The Marathon vs. Sprint Mindset: Key to CPA Partnership Success
The Two-Year Journey
When first attempting CPA partnerships in 2009, it took two full years to achieve meaningful results. While today's advisors can learn from past mistakes, one fundamental issue remains the biggest obstacle to success.
The Wrong Footwear Metaphor
Most advisors approach CPA partnerships wearing metaphorical "sprinting shoes" when they need marathon gear. This represents:
The Sprint Mindset
- Transaction-focused
- Quick results expected
- Short-term thinking
- Immediate gratification
- Regular wins needed
The Marathon Mindset
- Relationship-focused
- Long-term perspective
- Steady progress
- Sustained effort
- Strategic patience
Why 99% Fail
Most advisors fail to build successful CPA partnerships because:
- They expect sprint-like results
- Give up before reaching milestones
- Lack proper expectations
- Get discouraged without quick wins
- Misunderstand the journey's nature
Different Success Metrics
Success requires understanding:
- Different performance indicators
- Reasonable progress timelines
- Appropriate benchmarks
- Realistic expectations
- Long-term measurements
The Path to Success
To succeed in CPA partnerships:
- Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint
- Adjust performance expectations
- Learn from experienced practitioners
- Join supportive communities
- Maintain consistent effort
Remember: When you feel like giving up, recognize that's precisely when 99% of your competition will quit. Success comes from maintaining steady progress through the entire marathon.
