*Compensating Factors
The highest-paid CPA firm partners saw their compensation decline this year, while partners in the middle and lower ranges saw little change. (Source: Partner's Report)

How CPA Firms Can Put Up Major League Numbers
Inside Public Accounting's 2009 "All-Star Edition" offers stats on the top-performing local and regional CPA firms in several categories. (Source: Inside Public Accounting)

*The Ins and Outs of Succession Planning
How to determine whether your firm is able to do an internal succession plan and, if not, three options for external succession. (Source: CPA Practice Management Forum)

Most Firms Plan to Increase Billing Rates
According to AOMAR's CPA Firm Practice Management Survey 2010, more than two-thirds of CPA firms plan to raise their rates next year, some by more than 10 percent. (Source: Accounting Office Management & Administration Report)

Tips for Increasing Profitability
Ten ideas from August Aquila. (Source: Partner Insights)

Are You Teaching Your People to Be Leaders?
Firms are placing too much emphasis on technical skills. (Source: Journal of Accountancy)

Managing Partner Not Necessarily Highest Paid
Marc Rosenberg debunks this myth. (Source: Accounting Today)

Do You Have What It Takes to Retain Clients?
Here are the things that matter most to clients. (Source: Inspired Ideas)

Now's the Time to Invest in Technology
A small investment in technology can pay handsome returns. (Source: Accounting Today)

CPA Firms Weathering the Storm
Accounting firms are doing well, but there will be challenges ahead, even as the economy picks up. (Source: CPA Trendlines)

Are You Keeping Your Clients Satisfied?
How to develop a formal client satisfaction and retention program. (Source: What I've Learned So Far)

How to Hang On to Your Associates
Reasons for associate turnover and how to boost your retention rate. (Source: Possibilities for CPA Firm Leaders)

*Tapping the Potential of Cross-Selling
Successful cross-selling focuses on relationships, not on expertise. (Source: RainToday)

Your Value Proposition is Not a Statement
The value proposition is a concept, not a statement. (Source: Services Marketing Blog)

Overcoming the Fear of Follow-up
Most salespeople don't take follow-up seriously, usually because they're terrified of rejection. (Source: Partner Insights)

Pulling the Trigger on Sales
You can shorten the sales cycle by capitalizing on "trigger events." (Source: RainToday)

Eight Tips for Marketing on a Budget
Marketing does not have to be expensive to be effective. (Source: AICPA CPA Insider)

Working With Contractors: Constructive Advice on Limiting Liability
Construction is a risky business. Here are some tips for limiting your exposure. (Source: CPA Journal)

A Litigation "Roadmap" for the IRS
A federal appellate court ruled that the IRS was entitled to a public company's tax accrual workpapers. (Source: AICPA CPA Insider)

Power Up Your Profits
In this month's issue we present Chapter Twenty-Five -- "Focus: Building a Power Niche" -- from Power Up Your Profits (2nd Ed.), by Troy Waugh. This book covers principles, strategies, and techniques to help you build your practice by obtaining clients and building their businesses. We present one chapter per month, or you can order the book now at 888-797-RAIN (7246) or via mail@therainmakeracademy.com.