How Women Can Succeed in the Male-Dominated Accounting World
Source: AICPA CPA Insider
The following includes excerpts, reproduced with permission, from an article by Mary Cheaney and Barb Aasen. The authors share their insights into how female CPAs can be successful in a field that is dominated by males and routinely affords men a competitive advantage.
Practice development
When you are first developing your career, moving to a new firm, or establishing a private practice, the following tips can help you build your place in the practice and gain visibility:
- Establish your worth in terms of the revenue you generate.
- Your image speaks louder than your business card ever will. If you look like an owner/partner, potential clients will treat you like an owner/partner.
- Don't overlook small talk as a way to influence people. Keeping up with current events, following sports, or asking about hobbies are good ways to form instant connections to people so they remember you.
- Credit equals reward. Take credit for what you accomplish, but be sure to include all members of your team if they deserve credit, too.
Business development
Building your business takes commitment, drive, and mindfulness. The following tips can help make this process easier, more focused, and successful:
- Network, network, network. People do business with people they know.
- Being a good public speaker sets you apart from the crowd. Some people are born with this skill, but if you are not one of those people, find the courage to develop this on your own.
- Be an authority on something you can sell … and sell it.
- Remember you are a trusted business adviser.
- Time is money, but not always cold, hard cash. There are times when it pays to invest in a client with your time.
For the complete article, read "Business and practice development advice for women professionals."
From AICPA CPA Insider, October 9, 2012, http://www.CPA2biz.com.