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Accountability tools
As you embark on your Profit First journey, it's easier (and more fun) to stick with it when you have friends around.
You might not need support yet, but that could change down the line and it's helpful to have someone to turn to when you do.
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Find an accountability partner
Research shows that having an accountability partner increases the likelihood that you will stick with a new habit. Accountability partners will help you stay motivated, provide valuable advice and support, encourage you to aim higher, and will give you honest feedback.
Do you have a business BFF who could benefit from implementing Profit First too? How about a colleague you've met at a local event or conference? Implementing Profit First is all about improving your business, not competing with others.
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You’ll want your accountability partner to have a basic understanding of Profit First and be committed to being supportive, and creating a judgment-free space for you to talk through your challenges. Ideally they are in a situation that's similar to yours (think group practice owner if you have an established group practice, vs someone who is just starting out in their solo practice), so they can help you problem-solve.
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Once you've identified a potential partner:
Buy them a copy of the book, lend them your copy, or request it from your library and send it to them with this message:
"Hi [name],
I just finished reading Profit First for Therapists and I am fired up about implementing it in my practice. The book is tailored specifically to private practices, and I can really see how it's going to make a difference in my business. I'd love to do this alongside a trusted friend. Would you consider implementing it alongside me? I truly believe this will be a game-changer for us both."
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Don't have anyone in mind to as an accountability partner? Join the free Profit First for Therapists Facebooks group and ask if anyone would like to partner with you.
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Form an accountability group
Do you have a few friends who plan to implement Profit First around the same time? Start an accountability group with them? You'll typically meet once each week for 30-60 minutes to share your progress, challenges, and your wins. It's a great time to troubleshoot if something isn't going quite right, ask questions if you are stuck, or just celebrate the growing balance in your Profit account. Accountability groups work best with 3-5 members, as more than that can get a little unruly.
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Have a few people in mind? Send them this message:
"Hi [name],
I just finished reading Profit First for Therapists and I am fired up about implementing it in my practice. The book is tailored specifically to private practices, and I can really see how it's going to make a difference in my business. I'm starting an accountability group to keep me on track, would you consider implementing it alongside me? I truly believe this will be a game-changer for us both."
Join Profit First Academy membership group
The Profit First Academy is a membership group for practice owners who would like access to my team at GreenOak Accounting for Profit First support and implementation. In this group you'll get access to live Q&As, bite-sized trainings and a community of practice owners that are actively implementing Profit First.
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Work with a Profit First Professional (PFP)
​My team of certified Profit First Professionals at GreenOak Accounting specializes in implementing Profit First for Therapists. Our services start with monthly accounting so we can ensure your financial data is accurate. Next, you can layer on services like Profit First implementation or support, CFO services, tax preparation and more.
Schedule a free consultation with my team here:
The ​Profit First Professionals network also has hundreds of certified professionals to choose from. They won't know therapy as well as my team, but they are highly knowledgeable in Profit First.
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www.profitfirstprofessionals.com
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Looking for a PFP that is the right fit for you? While PFPs are certified by Profit First Professionals, they are all independent business. As such, I strongly encourage you to evaluate them as thoroughly as you would any vendor. Should you choose to work with the PFP, the engagement for services will be directly with their business.
Start by talking with 1-3 professionals to get a sense of their style, the services they offer and how well you get along. Ask lots of questions! Will they complete the Instant Assessment for you? What about transfers? How often will you meet? What kind of additional support can they provide that would be helpful to your business? There is no right or wrong answer, but there is an answer that's right for you.
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Find the right PFP or accounting professional for you
Start by asking lots of questions. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but they will help you get a good sense of how the accountant or firm you are considering operates. Some sample questions are:
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How can I contact you?
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What kind of response time can I expect?
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What is your process for __________ ?
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What services do you offer?
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If I need help with __________ , can you help?
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Will I get regular updates from you, or will I need to reach out to you?
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If I call with a question, is that included in my fee or is there an additional charge?
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What is included in your fee?
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Is there a specific industry you specialize in?
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Are you familiar with the specific accounting needs of mental health?
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Do you have experience working with clients in a situation similar to mine?
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Once you've asked questions, you'll be in a better position to determine if the accountant is a good fit for you. We highly recommend you work with an accountant or firm whose style is compatible to yours. Are your communication styles compatible? How about your risk tolerance? Are you willing to use the software they use? How much do you want to be involved (or not)?
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