How to Pick the 'Right' Clients and Stand Out Among the Competition BIZ Experiencess need to identify clients who will be as enamored with your services as you'd like them to be. Here are some tips.

Remember dating in high school? You know that guy or girl who you liked but were pretty sure didn't feel the same way back? It is likely that you spent countless hours trying to wow him or her, but to no avail. In the end, although you were unlikely to admit it, you knew he or she didn't like you back. Despite all your charisma, your efforts were simply wasted on the wrong person.

Just as you tried to get the attention of that guy or girl in high school, today your accounting firm is trying to differentiate itself by offering business advisory services. Adding business advisory services with platforms like ProfitCents is essential to growing your firm. But your firm should not offer these services to all your existing clients. The reason is that many CPAs, just like those in the high school dating scene, spend most of their time trying to "wow" the wrong guy or girl. Therefore it's key that you identify clients who will be as enamored with your services as you'd like them to be.

Step 1: Identify Key Clients

Start by identifying a short list of key clients (it could be as few as 5) who you will start providing business advisory services to. Use the following characteristics to select key clients:

• Client Relationship: Identify clients that you already have a strong relationship with. You will be more comfortable and they will be more receptive as you introduce new services.
• Client Potential: Choose clients that have unrealized potential. You and the client will be able to see tangible results as you help them grow their business.
• Owner Mentality: Focus on proactive clients who frequently ask questions about improving their business. These clients tend be more appreciative and willing to pay for your professional advice.
• Business Health: Select a few clients with poor financial health. They will perceive your services as a need rather than an unnecessary expense.

Step 2: The Discovery Process

The next step in the process is to develop a strategy for your firm to approach the list of target clients. According to Lauren Prosser, Sageworks Director of Professional Services, this includes thinking about the needs of each business, what's going on in their industry, their goals, what resources your firm has to offer them, and ultimately how to communicate those services to them. Such a discovery process could include client surveys or merely conversations with clients to gauge their satisfaction with your firm and understand their business needs better.

By using these two strategies, your firm will increase the odds that it garners clients who utilize your valued added services. Once you've chosen your clients, you can alert them of your new services.