Buzz

 

Hi MC

Just a quick note to say thanks and wow!

The “Ways We Work With You” diagram that you designed for us is fantastic. As you know, we’d been struggling with it for a number of weeks, and after just one consultation over the web you were able to transfer the ideas in my head and Mick’s rough hand drawn sketch to a visual that succinctly explains our service offering.

I’m still not sure how you did it so quickly.

Everyone from our office is impressed and excited to start using it with our clients. We’re also going to use it as the basis for an entire re-branding project that we’re about to undertake.

Thanks again Michael.

Love it!!!!!

~Caren Hendrie

The Hendrie Group

One of the biggest benefits for us in learning from Practice Paradox™ is actually getting some focus. Before input from Practice Paradox™ we had a million ideas of things we thought we could possibly do in our marketing but we had no idea what to do first. We had no idea who to target. We just had this massive list of ideas that was so overwhelming it got no attention and no action! Once Practice Paradox™ guided us by asking who did we enjoy dealing with, who has a lot of potential to help and to pay for that help, who did we want to target, it then made it really easy to go back to our action list and cross off over 50 ideas that were no longer relevant, and instead focus only on the handful of actionable ideas that matched our new focus, that fitted with the target niche market that Practice Paradox™ guided us in selecting.

The benefit of the action plan has been brilliant. The actions that have flowed after deciding on our niche have included speaking with our referral partners about only referring us people who are in our niche market. They have all said, “That’s a great idea, that’s fantastic,” and it has given them something to know us by. Our firm name now comes immediately to mind for them when they are speaking with someone in our target niche of tradespeople.

We also went back to existing clients who are in this target niche of “tradies” and asked them whether from a marketing perspective this is the sort of thing (being an accounting firm known for specialising in helping tradies) that would gel with them and how that would affect their view of us in the industry as well. We got really positive feedback from those guys, which helped to confirm we’re on the right track. And I think now they are clearer too in that when they’re talking with their peers, they know we are in the hunt for people just like them. It makes it much easier for them to refer people to us. It’s given them a real focus rather than us just saying to them, in terms of asking for referrals, “We want more clients [of any type],” we can now say to a client, such as a painter for example, if they’re working with plumbers or tilers or anyone in that trade industry, we’re after clients in that industry because they’re the clients we know we can help them most. It makes it much easier for clients to say to their peers, “You need to go and see the guys at Growthwise”.

The focus on analysing our current Clientshare™ and looking at which additional services we want to provide to clients has allowed us to identify that we have 3 types of clients in terms of their business experience and we’ve been able to tailor different service offerings and different workshops to each of these 3 groups, and have a bit of fun with clients in the process. Now as opposed to having a client that was just a financial statements and tax return client with a bit of tax planning, we are now doing things with clients proactively, especially educational things. For example, for our “L Plater” group of clients who are just starting out in business, we are running workshops to teach them important stuff they need to know and put into place, and by running these sessions in groups, it makes it affordable for them and profitable for us.

With these clients, from a Clientshare™ perspective, we have essentially doubled what we can do with them. That’s good for clients and good for us.

Having this structure of different service levels in place shows new clients too, that we can hold their hand and take them right through from the stage of, “Whoops, I’ve just started out in my own business, now what do I do?” to them later having to deal with hiring and staff issues, to them wanting to grow and having to buy more equipment and machinery, and everything that goes along with a tradie’s business; so we’re now able to show them that there’s a progression path for them and their business as well. Clients like this approach too because they get to network and deal with a lot of other clients who are in the same industry, dealing with similar issues in similar positions, at different stages in their business life.

Our newfound marketing focus makes it much easier to write marketing and client educational material now. Because we know exactly who our target reader is, we know exactly how to word things and tailor the information to suit them, and we’re no longer trying to be all things to all people. It makes our process a lot easier, not just in marketing but we’re finding in the back office as well.

What appeals to me about the The Clientshare™ Academy is that I like learning that way, in that it’s great to have something that you are made to do, as well as be able to sit through classes on topics and get your own ideas together, but importantly, also have the follow up with the Nuts & Bolts sessions two weeks after each class where you’ll be held accountable to implement the ideas and actions you commit to.

It’s also great that you’re able to network with your peers from other firms who are also going through The Clientshare™ Academy. I’m quite excited about that. For us being a young firm, The Clientshare™ Academy at the Platinum level with its one-to-many delivery makes the affordability very good for us, as opposed to paying for one-on-one time with Practice Paradox which we have done in the past. I’m very excited about The Clientshare™ Academy and can’t wait to start.
 
We’re certainly on a roll with our marketing and growth, with 5 new clients coming on board last week alone. I look forward to keeping the momentum going with The Clientshare™ Academy because since we’ve had input from Practice Paradox, we’re firing along with our Next Actions list!

~Stephanie Hinds

Director Growthwise, Newcastle, Australia

I've just signed up to The Clientshare Academy marketing program and I'm loving it. Really loving it. I can't wait to finish each module to see what's next. Learning marketing through the Academy is like discovering the magic piece of the puzzle that gets you going again. You know when you're doing a really big puzzle and you just get to a point where you're stuck, and you lose momentum and interest and focus? And perhaps you leave it for a little while unsure of where to go to next, and then you come across a piece that just gets you on a roll again. I feel like that is where I am right now. I have been stuck with my firm's marketing, and now I'm really on a roll. All of the principles that Practice Paradox teaches in The Clientshare Academy 'fit' exactly into the values and ideas I have about running a successful accountancy practice, and the 'how to' and 'what to do' is exactly what I needed to actually market what I have to offer. It is such an energizing thing to learn something new and, importantly, to implement what you learn. The Next Actions after each module are specific and easy to do, which keeps the momentum going.  Today's challenge - naming my newsletter ...

~Adele Wardley

A Squared Advisers Pty Ltd

The curriculum in The Clientshare Academy of the online Classes, Nuts & Bolts Sessions and Masterclasses are great. I learn practical stuff I can apply in my firm every time, and I have never been to better seminars than the Masterclasses. They are so well done. Interestingly though, whilst the formal curriculum of the program is terrific, I get as much value again out of the 1-on-1 consultations and the discussions about additional resources, books to read and the guidance on mindset. That is making a significant positive impact on THE WAY I MANAGE my business. I would recommend The Clientshare Academy to any practitioner, even just purely from the perspective of being 'plugged in' to the leading edge thinking and mindset that rubs off on you from MC and Practice Paradox.

~Cameron Patterson

Cameron Patterson & Co.

Michael Carter from Practice Paradox™ facilitated Day 2 of our recent team retreat and we got tremendous value out of Michael’s input. The shift in mindset and lightbulbs coming on with our team was great. They were starting to come up with their own ideas and they could see the Clientshare™ opportunities that have been passing us by, by typically being reactive ‘order takers’ with clients rather than true ‘advisers’.

Even one of our longest serving team members who openly admits that she tends to be set in her ways told me the other day—and she was really proud of herself—that she’s noticed she now has a completely different mindset in dealing with clients and looking for opportunities to help clients more. Rather than automatically respond to client requests, for example, clients requests for copies of financial statements to be sent to a bank, she now steps back and asks clients why they need them, what’s happening, and from that we are uncovering opportunities for us to help and advise clients. She wasn’t doing that before, she now realises, and she loves the new approach because she is serving clients better as a result.

Prior to the announcement of the launch of The Clientshare™ Academy by Practice Paradox™, I had decided our firm would come on board and use the consulting services of Practice Paradox™. But the power of the Clientshare™ Academy approach is that rather than have a consultant on-site with us a couple of days a month, the Academy training course will educate and empower us to implement the ideas and strategies ourselves. We’ll not only learn powerful concepts and strategies but we also get the tools and permanent training resources such as training videos for our team, that come with each class. This gives us something we can use and benefit from ongoing in our firm, in addition to the educational value and the business results of implementing the strategies in the short term.

I like the fact that the educational and self-implementation approach of The Clientshare™ Academy won’t allow us to get lazy, so to speak, in that we’re not relying on a consultant to turn up and do things for us that we really should be doing ourselves. I like that it is still us driving the implementation. That’s important for us as leaders of the business and also for the team to see and to participate in the process. The ideas that we generate ourselves and implement ourselves will have a far higher chance of success than something implemented by a consultant who visits our firm from time to time.

Even though it’s good to have an independent third party such as a consultant come into the firm occasionally to present and facilitate sessions with the team, I feel there is so much more value in having someone in the firm, in particular the leadership team, engaging with everyone and being seen as the driver of it, rather than an external consultant.

That’s the power and the strength of participating in The Clientshare™ Academy because we’ll be the ones delivering the sessions internally and facilitating the process with the team. This means we’re on the ground each day, following up and seeing that the new approaches and process are actually implemented.

So not only is The Clientshare™ Academy approach a very effective way for us to bring about the changes we want in our firm, it’s also more affordable than one-on-one consulting anyway. This allows us to use the savings on other projects and initiatives and still get outside expertise and consultants like Practice Paradox™ in occasionally to implement very specific projects that we’d struggle to do internally.

We’re looking forward to being a member of The Clientshare™ Academy as we can see the results are already happening from only one day’s exposure to the ideas and strategies.

~Jeremy Harris

Director Gill McKerrow & Associates Indooroopilly, Brisbane, Australia

Thank you for all the valuable content on your site, it’s been a wealth of knowledge for me. I'm an accountant yet I have always had a strong interest in strategy, sales and marketing. Thanks to the rainmaking self-assessment survey on your site I now know where I need to improve my skills.

~Markus Cirillo

Director Cirillo Computer Accounting Pasadena, South Australia

The ‘Going for Growth’ webinar we attended yesterday was great. I invited one of my senior team members to sit in on the webinar with me. She and I bounced ideas off each other throughout the webinar, as you posed questions about ways we can work more closely with our clients.

After the webinar she sent me an email, completely off her own bat, letting me know she had given further thought to the contents of the webinar and had a list of ideas borne out of the content of the webinar and wanting to know when we can sit down to go through her ideas and figure out the implementation of her ideas.

The interactive format of the webinar with the polls was terrific. It was really interesting to see where we sat, compared with the hundreds of other firms who were also in on the webinar, in terms of our average fee per client, and the number of services we provide our clients. The ‘live’ nature of webinars also helps in that it motivates us to attend, and not miss out.

Some of the ideas in the webinar were not rocket science but we all need to be reminded of them from time to time. Other ideas which were new to me were excellent take on board and think about in relation to our small firm. I am absolutely stoked with the value we got from the webinar and we’re looking forward to next month’s webinar.

~Scott Lindqvist

Principal Outcome Accounting Adelaide, South Australia

Session 3C: The Practice Paradox: 12 Marketing Mistakes Most Accounting Firms Make, Plus a 12-Step System to Avoid These Same Mistakes. Rating from 1 to 5 by conference delegates: 4.65 (93%). Comments: Exceeded my expectations – Great session – Excellent speaker had me mesmerized. Would have liked longer. Very clear. Excellent people person. – Engaging presenter – Exceeded my expectations by miles. Excellent presentation.

~Conference delegate feedback

Feedback form data from National Institute of Accountants Public Practice Symposium, Sydney, Australia

Michael asked me to present at a workshop he was facilitating for his clients. It was a pleasure to work with someone so outwardly dedicated to providing exceptional service to his clients. When working with Michael I found him to be a great listener and he combines this brilliantly with the energy he brings to conversations. His focus on innovation is obvious as he exudes great passion to helping his clients find better ways of working. Michael is an innovative and passionate business leader who shows great care for his clients.

~Mandy Holloway

Leadership Trainer, Consultant and Speaker Holloway Consulting – Former Partner at KPMG Sydney, Australia

Michael is an extraordinary innovator, thinker and, thank Goodness, follow-througher (now there’s a new word). Michael takes ordinary processes and weaves magic through them so that the result is always the complex made simple. Even hard-nosed people are moved to go “wow”, that’s great. And he does it all with under-stated grace.

~Paul Dunn

Accounting industry pioneer - co-creator of Accountants Boot Camps in 1990s Formerly Chairman and Founder of Results Accountants Systems (acquired by RAN-ONE) Now CEO and Founder ResultsNet Australia/America and Buy 1 Give 1 (B1G1)

Michael, I would like to thank you for energizing and engaging our team in a whole new world and in a whole new way. The Masterclass was a super weekend that exceeded all expectations. Great presentation, great content AND amazing team engagement! Since the Masterclass we have had a serious upgrade of attitude here. Having the four of us at the Masterclass appears to have had a massive impact already. It might well be the best thing we have ever done for the firm. The way the four of us clicked onto the same page I really think will change the future of our business, and the value we provide our clients. James has already acquired a new $15k client using what he learned at Masterclass, and I am sitting here in the car as I type this, waiting to meet a new client who I met a couple of years ago when they were in startup mode but who contacted me this week on Linkedin the day after I got my profile to 100% by getting recommendations, as you showed us. The support of my team who attended the Masterclass with me has been amazing following the event. I am happy for you to quote me on any of this! [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Adam Ramage

MBR Group

If you want to engage your client and prospects more than you do today - "get with the program".

~Adam Ramage

MBR Group

MC certainly has the experience and tools to work on improving those skills that most of us (especially accountants) don't have in promoting our business. His enthusiasm is contagious and makes you want to crank your business up and take it to the next level. Well done to MC and the Practice Paradox team. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Alan Spicer

Growthwise

Over the last 5 months [being part of Clientshare Academy] and culminating in the Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, we have gained a huge amount of valuable marketing insights directly focused on accounting businesses. Implementation has already made a difference to the public face of our business and we are looking forward to the next part of the course.

~Allan Johnson

Exceler8

Don’t assume you know everything - I have been to 3 Masterclasses now and value of revisiting the key points is amazing! You must attend Masterclass if you want practical help with implementation of processes which will make a major improvement in your business.

~Allan Johnson

Johnson & Tennant

Go it's great. If an accountant wants specific advice and help to grow their firm they need to come.

~Angela Jarvis

CountGPS

MC's recent Practice Paradox Marketing Masterclass for Accountants was a marathon effort and MC is clearly an exceptionally talented person with a special message. I strongly recommend two or more people from your business attend MC's events to get best value back to your team.

~Cameron Patterson

Cameron Patterson & Co

If you want to stand out among your peers, you must attend a Masterclass and learn how!

~Cath Tester

Gill McKerrow

The most engaging and stimulating seminar that I have attended in years! [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Chris Byrne

Concord TBS

Don’t think about it - do it!

~Chris Byrne

Concord TBS

Definitely thought provoking and realistic - you are able to put things into practice quite easily, if you have the mindset.

~Colin Hawes

Concord TBS

Very good value if you are prepared to look at yourself and change. We are smart enough to do the work, we need to learn to be smart enough to market it.

~Craig Marker

CMA Accounting

Great message. Great material. Exceeded my expectations (and I am a tough marker!). The class is of value to anyone who owns, or aspires to own, their own accounting business. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~David Evers

Robson Partners

The marketing program puts us in the driving seat to demonstrate to clients and prospects our value proposition on a consistent, regular and professional basis. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~David Robson

Robson Partners

MC's valuable insights prove not only valuable for business growth, but personal development and realisation. Truly a brilliant seminar, and one sure to fire up your entire team with the possibilities waiting to be seized. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Denis Hamilton

Genesys Wealth Advisers

I now undersand realy what Practice Paradox can do for us. It is a bloody good thing that we can now get our marketing into gear. Masterclass is a must attend if you want to get your hands dirty and learn commonsense marketing .

~Gary Hinchcliffe

Wise Accountants

Michael Carter's breadth of knowledge and genuine approach is appreciated. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Greg Purves

Talbot and Purves

Must attend - This is my third Masterclass and I am still reaping the benefits of what little I implemented in the first time in November 2010. Please join us - Masterclass is becoming an awesome community.

~Harvee Pene

CountGPS

Loved MC's delivery and content. Unique ability to hold entire rooms attention with relevant stories, education and activities. He deserves the very best of success. A Class product with A Class marketing. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Harvee Pene

Count GPS

Masterclass demystifies marketing and how to achieve success.

~James Newcombe

NCA

Book your flight now. Both you and your staff will leave with a clear vision about how to implement a 'marketing education plan' for your firm.

~Jennifer McAullay

Helm Accounting

It's great! Project driven content that allows you to get practical straight away.

~Jennifer McAullay

Helm Accounting

Don’t expect to change everything on your accounting business overnight. But with the incredible amount and quality of content and application that Masterclass delivers, and your focus and determination to take the step, you will see results.

~Jeremy Harris

Gill McKerrow

Be ready to morph your business. You'll have the opportuniy to think about and learn to articulate why you do what you do.

~Jeremy Harris

Gill McKerrow

As part of the Clientshare Academy package, the Marketing Masterclass for Accountants is amazing value. I have been awestruck by presenters and gurus in the past only to be let down by lack of follow-up or consistency. I know after working with MC for over a year, that he is full of substance, constantly innovates and makes genuine connections with his clients based on a deep understanding of the industry. By the end of Day Three, all of the outcomes that I had hoped for on Day One were ticked off.

~Jeremy Harris

Gill McKerrow & Associates

Be braver and smarter than your colleagues and take your business to the next level. 

~Jim Penner

P3

Certainly will be helpful if you don’t have time to do marketing degree. And the information provided is very specific, up to date and related to the practice.

~Jonathan Han

MSCJ

It is a must! There is so much to learn and it is not boring at all! It's fun interactive and educational at the same time.

~Julia Rubira

MBR Group

What a great weekend - the first multi day seminar that I did not "switch off" during any of the presentations. The content was king - I have so many tips to implement with staff, clients and socially. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]ed to the practice.

~Justin Maddock

Talbot & Purves Pty Ltd

Do it! I was just going to have a look and maybe stay for session or two. Stayed the whole time loved the sessions, Practice Paradox does it for me!

~Laura Dietrich

MSCJ

Very entertaining, interactive and fun. Great concepts and ideas of huge business value delivered in a unique way. The presentation style, with stories and analogies, helped to reinforce the learning. We'll take much of this and implement huge change in our business. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Leigh Jobling

TAG Financial

MC knows his stuff and it's great when he shares it with you. The Masterclass was fantastic and I gained a lot from attending. The best thing was that it was fun! [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Luisa Emilii

Newmans Accountants

The Practice Paradox Marketing Masterclass for Accountants would have to be one of the best seminars I've attended in a long time. Michael delivered exactly what he promised the seminar would, plus more! He was engaging, insightful and often witty, yet remained professional at all times. He's also a brilliant storyteller. I would highly recommend this seminar to any accounting firm looking to do better.

~Margo McCombe

Precipio Advisers

Every session with MC, new or a review, always provides another item of thought or action to do. He is always thought provoking.

~Michael McAullay

Helm Accounting

Michael's presentation style and messages were GREAT - his use of stories and analogies were witty, entertaining and also got the meaning of the concepts across in a completely different way and made them more REAL. 3 days of learning and great FUN - well done Michael and the team. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Michelle Griffiths

TAG Financial

Thank you for a most memorable 3 days at the Marketing Masterclass for Accountants. It is usual that over a 3 day conference there are times when the energy levels reduce... but that is not what I experienced. There is a great deal to now disseminate back to the team, particularly the intangible stuff that I learned around mindset and behaviors and being in a state to change. Time to strap ourselves in...

~Rex Atkins

Newcombe Clifton Atkins

Michael Carter is an excellent presenter. He captivated the audience throughout the whole Masterclass. Unlike other conferences when you can tend to drop off, his content, variety of delivery and enthusiasm kept you wanting more. The best part of being involved with Practice Paradox is the hands on approach to learning. Too often organizations don't mix theory with practical. I would recommend the Masterclass and the Clientshare Academy to any business that wants to take their marketing and communication skills to the next level. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Rob Moore

Active Business Consultants

This seminar was so relevant to the needs of our business. It has helped me identify what areas I need to focus on and to be prepared to try something new. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Robert Gray

Kerslake Gray

This was truly a conference not to be missed by any accounting practitioner... For so many years Accountants have focused on the technical aspects of their business, which is important, but that is just compliance. Michael Carter presented the 3 day conference in a varied way so that is was entertaining as well as informative. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Robyn Kerslake

Kerslake Gray

Only do it if you're interested in making more money in less time and less effort. :)

~Sarah Pierce

Johnson & Tennant

Do it if you're fully prepared to be out of your comfort zone - is challenging but so worth it in the end!

~Sarah Pierce

Johnson & Tennant

WOW!!! Was that really a workshop for accountants? That's possibly the first time I've come away from an event with the majority of my action plans ready to simply "plug and play" into my firm. I'm so glad I was the only firm from my area as this information once applied will give me a competitive edge in my marketplace." I won't have to consider buying fees at $1 for $1 when I'll be able to pick them up at a fraction of that and bring in my ideal clients. This is THE key to growing a successful firm... forget about business coaching, practice management, and workflow, once you have a marketing machine that works, you have the key to the kingdom and the key that can help unlock the potential you know exists in your firm. Thanks MC and Practice Paradox. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Scott Edmonds

SWE Group

Growing clientshare focusing on marketing is a daunting task, MC and the Paradox team hold your hand provide scaffolding so you can achieve results on your own.

~Siobhan Every

Cameron Patterson & Co

If you are interested in growing your business - get to this event.

~Steph Hinds

Growthwise

What an incredible 3 day event! The thought of being locked away with accountants and financial planners to learn about marketing was not filling me with excitement. How wrong was that perception! MC's content and delivery was refreshing, exciting and thought-provoking. Best of all, after attending the Masterclass, our team has the clarity, purpose and inspiration to move forward and grow the firm. Thank you! [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Stephanie McGuffog

dbsn group

To understand that marketing is about EDUCATION and why - go to Masterclass and focus on being authentic.

~Stephen Clifton

NCA

Are you an accountant or archaeologist? Be a contemporary accountant and follow MC.

~Theresa O'Connor

Concord TBS

Great content, Great venue, Great presenter. I truly had an amazing experience! One of the best conferences I have been to. [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Tony Trochilas

Cartwright Brown & Co Pty Ltd

Marketing is an area where we as accountants struggle. Michael has given us the template to really get some oomph happening in our business. I can't wait to "Crank it Up". Thank you very much MC and your team!! [Marketing Masterclass for Accountants, Nov 2010]

~Victor Bimrose

VBA Tax