Editor’s Note

Hello. Following in a similar theme to our last issue, this month the newsletter focuses on retaining and managing staff. In the current economic climate and with skill shortages in a number of professions, including the accounting arena, businesses need to present an attractive package to attract and retain qualified staff. These days employees are seeking more than a fair wage. Professional development, team building, work-life balance, office environment, stimulating projects are of increasing importance to employees. Director Nicole Gorton from leading recruitment firm Robert Half International offers some practical suggestions for businesses to employ to retain their qualified staff.

Peter Perivolaris’ business tips also focus on staff and management issues. Peter’s business consulting experience puts him in a prime position to comment on the issues surrounding staff retention as he helps firms grow their businesses and develop their teams to maximize business and staff potential.

Of course staff will always want to work for a firm with a strong brand or recognizable name, so if you’re looking to build the profile of your practice, you know who to call!

Until next time…
I wish you marketing success!

Rebecca Laskary

In this issue

Strategies for Retaining Staff

Slam Dunk with Jason Smith

Top 10 Business Tips

Marketing Your Accounting Practice Through Powerful PR

Retaining qualified employees is a challenge all companies face. Having the right staff directly impacts an organisation’s ability to maximise productivity and achieve business goals. According to a Robert Half International Survey, 52% of finance departments are actively or passively looking for a new job and many companies are not aware of this alarming statistic. Specific to Audit and Tax, 20.5% are actively looking and 35% are passively looking. The impact of staff leaving can have a detrimental effect on the business as a high turnover of staff can drain resources and undermine efficiencies. Further survey results revealed that 42% of Audit and Tax staff had been in their role for under a year and only 43% had tenure of one to three years...[more...]

www.roberthalf.com.au

Robert Half
International

I guess you could say my basketball career started with an ill-fated trip to the dentist. Growing up in Melbourne, of course I grew up playing AFL football. At school I also competed in every athletics discipline that involved running or jumping. But, “footy” was my real passion. I was at about 12 years of age when I was selected to play in the little league grand final at the MCG at half time of the AFL Grand Final. It was the biggest stage for any up and coming player. I remember going in for the ball at ground level and clashing heads with another boy. The fact that I was wearing a mouth guard at the time did not help me in the least, I came away with my two front teeth embedded somewhere in the MCG turf. On the way to the dentist after the game, my mother was asking me if I would like to try another sport, as my teeth had been knocked out about four or five times before... [more...]

http://www.titanmanagement.com.au

1. Three lessons in negotiating:
   (1) Don’t become emotional – it stops you thinking clearly under pressure;
   (2) Ask lots of questions, and listen, to find out what your client really wants; and
   (3) Always remember the higher purpose you have in common, as this will draw you closer to making the deal you both want.
2. If you have a large or difficult project and can’t find the motivation or inspiration to start, try taking small bites, one at a time. This will make it seem less overwhelming. Just starting will get your mind turning on how to do the next part.
3. Consider the possibility of having a number of staff work from home. If all they do all day is sit in front of a computer screen and telephone, why do they need to be in the office? They can come in a couple of times a week for meetings. They will save travel time and cost, and you can reduce your office space overhead...[more...]

This booklet written by marketing expert Rebecca Laskary contains a public relations report for accounting practices which analyzes current market trends and offers suggestions for marketing an accounting practice.

The booklet includes a 10 step strategy for implementing a PR campaign. It also provides a summary of the current Australian marketplace and offers practical marketing solutions for accounting practices to employ to generate brand awareness and manage public affairs – without employing external consultants.

Cost: $27

http://www.marketing-for-accountants.com.au