Going it alone isn't the power move you think it is

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By Janet Berry-Johnson | for Net Gains

If you've ever felt like you're building your firm on an island, juggling tax season, tech decisions and the occasional existential crisis, Logan Graf gets it. 

 As a CPA, founder of The Graf Tax Co. and founder of Counter, a 250+ member community built specifically for accounting firm owners, he knows firsthand how powerful it is to have a crew that just gets it. Counter is a space for firm owners who are frustrated with the traditional public accounting model and want to build something better: firms that are people-first, sustainable and proudly “counter” to the old way of doing things.

 Here, Graf shares why peer networks matter, how to find one that fits and what solo practitioners can do to get past the "I don't have time" hurdle. Spoiler: it's not about adding more to your plate. It's about making the plate lighter, with relationships, support, and skills that help small firm owners thrive.

Before you started Counter, what gaps did you see in existing communities for accountants and bookkeepers that you wanted to address?

There were already communities for accountants and bookkeepers, but it didn't seem like any were geared for aspiring or new firm owners.

What are the biggest benefits you see accountants gain from joining a peer network?

It's really nice to talk to others who have been there and done that so you can avoid making costly mistakes. It's also nice to have a support system to know that you're not alone in your struggles.

Not all communities are created equal. How can accountants and bookkeepers evaluate whether a peer group or membership is the right fit for them?

If you don't have a support system, I'd highly recommend looking for a community. Lots of communities are focused on a specific type of person, so it shouldn't be hard to find a group to fit in with.

For solo practitioners who are used to going it alone, what advice would you give for making the most out of joining a peer network without feeling like they’re just adding one more thing to their to-do list?

This is the difficult part: finding time as a business owner. You have to view the community as an investment and devote time to it every week. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense to be in one. If you want to improve, you have to make sacrifices somewhere and make time.

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The Net Gains is curated and written by Janet Berry-Johnson and edited by Bianca Prieto.