Posts By
Ian McManis

Ian McManis is the Co-Chair of the Blog Committee for the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM). He is a Marketing Senior Manager at Barnes Dennig where he is responsible for marketing technology, communications, and the strategic growth of emerging markets for the firm. Contact him at [email protected].

Start with the Foundation When Building Business Development

By Ian McManis / September 1, 2026

When accounting firms talk about business development, the conversation often jumps straight to tools, automation, and lead generation. But according to business development consultant Neil Barrow, many firms overlook the most important starting point: the fundamentals. In a recent Amplify podcast, Barrow provides practical advice for firms looking to build…

How the Chief Growth Officer Is Reshaping Marketing & Business Development in Accounting Firms

By Ian McManis / February 26, 2026

Across the accounting profession, the pace of consolidation, private equity investment, and service expansion is accelerating. In response, many firms are rethinking how they organize for growth. The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted this shift, noting that the industry is entering a period defined by mergers, capital infusions, and competitive…

Adapting for Growth: How the Marketer’s Role Evolves in an Expanding Accounting Firm

By Ian McManis / May 1, 2025

Growth is the goal of nearly every professional services firm — and in the accounting industry, that growth often comes through mergers and acquisitions. As firms expand, diversify, and increase their market presence, the role of the marketing team becomes not only more essential but also more complex. What begins…

Prepare for the Shift: How Google’s AI Overview will Impact SEO Strategies

By Ian McManis / September 27, 2024

By now, you’re probably growing as fatigued as I am of hearing about Artificial Intelligence (AI), the powerful shortcuts it will unlock, or the less savory side effects it may cause. While much of the focus has been on generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Jasper, and others, these are only…

How to Leverage Personalization in Email Marketing

By Ian McManis / July 1, 2024

With new marketing solutions and artificial intelligence bombarding us at every turn, personalization in email marketing has emerged as must-have. It’s not just a fleeting trend but a value-adding strategy that enhances communication and engagement with clients. Leveraging personalization correctly can lead to increased open rates and stronger customer relationships.…

Why a Marketing Defined Onboarding Process is Crucial to Client Experience

By Ian McManis / April 30, 2024

Historically, marketers within the accounting industry have not had to spend much time and resources getting involved with the client relationship. And why would they? Accounting professionals have long been successful with the traditional, relationship-based approach to client acquisition. Personal connections and the transactional nature of most engagements rendered an…

How Firms Use Intranets to Boost Employee Communication and Engagement

By Ian McManis / January 25, 2024

In the fast-paced world of accounting, where accuracy, communication, and collaboration are paramount, information is essential for firms aiming to maintain an effective and engaged workforce. We each spend hours a day drafting, reading, and responding to emails. A loaded inbox can be an inconvenience at best, and a downright…

Welcome to CPA Growth Trends — your source for information, insights, tools and best practices to drive growth within an accounting firm.

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Featured: Season 9 Episode 4

Beyond the Database: Building a CRM That Fuels Business Development

Nikki Burgeson | UHY-US

In this episode, Chris Camara speaks with Nikki Burgeson about the critical role of CRM systems in business development, particularly within professional services.