You Don't Have to Be the Expert in Everything

Like you, my professional reputation lies in my ability to deliver. You deliver everything from historical financial data to financial, operational and technology advisory services (and much more). I deliver information, education, news and inspiration (and much more). But neither you nor I have to be experts in everything. And it is time we accept that fact. 

My musings started this morning after reading about the Robinhood data breach that resulted in the exposure of 5 million Robinhood user details when a hacker took advantage of a customer service representative. I initially began drafting an article about data security - both from the technical aspects of a data security plan to team training around data security. But I then turned to what I see as a more important topic. 

You don't need to be the expert in everything. 

You obviously need strong knowledge in your core services - bookkeeping, accounting, tax preparation, audit services, etc. And for some of you, that knowledge also needs to extend to advisory services. However, you simply do not need to know everything about everything. 

For me, I'm a competent bookkeeper, I was a very good executive assistant to Joe Woodard, and I'm becoming more skilled on a daily basis at writing and editing. However, I am not an expert in technology.

To be able to provide technology resources in The Woodard Report, we've connected with some of the sharpest minds out there. I've asked questions. I've learned what I can. I've followed suggestions. And most importantly, I recognize that there are times when I need an expert to step in rather than trying to be the expert myself.

It is okay to need an expert.

What does this mean for you and your practice? 

1. Continue delivering the services that you already do so well. 

2. Continue your education to be aware of changes pertaining to your current slate of services.

3. Expand your knowledge to become even more competitive in the face of disruptive threats to the profession.

4. Build an expert resource pool and ask those experts to step in when faced with something outside of your expertise. 

5. Listen to the recommendations of your expert resource pool as they pertain to you and your practice. 

You don't need to know everything to do something.

You must provide data security for your clients, regardless of the size of your practice, but you are not expected to be an expert in data security. You don't need to understand antivirus software, firewalls or encryption. What you do need to do is implement a data security plan and train your team on basic data security practices. 

We are providing a detailed step-by-step, how-to, actionable series of articles on building a data security plan following IRS recommendations. Starting with step 1, you can leverage expert advice to protect your clients, your practice and yourself.