Why Personal Branding Matters for Accountants and Entrepreneurs

Jun 25, 2025

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The Power of Personal Branding - "A personal brand opens the doors you didn't even knock on. It goes ahead of you, it generates referrals, opportunities, invitations. It's the currency for influence, isn't it? And that's what accelerates your program." - Rob Brown

We have a truly special guest. Rob Brown is a global authority in the accounting industry and someone whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Rob went from being a high school math teacher in Yorkshire, England, to becoming a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and the host of the Accounting Influence podcast. He’s made a name for himself by helping highly skilled professionals master the power of personal branding and visibility in their careers.

We discuss the importance of building your reputation. Why being technically skilled isn’t enough if you want to stand out, and how intentional networking and authenticity can transform your professional journey.

Rob shares his own story, shaped by his working-class background, what drove him to strike out on his own, and how he discovered the knack for bringing out brilliance in others who may not see it in themselves.

You’ll hear us discuss the hesitations so many of us have around self-promotion, what holds back entrepreneurs and accountants alike, and why making yourself visible in a crowded marketplace doesn’t have to mean being cringey or salesy. Rob offers practical insights you can act on. Whether you’re starting out solo or looking to scale your business and make a bigger impact.

So if you’re ready for an honest, inspiring conversation full of British wit, actionable ideas, and a fresh look at what it takes to build your brand from the inside out, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Empowering Moments

00:00 "Mastering Visibility and Branding"

05:31 From Teaching to Business Success

09:57 Embracing Entrepreneurial Uncertainty

12:41 Choosing Teaching in Northern England

16:13 Education System Fails Entrepreneurs

17:11 Education Lacks Practical Life Skills

21:27 "Teachers' Impact and Humility"

25:44 People Over Companies: Trust Matters

26:59 "Crafting Your Personal Brand"

30:10 Now's the Best Time

34:09 Accountants' Challenge: Balancing Promises

39:09 Find Your Unique Strengths

42:43 Network Building Through Online Outreach

46:34 Define Your Desired Legacy

47:56 Crafting Personal Brand Strategy

52:18 Crafting Thought Leadership Content

54:31 Legacy Focused on Family Happiness

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 3 Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Professionals:

Your Authentic Brand Starts With You: Before building a public persona, define what you truly want people to say about you. Your reputation is shaped by intentional branding, not by accident.
Network Intentionally, Not Accidentally: Building relationships isn’t just about showing up; it’s about asking better questions, having meaningful conversations, and nurturing trust that leads to real opportunities.
Showcase, Don’t Shy Away: If you’re great at what you do, it’s not bragging—it’s “ethical bragging.” Don’t be afraid to shine a light on your strengths and success stories; your future clients will thank you for it.

Accounting Influencers Roundtable Podcast

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

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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.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

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