GENERATE LEADS
GENERATE LEADS
This is where we capture information about the various initiatives for generating leads for Stride
This is where we capture information about the various initiatives for generating leads for Stride
Generate Leads - Client Referrals
Generate Leads - Client Referrals
Script to Provide a Client to Make a Referral
Script to Provide a Client to Make a Referral
Here is a script that you can provide a client if they are open to making a referral
I would like to introduce you to Stride and their head of Business Development, [name of head of biz dev]. I have been working with Stride for the last [period of time] and am consistently impressed with how they not only manage my back office accounting but also help support me in scaling the growth of the business. I was thinking about you and your goals and thought that you'd enjoy a conversation with them.
Initial Meeting Follow-up Communication
Initial Meeting Follow-up Communication
In general, best practice is to always, 100% OF THE TIME, follow-up to summarize a call with a client. Whether it's the initial meeting or beyond. Here is a script:
Dear [client]:
Thanks so much for spending time with me today. [insert something else that was personalized for the call]. Here is what I heard:
[insert bullet point summary of the key points]
And here are the actions coming out of the call
[insert actions coming out of the call]
Is that right? What did I miss?
In the meantime, I wanted to [what is something you can offer them? A link to an article, an invitation to the podcast, a copy of One Life to Lead, etc...]
I'll plan to do XYZ and set a note for us to connect in a month. If you need anything from me in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Regards,
[Biz Dev]
Meeting: First Meeting Agenda Following Client Referral Email
Meeting: First Meeting Agenda Following Client Referral Email
The purpose of this card is to provide some guidance on how to conduct that first meeting to discuss what we hope to become a mutually beneficial referral relationship opportunity.
Goal of the call: The goal of the call is that the client:
feels that you genuinely want to help them drive growth and could be a good thought partner
This includes having you share ways that you can help them, either by sending them something, inviting them to be on a podcast, etc...
understands that we also want to generate referrals from clients of certain profiles
is willing to let us know if there is any reason why they wouldn't refer a prospective client to Stride
and Stride have a next step in follow-up to continue to move this forward
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THESE CALLS CANNOT BE A ONCE AND DONE. IT IS THE BEGINNING OF A CONSISTENT MUSCLE TO FLEX WITH THE CLIENT. WE NEED TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH THEM ON THE GROWTH SIDE AND NOT BE PERCEIVED AS ONLY REACHING OUT WHEN WE WANT SOMETHING.
I'm not putting a strict agenda here because you'll manage the conversation based on these goals.
Target Profile of client
General: We would like to connect with professional services firms that are in the business of selling hours, either on a managed service basis or project/hourly basis (not law firms). We work with companies between $1MM and $10MM in revenue that have an aspiration for growth. We bring technology, team, process and strategy to the finance function that includes both bookkeeping/accounting and CFO support.
Specific: Our focus area in professional services are IT Managed Service Providers and Digital Marketing Agencies. We have a specialty in serving each of these segments.
Email: Outreaching to a Client to Discuss Client Referral Opportunities
Email: Outreaching to a Client to Discuss Client Referral Opportunities
Here is an email script for initiating outreach to a client to begin the process of opening up more consistent referrals from them
Subject: Supporting Each Other
Body:
Dear [client]
I'm reaching out to schedule time with you to connect and talk growth. My responsibility at Stride is to drive our business development efforts and because I'm talking to folks all the time, I am in a position to help drive business opportunities to you. That assumes that I know what you're looking for and how I can help.
I'd love to get on a call and discuss how we might support one another in growth. Here are a few times that are available. Let me know if any of these would work for you:
Time A, Time B, Time C
Regards,
[Biz Dev]
Generate Leads - Client Referrals
Generate Leads - Client Referrals
Script to Provide a Client to Make a Referral
Script to Provide a Client to Make a Referral
Here is a script that you can provide a client if they are open to making a referral
I would like to introduce you to Stride and their head of Business Development, [name of head of biz dev]. I have been working with Stride for the last [period of time] and am consistently impressed with how they not only manage my back office accounting but also help support me in scaling the growth of the business. I was thinking about you and your goals and thought that you'd enjoy a conversation with them.
Initial Meeting Follow-up Communication
Initial Meeting Follow-up Communication
In general, best practice is to always, 100% OF THE TIME, follow-up to summarize a call with a client. Whether it's the initial meeting or beyond. Here is a script:
Dear [client]:
Thanks so much for spending time with me today. [insert something else that was personalized for the call]. Here is what I heard:
[insert bullet point summary of the key points]
And here are the actions coming out of the call
[insert actions coming out of the call]
Is that right? What did I miss?
In the meantime, I wanted to [what is something you can offer them? A link to an article, an invitation to the podcast, a copy of One Life to Lead, etc...]
I'll plan to do XYZ and set a note for us to connect in a month. If you need anything from me in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Regards,
[Biz Dev]
Meeting: First Meeting Agenda Following Client Referral Email
Meeting: First Meeting Agenda Following Client Referral Email
The purpose of this card is to provide some guidance on how to conduct that first meeting to discuss what we hope to become a mutually beneficial referral relationship opportunity.
Goal of the call: The goal of the call is that the client:
feels that you genuinely want to help them drive growth and could be a good thought partner
This includes having you share ways that you can help them, either by sending them something, inviting them to be on a podcast, etc...
understands that we also want to generate referrals from clients of certain profiles
is willing to let us know if there is any reason why they wouldn't refer a prospective client to Stride
and Stride have a next step in follow-up to continue to move this forward
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT THESE CALLS CANNOT BE A ONCE AND DONE. IT IS THE BEGINNING OF A CONSISTENT MUSCLE TO FLEX WITH THE CLIENT. WE NEED TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH THEM ON THE GROWTH SIDE AND NOT BE PERCEIVED AS ONLY REACHING OUT WHEN WE WANT SOMETHING.
I'm not putting a strict agenda here because you'll manage the conversation based on these goals.
Target Profile of client
General: We would like to connect with professional services firms that are in the business of selling hours, either on a managed service basis or project/hourly basis (not law firms). We work with companies between $1MM and $10MM in revenue that have an aspiration for growth. We bring technology, team, process and strategy to the finance function that includes both bookkeeping/accounting and CFO support.
Specific: Our focus area in professional services are IT Managed Service Providers and Digital Marketing Agencies. We have a specialty in serving each of these segments.
Email: Outreaching to a Client to Discuss Client Referral Opportunities
Email: Outreaching to a Client to Discuss Client Referral Opportunities
Here is an email script for initiating outreach to a client to begin the process of opening up more consistent referrals from them
Subject: Supporting Each Other
Body:
Dear [client]
I'm reaching out to schedule time with you to connect and talk growth. My responsibility at Stride is to drive our business development efforts and because I'm talking to folks all the time, I am in a position to help drive business opportunities to you. That assumes that I know what you're looking for and how I can help.
I'd love to get on a call and discuss how we might support one another in growth. Here are a few times that are available. Let me know if any of these would work for you:
Time A, Time B, Time C
Regards,
[Biz Dev]
Generate Leads and Customer segment
Generate Leads and Customer segment
Confirm Stride is Mobius Certified & Determine how to Leverage
Confirm Stride is Mobius Certified & Determine how to Leverage
As you know, one of the perks of becoming a certified consultant is the opportunity to showcase content you have created on the Gozynta Blog, social media, and, eventually, our newsletter! I am so excited to start this journey with you and ask you to fill out this survey to get you into our marketing system. Please find below your personalized coupon codes: Annual subscribers: MCSTRIDESERVICESMZ
They will get 10 percent off when they are working with you. Each consultant must be certified to get their code. However, you'd like to let them know they'll do the onboarding with you instead of with us.
Monthly subscribers: MCSTRIDESERVICESMZ2
You will have a coupon to waive the required Onboarding fee
How to Conduct an Initial Discovery Call
How to Conduct an Initial Discovery Call
The following is a video on how to conduct a discovery call for a lead to determine if they are sales qualified
Video link here: Discovery Call Process
QBD to QBO transitions with prospects
QBD to QBO transitions with prospects
Create a new company subscription in QuickBooks Online (either trial or subscribed version)
Subscriptions Guide Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ttpTml6dNhs7TWy9dyWk_z8p8muMrS77AE1ZkgQY1AY/edit?usp=sharing
Import Limitations (What doesn’t convert from QuickBooks Desktop) Link:
Backup Quickbooks Data
In QuickBooks Desktop, select File, then select Back Up Company followed by Create Local Backup.
Ensure that the QuickBooks Desktop data is located on a local drive, such as your computer's C: drive.
Verify the number of transaction targets in the QuickBooks Desktop data
The conversion tool has a limit of 350,000 targets for converting historical transactions. To verify the total target count in the QuickBooks Desktop file, press F2 in QuickBooks Desktop to open the Product Information screen.
If the targets exceed the limit, either
Condense the data - https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/migrate-services/condense-quickbooks-desktop-file-import-quickbooks/L4NvqoGAz_US_en_US
Contact and send the file to the Data Migration team - https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/help/en-us/contact-us
Verify the integrity of the QuickBooks Desktop data file
To verify that the QuickBooks Desktop file is in good shape, select File followed by Utilities (or Maintenance), then select Verify Data.
If there are data errors, follow this guide: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/damaged-data/fix-data-damage-quickbooks-desktop-company-file/L0JwZv4iw_US_en_US
Make sure you have the latest version of the conversion tool
In QuickBooks Desktop, navigate to Help, then select Update QuickBooks Desktop
Selecting Update Now in the Overview tab or Or select Get updates on the Update Now tab
Exit and reopen QuickBooks Desktop, then finish installing the updates when prompted
Select Company from the top menu bar, then scroll down and select Export Your Company File to QuickBooks Online
Because you already have a QuickBooks Online subscription set up, select Move now
If there is inventory in the account and the preference is still turned on, choose if you will track inventory in QuickBooks Online
Select Save and continue
Choose whether to sign in to your QuickBooks Online account or create a new one
Enter the verification code you're sent via SMS
Select the destination company you want to move the QuickBooks Desktop file to, then select Continue
When you’re ready, select Upload to begin the conversion process
You’ll see the conversion progress as it takes place. The conversion tool will email the Lead Accountant when the conversion is complete. The email will include an Import summary report about the conversion.
Once a conversion has been carried out, perform these post-conversion tasks:
Compare reports
Review accounts and settings
Configure sales tax settings
Connect bank and credit card accounts
Review recurring transactions
Carry out an initial reconciliation
QBD to QBO Conversion Step by Step Guide (using built-in conversion tool).docx
Frequently Ask Questions
We are going to be facing more QBD to QBO transitions with prospects. It would be really helpful to have a definitive guide for how our QBD to QBO service offering works. Questions like:
How far back do you pull in data? - The conversion tool has a limit of 350,000 targets for converting historical transactions. To verify the total target count in the QuickBooks Desktop file, press F2 in QuickBooks Desktop to open the Product Information screen.
What happens to my old data? - Historical data that is not converted remains in the QBD console for reference as needed
How do we run historical financial reports for year over year comparisons? In QBO or QBD depending on where the data resides. If in both applications, it will need to be merged manually.
If we change the COA in QBO but not in QBD, it makes your comparisons impossible - not impossible, just manual. We will convert the data based upon the old chart of accounts, and then update to the new chart of accounts post conversion.
How does the cutover work? - see document enclosed
How do you QA to know that everything is working correctly? Once a conversion has been carried out, perform these post-conversion tasks:
a. Compare reports
b. Review accounts and settings
c. Configure sales tax settings
d. Connect bank and credit card accounts
e. Review recurring transactions
f. Carry out an initial reconciliation
How much does it cost? - Mary Anne's time - from 3-8 hours for conversion, but the QA is more dependent on complexity and number of errors.
Does the cost change depend on # of periods? - No, time is based on the number of errors encountered that need to be resolved.
What are the other factors determining cost? - just time.
QBD access request
QBD access request
Communication with the client for access request to QBD:
We are requesting access to the Terminal Server and a QB login. Happy to set up any 2FA you require for the server (Duo, Google Auth, VPN). Please let me know if you need any additional information for the QB or CW access.
We are requesting access to the Quickbooks Terminal Server via “Remote Desktop Connection” as well as a Quickbooks Desktop username and password. To best complete our audit we are requesting access to all areas of Quickbooks. Please let us know if there is a 2FA requirement for the server (Duo, Google Auth, VPN).
- Stride Marketing
How to Ask for a Testimonial
How to Ask for a Testimonial
Our greatest opportunity is to build relationships through client referrals, but most organizations don't ask for testimonials or recommendations proactively. We want to make it easy to do so at Stride. When you have a client that you believe is excited about our work and would be open to a testimonial, you can either ask them (the best idea) or send them the below (or some variation that works for you based on your relationship)
Dear {Client}:
Thank you for being such an important partner to Stride. We have enjoyed the relationship and look forward to continuing to support you as you grow.
One of the greatest gifts that we receive is when a client shares their experience with others via a testimonial. I would be grateful if you would consider one for Stride. In fact, we have made it pretty easy. If you click here (https://stride.services/submit-testimonial/), it will explain very simply how to do it. Would you be open to sharing?
Thank you so much {Client}. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Best,
{sender}
Stride Live (Webinar)
Stride Live (Webinar)
Social Media Sites:
Website: https://stride.services/
Facebook: facebook.com/strideservices
Stride LIVE: Optimize Your MSP’s Business Entity Structure for Maximum Tax Benefits
Stride Live How to Pay Yourself for Maximum Tax Benefit as an MSP Owner
Stride Live: How to Manage Your MSP Business's Cash Flow
Stride Live How to Turn Your Personal Vacations into Tax Deductible Business Expenses
STRIDE LIVE WEBINAR Smart Retirement Planning for MSP Owners
STRIDE LIVE Transforming Personal Expenses into Business Deductions for MSPs
STRIDE LIVE The Role of Proper Accounting in Tax Reduction for MSPs
STRIDE LIVE How MSP’s Leverage Tax Benefits Through Depreciation & Section 179
LinkedIn:
YouTube:
Blog Post:
Stride Site Tasks
Stride Site Tasks
How to Create Employee Profiles
How to Create Employee Profiles
Upload the employee headshot created from Canva
Center the image so it looks good & tap “download” button in top right corner
Select “transparent background”, the pages needed and download the file
Upload the image into Wordpress
Select “media” from left-hand menu and drag and drop image files into the media library
Clone the Employee Spotlight Template Page
Select “pages” from left-hand menu and search for the page titled “Employee Spotlight Template”
Select “clone” to duplicate the page
Find the duplicated Employee Spotlight Template and select “edit”
Change the title and permalink to reflect the employee name
Scroll down to “Overview Title” and change the employee name and their title
Scroll to “Section Column 1 Title” and update the name and their bio information
Scroll to “Column 2 Text” and update the profile image to the new one you uploaded
Scroll back to the top and tap Save/Publish--you’re done!
Team Members
Team Members
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Many of you have a LinkedIn Profile which is great. LinkedIn is a pretty good spot to share your professional background and it’s also really good for the company that you work for. LinkedIn is a place that people go to learn about you as well as to see information on the Company (how many employees, etc.).
In your profile, here is the Stride description to use:
Add the Stride Description:
Stride is an outsourced bookkeeping, accounting, and strategic finance services company supporting professional service firms nationally. Our purpose is to help those with a thirst for continuous improvement achieve their highest and best use. We do that by embedding financial data to help owners make better business decisions. We provide a broad range of back office financial services with an emphasis on automation and data analytics to unlock efficiency and actionable insight to drive growth and profitability. The Company was founded 15 years ago and today operates with a global team serving over 100 clients around the United States.
Name of the Company is Stride - be sure to select the correct Stride company. It should show our logo and/or Accounting.
How to Follow-up with a Client AFTER a Service Recovery Call
How to Follow-up with a Client AFTER a Service Recovery Call
Background: When we have a service recovery issue with a client, the most important thing we can do (after employing the HEARD model) is follow-up promptly. Here is best practices for following up with a client after a service recovery call or meeting:
1. Send a follow-up email within 1 hour following documenting and looking for confirmation on the content. Ask questions like "What did I miss"? and "Is that captured as you intended?"
2. In the follow-up email, list out the agreed upon solutions (timeline and owners)
3. In the Project in Asana, put your email communication in the Conversation (More..Conversations)
4. In the Action Items Section of the Project, document action items (with dates and owners)
5. Schedule a follow-up call with client to "Inspect What You Expect" on the action items.’
6. Once the “Service Recovery” has been resolved, schedule a call with the client for a “Get and Stay in Sync Conversation”. Remember, when a client is “Below the Line”, they are not listening. Wait until everyone is Above the Line to “Get and Stay in Sync”. You can access the Get and Stay in Sync framework here
Marketing/Networking Events
Marketing/Networking Events
IT Nation 2024: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/connect-na
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