In my mid-20s, I bought a home health agency that provided 24-hour care. If that wasn’t scary enough, I had the opportunity to sell it a little over three years later. As much as I loved my clientele, being my own boss and controlling how the company was run, it was no longer ideal for my lifestyle. Running a 24/7 business meant I was on the go constantly, working evenings and weekends. I had no personal life, and my income fluctuated wildly from month to month. As I approached my 30s, I wanted more stability and work-life balance.
I knew making the transition from employer to employee might be challenging. Plus, I feared I wouldn’t be able to find a job that matched my skill set and interests in a rural area where the closest job openings are typically 50 to 60 miles away.
Fortunately, through my network, I was able to land a job at Boomer Consulting, Inc. I didn’t know it then, but the mental process I went through when I decided to sell my business was a lot like the one we use to help clients with strategic planning.
At Boomer Consulting, we take our clients through a process called DOS: Dangers, Opportunities and Strengths. By identifying the dangers, we can help our clients guard against them. Opportunities are areas we can capitalize on and Strengths are the foundation for success.
Here’s how I started my own Strategic Planning session and went through the DOS process:
Dangers
Are there any local job opportunities? Will I regret having sold my business? Is it going to be difficult answering to supervisors? Will I be comfortable settling for a salary?
Opportunities
Stable income & benefits, less personal stress, comradery with coworkers, training and learning new skills.
When I started talking to the team at Boomer, I knew I would have many opportunities for growth within the company. In fact, Gary Boomer even assured me that if we discovered I didn’t fit into my new role, I would have the opportunity to move into a different position.
Strengths
Strong understanding of how difficult it can be to run a company and the stress of dealing with employees and financials. Accustomed to effectively managing my time and providing customer service to clientele. Familiar with looking at the “big picture” and the future.
So, how does this translate into actionable advice for an accounting firm? Of course, as a team member at Boomer Consulting, I recommend every firm go through the Strategic Planning and Visioning process to get aligned with a focused strategic plan and a strong vision for their future. But whether your firm has a strategic plan or not, it’s a good idea for any professional to keep DOS in mind. Spend some time thinking:
What dangers exist in the profession or the marketplace that could derail your career or your firm’s profitability?
What opportunities do you have to capitalize on the changes in the profession?
What strengths do you bring to the table that will serve you well as you and your firm shift to become future-ready?
Now, I’m sure you are wondering if I made the right decision. Of course I did! When employers treat their employees well, they work harder and are more committed. Here at BCI, they practice what they preach. They treat their employees exceptionally well. They are flexible and supportive in all aspects of our work and invest in training, mindset, skillset and personal growth. Even better, I get to meet and work with some of the smartest people I’ve ever met. That’s an opportunity I may have never realized if I’d been too afraid to challenge my own status quo.
Are you ready to align your firm around a clear vision and strategic plan?
At Boomer Consulting, Inc., we know how hard it is to step back from daily challenges and focus on the big picture. That’s why we created the Boomer Strategic Planning and Visioning process, which has helped hundreds of accounting firms build alignment, set measurable objectives, and establish accountability systems. Complete an interest form today to connect with a Solution Advisor, discuss your needs, and start working with our expert consultants to create and implement a game plan for your firm’s future.
As Financial and Accounting Manager for Boomer Consulting, Inc., Jenna is passionate about the administrative side of business –both internally and externally. Her primary focus is on the company’s payroll, human resources, and accounting.
Before joining Boomer Consulting, Inc.as a Solutions Advisor in 2018, Jenna owned a home health agency for three and a half years.
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