2020 Outlook: Focus on Business Development

Consider spreading the responsibility.

By Art Kuesel

Few firms have truly unlocked the keys to above-average organic growth. Those that have unlocked the keys display distinct differences from many firms that haven’t.

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One is a strong bench of young and up-and-coming partners with above-average potential to contribute to business development. Not only is this a succession planning strategy, it can double as a growth strategy.

Posted on February 1, 2020

Art Kuesel

About the Author

Art Kuesel is President at Kuesel Consulting, kueselconsulting.com, in Fox Point, Wisc.

He offers a unique and valuable perspective to his clients that’s been shaped by internal roles in business development, marketing, and people development at two leading CPA firms, as well as nearly ten years of consulting to the public accounting profession. Dozens of firms count on Art’s perspective annually to shape their top objectives and strategies to drive stronger performance for the firm.

Consulting with managing partners, COO’s, firm administrators, learning directors, and marketing directors gives Art multiple points of view to address and solve the challenges facing today’s firms. But he’s more than just strategy – many firms hire Art to implement major initiatives alongside leadership, offering practical guidance to capitalize on opportunities and avoid obstacles.

With the massive amount of change occurring in our profession right now, Art believes now is the time for firms to passionately embrace new priorities. Whether that is a renewed focus on growth, talent development, or talent acquisition, plans made today will create sustainability for the future.

An accomplished speaker and writer, Art has spoken at the following events:
Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) National conference
AICPA/PCPS/Tech+ conference
AICPA/PCPS Large Firm Networking Group
NVSCPA MAP Group
Regional AAM chapters in Chicago, Colorado, San Francisco, Wisconsin and Atlanta
AAA Washington
Annual meetings and regional conferences for CPAmerica, BKR International, CICPAC, IGAF-Polaris, CPAAI, IAPA, HK Alliance, and PracticeWise among others.

He has been quoted and featured in:
Accounting Today
Practical Accountant
CPA Firm Practice Management Forum
ICPAS Insight magazine
WICPA Magazine
MarkeTrends
Growth Strategies & AAM Minute

He is the former Secretary of AAM national and is a former board member of AAM Chicago and AAM Wisconsin.

When not working with CPAs, Art enjoys travel with wife Colleen and son Graham. When not traveling you may find him in the kitchen honing one of his favorite recipes or trying to secure a table at the hottest restaurant in town. When not in the kitchen, you may find him exploring a winery in California, France, Italy, or Spain. Wherever Art is, animal welfare is a cause that he supports. And, Art, Colleen, Graham and their dog Pepper live in Fox Point, WI.

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