378 The Story Behind The ORIGINAL Accountant Community
Dec 5, 2024
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Jason Blummer, a CPA with 30 years in accounting and the mastermind behind the Thriveal community, dives into the evolution of professional networks. He discusses the importance of balancing work and personal growth through community involvement. The transformation of the Deeper Weekend from a casual idea into a week-long gathering is explored, as well as the significance of authentic connections at conferences. Additionally, Jason highlights how software tools can enhance tax advisory services, emphasizing the vital role of community in firm growth.
Community building often stems from a shared need for support, enabling professionals to learn collectively from one another's experiences.
Successful entrepreneurs evolve their approach to risk-taking over time, relying on data and planning rather than impulsive decision-making in their careers.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Community Building
Building a community often starts with a common need for support and connection, particularly among professionals navigating the challenges of running their own firms. A prime example is the formation of Thrival, initiated by individuals who sought to learn from one another after leaving traditional firms. Initially, this community focused on informal gatherings through social media and conferences, emphasizing that collective knowledge and experiences can lead to better outcomes. Over time, these organic interactions led to a more structured environment where members could share insights in a dedicated space, reinforcing the idea that collaboration enhances personal and professional growth.
Risk-Taking and Leadership
As leaders and community builders gain more experience, their approach to risk-taking evolves significantly. Early in their careers, they may engage in numerous experiments without a clear understanding of potential consequences, leading to a higher likelihood of mistakes. With time and exposure to varied challenges, they develop a more refined intuition for decision-making, relying more on data and planning rather than impulsive actions. Emphasizing the importance of calculated risk, successful entrepreneurs leverage their experience to navigate obstacles and seize opportunities more strategically.
The Importance of a Safe Space
Communities offer a distinct advantage by creating safe environments where members can discuss sensitive topics without fear of judgement. Unlike broader social platforms such as Twitter or LinkedIn, focused communities provide a setting where confidentiality is prioritized, allowing for deeper, more meaningful interactions. Members can readily share their unique challenges and solutions, benefiting from the collective wisdom of others facing similar hurdles. This dynamic fosters a sense of belonging and support that is critical for personal and professional advancement.
Navigating Community Commitment
For members of a community to reap the most benefits, a serious commitment is essential, balancing professional obligations with the desire to connect and learn from peers. Regular engagement—ideally on a weekly basis—ensures that members remain informed and supported in their growth journey. However, recognizing that not everyone can make such commitments, communities must accommodate various levels of participation and engagement. This flexible approach not only enriches the experience for committed members but also helps to maintain a supportive atmosphere that encourages all members to participate at their level of comfort.
Check out Jason’s podcast https://thriveal.com/thrivecast/ His YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivealCPANetwork And his community, Thriveal https://thriveal.com/community/
🫠 Are you stuck in a legacy firm? Over 100 progressive firms are looking for accountants like you on Jason’s job placement platform: https://jason.careers/
🗣️ Continue the discussion on social! Twitter https://twitter.com/JStaatsCPA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa
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