Meet: Lorra Brown!

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:
I’m Lorra Brown, the CEO and founder of LBE Consulting, LLC; with locations in Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia. I’ve been practicing accounting for about 16 years, with emphasis on small business, tax planning, and compliance for business and high net worth individual clients. Our firm is a full-service accounting, and tax firm dedicated to providing our clients with professional, and personalized service. I’ve been exposed to a variety of businesses and have an excellent knowledge of most industries.  My firm serves clients in a wide range of industries, including medium size manufacturing and construction companies, realtors, professional service practices, and non-profit entities. We are very committed to providing our clients with professional service and exceeding their expectations. 

I’m a contributor to EvanCarmichael.com, and the author of the Entrepreneurs New Business Kit published early 2016 this book was written to help entrepreneurs build a solid business foundation.  I’ve been interviewed and a featured guest on many radio shows and podcasts. I’m also a professional speaker and trainer. 

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
I always wanted to be an accountant and own my own business. While attending college, I very quickly realized that accounting was much more than just numbers, and that the profession had so much to offer.  I knew accounting was the right choice as I discovered I could specialize in various areas of interest to me.  

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit? 
The door is wide open! I would encourage those who are looking to pursue a career in accounting or own their own business to add some components to their education in entrepreneurial studies, marketing and public speaking. Accounting is far more than the standard accounting curriculum of what universities require. You must be able to leverage technology and stay up to date, being able to provide you clients with a personal experience. Accountants are more than numbers crunchers and you need to be able to display that value to your clients. Remember accounting is not only about math, it is about analysis, problem solving, and communication of concepts, it’s important to have all these skills.   The tax law is very vast and complex and you need to be able to solve problems and show your clients you’re able to change it for them. Seize the opportunities in accounting and tax the profession is unlimited.

Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it:
I had an issue of competing with unqualified accountants. In these times, it easy for anyone to create a website and start a business from home. I’m very much for entrepreneurship, when dealing with businesses and individuals I think you need to be able to perform the work. During my research I found that when it come to choosing an accountant to work with, only 8% of small businesses looked at the person’s qualifications. The accounting/ tax industry doesn’t have regulatory laws in place, unlike doctors or lawyers, anyone can perform bookkeeping or do taxes without any real formal training.  I dealt with businesses taking advice from those who were unqualified, representing taxpayers whose tax returns were filed incorrectly. I realized that receiving bad advice reflects badly on the whole profession. I decided to educate individuals and businesses on bookkeeping, accounting and tax issues. By doing this and always continuing to learn and being able to serve a changing industry, I’ve become a trusted advised to many. This has allowed me to grow my business and provide multiple services to clients and build a group of trusted advisors to assist our client’s needs. 

What is next for your brand/business in 2016?
Specializing in serving small and mid-sized businesses consulting services. This will allow clients revenue to increase 10 to 30 percent. These type of consulting services will allow businesses to grow and thrive in the future. They will be equipped with the roadmap for profitability and overall success. Business owners who are fully committed, will learn how to build a solid business. By becoming part of their team and working with them to make the necessary changes that will enable them to be ranked with the top profitable companies. 

How can readers connect with you online and through social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LorraBrownEnterprises
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brown_lorra
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lorra_brown
Website: www.lbeconsulting.com