Non-Negotiables

As we’ve shared in our previous “The Counter Mindset” posts The Counter Mindset: Part 1 The Counter Mindset: Part 2 The Counter Mindset: Part 3, we are fighting against entrenched belief systems within the public accounting industry that run deep.

Like 30+ years of doing the same thing deep.

When the industry has SALY’d its way through three decades of operations, we stop asking what’s possible. The phrase “That’s the way we’ve always done it” doesn’t just shut down new ideas… it prevents us from even imagining a better way.

To truly Counter the old ways, we have to work backwards.

Start with your non-negotiables. Then build systems, procedures, and policies that allow you to run your business around those values.

Before I started my firm, I always dreamed of a non-busy season. To spread work out throughout the year and not do it all in the first 3 months. But I quickly got stuck in the old ways because I didn’t establish my non-negotiables. And to be honest, I didn’t even know it was possible.

The truth is, there are countless ways to run a business. Yet accountants dismiss many of them simply because they feel “too different” from what the industry has always done.

Let me help you think about your non-negotiables by sharing what mine are. Keep in mind, this list is fluid, as what I value continues to change.

• Gotta make money. This one should be on everyone’s list.

• No jerks. Zero tolerance for disrespect.

• Integrity. We own our mistakes, and we don’t look the other way when clients try something sketchy.

• 40 hour workweeks. Employees aren’t required to work more than 40 hours/week from January through April.

• Family time. Work stops around 5 so I can be present at home.

• Gym time. The schedule is kept clear in the middle of the day so I can work out Monday through Friday.

• Sleep. 7-8 hours minimum. I’m not waking up early to work unless I’ve hit my sleep hours.

• Nothing last minute. Poor planning on someone else’s part isn’t an emergency on mine. This is just accounting, after all.

• No more busy seasons. Tax returns get scheduled across the year, not crammed into 90 days of chaos.

Now it’s your turn: What are your non-negotiables?

Here’s what’s coming up inside Counter, mark your calendar!

8/25 - One Thing Series with Henry Huie

8/26 - Outside Experts - Delivering Exceptional Customer Service With Dalton Schafer

8/27 - I want to launch a firm but I’m stuck

9/3 - Buying A Firm Series - Michael Ly

9/4 - Live Demo - SmartVault

9/8 - One Thing Series with Lera Kooper

Something new I’m trying

Hiring Alert!

If you know someone looking for a tax manager level role - please send them this! https://www.graftaxco.com/workwithus

Thanks for reading,

Logan