From Start-up to Success in Four Years - Catching Up With Neil Criddle Part 1

Here’s an inspiring story for you… In under four years, Neil Criddle, starting as a sole practitioner with no clients, grew his accounting practice to an impressive 1.2 million pounds in revenue.

Not only that, his journey began just as the world faced a global pandemic, presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities.

In this blog, we’ll delve into Neil's strategic marketing efforts, personal branding, and the innovative approaches that propelled his rapid growth in the competitive accounting market.

Check out the full video where I interview Neil here.

Getting Started…

Neil's background in commercial finance involved leading teams at major corporations, yet starting his own accounting firm in January 2020 was uncharted territory, particularly with no prior practice experience. Plus, his venture began just as the COVID-19 pandemic introduced unforeseen complexities.

The initial months were daunting. Starting from scratch during a global lockdown, Neil navigated a period full of uncertainty and economic upheaval.

Transitioning from redundancy to entrepreneurship, Neil stuck to his vision, employing innovative strategies to steer through these challenging times. Let’s take a look at how he achieved such success:

Marketing and Growth Strategies

Neil's rapid firm growth hinged on strategic marketing and effective use of social media. Initially, he leveraged Facebook for local outreach, quickly establishing a client base and community presence. As his reputation grew, LinkedIn became more critical, attracting larger clients and more complex engagements.

Video content has played a crucial role in Neil's strategy. He posts regular, engaging videos to showcase his expertise and make finance relatable, setting him apart from traditional firms. This approach not only keeps his audience engaged, but also consistently generates new leads, fuelling ongoing growth.

The Role of Personal Branding

Neil’s personal branding effectively combines his professional skills with personal interests like Lego and heavy metal music, which distinguishes him from other accountants. This is such a great tactic, by sharing his personality, Neil is more relatable and appealing to clients who value a personable financial advisor.

On social media, Neil shares both finance insights and personal life snippets, which furthers his approachable image, building a loyal community. His authenticity not only attracts new clients but also deepens relationships with existing ones, demonstrating how personal branding can be a powerful tool for growth and engagement.

Adapting and Learning

Another key to Neil’s success is his commitment to adapting and learning, continually engaging with the community through educational activities and live streams. His willingness to share knowledge and learn from others has not only enhanced his professional skills but also solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the accounting field.

Neil is optimistic about the accounting profession's future, particularly in business advisory and AI technology to enhance operations and client value. His proactive use of new technologies underscores his commitment to leading industry trends with innovative solutions.

What Can We Learn?

Neil’s journey from a start-up to generating significant revenue is a great example of the effectiveness of combining strategic marketing with personal branding and a commitment to adaptability. His approach not only distinguishes his firm but also prepares it for future challenges and opportunities in the evolving accounting landscape.

Check out the full video on this topic for more on Neil’s effective strategies and insights.

Pro Tip:

Stay Engaged and Visible: Consistency in engagement is key. Whether it’s through social media, community events, or personal branding, maintain a regular presence. This helps build trust and keeps you top-of-mind among potential clients. Remember, visibility leads to opportunity.

If you found this valuable and would like to learn more about value pricing, I run a free live online training session every month with a topic chosen by you. Attend live and you can ask me any questions you have. Click here to register and I will send you an invitation to the next session.

Wishing you every success on your pricing journey

Mark Wickersham

Chartered Accountant, Public Speaker and Author of Amazon No.1 Best Seller “Effective Pricing for Accountants”