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Connections That Matter
Connections That Matter is a business networking podcast featuring real stories of growth through relationships. Host Andrew Johnson interviews Northern Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners who share how strategic networking, trust, and referrals shaped their journeys.
You’ll learn practical insights on networking, referral marketing, and relationship-based business growth—plus the mindsets and habits that help local leaders build communities and businesses that last.
Connect with Andrew + Northern Colorado Networking Events
Want to meet our guests (and maybe be a future guest yourself)?
Upcoming Next Level Networking events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909
Connections That Matter
Make Friends, Not Just Returns: Networking Lessons from Tax Pro Richard Ross
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Richard Ross, Enrolled Agent and founder of Ross Professional Accounting & Tax, shares why relationships matter more than return on investment when it comes to business networking and referrals. From 41 years as a DJ to becoming a trusted tax professional in Northern Colorado, Richard explains how personality, accountability, and proactive tax strategy help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and grow with confidence.
Here is what we talk about:
🔹 CPA vs Enrolled Agent vs Bookkeeper — what’s the difference and why it matters.
🔹 Why waiting until Q1 to think about taxes puts you behind.
🔹 The easiest tax wins for small business owners (mileage tracking + bookkeeping).
🔹 Extension to file does NOT mean extension to pay.
🔹 “It’s easier to keep up than catch up” — staying ahead all year.
🔹 Networking advice: walk in like you already know everyone.
🔹 Why friendships create stronger referral pipelines than chasing ROI.
Why You Should Listen
🔹 Learn practical tax advice that saves time, money, and stress.
🔹 Understand how accountability and proactive planning protect your business.
🔹 Discover how real business networking builds long-term referral relationships.
🔹 Get insight into building a personality-driven brand in a compliance-heavy industry.
Businesses Richard Ross Recommends:
🔹 Ninoska (Residential Cleaning Professional) — Strong advocate, referral partner, and trusted collaborator who consistently connects Richard with quality clients
🔹 Local Property Managers & Trades Professionals — Richard highlights how mechanics, cleaners, and service providers often become unexpected but powerful referral partners
How to Contact Richard Ross:
🔹 Phone: 970-852-0990
🔹 Website: www.rossprofessionaltax.com
🔹 Instagram: @RossProTaxGuy
🔹 Facebook: Ross Professional Accounting & Tax
Timestamps:
0:15 – From DJ to tax professional: the transition story
2:02 – CPA vs Enrolled Agent explained
4:07 – Why tax planning can’t wait until Q1
6:41 – Extensions, penalties, and common tax misunderstandings
8:09 – Quick wins for entrepreneurs (bookkeepers + mileage tracking)
10:14 – Networking mindset: overcome shyness immediately
12:49 – Why relationship-driven tax service beats big-box firms
15:58 – Building referral relationships (Nanaska story)
18:34 – Ideal clients: solopreneurs and growing businesses
20:21 – “Your taxes don’t have to be taxing”