At a national accounting conference in January, Gary Shamis, managing director of SS&G Financial Services Inc., told employees, “Now it’s time to up the ante and service your clients like they’ve never been serviced before.”
He went on to say that instead of cutting costs, people needed to instead offer value.
“If your firm doesn’t offer value, then the lowest bidder for client services will win,” he said. “… You don’t need to get into that [low-balling]. I don’t see the pros, and there are too many cons.”
This is the service philosophy that Shamis and Managing Director Mark Goldfarb strive for at the accounting and consulting services firm. They may not offer the lowest prices, but they more than make up for it in the value they provide through high-quality service.
Last year, SS&G started several new initiatives aimed at increasing its already high customer service level. SS&G added a program, Tuesday Tax Tidbits, which are posted on the company Web site each Tuesday and aim to provide more insights to inform clients about things they should be aware of that relate to their taxes. By empowering clients, it ultimately saves them time and money. And the tips don’t just disappear when the new one comes up. Instead, the firm maintains an archive so clients can go back and reference something that they may have read previously.
SS&G also continues to support its clients through its Tips for Turbulent Times program, which provides insights for clients to successfully get through the recession. Last year, the company provided free breakfast seminars featuring presentations by some of the firm’s most experienced tax and business practitioners.
By providing valuable resources and raising the standard for service, SS&G will continue to gain and retain customers.
How to reach: SS&G Financial Services Inc., (440) 248-8787 or www.SSandG.com
