What I told the AccountingWeb reporter

I just got off the phone with a reporter from AccountingWeb, who was looking for a quote about what tax professionals can do, in light of the recent news about Block, and about Intuit (in Minnesota) so they can leverage the news to grow their business.
Not the first time I’ve been asked this kind of question by a reporter.
*Resultant article here: http://www.accountingweb.com/article/tax-season-may-be-opportune-time-market-tax-preparation-services/221373
And, I think I surprised him a little with my answer:
If you’re not doing something to build deeper relationships with clients and prospects already, this news isn’t likely to bump your numbers in any significant way.
Maybe next year, when Block clients and frustrated TurboTax users are reminded of the frustration they’ve dealt with as a result of these (frankly, understandable) oversights on the part of Block and Intuit — but now is the time to be reaping what has already been sown.
Now … I know that some of you haven’t been doing much of this. You haven’t been emailing your clients in a smart, relational way. Or you haven’t been leveraging Social Media as a primary source for lead generation.
But that doesn’t mean all is lost for you this tax season.
See what I wrote here, or here, for some quick inspiration — but also, may I suggest the following?
1) Procrastinators
There are more of them out there than you might think, and you can get them.
2) Reviewing your competitors work
Often, this is a great strategy in the offseason — but if your new client numbers are down, you can augment them and fill your calendar with well-paying work, and a way to build your client base for years into the future by offering the free return review — especially for Block or TurboTax users.
Again, look for a tool in this regard next week … but the strategy is pretty basic.
Lastly, don’t give up. A month remains … and this can be your finest hour.
As we say in my crossfit gym — let’s get it.