Dan Henn CPA
Dan Henn CPA

How to Ask Your Clients for a Review or Testimonial: A Fun Guide for Tax Pros

It’s time to talk about something that can be as tricky as explaining the alternative minimum tax to a new client: asking for reviews and testimonials. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got some tips to make it as easy as pie (or as easy as a 1040-EZ, at least).

1. Timing is Everything

Just like you wouldn’t ask for dessert at the beginning of a meal, timing your request for a review is crucial. The best time is right after you’ve successfully navigated the stormy seas of the IRS on their behalf. Their relief and gratitude make this the perfect moment to ask. When they are happy and express their feelings of gratitude toward you and your staff, that is the best time to ask.

2. Keep It Simple

Let’s face it, tax talk can be complex. But asking for a review? That should be simple. Try something like, “Hey, if you feel like we’ve done a great job, would you mind sharing your experience online? It really helps us out.” Straightforward and to the point, like a well-organized spreadsheet.

3. Options, Options, Options

Some clients are tech-savvy, some prefer the good old pen and paper, and some might just be naturals in front of a camera. Offer various options:

  • Google My Business: For the digital aficionados. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s great for your online presence. Plus, who doesn’t love a five-star rating? Send them a link in an email to make it easy.
  • Video Testimonials: For the Spielberg wannabes. A short video can be a powerful way to capture emotion and enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a chance for them to be a star!
  • Written Testimonials: Old school but gold. Written testimonials are timeless and can be used in multiple ways, from your website to your office wall.
  • Text Reviews: For the modern, on-the-go client. A quick text message can be an easy way for them to give a thumbs up.
  • Oh, and don’t forget to ask if you can use any of these in your marketing!

4. Show Examples

Sometimes clients need a little inspiration. Show them some stellar examples of reviews or testimonials you’ve received in the past. It’s like showing them a perfect tax return as a model. Don’t be afraid to write it for them. Send it to them and ask if they like it or they can edit it as they deem fit. Also, ask them

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Grow mentally, physically or spiritually by becoming a streaker!

No, not that kind of streaker. You know, the kind someone (hopefully not you) did in college on a dare. The kind that can be an even more exciting concept that can transform your life. It is called Postive Behavioral Streaks (PBS). Imagine if every time you completed a task, you got a gold star, just like in kindergarten. Sounds fun, right? Well, that’s the essence of PBS, a simple yet powerful tool to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. I found that being a concrete, sequential tax professional (aka a little OCD), streaks help me accomplish more in a short period of time.

Understanding PBS: The Gold Star System for Grown-Ups

Positive Behavioral Streaks work on a simple principle: consistency is key. It’s about creating a chain of positive actions and keeping it going. Each day you complete a task, you get a virtual (or real, if you’re into crafts) gold star. The aim? Don’t break the chain. It’s like playing a game where the prize is a better you! Here are some things you can create a streak for as a tax professional that will help you either personally, in your business or both.

Mentally: Turn Your Brain into a Knowledge Sponge

Let’s start with mental growth. Ever wanted to be that person who knows a little about everything? PBS makes it possible.

  1. Book Worming: Set a goal to read, say, 10 pages a day. Each day you do, give yourself a star. Soon, you’ll have devoured books on topics from astrophysics to zen gardening.
  2. Writing Buff: If writing is your thing, commit to writing a daily blog post or email. It could be about anything: your cat’s philosophical musings, new tax tips for your clients or how to stay out of trouble with the IRS. Star it up!
  3. Podcast Power Hour: Listen to a podcast episode each day. From marketing tips, new tax ideas, to running a business, there’s a podcast for everything. You might not learn a lot, but you might learn one new nugget of information, look at some concept from a different angle that will help you explain things better to clients or just might inspire some great idea.

Physically: From Couch Potato to Fitness Fries

Now, let’s get physical, and no, I don’t mean an Olivia Newton-John workout tape.

  1. 10-Minute Movement: Commit to 10 minutes of exercise daily. It could be yoga, a brisk walk,
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Productivity Part Deux – Conquer Time and Give yourself a Boost

Welcome champions of the tax code! Back by popular demand (or because I just have more wisdom to share), here’s a few more tips to help you slay the productivity dragon. Let’s turn your office into a well-oiled, tax-filing, time-saving machine with a sprinkle of fun and a dash of wit.

1. “Batch Processing” – The Culinary Art of Tax Work Picture yourself as a master chef in a gourmet kitchen. Just as a chef wouldn’t cook one dish at a time, you shouldn’t handle tasks one by one. Enter the world of “batch processing.” Group similar tasks together and tackle them in dedicated time slots. Answer emails in one go, set aside time for all client calls, and process filings in batches. It’s like meal-prepping, but for taxes. You’ll be amazed how much time you save when you’re not constantly switching gears. Plus, who doesn’t like feeling like a tax Gordon Ramsay?

2. “Early Bird or Night Owl?” – Harness Your Prime Time Are you a morning lark, singing the sweet songs of deductions at dawn? Or are you a night owl, wise to the ways of tax wizardry under the moonlight or candlelight? Identify when you’re most productive and schedule your biggest and most challenging tasks during these hours. Using your peak hours effectively is like catching the express train in rush hour – you get to your destination faster and smarter. So, brew that coffee or pour that late-night tea (without caffeine, not good for your sleep time), and make magic in your prime time. Oh, and don’t do the batched tasks you identified in #1 above during these times. This would be a waste of your Prime Time.

3. “The Magic of ‘One Touch’” – Touch It, Tackle It, Triumph! In the mystical realm of tax filing, there lies an ancient secret: the “One Touch” rule. The idea is simple yet powerful – touch a task once and complete it. Got an email that needs a quick reply? Do it now (in conjunction with #1). A form that needs a quick review? Don’t put it off. By applying the “One Touch” rule, you avoid the black hole of procrastination and the vortex of time-wasting. It’s like defeating the boss monster in one epic move. Game over, inefficiency! This is one of my difficulties, but I am working to beat this one.

4. “The Zen of Saying ‘Later’” – The Artful Skill … Continue reading