this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2023
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How do you keep up? I own an accounting firm, have 3 employees and over 100 clients. I worked on a project management system for months that didn’t work how it was intended. So we are having one being built out. We are piecing things together for now. But I just can’t keep up!

When I first started my business over 10 years ago, I gave clients my cell number because it was just me. I have so many clients texting and calling me directly I can hardly get anything done. I can’t turn it off because of my kids school.

I have been delegating as much as I can. But even for me to review stuff. I am just behind. I wish I could work after hours so I could actually get stuff done.

Idk what I am needing, I guess more venting. But I’ll take any advice you’ve got!

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[–] BlvdCommander@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Hi! I own an accounting firm as well. I used to give clients my cell phone number but ran into the same problem. Now I have it in the contract of my boundaries and I make sure they understand before we start the engagement. Some things I have outlined are: no unscheduled phone calls, every meeting/phone call is billed unless they're on a retainer, SLAs on response time (48 hours), if clients contact me during weekends, holidays, after hours, we go back to the 48 hour response time or next business day. If they want unlimited access to me, they can buy the most expensive package I offer. If they want to do the old-school way of calling me any time of the day, they can hire someone else. So far, I haven't had a problem.

I also ended up getting a VOIP. So, if they text me after hours, they get an automated response saying we're closed and it's after-hours. Also, if they call outside of my office hours, it goes straight to my voicemail which states when we're available and it says calls are by appointment only.

I also think what's been helpful for me is joining a group of other accounting firm owners. I have joined Future Firm, which is $150/month, and it's honestly been so worth it. You're able to learn from others, bounce ideas, ask the owner of Future Firm questions, etc.