Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
ally makes me more confident, partially as being part of a cloud accounting company at FreshBooks, I've come to know all of the backups and expertise that goes into keeping my data safe. The importance of selecting a provider you trust can't go unmentioned – that's the most important part! What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? I LOVE social media! I feel a bit cheesy saying that, but it's true! Social media is about people, and I love meet- ing and connecting with great people. I can go on for awhile (and if we've met in person, you may have seen that live), so here are my top 5 tips for social media for professionals: 1. As Nike would say, just do it! Whether you jump in the pool or go in one toe-dip at a time, getting started is the hardest, but most important part (like so many other things in life!). 2. Don't be afraid to connect with people you don't know. Social media is an amazing tool to connect with people you admire, leaders in your industry, or just people you find interesting! There are no "gates" in social media, and making connections is what it's all about. 3. Be yourself. People do business with people they like – that's just a life rule. It's okay to not be all-business 24/7, that's not interesting! It's funny the things that connect people – one of the topics that started a great conversation for me with some others in the industry was a comment I made on cooking with garlic! Can you believe it? That being said, don't be nasty or mean. You just need to remember, would you say this in "real life" and be okay with it? That's a good barom- eter that still keeps you human. 4. Make the time. As with any new addition to your schedule, it takes some time to get used to it and for anything to become second nature. Take a 20-minute break in the afternoon to go through your Twitter stream, check out some new pages on Facebook, or answer some LinkedIn questions. Before you know it, it's something that you'll do without a second thought – just like checking your email, these new communication channels will become just that. 5. Have fun! Because if you're not having fun, what's the point? Social media is a lot of fun – there are a ton of great people in the industry (and beyond!). And a bonus tip: connect with me, I'd love to meet you! What sports team/championship event do you abso- lutely refuse to miss? This year, I have to say the Olympics! I'm excited to see a few of my favorite sports (and I can't go a year without finding some new favorites too!), cheering on our Cana- dian athletes, and watching people who are so talented strive for excellence, and are so passionate about what they do. This year, I'm looking forward to diving (always), and anything running! We've got a big TV set-up in the FreshBooks office, with lots of fun viewing parties in the works. But of course, I also can't forget the semi-annual Fresh- Books golf tournament! Bringing out my Masters' best golf wear as we hit the greens. Fore!! What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why? SCHOOL IS NOW IN SESSION When it comes to sports, our honorees agree there's nothing like watching your favorite college football or basketball team. Other sports events honorees won't miss include: Super Bowl, Olympics, NFL games, NBA games and World Series. I am calendar obsessed (no shame). With meetings, travel, and trying to be a bit social now and then, know- ing where I'm going to be when, takes one (big) thing off of my shoulder. TripIt helps me keep my travel in order – I used to be the "print three copies of my flight/ hotel/event schedules" type (eek! The paper waste!), and now – no more! TripIt not only holds my confirma- tion numbers and addresses, but also lets me know of flight delays or changes. Use it once and it's paid for itself – I promise. Combine that with Google Sync (Out- look Calendar > Google Calendar > Blackberry Calen- dar) – my schedule's up to date on all my devices. More than anything, I hate being late, so these tools help keep me happy! How many monitors do you have on your desk? Two: my MacBook, and a big 21-inch. I have the same set-up at home, although I've been known (more often than not) to have both my MacBook and home PC lap- top running simultaneously. 32 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 4