

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 24, 2024 • 12min
158 ⎸ The Onboarding Workflow
Send us a textIn this solo episode I take you step by step through the onboarding process, outlining the various phases from capturing leads to gathering documents and starting the cleanup. Tune in to gain actionable tips and strategies for a seamless onboarding process and make sure to catch the YouTube videos linked in the show notes for an even deeper dive into the subject!In this episode you’ll hear:steps in the onboarding workflowsetting up question forms on your websitemodifying onboarding process for clients on Upworksetting expectations during onboardingResources mentioned in this episode:Behind the Scenes of my Dubsado YouTube VideoHow to Get Clients on Upwork YouTube VideoDubsado (affiliate link)Dubsado Decoded - 20% off thru 7/31!!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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jul 17, 2024 • 29min
157 ⎸ How to Onboard Clients
Send us a textIn this episode I’m exploring the world of client onboarding, while focusing on the use of Dubsado to automate the process. If you're interested in learning about automated onboarding processes and low-cost options, this episode is for you!In this episode you’ll hear:Challenges of managing multiple clients at the same timeSpecific details of the onboarding process using Dubsado, including lead capture, proposal creation, reminders, contract creation, and invoicingIntake forms tailored to client needsIntroduction of the Dubsado Decoded course and its featuresUse of email templates throughout the onboarding processResources mentioned in this episode:Some of these are affiliate links.Dubsado CRMDubsado Decoded CourseFree Onboarding TemplatesThe Bookkeeping Client CloserThe Bookkeeping Biz WorkshopsThe Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®ElevateKickoff with Asana for Bookkeepers & AccountantsHello Sign/Dropbox SignAdobe AcrobatPDF ExpertHoneyBookGoogle WorkspaceCanvaAcuityZapierAsanaSlackThreads - follow me @ambitiousbookkeeperThanks 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/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jul 10, 2024 • 30min
156 ⎸ [SPOTLIGHT] Onboarding Systems for Solo Firms with Corrie Scott
Send us a textIn this Spotlight episode I’m shining the spotlight on one of my BBA students, Corrie Scott - owner of Taylor Made Bookkeeping Solutions. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we dive into the world of efficient onboarding systems and work-life balance in the realm of bookkeeping.In this episode you’ll hear:benefits & challenges of using Dubsado for onboarding clientsuse of lead capture form for client assessmentchallenges of running a solo firm without burning outproposal process, including steps for reviewing, approving, sending, adding contracts, generating invoices, and sending confirmation and intake emailscollaboration with Linden Square Co for personalized client giftsResources mentioned in this episode:Dubsado DecodedDubsado (affiliate link)Meet CorrieCorrie started fresh out of college as a teacher. She taught for one year but they did not renew her contract so she subbed the next year. Subs don't make a lot of money, and no money during the summer, so this job became available doing accounting work at a local factory and 6 years later she was still doing accounting. She fell in love with the profession. 4 years into that career, she talked with one of her friends who stayed home with her kids but had her own bookkeeping business. She guided Corrie in the steps and certifications and after having her 1st daughter (2nd child), she opened Taylor Made Bookkeeping Solutions (Dec 2021). In September of 2023, she quit that full time job after having her 2nd daughter (3rd child) and now she runs a solo firm with 22 clients and stays home with 3 kids :)Connect with Corrie📱 IG: @taylormadebksThanks 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jul 3, 2024 • 47min
155 | [RE-AIR] Onboarding With Dubsado with Kendra Courtney
Send us a textThe onboarding phase with your clients can set the tone and expectations for the entire client relationship. On today’s podcast episode I’m interviewing Dubsado expert, Kendra Courtney, who has helped me and countless other bookkeepers and accountants with setting up their Onboarding workflows using Dubsado.In this episode you’ll hear:How to capture lead informationInformation you should have on your proposalsWhen the best time is to implement a system like Dubsado for onboardingResources mentioned in this episode:Dubsado (affiliate link)Dubsado Decoded - 20% off right now!!Meet KendraDubsado Pro, and the girl who’s always asking “can we make a system for this?”Because I know that life and business have a bunch of ‘need to-dos,’ but also ‘don’t-want-to-dos,’ I make a system for almost everything so I have peace of mind that what needs to be done, will be done (the most efficiently too!) Like going for a run at 5pm every evening (never missing the South African sunset-y golden hour!)As your Dubsado Pro, I’ll make a system for your business too, so all of your to-dos are streamlined.Connect with Kendra🌐 Website: https://kendracourtney.com/📱 IG: @kendracourtneycoThanks 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 27, 2024 • 21min
154 | [Q&A] QBO Integrations, Cyber Security, and More
Send us a textOn Epsisode 154 I’m sharing another Q&A from the archives!You’ll hear me answer questions and jam on topics like:CybersecuritySetting up a small practiceswitching clients from month to month from a catch upthe importance of locking previous periods (are you doing this for your clients?!)various integration discussions, andthe possibility of planning a XeroCon MeetupThanks 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 19, 2024 • 15min
153 ⎸ Balancing your Sidehustle with Corporate
Send us a textIn this episode you’ll hear:How to stay focusedHow I stay organized & plan my workSetting your calendar up for your cycle and energy levelsResources mentioned in this episode (some are affiliate links):Pomodoro timerPassion PlannerThanks 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 12, 2024 • 7min
152 | Offboarding Clients
Send us a textIn this episode I cover the dreaded topic of offboarding clients. Whether you've been fired by a client or had to let them go, there are essential protocols to follow. Tune in for some tips & strategies for handling the end of a client relationship with professionalism and integrity.In this episode you’ll hear:offboarding processes related to documents & softwareimportance of cooperation during client handoffrecognizing when you can’t serve a client's needsseeking feedback & testimonials in a neutral or positive partingResources mentioned in this episode:Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Jun 5, 2024 • 21min
151 ⎸ The Secret to Staying out of your Inbox
Send us a textThis solo episode is inspired by a question from our community about wrangling client communication and staying organized. Tune in to hear some practical advice to keep you out of your inbox and your business running smoothly!In this episode you’ll hear:managing client emailsstreamlining client communicationutilizing central client care inbox for team visibilityprioritizing discussions with clientsusing tools like Hubdoc or DextResources mentioned in this episode:HubdocDextOpenPhone (affiliate link)VoxerThanks 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 ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLCDescript (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

May 30, 2024 • 32min
150 | [Q&A] Thinking Outside of the Box
Send us a textIn this Q&A episode, we go over effective onboarding strategies to reduce turnover, and the importance of creating engaging content for your niche. Plus, get advice on how to communicate effectively with clients through structured emails and reports.In this episode you’ll hear:some 1099 tipstips for onboarding & training new employeesLinkedIn content & communicationhow to provide & explain monthly reports to clientsoffering calls/meetings to clientsworking with insurance brokersResources mentioned in this episode:The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®ElevateThanks 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 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

May 22, 2024 • 47min
149 ⎸Social Media for Accountants with Alison Lukin
Send us a textIn this interview episode I’m chatting with Alison Lukin, CEO of Officially Social. From leveraging personal content to engaging with followers, Alison shares valuable insights on creating an impactful online presence. Join us as we explore the importance of social media, current trends, and practical tips for success.In this episode you’ll hear:importance of personalizing social media contentutilizing content calendars for social mediastrategies for visibility & engagementsocial media trends & current strategiescomplementing social media with blogs & newslettersovercoming barriers & insecurities about social mediaResources mentioned in this episode:Profit First Become a Profit First ProfessionalRead the book by Mike MichalowiczSocial Champ - social media manager & schedulerManychat - to automatically send links to audienceOfficially Social - Get 25% off the first month by using the code: FIRST25Meet AlisonAlison Lukin has been working as a freelance writer for over 18 years with clients ranging from marketing firms to yoga teachers. She loves the personality and fast pace of social networking. It’s the perfect marriage of business marketing and creative writing that is essential for the modern freelance writer. Working with musicians, charities, educators, and other various businesses, she’s learned to maximize this mode of communication for her clients. Managing social media since 2014, she made her business “official” in September 2019 with the formation of Officially Social.Connect with Alison📱 IG: @therealofficiallysocial🌐 Website: officiallysocial.comThanks 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 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout (affiliate link)


