Episode 15

Selling to Accountants: Hard or Easy? Jason Staats

Published on: 15th May, 2023

Rob Brown interviews Jason Staats, who creates content on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube to help people run accounting firms in a more fun and sustainable way. Staats discusses how he got into accounting and why he had to find a creative way to contribute because he needed to be a better tax preparer. He also touches on mental blockers that keep accountants from being more intentional versions of themselves and falling into the trap of working hard and thinking they've done their best.

Staats discusses the current state of the accounting industry, noting that it was challenging before COVID-19 and even more so after. He says there is a massive opportunity in the industry, but people need to get out of their way and not try to be everything for everybody at their own expense. He also talks about accountants' emotional connection with their clients and how it's hard to say no to them because of that connection.

Finally, Staats discusses the difficulty in reaching accountants and selling to them, noting that some companies do it well and understand how to speak the accountant's vernacular. He mentions that accountants carry the stresses of their clients and that it's the most challenging aspect of what they do. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for accountants looking to grow their firms in a sustainable and fulfilling way.

Jason Staats is an accomplished entrepreneur and thought leader in accounting. He founded a $5M accounting firm, which he has run for 18 months. In addition, he has built a SAAS to $30k MRR, sold a startup, built a creatorpreneur business to $10k MRR, and produced commercials for brands like LinkedIn and Zapier.

Today, Jason helps people in three key areas. Firstly, he produces content to help accounting leaders develop more sustainable firms. Secondly, he provides thought leadership on adopting automation and AI to support public accounting. Thirdly, he helps software companies to better partner with the accountant channel and leverage AI in their products.

Jason is a prolific content creator and regularly shares his insights and ideas through his weekly newsletter, which is essential for accountants looking to stay up-to-date on industry trends. Jason is an invaluable resource for software companies looking to better engage with accountants. He has helped some of the most successful brands in the industry develop more meaningful products.

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast drops every Monday to accounting professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers across 150 countries in the accountancy, CPA and bookkeeping space. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, go to https://accountinginfluencers.com/events and book your place at the next gathering. Great to build your personal brand and make valuable industry connections.

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You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@accountinginfluencers

Join the Accounting Influencers community and get invitations to our international speed networking events to build your personal brand and network in the accounting, finance and tech world: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountinginfluencers

For videos of all podcast interviews and bonus video content: https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

Thanks to our sponsors:

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If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

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About the Podcast

Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.
Accounting Voices, hosted by Rob Brown, helps decision makers and leaders in accounting and finance stay relevant, visible and vocal in a profession being reshaped by technology, private equity, regulation and shifting client expectations. Each episode interprets the trends disrupting accounting and finance such as AI, automation, M&A, talent and the move to advisory and translates them into practical insight that strengthens authority and influence.
Accounting Voices is also a platform for the wider ecosystem of networks, associations, educators, consultants, software vendors and technology experts who serve accountants and finance professionals worldwide. It extends into regular Accounting Voices networking sessions that connect this audience and amplify ideas that move the profession forward. With its international reach and long shelf life the show delivers credibility and commercial value for listeners and sponsors alike. Search for "Accounting Voices" on YouTube for all episodes and connect with Rob Brown on LinkedIn to find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

About your host

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Rob Brown

ob Brown is the creator and host of the Accounting Voices Network, a media platform that includes the flagship solo podcast Accounting Voices and the panel shows Accounting M&A and Accounting Tech. He chairs conferences, panels and virtual events worldwide and is recognised as a leading advocate for the accounting profession.

He is an accomplished speaker and authority on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, succession, executive presence and the forces shaping the future of accounting. Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk The Personal Brand of You has been viewed more than 400,000 times.

A former co-founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, Rob now focuses on amplifying the voices of leaders, firms, networks, vendors and influencers across the global accounting ecosystem.

Outside of work he is a stroke survivor, lives with epilepsy, holds a black belt in kickboxing and is based in Nottingham, UK. He plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.