‍Cloud-connectivity in itself is wonderful, but at best the limited time savings are a means to an end. No one is moving to the cloud because they see a markedly better ROI on annual compliance work – it simply isn’t there. We strive for cloud connectivity because we’re trying – individually and collectively – to move toward the ‘ideal’ in client-professional relationships and that’s advisory.

A tight app-stack revolving around Xero frees your time for the work that can really move the needle for your clients – leveraging existing data and human relationships to grow an advisory practice but please note that advisory is hard work. It’s uncomfortable for many practitioners. It’s also advertised a lot but seldom followed through on, and it doesn’t happen overnight, nor mindlessly. Here’s how to grow the advisory side of your practice:

While your first inclination to attract ‘easy’ business by offering a service to your existing clients who are really struggling with cash flow, the challenge is to narrow the criteria for your first advisory cohort by looking objectively at criteria that defines the ‘idea’ cash flow client. Take a fresh look at your client list and select clients based on the following success criteria. These are the clients with whom you'll have a mutually satisfying and valuable engagement:

• Are solidly onboarded to Xero
• Gross 1M+ in annual revenue
• Would benefit from a weekly touchpoint around cash flow advisory

From there, perform an internal audit to check for the following flags of cash flow challenges and list who’s facing these challenges:

• Disordered or aging AP/AR
• Bank overdrafts and bank fees
• Credit card usage
• Line of credit usage
• Shareholder loans or investments

List in hand, call clients to your office for a discussion around these red flags and discuss how cash flow advisory can help. Set a new engagement that covers cash flow advisory for an additional service fee; touchpoints should be brief and weekly.

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