Introducing a new application can be challenging, especially if your team is less than tech savvy (or inclined).
Even those that do “get” new technology, helping them see the benefit of the application isn’t always clear.

Here are a few things to remember when working with your team on adopting a new application:

How does the new application fit with the vision of the firm?

When implementing a new decision, it’s important to tie it to something bigger than just that individual decision, whether it’s a decision around technology, firm management, hiring, etc.

In this case, let’s talk about new technology adoption. If your vision is to provide high quality, consistent, empathetic accounting & tax services to Pittsburgh-based SMB’s, so that they become more profitability and leave a bigger impact in the community, then this vision needs to be at the forefront of the firm. When new team members are onboarded, it’s what they hear. If you don’t have a vision, mission, and core values, we highly recommend working with your team to create them. These also inform your hiring decisions, and new team members agree that the mission, vision, and values are important to them as well.

So when you are ready to implement a new tool, you mention how this individual decision and application will help you achieve the firm vision. This helps your team understand WHY this decision has been made. Once they can better understand the context of the decision, the easier it is for them to adopt it.

Who is the internal champion?

In a typically firm, not all team members are equal. Some are more eager to adopt new tech, others are not. Your job is to find the internal, tech champion. You can even give them an internal role of helping with the selection, due diligence, and roll out process.

The goal is that you need a staff or team members that can see the benefit and communicate it with the team, along with you. You’re not going to be “in the trenches” all the time with your team, but having someone internally assist you with the decision is critical, as team questions and concerns are bound to come up (but not always communicated to you).

What were obstacles that came up in the past?

Finally, chances are if the team is resistant to the change, it is likely that a similar decision (at least in their mind), was made in the past and they feel that this is going to have the same outcome. Address their concerns, and talk about why this adoption should be different. If you felt the training was inadequate, work with your solution provider to schedule more team training. If you thought the team didn’t have access to support, let your service provider know. They should be willing to work with you through these issues and help ensure your firm is successful in the adoption of the new application.

In a veterinary practice, your clients aren’t all able to tell you their information or what’s wrong. Animals have their own language and sometimes you have to rely on tests and medical history to find out what you need. This makes organizing clients a little more difficult than other businesses.

Use client management software for accountants to reacquaint yourself with all of your clients so you can understand where the gaps are and if you need to fill them in. You’ll better be able to service your patients and their owners, which gives you the reputation for higher excellence that your clients want to see when choosing a caretaker for their beloved pets.

1. Always Improving

The clients you currently have will keep coming back for the impeccable care you give their pets but if you’re always improving, they’ll have reasons to tell their friends and brag about their experience. Build a better business by using client management software for accountants to keep detailed records about the animals for which you care. That attention to detail is what builds trust with your clients, helps you retain them, and brings in new business all the time.

2. Interoffice Communication

If there is more than one veterinarian working at your practice, interoffice communication about patients and their owners is imperative for the kind of care you hope to provide. Client management software for accountants allows each veterinarian in the office access to client information so they won’t ever have to ask extra questions or make assumptions about the patients. The owners will feel more comfortable knowing that whichever veterinarian at your office is treating their pet will be able to do so with the utmost sensitivity.

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Some pets may need to stay overnight or have to come in for several visits to treat a chronic or long-term condition. In these cases, it will be tough for the owners to leave their pets. Client management software for accountants lets you enjoy a more fluid operation by keeping the details you need at hand to treat these long-term patients without extra work during each visit. Your clients will be able to rest assured that their pets are being taken care of when they have to leave them with you for long treatments or surgeries.

4. Internet Presence

No matter what kind of company you have, it’s a good idea to maintain a presence on the internet. Use social media to connect with your clients and remind them that you appreciate their business and love their pets. Ask clients if you can post pictures of them with their pets and add pictures of you and your staff welcoming anyone who want to try your services with bright smiles on your faces.

Keep in Touch

Caring for your patients includes caring for their owners! You’ll have some clients who only come in for annual vaccines and checkups so throughout the rest of the year, you should keep in touch. Client management software for accountants lets you set reminders and keep a schedule that helps you keep in touch with clients. A thank you card after a visit, holiday message, and/or appointment reminders are a few ways that you can keep in touch with your clients without being pushy. Create an e-mail list or invite them to join your social media pages for an extra touch that makes you stand out amongst the competition.