These strategies are proven to work for any CPA, whether they are just starting their practice, an established practitioner looking to reach new heights of success, or are working as a partner or professional in a larger firm.

Salim says “When I see CPA firms struggling, they’ve simply become another commodity just like the rest of the competitors. They haven’t positioned themselves as different and unique.”

There are 3 common mistakes CPAs make when it comes to positioning themselves and their firms:

• Trying to be all things. Most practitioners hesitate to specialize in one area because they are scared to close off other options. But no one can be an expert at everything. The secret is to find an area that is broad enough to appeal to a wide range of people and which keeps open the opportunity to work with them to meet their other needs.
• Waiting for permission. Some CPAs are too shy or modest to position themselves as an expert. It’s almost like they are waiting for someone to tell them it’s okay. They don’t realize the value they can and do provide through their knowledge.
• Not focusing on the audience. It’s tempting for a professional to get bogged down in the technical details. However, to build a personal brand, one must think about their clients and their problems. People are interested in solutions to problems, not the technical steps.

Salim Omar is an accountant with a passion for helping other small business owners and CPAs succeed. In addition to helping his clients build profitable businesses, he is committed to teaching other CPAs how to attract more clients and increase their income, while enjoying their lives more.

His articles have been published nationwide in prestigious industry publications such as Accounting Today, The CPA Journal, and Financial Advisor. Contact Salim Omar for an interview by calling 732-566-3660. More information on Salim’s new book: “The Ultimate CPA Practice in the New Economy” can be viewed at www.CPAmarketingGenius.com.

Here are a few more strategies I feel you may want to pay special attention to so you become the “tiger” CPA practice in your market place:

5) Spend more time with figuring out solutions than whining about problems
This is a time to prepare and be your best, and you can’t do that if you’re whining. The good news is, most people will be whining. This leaves plenty of room for you to succeed.
QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: What are you whining about? What solutions make you a winner?

6) Study attitude; don’t think you have a good one
Spend 15 minutes a day reading. The best time, in the morning, before you start your day. Read happy, positive thoughts, even if it’s a re-read of a Dr. Seuss book.
QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: What are you reading every morning? Or are you just watching TV?

7) Create a REAL (and perceived) difference between you and everyone else
Work on differentiation in new ways. Change EVERYTHING ordinary to memorable. Greetings, literature, proposals, messages and you.
QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: What is memorable about you? What is different about you?

Invest, don’t spend (in money, in time, in business, in anything you do)
Now is the time to guard your assets. It’s real easy to put your head in the sand and think that everything will return to the way it was. The reality is, dig in, but use your assets to build a fortress of positive thought, new information, strategic alliance, etc.
QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: What is your time investment in yourself each day?

So there you go, between this blog and the prior one, you have in your possession eight important success strategies you can work on to create your dream CPA practice.