Editor’s Note: In a recent Insightful Accountant audience study, we asked some members of the 2021 Top 100, including the "ProAdvisor of the Year" – Mariko Hayashi-Hall, to give us some of the strategies they use to stay on top of their games. Following is the first in a series of their insights—information you can use to help set the blueprint for your practice’s strategy.
In a recent audience study, 37% stated "Their Own Productivity" was a top challenge. What do you do to remain productive and grow as a practitioner?
Lauretta Finis, Quick Bizness Bookkeeping Solutions Aus: I have set times in my calendar that I allocate different jobs or projects, so I know what is coming up for the next week.
Also having my software that I use for productivity with reminders and also I have a general overview of what I have coming up with projects, so I know what I need to prioritize if I am running a tad behind on some work.
As it would be great that I completed everything everyday as allocated, but always something comes up that I need to move my day around. So having the flexibility of time in your calendar as well daily for the "oh no" situations or maybe talking to a new client.
In a recent audience study, 37% stated "Their Own Productivity" was a top challenge. We asked three of our Top ProAdvisors to give us some of the strategies they use to stay on top of their games.
I have set days I set up with my booking platform on my website, training days, phone call days, so the remainder of the week I have "real" work to do.
Even if it is a personal appointment it goes into my calendar so I can work around this time as its also work, life balance we need. If you don’t put it in your calendar more than likely you won’t do it.
Lynda Artesani, Artesani Bookkeeping: I wish I had the magic button for this topic. To be able to own your productivity is always an issue, as each of us want to make the best use of our time.
One suggestion that we have implemented at our firm is to make our client meetings 40 minutes and provide an agenda. We try to stick to the schedule.
We also have a staff person on the call to take meeting notes, and then we provide a recap of the financial meeting. Providing notes to the client seems to be a "personal touch" that all of our clients appreciate.
Mariko Hayashi-Hall, Brilliant Solutions Group: I like to take a little “me” time early every morning before I start my day. From 4 a.m.-7 a.m., I practice Yoga, which gets me ready for the day. I also like to read industry publications.
I only check emails once an hour, and I schedule my phone calls. I check my schedules and make a to-do list for the next day before I go to sleep.
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