Unpacking Ikigai: Our Takeaway from Xerocon and What Lies Ahead for SMB Consultants

As we transition from spring to summer, and the year-end buzz begins to build, here at SMB Consultants we have found ourselves in a reflective mood.

The recent Xerocon was a whirlpool of insights, but one keynote really struck a chord—William Buckley’s talk on the Japanese concept of Ikigai and the introduction of a ‘financial storyteller’. Ikigai is all about finding that sweet spot where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, converge. This got us thinking—how does Ikigai fit into the world of cloud integration that we navigate daily?

When Buckley took to the stage, his message was aimed primarily at ACCs and BKs, challenging long-held perceptions about the service they are offering and their value to their clients. One of the crucial points Buckley made during his presentation was about the changing role of accountants and bookkeepers and the preconceived notion of being a "financial custodian" is being redefined to that of a ‘financial storyteller’ while also extending to advisory services for clients.

But notably absent from Buckley’s presentation was a recognition of the cloud integrators like us who've been at the forefront of this evolution. It’s essential to emphasize, we’ve been on this path for a while.

Remember when the term "Cloud Integrators" was unheard of? When it seemed like a novel idea born in our Australian offices? It wasn’t just a title; it was a revolution we initiated, which then echoed its innovations into New Zealand and the UK. We have been pioneering advisory and transformative roles long before they became mainstream discussions.

Another aspect that the presentation seemed to overlook was the essence of collaboration in this evolving landscape of storytelling and advising. Drawing upon the analogy of the GP and the Specialist, we champion the idea of collaborative storytelling. In our narrative, every strategic partner—from clients to accountants to cloud integrators—holds a pivotal position, much like the indispensable roles a GP and specialist play in patient care. Why? Because the story of business growth and operational efficiency is better told together, with strategic partners, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

So, how is Ikigai transforming what we do here at SMB Consultants?

It has helped us to take stock of where our value lies and what our point of difference is. The core of our business is our expertise in inventory management, meeting the needs of our clients by offering advisory services that don’t just solve problems but add value, enhance operational efficiencies and drive business growth.

We’re not just evolving; we’ve evolved.

We've always viewed ourselves as more than advisors and our vision aligns with the ethos of Ikigai. We’re passionate about what we do, we excel at it, the world needs it, and yes, it's our profession. At the intersection of these, we find our purpose: transforming businesses. Our vision is clear – to be more than integrators, to be strategic partners with a transformative touch.

As we inch closer to the end of the year, Ikigai is not just a concept but a catalyst for us at SMB Consultants. It's helping us rediscover our purpose, refine our strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering services that transcend the conventional boundaries of cloud integration.

And as we continue to evolve, one thing is clear: our journey of rediscovering our Ikigai is just beginning, and we’re excited about the boundless possibilities ahead. Through our refined approach, we aim to not only fulfill our mission but also help our clients find their Ikigai in the complex, ever-evolving business landscape.