Don’t get lost in your own business

Richard Brewin • April 30, 2019

It’s sad just how many caring, hard-working accountants (and their clients) end up lost within the frustrations of their own firms. The vision and energy of start-up have been replaced by the stress and compromise of “too much to do and not enough time to do it”. A common thread through many of these is […]

It’s sad just how many caring, hard-working accountants (and their clients) end up lost within the frustrations of their own firms. The vision and energy of start-up have been replaced by the stress and compromise of “too much to do and not enough time to do it”.

A common thread through many of these is a blurring of the firm’s true identity brought about by a dimming, or even loss of the owner’s vision, values and beliefs.

Without clarity of vision and values, an entrepreneurial business becomes just a job, and few people set up their own firm simply because they want to do a job. Instead of being driven by purpose, the business becomes a reaction to workload.

Failing to share your vision, your values, what matters to you, with your team, client and network, only feeds a lack of understanding about your business and makes it harder to work with and attract the right people and clients.

Such things are, of course, personal to each and every one of us. The only vision that is right to you is the one that you believe in.

So, purely in a spirit of collaboration, and in the hope that it may encourage some of you to give more thought to your own approach, here is our vision and the 5 rules that we live by and share at ProgressBB:-

Our vision is to help caring, hard-working accountants in practice to re-discover their mojo and, through that, to help their clients re-discover theirs. We want accountants to be seen, respected and valued in their true light. The rules that drive us are then these:

  1. Show your passion
  2. Be true to your beliefs
  3. Be consistent with your actions
  4. Be decisive with your thoughts
  5. Always have time

These are shared with every client, at every Mastermind Day and with all those who work with us. Those who ‘get it’ are great people to work with. Those who don’t, well it’s not meant to be, and that’s fine.

Nothing Is Successful Without Enthusiasm: Why It Matters More Than Ever in Accounting

By Richard Brewin • October 30, 2025
In a world where technology, standards, and client expectations are constantly changing, one thing remains timeless: enthusiasm . As accountants, we’re known for precision, professionalism, and integrity — but without enthusiasm, even the most talented team can fall short of its true potential. As the saying goes, “Nothing is successful without enthusiasm.” And in today’s accounting profession, that’s more relevant than ever.  Here’s why enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels success — both individually and collectively.

The Heart of the Profession: Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever for Accountants

By Richard Brewin • October 24, 2025
We live in a world that feels more uncertain by the day. Small business owners are juggling rising costs, changing markets, and constant pressure to do more with less. For many, it’s not just about keeping the business afloat — it’s about holding onto a dream.  And in the middle of all this change, accountants have a quiet but powerful role to play.

Time to coach

By Richard Brewin • October 17, 2025
We’ve always been the steady hand, the voice of reason, the trusted advisor. Coaching simply helps us do that better — with more empathy, clarity, and connection. Explore the new Accountants Coaching Community, launching now in Australia and the UK.