Why Every Local Business Should Consider Hosting an Open House

By Nedda Lemman, Lemman Tax Accountant

When you think about promoting your business—especially in fields like taxes, accounting, or bookkeeping—hosting an open house might not be the first idea that comes to mind. But after hosting my recent open house at my office in Neosho, Missouri, I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. It was meaningful, energizing, and deeply rewarding for both my clients and my community.

Whether you run a professional services business like Lemman Tax Accountant or any other local company, an open house is one of the most impactful, personal ways to build trust and connection.

1. It’s a powerful way to serve your clients and your community.

In the tax and bookkeeping world, people often come to you with stress, questions, and deadlines on their minds. An open house flips the script.

It becomes a warm, welcoming moment where clients can simply stop by, say hi, enjoy refreshments, and feel seen as people—not just appointments or numbers on a calendar.

In a digital-heavy industry like taxes and accounting, a real-life connection stands out and builds long-term loyalty.

2. Your clients get to network with one another.

One of the most surprising and delightful parts of my Neosho open house was watching clients meet and connect with one another.

Many of them are small business owners themselves, so giving them a space to network—whether about financial questions, marketing ideas, or local opportunities—felt like an unexpected gift.

Your office becomes the hub that brings people together.

3. It’s a great opportunity to hire out and highlight local vendors.

Supporting local is at the heart of small-town business—and an open house lets you do exactly that.

From food and decor to photography and entertainment, hiring local vendors not only elevates your event but also strengthens relationships within your community. As a tax accountant, I regularly see firsthand how supporting small businesses impacts the local economy. Hiring local vendors for your open house is one more way to give back.

4. You get to spread good cheer—any time of year.

Yes, open houses are magical during Christmastime, but they’re just as impactful during tax season kickoff, mid-year check-ins, or “we survived April 15” celebrations.

Any moment can be a good moment to spread positivity and show appreciation to the people who trust you with their taxes, bookkeeping, and financial wellbeing.

5. It strengthens your brand in a personal, human way.

When someone walks into your office, meets you face-to-face, and sees where their documents are handled, it builds confidence and connection.

Whether you run a tax office in Neosho or a boutique downtown, an open house gives people a chance to engage with your business on a deeper level.

The experience becomes part of your brand—and it’s one they’ll remember when tax season rolls around.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever considered hosting an open house, let this be your sign. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. What matters most is the heart behind it: serving your clients, supporting your community, and opening your doors—literally—to connection.

As someone who works every day with taxes and bookkeeping, I can say firsthand that the most powerful trust-builder is simply showing up for people. And an open house does exactly that.