Like a zombie punching through six feet of dirt to rise from the grave, Tax Marketing QuickTips are back!

These were a popular feature on this blog from, umm, like, three years ago. Then I got all distracted and whatnot by starting a software company. Some people, right? 🙂

These QuickTips are intended to be exactly that: Short, actionable steps you can implement in just 10-15 minutes that will improve your tax practice in a small way. These are not meant to Earth-shattering, but more than anything are here to serve as a simple reminder for you to do something occasionally to work on your practice, rather than just in your practice.

Today we’re going to talk about one of the oldest, simplest, and cheapest lead generation tactics that exists: Posting flyers wherever you can.

You know the kind I’m talking about. The simple 8.5×11 sheet of paper with some simple ad copy and a compelling call to action, with the bottom of the flyer configured in a vertically cut “fringe” that people can tear a piece off of that contains your call to action response info: A phone number, website, etc.

I can already hear thousands of CPAs, lawyers, and EAs screaming out an exasperated, “Are you freakin’ kidding me?!?!”

No, I’m not kidding. This is tots for realsies.

Select one service that you offer, and one offer. Apply the KISS principle here — that’s “Keep It Simple, Stupid”, if you’re not familiar.

For example, put your mugshot in the upper left corner, and in giant print put “Is the IRS making your … Continue reading

This weekend, I’m packing up my worldly possessions and departing for the long trek to Salt Lake City. I’ve mentioned this in passing on webinars and emails recently, along with the fact that I’ve been studying for both the real estate agent exam and the Series 65 exam. This has caused a fair amount of confusion amongst viewers and readers.

To catch you up to speed, after leaving my day-to-day role at my software startup, Prolaera, last summer, I decided that I would reboot my tax resolution practice and build another boutique firm. I spent an entire month doing nothing but evaluating various business models, service options, and other important considerations for starting a new business. What I ultimately decided on was to integrate my personal real estate investing strategy into a tax practice, and build a hybrid tax/real estate brokerage/financial advisory practice all centered around a specific strategy for acquiring rental properties.

The tax resolution aspect focuses on doing only lien withdrawals, subordination, and discharge work to help facilitate real estate transactions (the lien work only model).

Moving to another geographical areas wasn’t originally part of the concept. However, as I started the search for my next rental property purchase, the local market conditions, driven by spillover from Seattle’s blazing hot real estate market, started to look less and less desirable to me. I’m not a fan of rapidly increasing prices, low inventory, and multi-offer situations. That’s just not a game I like to play when it comes to real estate. So I started contemplating a relocation.

As you may have seen last week in the market area selection video I unlocked for a few days, I think it’s very important to be strategic about the decisions you make in your tax firm. Since I happen to have the flexibility to change … Continue reading

Struggling to bring in new clients? Not sure what to do next in your marketing plan? There’s one simple answer you probably haven’t considered:

Write a book.

It’s true. This one thing—especially if it’s an actual printed book rather than a Kindle or eBook—has the power to grow your business beyond your expectations. You’ll experience a whole new world of opportunities simply by having your name on the cover of a book.

Writing and self-publishing my first book, Tax Resolution Secrets, back in 2012 enabled me to create an entire new marketing process that brought in leads without significant effort or expense. Inbound leads, while usually slower to come in and of reduced quantity, will usually be of better quality than outbound leads.

Writing that book, and becoming an Amazon category best seller in the process, created a special kind of leverage that helped me to grow my tax resolution practice. A book, by itself, is a great lead generation piece. But even more than that, it becomes an excellent lead magnet, conversation starter, and unique addition to your “shock and awe” box.

Here are five specific reasons why you should write a book.

Authority

Imagine you’re at a conference or local networking group and you meet two consultants who both specialize in practice management efficiency — something you know you need help with right now.

One consultant says all the right things. She’s been in business for years and has worked with several top-notch accounting firms in your area. She has great ideas for how she can help you operate a more efficient tax practice.

The other consultant has a similar history and story, with one added bonus: She’s just handed you a copy of her latest book. It’s a professionally printed, substantial publication that practically exudes confidence.

Which consultant do you … Continue reading