If you run your own accounting practice and want things to be different in 2026, guess what?
You’re going to need to do some different things.
(Yes, yes — I know. Groundbreaking advice. But stay with me.)
This isn’t about grand gestures or sweeping reinventions.
It’s about practical shifts inspired by conversations I’ve had with dozens of sole practitioner accountants this year — including guests on my Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast.
Here are seven ideas that come up again and again.
1. Delegate more
Stop trying to do it all yourself.
You know it’s unsustainable — and yet you still cling to tasks that someone else could easily handle. Sure, they might not do it exactly the way you would. But would that be so terrible if it at least means you don’t have to do it yourself?
Start with one task you dislike and train someone else to take it over.
If you don’t have any employees, you can still delegate to a part-time self-employed support person, bookkeeper or outside contractor.
To help ensure they understand exactly how you want things done, record “how to” videos using Loom to record your computer screen and explanation. This way you only have to explain things once.
And ‘choose your battles’: if it frees you up for higher-value work, it’s worth letting go of the pursuit of perfectionism.
Delegate well, and you’ll free up more time and energy for the stuff that you enjoy and/or that actually grows the practice.
2. Sharpen your business skills
AI’s not a fad — it’s the new toolkit.
Whether or not you like ChatGPT, learning how to prompt it properly could soon be as important as knowing the VAT rules. More fun, too.
So block out time to learn new skills that aren’t just technical. Explore AI prompts, business strategy, pricing psychology, communication, marketing and other key business skills. Book at least one CPD session a month that stretches you outside your usual zone. And follow people who challenge you to think differently, not just those who echo the same old ideas.
The accountants who adapt fastest will thrive the longest. And the ones who learn how to adapt will lead the way
3. Focus your marketing efforts
Still posting on social media with no clear purpose? Still turning up to networking events that drain your will to live?
It’s time to stop doing random things that feel like “marketing” but don’t actually work. Especially if they are attracting the wrong kind of clients.
Reconsider your approach to random posts that only engage friends and others who already know you.
Look at what’s bringing in your best clients. Then do more of that. Sorry. I know that’s obvious – but sometimes we need reminding of the obvious!
Start by identifying your favourite clients and summarise every aspect that makes them a favourite. What stage is their business at? What size? What services do they need? What are their ambitions? What about their attitude and interests, their background and previous experience of accountants? And also, as it’s sometimes relevant, what business sector are they in?
When you have an ideal client avatar you can set aside a monthly “marketing power hour” to focus on content, connections or campaigns that speak directly to similar people — not just to your peers, pals and people around the world.
You don’t need more marketing. You need smarter marketing.
4. Spruce up LinkedIn
LinkedIn still works. But do not fall for the hype that suggested that new clients will magically get in touch if you: ‘post and ghost’ especially if you also have:
- an out-of-date profile pic,
- a simplistic headline that simply says you own an accountancy practice.
- an ‘About’ section that is more of is a vague CV full of generic phrases like “helping businesses grow”. And
- little evidence of your credibility, experience, style and approach.
It’s time for a refresh.
Start with a new photo that looks like you now. Update your headline so it reflects who you help and how. Rewrite your ‘About’ section using plain English, specific examples, and a tone that sounds like a human, not an AI large language model.
Then engage meaningfully with three potential referrers or clients each week. Comment on their posts. Start conversations. LinkedIn’s algorithm is far more generous to those who participate than to those who ‘post and ghost’.
If you want more specific help here, my next LinkedIn Results Masterclasses, just for accountants, are coming up >>>
5. Talk to more clients
Pick up the phone to ten of your best clients. Not to sell anything. Just to ask how they’re doing. And listen.
You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that fall out of those conversations. Upsells, referrals, goodwill… all of it starts with genuine interest.
If they’re not yet your clients, ask them what they wish their accountant would do. Make notes. Then follow up with a short personalised email that reflects what they said, and what you’re doing about it.
This isn’t a sales strategy. It’s a relationship strategy. And relationships are what attract clients and keep them loyal.
6. Ditch bad clients
Most accountants can name their three worst clients without much effort ;-(
The toxic time-wasters. The rude ones. The unreasonable ones. The time-wasters. The late-payers. The ones who never send what you need — or send it three days before the deadline and expect a miracle.
You know who they are. It’s time to let them go.
Write that liberating “Dear John” email now so it’s ready when you need it. Or rehearse the conversation you’ve been putting off for months.
And while you’re at it, set new minimum fees and service standards. This will make it easier to filter out the wrong clients before they get through the door.
Imagine what a relief it will be to move on and to have more time for decent new clients who respect your boundaries and value your work. You’ll sleep better too.
7. Make space for strategy
Most accountants don’t “find” time for strategy, because it always feel less important than urgent client work.
So stop waiting to find time. Book it in, ring fence it and defend it. It’s a meeting with your most important client… YOU!
Set aside half a day every quarter to step back from delivery and think big. Use that time to review your client base, pricing, positioning and goals — not just your to-do list.
And if you want support to think more clearly, bounce ideas or ask better questions, do it alongside someone who gets your world. That might be 1-2-1 mentoring, or a session with other like-minded accountants in the Sole Practice Club.
Strategy isn’t a luxury. It’s the lever that lifts everything else.And it helps make dreams come true. Setting out your ambitions is one thing. Identifying the actions you’ll need to take to make them a reality is absolutely key.
Conclusion
Even adopting just two or three of these could spark real momentum for you in 2026.
Especially that last one.
So, which one hits home hardest for you?
Or are you absolutely certain that 2026 will be magically different while you keep doing all the same things?
If any of this rings true, let’s talk. Whether you want tailored mentoring, a supportive online community, or some focused LinkedIn support that actually works for accountants (not just generic marketing fluff), I’ve got you covered.
