Reaching for Authenticity in Client Service

Technology is a tool, not an end result.

By Steven E. Sacks
The NEW Fundamentals

Do you ever wonder if events you attend have an air of authenticity around them or are they simply staged? What about the options offered on new cars or the latest and greatest upgrades to a tech gadget? Is the hype greater than the actual product? Is what is considered innovation really just an incremental change that competitors can duplicate, albeit with minor modifications?

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As for professional services firms, are they providing a unique service in a unique fashion? Today, clients are looking at the cost of traditional audit and tax work. Because they are commoditized services, the decision is price-driven, so lowballing becomes routine for firms.

Posted on February 14, 2021

Steven Sacks

About the Author

Steven Sacks, CPA, CGMA, ABC, has been at the forefront of the accounting profession for 30 years.

He is the author of
"The NEW Fundamentals: Practical Guidance for Today’s Accounting Firms,"
available here from CPA Trendlines.

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His involvement included the development of the first set of consulting standards, the creation of the Accredited in Business Valuation credential, the publication of practice management guides and award-winning newsletters, and addressing business development and organizational management in both the public and private sectors. He has served professional service firms and membership associations through the deliverance of leading-edge conferences, presented to colleges and universities on careers in accounting, and created workshops, webinars, and webcasts on a variety of accounting and consulting topics.

As the CEO and founder of Solutions to Results LLC, Steven assists professional service firms and organizations to solve the challenges of human capital development, workplace culture, and developing effective internal and external communication strategies and techniques. Previously, as executive director of Moore Stephens North America, he served CPA firms with conferences, webinars, workshops, various communication vehicles (including a multi-year, award-winning association newsletter), and a skills database for the development of domestic and international engagement referrals. At the AICPA, he developed strategies and business plans for growing the consulting services membership section; published technical service and practice management guides; participated in the creation of the first set of standards for consulting services; led the creation of the Accredited in Business Valuation credential; developed niche conferences in valuation, litigation support and forensic services; and presented to colleges and universities about CPA consulting careers.

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