Accounting and Investment Empire
Confidence and First Impression Matters
Ten years ago, two young guys decided it was time to start building their own empire, Richard Coetzee and Konrad Lightfoot, knew that their accounting degrees and SAIPA memberships would be key in starting their accounting firm as not many business owners would take them serious because of their age.
Their relentless passion and dedication were inspirational to new clients (perhaps reminding them of their own aspirations when they first started out!) The youngsters did not want to be ‘just another accounting firm,’ they wanted to be the leading example locally of what proper accounting and effective support a.k.a financial comradery could mean to a business owner.
The name ‘El Imperio’ translates to ‘The Empire’ from the Spanish language. Their mission was to build an empire by starting an accounting firm and then extending it to include other investments.
Richard and Konrad knew that not every business could afford an in-house accountant and that directors of large companies did not always have time to travel for meetings and often prefer having an accountant that consults and even works on site. They also knew that having access to a professional advisor at the right time could be vital to any business when making decisions that grow or alter their business.
They shaped El Imperio Accountants in a unique way to provide a personal service by giving advice from an accounting perspective as well as personal experience; they consulted clients at their business premises to gain a better perspective of their client’s environment; they offered management of internal financial departments to ensure that the business operated as effectively as possible.
They were always 100% convinced of the value of their service. They knew that it was paramount that businesses have access to a professional accountant and that with a solid accounting system in place, one that reflected true and relevant information, no matter what life might throw at a client the business owner would be able to make the right decisions.
As the firm grew, they realised that their clients had a need for the same comradery in other related services. Enter El Imperio Properties and El Imperio Life. These sister companies were created to assist clients with a wide range of services with the same business model. Property offered clients comradery with all their property needs – from management of body corporates to assistance with the monthly rental units. The Life comradery services include Trust administration, drafting of wills and estate planning.
More recently these relentless entrepreneurs started an investment company that they enjoy immensely and it allows the means to expand their empire further. Taking carefully calculated risks and embracing their accounting knowledge and experience, they are proof that our country still has opportunities for those who really want it.
Their advice to business owners and specifically accounting firms is that first impressions matter. If you look professional, you are perceived as being professional and immediately have your client’s attention. They retain the old-school practice of wearing a long-sleeved cotton shirt and tie every day when consulting clients. Why? Because it gives them that edge above the rest. It commands the client’s attention and portrays them as professional. Statistics show that professionals who ditch the tie do so to their own detriment.
Their other advice is that confidence is key. Entering a meeting with confidence creates a good impression. Consistently displaying confidence reassures the client and allows them to put their confidence in you.
The last piece of advice is one thousand days. Yes. Survive the first 1000 days and you will most likely succeed. It takes time to establish a new business – it will not all be sunshine and rainbows.
- Experience is the biggest asset an owner can bring to his business. Especially in uncertain times like these when it feels like everything is falling apart.
- Change with the times but do not forget all the lessons you learned in past days. Experience will always be relevant if you apply it correctly.
- Knowledge is powerful. If you do not know something inform yourself from the correct sources.
With the first 10 years behind them and a lifetime ahead they have learned that balance in both life (and accounting!) is a key ingredient to success. As proud members of their community they would like to encourage business owners in this exceedingly difficult year not to lose hope. And. should you have to start your business again from scratch, remember that you are not starting with nothing. You are starting with experience!
Cheers, to 10 years!
By Michanette Lightfoot