Mistake 5 of 16 – A Lesson for us all from Kodak – Almost everything will be done via a smartphone App
This week we continue our series of blog articles ’16 mistakes made by accountants – and how to avoid them’. A Lesson for us all from Kodak – almost everything will be done via a smartphone App.
As a general rule, you must now assume that what used to be done via a desktop computer will be done via a smartphone or tablet. As customers operate in an ‘always on’ culture, they use mobile technology as their communication tool of choice, in which Apps play a critical and ever-increasing role.
A lesson from Kodak!
Stop and think for a moment. If you want to take a photograph, what do you reach for? If you’re old enough then you’ll remember the days of slugging around the old SLR… The ‘pop’ when you opened your new roll of film… That unmistakable smell – and the long wait for Kodak to post back your photos. Kodak dominated the film processing market place and was once responsible for 90% of film production, employing over 140,000 staff globally. They filed for bankruptcy in 2012! Today, it’s all done in an instant. Grab your phone, take a picture and with the help of an App, it’s shared with the
world – done!
What can we learn?
The Kodak lesson is clear. No matter how good you are right now, you must keep up with the flow and the latest technology to maintain appropriate dialogue with your clients – and your staff! As a firm, regardless of your size, it’s key that you consider the way you interact now with your clients and how you will in the future. This also impacts on the way you make yourselves accessible to potential future customers.
Failing to make your firm ‘mobile friendly’ using the latest mobile technology will be a big mistake. Take our word for it,
many firms are already behind the curve on this!
What can your accountancy firm do?
- Be aware of the key issues, risks and opportunities that mobile presents
- Plan activities that are reviewed at key intervals
- Launch your own App to form the interface with clients and potential clients so you can manage the
client journey - Consider your website and its objectives
- Create a mobile website
- Review common client tasks to see if they can be done ‘In App’ or via mobile devices
- Innovate – if you can think of an idea ‘In App’ we can probably build it.
Categories: Biggest Mistakes, Blog
Share this post
Joel Oliver | joelo@myfirmsapp.com
Joel is the MD of MyFirmsApp and is no newcomer to technology or working with professional service companies. Joel owns Insight Marketing, SalesForAccountants and Insight Digital Media, with over 30 years’ experience working with Accountants, IFAs, Financial Planners, Law Firms and professional service companies.
He pioneered the App project back in 2012 as he could see the huge benefits of Apps for professional firms who wanted to care for existing clients and market profitably to potential new customers. With over 18 years experience in both online and offline marketing, Joel has developed, led and managed many highly successful businesses.
Joel has a hands-on role within the family of companies and enjoys meeting clients and helping them future-proof their businesses. As the App continues to expand in the UK and overseas. Joel continues to ensure the App product and its bolt-ons get better and better.
To find out more about Joel and his connections, see his LinkedIn Profile or email him on joelo@myfirmsapp.co.uk
Outside work:
Outside work you will often find Joel with his friends or family enjoying varied hobbies from salmon fishing to fine wine and sailing. Joel is also an assistant pastor at a local church and runs numerous youth groups.
UK
Telephone: 0800 803 0826
Address: 37-39 Victoria Road, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL1 5SF
Company Number: 9152454
VAT Number: 199 4398 36
AU
Telephone: 02 8015 5480
Address: Suite 305, 30 Kingsway, Cronulla, NSW 2230, Australia
Company Number: 609 233 990
USA
Telephone: 347 748 9098
SA
Telephone: +27 21 300 2884
