5 Key Reasons I'll be at Accountex

Hey, I’m Jonathan founder of Maze Digital, and in my day to day work I help businesses and accounting firms create proprietary applications to help them take their businesses and firms forward. Hence Accountex might look like the perfect place to be; where technology meets accounting in the UK’s largest accounting trade show of the year.

This year will be my first at Accountex, and while I haven’t been before, I’m sure it’s going to be a blast.

Yes, you may say that Accountex is a great place for me to identify new clients; sure that may be a bonus reason to be there but it has nothing at all to do with why I’m at Accountex and not exhibiting. Let’s go through the reasons why I’m at Accountex and quite frankly if you’re an Accountant - there’s a good chance you might be too.

Reason 1: Learn about the Industry

I’ve been in the Accounting Industry for over 3 years; primarily started out by working on workflow solutions, and app I was involved in building, called HERO, and have since evolved into a XERO Developer Partner. So Accounting is really our core industry and all of our new clientele is using XERO as their core accounting system.

However, I’m well aware that the interactions with clients, will not cover all the scenarios in the industry. Whilst some trends are common, others tend to start emerging out of larger states and countries than the small Island of Malta where we are based.

With 156 talks and workshops happening throughout the two days, Accountex provides great learning opportunities on various topics. Ranging from technical accounting, to practice management, software and even how to market your firms.

The diverse choice of talks, allows one to obtain knowledge in various areas and in my case likely get a good cross section of knowledge in different areas to help us understand challenges that you face day to day, and how we can possibly help to overcome those hurdles.

Reason 2: The Exhibits

Accountex wouldn’t quite be Accountex without its hundreds of exhibits. With various vendors, large and small joining in on the show it pretty much guarantees that one is able to find potential partners to work with.

From Accounting Software, complementary applications and even marketing providers. The Accountex exhibit floor is filled with opportunities both for in-house accountants and for those which are part of firms. Exploring the floor is likely to give anyone insight into how clients’ workflows could be simplified through the different apps in the various ecosystems.

Don’t be surprised if you turn up and end up going home with homework.

Reason 3: Getting to know you

The talks and exhibits are great, however, there is no better way to learn of challenges in the industry other than talking to accountants themselves. Needless to say that Accountex is expected to be full of accountants, with over 8000 in attendance it provides plenty of opportunity to network.

You may think that you have competitors there, but hey this is a great opportunity to learn from others. I believe that there is plenty to go around for everyone. Each has their own area or niche industry from where they attract, serve and retain clients. Having an abundance mindset will make all the difference when attending events just like this.

Scarcity mindset tends to keep people within themselves, if you open up just a bit you could learn so much more to take your firm/business to the next level.

That said I love talking to accountants about their challenges; even the ones I can’t necessarily help with. Because in the end, a better understanding of the landscape will allow me to better understand prospects and clients in their Journey with us. Things tend to go on and off especially when clients take a while to onboard and if we didn’t know how the market works we wouldn’t be in a position to understand and accommodate for it.

Reason 4: Building Partnerships

I participate in multiple online communities, mostly through Facebook Groups, and attending these events allow me to put faces to names. Or rather start building physical and real relationships that we may have been fostering for a while online.

I believe the best partnerships are built over a number of interactions; thus being in person able to connect and build on existing relationships is key. I’m fully aware that some of these people can be key partners not only for my business but also some of my clients.

Growing a business or an accounting firm is not easy; and a support system of coaches, mentors, marketers and industry professionals can only help the journey and in some cases speed up the necessary growth. Thus building great relationships allows me to connect more people together bringing even more value to the community.

Reason 5: Opportunities

In all this Accountex is nothing but a land of opportunities. An opportunity to learn from the various sessions that are going on. An opportunity to learn what applications and services an augment one’s business An Opportunity to get to know people in the industry and their challenges An opportunity to build partnerships And finally, for us, it could also be an opportunity to find clients.

Accountex is with us, and with it come all the opportunities. If you’re going to be there, there is only one thing I will ask of you. That is to make the most of the opportunities presented so that you’re able to give yourself more time and your clients an even better service than you do today.

If you’re going to be at Accountex this week, I’d love to connect. Reach out via my LinkedIn Profile.

PS. If you use XERO and have some challenges which apps at Accountex can’t help you sort out; feel free to reach out - or you could learn more about what I do on our XERO Developer Partner page.