The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast

"It's like a garden. You're planting a lot of different seeds, and they're all going to grow at different rates. Don't forget to water!" -Kerri Thompson All too often we let the fear of losing our paycheck keep us stuck in the same jobs and the same patterns. Making changes to our situation can be difficult, but it becomes immeasurably easier when we realize we don't have to do it alone. Everyone that has ever achieved any kind of success, did so with the help and support of friends and mentors. Why should you suffer alone? When you surround yourself with the right people, people that support and motivate you, it becomes far easier to identify and follow the threads that will weave the tapestry of a successful career! Kerri Thompson, owner of Simpler Transitions, talks about the importance of Mental Fitness. How adjusting our negative thought patterns and behaviors leads to greater success. Highlighting the need to help people rather than just try to sell to them. When you can pause your negative thinking, it gives you the chance to lay a new path, a better and more successful one. One that will let you build a successful bookkeeping business with ease. During this interview, you'll learn… How mental fitness can shape your road map to success How to identify & overcome self-sabotaging thoughts The importance of finding the right support network Learn more about Kerri here. Contact her directly at Kerri@SimplerTransitions.com. Follow Kerri on LinkedIn. You can sign up for her 8-week mindset course at this link. Also, if you sign up for our Successful Bookkeeper Community portal (click here) then unlock our Successful Bookkeeper Summit recordings, you can access a chat with Kerri Thompson and Connie Kadansky about building your ideal business with positivity. Click this link to find the conversation. Time Stamps 1:50 - Kerri talks about her career journey 6:30 - Discovering our own unique ways of selling 10:00 - Planting the seed of connection 13:40 - Overcoming limitations 19:08 - Unlocking our potential 24:30 - Experimenting with mental fitness 37:25 - Developing Positive Intelligence One of our partners for this week's episode is Synder. It's a software solution that can save you from doing manual data entry from multiple sales channels, and automatically generate an accurate P&L report, balance sheet, and inventory management for your bookkeeping business needs. Use coupon code EASY BOOKS for up to 40% off. Learn more here.

"Are we putting something into motion that we wouldn't want to sit through?" –Scott Allen Tired of feeling like you aren't winning the best bookkeeping clients? It's time to take an honest inventory on the kind of impression you are presenting to them. Attention spans have never been shorter, and expectations have never been higher. You have to know what you want the audience to feel and do, and then communicate that message in a way that keeps it stuck in their minds. Scott Allen, an associate professor at John Carroll University who is also a communications coach, author, and entrepreneur. And Maria Soriano Young, a communications manager for the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, are this week's featured guests! Together they talk about the importance of planning for the right outcomes. How to design your first impressions, to win clients and leave your audience wanting more. If you are struggling to design attention grabbing presentations that keep people interested, this is the episode for you! During this interview, you'll learn… How to plan for the right outcomes by curating your client's experience How to ensure your message lives on in your client's mind The importance of a good first impression & how to make it last You can buy their book here. You can also read their blog and listen to their podcast. Check out Scott's socials: Twitter LinkedIn Maria's socials: LinkedIn Twitter Captovation's socials: LinkedIn Twitter Time Stamps 1:45 - Maria & Scott talk about their career journey 4:44 - What makes a good presentation 10:11 - Discussing the pitfalls of poor presentations 14:30 - Curating & presenting the right self-image 16:00 - Creating a background that speaks to your clients 23:00 - Audience centered design 28:40 - The keys to getting your message across 31:50 - Nurturing your relationships from start to finish 36:40 - Resources that can help you! One of our partners for this week's episode is Synder. It's a software solution that can save you from doing manual data entry from multiple sales channels, and automatically generate an accurate P&L report, balance sheet, and inventory management for your bookkeeping business needs. Use coupon code EASY BOOKS for up to 40% off. Learn more here.

"You can succeed in any economy if you have the right business model and the drive to make it work." -Bruce Gerstenfeld Making changes to your life is scary. But facing your fears and taking a chance has to be better than spending your life making money for other people, never really having time for yourself or your loved ones. It is never too late to make a positive change! Our failures are only failures if we don't act on and grow from the lessons they have to teach us. Take charge of your dreams by finding your passion. That self-motivating driving force that will propel you towards success. Bruce Gerstenfeld is a CPA and partner in Gerstenfeld and Company. On this week's episode, he talks about the importance of finding the story behind the numbers, and helping clients get command of their time, energy and intention to chase their dreams. During this interview, you'll also learn… How to turn your bookkeeping dreams into a reality How to manage career transitions, innovations & challenges The importance of taking command of your calendar Learn more about Bruce here. Email Gerstenfeld & Company at info@gerstenfeldcpa.com. Check out Bruce's socials: LinkedIn Facebook Time Stamps 1:40 - Bruce talks about his career move into bookkeeping 3:40 - Making the most of your time 9:00 - Finding your driving force 12:18 - Learning from our mistakes 15:40 - Managing career transitions 17:58 - Finding your passion 19:00 - Learning to command your calendar 24:30 - Facing the challenges of innovation 29:00 - Bruce talks about the value of Accelerate 2 Advisor 35:00 - Bruce talks about his love for Xero 42:50 - Investing in the right programs for you One of our partners for this week's episode is Synder. It's a software solution that can save you from doing manual data entry from multiple sales channels, and automatically generate an accurate P&L report, balance sheet, and inventory management for your bookkeeping business needs. Use coupon code EASY BOOKS for up to 40% off. Learn more here.

"You cannot cut your way to greatness." -Mark Wickersham Knowing your worth and setting prices that reflect that can be extremely challenging. Every new client you take on at the wrong price will make your life harder. If you are tired of working crazy long hours and still feeling like your financial security needs aren't being met, this is the episode for you. When we shift our mindset away from hourly rates and into value building, it can dramatically alter your business' profitably and future. Focusing only on what we can cut to make savings, is a limited approach in comparison to the potential for unlimited growth when we know what value we bring to our clients and price accordingly. Mark Wickersham, a chartered accountant, author and public speaker, discusses the importance of investing in ourselves to create value and opportunities by shifting our mindset to one of growth and possibility. Once you get focused on the best end result for your clients, you'll wonder why you were ever charging hourly in the first place. During this interview, you'll learn… How to increase sales rather than rely on cutting costs How to change your mindset from focusing on cost to a focusing on value The importance of getting your pricing right Learn more about Mark here. Use coupon code LAST25 to get 25% off your ticket for Mark's Profitable Bookkeeping Conference that begins on February 22nd. Visit this website for more details. Check out Mark's Socials: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram Time Stamps 1:47 - What drives profit 6:00 - The entrepreneurial mindset 11:00 - Investing in the right tools and training 15:40 - Pricing on value 21:25 - How do I grow my top line? 25:40 - The power of the price lever 28:50 - Overcoming the 'cost' mentality 32:10 - Building value for ourselves builds it for others 33:06 - The Profitable Bookkeeping Conference

"I don't have to take this client. I get to choose who I want to work with. And who is going to be a good fit for my business." -Beth Blaney We all want to build a better life for ourselves, one that gives us the freedom and flexibility to live the way we want to. When you live authentically, you generate authenticity in others. So much time is wasted chasing clients that aren't the right fit or trying to change ourselves to fit molds we weren't made for. If you are tired of feeling guilty about balancing your obligations, this is the episode for you. Beth Blaney, owner of BBA Bookkeeping, talks about her experiences breaking the mold, escaping traditional ideas of what a bookkeeper looks and sounds like, to create an incredibly successful business. Her message is one of empowerment, of being authentically you, and chasing your dreams. During this interview, you'll learn… How the right support systems can make or break your business How to empower yourself to find the right niche & clients for you The importance of liking what you do & putting the work in Learn more about Beth here. To book your FREE spot for the Accelerator Method Masterclass Series beginning on February 11th at 4pm Eastern, visit this website. Check out Beth's Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter Time Stamps 2:25 - Beth reflects on her bookkeeping journey 9:10 - Recognizing when it's time to grow 11:10 - Finding the right niche 15:20 - The struggles & breakthroughs 20:15 - Making the most of your natural talents 25:45 - Overcoming areas of challenge 27:15 - The journey to Accelerate 2 Advisor 33:30 - The benefits of Pure Bookkeeping 36:30 - Balancing work & personal responsibilities 43:00 - Manifesting destiny!

"These systems allow us to be better for our clients. Let's do it different, let's do it better!" -Emily Tarney Innovation can be challenging in the short term, but so worth it when you start to see results. When you are able to apply the right systems and processes, they free you up to focus on doing what you do best! Finding like minded people will help you learn and grow in a more supportive environment. Every bookkeeper has unique talents that are better applied to some clients over others. Making and retaining client relationships is about far more than a need for their business. It's about building connections that truly help serve your clients' purpose. Emily Tarney, creator, and head of Competitive Edge Business Solutions, talks about her vast experience in the bookkeeping industry and the importance of embracing change and challenging ourselves to do things differently. Her approach focuses on working passionately and purposefully to be more than just a bookkeeper. To be a champion of your clients' vision. During this interview, you'll learn… How to get comfortable doing things a different way by embracing innovation How to create a mindset focused on abundance, not scarcity and competition The importance of finding the right fit between bookkeeper & client Learn more about Emily here. To book your FREE spot for the Accelerator Method Masterclass Series beginning on February 11th at 4pm Eastern, visit this website. Check out Emily's socials: LinkedIn Twitter Time Stamps 1:33 - Emily talks about her career journey 3:50 - The obstacles of being an entrepreneur 4:30 - Emily reflects on her career milestones 7:30 - Accelerate 2 Advisor & Pure Bookkeeping 14:50 - Emily's advice for people questioning their business 19:24 - Planning our lives before others plan them for us 21:25 - Emily discusses her vision for the future 26:10 - How to engage with prospective clients positively! 31:10 - Finding the courage to keep going

"Does it need to be done right or does it need to be done by you?" -Jamie Van Cuyk Imagine what you might be able to accomplish if you surrounded yourself with the right people. Learning to let go of our desire to do everything ourselves, can unlock an organization's true potential. So many businesses struggle to find the right employees because their focus has become too narrow. Shaking the bonds of our set ways can be tough, but if we don't, we'll always be doing more than we need to. Jamie Van Cuyk, a small business consultant who owns Growing Your Team, talks about overcoming the challenges of hiring the right help, at the right time. Her approach enables businesses to let go of the idea that only they can maintain their processes effectively. Helping them instead to find the right people, which saves time, services more customers and increases profitability. During this interview, you'll learn... How to build processes you can trust while being open to innovation The importance of good training & trusting your employees to get it done How to let go, so your business can grow! Learn more about Jamie here. You can listen to her Growing Your Team Podcast at this link. Check out her socials: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Pinterest Time Stamps 1:14 - Jamie's Journey 3:40 - The struggles of hiring 4:55 - The difficulties of growing your team 7:10 - Learning to let go & trust your processes 12:33 - Getting out of our own way 13:40 - The Stair-Step approach 18:50 - Humility in the face of innovation 23:30 - Knowing the right time to hire 27:30 - Jamie answers the important questions 30:35 - Knowing the right person for you 33:00 - The pros & cons of personality tests 35:40 - The focus of Grow Your Team

"We are their shields and protectors." - Janet Mercredi By putting the right systems in place, financial security, fun and freedom are natural results. When you connect with others and learn to be open to guidance and support, successful business planning becomes much easier. Putting in the work is critical, but so is having a plan that sets systems working for you. Janet Mercredi, certified Profit First professional and business coach, talks about the action steps she put in place to overcome her insecurities, create a thriving bookkeeping business, and go on to coach others to achieve their dreams. During this interview, you'll learn... How to navigate the ups & downs of creating a successful bookkeeping enterprise How to design your own winning ticket for success The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and resources Learn more about Janet here. To book a call with her, click this link. To send an email, contact her at janet@jkmstrategies.com. Check out her socials: Facebook LinkedIn Time Stamps 2:00 - Janet's career journey 4:00 - A change in direction 7:11 - The search for a better way 9:18 - Janet talks about the positive shifts in her business 12:14 - Creating our own success 14:00 - Accelerate to advisor 17:51 - The up's and the down's 20:30 - Janet talks about the importance of connection 23:00 - From bookkeeping to coaching 29:20 - The entrepreneurial myth 33:00 - Janet talks about the rewards of her journey

Networking and sales. For any introverted bookkeeper, those two things can sound daunting and terrifying. This week's guest understands that because he's an introvert too, but he didn't let that stop him from achieving his greatness. Matthew Pollard, who is the founder and CEO of Rapid Growth LLC and the author of The Introvert's Edge To Networking, discovered that being an introvert didn't make him a second class citizen. He realized he had advantages over extroverts which ultimately made him a success. During this interview, you'll learn... The importance of having a sales system How having a niche & storytelling can help make selling easier Why bookkeepers should stop believing they need to be an extrovert to be good at networking & sales Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn. To learn more about him, visit his website. To get the first chapter of The Introvert's Edge To Networking for free, click here. Time Stamps 1:17 - About Matthew's career & his discovery that he could be an introvert & successful salesperson 14:01 - How introverts can survive in sales despite the belief that it's an extrovert arena 17:03 - The importance of having a networking and sales system 21:00 - Why you should differentiate yourself 21:48 - The power of storytelling when selling 34:46 - Don't make excuses, find a mentor & start learning

Welcome to 2022! We hope you had a great holiday season. This week we are revisiting our awesome panel of bookkeepers for part two of our Year-In-Review! We are joined by a terrific bookkeeping panel who will share what they have learned in 2021. They talk about what strategies worked, what strategies failed and what they will carry into the new year as they plan for the future. Our panel includes: Debbie Roberts - Co-Founder of Pure Bookkeeping & Co-Author of E-Myth Bookkeeper Julie Watson - Director of Bookkeeping Relief Business Services & Australian Pure Bookkeeping licensee Jessica Fox - Founder of Florida Virtual Bookkeeper & American Pure Bookkeeping licensee Teresa Slack - Co-Founder of Financly & Canadian Pure Bookkeeping licensee Katrina Aarsman - CEO of Pure Bookkeeping Australia During this interview, you'll learn... The best strategies & industry trends of 2021 What they have learned from failure & what they will bring into the new year Their envisioned plans for their businesses in 2022 Listen to The Successful Bookkeeper Year-In-Review Show! Part 1 here. Time Stamps 1:45 - Strategies that led to great results in 2021 5:54 - Failed approaches & what to do better in the year ahead 19:45 - Biggest industry trends 31:01 - Plans for their businesses in 2022