Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
chair. I must admit, that while I was a little bit jealous my family were hunting sharks' teeth on the beach and I wasn't, I was perfectly okay with it because my family loved that they didn't have to sacrifice their beach time because I had to work. What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? I truly believe that each social media site has a differ- ent type of following. Regarding twitter, my first social media tip is don't be boring. Posting only retweets and straightforward tweets with article names and a link is monotonous. Put some feeling or thought occasionally into what you want to say about your posts. Secondly, strike a good balance between business and personal. Times have changed. People want to interact with you, have fun, know you are a person. It's ok to have the occasional personal tweet that says "My child just hit a homerun!" Don't take it overboard into politics and such though. Regarding Facebook, I run that one from my firm's perspective and it has more of a local audience. People read the tax information provided, but people also love when you report about something going on in your community, too. It's nice to know that the people you do business with give back to the community and take ownership in it. It's also important to remember that people on Facebook love to interact and respond to posts. That's an important feature of that site. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? I am an iPhone addict. I admit it. I feel like I can do any- thing with my iPhone. I'm not much of a phone talker, I would rather text, IM, email, Facebook, tweet, etc. Honestly, the phone app isn't even on my first page of apps. So, my iPhone is much more than a phone. I use it not only to communicate, but I can check my proj- ect management and billing system in live time. I also can log into tax returns and client files – I even remote into an office desktop if I need too, although I admit, it's a tiny screen for that. However, when I need it, it's there. In addition, add in apps like Dropbox, Evernote, Toodledo, Hulu and Netflix, and you have my life in one device. I love to play Yahtzee and Trivial Pursuit with my friends when we're hanging out. One more thing: I have a camera which allows me to take pictures and videos of my child without looking like a "momarazzi," although I totally am one. NOT including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why? Website: www.chapmanburris.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chapman-Burris-CPAs-LLC/247646919305 Twitter: www.twitter.com/ShaynaCPA LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmanburris Education: Marshall University, BBA in Accounting Professional Associations/Memberships: Ohio Society of CPAs, AICPA, THRIVEal+CPA Network, Licensed with Ohio and West Virginia Boards of Accountancy Right now, I'm paying attention to a small company called BTS (Battlefield Technology Solu- tions) based out of Baltimore. I'm absolutely smitten with the own- ers' way of doing business. They brainstorm ideas, think them through thoughtfully and care- fully. Then they have the guts to try it; they work hard, and have been successful. Because of that success, they have given back to their communities and are trying to make them a better place to live. They give back to their employees with flexible schedules and wonderful employee benefits. I admire their desire to succeed but not at the cost of those around them. Rather, they suc- ceed so that everyone around them succeeds as well. What sports team/championship event do you abso- lutely refuse to miss? NCAA March Madness. I love filling out my brackets and then watching the games. It doesn't hurt that I'm a UK fan. Unfortunately, this doesn't coincide with tax season very well. Thank goodness for mobile devices and extra monitors! Go CATS!! How many monitors do you have on your desk? I have three monitors on my office desk – two landscape and one portrait. I like to keep my email, calendar, and to-do list up on one monitor. I'm happy with this ar- rangement. Do you have children? If so, how many, and what ages? I have one eight-year-old boy who is the light of my life. He's extremely good at math, but he comes from a line of CPAs, so I'm afraid it's in his blood. Right now, he says he's going to be a lawyer (insert sigh here). IT TAKES TWO A vast majority of our 40 work with at least two [KZMMV[ JM Q\ QV \PM WNÅKM I\ home or on the road. 47 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3