October 2007 Circle Update
The summer cycle of the Boomer Technology Circles came to a close in grand style as BTC #4 and BTC #8 each met during the second week of September. These two Circles represent the largest firms in the Circle program (especially BTC #4), so they present interesting approaches to the challenges faced by all firms—and some different challenges that are uniquely their own.
Regulations, e-records and recordings
BTC #4 was treated to an update from Kansas City attorney Timothy K. McNamara, an expert in the areas of record and email retention, “e-discovery” and the best practices and policies to deal with them. Mr. McNamara outlined new court procedures implemented under the December 2006 Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and what those rules demand of firms who want to be well-positioned to respond to legal demands for electronic information.
Using our enhanced multi-media capabilities, Boomer Consulting, Inc. performed a video recording of this presentation, and an edited version will be available in the near future as video on demand from each Circle website. Circle members wishing to hear Tim’s presentation should watch for it to appear on your Circle content page.
Circle #4 also took an in-depth look at how to manage IT infrastructure in large firms. Freddy Delacruz, Director of IT Infrastructure at JH Cohn, gave an overview of his department’s mission, organization, major projects, and current challenges. As always, the presentation served as the springboard for a robust discussion among all the firms present about how they each respond to similar challenges and situations.
The joys of staffing and streamlined data sources
BTC #8 followed BTC #4 to Kansas City and was not to be outdone in terms of meeting content. Scott Heintzelman, Technology Partner from McKonly & Asbury LLP, talked to the group about how his firm uses various technology tools and initiatives to drive its staff retention and recruiting efforts. Using its website, electronic newsletters from BizActions and an innovative approach to allowing young staff members to show their presence electronically—the firm has been rated as one of the “Best Places to Work” in Pennsylvania for five consecutive years. Circle members came away from the discussion with lots of good ideas and some of Scott’s infectious energy!
Circle members also heard about a custom application from LBMC Technologies, LLC, an affiliate of Lattimore, Black, Morgan & Cain, PC. The firm has made great strides in consolidating multiple practice management databases, streamlined management reporting and provided partners and decision makers with business intelligence tools previously unavailable. Since all firms face similar challenges in integrating various back office sources of information, this was a topic of great interest and vigorous discussion!
My WAN is faster than your LAN
The final agenda topic for BTC #8 came from Jason Scott, CIO of GBP&B Tax and Business Advisors. Jason shared how they have connected their two offices with point to point gigabit fiber optic cable. One of the highlights was his story about how, initially, traffic over the WAN was faster than internal LAN traffic in the home office! Not a situation one normally encounters in wide area networking! Jason’s excellent use of wiring diagram charts—sequentially built to show each stage of the process—made their solution very clear for all to understand. Many in the room no doubt left envious of such a fast and well designed network.
As always, both Circles began with Accountability Reviews and ended with 90 Day Game Plans to help ensure continued progress toward their goals. This built-in, peer group accountability is one Circle feature that makes the program unique in the accounting industry.
Not hard of hearing
Following the final summer meetings, selected members of the Boomer Consulting, Inc. staff held a teleconference with the newly expanded BTC Advisory Board. The board continued its established tradition of pulling no punches—telling us what went right with the recent meetings and what can be improved. This continuous source of feedback helps ensure that the Circles remain a living and growing program that evolves to meet the needs of its members. A big Boomer “Thank you” to our Advisory Board members!
As we transition into planning for the November and December meetings, there is a prime window of time for new members to join the Circles. If your firm is not yet a member of this unique industry group of good firms getting better together, it’s not too late! Contact Eric Hunt (erich@boomer.com) at 888-266-6375 to take the first step. We’ll see you in Kansas City!
