How to Get Started with EOS

Read Time: 5:00 minutes

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In the last issue, I introduced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and recommended it as a great framework for structuring and focusing on growing CAS in your accounting firm. Now, let's dive into how I suggest getting started.

Implementing a new system can feel daunting, especially when your firm is busy and constantly juggling priorities. But the good news is that EOS is practical and actionable, and when done right, it can lead to transformative change.

1. Start with Reading the Book (and Don't Go It Alone)

Before you start overhauling your entire firm's operations, you must understand what EOS is all about. This begins with reading the book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman. The book lays out the foundational tools and concepts of EOS. Trust me, this isn't some dry business manual—it's an engaging read that makes you think, "Okay, I can see how this would work."

I recommend picking a couple of leaders in your firm to read it with you. But here's the catch: less is more. Choose 1–2 leaders with the right mindset and open to new ways of thinking. The temptation might be to create a big group, but smaller is better. You can invite more people later, but it becomes hard to remove people once they are invited.

At this stage, the goal is to start generating internal buy-in. You want your leadership team to be intrigued, not overwhelmed. Setting it up as a "book club" is a great idea. Keep it informal but focused. Meet once a week to discuss a couple of chapters and start identifying areas in your firm that align with what you're learning. The discussions in these sessions hopefully spark people's excitement about EOS.

📢 Exciting news for small accounting firm owners! My friend Logan Graf has launched an incredible community specifically designed for those breaking away from the traditional CPA model—if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, check out Counter.

Seeing and talking to Logan about his community has inspired me to build something similar for those focusing on CAS.

2. Get to Know EOS Implementers

Once you've started the book club and your leadership team is on board with the general concept, the next step is to bring in the professionals—EOS implementers.

Find 2–3 EOS implementers in your area. (Side note: I plan on bringing in a former CPA friend who does EOS-like coaching to my community.) Most of them offer a free 90-minute consultation, which is a great opportunity to see how they might work with your team. Think of it as an interview. You're not just looking for someone who can recite the EOS playbook—you want someone who gets your firm, understands your challenges, and clicks with your leadership team.

I've had discussions with clients and colleagues who've mentioned that finding the right implementer made a huge difference in their EOS journey. An outside perspective can help keep the process on track, and it's much harder to ignore or sideline the system when there's a third party holding you accountable.

Plus, here's a bonus: these implementers are often well-connected and can become great referral partners for advisory work.

3. Consider a Professional Over Self-Implementation

Now, you might be tempted to self-implement EOS. I get it—it is more cost-effective, and you can move at your own pace. But, based on my experience, self-implementation usually doesn't go as smoothly as you'd hope.

Here's why: without a non-biased third party keeping everyone on track, things get off course. Having an implementer—someone outside your firm with no bias or baggage—helps keep everyone focused. They can keep the process moving and hold people accountable.

Again, it's that accountability factor that makes all the difference.

4. Implement One Tool at a Time

You've read the book, chosen an implementer, and now it's time to get to work. The best way to implement EOS is to start with one tool at a time. The EOS framework includes several tools, but I recommend starting with the Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO) and weekly Level 10 (L10) meetings.

The Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO)

Everything in EOS centers around the V/TO. It's the roadmap for your business that outlines your long-term vision and sets short-term goals to achieve it. Essentially, it's the "who we are, where we're going, and how we're going to get there" document for your firm. And the best part? It's simple—no need for 100-page strategic plans that gather dust on a shelf. The V/TO distills all the essential information down to two pages, so you can actually refer to it, revise it, and live it.

Level 10 (L10) Meetings

Once you have your V/TO, start holding L10 meetings with your leadership team every week. And I mean every week. No exceptions. These meetings are among the most effective formats I've seen for holding people accountable and getting things done. The structure of an L10 meeting ensures that everyone is on the same page, issues get resolved, and projects move forward. It eliminates those "we talked about this last month; why hasn't it happened?" conversations that seem to plague many leadership teams.

From my experience, firms that regularly hold L10 meetings see a noticeable uptick in productivity and team alignment.

Wrapping Up

EOS is a powerful tool for transforming your firm's operations, but it's not a magic bullet. It takes time, commitment, and a willingness to try new things. But the payoff is huge—a more aligned leadership team, more precise goals, and a system for getting things done. By starting with a small group, getting an implementer on board, and rolling out the tools one at a time, you can set your firm up for long-term success.

So, grab that book, assemble your team, and let's get started. You've got this!

Thanks for reading, Luke Templin!

P.S. There are two ways I can help you grow your CAS offerings when you are ready:

1. Join my How to Start Offering Advisory Services Cohort. The next one starts in January.

2. Cannot wait until January? Check out the pre-recorded version here.