January 2007 Circle Update
The Boomer Technology Circles moved forward in high gear during the month of December. Circles #4, #5, #7 and #8 all met during the month. As always, group members exchanged great ideas and success stories among themselves, received insights into strategy and vision from L. Gary Boomer, heard about new opportunities from vendor sponsors, and shared accountability through Game Plans and Accountability Reviews.
Each Circle also addressed the critical issues that lie ahead with the pending release of the Microsoft Vista operating system and the Office 2007 product suite. Members quickly realized that these new releases are not “business as usual” routine upgrades, but entail significant changes which will require careful planning and firm-wide training.
In addition to program elements common to all Circles, each group devoted some time to topics of specific interest to its members. BTC #4 discussed project management in the IT department and heard from two firms that offered reviews of their server virtualization initiatives.
BTC #5 learned from the experience of a member firm that expanded by opening a new office, including the pitfalls, lessons learned and ultimate benefits of this form of growth. Circle #5 also analyzed workflow best practices with three member firms sharing their processes in financial statement preparation, tax preparation and billing. After these brave souls shared, the group engaged them in discussion and critique. Much was learned by all in attendance!
BTC #7 heard from a member firm with a forensic practice, both accounting and IT related. The challenges and opportunities that arise from this kind of practice area were a topic of great interest to the Circle.
BTC #8, similar to BTC #5, shared best practices and critiqued workflow procedures in the same three areas: financial statement preparation, tax preparation and billing.
Sponsors for this round of meetings were Axiom Business Solutions and Xpitax/XCM. Axiom representatives offered insight into new revenue opportunities available through third party specialty tax services, and L. Gary Boomer highlighted the effect on standard firm metrics from these kinds of revenues.
Xpitax/XCM representatives demonstrated how automated workflow tracking can greatly streamline internal work processes, especially in the tax area but in others as well. Members had ample opportunity to visit with these vendor representatives and get more information in an informal setting.
All in all, 2006 was a great year for the Boomer Technology Circles! If your firm is not yet taking advantage of this dynamic group of great firms getting better together, there’s a place waiting for you in 2007.
Contac Eric Hunt at 888-266-6373 or erich@boomer.com to get started towards exponential growth! See you at the Circles!
