GROWTH STRATEGIES

Eight Mindset Shifts for Peak Productivity

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Meditative businessman is pondering time management while surrounded by alarm clocks

Time management strategies go beyond blocking.

By Jackie Meyer
The Balanced Millionaire: Advisor Edition

While time blocking is a cornerstone strategy, it’s not the only tool in the productivity toolbox. Different tasks and personalities call for different approaches.

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Here are a few other effective time management techniques and when to use them:

  • Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent vs. Important): Made famous by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and popularized by Stephen Covey, this matrix helps you prioritize by dividing tasks into four quadrants:
    • Urgent AND Important: Do these tasks first. They are crises or deadlines that you must handle now (e.g., a client’s tax filing due today).

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Four Ways to Deal with Clients Who Say ‘No’

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Young businesswoman putting hand out in "stop" gesture while sipping coffee

Plus two possible exceptions.

By Ed Mendlowitz
Call Me Before You Do Anything: The Art of Accounting

I found out many years ago that I cannot spend my clients’ money.

I used to feel that if they did not want to “buy” a service I felt they must have, it meant I did not clearly convey the value to them. I do not feel this way anymore because the value is relative and draws on many issues the client might have and that I am not privy to.

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In my earlier days I used to do the work anyway, feeling a responsibility to the client. It took me quite a while to realize that the responsibility is the clients’ and if they did not want to spend their money for it, I should not spend part of my life doing it on a pro bono basis. There were also times I felt the work was so essential to the client that I did it expecting their recognition of the importance and willingness to pay me afterward. Stupid! My bad!
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How Time Blocking Boosts Your Focus and Revenue

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man filling in calendar using color-coded time blocks

You can get AI to help, too.

By Jackie Meyer
The Balanced Millionaire: Advisor Edition

“It’s not about having time, it’s about making time.” We all start with the same 24 hours, yet some advisors seem to achieve more in a workday and still get home in time for dinner. Many tax and financial advisors begin their day consumed by urgent emails and end it wondering where the time went.

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Reclaiming your hours is about taking control of your schedule so you can focus on what truly matters. This post provides specific strategies for time management and prioritization – so you can boost productivity, avoid burnout and actually achieve that mythical concept: work-life balance. The payoff? More freedom, more impact and yes, often more revenue as you spend time on high-value tasks instead of getting lost in the weeds.
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Five Steps to Building a Team That Lightens Your Load

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woman mentoring man in office

Plus 10 elements for your staff guidelines.

By Jackie Meyer
The Balanced Millionaire: Advisor Edition

Hiring someone is just the beginning. What you do after they join is what truly determines whether you get the benefits of having a team.

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Many entrepreneurs struggle with letting go of control. It’s natural – this practice is your baby! But micromanaging or failing to properly delegate will squander your investment in a new hire and frustrate both of you. Here’s how to build a team that actually lightens your load:

  • Delegate Effectively: Delegation is not throwing a task over the fence and hoping for the best. It involves clear instructions, the right resources and appropriate authority given. When you delegate, be explicit about the outcome you expect, any important parameters, and deadlines. For example: “Please reconcile Client X’s bank accounts for September and October and note any discrepancies or unusual items for my review by Friday.” Provide context too: “They had an issue last month with a missing deposit, so keep an eye out for that.” As your team member proves themselves, you can delegate in broader strokes. Early on, check in periodically (but try not to hover). Think of delegation as a skill you practice – you’ll get better at it over time.

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Six Times to Pick Up the Phone This Tax Season

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Businessman talking on phone in the office

The personal touch goes a long way toward client retention.

By Ed Mendlowitz
Tax Season Opportunity Guide

Clients are not numbers on a list that needs to be reduced. They are all individuals and consider themselves very important people and want professionals who treat them accordingly.

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It is attitudinal and accountants must adopt that mindset and transmit that through to their culture. So you need to know when it’s essential to pick up the phone.

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