Dan Henn CPA
Dan Henn CPA

Shock and Awe – Unleash the POWER!

Unleash the Power of the Shock and Awe Box: A Game-Changer for Licensed Tax Professionals

Imagine standing on the battlefield of business, surrounded by competitors, each vying for the attention of the same prospects. How do you rise above the noise and capture the hearts and minds of your potential clients? The answer lies in a powerful weapon known as the Shock and Awe Box. This mighty tool can transform your marketing strategy, leaving your prospects in awe and amazement and eager to join your ranks. Let’s delve into what a Shock and Awe Box is, what it includes, and how it can revolutionize your practice.

What is a Shock and Awe Box?

A Shock and Awe Box is a meticulously crafted package designed to impress and engage your prospects (and even your clients). It’s not just a collection of promotional materials; it’s a strategic masterpiece that showcases your expertise, builds trust, and sets you apart from the competition. The goal is to create an unforgettable first impression that leaves your prospects thinking, “Wow, this is definitely the tax professional I need!”

The Purpose of a Shock and Awe Box

The primary purpose of a Shock and Awe Box is to capture attention and build a strong connection with your prospects. Here’s how it achieves that:

  1. Creates a Memorable First Impression: The unique and thoughtful nature of the package makes a lasting impression. It shows that you go above and beyond, which is exactly what clients want in a tax professional.
  2. Builds Trust and Credibility: By providing valuable educational materials and showcasing client testimonials, you position yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy expert.
  3. Engages and Delights: The fun and unexpected items in the box make the experience enjoyable. When prospects enjoy the process of learning about your services, they’re more likely to remember you and feel positively about you.
  4. Encourages Immediate Action: Special offers and clear calls to action motivate prospects to take the next step, whether it’s scheduling a consultation or signing up for your services.
  5. Differentiates You from Competitors: Most of your competitors are likely using traditional marketing methods. A Shock and Awe Box sets you apart by demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and a commitment to client satisfaction.

What Goes Into a Shock and Awe Box?

The contents of a Shock and Awe Box can vary, but the key is to include items that are valuable, … Continue reading

Content Creation for Tax Pros

Warriors of the Tax Realm! Gather ’round, for today we embark on a noble quest to conquer the digital landscape with our mighty content. As licensed tax professionals specializing in IRS Representation, you wield the power to guide your clients through the treacherous waters of IRS exam and collections issues. But to truly stand out and attract those in need of your expertise, you must master the art of content creation.

Today, we march forth to create content that will captivate our audiences across social media, blogs, emails, and newsletters. For in this age of information overload, only the most engaging and valuable content shall rise above the noise and reach the masses.

The Call to Arms: Why Create Content?

Your clients are searching for answers online before they ever pick up the phone. By creating valuable, informative content, you position yourself as a trusted authority in the field of IRS Representation. Content creation is not just about filling space; it’s about building trust, showcasing your expertise, and ultimately driving more clients to your door.

The Key Elements of Content Creation

1. Know Thy Audience
Understand the unique challenges and pain points of your clients. Are they small business owners facing an audit? Individuals dealing with back taxes? Tailor your content to address their specific needs and concerns. Get inside their head. What keeps them up at night? Are they afraid the IRS is going to take their money? Take their house? Leave them penniless? You need to answer these questions and allay their fears.

2. Craft Compelling Headlines
Your headline is the first thing your audience sees. Make it count! A compelling headline grabs attention and entices readers to dive into your content. This is what is called the Hook. Get them interested and even excited about what you are going to say. If you can say excited in relation to tax topics.

3. Provide Value
Your content should educate, inform, and provide actionable insights. Whether it’s a blog post, social media update, or email newsletter, ensure it offers real value to your audience. Tell stories! Discuss situations you have encountered. Even if you haven’t use an example that gets the point across. There is a reason Walt Disney was considered the best at his craft. He told stories through animation.

4. Use Visuals
Incorporate visuals like infographics, pictures, charts, and videos to make complex tax topics more digestible. Visual content is more engaging … Continue reading

“Got a Minute?” and the case for not answering your phone

As a licensed tax professional, you’ve probably experienced the dreaded “Got a minute?” phone call. You know the one: it starts innocently enough, but before you know it, you’re knee-deep in a complex tax issue that requires hours of research. If you’re still answering your own phone, it’s time to reconsider. Here’s why you should let someone else handle those calls and why giving out your personal cell number is a big no-no.

The “Got a Minute?” Call: A Time Thief in Disguise

The “Got a minute?” call is a classic time thief. It’s never just a minute. Clients often underestimate the complexity of their questions and the time it takes to provide a thorough answer. By the time you’ve hung up, you’ve lost valuable time that could have been spent on billable work. As Forbes points out, tax professionals are already overwhelmed with the sheer volume of calls and emails during tax season. Time blocking and call scheduling are essential strategies to manage this workload effectively.

Why Your Personal Cell Number Should Stay Personal

  1. Boundary Issues: When you give out your personal cell number, you blur the lines between your work and personal life. Clients may feel entitled to call you at all hours, disrupting your personal time. As one Reddit user humorously noted, “My doctor is only open like Mon-Thurs from 9-3pm, so I don’t see why people feel the need to access their CPA 24/7”. Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance. When I first started my practice, I made the mistake of giving my cell phone out to my clients. It was even printed on my business card. Most clients are good in not bothering you, but there were a few that called at 7am or 9pm. Oh, if that happens, just don’t answer it. You can respond the next business day.
  2. Professionalism: Using a personal number for business can come across as unprofessional. Clients may perceive you as less established or less serious about your practice. A separate business number allows you to present a more polished image. Having a dedicated business line (just like an email with a domain name not Gmail.com) shows that you are more of a professional.
  3. Privacy Concerns: Sharing your personal number can lead to privacy issues. You might receive texts and calls from clients at inconvenient times, and your personal number could end up in
… Continue reading