Culture Counts: Rick Watson on Building a Premier Accounting Firm with Purpose and Trust

In this insightful episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger sits down with Rick Watson, who shares his transformative journey from humble beginnings to managing substantial assets. Rick dives into the challenges he faced, particularly the high attrition rates in the insurance industry, and emphasizes the critical factors for entrepreneurial success: hard work, branding, and referrals, as outlined in his book “A Firm Worth Building.”

Key Highlights:

1. Entrepreneurial Sacrifices and Success:

   • Roger and Rick discuss the importance of hard work and perseverance in overcoming industry challenges.

   • They explore the pivotal role of branding and referrals in business growth.

2. The Power of Company Culture:

   • Rick explains how culture is a reflection of leadership and its influence on business dynamics.

   • They explore ways which aligning company values improves hiring, client relationships, and employee engagement.

   • The significance of company culture in shaping professional and personal interactions.

3. Leadership and Culture Dynamics:

   • Drawing parallels between business and family dynamics.

   • Strategies for maintaining a cohesive culture in remote work settings.

   • Concepts like “trust compression” and “breaking bread” to foster connections.

4. Building Trust and Rapport:

   • The role of edification—speaking positively about colleagues—in strengthening trust and respect.

   • Enhancing service quality and client satisfaction through positive communication.

5. Networking and Personal Connections:

   • The importance of networking for credible referrals and business credibility.

   • Methods to intentionally shape and uplift company culture through positive interactions.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their business’s culture and growth, offering practical advice and resources to create a firm worth building.

Sponsors:

Universal Accounting Center

• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

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Also mentioned on the show was the S.T.A.R Program, the process to create a culture based on accountability.  Learn more what you can do to proactively manage those you are working with to achieve clear objectives and take care of your clients.

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Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community.  Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.

• The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group

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• Topical Newsletters:

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For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!

Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.

Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.

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For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777