I have always tried to be a good referral partner. Whenever people bring up that they are looking for someone in a particular field, I almost always have someone I am able to send them to that will do an excellent job for them.
But I recently realized that I have been falling short in one respect – by not asking a simple question: “Are you happy with your ______?” It could be an attorney, insurance agent, webpage and SEO company, landscaper, mechanic, butcher, baker, candlestick maker – anything. When clients bring up the need, I am a referral machine. But those are the reactive referrals, the easy referrals to make. I have failed rather miserably in being more proactive – simply asking the question as to whether they are happy with everyone they are working with. And not just happy – but in love with them. There are too many fantastic professionals out there for you to not be really enthused about and receiving the very best service from those who care for your needs in each and every area.
Over the next few months I’m going to send out a series of articles on “A CPA’s Perspective on _____” discussing different advisors and what you should look for in each. They’ll go into detail as to what you really need and also what red flags to look out for in each profession.
But for now I’ll just ask the simple question: “Are you absolutely, unequivocally pleased with all of the people you are working with?” If not, give me a shout. I’ve got some great people I can get you in touch with.
Any accounting, business, or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties.
