Accounting Growth Institute
I received a press release from my friend Steve Brunson at CPA Catalyst Marketing about the Accounting Growth Institute, a new offering available from his company. He and I had conversations during Scaling New Heights 2013 about the need for a bundled growth oriented solution for smaller accounting and accounting related firms, so I was excited to get him on the phone to hear more about the offering.
According to the release, the Accounting Growth Institute is targeted at the up to 3 partner firm, which we all know is the vast majority of the public accounting profession. Member firms will follow a proven plan while working with Catalyst CPA Marketing to develop a strategic growth plan for their firms.
When asked about the term of the commitment, Brunson said "The commitment for the firm is $12,000 per year (1 year minimum) which can/should be renewed annually. We ask for a 1 year commitment because Catalyst invests significant time as each new member firm joins. From the start we are building their brand, message, communication and marketing tools that they will need to grow." He further stated that "Catalyst also invests in strategic growth planning annually with each client. On an ongoing basis, Catalyst produces inbound marketing reports, marketing ideas and instructions, client newsletters and blogs, and ongoing (monthly) marketing management and business development webinars". In conversation he also stressed that the membership is for the FIRM, not the individuals, so more than one stakeholder can be a member of the Institute. When asked whether individuals had to be CPA's to join, he gave a definitive "No. Member firms need to be focused on serving small and mid-sized local businesses and their owners. They should be progressive, technology driven and desiring to organically grow their practices."
Based on the description above, our audience should be well suited to consider this as an option, which brings us full circle as to why I was excited to see the initial news release. When asked to give the "why" in a nutshell, Brunson closed with "This program is designed to allow small firms to develop the mix of marketing, communications, business development etc., that has proven to provide for growth at larger firms who developed growth engines within their firms."
Most firms and accounting professionals are seeking to grow their businesses. Perhaps the Accounting Growth Institute can help you grow yours.