We recently teamed up with Jason Blumer, owner of Blumer CPAs, to write an ebook series about running a virtual tax practice. The newest ebook is all about managing a virtual practice effectively. One of the tips Jason gives is that you should implement rhythms and processes.

To start, think about which processes in your tax practice happen on a regular basis that can be documented clearly—and beyond just being documented—which of your processes can become rhythms. Rhythms and processes keep team members on the same page and enable your tax practice to run more efficiently.

Document Your Processes

If you’re managing processes in your head, you won’t be able to recognize repetitive processes that other team members could manage (often even better than you since they have more time to spend). You need to document the processes you have for different tasks.

If you haven’t ever documented your processes before, pick the simplest cloud-based method. That could mean using a shared Google document that outlines process steps. If you’re looking for a more advanced, functional method for documenting your processes, try a  workflow system.

Documenting processes for your team members will initially require a lot of input from you, but will require less input over time as team members learn and improve.

Implement Rhythms

Rhythms are a key component of growing your practice. Growing a practice can be chaotic, and rhythms bring security and comfort to your team. Rhythms help everyone on the team to know what to expect, and rhythms eventually become habits. Habits then turn into culture.

But you have to be intentional about implementing rhythms. They don’t just develop on their own. If you’re tempted to skip rhythms, remember that just doing tax returns doesn’t grow a practice—implementing strategy and planning grows a practice.

Examples of rhythms you may implement in your practice include:

• Weekly team meetings held at the same time each week
• Adding strategy planning to your calendar
• Reading a book that expands your creativity every Friday
• Meeting with new team members once a month for six months
• Having quarterly conversations with established team members
• Working from 9-5 each day

The bigger your practice gets, the more rhythms you’ll need to keep everyone on track.

Want 4 more tips for managing your tax practice effectively? Download the full ebook below.