Description:In this episode of the MediaBooks Podcast, host Kristen Corey breaks down the three key things you should consider before hiring a creative, whether that’s a website designer, marketing professional, or branding expert. As accountants and bookkeepers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by flashy pitches or high-priced offers. Kristen shares how to make smart, confident decisions so your investment in marketing for accounting firms delivers real value.---Key Takeaways1 - Know your goals before hiring a creative so you don’t waste time or money.

2 - Evaluate their process to make sure it’s transparent and aligned with your needs.

3 - Focus on value, not hype — the right creative will help you grow without the gimmicks.---Timestamps

0:00 – The Client Story & Creative Block

0:27 – Welcome & Episode Intro

1:30 – Why This Topic Matters

3:00 – The Problem in the Creative Industry

5:00 – Consideration #1: Define Your Goals

7:00 – Consideration #2: Evaluate Their Process

10:00 – Consideration #3: Focus on Value

13:30 – Closing Thoughts---Relevant Links* MediaBooks Website: https://www.mediabooksagency.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-corey/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediabooksagency* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.corey.MB/* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mediabooksagency

Episode Description:

In this episode of The MediaBooks Podcast, Kristen Corey shares her fresh, behind-the-scenes take on Scaling New Heights 2025—recorded right from her hotel room after breaking down her booth. She dives into what worked, what surprised her, and why conferences aren’t just about leads—they’re about partnerships, networking, and building real relationships. If you’re an accountant or sponsor considering attending a conference, you’ll find actionable tips, firsthand lessons, and a candid look at what makes Scaling New Heights unique.

Key Takeaways:

1. Partnerships often lead to more clients than direct leads—don’t underestimate networking with other vendors.

2. Arrive a day early to settle in, explore the venue, and avoid feeling rushed before setup.

3. Scaling New Heights is highly organized, with set vendor hours that help attendees focus on either sessions or networking without FOMO.

4. Face-to-face conversations with decision-makers are invaluable, especially if you want to build strategic partnerships.

5. Plan your swag carefully—many sponsors overestimate quantities (Kristen learned this the hard way with leftover gum!).

Timestamps:

00:00 – 00:30 | Partnerships Over Leads – Why great collaborations often lead to better opportunities than direct conference leads.

00:30 – 01:06 | Welcome to the Media Books Podcast – Kristen introduces the episode and sets the stage for her conference review.

01:06 – 02:36 | First Impressions & Prep Work – What it was like preparing as a sponsor, from webinars to checklists.

02:36 – 04:20 | Arriving at the Conference – Lessons learned about when to arrive and why showing up early matters.

04:20 – 06:23 | Venue & Location Highlights – Marriott World Orlando Resort perks, Disney Springs dining, and why the location is great for families.

06:23 – 07:48 | Conference Organization – Structured vendor hours, session schedules, and attendee flow.

07:48 – 10:22 | Networking & Partnerships – The value of connecting with vendors, unexpected elevator conversations, and why in-person chats beat emails.

10:22 – 11:05 | Non-Linear Path to Clients – Why partnerships can be a hidden pipeline for new business.

11:05 – 12:19 | Overall Conference Experience – The fast-paced week, inspiring sessions, and vendor interactions.

12:19 – 14:11 | Community & Networking Opportunities – Lanyard badges, first-time attendee pins, and building meaningful relationships.

14:11 – 15:06 | Final Thoughts & Future Content – Kristen shares her plans for more conference tips and invites questions.

15:23 – 16:00 | Media Books Services – Quick breakdown of Media Books’ web design, audit, and advisory services.

Relevant Links:

Work with MediaBooks: https://www.mediabooksagency.com/

Follow Kristen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-corey/---

Description:In this episode of the MediaBooks Podcast, I chat with Yuri Kapilovich, also known as The Fun CPA. Yuri shares his journey from running a New Jersey-based accounting firm to becoming a social media advocate for making accounting fun, approachable, and sustainable. We dive into his new mentorship initiative, Mentors Count, and discuss how accountants can grow their careers through community, soft skills, and meaningful engagement with the profession.

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship changes careers – building relationships with experienced professionals helps accountants grow faster and avoid burnout.

2. The accounting profession needs better soft skills training – technical skills get you hired, but communication and leadership keep you moving forward.

3. Accountants should embrace community and fun – building relationships and enjoying your work keeps you motivated and attracts great talent.

🔗 Relevant Links:

Connect with Yuri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykapilovich/

Follow The Fun CPA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefun_cpa/

Check out Mentors Count: https://mentorscount.com/

⏰ Timestamps

0:00:09 – Introduction & Meet Yuri Kapilovich

0:01:36 – Yuri’s Journey Into Accounting & Mentorship

0:03:04 – Running a Firm & Balancing Life

0:04:29 – Getting First Clients & Unique Marketing Opportunities

0:05:54 – The Helicopter Event Story

0:07:12 – Taking Risks in Marketing Your Firm

0:08:39 – Setting Up His First Booth

0:10:12 – Networking & Building Relationships at Events

0:11:39 – The Power of Brand Awareness

0:12:57 – Mentorship, Soft Skills, and the Future of Accounting

0:14:22 – Social Media’s Role in Accounting

0:15:41 – Growing a Personal Brand as an Accountant

0:17:02 – Advice for New Accountants Entering the Profession

0:18:30 – Creating a Fun & Engaging Firm Culture

0:19:55 – The Importance of Work-Life Balance

0:21:18 – Mentors Count: Building a Mentorship Community

0:22:44 – Developing Soft Skills for Career Growth

0:24:10 – Long-Term Vision for the Accounting Profession

0:25:40 – How to Find the Right Mentor

0:27:03 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Yuri