Category: Time Management/Productivity

The Art of War – Working with Clients, Setting Boundaries to prevent an invasion

Greetings, valiant warriors of the of the tax code! In the grand arena of financial combat, where numbers clash and deductions duel, you stand as the fearless generals leading the charge. But even the most skilled tactician must not only face the external foes of complexity and ever-changing regulations that the IRS and Congress gives us but also manage the allies (clients) within their own camp.

Ah, yes, clients! The very lifeblood of our practice, as essential to our survival as air to a dragon’s flame. Yet, like a double-edged sword, they can uplift or undo us. Fear not, for I come bearing the ancient scrolls of wisdom to guide you in mastering the art of client management, ensuring you rule your practice with the authority of a seasoned commander, setting boundaries as formidable as castle walls.

1. Assert Your Dominance: You Control the Battlefield, Not the Invaders

Remember, brave souls, your practice is your kingdom, and you are its leader. The standards you set are the laws of the land. When clients enter your domain, they do so to seek your expertise, your guidance through the treacherous tax terrain. It is essential to make it known that while their input is valued, it is you who charts the course of the campaign. The map is in your hands; you know the shortcuts and the pitfalls. Stand firm, for a kingdom without rules is but a village awaiting conquest.

2. The Fortress of Boundaries: Erecting Impenetrable Walls

As any seasoned warrior knows, a fortress with weak defenses invites disaster. Thus, you must construct unassailable walls in the form of clear, explicit boundaries. Office hours are your drawbridge; services offered are your moat. Let these boundaries be known from the outset, and make no exceptions, for the moment you do, the enemy spies weakness. A boundary respected is an alliance strengthened. This includes not responding to email, texts and phone calls immediately.

3. The Ritual of Firing: Banishing the Unruly from Your Kingdom

Alas, there comes a time in every ruler’s reign when they must face the unpleasant duty of banishing those who defy the laws of the land. Clients who consistently breach your walls, ignoring the sacred boundaries you’ve set, must be sent forth from your kingdom. This is no act of cruelty but a necessary purification, ensuring the health and prosperity of your realm. Let it be known that your practice is not a

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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

Let the fun begin! Tax season is here! Turbocharge your Productivity!

Hey there, fellow number crunchers and tax titans! Let’s face it: in the world of tax professionals, time is not just money – it’s everything. But how do you make the most of it, especially when tax season turns your office into a scene from “The Fast and the Furious”? Fear not! I’ve got some incredibly useful tips to help you turbocharge your productivity. Ready to dive in?

1. Embrace the Power of “No” – The Ultimate Productivity Hack Yes, you heard me right. “No” is your new best friend. In the world of tax, where everyone wants a piece of your time, learning to say no is like discovering a secret productivity potion. Think of it as your personal shield against the endless barrage of time-sucking requests. “Can you look at this real quick?” Nope. “Do you have a minute to chat about something off-topic?” Nada. Remember, every time you say no to distractions, you say yes to productivity. It’s not rude; it’s smart!

2. Automate Like a Boss (Because You Are One) You’re a tax pro, not a robot, so why spend your precious hours on tasks that a machine could do? Automating repetitive tasks is like hiring a team of invisible minions to do your bidding. Use software for tasks like sorting and writing emails, managing appointments, or even automate some tasks. It’s 2024, and if your software isn’t doing half your job yet, you’re living in the tax Stone Age. Embrace technology and watch your productivity soar higher than a taxpayer’s blood pressure in April.

3. The Pomodoro Technique – Your New Time-Management BFF Meet Pomodoro, not the tomato, but a technique that’s about to revolutionize your work life. Here’s the gist: you work for 25 minutes straight, then break for 5. Repeat. It’s like high-intensity interval training, but for your brain. This method keeps you fresh, focused, and fast. Plus, racing against the clock adds a fun, game-like element to your day. Who knew tax work could feel like a thrilling sprint?

4. Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind – Unclutter to Unleash Productivity An organized workspace isn’t just for Instagram-worthy office shots; it’s a productivity powerhouse. A cluttered desk can clutter your mind, and before you know it, you’re spending more time searching for that elusive document than actually working on it. So, channel your inner Marie Kondo and make tidying up a ritual. A clear desk equals a clear mind, … Continue reading