No CPA is an Island

By Tim Baker

A lady goes to see her doctor with some very worrisome symptoms. After examining her, he says, “I’m terribly sorry to tell you this, but you only have six months to live.” Distraught, the lady responds, “Oh doctor, what should I do?” The doctor says, “I advise you to marry a CPA.” “Will that make me live longer,” she asks, hopefully. “No,” says the doctor. “But it will seem longer.”

This joke is an indication of the stereotype that CPAs have in the public eye. It’s so prevalent that some CPAs and accountants believe that we are supposed to be boring and anti-social. This is far from the truth. Indeed, boring behavior will produce an inferior product. As CPAs, we must interact with each other to provide the quality service that our clients have come to expect. Individually, we can no longer offer our clients one-stop shopping. We cannot do it alone. We must rely on our peers to assist us when we encounter a situation that is beyond our ability. Our field has become so complex that we need each other to discuss ideas, ask questions and, most importantly, to give and get referrals. No CPA is an island and this generation is proving it every day. CalCPA has always been a significant tool to connect with each other, especially for those sole practitioners and small firms that don’t have many professional contacts within their own workplace. Touching others outside of your own environment will encourage your good ideas to become better, maybe even great. Our chapter has many events that take place in our local area. Take advantage of these times to connect with others you do not know. Our short education sessions are inexpensive and convenient. You get education and a time to connect. Don’t overlook the benefits that CalCPA offers you.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 11:46 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.