The Julie Role and Leadership, Communication, and Empowerment

May 3, 2023

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The accounting industry can be a lonely and overwhelming place for many professionals. The high level of responsibility can lead to a feeling of isolation and an inability to focus on growth and expansion.

However, one solution to this problem is recognizing the need for a strong operations person in the accounting firm, as Glenn Harper did after seeing the success of clients who had one.

Harper, who runs the EmpowerCPA business alongside his partner Julie Smith, realized that a common factor among his most successful clients was the presence of a strong operations person, whether it was a COO or a practice manager. He recognized that he, as an accountant, was not skilled in operations and needed someone who was process-driven and organized to help the company grow.

"The Julie" was born.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Success from business to running a business.

04:23 Unique accountants struggling with cohesive teamwork approach.

06:53 Empower through education, brand focus, and delegation.

10:59 Embracing stereotypes, operations person important in business.

14:43 Accountants face tremendous responsibility and appreciation issues.

18:00 Trust and empower others to know quickly.

22:33 Reflecting on entrepreneurial journey and self-awareness.

24:10 CPA firm focusing on entrepreneurial success and growth.

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.

Top Takeaways

1. The transition from working "in" your business to working "on" your business is key for entrepreneurial success.

2. Finding the right operations person, like the "Julie" in this episode, can make a significant impact on the growth and success of your business.

3. Recognize the need for a strong operations person to bridge the gap between you, the business owner, and your team for better cohesion and growth.

4. For entrepreneurs, self-awareness, especially in communication and working styles, is essential for fostering a cohesive and effective team dynamic.

5. Challenging the traditional mindset and methodologies within your industry can lead to significant positive change and growth for your business.

6. Respect and accountability are crucial components for creating a successful team within a firm.

7. Building a strong internal team, just like building external client relationships, can be paramount to your firm's success.

8. Recognize the need to empower and trust your team, especially when you find the right operations person to help drive the business forward.

9. Accountability and goal-setting play vital roles in elevating the firm beyond just daily tasks to focusing on future growth and sustainability.

10. Embracing change and seeking new perspectives, such as through podcasts or networking with like-minded professionals, can have a transformative impact on your business.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.