If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
By Shane Lukas, Managing Director, AVN Inspiring Accountants
It’s one of the most common complaints I hear when I talk to accountants. And I absolutely get why it happens.
You take on those extra clients because, well, you can never be certain what’s going to happen in the future. And then you worry about delegating the work to someone else because you can’t be sure they’ll do the job to the same high standard as you.
It happens all too often.
And the result is overwhelm, which has ongoing repercussions for your practice. Overwhelm means you don’t have enough time to spend on each task or to really dig deep into your clients’ businesses. So it’s hard to grow your accountancy practice or to develop the added value services that come with higher fees.
So what can you do about it? (And I know, when you’re in the middle of feeling overwhelmed, you feel there’s nothing you can do except keep ploughing on and hoping to get on top of it one day).
This process really does work, but you’ll have to be prepared to spend a little time on it:
Identify Your Unique Role:
Start by understanding that not every task requires your personal touch. Identify the tasks that only you can do; focus on these.
Keep a What I Do Diary:
Keep a record of everything you do in a day (do this over a couple of weeks). Then, critically assess each one to determine whether it needs your direct involvement or whether it can be delegated.
The Power of Delegation:
Learn how to delegate effectively. It’s the only way to get out from under that overwhelming cloud. Put systems in place so you know that each team member has the information they need to complete the task to your high standards. And delegating can be external of course, to an outsourcer you trust. This can significantly boost your productivity.
We can only cope with feeling overwhelmed for so long. Eventually, it starts to impact, not just your business, but your relationships and your health too. Don’t let that happen to you! Take action now and regain the balance you need.
For more in-depth strategies on growing your accounting business, book your seat at the PracticeBoost Workshop. You’ll learn more proven strategies for freeing up your time, growing your practice and attracting the kind of clients you really want to work with.
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