Do you think this is marketing blackmail?

August 26, 2010 at 10:27 am · Filed under Professional Development and tagged: Cathy Iconis

Written by: Cathy Iconis

I was recently added to someone’s newsletter.  I’ll protect their identity to be nice, but they offer branding and marketing for small businesses here in Atlanta.

Well, the first time I get those, I take a look.  The second time, if I don’t see anything I want to read, I unsubscribe.  Well, unfortunately this person doesn’t have an unsubscribe, so I simply replied with “Please remove me from your list.” and my signature. (By the way, you are required to have an unsubscribe option according to the CAN-SPAM Act.) Read the rest of this entry »

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Pick them while they’re ripe

June 25, 2010 at 9:24 am · Filed under Professional Development and tagged: Cathy Iconis

Written by: Cathy Iconis

I thought this would be a great time to write about hiring students right out of college.  Their almost in season!  Every fall colleges and the GSCPA put on career fairs and campus interviews to try to get their upcoming graduates jobs.  When I went to Oglethorpe University, they did a GREAT job placing almost everyone in positions months before graduation.

Since I’m on the College Outreach Task Force, I’ve been emailing all my contacts to tell them about the GSCPA’s upcoming College 2 Career Conference.  We are looking for firms that want to be exhibitors and meet some really great students to fill upcoming internships and entry level positions.

I’ve heard a lot that companies and firms don’t want to hire fresh out of school.  I’m curious, why?  I see the allure of hiring someone that already has experience.  That’s supposed to be easier, right?  Well, I challenge that perception.  I say pick them while their ripe, which I think is fresh out of school. Read the rest of this entry »

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How are you changing our profession?

May 13, 2010 at 9:30 am · Filed under Professional Development and tagged: Cathy Iconis

Written by: Cathy Iconis

Last week, I had the honor of being a discussion facilitator for the GSCPA Minority Issues Leadership Summit.  I was asked to lead the discussion on “Enhancing Your Image Through Networking”.  Our group had a great discussion, and it has motivated me to write this to you, my peers.

There is a lot of talk out there about Generation Y and their characteristics.  Some say they have a sense of entitlement and have a bad work ethic, others disagree.  No matter where you stand on the issue, I want to encourage you to look inward.  What are YOU doing to change our profession?

Students entering the workforce now will one day be the leaders of our accounting firms, Fortune 500 CFOs, small business owners, government officials and much more.  They are the future of business and NOW is our opportunity to shape that future.

In school, you learned the technical skills.  You learned debits and credits, but you didn’t really learn how to be a business person until you were in the thick of it.  Think back to when you were wide-eyed and ready to take on the world.  What do you know now that you wish you had known then?  I’m sure there are some funny stories there. Read the rest of this entry »

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Nothing Like Technical Difficulties…

April 8, 2010 at 8:39 am · Filed under Professional Development and tagged: Cathy Iconis

Written by: Cathy Iconis

So, yesterday, a friend of mine gave me a GREAT opportunity.  I was a guest speaker for her Marketing Mondays Teleclass.  I got to speak about Building Financial Confidence to a group of business owners all of the country.

We spent weeks planning it, going back and forth with the script. I’ve even introduced a new service line – small business financial coaching.  Everything was in its place and I was ready to go.  Now, let me tell you…  I still get pretty nervous before these things, partially because I’m still really new at speaking and also because I think it’s my introverted personality wanting to run and hide!! Read the rest of this entry »

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Getting back on the Marketing Horse

March 18, 2010 at 8:43 am · Filed under Professional Development and tagged: Cathy Iconis

Written By: Cathy Iconis

My family and I have been sick – sick with everything from the stomach flu to strep along with colds and ear infections.  Needless to say, it has knocked me off my game for a while.  Actually, over a month!  Since I’m in business for myself, that has really hurt my marketing efforts – and in response, revenue!

So, here I am, trying to get back on the marketing horse.  I thought this would be relevant since so many of you are in business season mode right now and taking a break from marketing.  So as a result, you’ll probably feel that revenue crunch down the road.  It is great for your staff, but maybe not you partners out there.

Here is what I am doing in the next few weeks to jump start my marketing campaign and give it new life: Read the rest of this entry »

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