87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action

In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our clients. Without strong soft skills, your advice can fall flat, no matter how accurate it is. I introduce the CORE framework — Connection, Ownership, Relationship, and Elevation — to help you build these skills intentionally and confidently over the next few weeks.Key Takeaways: 1. Connection is essential before advice can be heard. “Real connection happens long before a client follows your advice. It happens when they feel seen.” – Amanda C. Watts2. Encouraging ownership helps clients become confident decision-makers. “When you stop trying to give the right answers and instead start asking the right questions, something changes in your relationship with your clients.” – Amanda C. Watts3. Strong relationships transform transactional interactions into meaningful partnerships. “Relationships are built through presence and a relationship with a person. They are about showing up with curiosity and not your ego.” – Amanda C. Watts4. Elevation shifts clients’ mindset, helping them think bigger and act bolder.“You elevate how they see themselves. You help them think bigger, dream again, and make bolder moves.” – Amanda C. Watts5. Soft skills turn technical expertise into transformational impact. “Soft skills shift your work from informative to transformational.” – Amanda C. WattsWant more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...