Unless something dramatic occurs, this will be my last post 0f 2009. I’m more tired than I’ve known in years and a wee bit of time away from the computer will allow me to get some much needed rest. Instead, I’ll be doing something I’ve not had much time to devote towards – cooking. As a bit of a foodie, it will be a complete change.
The year is ending at a frantic pace. Even as I am penning this, one contact is wrestling with a software licensing issue which hopefully will resolve itself satisfactorily. Another is trying to make a tough software selection choice. SaaS or on-prem? Despite my enthusiasm for SaaS, when push comes to shove, it’s not always an easy decision.
Casting around among friends and colleagues, 2009 will go down as one of the toughest in living memory. Many firms have been walking the same hard road as clients, trying their best to help while at the same time wrestling with their own issues. It’s not all been bad even though pretty much all the discretionary spending that existed in prior years has pretty much dried up.
For reasons known best to others, I’ve ended up appearing on four lists as someone who has some sort of influence – allegedly. I am always torn by these things. While it is nice to be recognized for the things you do, lists are often self selecting. Does anyone other than those who have a direct interest care about these things? I don’t know. But there is one aspect I find highly gratifying.
The other day I was mentioned on this list. I know a few of the others listed. I like the moniker they applied:
Dennis Howlett concentrates on innovation for professional accountants with a strong leaning towards the technologies that drive client value.
I’m glad that message has got across. More important is the fact that I am increasingly seeing similarities among accounting blogs, regardless of the writer or where they’re located. It seems that professional challenges and attitudes are pretty much universal. Where I think professionals have much to learn is in the area of practice marketing. Compared to our US cousins, the UK is a mile and more behind. I know for myself I have something of a downer on traditional marketing methods but then I see how new methods that augment the way we see client relationships have significant promise. This post from September provides insights I still find astonishing.
What else of note has happened? Despite the ongoing terminology and definitional debates, SaaS became a much more important element on the IT landscape. To the point where yet another correspondent recently asked whether there is client on-ramping service demand. Of course there is!! 2010 will see much more activity and attention to the business issues of importance to both professionals and their clients. I’ll be at the centre of those debates, making the case for the business user. 2010 will also see fresh ways for vendors to reach potential buyers. These new methods will undermine traditional froms of media and especially advertising.
Before this turns into a predictions post, I’d like to take a sideways step and give credit to ICAEW. Long time readers will know I’ve not been shy in dishing out harsh words where I think the Institute has been missing the point or the mark on specific issues. To its credit, ICAEW has been patient enough to listen and respond in a positive manner. I’m looking forward to good things coming out of ICAEW and especially IT Faculty in the coming year.
Finally, I’d like to thank all those who’ve read this blog, commented, Tweeted and riffed elsewhere on any of the 3,142 posts. It’s you folk that make this effort worthwhile and help keep the number of readers climbing. I hope you have a peaceful and restful time.
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