In this episode of Amplify, host Cassy Clayman speaks with Neil Barrow, founder of Enabled BD, about the intricacies of building a business development function within accounting firms. They explore the common challenges firms face, the importance of tracking and marketing, and how technology, including AI, can enhance business development efforts. Neil emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards growth and accountability, highlighting the role of leadership in driving change. The conversation provides valuable insights for firms of all sizes looking to improve their business development strategies. Guest: Neil Barrow | EnableBD Host: Cassy Clayman | Topel Forman

In this episode of Amplify, host Cassy Clayman speaks with Adam Klein about the importance of customer intelligence in the accounting profession. They discuss how data and intelligence tools can enhance client relationships, the evolving tactics in business development, and the challenges of data fragmentation. Adam emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with clients and the role of technology, including AI, in streamlining processes. The conversation highlights the significance of leveraging relationships and data for growth, as well as practical steps firms can take to improve their customer intelligence. Guest: Adam Klein | Introhive Host: Cassy Clayman | Topel Forman

In this conversation, Mike Jones discusses the importance of personalizing client communication, especially when introducing new service lines. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and relational messaging, cautioning against relying solely on generic templates provided by tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Instead, he advocates for practitioners to infuse their unique insights and knowledge about their clients into the messaging to foster stronger relationships. Guest: Mike Jones | Kindred BD Host: Cassy Clayman | Topel Forman

In this conversation, Rob Brown emphasizes the critical role of visibility and credibility in modern leadership. He discusses how professionals must be active and intentional in their public presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, to build trust and establish themselves as credible leaders. Brown highlights that visibility is not just beneficial but essential for success in today's professional landscape. Guest: Rob Brown | Accounting Voices Host: Chris Camara | Camara Communications

In this episode, Chris Camara speaks with Nikki Burgeson about the critical role of CRM systems in business development, particularly within professional services. They discuss the essential features of effective CRM tools, strategies for driving adoption among busy professionals, the importance of pipeline visibility, and how marketing can leverage CRM data to enhance outreach and campaign effectiveness. Nikki shares valuable insights from her experience in customizing CRM systems and emphasizes the need to demonstrate the value of CRM to leadership as a tool for risk mitigation and client relationship management. Guest: Nikki Burgeson | UHY-US Host: Chris Camara | Camara Communications

In this episode of Amplify, Chris Camara speaks with Brian Blaha who discusses how accounting firms can scale business development by aligning firm leadership, building structured BD teams, and using CRM and data to track pipeline performance and identify growth opportunities. He emphasizes that while technology and tools like buyer-intent data, dashboards, and AI can make sales processes more efficient, they must support — not replace — strong relationships and human judgment. Ultimately, successful growth strategies combine data, structure, and digital tools with the human skills of relationship building, industry expertise, and emotional intelligence. Guest: Brian Blaha | Winding River Consulting Host: Chris Camara | Camara Communications

Amplify: Season 8 Episode 1Redefining Growth From the Inside Out Live from AAM Summit 2025

In an episode packed with actionable ideas, fresh perspectives, and real-world exampls of how accounting firms are redefining growth in 2025, Mike Jones and Sam Pagel sit down with some AAM attendees in May 2025.

• Keith Ferrazzi shares how "teamship" breaks down silos and fuels firmwide collaboration.
• Jason Blumer discusses intentional scaling and the structures service businesses need to grow with purpose.
• Kristen Lewis explains how her team transformed marketing operations with Monday.com.
• Mark Jamnick reframes business development by shifting the mindset from selling to caring.

If you're ready to rethink how your firm grows, collaborates, and serves clients in 2025, this is the episode you won't want to miss.

Amplify: Season 8 Episode 4The Rise of the Modern Marketer Live from AAM Summit 2025

From solo marketers to DEI champions, today's accounting marketers are redefining their roles—mentoring, upskilling, and becoming internal influencers who drive change. In this episode of Amplify, recorded live at the AAM Summit, we explore how modern marketers are expanding their impact across firms.

You'll hear from:

• Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk on the MOVE Project, DEI leadership, and talent insights
• Cassy Clayman on building capacity and influence as a marketing team of one
• Jeremy Shen on using data and reporting to enable behavioral change and growth

If you're ready to move beyond traditional marketing and become a strategic force in your firm, this conversation is for you.

Amplify: Season 8 Episode 3The Story Only You Can Tell Live from AAM Summit 2025

Great marketing isn't about spin — it's about proof. In this episode of Amplify, recorded live at the AAM Summit, we explore how firms are building credibility through storytelling, testimonials, brand voice, and positioning. From showcasing client success to crafting authentic narratives, these conversations reveal why the strongest differentiator is the story only you can tell.

You'll hear from:

• Joe Kovacs on leveraging testimonials and local SEO to boost trust
• Kelsey Brewer on using podcasts to create human connection and transparency
• Jeshanah Fox on leading a rebrand that sparks cultural change and client confidence
• Chris Camara on messaging CAS services through real client pain points

If your firm is ready to move past jargon and show clients the story only you can tell, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Amplify: Season 8 Episode 2The AI-Ready Firm Live from AAM Summit 2025

Artificial intelligence isn't a distant future—it's here, reshaping how accounting firms operate today. In this episode of Amplify, recorded live at the AAM Summit 2025, Mike Jones and Cassy Clayman sit down with industry leaders to explore what it means to become an AI-ready firm.

You'll hear candid insights from marketers who are moving beyond the hype and operationalizing AI to support marketing and business development:

• Alice Grey Harrison on forming AI committees and building strategy
• Josh Woods on leveraging HubSpot, CRM adoption, and smart automation
• Mike Jones on using technology to scale business development and deepen relationships
• Laura Metz on repurposing content and layering AI tools for maximum impact

Whether you're curious about automation, governance, or how to make AI work for your firm without overwhelming your team, this conversation delivers actionable ideas and real-world examples.