WISE Women

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Comment by Nancy Stoll on April 9, 2013 at 11:37am

Thanks Tiffany! I know not only Kate will benefit from your post but every other person who browses through our group posts!   

Kate - if you have any other questions feel free to give me a call at 614-287-5530!

Comment by Tiffany J. Morisue on April 9, 2013 at 10:43am

@ Kate Burgener - Part 2 of 2

as continued from Part 1 of 2>>

Another source of referrals is the Ohio Society of CPAs Referral Service which is free to you as the person seeking a CPA.  They have a page on their website dedicated to this -- http://www.ohioscpa.com/financial-fitness-ohio/find-a-cpa.  I used to be a member of this service before I downsized in 2008 and it’s a great service.  Again, it’s important to check out three or more people in making a decision (and, you may want to check out more if necessary until you find the best “fit”). 

 

In closing, treat the meetings with prospective CPAs as interviews with a focus on what their experience is and, maybe more importantly, finding out how they work with their clients and what their personalities are like.  I only point this out as all too many times over the years, I’ve sat down with prospective clients to conduct a complimentary consultation only for them to come in with a list of tax or other questions that they want answers to so they can handle whatever tax or accounting matter on their own. 

 

I hope this helps! 

 

P.S. -- I have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bottomlinecolumbus dedicated to small business info & tips (right now, with the tax deadline upon us, there are a lot of tax tips).

Comment by Tiffany J. Morisue on April 9, 2013 at 10:42am

@ Kate Burgener - Part 1 of 2

Hi, Kate!  As a CPA with over 12 years experience working with freelancers and very small businesses and as a regular speaker and PROS volunteer for SBDC, Nancy asked that I join the group and address your question about finding a CPA to work with. 

 

It’s very important that you find a CPA to work with that’s a good fit for you.  This not only means that she has experience that’s a good fit, but also that her personality is a good fit with yours.  You need to be very comfortable talking with her to include about matters related to your personal and business finances that you’d be uncomfortable talking to anyone else about.  You also want to work with someone who does not talk down to you or over your head -- someone who can explain things in a way that you can understand.  These characteristics are critical to developing a relationship where your CPA can truly guide and assist you in starting a business and making it successful. 

 

Having said all of that, how do you find that person?  First and foremost, make sure that you sit down and interview at least three different people that you’ve been referred to to ensure that you get the best “fit” possible for you and your business.  You can ask other business owners who they use and how happy they honestly are with those individuals.   Sometimes clients get “stuck” with someone who they’re not entirely happy with because they don’t want to (or have the time to) make the effort of addressing issues or finding someone new.  This is why finding that good “fit” up front is so important! 

continued, see Part 2 of 2>>

Comment by Kate Burgener on April 8, 2013 at 10:32am

How can I go about finding a good CPA who has experience with creative freelancing and/or small businesses? I might have need to engage one prior to our class on accounting.

Thanks!

Comment by Edana Essa on February 26, 2013 at 12:31pm

Connie & Nancy, thank you so much. I will investigate both this week. I'm revising my business cards because I have a logo, but will not put in an order until Nancy & the other experts review. Thanks again for the prompt & excellent advice.

Comment by Nancy Stoll on February 26, 2013 at 12:08pm

Thanks Connie for responding to Edana's inquiry.  You're awesome!

Edana - I sent an e-mail inquiry to all of our business advisors too - so hopefully they'll be providing you some great input and resources too!  Connie's YOUSENDIT.COM free resource sounds pretty good to me.  

Comment by Connie Spruill on February 26, 2013 at 11:43am

Edana, I have used e-fax in the past.  Now, however, I scan and email confidential files and large files via YOUSENDIT.COM.  They have a free version as well as other levels depending on how many files or documents you send a month.  I use a Neat scanner that files a digital in my hard drive then attach to email.  This works great for me.  Hope this helps.  Connie

Comment by Edana Essa on February 26, 2013 at 7:10am

I'm interested in utilizing internet fax but with so many options it's difficult to choose. I don't anticipate using fax a lot and don't want a land line. Does anyone have suggestions for an internet fax service that is economical and will provide quality service? Thank you.

Comment by Edana Essa on February 25, 2013 at 8:54am

I attended our fist session of Mentor-Me To last Thursday with several other excited and exciting women. Nancy Stoll is dynamite! I'm looking forward to fully participating, engaging with other women, and developing long lasting partnerships & relationships with all of my collaborators. Here's to the Class of 2013. Thank you Nancy, for being who you are and the way you are.

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