm. Meanwhile, another article in CFO describes how a gut reaction can make all the difference. Finally, an article in AICPA Insights says technology is the key to future success. Based on our own conversations with our clients, we agree that a healthy dose of each makes for a very successful firm. In a nutshell, the six elements for growth and sustainability are as follows: leader driven, segment ownership, strategy before tactics, opportunity pursuit, team play, and no more marketing director. The last one is a bit confusing because a marketing directors’ sole purpose is to grow a company’s brand. But the article explains that the marketing director should do more than just organize sponsored events and thought leadership. They should be “leading and supporting opportunity pursuit efforts.” Again, we agree. Typically, this has always been a marketing director’s role. And yes, technology does play a large role in marketing, but technology has such a large role in today’s businesses overall. It has allowed businesses to “launch and grow at stunning speeds while using little capital,” according to the CFO article. Entrepreneurs and start-ups can compete with larger, more established companies as a result. The article states that 95% of respondents believe CPAs must be quick to embrace new technology and the capabilities that come with it. Obviously, this is true, which is why we offer our XBRL widget and EA16 technology to our clients. But, let’s not overlook the value of a gut reaction. Business Tycoon, now U.S. Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump, preached it in his first book, “Trump. The Art of the Deal.” If you know your market and are passionate enough to see your company soar, you gotta go with your gut sometimes. Steve Graham, finance executive interviewed for the article in AICPA Insights, says despite his tendency to analyze the facts and figures, many of his best decisions have come from common sense. Makes sense. Sometimes decisions that go against the grain are necessary. But if you are an expert in your field, chances are you are making the right decision for your company anyway. Finally, our clients feel the same about growth, sustainability, technology and gut reactions. In our conversations, clients claim they need some one who can keep up with their pace while offer customized services, and we make sure to deliver. We work with very successful CPAs, attorneys and CEOs from large and small firms, to name a few. And don’t forget, we are running a successful business of our own. So, we understand the challenges that can stump future development, but we always adjust to accommodate our clients with their needs. This is probably our key advice in all of this. Listen to your client first. If you would like to know more about our customized packages, visit our site at www.edgaragents.com. Or call us at 732-780-5036. We’d love to hear from you. Also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Blogger, and Instagram!