The hectic pace of tax season slows down dramatically during the summer months. That makes it the best time to focus on processes and upgrades inside the office. Maybe your filing system needs a bit of an update. Or maybe the whole accounting team could use a software refresher course or continuing education credits.
Wherever your office needs some polish, summer is the time to get busy. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
#1: Develop a Leadership Training Program for All Levels of Employees
At every employee level, whether they’ve been with the firm for years or they’re just starting out, there’s leadership potential waiting to be honed. Summer is a great time to either develop an office-wide leadership training program or fine tune the one you’ve got. According to Forbes, businesses need leaders at all levels.
Entrepreneur explains that leadership training:
- Supports the company culture
- Teaches people to handle a wider range of challenges
- Encourages camaraderie
#2: Dig Into Employee and Client Feedback for Improvement Ideas
You might not have an old-fashioned suggestion box, but chances are you hear recommendations on ways that you could improve. While client volume is slower, take some time study client feedback. Ask for feedback from employees, as well.
According to Juice Your Marketing, feedback gives you insight into what clients really want and where their pain points lie. And that helps you make a course correction. Employee feedback could improve company morale as well as cut down on attrition.
#3: Think About Hardware and Software Upgrades
If you’ve put off a new hardware or software investment, there’s no better time than when the demand for your time is lower. Hardware and software usually require installation time, at least some training and a period to find and correct any bugs that pop up.
#4: Get Continuing Education Credits Our of the Way
Every CPA needs continuing education. Before your next credits are due, set aside a little time to devote to career development. That way, you can focus on daily tasks instead of playing catch-up once the season ramps back up again. PDH Academy has numerous relevant CPA continuing education courses that fit into your schedule.
#5: Reevaluate the Office Space
How efficient is your square footage? Is it too small, too large or is the arrangement all wrong? What about the furnishings? Are they stylish and timeless or do you give off an air of Late Midcentury Mismatched? Now might be a great time to think about relocating to a new office or upgrading the space that you’ve got.
Tip: Hire an interior designer who specializes in commercial spaces. They’re trained to maximize traffic flow, workstation efficiency and can even help you improve energy efficiency while making the workspace brighter and healthier.
Give everyone in the office a shot at contributing to the company blog.
#6: Focus on Brand Building Initiatives
How is your website? When was the last time that you checked? If the only person who knows the status is your webmaster, it probably needs a little attention. Your business brand depends on it.
Check out your blog. If it’s not updated regularly, you’ll miss countless opportunities to capitalize on inbound content marketing. Does your site have plenty of landing pages to collect lead information from visitors? Does all of this sound too confusing? Check out what Content Marketing Institute’s guide to developing your brand.
The lazy days of summer have descended, but there’s no time to waste. Before you know it, business will spike again and you’ll be off and running again until next year. While the phone rings less often and fewer clients walk through the door, take the opportunity to improve your business.
If you and your office mates need CPA Continuing Education, there’s no better time than now. Check out our CPA approved courses today and be ready for the next big season.
