

The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast
Serena Shoup, CPA
The Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast is for bookkeepers & accountants who are growing or aspiring to start their own business. Our mission is to elevate the bookkeeping profession by providing support and resources for new and experienced firm owners. We share actionable tips on running a successful bookkeeping business, tools and resources, plus guest expert interviews that will help you elevate your business. Where you can find us: Website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com BBA: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/serenashoup Instagram: https://instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2023 • 44min
107 ⎸ [NICHE] Unlocking the Secrets to Cannabis Bookkeeping with Sean Coggins
Send us a textIn this Niche Series podcast, I chat with new firm owner, Sean Coggins, about his recent jump from corporate and how he’s setup his business in his first year. He’s making a new switch to the Cannabis industry, and we are diving into what his go-to-market strategy has been.In this episode you’ll hear:Sean’s go-to-market strategySean’s minimum pricing for monthly engagements and how he ‘upsells’ additional servicesTips for networking as an introvertResources mentioned in this episode:The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)About Our Guest:Sean has 10+ years professional experience working in both public and private accounting. During his tenures at both a Top 5 international firm in Baltimore, MD and a regional firm in Annapolis, MD, Sean has provided financial statement audit, review, and compilation services, as well as various forms of financial consulting to clients across many different industries.Sean has focused his efforts within the technology, real estate, and manufacturing/distributing industries. He also has extensive experience assisting businesses with critical issues, including revenue recognition principles, design of internal control systems, and complex financial reporting. Sean has been instrumental in adding value to the clients he serves and enjoys partnering with businesses on each of their unique journeys. Sean currently resides in Severna Park, MD with his wife and two young children. When not working, Sean can be found chasing the children around a playground or enjoying time boating with his family.Connect with Sean:Connect with Sean on LinkedIn >Visit Sean’s Website >📊 Sean is partnering with Excel Dictionary for new products coming soon. Visit their store and get a discount! > (Discount code: COGGINS10)Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript

Jul 12, 2023 • 43min
106 ⎸ [NICHE] Bookkeeping for Female Real Estate Investors with Randy Ballen
Send us a textIn this interview episode I talk with the owner of a niche firm called REI Bookkeeping Babes—a firm that specializes in helping female real estate investors. We talk about her marketing strategies, pricing, and so much more!In this episode you’ll hear:when Randy got started with bookkeepinghow she found her first niche & transitioned to the one she’s in nowmarketing strategies she’s usedsecrets to her successResources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeper LaunchThe Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)About RandyRandy Ballen has been a bookkeeping professional for over 15 years. She opened her original firm, Ballen Bookkeeping, over 5 years ago and in January of 2022 partnered with another bookkeeping firm to create a joint venture of REI Bookkeeping Babes. She also has a real estate investing business and recently started a nonprofit to address housing insecurity in vulnerable populations. She’s really passionate about lifting women up and empowering them to go after their biggest and best dreams. She has a 35 year old son and a wonderful daughter-in-law and lives in sunny Florida. She loves all the Arts, music and dancing most of all.Connect with Randy:Add her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.ballenCheck out her nonprofit: roomtorise.orgThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jul 5, 2023 • 57min
105 ⎸ [STRATEGY] Turning off the busy-ness
Send us a textIn this strategy episode, we explore pricing and differentiating value within your service packages, open up about burnout and the importance of work-life balance, and share insights into team meetings, hiring methods, and time management strategies.In this episode you’ll hear:tips on splitting up and elevating packagesadvice on balancing work and reststrategies for taking on a teamrecommended tools and processes for efficiencyResources mentioned in this episode:Kickoff With Asana - Join Alyssa Lang to get your workflows in place!Elevate - Elevate your skills & client experience in just 4 weeks!Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 28, 2023 • 46min
104 ⎸ [Q&A] Goal-setting & Financial Planning
Send us a textIn this Q&A episode, I talk about the importance of goal-setting and walk you through a special visualization exercise. I also talk about how to increase leads, share strategies for attracting the type of clients you want, and dive into the profit-first method. Come get your biz tips!In this episode you’ll hear:strategies for setting money goals and time goalsan exercise for visualizing the futurehow to pay yourself moretips for increasing revenueResources mentioned in this episode:The Bookkeeping Client Closer - Find your perfect fit client!The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® - Launch and scale your virtual bookkeeping biz with this step-by-step online course!Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 21, 2023 • 41min
103 ⎸ [Q&A] Why DIY E-Commerce is no-go
Send us a textIn this Q&A episode, Serena talks about her experience taking a break from social media and how it benefited her mental health. She also shares tips on managing business social media pages and taking a closure period to focus on CEO work. Plus, you’ll hear her answer questions related to pricing and managing Ecommerce. Come get some actionable tips!In this episode you’ll hear:details on Serena’s social media hiatushow we handle holiday/closure periodshow to include software subscriptions in your pricingstrategies related to DIY EcommerceResources mentioned in this episode:Check out my Bookkeeping for E-Commerce Clients Workshop!Check out Meta Business Suite for managing business social media pages!Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 14, 2023 • 25min
102 ⎸ [Q&A] Simplify Your Clients Onboarding Experience
Send us a textIn this Q&A episode, we’re tackling all things client onboarding. Serena shares tips on automating follow-ups, creating custom proposals, and scheduling follow-up appointments to gauge client interest. Plus, tips for recruiting and creating a checklist for future hires. This one is packed with goodies!In this episode you’ll hear:software recommendations for creating proposals & for HR supporthow to present multiple service options to potential clientshow to implement flat-rate pricinghow to establish credibility with new clientsResources mentioned in this episode:See how The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® VIP offers you the support you’ve been looking for all along!Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 7, 2023 • 41min
101 ⎸ [Q&A] Keeping it Secure: File sharing for Bookkeepers
Send us a textOn this episode, we’re airing another Q&A! This time, Serena answers questions from our very own Ambitious community. She shares tips and tricks on file-sharing systems, backup software, core values, hiring strategies, and more.In this episode you’ll hear:how to utilize Google Drive and Hubdoc for your businessstrategies for finding quality candidates for hiringperks of being in BBA VIPResources mentioned in this episode:See how The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® VIP can help you start or grow your bookkeeping business ↗️Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.comDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

May 31, 2023 • 42min
100 ⎸ [Q&A] Booking Qualified Leads: Intake Process for Bookkeepers
Send us a textThis is a very, very exciting & special episode because it is our 100th episode!🍾 You're in for a treat because we're pulling questions from our audience. And my team member, Tia - our bookkeeper & resident designer - is on to help read the Q’s.In this episode you’ll hear:how to create a productive work culturebranding advice from Tiatips on hiring a part-time bookkeepertips on handling client bank accessstrategies for effective website buildingand MORE!If you’re interested in using OpenPhone please use my referral link! Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

May 24, 2023 • 13min
99 ⎸ Balancing loyalty to clients with loyalty to self
Send us a textWe want your questions! We’re putting together a special episode for our 100th episode. We’d love for you to submit a question to be answered on air! Record a voicenote and email it to support@ambitiousbookkeeper.com with the subject line: 100th PodcastLoyalty is a good character trait, but it can be detrimental to the health of your businessBalancing loyalty to clients with prioritizing yourself and your business can be a challenging task, but it is an essential part of running a successful businessSo in this episode, I’m jamming on ways to manage this and things to think aboutResources mentioned in this episode:Join the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator for support with this and other areas of your business >>Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

May 24, 2023 • 1h 14min
[BONUS] Case Study: Misa Bacon - from the very first BBA cohort
Send us a textIn this episode you’ll hear:Misa’s journey from when she started The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator in 2020 to nowTips for standing out in our industry & getting clientsMisa’s QBO Intensive processHow to collect and organize ideas for future contentMisa’s favorite part & most beneficial piece of being a part of The Bookkeeping Business AcceleratorResources mentioned in this episode:Like Know Trust ShowThe Bookkeeping Business AcceleratorMisa is your go-to bookkeeping expert and QuickBooks guru.As the founder and CEO of Perfectly Kept Books®, she is on a mission to help women get comfortable with their numbers so they can feel empowered to make better business decisions. Misa knows that bookkeeping can be a real barrier to success, and she is passionate about removing that barrier by making bookkeeping easy and stress-free.Misa believes that everyone deserves to have access to the information and tools they need to thrive in their business no matter where they are in their business journey. If you're looking for a bookkeeper who is passionate about helping women succeed, look no further than Perfectly Kept Books.She lives in Dallas, TX with her creative daughter. When she's not crunching numbers, she enjoys reading, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoupConnect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpaFollow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)


