Hey there! Get ready for the newest chapter of our quarterly newsletter. This time around, we’re taking you on a wild ride, showing off how we’ve cranked up our game with faster work, a fresh face in the team, and an even bigger focus on making your business goals our goals.
And, just because we love to keep things interesting, we’re diving deep into all those server scares and security sweats, dishing out the details on some super cool partnerships, and giving you a sneak peek at what we’re doing to make your experience even better. Buckle up—it’s going to be quite a trip!
David’s Direction
The team and I have been tirelessly working behind the scenes, striving to enhance our Strategy, Security, and Support to deliver you the finest experience.
Firstly, we’re taking a more profound approach towards our strategic partnerships with the vendors you regularly engage with, or those whose services might be beneficial for you. We’re delving deeper, to fully comprehend your firm’s unique needs and leverage the vendors’ specialized capabilities. This will allow us to seamlessly incorporate their products into our repertoire, ultimately enriching your client experience. We’re laying the groundwork by identifying pivotal vendors, initiating partnership dialogues, and emphasizing the development of enduring relationships. This initiative signals our renewed dedication to serving you better and adding extraordinary value to our services. Joe will touch upon this in more detail a bit later, illuminating some specific aspects.
Secondly, I’m excited to highlight our specialized hosting solutions tailored for CPA & Accounting firms. This significant stride is dramatically transforming the operational landscape for our clients. As firms navigate the intricate digital environment, our state-of-the-art, scalable, and secure hosting solutions are proving to be instrumental. We are facilitating streamlined process management, seamless collaboration, and establishing an efficient work milieu, thus revolutionizing the way firms operate. Underpinned by leading-edge technology, our services offer unmatched speed, reliability, and uptime, enabling remote work to be more effective and productive than ever. We remain dedicated to offering avant-garde solutions that empower businesses of all scales and across diverse sectors, fostering their success in an increasingly interconnected world. All you have to do is ask us for a testimonial and we can put you in touch with an ever-growing number of satisfied clients.
Our leadership team has been particularly active this quarter. We are challenging conventional practices and exploring innovative ways to make a real impact in the CPA/ Accounting space. Rest assured, our team is laser-focused and wholeheartedly committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read our newsletters. Our team invests a lot of energy and passion into creating them, and it’s genuinely rewarding to see you, our esteemed Clients, dedicating a few minutes of your busy weeks to stay updated. We promise to continue providing engaging and informative content that keeps you informed about the exciting path Tech Guru is blazing.
Thank you, once again, for your continued support and trust.
David Seligman
Daniel’s Developments
Hello Friends,
As you may have noticed, we have successfully rolled out our revamped invoicing system, which includes the new Billing Portal. This innovative approach aims to provide you with a more comprehensive view and enhanced control over your payment processes. There are tweaks and enhancements still to come as we see it in action, but the feedback we’ve received from you so far has been nothing short of encouraging.
Speaking of feedback, everything we hear from you is incredibly valuable, offering us insights that help drive improvements. One frequently mentioned feature in particular is the self-service automatic payment system in the billing portal, which is approximately 100x more convenient and secure than in the past, as well as giving you direct control over your payment method. The quick adoption of this service by many of you underscores its utility, and we’re delighted that it’s already adding value to your experience.
Beyond that, I’ve also had the pleasure of working in close collaboration with our Sales and Finance teams: Together, we have been working meticulously to fine-tune our new service offerings, aiming to tailor our packages to align better with your needs and expectations and ensuring we deliver maximum value.
As you begin your transition to the new service package, you can expect to see more itemized and structured invoices. These detailed statements aim to demystify your charges, providing a clearer understanding of what exactly you are paying for by outlining all the features and services included in your package. We believe that transparency is key to a healthy relationship and these changes are designed to strengthen the trust and confidence you place in us.
We remain excited about these changes and we’re certain they’ll significantly enhance your experience with us. We appreciate your continued support and thank you for embarking on this journey with us. We are always here to assist you and look forward to continuing to serve you better.
–Daniel Derasmo
Jarrod’s Jargon
Hello everyone, and a huge thank you for making this past quarter a glowing success for our Service Department! We’re here to share the fruits of our collective efforts and the amazing strides we’ve been taking to make your tech lives easier.
Our Dispatch model, designed to hasten ticket resolution, is running like a well-oiled machine, thanks to the meticulous work of our Service Coordinator Ashley. We’ve seen an impressive uptick in efficiency, hitting an 80% mark for resolving tickets on the same day they’re created. That means four out of five issues are sorted out before you can even start worrying about them!
The big news from our end is the introduction of a shiny new role within our ranks – the Escalations Guru. Andrew has taken the reins of this crucial position, dedicated to addressing tickets typically escalated to our Engineering team. This ensures you get faster resolutions from a dedicated technician while our engineers can remain laser-focused on bringing your projects to life. It’s a win-win scenario we’re thrilled to have put in place.
We always say that our clients’ voices drive our direction, and this quarter has been no different. The responses to our Satisfaction Surveys show an overwhelming 90%+ positivity. We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support and for guiding us towards continuous improvement. Keep those comments coming – they help us fine-tune our processes to better cater to your needs!
In the realm of Client Advocacy, we’re putting a fresh spin on our Strategic Planning Sessions. Now, we’re giving greater emphasis on Business Strategy and exploring ways technology can propel you towards your Business Goals. If you haven’t already, you’ll be hearing from Jon soon to schedule your Strategic Technology Planning (STP) meeting.
Our clients – you – are the heart of our operations, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for being an integral part of our journey. Your trust fuels us to deliver the best service and continuously strive for excellence.
Here’s to many more quarters of tech triumphs!
With Gratitude,
Jarrod Gore
Joe’s Journal
“Whoa, we’re halfway there!” That’s right, folks. No, we’re not living on a prayer, but Bon Jovi’s got it right—we’re halfway through the year! Over at Tech Guru, things are zipping along like a runaway train, and we can’t wait to see what the next stop brings. It seems like the topic du jour at every conference is server nightmares and security anxieties. But hey, grab a comfy chair, pour yourself a cup of joe, and let’s delve into how we’re turning these tech horrors into smooth sailing.
Service Package Serenity & Hosting Highs
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been on the other end of the phone with yours truly, or one of our technology Dungeon Master’s. We’ve been talking about our new service packages which might just be the secret ingredient for a perfect Zen Garden of security. Half our clients have already found their nirvana, and we’re setting up the incense for the rest. When that email lands in your inbox, consider it an invitation to tranquility.
On the topic of hosting services, we’ve got our binoculars out, looking to shepherd 16 firms to the promised land of our Tech Guru Signature Cloud Hosting by year’s end. If your dusty server sounds like a clunky typewriter, or if your tax software renewal costs as much as a small island, drop me a line. We’re here with life preservers.
Addressing the Room’s Elephant
This newsletter wouldn’t be worth its digital ink if I didn’t touch on the burning issue causing ripples in the accounting world. It’s hotter than the office gossip—yes, I’m talking about that specific software company hosting their own tax and accounting software. They’ve raised more eyebrows than a poorly executed PowerPoint presentation, especially with their notable track record of underperforming at crucial tax deadlines.
If you’re nodding along, chances are you’ve felt the sting and you know who I’m talking about. You might have heard rumors they’re passing the baton to a new organization. We’re all for fresh starts and hope it’s a win for their subscribers. But if the news has made you squint suspiciously, know that Tech Guru has a rival solution that not only puts the pedal to the metal but also gives your wallet a breather. Curious? Give us a shout!
The Buddy System: New Partnerships
In the quest to make Tech Guru your one-stop shop, let’s highlight the newest additions to our buddy list.
Canopy
This partnership feels like finding the last slice of pizza at a party. Canopy’s ambitious plan for AI features and integrations is the perfect fit for us. Their training for our technicians is already upping our game. High five, Canopy! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this already special practice management software.
IONOS/1&1
Imagine finding the perfect pair of shoes—great style, unbeatable comfort, and a price tag that doesn’t require a second mortgage. That’s IONOS/1&1 for us. Internally dubbed as our Signature Cloud Hosting, their solution has already helped us provide top-notch, flexible hosting services without breaking the bank. We build it how you need it, take care of the maintenance, backups, and updates. “You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it.”
Benchmark Growth
Have you ever thought about choosing a niche industry to build your services around? We have. Picture a conversation with Matt Banker as a masterclass in marketing. His new venture is geared towards helping our clients elevate their branding, marketing strategies, and more. Matt’s as much a marketing wizard as Harry Potter was a wizard… wizard. That reference didn’t quite work, but I’ll get the next one.
Still in the Works
Our partnership roster has some potential new first years. They haven’t quite made it to the sorting hat to figure out what house they’ll be in but stay tuned for updates on our collaborations with Karbon HQ, Keeper App, Firm360, and TaxDome. I’ll bet 10 Galleons that Keeper App is going to land themselves in Ravenclaw house. Do you have thoughts for a great partnership? Shoot us an email at communications@techguruit.com.
The Tech Guru Catalog
Ever wondered what hardware, services, or products Tech Guru provides? Or maybe you’re curious about the price tag on different projects? Fret not. We’re launching a catalog in Q3 that’s going to be your personal Tech Guru encyclopedia. We’re talking service packages, projects, hardware, and all the pricing details. It’s part of our vow to be as transparent as fresh cleaned glass.
In closing…
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. We’re here because of your support, trust, and feedback. So, here’s a virtual pat on the back to our invaluable clients, partners, and my amazing team at Tech Guru for making the first half of the year a roller-coaster of accomplishments.
As we venture into the second half of the year, we’re gearing up to bring you even more tech magic. Stay tuned for updates, and remember, we’re just a call or an email away if you need any assistance. Until the next newsletter, keep your tech hats on, stay safe, and keep on crunching those numbers!
All the best,
Joe Kessler
Robert’s Report
In our ever-evolving digital landscape, it’s more critical than ever to stay one step ahead of potential cyber threats. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to bring your attention to the invaluable benefits of Phishing Email Testing offered by PII Protect. This service simulates real-world phishing attacks, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities within your organization. Not only does it assess your current readiness against email-based threats, but it also helps improve your awareness and understanding of potential risks. Regular testing can ensure that you, your employees, and your sensitive data remain safe from harm.
A key aspect of online safety is maintaining a healthy skepticism when it comes to the emails you receive. We understand that as CPA’s and bookkeepers, you manage sensitive information daily, making you a prime target for cybercriminals. Should you receive an email request that seems unusual or suspicious, we encourage you to pause and think it through. Cybercriminals often rely on creating a sense of urgency to trick individuals into revealing sensitive data. Always verify requests for information or immediate action independently before proceeding.
Furthermore, we recommend using the ‘Email Analysis‘ button (pictured below) in your Outlook clients if you come across an email that raises suspicion.
This built-in tool can provide a quick and efficient review of your email’s safety level, allowing you to make more informed decisions about how to proceed. By adopting a more cautious approach to your email correspondence and availing yourself of these valuable tools, you can ensure the safety and security of your sensitive data. Remember, it’s not just about protecting information – it’s about safeguarding the trust your clients place in you.
–Robert Woulfe