For the past two years, NJSCPA Digital Communications Manager Rachael Bell and I have conducted more than 15 social media presentations for New Jersey accounting firms, as well as for Society chapters, committees and interest groups, not to mention the dozens upon dozens of conversations that we’ve had with members on the topic.
At first, Rachael and I sensed considerable trepidation from members about the use of social media as a communications and marketing tool. Before we even opened our mouths, there were some attendees who had already developed reasons why they couldn’t dip their toes into the social media waters. “I can’t add one more thing to my to-do list” was a popular refrain. Others preferred to envision worst-case scenarios filled with distracted employees, rogue clients and eventual litigation.
And it wasn’t just in New Jersey that CPAs were slow to adapt. Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) Executive Director and social media enthusiast Tom Hood blogged this in February 2011: "I wonder why more managing partners of CPA firms don't blog, or use social media more? Or more CFOs?" You can read the full post on CPA Success.
But much has changed in two years. According to the most recent SocialCPAs Social Media Survey, more accounting professionals are using social media – and using it effectively to generate leads and business for their firms. Just this week, MoneyManagement.com published the results of a Hubspot survey that showed nearly two-thirds of U.S. financial advisers have gotten a lead directly from LinkedIn. The survey also found that 47% of advisers who have a blog have gotten a client from it.
And it’s not just CPAs that are using social media to build their businesses, it’s also their clients. According to eWeek.com, small business owners are adopting the use of social media sites like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter alongside mobile technology to give their businesses a boost.
So, have you jumped on the social media bandwagon yet?