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4 Key Takeaways from Rootworks Inspire 2017

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Last Updated September 1, 2023

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We’ve packed up and said goodbye to sunny Sarasota…until next year. Another unforgettable Rootworks Inspire Conference in the books! From the outstanding staff and hospitality at the Ritz, to the insightful and inspiring keynote presentations, Darren Root and his team truly outdid themselves. And those cookies…who could forget those cookies?

This week we had the pleasure of connecting with so many engaged firms, their dedicated staff members, and an impressive lineup of influential keynote speakers.

The Big Shift

Darren Root, CEO of Rootworks, kicked off the conference introducing The Big Shift. He brought to light the importance of staying relevant and not getting left behind in times of change. He also recognized that customer expectations are changing, and quickly. The average consumer is looking for an experience that is simple, friction-less, and anticipated.

Cybersecurity: It’s Worse Than You Think

You should have seen the look on everyone’s faces when Brad Wheeler, Indiana University CIO, addressed the shocking truth about cybersecurity. He explained that the password rules you’ve been following for years may not be as secure as you thought. The rules have changed, The National Institute of Standards and Technology encourages people to use passphrases rather than words. When it comes to security, length matters more than complexity. There are motivated malicious attackers out there who have made a career of our mistakes. Don’t make it easy for them!

Creating a Passionate Culture and Staffing in Today’s Accounting Firm

Randy Nail, CEO of HoganTaylor, reminded us of the importance of creating a culture and set of values your firm can stand behind. When Nail came on board at HoganTaylor he was dealing with an identity crisis. Their mission statement, at the time, was one he could not connect with. Without a clear mission and value set, how do you know where you are going or how to get there? After spending some time focusing on the firm, Nail helped HoganTaylor identify a mission statement that spoke to everyone.
Nail left us with some reassuring words, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Check in with your firm and make sure you are operating as one, with a clear vision.

4 Key Takeaways
  1. Technology is advancing, and times are changing at record speeds, don’t get left in the dust!
  2. Create passphrases rather than passwords.
  3. Ask yourself if your mission statement something that you can stand behind.
  4. Big cookies make accounting professionals VERY happy!

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