I Was Scared Stiff…

In Fact, I Still Am

It happens every time. My knees shake, my hands tremble and I am very nervous. Every time I have to speak in front of a large group, I’m scared. The people watching behind the podium may even get a laugh or two.

Of course, if you are in the audience, you couldn’t tell. From the waist up, I’m pretty calm. But if I didn’t have a podium to hide behind, I can’t keep my nervousness a secret.

I don’t think I’m alone. There are a lot of people like me. And that has made it easier for me to stand at the podium and present my message.

With preparation and practice, anyone can present a speech to a willing and accepting audience. I can’t promise the butterflies will ever go away, but talking about tax issues to clubs and community groups is a very effective way to promote your tax preparation practice.

The Chamber of Commerce is the Place to Start

Let them know that your firm is available for luncheon talks. Lot’s of business groups get together for lunch to discuss and learn about issues that face small business owners. One issue that all business owners are forced to face is their tax liability. Because this issue is always on the mind of many small business owners, you’ll find most business groups anxious to learn about tax saving tips and what they can do to improve their tax situation.

The Chamber of Commerce in your area is a great place to start. They hold regular meetings, luncheons and mixers that will give you the opportunity to meet other business owners in your community. Make sure the Chamber President knows of your willingness to participate, and before long, you’ll find yourself on the calendar.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to be on the speaking calendar to talk about tax issues to member small business owners. Mixers and other events are designed so you can introduce yourself and your tax practice to others. Don’t be afraid to mingle. Mention that you’re a tax preparer, and you’ll find dozens of people interested in learning what you have to offer.

Networking Groups Are Great for… Networking

For a tax professional, networking groups are very effective. Every business must deal with taxes. They all need someone they can trust to help them. You can be that person. Ask about good networking groups at the Chamber of Commerce, and you’ll find out about several in your area.

Visit them all as a guest the first time and make sure you like the dynamics of the group. If you meet people you think you’ll enjoy being with, join them. You’ll make contacts, have opportunities to talk about your services and find clients. A lot of tax preparers find many of their clients though organizations like this.

Preparation is the Key

Don’t be nervous. (If you’re like me, it’s OK to be a little nervous.) Don’t forget, these people are other business owners like you, not all of them will be great public speakers. They aren’t expecting you to be an expert speaker… just an expert on tax.

Prepare a message that will offer practical advice and you’ll find new clients among your fellow Chamber or Networking group every month. Of course, it might not happen immediately, hiring a new tax preparer requires trust, so you’ll probably need to participate in the Chamber for a little while, before they all become clients.

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