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Skyrocket your sales

04/04/2024

Do you BAMFAM?

Back in 2013, Ben Walker attended a sales seminar for accountants where they introduced this concept called BAMFAM, short for “Book A Meeting From A Meeting.” When you BAMFAM, it puts you in the driver’s seat of both sales and deliverables. It sets clear expectations for clients about when the next formal touchpoint will be....

Skyrocket your sales

26/01/2024

Don’t Send Proposals To Clients Without A Phone Call

One of the most significant advantages of a phone call is the opportunity it provides to establish a personal connection with your client. Unlike emails or text messages, a phone call allows you to convey your enthusiasm, passion, and sincerity directly. Your tone of voice and the ability to engage in real-time conversation can go...

Leverage Best in Class Tech

17/01/2024

Streamline Your Client Meetings And Strategy Calls With Calendly

Managing your client meetings and strategy calls can be a juggling act. Coordinating schedules, sending emails back and forth, and playing phone tag can be time-consuming and frustrating. Calendly simplifies scheduling. It sets your availability and syncs with your calendar to ensure you’re never double-booked. 👍 📣 Join our vibrant Facebook Community and explore strategies to enhance...

Deliver a World Class Experience

17/01/2024

Conduct Surveys To Gather Feedback From Team Members

Conducting surveys to gather feedback from team members is an excellent way to gauge opinions, understand concerns, and collect valuable insights. ⭐ Clearly outline the goals of the survey, and determine what specific information or feedback you aim to gather from team members ⭐ Formulate clear, concise, and unbiased questions. Ensure that the questions are...

Deliver a World Class Experience

14/12/2023

The Struggles of Offering Valuable Work For Free

In a world where people often expect free services, giving away valuable work can be tough. While it’s noble to share your skills and resources, it does come with challenges. Common challenges when providing free valuable services: Perceived Value The concept of “you get what you pay for” can lead some people to undervalue or...

Deliver a World Class Experience

30/11/2023

Mastering Effective Price Change Communication with Clients via Phone Calls

Utilise phone calls to provide a personalised touch when communicating price changes to clients. This direct form of communication allows for a more empathetic and tailored approach, acknowledging the client’s concerns and fostering a stronger connection. This enables businesses to address concerns promptly, offer solutions or alternatives, and demonstrate a commitment to meeting the client’s needs. By employing these...

Set an Inspiring Vision

26/10/2023

Ben’s Struggles When He Started Inspire

https://youtu.be/Q3WtYGJz3XY Have a listen to the struggles Ben Walker faced as an Accounting Firm Owner when he first started Inspire in 2013, all the way to 2022 – 9 years later. Here’s what he said – I’ve broken Inspire into 3 different stages: Inspire 1.0 ($0-500k) Inspire 2.0 ($500k-1.5m) Inspire 3.0 ($1.5m-3m) Inspire 1.0 ($0-500k)...

Skyrocket your sales

05/10/2023

Don’t Force Accountants To Be Salespeople

https://youtu.be/edEyj3Urfrw Many accountants excel in their technical skills, but may not possess the same level of expertise in sales. We have learned the hard way that some of our accountants are naturally skilled in sales, while others may not be as inclined or proficient in this area. It has been a valuable lesson for us...

Deliver a World Class Experience

29/09/2023

Emotional Ups & Downs Of Business Building

https://youtu.be/hIeSfVmThXU Have a listen as Ben Walker talks about his challenges and breakthroughs as an Accounting Firm Owner Here’s what he said – Some of the feelings I’ve had throughout growing Inspire: Running on a hamster wheel with work, spinning but not going anywhere Not enjoying work Mental and physical health dwindling Strained personal relationships...

Set an Inspiring Vision

Why You Need Clear Terms And Condidions - Feature Image

29/09/2023

Why You Need Clear Terms And Conditions

https://youtu.be/Q1ODOuYCtMc Your terms and conditions should support the “out of scope” work. We’ve had this wrong for a while, and it’s crucial to clearly define what’s included or not in the package, as well as how we handle price increases. So, we’ve taken note of the minimum CPI increase. We’ve even included clauses in our...

Grow a Dream Team

20/09/2023

Training Your Team To Identify Great Clients

https://youtu.be/Qt-PS-LBUWk Have a listen to Ben’s talk on “Training Your Team To Identify Great Clients”, here’s what he said – The kind of clients we attract can differ based on how they come across our services. Oftentimes, when our top-notch clients suggest someone similar to themselves, the referrals tend to be of high quality. We...

Skyrocket your sales

13/09/2023

The True Essence Of Sales For Accountants

https://youtu.be/0CWLWDMEoJA During the “Pricing & Profitability CPD Workshops” tour in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Ben Walker, the Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants, took the stage as a keynote speaker. The event, organized by Chartered Accountants and Ignition, provided a platform for Ben to share his valuable insights. Check out Ben’s talk about “The...

Skyrocket your sales

14/08/2023

The Benefits Of Monthly Recurring Revenue

https://youtu.be/7gwV5p4N708 Every month, we see a consistent inflow of recurring revenue which usually arrives a few days into the new month. Approximately half of our clients opt for credit card payments, while the remaining half who choose direct debit usually process their payments around the fourth or fifth day of the month. This approach directs...

Skyrocket your sales

18/07/2023

The Benefits Of Full Upfront Payment

https://youtu.be/7gwV5p4N708 We’ve adopted a policy where we request full payment upfront before starting any project, whether it’s catching up on taxes or setting up a monthly recurring service. The great thing about this policy is that it eliminates any outstanding debts or unpaid invoices. In fact, it has become such a natural part of our...

Skyrocket your sales

05/07/2023

How To Master Value-Based Pricing Strategies

https://youtu.be/HK8_aUU3l5c We believe it’s important to maintain fair pricing and treat people with respect. While we do have some leverage in the market, it doesn’t justify taking advantage of others or engaging in dishonest practices. Currently, our industry, like many others, is facing capacity challenges. Therefore, we need to be selective about the clients we...

Skyrocket your sales

29/06/2023

How To Ensure Profitability In Accounting Services

https://youtu.be/DpfRq6ELfoA We’ve never taken repricing for our clients so seriously this year. There’s a big reason for that. Our costs have been skyrocketing due to increasing wages, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising subscription fees over the past few years. Not only that, but we’ve noticed a few others in the industry raising their prices too...

Leverage Best in Class Tech

29/06/2023

How Our Ignition Proposals Support Those In Need

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/otTFnPqygq4 B1G1 is a global giving initiative by Paul Dunn. There’s a way in ignition that allows us to incorporate various actions into our business operations. For example, when a client accepts a proposal through Ignition, we can use Zapier to connect and integrate different giving impacts. We have decided that each time an Ignition...

Set an Inspiring Vision

20/06/2023

Admin Made Simple Ignition’s Time-Saving Features

https://youtu.be/mqB6XvVTZps We’ve heard a lot of people who’ve used Ignition or are considering it, have concerns with the merchant fees. We’ve been told within the next four months, ignition will be introducing a convenient button that allows you to pass on those merchant fees with just a simple click. Ignition is also scalable with the...

Set an Inspiring Vision

30/05/2023

Sneak Peek Into Inspire 4.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dloxIOyMM9c In 2022, Inspire has achieved some incredible milestones worth celebrating: Inspire has been recognized as one of The Great Places to Work, securing the impressive #9 spot in our category for Australia. In September, our very own Ben published his book “Wealth for Life” Ben’s vision is to focus exclusively on VIP clients, whilst...

Deliver a World Class Experience

23/05/2023

The Secret Weapon For Our Business Growth

One of our secret weapons for our growth is none other than workshops and webinars! 🚀 These interactive online and in-person sessions have been an absolute game-changer for us. Our clients have gained invaluable knowledge, profound insights, and essential skills through these sessions, resulting in an organic boost to our growth. From 2020 to 2022,...

Set an Inspiring Vision

Rude Awakening In 1st Year In Business Cover Image

19/05/2023

Rude Awakening In My 1st Year In Business

https://youtu.be/9V7FirU4cFE One of the big lessons Ben learned was after 9 months of running Inspire. He made the decision to sign a lease on a massive space in Newstead. Because it was a big cafe space, Ben ended up getting a liquor licence and even having a bar. Although it was initially enjoyable, the upfront...

Set an Inspiring Vision

The Future Vision Of Inspire Accountants

11/05/2023

The Future Of Inspire Accountants

https://youtu.be/ZaSQLOKSUFI With Ben’s guidance and coaching, three partners are now leading their own business units within Inspire. The goal is to expand and establish three business units, each with a target revenue of approximately $4,500,000. This is all by using the same strategies and rhythms that have brought them this far. While continuing to work...

Set an Inspiring Vision

My Vision To Make Accounting Great Again Cover Image

04/05/2023

Ben Walkers Vision with High Performance Accountants

To help a thousand firm owners create a high-performance accounting firm. To have a ripple effect on thousands of small businesses in Australia. To create firms where the founder loves coming to work – and joining their teams to create outcomes for their clients. The families and their communities work reasonably hours.– This might be...

Grow a Dream Team

27/04/2023

Our Award-Winning Team

https://youtu.be/2iEZVyN9fvI In 2022, we were pleased and proud that our team got nominated as a finalist at the Accountants Daily Awards. The nominees are: Property Specialist of the Year Finalist – Gulshan Gupta New Partner of the Year Finalist – Rizal Ramzan Marketing Initiative – Marketing Team Mentor of the Year Finalist – Ben Walker...

Skyrocket your sales

17/04/2023

$1.6 Million To $3 Million In 2 Years

https://youtu.be/NmUfD715svk From April 2020 to June 2022, this timeframe was coined as “Inspire 3.0” which marked the period of transition where Ben Walker became the sole owner of Inspire. His primary objective during this period was to mentor and elevate three Senior Accountants to the positions of partners and senior managers. The ultimate goal was...

Grow a Dream Team

10/04/2023

Lessons Learned From Building A Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtZiYYpT54g Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants share the lessons he learned from building an A-team in the recent webinar called, “Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm”. Here’s what he said:- In terms of building teams, these are the lessons over the years: Inspire 1.0 – All the mistakes I made I...

Create a Marketing Machine

04/04/2023

Learn From My Expensive Marketing Mistakes

https://youtu.be/o4fGdNi7MIc Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants shares about learning from his expensive marketing mistakes. Here’s what he said on the recent ‘Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm’ webinar – Marketing, this is an expensive one but one that definitely helps with growth. There are problems at different stages. Inspire 1.0...

Grow a Dream Team

04/04/2023

Introducing High Performance Accountants

https://youtu.be/dZhyGV4gh_8 Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High Performance Accountants is introducing HPA as the newest program to growing a fun, super rewarding accounting firm that runs like clockwork. Here’s what he said on the recent ‘Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm’ webinar – We will be starting a group mentoring program that kicks...

Leverage Best in Class Tech

03/04/2023

Top Tech Tips For Your Accounting Firm

https://youtu.be/lGQSciasNa0 Having the best in class technology and an integrated tech stack is KEY when it comes to running a high performing accounting firm. This includes using cloud only software as well as cutting edge computers and audio visuals. Inspire’s Tech Stack Inspire has tried and tested different software throughout the growth of the...

Set an Inspiring Vision

03/04/2023

Tips To Create A Crystal Clear Vision

https://youtu.be/SolfkKH9sHM Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants shares some tips that helped in creating a crystal-clear vision in the recent webinar called, “Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm”. Here’s what he said:- A 10-year business plan. A clear actionable roadmap for your firm, and this is out to 10 years. 10 years...

Leverage Best in Class Tech

31/03/2023

Tech Struggles We Experienced At Inspire

Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants share his tech struggles during the early days at Inspire. Here’s what he said:- Inspire 1.0 The problem I had was using entry-level computers that we don’t update. Maybe we’re using the free or the light version of the software and you’re your own IT girl,...

Build a Product Ecosystem

31/03/2023

Product Mistakes We Made At Inspire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRxVNZVusrc Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants share some product mistakes he made at Inspire in the recent webinar called, “Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm”. Here’s what he said:- Some of the things I struggled with along the different stages is, in Inspire 1.0, I did anything for anyone. I didn’t...

Set an Inspiring Vision

31/03/2023

My Personal Story & Purpose With Accounting

https://youtu.be/ANSbfwq1Kts Ben Walker, Founder of Inspire Accountants and High-Performance Accountants share his personal story and his purpose with accounting in a recent webinar called, “Creating a High Performing Accounting Firm”. Here’s what he said:- As a child, I watched my grandfather build a business where he was able to step back in early retirement to...

Set an Inspiring Vision

29/03/2023

My Business Lessons From Inspire 2.0

Ben Walker’s Business Lessons From Inspire 2.0 (July 2015 to March 2020) There were a lot of good times and lessons learned during Inspire 2.0 Inspire’s revenue grew from $426,000 to $1,6500,000 million and they went from 25 to 120 clients during that time. As the business owner, Ben was working crazy hours, cash flow...

Skyrocket your sales

23/03/2023

How To Scale Your Sales Process

So, what do we put in place? Sales Process – It converts most of the clients you want to work with. If it’s converting all of them, that the price is probably not high enough and that there’s one thing that might be wrong. And if you’re not converting any, then it could be sales...

Grow a Dream Team

09/02/2023

How To Build A Highly Effective Team

https://youtu.be/7e5A_WofH-A Have you ever experienced a really bad team culture where good team members don’t stick around and you find it extremely tough to find good people to join the team? Things that helped: 1. Coals To Diamonds Team Development Plan Inspire has created a Coals To Diamonds Team Development Plan that covers from Undergraduate...

Deliver a World Class Experience

08/02/2023

The Secret To Delivering Great Service

Are you constantly chasing your tail with work – never meeting ATO due dates, clients blowing up wondering where their job is at and always needing to work crazy hours to keep up? Things that helped: At Inspire, we have HPIs for every team member. A HPI is a High Performance Indicator, not KPIs. Every...

Build a Product Ecosystem

08/02/2023

The Importance Of Your Product Ecosystem

Complimentary products such as bookkeeping and financial planning are just some of the things that have helped develop a clear product ecosystem. Complimentary products benefit a client because they are able to have a complete and remarkable experience in their financial world. Additionally, if bookkeeping and financial planning wasn’t offered, it is crucial that a...

Create a Marketing Machine

08/02/2023

Creating A Marketing Machine In Your Firm

Creating a marketing machine is beneficial as it generates high-quality leads each week that fall within your target audience. It also aids in building relationships with prospects through education and value well before they become clients. In terms of assets, having a marketing plan and a good marketing calendar is crucial so you can map...

Skyrocket your sales

How We Increased Our Profit Margin By 33% (Or More)

18/01/2023

Profit Margin Increased By 33% (Or More)

Hey there! I hope you’ve had a nice Christmas break, and have started the new year on the right foot! I have been feeling that we need to review our prices at inspire due to the way salaries, subscriptions, and other inputs to our business have been increasing over the last 24 months. At the...

Grow a Dream Team

The Common Struggles When Growing A Firm - Image 1

13/01/2023

Growing A Firm Common Struggles

Growing a firm or starting out in business, there will be a lot of ups and downs. Ben Walker shares the common struggles he faced when growing his firm, Inspire Accountants. These common struggles can be the difference between a surviving and thriving firm. Here’s what he said – Inspire 1.0 I am wearing all...

Grow a Dream Team

How We've Hired 3 Accountants In The Last 3 Weeks

21/11/2022

The Key To Finding And Hiring Accountants

It’s been extremely difficult in the last 12 months when it comes to finding and hiring accountants. We think that’s not a surprise, not only in the accounting industry but in ANY industry. We’ve just hired 3 accountants in the last 3 weeks! Hiring Accountants There are 4 ways that have worked well for us:...

Build a Product Ecosystem

02/11/2022

Following Up Ethical Letters

A question we’ve been asked is, “How many times should Accountants be following up ethical letters?” If you’ve got the information and can start working with client, we wouldn’t give it any more than a few days till we accept the appointment and progress with the work. Ethical letters with most of the accounting organisations...

Build a Product Ecosystem

31/10/2022

Are Accountants Letters for Banks Risky?

Firstly, there’s so much whingeing amongst accountants on signing accountants letters for banks or financial institutions, are accountants letters risky? We’re signing factual information for the clients knowing that we’ve got disclaimers. We’re not taking liability or guaranteeing anything’s going to happen, we’re just signing for the income of the client. Is the bank’s template...

Skyrocket your sales

31/10/2022

Accounting Firms Giving Away Free Advice To Get Clients

Are you an accounting firm that’s giving away free accounting advice? I want to encourage you to stop, there is another way to do it. We made a change in the business in 2014 where we started charging for our sales. Prior to that, I’d meet with a client for about an hour, sometimes longer...

Skyrocket your sales

31/10/2022

Accounting Services Pricing: Charging for No Show’s

https://youtu.be/-7aag3DGrjw When it comes to accounting services and pricing, a frequently asked question we see is, “Should I charge if someone is late or a no show?” Here’s the scenario – An accountant has asked for advice, where they gave away a ‘1-hour free consultation’ to get new clients on board. However, sometimes the prospective...

Leverage Best in Class Tech

28/10/2022

eSigning Tools For Accountants

https://youtu.be/UMyE02syoW8 There’s a few eSigning tools for accountants. We’ve been using eSigning since the very early days of Inspire. In 2013, we used DocuSign, which at the time was the gold standard and one of the first online signing providers. About 4 or 5 years ago, we started to lose the love for DocuSign. They...

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