Why the Billable Hour Might Make a Comeback

The podcast explores the potential resurgence of time-based billing in accounting firms due to AI advancements. It argues that as AI commoditizes technical tasks, human expertise and time will become more valuable. Ryan Lazanis suggests that clients will pay a premium for strategic advice, judgment, and personalized relationships, rather than deliverables like tax returns, which AI can produce efficiently. He draws a parallel from his experience with RyanBot, an AI coaching clone, and a high-priced coaching program, noting that clients are willing to pay more for direct human interaction. He advises firm owners to identify the non-commoditized aspects of their work, experiment with pricing models that value their time, and focus on developing skills like empathy and strategic thinking.