Sep 10, 2025 3 min read

The Power of Listening: Michael Ly on Transforming Sales in Accounting

Michael Ly shares how listening, not pitching, drives sales success in accounting. Learn how to scale your firm without selling yourself.

By Chrissy Rutledge

The Power of Listening: Michael Ly on Transforming Sales in Accounting

In this episode of Canopy Practice Success, KC Brothers chats with Michael Ly, CEO of Reconciled, about how active listening can transform the way accounting firms sell and grow.

Michael shares how he built Reconciled into a national firm by focusing on relationships, not pitches. He explains why asking the right questions matters more than having all the answers, and how listening helps uncover real client needs and build trust quickly.

Key insights include:

Why most accountants struggle with sales
How listening can lead to higher close rates
The value of hiring non-accountants in sales roles
Tips for creating a consistent, scalable client experience

Whether you're running a solo firm or growing a team, this episode is full of practical advice that challenges the traditional sales playbook in accounting.

Here are the main highlights you won't want to miss.

1. Listening is your greatest sales tool

Michael explains that truly effective selling isn’t about convincing, it's about understanding.

"I found that if I spent most of a sales call listening and asking great questions, I almost always landed that client."

By focusing on the client’s needs and saying less about yourself, you build trust quickly and uncover meaningful opportunities—sometimes in just one conversation.

2. Sell the process, not yourself

Many firm owners fall into the trap of selling their personal expertise, which makes it harder to grow. Michael took a different approach from day one.

"If you sell yourself, the client expects you. But if you sell the process, anyone on your team can deliver it."

This mindset allows for easier delegation, a more scalable business model, and a consistent client experience.

3. Get comfortable with rejection

Sales can feel uncomfortable, especially for accountants who are used to precision and control. But rejection, Michael says, is part of the path to success.