People Are Paid to Do That

I was traveling back home after visiting family for Christmas headed to the baggage claim at Norfolk International Airport. While riding the moving walkway and talking on his cell phone an airline crew member dropped his newspaper. I called to him to let him know but he didn't seem to care. I picked up the newspaper and gave it back to him. Still talking on his cell phone he said to me, "People are paid to do that." Clearly, he was fine with leaving his garbage on the ground for someone else to clean up. Can you imagine if the newspaper was left on the moving walkway, rolling off onto the ground, to be trampled by thousands of people? I was so disappointed in his attitude.

As the New Year approaches let's make 2009 the year in which we are the doers, not those that expect things done for them. Let's examine how our actions affect others and how we can have a positive impact on our world. Let's be accountable. I know that many of you already exhibit these qualities; I always think there is room for improvement.

Happy New Year!

Winning Is Everything

The Advisory Board - Gary Boomer (Boomer Consulting), Allan Koltin (PDI Global, Inc.), Rebecca Ryan (Next Generation Consulting) and Gary Shamis (SS&G Financial Services, Inc.) - are getting ready for their 8th Annual Winning Is Everything (WIE) Practice Management Conference, January 28-29, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas.

You may be cutting back on your conference budget given the state of the economy. However, the value of networking with your peers, learning from first-class speakers, and brainstorming ideas for your firm is greater than ever. In addition to its planned agenda WIE speakers will address economic issues and the importance of teamwork in achieving your goals.

Conference details can be found at www.winning-is-everything.com. Register by December 31, 2008 and receive the reduced Mandalay Bay room rate of $159!

What I've learned so far is that it's important to reenergize your internal battery. I'll be doing that at Winning Is Everything. I hope to see you there!

The Importance of Internal Marketing

In order to effectively identify clients’ needs and cross-selling opportunities your team must know about the services your firm provides. That was the motivation behind Yount, Hyde & Barbour’s Internal Trade Show this fall.

YHB’s industry and service teams were challenged to create exhibit tables that were set up after their Firm Day meetings and networking training provided by Capstone Marketing. The displays included signs, handouts and promotional items to educate firm team members about their areas of specialty. Many teams also sponsored games and prize raffles.

“Our YHB Trade Show was a huge success,” says Mark Rudolph, President & CEO. “Our team members were able to practice their networking skills as well as learn more about the services and capabilities of our firm. We will use what we learned today in our marketing activities going forward.”

Pictured (left to right): Brian Kling, CPA, Manager; Mark Rudolph, CPA, President & CEO; and, Greg Plotts, CPA, Manager.

What I’ve learned so far is that learning is continuous. Look for new and interesting ways to educate your team about your firm’s areas of expertise. This will result in added value for your marketing program.