Over the years I’ve spoken with hundreds of accountants and bookkeepers who are looking to shift their accounting or bookkeeping practice.

I am purposely not using the word ‘grow’ because it actually may not be that they want to grow. They may want to modernise. Reduce in size. Be more streamline. Niche into a speciality area.

Further to this, you need different types of mentors, depending on your size, stage in the business cycle, culture, and what you are hoping to achieve.

I’m often asked who can help me? Who can mentor me through this?

Here are a few suggestions to help your accounting practice.

Firstly – if you’re interested in learning about apps that connect with Xero I suggest you join the Xero Mastermind group – it is a great place to have discussions, and discover solutions from your peers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind/

I also suggest you sign up to the Accounting Apps newsletter https://heathersmithsmallbusiness.com/newsletter/
for ongoing information about Accounting Technology.

For specific insight about practice management Accounting Technology – I suggest having a conversation with the team at Clarity Street https://www.claritystreet.com.au/

For assistance with marketing strategies, I suggest you have a conversation with Wayne Schmidt. He brought Xero to Australia and knows the industry well.  You can read about what he offers here: https://www.wayne-schmidt.com/

There are a number of mentors out there who offer bespoke mentoring such as Amanda Gascoigne http://amandagascoigne.com/

It’s useful to identify and nurture a small group of peers, who can brainstorm and support you. I personally have a number of groups like this, some that are accounting centric, some that are business-centric, and some that are career progression centric. It is good to hear other perspectives, and not get too caught up in your own tea cup, and be aware of what’s happening outside your circles.

Also look to the programs your professional associations are running.

A great mentoring relationship can help you unravel what you want and move rapidly towards your goal, if you have the capacity to embrace the changes needed.