Accounting Support Means You're Never Left Without Answers
An
admired, respected, famous award-winning actress once said her greatest fear
was "I'm afraid people will find out I really don't know what I'm doing."
A Support System Gives You the Right Answers, Even When You Don't Know Them
... Yet
I'm certain every successful freelancer has felt that fear at one time or
another. There's just too much information to be able to know everything about
everything. This fear, however, is a primary culprit in blocking people from
achieving their dream – to be self-employed. If this fear is holding
you back, remember: NOBODY has all of the answers all of the time.
Even Einstein was once quoted as saying that he did not know his own phone
number because it was a waste of useful brain space to store information that
he could find elsewhere. Even myself, when I served in the Navy, I was a submariner,
and part of being qualified to operate in the Nuclear Powered Engine-room was
a series of oral check-outs. During the check-out, if I didn't know the
answer, it was good enough, if I knew where to find the answer.
I would dare say that if the principle worked for Einstein, and if the principle
works for nuclear powered Submarines, then it likely holds true for accounting
as well. So the question then becomes, "what do you say to your clients
when they ask you a question?" Obviously you can't respond by saying, "I
don't know the answer, but I know where to find it."
How To Confidently Handle Situations Where You Can't Answer the Question
Right Now
The answer is simple. In fact, write it down and memorize it! Here it is… drum
roll please… "That's a great question. Let me get
back with you on that tomorrow (or this afternoon, etc)." So
what now? You've pacified your client, but you still don't have an answer
to give him/her.
Before I give you some answers, let's take a closer look at what you've
just done with your client.
Let's say that you have a client named Nancy that had a question that you
couldn't answer on the spot. You tell her, "That's a great
question, Nancy. Let me get back with you on that tomorrow".
Here's
what you've
shown your client:
First of all, you've
validated her concern. She asked you a question, and you said, "That's
a great question." You've just told her that you care about
her feelings and that she is asking educated questions.
Second, you've
told her that you're not just going to give her "pat" answers,
but rather, you're going to take the time and give her the proper information
she needs to make an intelligent decision about her business.
Third, you've
done it in a very professional manner that lets her know that you're
serious; you're a professional.
An Opportunity to Build Rapport With Your Client
What you haven't done yet is answer her question. That is where you
will really shine in Nancy's eyes. You will find the answer and get back
with her within the same day or worst case, within 24 hours. So not only have
you told her that she's smart and asks great questions, that you're
professional, and will give her a valid, well-thought-out answer, but you have
also shown her that you do it very quickly.
I know what you're thinking – How do you do it quickly? Where
do you get answers to her questions? What resources are available to me? Before
I give the answer, let me lay the groundwork a bit more.
One thing to remember is that once you've been "stumped" by
a client and you learn the answer, you will no longer have to worry about being
asked that question again. Therefore, the first step is to study your field,
but remember Einstein didn't know everything if he could find it elsewhere.
At the same time, you don't want to say, "Let me get back to you" if
your client says, "What's a debit?"
Where to Find Answers to Accounting Questions
Once you've learned the basics of accounting, then here are some options
you may want to consider:
Professional Accounting Organizations: If you are a member of the AAA, AICPA
or AIPB, they have chat forums where experienced accountants will answer your
questions.
Personal Mentor: Most accountants are happy to share their expertise with
a friend. Take them out to lunch every once in a while as a way of saying "thanks."
Universal Accounting Center's Coaching Staff: Remember,
that if you are a student of Universal, you have toll-free support and email
support
for up to six months
from our experienced staff. Immediately after you've told your client
that you will get back with her, give our support line a call; ask the question;
get the answer immediately; call back your client that day or the next. You
will have proven your professionalism by responding to her in a timely manner.
She'll be grateful that you are her bookkeeper.
Universal's Forum: Place a question on our forum and either
our staff or readers will promptly reply (usually within 24 hours). This is
a great source for when you have general questions for yourself or you know
you don't need to rush to get the information to the client. Visit the
Forum Now
Resources Will Get You Out Of a Bind, But You Have to Know Your Subject Too
As mentioned before, you need a firm grasp on the basics, and you need a support
system. That's it! If you have that, you're set to deal with
any question from a client. Where do you get the firm grasp on the basics?
I'm assuming that if you are reading this that you are either a student
of the Professional Bookkeeping program or are considering becoming one.
As you know if you're already a student, you learn the basics: the eight
steps to the accounting process, what are credits and debits, assets and liabilities,
etc. You also learn how to communicate this to your clients in language they
understand. Whether you have years of experience in accounting or not, you
will still greatly benefit from this section of the course.
Quick Testimonials
For someone like myself who has had no background in accounting, the course
is very helpful and prepares students well.
-Bruce Barnett
This class puts all accounting principles in order so most anyone can understand
them.
-Ken
This course took the mystery and fog away quickly and concisely. I now have
a new grasp of accounting
-Jeff Rogers
After 25 years in the bookkeeping business, I have finally found someone who
can teach bookkeeping/accounting and make it SIMPLE AND FUN! Again, love love
it!!
-Sherrie Mckinley
I have 15 years of accounting experience along with a bachelor's degree and
master's degree in business, this course gave a detailed analysis of what the
small business owner faces. I gained better insight and a deeper understanding
of the "Big Picture"
-Roy Percy
Beyond the Basics
Professional Bookkeeper students also know that you learn advanced accounting
principles and how to apply them. You will complete eleven sets of books from
scratch for real businesses.
All of this gives you working knowledge of Accounting and Bookkeeping processes.
One thing that will give you great comfort as you start your own Accounting
and Bookkeeping business is the six months of support that is included with
the program at no cost to you.
If you're not a student, what's holding you back? Let's
get you started. If you are a student, but would like to purchase additional
coaching support, get more
by clicking here. The kind of comprehensive support offered
with the Professional Bookkeeper program helps you on your way to
having
a successful home-based bookkeeping business.
As an inexperienced 19 year-old boy was able
to stand before The Engineer, The Captain, and The Engineering Officer of the
Watch on board a billion-dollar nuclear-powered submarine I could say, "I
don't know, but I know where to find out". I am confident
that your clients will be very happy to accept your Einstein-like answer of "That's
a great question, let me get back with you on that tomorrow." Not knowing
the answer to every question isn't a reason for fear, when you know where to
get the answer.
You Can Do This!
So what are you waiting for? Your financial future is in your own
hands. When you start your own successful
Accounting service, your success is your own. If
you can find the courage to take the first step, we
will give you the tools, support, and training you need
to start your own profitable accounting and bookkeeping service.
An
admired, respected, famous award-winning actress once said her greatest fear
was "I'm afraid people will find out I really don't know what I'm doing."
Order or Ask Questions by Phone 1-800-343-4827
