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April 12, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Every day I wake up in the morning and ask myself this question:
Who else in my community is doing business with my ideal client?
I have found over the years that perhaps the best way to get in front of highly qualified prospects is to be introduced to the prospect by someone they trust. I believe that partnering with a CPA is oftentimes the best way to leverage one relationship into a steady stream of highly qualified prospects.
Now I have to admit that, in the past, I have been intimidated by the idea of approaching a CPA. Last year, however, I ventured outside my comfort zone and sponsored a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) training for area CPAs and enrolled agents. What I discovered in the process was enlightening.
Simply put, CPAs are looking for help. Their clients are asking them for help, and CPAs want to find high quality professionals who they trust will take great care of their clients. I also found that many CPAs are aware that they don’t have the answers when it comes to financial planning and advice; their expertise is usually limited to tax advice. So they’re hungry to find an outstanding professional who can take care of this client need.
So how do you begin cultivating a relationship with a CPA or enrolled agent? The key is in the word I just used: “relationship.” Get to know the CPA. Find out how he or she uniquely serves clients. Demonstrate how you uniquely serve your clients as well. Invest some time into becoming friends, because people do business with friends.
You may also be able to form an actual partnership with a CPA. Many are looking for ways to increase revenue. Of course, they will have to become appropriately licensed to participate in any revenue sharing, but if approached correctly, revenue sharing can be a tremendous boon for both of your businesses.
