Read this first....then go to the link

The Honda Commercial

And you thought those people that set up roomfuls of dominos to knock over were amazing. There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in this film. Everything you see really happened in real time exactly as you see it.

The film took 606 takes. On the first 605 takes, something, usually very minor, didn't work. They would then have to set the whole thing up again. The crew spent weeks shooting night and day. By the time it was over, they were ready to change professions.

The film cost six million dollars and took three months to complete including full engineering of the sequence. In addition, it's two minutes long so every time Honda airs the film on television, they're spending enough money to keep any one of us comfortable for a lifetime.

However, it is fast becoming the most downloaded advertisement in Internet history. Honda executives figure the ad will soon pay for itself simply in "free viewing" (Honda isn't paying a dime to have you watch this commercial!).

When the ad was pitched to senior executives, they signed off on it immediately without any hesitation - including the costs.

There are six and only six hand-made Honda Accords in the world. To the horror of Honda engineers, the filmmakers disassembled two of them to make the film.

Everything you see in the film (aside from the walls, floor, ramp, and complete Honda Accord) is parts from those two cars.

The voice over is Garrison Keillor. When the ad was shown to Honda executives, they liked it and commented on how amazing computer graphics have gotten.

They fell off their chairs when they found out it was for real. Oh, and about those funky windshield wipers. On the new Accords, the windshield wipers have water sensors and are designed to start doing their thing automatically as soon as they become wet.

The commercial is truly a tribute to innovation and perserverance.

As Ronald Reagan once said,

"There are no great limits to growth because
there are no limits to human
intelligence, imagination, and
wonder."

The commercial is available for viewing at either of the following sites:

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/honda.php

http://www.steelcitysfinest.com/HondaAccordAd.htm

Change

My friend Ric Payne, founder of the Principa Alliance, says this about change:

If you're willing to change only if:

• It carries no risk
• Produces quick results
• Is inexpensive
• Will not offend
• Does not consume your personal time
• Does not require a change in your behavior

DON'T BOTHER!

GREAT SERVICE TAKES TWO

Recently, MSN City Guides featured an article reminding customers that they too play an important role in securing quality service when dining out.

The author, Zane Schmalzer, presents readers with six simple ways to ensure great service.

1. Communicate your goals for the evening to your server.
2. Make sure your server is aware of your food likes and dislikes, as well as any food allergies.
3. Expect the best, and trust the restaurant to provide you with a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Leave your memories of bad dining experiences at home.
4. Don’t be afraid to make special requests or to get clarification of menu items.
5. Be pleasant, and don’t for get to smile.
6. If something does go wrong, speak up immediately. Give your server and the restaurant a chance to make things right.

As I read the article, I couldn’t help but think; what if we substitute CPA and financial terms for server or restaurant and related restaurant terms?

As a customer, you need to let your CPA know what your service expectations are and whether or not they are being met.

As a service provider, your CPA has a responsibility to meet or exceed your service expectations.

Also, consider how to apply these same principles to your business when working with your customers.

To read the complete article, visit: http://cityguides.msn.com/restaurants/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3795099&page=1

And, why not send a copy to your CPA as well.

If the article is no longer available on MSN, please let me know. I will be happy to forward you a copy.

Taking Care of the Future

How well does your CPA tend to and nurture his/her own business?

The care and attention your CPA gives to his/her own business is a direct reflection of the care and attention that your CPA is willing and able to give to your business.

The next time you are visiting your CPA, take a look around. Look for positive signs that your CPA is giving attention to on-going and future operations of his/her business. Such signs include:

• Office environment and décor – Does your CPA maintain a neat and tidy work environment? Is the décor kept fresh and well maintained?
• Technology - Is your CPA aware of the latest technology available to increase efficiency in business? Does your CPA have a technology plan for his/her business? Has your CPA implemented paperless technology? Has your CPA established a Virtual Office, in order to make working with him/her easier?
• Continuing Education – What is your CPA’s attitude toward continuing education? Does he/she take the minimum required hours each year, and limit his/her choices to tax and accounting? Or, does his/her annual CPE hours far exceed the minimum requirement and include management, technology, leadership, and personal development classes?
• Corporate Culture – Does your CPA and his/her Team keep a professional appearance and dress style? Does your CPA and his/her Team appear to enjoy their work, the company they work for, and the customers they work with? Does your CPA have a vision and mission statement? Are these statements reflected in everything your CPA does?
• Leadership – Does your CPA have a succession plan? Does your CPA develop leadership skills among Team members? Is work properly delegated among Team members?

With this last concept in mind, the California CPA Society has created the Young and Emerging Professionals Conference (YEP). The conference is designed for CPAs licensed for 0 – 5 years, CPA candidates, accounting students and mentors. Future leaders of the CPA profession will be asked to challenge their thinking and experience professional growth at the conference. Speakers will be sharing their expertise in career development, networking, negotiating, and leadership. In order to make it easy for CPA firms to send their young professionals to the conference, the conference will be held one day in northern California and another day in southern California.

Forward thinking CPA firms with an eye towards enhancing their business and developing a strong successful firm for the future will be sending their young professionals to the YEP conference. Is your CPA sending his/her young Team members to the YEP conference?

To learn more about the YEP conference, visit: http://www.calcpa.org/yep.htm

To register for the conference, visit: http://www.educationfoundation.org/courses/courses_display.asp?Par_EventId=57123001&Par_EventYr=07

Another way to think about it…

Recently, Mega Millions reached an all time high of over $390 million. The winning couple from New Jersey were quoted as saying: “We are retired, effective immediately.”

If your CPA were to retire, effectively immediately, would you be left in good hands?

And on the flip side, what has your CPA done for you to ensure that if you were to retire effective immediately, your customers would be left in good hands?