Craig Dacy: 3 Sales Tweaks That Doubled Our 2025 Close Rate

Show Summary: In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Craig Dacy to unpack the simple but powerful changes that more than doubled his firm's sales close rate in 2025. Craig walks through the key metrics his team began tracking to identify where prospects were dropping off, and the three strategic tweaks that transformed their sales process. From refining their messaging and intake process, to reframing the purpose of consultations, and simplifying conversations so prospects weren't overwhelmed with information, each adjustment helped create a clearer and more effective client experience. The episode also explores how building a consistent follow-up system helped convert more conversations into committed clients. It's a practical look at how small, intentional improvements in your sales process can lead to major results for your firm.   Website:https://www.dacyfinancialcoaching.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@therapybusinesspod https://www.youtube.com/@CraigDacy   Corporate Partner: BILL. - https://www.bill.com/   Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice, we explore what it truly means to build a purpose-driven, profitable business. Profit for Good: How Purpose-Driven Businesses Turn Passion into Sustainable, Profitable Impact reframes profitability as the starting point for generosity, not the reward at the end. Through real client stories, we share how passion projects became sustainable, revenue-producing businesses once clarity, structure, and intentional profit were put in place. The conversation highlights how Profit First creates the confidence business owners need to say "yes" to impact without sacrificing financial stability. We also discuss the powerful mindset shift from "I'll give when I have more" to "I give because I'm profitable on purpose," and how accountants and advisors can help clients align money, mission, and long-term sustainability. This episode is a reminder that profit isn't selfish — it's what makes lasting impact possible.   Website:http://venusmichael.com http://one21accountability.com LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/venusmichael/ Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/one21accountability/   Corporate Partner: BILL. - https://www.bill.com/   Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, we explore the critical shift every founder must make to scale successfully by moving from operator to true leader. The conversation breaks down why being buried in emails, meetings, and day-to-day decisions isn't leadership and how CEOs can intentionally reclaim their time before burnout forces change. We discuss when it's actually the right time to hire help, how to scale yourself first, and why founders' syndrome is one of the most common blind spots holding growing companies back. The episode also examines how to build a culture of feedback that works and why it starts with the CEO, how leaders can better support and engage Gen Z employees, and why a Chief of Staff can be a powerful secret weapon for focus, strategy, and speed. This is a must-listen for firm owners ready to lead their businesses forward, not just manage them.   Website:https://verticalelevation.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolbschultz/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/growgreatteams/       Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-6964e222-7e50-8320-a1f4-a74865833991-16" data-testid= "conversation-turn-120" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "0ee1fffe-efff-4322-896d-d0176209d9d4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-176" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In today's episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike Michalowicz is joined by Ron Saharyan and Liz Szporn to talk about Mike's newest book, The Money Habit, and the launch of Money Habit Mentors. The conversation explores why money challenges are rarely about math and almost always about behavior. Mike shares the thinking behind The Money Habit and how it builds on the principles of Profit First to help people create lasting personal financial habits. Ron and Liz discuss what this shift means for accounting and advisory professionals, and why guiding clients through personal money behavior is becoming an essential extension of trusted financial advisory work. They also introduce the Money Habit Mentor designation, explaining how it equips professionals to help clients move from financial stress to clarity, confidence, and long-term control of their money. This episode offers insight into the growing opportunity for accountants and bookkeepers to deepen client relationships by addressing the human side of money—not just the numbers. If you work with clients who struggle financially despite earning well, this episode provides a clear look at what's next in advisory and why behavior-based systems matter more than ever.   Website:https://moneyhabitmentors.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-habit-mentors Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587433470833 Instagram:@moneyhabitmentors   Corporate Partner:People Processes - https://peopleprocesses.com/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-6964e222-7e50-8320-a1f4-a74865833991-16" data-testid= "conversation-turn-120" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this Insider's Access episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, hosts Ron Saharyan, Liz Szporn, and Mike Michalowicz explore what it takes to scale advisory services in 2026 without burning out. They challenge firm owners to make the "CEO Pivot," stepping out of the technician role and into true leadership, even in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlights why empathy and human connection have become competitive advantages as automation takes over precision work. The hosts unpack how to price and position advisory through a Tiered Service Model, why burnout persists even when Profit First is in place, and how firms must shift from reporting on the past to guiding clients toward the future. The episode also addresses avoiding shiny object syndrome with tech, letting go of the wrong clients to grow into the CEO role, and building scalable teams of "Guides" so advisory doesn't rely solely on the owner. They close by defining the firms that will thrive in 2026: those that combine the Profit First mindset with critical thinking, human connection, and intentional leadership.   Website:https://profitfirstprofessionals.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/profit-first-professionals Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstProfessionals/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/proud_to_be_profitable TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@profitfirstpros YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ProfitFirstProfessionalsInc.   Corporate Partner:People Processes - https://peopleprocesses.com/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, we explore what the shift to a cookieless world really means for marketing and advertising and what is hype versus what is actually changing. The conversation explains the so-called "Cookie Apocalypse" and how the loss of third-party cookies affects data collection, targeting, and performance tracking. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-6964e222-7e50-8320-a1f4-a74865833991-16" data-testid= "conversation-turn-120" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> The discussion covers how marketers can measure the effectiveness of emerging, non-click digital channels such as connected TV (CTV) and podcasts, and why traditional attribution models are no longer enough. It also addresses modern approaches to marketing attribution that help teams make better decisions about where to invest their budgets. The episode also looks at how to analyze Facebook and Google Ads performance more effectively in a cookieless environment by moving beyond basic click metrics and toward insights that reflect real business impact. This episode is valuable for anyone preparing their marketing strategy for the next era of digital advertising.   Website:https://provalytics.com https://jeffgreenfield.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/   Corporate Partner:Kick - https://www.kick.co/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this GMAP episode, Brandon Hall joins the conversation to break down what actually holds accounting firms back from meaningful scale—and why technology alone isn't the answer. Drawing from his experience as a CPA, firm founder, and real estate investor, Brandon explains why most firms don't have an operations problem—they have a sales and leadership problem. He challenges the idea that sales should be "balanced" with operations, arguing instead that healthy firms intentionally let sales outpace operations to force growth, systems, and accountability. The discussion dives into why firms stuck at the $1M mark struggle to reach $10M, highlighting the real blockers: weak accountability, the absence of a true leadership team, and outdated governance models that reward mediocrity over ownership. Brandon also addresses the role of AI, making it clear that while technology can enhance efficiency, it won't replace accountants who lead, think critically, and guide clients strategically. This episode is a must-listen for firm owners who want to scale with intention, build strong leadership structures, and move beyond survival-mode growth into long-term, sustainable success.   Website:www.therealestatecpa.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonhallcpa/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/realestatecpa Twitter: @TheRECPA   Corporate Partner:Kick - https://www.kick.co/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, we're joined by John Zakel, Jr., founder of Smooth 401k, to explore how business owners can turn their 401(k) plans into a strategic advantage—not just a benefit expense. John breaks down why many small and mid-sized businesses overpay for their 401(k) plans and what owners can do to fix it. He explains how the right plan design can support business growth, improve employee retention, and create meaningful tax savings for both employers and their teams. The conversation also covers the rise of pooled and tech-enabled 401(k) platforms, how recent changes under SECURE 2.0 unlock overlooked tax credits, and why employee education is the key to building a stronger financial culture inside your organization. If you're a business owner looking to reduce costs, attract and retain great people, and use your retirement plan more intentionally, this episode offers practical insights you won't want to miss.   Website: www.smooth401k.com linkedin.com/in/johnzakeljr   Corporate Partner:Sums Plus Solutions - https://sumsplussolutions.com/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Dr. Holly Tucker joins the conversation to explore the powerful connection between physical well-being and business profitability. Dr. Tucker shares her journey as a chiropractor and how her passion for helping others extend beyond the treatment room and into supporting professionals—especially women in the chiropractic field—through the Profit First framework. She discusses her path to joining the Beyond Your Books team and how she bridges chiropractic care with financial advisory work. Dr. Tucker explains why posture and musculoskeletal health are critical for office-based professionals, particularly accountants and advisors who spend long hours at a desk, and how physical strain can quietly impact productivity, focus, and long-term success. The conversation wraps with practical "Invest in Your Spine" tips, encouraging listeners to intentionally invest their time, attention, and resources into simple posture and ergonomic improvements. This episode offers an insightful reminder that protecting your body is not just a health decision—it's a profitability strategy.   Website: http://www.drhollychiro.com/ http://www.beyondyourbooks.com/   Corporate Partner: People Processes - https://peopleprocesses.com/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we sit down with Justin Allan Montgomery, founder of ProCourseStart, to unpack how professionals can scale an eight-figure continuing education (CE) business—without fancy funnels or marketing gimmicks. Justin shares why accountants are uniquely positioned to launch CE businesses as a powerful passive income stream and explains how this model helps break the time-for-money trap that keeps many firm owners overworked and capped on income. He also dives into the growing role of AI in accounting and other professional fields, outlining how a CE business can serve as a financial hedge—building redundancy, resilience, and long-term stability into your career. Throughout the conversation, Justin walks through the general process of starting a CE business, what it actually takes to get one off the ground, and why trust-based education—not influencer marketing—is the key to sustainable success. He closes by revealing just how lucrative a CE business can be for professionals who package their expertise the right way. If you're an accountant looking to scale beyond billable hours, future-proof your income, and monetize your knowledge without burning out, this episode is a must-listen.   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/procoursestart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pro-Course-Start/61574146510784/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/procoursestart25/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ProCourseStart TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@procoursestart   Corporate Partner: Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!