April 17, 2024

The Importance of Predictability for Client Success

Chris Farrell

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by how many ways clients communicate with your firm? You're not alone. Many accounting firms struggle to provide their clients with the predictability and organization they need to succeed. In turn, clients end up sharing data in more systems than you can shake a stick at. In this blog post, we'll explore why designing for predictability is crucial for client success and how it can make a significant impact on your firm's relationships and profitability.

Predictable Place to Communicate and Share

Imagine if your clients had a predictable place to find all the information they need. No more searching through countless emails or digging through different portals and systems. By organizing information and resources in one easily accessible location, you can streamline communication and ensure that clients have everything they need at their fingertips. This not only saves time but also builds trust and confidence in your firm's ability to deliver exceptional service.

Predictable Formats for Gathering Data

What if your clients had a standardized way to provide their data? When clients see the same format every time, they know  what to do. Predictable formats for data submission not only streamline client entry but also your operations. Look for a portal that allows you to ask for virtually anything -- from client onboarding to monthly request lists, to tax organizers -- without changing the look and feel of each request. Clients will appreciate familiarity and you'll be rewarded with faster, more accurate answers.

Lack of Predictability Means Lack of Reinforced Habits

Habits and routines play a vital role in client success. When there is a lack of structure and predictability, clients can’t form and reinforce the habits you want them to. By providing a structured approach, you help your clients to develop the routines that lead to your joint success. Online banking is a great example of this. Banks nudged us into a new routine that was so habit forming that most everyone now performs most of their banking online -- saving banks millions in administrative overhead every day.

Conclusion

In the world of accounting, predictability is the foundation of client success. By offering a single place to communicate and share information, gathering data in standardized formats, and fostering quality habits through structure, your firm can get the most out of every client relationship. When searching for the right accounting client portal, consider the importance of predictability and repeatability. Embrace structure, empower your clients, and watch everyone's success soar.

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