Santa Barbara, CA (ContentDesk) February 8, 2006 -- February is the traditional kick off of tax season. As soon as people start receiving their tax documents people begin thinking about getting their refunds as quick as possible.With taxes on the minds of everyone, now is the best time CPAs and Accountants to enter the marketing conversation. "Let's face it, it's time to make hay while the sun is shining," says David Rachford, owner of the CPA Marketing Center in Santa Barbara, CA."Local CPA's and Accountants need to turn up the competition against the rival franchise operations like H & R Block." states Rachford. "They're doing innovative things like a "refund lottery" where customers can double their refund with a scratch off ticket. It's certainly a way to make filing more fun."Rachford adds,"For smaller pratitioners, I recommend guerilla tactics like seeking publicity or media attention from local sources.

Publicity is an inexpensive alternative to advertising."Failing to enter the marketing conversation during peak season is a very common error. "Accountants think that they are too busy during tax season to market; just the opposite is true. It's crazy not to market," says Rachford. "Not marketing during tax season is like not having a salesperson on the floor during your biggest sale. It's crazy not to be out there."Rachford says, "the best way to market during tax seaon is to develop systems for generating and handling the leads.

With the right marketing systems, accountants will have time to get the work done and build long term equity in the firm." About David RachfordDavid Rachford is a practicing CPA and founder of the CPA Marketing Center in Santa Barbara, CA www.cpamarketingcenter.com (805) 683-8888..