- Be proactive. Pick up the phone and speak to them. Ask them if the recession has already affected their business.
- Offer to help. Even if they haven't seen a downturn in business, an offer to help them, for example, strengthen their cashflow and reduce debtor days will be much appreciated.
- Analyse their current performance. Use BenchMark and OnTrack (AVN members download from here) to see where their opportunities for improvement lie.
- Help them create an action plan and help them to start doing what's needed.
The Anti-recession Toolkit (AVN members download from here) shows you exactly what you should be doing for your clients. And the Proactivity Pack (AVN members download from here) has even more ideas.
Don't wait for your clients to tell you they're in trouble - act now to show that you truly are their trusted advisor.
Read more from Steve Pipe in his 'Beat the Recession Masterclass' for AccountingWeb - part 1 here - 'The Brutal Truths', part 2 here - 'The Big Opportunity', part 3 here - 'Where to start', part 4 here - 'Your Action Plan'.