The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast

Ask questions. Some bookkeepers don't do this when working with clients. As a result, they are missing out on an incredible opportunity to not only help their customers grow their businesses, but they lose the chance to become a powerful asset to them in the process. Our guest, Angela Meharg, who owns Datisfy which helps business owners receive custom QuickBooks reports, feels bookkeepers should increase their value by digging deeper and truly getting to know what their clients' needs are. During this interview, you'll learn... Why you should research the industry your customer is in and find out the things that are typically measured The crucial questions to ask your client that could be the key in solving their major problems and catapulting them to greater success Why you must send a monthly email to your customer detailing how you've gone over and above to assist them To find out more about Angela, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/.

You're not alone. According to our guest, Melanie Power, who is the head of bookkeeping at Xero, many bookkeepers are working on their own. They might have staff, but they probably aren't as like-minded. As a result, bookkeeping can be isolating, but there's a way to battle that. You could start by joining bookkeeper communities like Melanie's Bookkeeper Revolution and our own Successful Bookkeeper Facebook Group. It's a great way to share challenges and wins with people who know what you're going through and are willing to support you. During this interview, you'll learn... How to collaborate with bookkeepers across the globe Why selling isn't a dirty word The importance of getting your business model down To find out more about Melanie, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Fear. Your bookkeeping clients have it. They're always frightened or worried about something especially the survival of their business. When incorporating new software (ie: cloud-based or otherwise) into your bookkeeping services, this may also be scary for them since it's their money you're working with. Our guest today, Jan Haugo, who is the CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) USA, sees a great leadership opportunity for you, the bookkeeper, when it comes to learning and informing your clients about the new technology you'll use, so you can help grow their business and become their trusted advisor. During this interview, you'll learn... The importance of testing new software first for effectiveness before incorporating it with your services Why you should confidently detail what benefits this new technology will do for your customers Why you must reassure and offer continuously support for your clients during this transition To find out more about Jan visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Goal setting. Yes, it can be hard. It requires deep analysis of what you truly want to acquire, why you haven't achieved it yet and how you'll go about making your dreams a reality. Our guest today knows how to master the fine art of successfully setting and executing goals. Pure Bookkeeping co-founder and the co-author of The E-Myth Bookkeeper, Debbie Roberts wouldn't have achieved her great wins without determining her destination first. During this informative interview, you'll learn... The importance of taking time to evaluate what you want to achieve Why you should work backwards when figuring out how to accomplish your goals Why you'll need an accountability partner to keep you focused To find out more about Debbie and the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com. 

Technology. Most bookkeepers can't survive without it. You probably have your “go to” software that helps you run your business. Today's guest, Managing Director of K2E Canada Inc. and IPBC board member, Alan Salmon, who is Canada's leading analyst in the area of accounting technology, will open your mind with some different options you might have never considered before. During this interview, you'll discover... 3 tools that can dramatically increase your productivity and efficiency The fascinating results of a survey that reveal what the average bookkeeper earns per year and other details Tips on how to organize your day the night before to achieve optimal success To find out more about Alan, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Business networking. If you're an introverted bookkeeper, it can be a scary thing. But, it doesn't have to be. Just ask our guest today. Dr. Ivan Misner is the founder of Business Network International (BNI) which is the world's largest business networking and business referral organization. It has over 7,800 chapters and 213,000 members in 72 countries. So, he knows what he's talking about.  During this fascinating interview, you'll learn... 4 things to look for when deciding on what networking group to join How identifying certain body language cues in others can enable you to approach them more easily Why networking isn't a face-to-face cold calling opportunity To find out more about Dr. Misner, his books, BNI and the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Bad hires. If you're a bookkeeping business owner, you've probably had one of those. They can be painful and toxic for many reasons including the damage they can inflict on your workplace culture. Our guest today, Melissa Lenos of King Accounting Solutions, knows what it's like to hire poorly. She's done it before, but she is wiser now and will share her lessons learned to help you avoid the same mistakes. During this informative conversation, you'll discover... Why you should consider looking for your ideal employee 6 months in advance Why you must hire based on the job candidate's skills AND personality The importance of having consistent staff communication and being available for support To find out more about Melissa and the resources mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com. 

Are you ready? The time has come for you, the bookkeeper, to realize you're a truly valuable asset to small businesses. The days of you thinking you're not a core piece are over because, without your expert knowledge and skills, your clients would be in serious financial distress. According to our guest, Garry Carter, the co-founder of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), bookkeeping isn't a trade, it's a profession. Many bookkeepers don't think that way. That's unfortunate because you are a valuable professional. The more you realize that, the more profit and impact you'll have. During this interview, you'll learn... Your number one thing that makes your business unique Why your day-to-day client care is crucial to establishing trust and value Why ICB is a powerful organization to support bookkeepers To find out more about Garry and the ICB, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Do you know what a lion looks like? Of course you do. Your brain automatically creates an image that needs no explanation. Unfortunately, when you introduce yourself as a bookkeeper, people automatically have a mental picture of someone who does data entry, collects receipts and so on. If you're trying to set yourself apart, your label has to change. Our guest, Mike Michalowicz, who is the author of books such as Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, can help you stand out. During this interview, you'll learn... Why becoming a profit advisor is more attractive to potential clients than just being a bookkeeper Why you should learn the envelope banking system then teach it to your customers for their financial health How you can use the power of Parkinson's law to help you and your clients' businesses To find out more about Mike, his newly revised book, Profit First and his white paper, How Bookkeepers Can Position Their Business To Get More Clients, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Niverville, Manitoba. The population is around 3500. You'd figure running a bookkeeping business there would be extremely challenging. Well, it can be unless you're our guest today, Mira Salter. She is the owner of Emerald Tree Accounting Services who found a way to be a success despite operating her business in a small town. Her secret? She discovered a couple of niches by catering her bookkeeping services to non-profits and parishes in her surrounding area. Her business has been doing extremely well ever since. During this inspiring interview, you'll learn... Why focusing on a specific niche can lead to more business Why you should always get referrals from clients you love Why you should take advantage of networking opportunities To find out more about Mira and access the script for generating referrals from your customer base visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.