“Set your rules, stick to your rules, and only take clients that play by the rules. We call it rules of engagement.“ -Dida Clifton Dida Clifton, a former US Air Force veteran and founder of The Office Squad, shares her inspiring journey from military operations to running a successful bookkeeping business. She opens up about tackling challenges like pricing, hiring, and networking while revealing how her military background shaped her leadership style and company culture.  In this interview, you’ll discover: Proven pricing strategies to reflect your true value Smart hiring & training practices to build a strong, aligned team How outsourcing can help you scale without sacrificing quality Tune in to learn actionable strategies to overcome challenges, build your dream team, and create a flexible, scalable business model for long-term success. To find out more about Dida click here. Time Stamps 00:40 - From Military to Business: Dida's Journey 02:45 - Building the Office Squad: Strategies & Growth 06:45 - Pricing Strategies: Lessons Learned 09:15 - Networking: The Key to Business Growth 12:51 - Peer Groups: Support & Growth 14:49 - Military Influence: Leadership & Culture 19:58 - Systems & Processes: The Military Way 22:15 - Hiring & Culture: Finding the Right Fit 24:39 - Outsourcing: A Different Approach 27:53 - The Future of Bookkeeping: A Hybrid Model This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Hub Analytics! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. Hub Analytics is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a demo to learn more and start your FREE trial TODAY!

“What I now do is I change the word 'problem' to the word 'situation' and when I change that one word, it just flips something in my brain where I can now work on it  and it turns it into something objective and something almost like, ‘okay, I can do something about this now’.” -Bernadette McClelland Sales coach and consultant, Bernadette McClelland shares her powerful journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurship, revealing the hard-earned lessons learned from overcoming bankruptcy and self-doubt. During this interview, you'll also learn… Actionable insights on building resilience, reframing challenges & viewing disruption as an opportunity for growth Shift from selling to serving Ways to build a strong support network & commit to continuous improvement Tune in to this inspiring episode to discover how to turn setbacks into stepping stones and transform your approach to business and life! To find out more about Bernadette, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 02:57 - Journey Through Corporate to Consultancy 05:56 - Lessons from Bankruptcy 09:11 - Reframing Problems as Situations 11:53 - The Power of Disruption 15:00 - Embracing Anti-Fragility 18:04 - The Evolution of Business Mindset 26:40 - Embracing the Present & Future Mindset 30:58 - The Importance of Mental Downtime 39:03 - Transforming Sales into Service

"The fear of speaking isn't a random thing, but rather it's pointing to experiences in our past that led us to believe it's not safe." -Linda Ugelow In this episode, we’re joined by Linda Ugelow, a speaking empowerment coach and author of Delight In The Limelight, who turned her own fear of public speaking into a mission to help others find their voice. Linda shares the key mindset shifts that build confidence, showing how confronting past experiences and silencing negative self-talk can unlock powerful communication skills.  In this interview, you'll learn how to... Conquer public speaking fears through self-reflection Replace negative self-talk for better communication Improve speaking with better posture, voice & delivery Whether you want to feel more at ease in front of an audience or in daily conversations, her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to speak with greater confidence and clarity. To find out more about Linda, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 00:20 - The Importance of public speaking 03:13 - Linda's journey & the root causes of fear 08:55 - Clearing past experiences & healing the inner critic 16:32 - Enhancing communication skills: posture, voice & delivery 23:43 - The impact of effective communication on personal & business relationships 29:16 - Linda's book & podcast

"I just remember thinking even early in my life like I want to be able to help people figure out their path someday and create successful businesses." -Lauren Shippy In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Lauren Shippy, founder of StoryWork, as she reveals the secrets behind her success. During this interview, you'll learn: The importance of a clear vision & purpose for business success How aligning time and priorities reduces distractions The role of habits and routines in reaching goals Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights into the power of habits, routines, and strategic clarity! To find out more about Lauren, click here. Connect with with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 00:43 - Lauren discusses her background & career journey 03:14 - Finding clarity & strategy in business 08:22 - The importance of leadership & adaptability 10:23 - Eliminating distractions & staying focused 18:32 - The power of habits & routines 24:38 - Valuable resources for business owners

“I actually feel like AI is going to level the playing field for smaller firms, more than ever before. That’s an incredible thing, I think it’s an amazing opportunity in front of us.” -Tommy Vincent   The window of change gets shorter every day, and this can leave us feeling pressured to keep up, or frustrated that no sooner have we caught up, than the next innovation is speeding away from us again.   While it’s true technology is racing ahead on an exponential curve, we don’t have to. We don’t have to know how to build apps, read code or create the next step in technological development. We just have to get good at finding things that work for us and leveraging them before our competitors do.   While you can use AI to replace people, the quality of the work won't be as good. AI, at its best, will help us accelerate our system of checks and business processes to give us back our time. More time away from the mundane leaves more time for the things you love to do.   Tommy Vincent, VP of Sales at Hub Analytics, is this spotlight episode’s special guest. He has spent his career helping businesses understand their complex needs, and then align them with the right solutions.    During this interview, you'll learn... The value of AI in levelling the playing field  How to leverage technology in your business The importance of embracing technology as it shifts If you are curious about the future, worried about the pace of change, or just want to free up more time in your business, then this is the episode to get you leaning into technology in the way that works best for you!   To find out more about Tommy, click here.   Connect with him on Linkedin.   Time Stamps   01:26 - Tommy discusses his career journey  03:40 - The future of bookkeeping 06:00 - Embracing technology shifts 07:50 - Levelling the playing field  18:11 - Leveraging technology   26:17 - How Hub Analytics can help you thrive  31:40 - Learning more   This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Hub Analytics! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. Hub Analytics is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a demo to learn more and start your FREE trial TODAY!  

“Everybody has to find their own way to reduce their stress…what works for me may not work for you.” -Tiffany Cagwin We all experience stress, it is a fact of modern life. But our bodies cannot adapt to our changing world at the same place as the demands we place upon them. There comes a time when we all have to stop and ask ourselves if everything we are grinding for is truly worth the cost to our health and well-being.  There is nothing wrong with working hard to provide the kind of life for ourselves and our families that we have always dreamed of. But there needs to be balance, making it to the goal, but realizing we are in pieces is often the final nail in our sense of physical and mental well-being. Tiffany Cagwin, executive leader and transformation coach, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career applying her skills, knowledge and life experiences to help others find better long-term health.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of making small changes for a big difference How stress is impacting our health The importance of listening to your health, not everyone else’s Whether you are already doing your best to work through health challenges, or just starting to notice things are getting harder, this episode will help you! To find out more about Tiffany, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps     01:33 - Tiffany discusses her career journey  08:33 - Coming to terms with life’s challenges  10:42 - Managing our stresses  18:23 - Getting back on track 26:51 - No one size fits all 34:50 - Learning more about Tiffany This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Dext! Dext captures your clients’ data with incredible accuracy and deliver it seamlessly into your workflow, integrating with over 30 accounting softwares. Imagine having more time to focus on what truly matters, like helping your clients, growing your firm, or taking a well-deserved break. With Dext, you can trust that data is accurately extracted, categorized, and submitted every time. Are you ready to streamline your bookkeeping processes?  Join thousands of accountants and bookkeepers in the Dext community. Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo today and see how Dext can make your work life easier!  

“I think the most important thing a bookkeeper can do is make a client feel like you care about their business. You care about their success, and your only purpose is to make sure that they are making more money.” -Tanya Fox   An idea doesn’t have to be original for it to work. There is no harm or shame in looking at what those you consider to be successful are doing and applying what works in your own business. So much time is wasted trying to reinvent the wheel, trying to learn to do things we hate, when we could simply partner with someone who fills those gaps.   Collaboration at its heart is about connection, understanding the needs of others and working to solve their problems either by handling it ourselves if the issue is in our wheelhouse, or being confident enough to pass paying work onto more skilled people. Knowing that when we do this, it builds trust and long-term connections that show that faith is rewarded with the kinds of work we actually enjoy.    Tanya Fox, bookkeeper, business coach and author of How To Collaborate, is the featured guest in this second of a two-part series.    During this interview, you'll learn... The importance of getting connected How to build on existing relationships The value of thinking outside the box To find out more about Tanya, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps   01:22 - Getting connected  12:40 - Thinking outside the box  20:09 - If it works for others, why not for you? 22:51 - You can make it work 26:05 - Building on relationships 

“What I realized only years later, in doing collaborations is that I had to stop assuming I knew what someone thought I was worth, or what they were getting is worth.” -Tanya Fox There exists a damaging belief in business that if we aren’t the ones handling every aspect of our work, that we aren’t successful. As much as we might like to believe we can do everything alone, trying to live this way is a surefire way to burn out.  Working with others is scary, handling employees is hard enough, but working with service partners and collaborators is even more fear-inducing. How do we know who is right for our business, who gets where we are coming from and what if they don’t care or apply as much effort as you think they should to our businesses? Working with others can be a nightmare, but it can also be an incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience. One where all parties can see the kind of positive results that could never have been achieved if they hadn't worked together.  Tanya Fox, bookkeeper, business coach and author of How to Collaborate, is the featured guest in the first of a two-part series. In part one, Tanya discusses her early days in business, how powerful collaboration can be, and why we each need to find our own path to collaborative success.  If you want to work with others but are jaded by bad past experiences, or maybe you don’t feel like what you have to offer is worth the effort of others, then this is the episode that will help you let go of always deciding you aren’t good enough.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of knowing it’s okay to change your mind How collaboration can change your business The importance of failing forward  To find out more about Tanya, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Check out her website at this link. Time Stamps     01:44 - Tanya discusses her career journey  07:08 - Learning to collaborate 13:46 - Finding your ideal partners 17:19 - Charting your own course  24:07 - Going back to basics  This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Hub Analytics! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. Hub Analytics is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a demo to learn more and start your FREE trial TODAY!  

“You’re meant to lead the way and if your plate is so full that you’re only doing things halfway, and not feeling really good about the job you’re doing, and how you can impact others, we need to really take a holistic look at what’s going on.” -Tonya Herb When our cars break down, we seek out a mechanic. We visit the doctor when we are sick. Yet in our businesses, we feel pressure to see to every single element of business activity. Running a business this way can only ever have one outcome: failure. It is not possible to do everything that needs to be done well enough that the edges don’t start to fray. From there, it's only a matter of time before everything we’ve worked so hard for, unravels completely. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can learn to delegate and share the load with others. People that fill and compliment your gaps, freeing you to focus on the things you love the most.   Tonya Herb, a life and leadership development coach, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, overcome their fears and embrace success. In this episode, Tonya and Michael explore how to spend time more effectively, beating back overthinking, and why all the best leaders delegate.  If you are struggling to quiet an overactive mind, want to expand your business, but are afraid of being in charge, or want to learn from others, but aren’t sure where to start, then this is the episode that will get you thinking about the true value of your time.  During this interview, you'll learn... Why overthinking is killing your success How to spend your time & energy more effectively The importance of delegation  To find out more about Tonya, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:31 - Tonya discusses her career journey  03:58 - Knowing where to start  06:01 - Unlocking delegation  09:50 - Overcoming overthinking  16:18 - The fear of responsibility  25:34 - Where are you spending your time  27:50 - Surrounding yourself with success

“You’re not your client's bank. Contrary to some beliefs, you’re doing work for them and getting paid. There are different ways to structure your payment terms that limit your exposure.” -Michelle Bomberger We know as bookkeepers just how much relationships matter in business; we want our clients to invest in us to fill their gaps. But we often don’t want to invest in others to fill our own. This is especially true when it comes to the legal side of doing business. Legal help and advice are expensive, and many of us run with the belief that we’ll only need that kind of help if something goes wrong.  But like insurance, investing in a good legal advisor can help cover and protect you from all the things you fear, and all the things that could affect our businesses that we don’t even know about yet. Michelle Bomberger, Founder and CEO at Equinox Business Law Group, is this episode’s guest. She has spent her career helping businesses with their strategic decision-making, working together to build strong and lasting relationships that keep her clients protected. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of taking a proactive approach to protection How to give your contracts more teeth The Three Tiers of Protection  If you are struggling with your business’ legal infrastructure, aren’t sure how to protect yourself and your business or just want to give your contracts more teeth, this is the episode to get you thinking about putting protection in place before you need it! To find out more about Michelle, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter Take the Business Health Assessment here. Time Stamps 01:43 - Michelle discusses her career journey 05:22 - The three tiers of protection  08:10 - Finding the right lawyer for you 11:20 - Building trusting relationships 16:30 - Iron cladding your contracts  20:40 - Getting paid upfront  25:03 - Challenging illegal activity   28:04 - Managing conflicts of interest  33:02 - Being proactive for long-term security  35:01 - Business Health Assessment This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Sage! With the new Sage for Accountants, you can automate daily tasks and unlock not only more efficiency, but more time for valuable client collaboration all in one place! Learn more or get started for free at thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/sage!

“The job of a good embezzler is to become the trusted bookkeeper.” -Ruth King The pace of change is exponential, and keeping up with all the new technologies is a real challenge. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We don’t have to chase every new invention; we need only to find the tools that make doing business for ourselves and our clients a little bit easier. The desire to keep up can lead us into all kinds of online traps. Theft is already a fact of life in business. If we aren’t paying attention, people will try to get away with anything they can. The same is true for AI and other tools. If you aren’t 100% confident in the tools you are using, perhaps it’s time to slow down and get sure. Trust but verify, not only your people but your tools too. It can be easy to pass off tasks to others, but if we let the pressure of keeping up force us to shift more information out of our eyeline, we can’t be surprised when that trust is taken advantage of.  Ruth King, who is a business advisor and author, is this week's featured guest. She has spent her career helping businesses get and stay profitable, by showing them how to leverage the best tools and processes for the task at hand. In this episode, Ruth and Michael discuss the importance of managing small problems before they get out of hand, protecting yourself and your business from theft, and what it means to have a financially fit business.   If you are struggling to get a grip on the latest tech, need to delegate but are concerned about who and what to trust, or just want to learn more about creating a financially fit business, then this is the episode to get you putting trust in the one place it matters most: yourself. During this interview, you'll learn... What theft looks like in the modern age & how to stop it How to create a successful & financially fit business The importance of managing the little things so they don’t get out of hand To find out more about Ruth, click here. Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn and Twitter. Learn more about Financially Fit Business.  Time Stamps 01:26 - Ruth discusses her career journey  03:36 - Fixing problems before they become a crisis 05:30 - Discovering AI 07:42 - Pay attention or face the consequences 12:29 - Be careful what you sign  16:45 - Making a difference  21:39 - Key elements of growth 23:24 - 14 Critical Trend Analysis 26:24 - Financial Fit Business     34:25 - Learning more about Ruth

“We’re actually biologically positioned and programmed to receive stories. For most of existence, for the hundreds of thousands of years humans have existed on the planet, we have not been able to transfer information in written form from one person to another.” -Matthew Dicks As bookkeepers, we love the details. We find patterns in them others struggle to see. But sometimes our love of numbers makes it hard to step away from pure and factual resolution. Think about a subject that bores you to tears, then imagine having to listen to a report about it. How we feel about those things is the same way others feel about bookkeeping. That is why we need something more than the numbers to not only get our clients on board but to keep them long-term. We need stories. We need ways of communicating that connect us through authentic and entertaining lived experiences.  Matthew Dicks, storyteller and bestselling author, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping others tell their stories in compelling, and authentic ways. In this episode, he will discuss... The value of sharing your story with your clients How to tell a story, not read a report The importance of connecting business and story together  So, if you are struggling to compete in a market saturated with services. It might be time to think beyond your skills, to how you connect and relate with the people you hope to serve. This is the episode to help you do just that! To find out more about Matthew, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook. Check out his TED talk, Homework For Life. Time Stamps     01:18 - Matthew discusses his career journey  05:52 - Reporting vs Storytelling  07:44 - Connecting story to business  15:20 - Building authentic connections  20:27 - Sharing our story  30:58 - Stories sell  This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Hub Analytics! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. Hub Analytics is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a demo to learn more and start your FREE trial TODAY!    

“Walking is our common denominator in terms of movement, almost all of us walk. It’s a really great place to begin, to teach people about movement.” -Bruce Fertman Our role as bookkeepers gives us unique insight into the health of a business. We can make sense of the figures in a way our clients would struggle to alone. We find the problems and successes and help our clients to make changes to their business that improve profitability and longevity.  Yet despite this being a critical function of what we do for others, we don’t invest nearly the same amount of time and effort into our own health. We ignore the telltale signs and symptoms in our own bodies in the same way our clients frustrate us by ignoring the areas of challenge in their businesses.  Sitting at our desks may feel productive, but we often spend hours sitting, with bad posture trying to generate the same productivity, creativity and insight we could gain from a 12-minute walk.  Bruce Fertman, co-author of Walking Well and lifetime movement specialist, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his life helping others find their path to wellness through movement. In this episode, he speaks powerfully about the need to get the basics right, how small changes can make huge differences, and why you should invest in your health the way you do in your work. If you are feeling run down, exhausted, overwhelmed, or just want even more energy to get things done, then this is the episode for you! During this interview, you'll learn... The value of investing in your health How to walk for positive change and transformation The importance of getting back to the basics  To find out more about Bruce, click here. Connect with him on Facebook.  You can get a copy of Walking Well at this link. Time Stamps    01:28 - Bruce discusses his career journey  05:35 - The benefits of walking  08:39 - Are you walking enough? 20:52 - Small changes, huge differences   32:36 - Investing time in yourself  37:25 - Going back to basics  46:45 - Learning more about Bruce

“A lot of people say, ‘Oh retirement, that’s for old people. I don’t need to be thinking about that now.’ But it is just good cash flow management. It's good financial planning. To be thinking not only about what I am spending my money on today as a business owner but also what does this look like in 5, 10, 20 years.” -Courtenay Shipley As bookkeepers, it is our job to help others understand how the flow of money works in and around their business. A critical yet often overlooked part of that, is how we plan for the future. It’s easy to get excited by success, so much so that we don’t feel the need to save for a rainy day. This is true for our clients too. They’ve worked so hard. They want to enjoy the profits of their labour. When planning for the future, it’s hard to ignore the glaring warnings of our own mortality. This is perhaps why we take the first most accessible retirement plan we find, and let it tick over in the background.  But saving doesn’t have to be from a place of fear in what the future holds, you can create a plan that celebrates your success and keeps you solvent long after you’ve stopped working.  Courtenay Shipley, founder of Retirement Planology is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping businesses navigate the retirement landscape in a way that aligns with their values, saves time and makes their money work harder. In this episode, Courtenay and Michael discuss all things retirement, from finding the right plan to essential resources for success. If you are finding yourself in a place of success but aren’t sure how to provide yourself and your employees with a plan for the future then this is the episode for you! During this interview, you'll learn... The value of building long-term financial freedom How to effectively plan for the future The importance of sticking to the plan To find out more about Courtenay, click here. Connect with with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps   01:46 - Courtenay discusses her career journey  05:28 - Planning for the future 08:54 - Finding the right fit 13:47 - Sticking to the plan 16:34 - The essentials of a great retirement plan 18:06 - Building your financial freedom 23:23 - Resources that can help you 25:50 - Getting integrated  28:35 - Learning more from Courtenay  This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Payworks! If you're looking for a reliable and affordable payroll platform for your business, look no further! To learn more, visit Payworks.ca TODAY!

“Oftentimes, we’re our own worst enemy, and so we listen to the one negative comment or the one negative undertone that someone gives us, and we hold onto that.” -Trixy Castro Every challenge provides an opportunity for growth. A chance to build a mindset of resilience, that will let us face any problem with a mind to solutions. That bias and barriers to success exist, is not in question. What is in question is how we react to them.  We spend far too much time paying attention to the opinions of people who aren’t paying our bills. It is time to cut out the noise, get focused and start chasing our goals with everything we have in us. Criticism is important, but we must cultivate the ability to filter out whether it is really something about us that we need to work on, or about someone else wanting us to feel as bad as they do. Trixy Castro, business executive and entrepreneur, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career founding and selling businesses while breaking down every barrier put in her path. She speaks powerfully about the need to build a resilient mindset, embrace challenges as learning experiences and how to get focused on your goals. If you are struggling with negative self-talk, quitting before you’ve even begun, or after a few bumps in the road, then this is the episode that will set you free of your limiting beliefs and put you on the path to enduring success. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of embracing challenges as learning opportunities How to build a resilient mindset The importance of getting focused on your goals To find out more about Trixy, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:46 - Trixy discusses her career journey  13:35 - The path to success  19:07 - There’s always a way around 22:37 - Building a resilience mindset 27:10 - Getting it done

“All of a sudden, the customers no longer perceive us as valuable because we failed to reframe the value that we created. The accountant and the bookkeeper’s job should be giving the business owner confidence in their number.” -Hector Garcia For as long as we define our value by our skills alone, we will have to bear the threat of replacement. If all we are communicating to our clients is the completion of tasks that could just as easily be automated, we cannot be surprised that automation seems like a better option.  AI is here to stay. If we don’t want to be replaced by it, we have to start reframing what it is our clients are actually paying for. We need to move away from charging for the completion of tasks, towards charging for the relationships and insights we create and offer.  Computers aren’t going to steal our jobs, they are going to enhance them by freeing up more of our time to give clients more personal and meaningful services than just fixing their numbers. Hector Garcia, a popular YouTuber and CPA, is this episode’s featured guest. In this second half of a two-part series, Michael and Hector discuss the value of doing things differently, and how to build client confidence and stay ahead of the curve.  If you are struggling to innovate, not sure how to get creative with your business or build client confidence, then this is the episode to get you thinking about how to leverage AI rather than be afraid of it.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of doing things differently How to stay ahead of the curve The importance of building client confidence To find out more about Hector, click here.   Connect with him on LinkedIn, YouTube or X.   Learn more about Hector's Reframe 2024 and Right Tool App.   Click here to listen to Part 1 of this series.   Time Stamps     01:34 - Doing things differently  06:04 - Building client confidence  10:14 - Getting ahead of the curve  19:38 - Can’t find the right tool? Build it! 27:17 - Getting started with AI

“Innovation means always doing it differently, always doing it better. Innovation is not always technology; innovation is providing a different point of view to the status quo.”  -Hector Garcia   There will always be people more successful than we are. This is only a problem if we decide it's not worth taking any action to better our lives because we’ll never be better than those we idolize. Success doesn’t have to mean being the best. Having a healthy, steadily growing business, with loyal clients and dedicated employees is a feat that should be celebrated.    Very few people become well-known overnight, it takes time and the confidence to keep putting yourself out there, even if your numbers are low to start with. The more consistent we are, the faster those numbers begin to rise. Especially when you stop trying to sell people something and start showing them you want to authentically help them.   Hector Garcia, CPA and YouTuber, is this episode’s featured guest. In this first of a two-part series, Michael and Hector explore how to successfully market ourselves, the power of an innovation mindset, and why connecting authentically matters.    If you are tired of letting other people’s success paralyze you into inaction and want to learn to market yourself better, then this is the episode to get you thinking innovatively about the future of your business.    During this interview, you'll learn... The value of putting yourself out there How to embrace an innovation mindset  The importance of competing against yourself, not others To find out more about Hector, click here.    Connect with Hector on LinkedIn, YouTube or X.   Time Stamps   02:48 - Hector discusses his career journey  08:33 - Transitioning to hands-off business  14:55 - Putting yourself out there 21:49 - Success isn’t a zero-sum game This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL! BILL automates your clients’ AP, AR, spend, and expense, and lets them track and manage their cash flow, in real-time. You can also use the BILL Accountant Console to access insights to level up your advisory services plus so much more! To learn how BILL can help you and your clients, and to sign up for the referral program, visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/bill.

“If they don’t have the right mindset and the right willingness to adopt the technology, it's just not going to work.”  -Tim Sernett Everyone is different. There will be those who love trying new things and those who are more hesitant to leave their bubble of security. One isn’t better than the other, but when it comes to business, you must consider who is best for you and your business. If you are someone who loves new technology, systems and processes, it’s probably not the best idea to seek clients who like to be set in their ways and keep things the same. The same is true in the other direction, if you have a tried and tested method, clients that want the latest up-to-date tech as part of your service, aren’t going to be a good fit. It’s okay, encouraged even, to embrace every kind of new experience you can have, we don’t know what we don’t know, and time spent searching for that one thing or niche that truly sparks joy is not time wasted.  Tim Sernett of Financial Optics is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping clients not only improve their profits but build peace of mind and future security in their businesses. In this episode, Tim and Michael discuss all things technology and much more!  If you are struggling to serve too many people, to the detriment of your true passions, want to embrace new technologies, or just want to give a little more thought to the future, then this is the episode to get you thinking about what your success could look like.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of embracing opportunities to gain experience How to find your business niche The importance of seeking out the gaps in your business  To find out more about Tim, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:53 - Tim discusses his career journey  04:27 - Embracing opportunities to gain experience  09:11 - Future forward thinking  12:29 - Seeking out the gaps in your business  17:44 - Finding your niche 23:30 - Bringing your team with you 27:12 - The value of your knowledge and systems

“Nowadays I fire people. I fired one client last month. They didn’t even make it two months in. But the way they talked to my staff and scope creep and demanding a lot of things that we never agreed to, I let them go within a month and a half. Where before I would suffer those clients for a year.” -Tyler Otto It is natural when starting a business to want to take any clients, no matter how much they demand of us, or how badly they might treat us. We want to be grateful for something because it is better than nothing. But we don’t have to get stuck in this mindset once our work starts to speak for itself. We can increase our price, and remove negatively impacting clients and employees, without feeling guilty or disloyal. The goal for our business is growth and hanging on to things that just aren’t working, isn’t going to help us grow.  Tyler Otto, President and Owner of Specialty Bookkeeping and Tax, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career building systems for business success. In this episode, Tyler and Michael explore learning from past mistakes, getting your people and systems right, and why building strong workplace culture matters. If you aren’t sure how to say no to difficult clients, want to hire a strong team, or just develop your company’s culture, then this is the episode to get you thinking about what the future could look like when you embrace your growth. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of getting it wrong so you know how to get it right How to roll with the punches The importance of building a strong work culture  To find out more about Tyler, click here. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn. You can listen to the UNAccountable Podcast at this link. Time Stamps 01:36 - Tyler discusses his career journey 03:05 - Positioning yourself for success 05:16 - Getting it wrong, to get it right 08:36 - Managing problem clients 11:32 - Pricing for your value  16:36 - Rolling with the punches 18:55 - Future thinking 21:43 - Building a strong work culture  27:12 - Setting the rules & sticking to them

“The number one marketing strategy for bookkeepers, people would say, is 'do a good job and referrals will come.'” -Debbie Roberts  Finding the right people to work in our businesses is tough. Managing expectations on both sides can be challenging, maybe our systems and processes aren’t as great as we hoped, or maybe they just aren’t the right fit for us.  No matter what happens, mistakes are only a waste of time if we refuse to learn from them. When we get things wrong, it gives us a great opportunity to review our practices and see what isn’t working. This will help us understand where the fault lies and how to fix it.  Not everyone wants to be the boss, some just want to turn up and do what they love, but in order to find these people we have to be sure of their skills. You cannot take someone’s word on success. Spend time with them, sit with them and have them show you they can do everything you want them to do, in the way you want them to do it.  Peter Cook, and Debbie Roberts, co-authors of the E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founders of Pure Bookkeeping, are this episode’s featured guests. This sixth episode regarding The E-Myth Bookkeeper is all about how to hire great people, develop your systems and be relentless in the pursuit of your dreams.  If you are struggling to grow in your business and want to scale but aren’t sure how to find and test the right people for you then this episode will teach you how to build the right systems and then test and hire with confidence.   During this interview, you'll learn... The value of never giving up on your dreams How to hire great people & keep them The importance of systems & processes in your business To find out more about Peter, click here or connect with him on LinkedIn.  To learn more about Debbie, visit  this link or connect with her on LinkedIn. Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper. To learn about Pure Bookkeeping, visit this link. Catch-up on the full E-Myth Bookkeeper Peter Cook podcast series with past episodes below! Episode 1 Episode 2  Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Time Stamps 01:21 - The Successful Bookkeeper 05:27 - Debbie’s story 09:34 - Developing your systems 18:52 - Finding the right people for you 30:54 - Embracing what you’re good at This episode is brought to you by Pure Bookkeeping. It's the proven system to grow your bookkeeping business.

“You don’t have to know everything, but if you can ask the questions and then if you can figure out how those tie into the financials, you can say ‘here are the numbers, but here’s what they mean.’” -Jeff Bartsch All of us have a story, but few of us embrace the ability we all possess to change the narrative at any moment. There is comfort in familiarity, but it can also imprison us. If we keep saying to ourselves, ‘I am just a bookkeeper’, that is all we'll ever be.  But, it doesn’t have to be this way. We can change our personal and professional stories at any time, and when we do, we begin to think differently about ourselves. If we are what we think, then changing our thoughts will automatically change our actions. Easier said than done, but given the alternative, what do we have to lose in trying to think better of ourselves? Jeff Bartsch, founder of Story Greenlight, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping people understand the story of their business and how to tell it successfully. In this second of a two-episode special, Michael and Jeff discuss tactical ways to add advisory services to your business, the power of measurement and how to attract and keep your ideal client. If you think of yourself as just a bookkeeper or aren’t sure how to put your experience to greater use, then this is the episode to get you believing you don’t have to have all the answers, just the willingness to think better of yourself and try harder for your clients each day. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of measuring the data How to add advisory service to your business What your ideal client looks like, and how to keep them To find out more about Jeff, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Get your complimentary 1-on-1 coaching with Jeff at this link.   Time Stamps   01:18 - Understanding who you are 09:24 - You are what you measure  18:05 - Attracting & keeping your ideal clients  25:11 - Learning more from Jeff 

“A story is where a character wants something, overcomes obstacles to get it and experiences transformation as a result. Identity, desire, obstacles and transformation. And then we as providers of services and products, we are the guide, we come alongside to help that hero get what they want.” -Jeff Bartsch   Being a bookkeeper is about more than our ability to do the math. There are plenty of technological solutions to bookkeeping, yet clients continue to hire human bookkeepers because we understand the story of that client’s business.    We can leverage our experience in a way a machine is unable to. We build personal connections with our clients and guide them to success. In this advisory role, lies the true value of a bookkeeper. Someone who can reassure, support and advise in a way that builds connection and empowers clients to make the best of their businesses.    Jeff Bartsch, founder of Story Greenlight is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping people understand the story of their business and how to tell it successfully. In this first of a two-episode special, Michael and Jeff explore ways to build connection with your audience, the power of storytelling and how businesses are transformed when you give the numbers meaning.   If you want to connect with your clients more, but don’t feel confident using your knowledge and experience to build deeper relationships, then this is the episode for you!   During this interview, you'll learn... The power of giving meaning to the numbers How to tell your story successfully The importance of building genuine connections To find out more about Jeff, click this link.   Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Get your complimentary 1-on-1 coaching with Jeff here.   Time Stamps   02:12-  Jeff discusses his career journey  05:55 - Connecting with your audience  11:39 - Telling your story  24:24 - Giving meaning to the numbers 30:10 - Delivering for your clients

“I think there are three main things that are super important for running a business. One is knowing how to be a great leader and a great manager of people. There’s learning how to hire the right people for your business and how to build a team. And then there’s knowing how to follow the rules and stay out of trouble!” -Jackie Koch As with all things in life and business, the earlier we get plans and systems in place, the more time, energy and money we will save down the road. This is especially true when it comes to employees. How do we know if we are hiring and firing too quickly or too slowly? The answer is we probably don’t. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We all want to do as much for ourselves as possible, but even if we can spread our knowledge to cover all the bases in a simple way, we will never be as good as a dedicated expert. We can guess what we need to do, but when we don’t know what we don’t know, there are going to be gaps.  Jackie Koch, founder of People Principles and host of the World’s Greatest Boss podcast, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping people create and maintain HR strategies for lasting success. Jackie and Michael explore the way small mistakes often lead to big problems, the value experts add to your business and the true meaning of Hire Slow, Fire Fast.  If you want to hire new people or are finding exit conversations too challenging, this is the episode that will get you connecting with the right people to help you find your right people. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of expert experience in building your bookkeeping business How to hire & fire the right people at the right time The importance of catching mistakes early  To find out more about Jackie, click here . Connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about the World’s Greatest Boss Podcast. Time Stamps 01:54 - Jackie discusses her career journey  05:09 - Small mistakes lead to big problems  08:51 - Understanding the value of an expert  14:12 - Hire slow  22:47 - Fire fast! 30:44 - Finding the right fit  34:58 - Jackie’s recommendations This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Payworks! If you're looking for a reliable and affordable payroll platform for your business, look no further! To learn more, visit Payworks.ca TODAY!

“Spend 15 minutes a day every single day on something that matters to you. I don’t care if it matters to anybody else, but something that matters to you, and preferably do all this before you check your email.” -Sam Bennett Habit building is hard, especially when we aren’t always sure which way to direct our energy. The more we build a habit, the more momentum we gain, and the less we want to quit whatever it is we are doing. Unfortunately, the same is true of negative habits. If we struggle to even try, that is all that will happen. We’ll give up before we start to see results, and the more we give up, the more we’ll keep giving up. We can’t just copy others and hope to find the same success, we aren’t them. It’s scary to realize there is no right way to success, there is only our own way, all we have to do is lean into it, and build it up with good habits. Success is what follows those good habits.  Sam Bennett, author of The 15-Minute Method, has spent her career helping overthinkers get things done, 15 minutes at a time. She has created an environment to help people live their best, most fulfilling and productive lives.  In this episode, Sam and Michael illustrate the power of the 15-minute method, how to beat procrastination, and how to spend more time in your flow state. If you are an overthinker, constantly worried about making the right choices, then this is the episode that will get you believing you can be who you want to be. During this interview, you'll learn... The power of the 15-Minute Method How to spend more time in your flow The importance of overcoming procrastination To find out more about Sam, click here. To explore the Get it done! Daily Practicum, visit this link. Connect with Sam on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Time Stamps 01:35 - Sam discussses her career journey  04:30 - Adjusting to a new reality  10:10 - The power of 15 minutes  17:43 - Getting to grips with procrastination 20:58 - Building time in your flow state  32:03 - The daily practicum  This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Forwardly! With Forwardly, you can send free instant payments while keeping funds in your bank longer, receive instant payments for 80% less than credit card fees and enjoy same-day ACH—absolutely free! The best part? You can leap into the future of business payments with Forwardly and possibly earn yourself a FREE iPhone 15 Pro this summer! Visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/forwardly for more information! 

“The sales conversation isn’t about the details of how we do the bookkeeping, it's about, what are the benefits of that for a business owner.” -Peter Cook Most of us would say that referrals have been our best avenues to new business. Yet when quizzed about how we get them, many of us have no system or proactive approach in place with which to attract them.  It’s a fine line, make too many cold calls/posts and no one will take us seriously, but sitting back and waiting for things to happen to us, doesn’t yield positive results either. This coupled with the issue that most of us are good at bookkeeping, not marketing, can make gaining and retaining clients a real problem. Peter Cook, co-author of The E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping, is this episode’s featured guest. He takes a deeper look at effective systems and strategies for marketing, and how prioritizing meaningful connections can make all the difference. If you are unsure how to market yourself, but not really gaining any meaningful leads, then this is the episode to help you move away from telling people what you’re good at, and start actively showing them. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of letting your skills speak for themselves  How to build meaningful relationships The importance of being proactive in your approach to referrals To find out more about Peter, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper. To learn about Pure Bookkeeping, visit this link. Catch-up on the full E-Myth Bookkeeper Peter Cook podcast series with past episodes below! Episode 1 Episode 2  Episode 3 Episode 4 Time Stamps 02:09 - Growing your bookkeeping business  08:10 - Systems for marketing  13:00 - Seven effective marketing strategies for bookkeepers 16:52 - Building meaningful relationships 24:22 - Creating referral systems  28:30 - Is paid advertising worth it?  This episode is brought to you by Pure Bookkeeping. It's the proven system to grow your bookkeeping business.

“We are in a supply/demand economy that favours the suppliers. And it's economics 101, if you have a supply shortage that can’t meet all the demand of the market, then you increase price.” -Joe Woodard Compliance is one of the biggest realms of challenge for bookkeepers, but it also provides consistent opportunity. The rules and regulations change so frequently that it can be hard to keep up, and if we feel that way, just imagine how non-bookkeeping businesses feel about it. Supply and demand rule the market, and there is always going to be a supply of potential clients who would rather just pay someone to take care of the books for them. Despite this, we have to be careful not to fall into the trap of undercharging and over-promising.  Having hundreds of clients might feel like a success, but it probably doesn’t to the clients who barely get any of our time and, of course, if you're overworked for long enough, burnout will likely be in your future. Joe Woodard, acclaimed speaker and trainer, is this spotlight episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping businesses solve their complex operational needs and scale to new heights. In this episode, Joe and Louie Prosperi explore the importance of pricing, how to value your skills and experience and the role practice, planning and AI have in your business.  If you are taking on more and more clients but are starting to fall behind your promises, then this is the episode to get you focused on building connections and pricing based on your unique abilities, not just how many people you can get on board. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of having a solid plan & sticking to it How to value your skills & experience The importance of knowing your worth when it comes to pricing To find out more about Joe, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. To buy your tickets for the upcoming Scaling New Heights conference, check out this link. Time Stamps 01:30 - Getting to grips with compliance  04:35 - Making the best of engagement letters  06:55 - Staying on track  09:54 - Knowing your price  18:25 - Thinking long-term  24:40 - Valuation & profitability  29:58 - Practice, planning and AI

“If you want to stay viable in your bookkeeping business, you’re going to have to make that shift, and make your customers understand that they need you, and value you and your thought process that AI can’t do for them.” -Lora Lonesberry   There can be no doubt that AI is changing our world. Yet we are not all as doomed to be replaced by technology as some would have us believe. AI, like all new inventions, offers us the chance to grow, by embracing a technology that can make our lives easier, while giving us more time to focus on the unique insights only we can provide.    Without challenges there can be no growth, they keep us on the cutting edge of industry, daring us to keep up, deepening our skill set, experience and knowledge. Experience that clients are in desperate need of. AI can do the numbers faster than us, but it can’t contextualize them for the specific needs of a client. It can’t understand the dreams and hopes tied up in our client’s businesses.    Lora Lonesberry, owner of Positive Statements, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her varied career helping people get proactive and creative when facing the challenges of business and personal growth. She speaks to the power of finding your niche and leveraging your unique skills to overcome any challenge and the need for strong community networks.    If you are struggling to keep up, and don’t know which tools to use or how to leverage your skills, then this is the episode to get you asking the question; ‘What might your business look like if you implemented strategies to use AI to enhance, not replace, your services?’   During this interview, you'll learn... How to leverage AI to improve the success of your business The value of thinking about the little things The importance of community & networking  To find out more about Lora, click here.   Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.   Time Stamps   01:47 - Making the most of changes  04:18 - Embracing a change in thinking 07:06 - Getting to grips with AI 21:08 - Thinking about the little things  26:04 - Levelling up on your gaps  30:32 - Finding your niche

“People do that with their bookkeeping business, they start, they want to get some clients and they want to make some money, but they actually really have no idea what the journey looks like and where they are trying to get to. It’s a very different experience if you don’t know where you’re trying to get to.” -Peter Cook There is a common misconception among business owners, that we are never truly successful unless we can claim to have done everything ourselves. While there are advantages to stepping out of others’ shadows, it’s also far more likely we'll get burned.  There is nothing wrong with taking stock of what other business owners are doing and seeing how we might apply their approach to our own bookkeeping business. Walking the same path as someone else doesn’t mean trying to walk precisely in their footprints. It’s just a chance for us to enjoy a slightly easier path made possible by those who walked it before us.  Peter Cook, co-author of The E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping, is this episode’s featured guest. This fourth episode on The E-Myth Bookkeeper series explores the bookkeeper’s journey, the challenges of transitioning your business, and why sticking to the plan can make all the difference.  If you are struggling to let go of old ideas about success, aren’t sure how to move your business to the next phase of prosperity, or just want to get a better idea of what to expect on your journey, then this is the episode to show you it's okay to follow the trail. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of sticking to the plan How to navigate transitioning your business   The importance of understanding the phases of your business  To find out more about Peter, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper. Catch-up on the full E-Myth Bookkeeper with Peter Cook series with past episodes below! Episode 1 Episode 2  Episode 3 Time Stamps 02:01 - The bookkeeping business journey  07:41 - Helping bookkeepers grow their businesses  10:30 - The four stages of a bookkeeping business 16:26 - The challenges of transitioning your business  24:21 - Creating your freedom  This episode is brought to you by Pure Bookkeeping. It's the proven system to grow your bookkeeping business.

“You have to be willing to think a little bit differently about your business. If you follow what everyone else is doing, you’re going to get the same results everybody got.” -Racheal Cook Building a business is hard. There are so many barriers to success that the last thing we need is to get in our own way, either by supremely undervaluing our skills, or dramatically overestimating the market for them. We all want to follow our passions, but we need to temper that desire with the real-world potential of earning from it.  We start our own businesses to gain the flexibility and freedom often not afforded to us elsewhere. But we must be careful not to let our pricing trap us into a situation where we may be our boss but have no time or energy for anything else.  Racheal Cook, owner of the CEO Collective and host of the Promote Yourself To CEO podcast, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping women create sustainable success on their own terms. She speaks to the power of breaking free of entrepreneurial poverty, how to price your value, and why investing in relationships matters.  If you are struggling, unsure why everyone else seems so successful, but you are working more and more hours and only being rewarded with less time and energy, then this is the episode to help level up your thinking into a more proactive and strategic mindset.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of investing in relationships How to break free of entrepreneurial poverty The importance of pricing for the value of your skills To find out more about Racheal, click here.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Listen to Racheal's Promote Yourself To CEO podcast. Time Stamps     01:37 - Racheal discusses her career journey  04:05 - Eliminating entrepreneurial poverty 08:12 - Finding the value in your offering 11:05 - Pricing for your business 13:01 - Underpriced & overworked  17:50 - Lifetime client value 27:35 - Committing to building relationships  32:10 - Promote yourself to CEO This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Sage! On May 30th at 5:30pm ET, join their team for an exciting night in Toronto to celebrate the launch of their new product, Sage for Accountants. :) Meet fellow colleagues, enjoy free drinks and food, experience amazing entertainment, and best of all, get a chance to win an evening at the all-inclusive Blue Jays Suite!  Spots are limited so make sure you secure your tickets TODAY by clicking this link. It's a party you don't want to miss!  

“The importance of your own personal achievement needs to be equal to the importance of everyone else’s achievement. We are all just harmoniously and fortunately moving towards the same thing: survival.”  -Mike Michalowicz Are we working with the business or for the business? A great way to find out is to pay attention to the way you speak about the business. Are the successes and failures ‘ours’ or are they ‘theirs’? From this simple recognition, we can build a really clear picture of who is sharing the vision and who doesn’t feel like they belong. From there, the hard work begins. In order to maintain our success, we have to make sure those who work with and for us are benefiting too. No one is an island unto themselves; we all need help and support to achieve our dreams. And when we reach our peak of success, we must look back and help those who have supported us on our journey to achieve their own idea of success. Mike Michalowicz, author and keynote speaker, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping people eradicate entrepreneurial poverty, fixing and removing barriers to true success. Mike speaks powerfully about the need to understand your people, how to get inspired, and why remembering your past successes matters. If you are struggling to share your vision, aren’t sure how to recognize the contributions of others, or inspire them to action, then this is the episode to get you thinking less about your dream and more about ‘our’ dreams.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of inspiring others to achieve their dreams How to effectively communicate a shared vision The importance of taking stock of your success To find out more about Mike, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Buy his new book, All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams by visiting this link. Time Stamps 01:47 - Becoming a great leader  09:27 - Appreciating collective goals  16:04 - Communicating a shared vision  21:04 - How great leaders inspire their teams  24:38 - Creating psychological ownership This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Forwardly! With Forwardly, you can send free instant payments while keeping funds in your bank longer, receive instant payments for 80% less than credit card fees and enjoy same-day ACH—absolutely free! The best part? You can leap into the future of business payments with Forwardly and possibly earn yourself a FREE iPhone 15 Pro this summer! Visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/forwardly for more information! 

“You don’t have to be the best salesperson in the world. To be good at marketing a bookkeeping business, you just need to be good enough that you stand out in that crowd. You have to get good enough, you don’t have to become the world’s best marketer. “ - Peter Cook We might be excellent bookkeepers, but that doesn’t mean we are automatically great business managers. It’s important to take the time to figure out where our skills are strong and where they could use improvement. If your passion and skill lie in the numbers, there is nothing wrong with focusing your attention there.  Things start to slip or feel unmanageable in our businesses when we find ourselves spending a lot of time doing things we don’t love. Even if we are not in a position to outsource the work, by connecting with others, we open up a world of experience, where we can find people who have already solved our problems. And whose problems we may have already solved.  Peter Cook, co-author of the E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping, is this episode’s featured guest. This third episode on The Emyth Bookkeeper explores management, the challenges of growing a business, and why community matters.  If you are drowning in your business, or want to learn more about what it takes to be a better manager, then this is the episode to help you take stock of your skills and explore connections with people who can help. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of challenges as steps to growth How to manage your business with your passion in mind The importance of community in solving problems  Click here to find out more about Peter. Connect with Peter on LinkedIn. Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper. Click here to listen to the first episode. Click here to listen to the second episode. Time Stamps 03:00 - The challenge of growing a business  06:23 - Getting good enough  08:45 - Taking score of your business  12:46 - Finding your people  17:24 - Building a business you love  This episode is brought to you by Pure Bookkeeping. It's the proven system to grow your bookkeeping business.

“Don’t just ask for the referral, deserve it. You deserve a referral, and you earn a referral by who you are and how you show up in people’s lives.” - Curtis Lewsey   Referrals are a huge part of our businesses but despite this, we often don’t spend as much time and genuine effort as we should investing in the relationships around us. How well we are referred by others is a direct testament to our character.    If we are being disingenuous, following the money only rather than the relationships, we are unlikely to build a sustainable network of connections. We have to stop expecting referrals when we haven’t made any authenticity deposits of kindness, gratitude, or appreciation into the relationship.    Curtis Lewsey, owner of AM Cards and co-author of Appreciation Marketing, is this episode’s featured guest. Curtis has spent his career helping people get appreciative about their businesses and relationships. In this episode, he speaks to the power of saying thank you, putting authenticity first, and how to set healthy expectations.    If your attempts to build client relationships are failing, or you just want to get more authentic about showing your appreciation to clients, then this is the episode to put you in the receiver’s shoes, to truly take stock of how you are showing up in the world.   During this interview, you'll learn... The value of saying thank you How to set healthy expectations in business relationships The importance of connecting authentically Click here to find out more about Curtis.   Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn.   Time Stamps 01:34 - Curtis talks about his career journey  04:34 - The power of authenticity and gratitude   08:27 - The chain of appreciation  14:07 - Appreciation marketing  20:05 - Leading by example  27:20 - Looking for opportunities to be grateful 32:20 - Learning more about Curtis   

“I think we just get sucked into this pattern of being busy, and telling ourselves that there aren’t any other options and that we have to accept this. That ‘it is what it is’. Instead of taking that step back, taking a deep breath and thinking what would I want this to look like, what could this be?” - Erin Daiber We are creatures of habit, but all too often those habits become a prison, preventing us from growing and stepping into our greater potential. Just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean we cannot choose at any moment to try something different.  It is scary to step out of our comfort zones, but much worse to be trapped in a repeating cycle that will never lead us to the success we desire. As long as we remember we are the ones setting the rules for our lives and business, we can change them.  Erin Daiber, returning guest and owner of Well Balanced Accountants is this episode’s featured guest. Erin speaks to the power of connecting with your passion, how to navigate high-stress environments and what your life could look like with the right coach and a willingness to set rules that work for and not against you.  If you are feeling stuck, sure that success is within your reach, but are unsure how to grasp it, then this is the episode to help you take that step back, that deep breath that will bring clarity on the best way to move forward into a more successful business.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of setting rules that work for and not against you How to navigate high-stress environments The importance of connection to your passion Click here to find out more about Erin. Connect with Erin on LinkedIn. Time Stamps     01:54 - Erin talks about her career journey 04:42 - Navigating high-stress environments 07:47 - Things don’t have to be as they’ve always been 14:57 - Creating your future perfect scenario  17:56 - Taking control of your business  23:30 - Transforming your business with small changes  27:00 - Holding yourself to account 32:50 - Learning more about Erin

“I find, even just that connection, talking to other people… helping each other out, so important to the success of an entrepreneur because you can’t do it alone.” -Roger Pierce Starting our own businesses is a daunting prospect. There are many roads to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and each person’s journey is so different, it can often feel like we have to walk the path in isolation.  Acting in isolation, it can be hard to maintain course or connect to our purpose, chasing instead the hope of more money and clients. This is why support systems matter. When we surround ourselves with people who have or are on a journey of their own, it really helps us avoid common pitfalls and feel like we are a part of something bigger. Roger Pierce, who is an entrepreneurship expert, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career not only as a successful entrepreneur but also in bringing other like-minded people together to create their own business success. Roger speaks to the power of networking and community in building successful businesses, learning to pivot and how to approach your life with purpose.  If you are tired of working for other people or are already on your journey but feel lost and isolated, this is the episode to get you thinking about the people you surround yourself with and the power of your purpose.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of learning to pivot How to approach your life with purpose The importance of building lasting relationships To find out more about Roger, click here.  Connect with him on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:43 - Roger discusses his career journey  05:42 - The challenges & opportunities of small business  09:05 - Approaching your life with purpose  13:05 - Evolving through education 16:30 - The Unsure Entrepreneur  22:09 - Learning to pivot  25:52 - What’s next for small businesses  29:56 - Building lasting relationships  34:50 - Learning more about Roger

“If I was just open to meeting somebody and having a conversation and understanding where they were coming from, it naturally turned into a client, and that’s what we have continued to do to this day.” -Melissa Broughton We all feel like imposters in our businesses at one time or another. This fear can paralyze us, stopping us from taking any action at all. But it will always be better to try and fail, than let fear stop us from ever trying at all.  When it comes to putting ourselves out there, it is hard to know which school of thought to listen to. Do you go for the soft or hard sell, hit the pavement, or focus on online marketing? The answer will always be to try everything and see what works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.  Melissa Broughton, owner of Busy Bee Advisors, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping small businesses gain financial clarity. She speaks to the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones, leaning into our inner problem-solvers, and the way embracing technology will help you find financial freedom.  If you are struggling to find clients, or just aren’t sure about the next step to take in your bookkeeping business, then this is the episode to help you get intentional about your goals, objectives, and purpose.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of leaning into our inner problem-solvers How to use technology to your best advantage The importance of stepping out of our comfort zones To find out more about Melissa, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Check out Busy Bee Advisors at this link. Time Stamps      01:11 - Melissa discusses her career journey 04:53 - Stepping out of our comfort zones 07:41 - Building a successful network 12:38 - Embracing technology  13:55 - Leaning into your inner problem-solver 16:28 - Working with family  21:47 - Looking to the future  24:25 - Passing your knowledge on 27:17 - Learning more about Melissa

“When people say, ‘What do you do?’ instead of saying I’m a bookkeeper, say ‘I run a bookkeeping business.’ It’s a subtle difference, but it’s actually a really big shift in mindset.” -Peter Cook We must all leave our businesses one day. This confronting reality can make us quite uncomfortable. So much so that we bury ourselves working in our businesses, rather than working on them. More than the work we do, our businesses are valuable assets, if we treat them as such. Problems arise when we lean into negative thoughts and actions. If we only ever refer to ourselves as ‘just a bookkeeper’ that is all we'll ever be. Our habits define who we are, what might change if you began to introduce yourself as a business owner instead? Peter Cook, co-author of The E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping, is this episode’s featured guest. He speaks to the power of shifting mindsets, how to prove the value of your business to yourself and others, and why even small changes to our habits can have huge impacts.  If you are worried about the future of your bookkeeping business, or just starting to consider it as a valuable asset for the future, this is the episode to get you thinking about long-term value and what leaving your business might look like. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of long-term thinking How to shift into a business owner mindset The importance of creating successful habits  To find out more about Peter, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper! Click this link to listen to Peter's previous Successful Bookkeeper episode in 2024. Time Stamps 02:01 - How you exit your bookkeeping business  08:58 - Creating habits for success 10:46 - Positive versus negative thought 14:10 - The value of a bookkeeping business     16:44 - Proving the value of your business  19:55 - The challenges of stepping away 24:48 - Thinking with the end in mind This episode is brought to you by Pure Bookkeeping. It's the proven system to grow your bookkeeping business.

“If someone is asking for immediate payment, that’s a huge red flag. Telling you to 'go to your bank, buy a gift card’ or any kind of payment outside of the ordinary, be very, very weary. When it comes to taxes, you can always walk into an IRS office or state office. Go to the source.” -Hubert Johnson   Fraud is one of the biggest problems facing business owners. It is hard enough to keep up with all the changes in compliance law, that when we are then faced with identity or money fraud, it can seem an insurmountable problem.    But as with most things, these issues will only hit us hard if we don’t prepare for them or ignore them and hope they will go away. Education is the key to prevention, whether we do it one-to-one, or build community groups, sharing knowledge is the surest way to prevent more people falling into the trap of fraud.   Hubert Johnson, tax attorney and owner of Guardian Tax Law, is this week's featured guest. He has spent his career helping thousands of clients and businesses find resolutions and peace of mind when dealing with tax issues. In this episode, Hubert and Michael explore the concerning rise of fraud, how to protect yourself, and the value of working together to face the challenges of the future.    The cost of cleaning up a problem is often far more than the cost of making sure the problem never occurs. If you want to defend yourself against fraud but aren’t sure where to begin, this is the episode to get you started.    During this interview, you'll learn... How to protect ourselves from ever-increasing fraud  The value of keeping up to date with compliance changes  The importance of community in facing the challenges of fraud  To find out more about Hubert, click here.   Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Time Stamps   01:46 - Hubert discusses his career journey  02:42 - Protecting ourselves from identity fraud  08:59 - Spotting the scam  18:45 - The power of community in overcoming fraud  20:28 - Understanding changes to tax rules  26:52 - Getting payroll right  31:33 - Investing in business protection   38:17 - Learning more about Hubert

“I was outgrowing my money habits, and I was outgrowing the people teaching me about money, so what is that next level? Who is the next person I want to learn from?” -Stacy Tuschl Business owners often exist in the space between not believing we are worthy of our business, and believing we are the only ones that can get things done in our business. What would happen if you give yourself permission to start delegating some tasks to others? Of course, everyone is unique. If you are happy with the way things are working for you, then your growth may lay in other directions. But if you aren’t happy, if you are spending too much time IN your business and not enough time ON your business, it might be time for a change. Stacy Tuschl, founder of Well-Oiled Operations and operational systems expert, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career not only building incredibly successful businesses but helping others to achieve their dreams, by freeing them from the limiting mindsets holding them back. In this episode, Stacy speaks to the power of delegation, shifting limiting beliefs and growing beyond our spheres of influence.  If you are struggling to let go in your bookkeeping business, not sure how to start trusting others with the things you do so well, or simply want that push to try, then this is the episode to get you out of an operator mindset and start thinking like an owner! During this interview, you'll learn... The value of mindset in shifting our business perspectives How delegation can change your life The importance of learning from the right places  To find out more about Stacy, click here.  Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:46 - Stacy discusses her career journey  03:02 - The challenges of building a healthy business 04:32 - Who are we learning money from? 06:26 - How is this working for you? 08:22 - Learning to delegate 12:40 - Stacy’s tips for successful delegation  19:41 - Shifting out of the operator mindset 25:47 - Navigating the flow of change  31:15 - Getting our finances in order  36:35 - Learning more about Stacy

“I have to do a lot of things that are downtime, or non-billable things, so I have to roll that into my rate. I had to do a mind shift change. I had to do a complete 180 on my thoughts and how I thought of clients and how I billed them and what I am doing for them.” -Robin Hall Automation is the future, but shortcuts are only helpful if we have already been to the destination the long way round, otherwise, there is no way to know if we have arrived at the right place. Until we have a full understanding of just how many steps it takes to achieve a certain result, we can’t begin to implement any useful shortcuts.  The next problem is successfully communicating the worth of that experience, especially when we reach levels of skill that make us really good at something, but unable to explain how to do it to others. Knowing the value of our skills is only half the battle. Not everyone that can do, can teach. It takes a different skill set to be able to effectively communicate and replicate in others those things we do well.  Robin Hall, owner and principal consultant at VARC Solutions, is this spotlight episode’s special guest. She has spent her career helping people get to grips with automation.  She discusses all things automation, from how to shift our mindset, to understanding the value of your skills and time, and how to bring your team along on the journey. If you have been considering a more automated approach to your bookkeeping business, but aren’t sure which direction to take, this is the episode to get you thinking about people-first automation.  During this interview, you'll learn... The power of pricing for your value not just your time How to shift your mindset to be open to the future The importance of bringing your people on the journey with you To find out more about Robin, click here.  Connect with her on LinkedIn and Facebook. Time Stamps 01:24 - Robin discusses her career journey 03:45 - The value of passing on our knowledge   06:03 - Shifting to value-based pricing  11:56 - Getting to grips with automation  15:44 - Factors to consider when automating accounts 22:31 - Bringing your team with you 27:10 - Finding your preferred solution partners  36:14 - Robin’s automation tips This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL! BILL automates your clients’ AP, AR, spend, and expense, and lets them track and manage their cash flow, in real time. You can also use the BILL Accountant Console to access insights to level up your advisory services plus so much more! To learn how BILL can help you and your clients, and to sign up for the referral program, visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/bill.

“There’s going to be some crazy stuff that happens in the next five to ten years. I think when we look back in ten years, we may see the same amount of change in that ten-year period that I have seen in my last thirty years, which is massive.” -David Hartley There are so many changes happening simultaneously in the world, often happening faster than our ability to process them. It is no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed. Should we use AI or not, should we work in the office, remotely, or hybrid?  What matters more than understanding everything that is happening in the world, is an understanding of ourselves in terms of how well we embrace or resist change. Some people love to jump into the deep end, and that’s okay, but some like to be more cautious in their approach. In the second of a two-part special, David Hartley, a business and technology executive with over 30 years of continuous innovation and leadership, talks about how to achieve the right mix for successful hybrid working, co-creating value and the power of getting intentional about how you create and involve your teams in your business.  If you are afraid of change or aren’t sure whether in-office, remote or hybrid working is best for you or your bookkeeping business, this episode spotlights that it doesn’t have to be one or the other, there is room for everyone to succeed. During this interview, you'll learn... How to overcome the challenges of hybrid working The importance of embracing change  The value of connecting with like-minded people To find out more about David, click here.  Connect with him on LinkedIn. Listen to David's But Who’s Counting? podcast. Time Stamps 01:28 - Who gets access to your experience? 04:41 - The evolving role of a CPA 09:03 - Overcoming the challenges of hybrid working 18:47 - David’s tips for business success This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL! BILL automates your clients’ AP, AR, spend, and expense, and lets them track and manage their cash flow, in real time. You can also use the BILL Accountant Console to access insights to level up your advisory services plus so much more! To learn how BILL can help you and your clients, and to sign up for the referral program, visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/bill.

“What would I do, if I could still get my work done, but I had it done five hours faster, or ten hours faster? -David Hartley   There was a time those using the abacus, feared the calculator. It is natural to be nervous and have some fear around evolving technologies, especially at their current pace. But those that lean into these advancements, are far more likely to survive them. And more than just surviving, there are huge opportunities to thrive when we embrace them.   What makes us comfortable, might also be the same thing keeping us from reaching greater heights in our business. If there are tools that can systemize the repetitive, mundane tasks all of us must do to keep things running, why wouldn’t we let a capable AI handle them for us?   In the first of a two-part special, David Hartley, a business and technology executive with over 30 years of continuous innovation and leadership talks about the impact of AI on the bookkeeping industry, will discuss the need to embrace, adapt, and overcome the challenges of new technologies, why your advice matters, and what the future will look like.   If you are living in fear of the looming shadow of AI, afraid for your bookkeeping business or job security, this is the episode to help you lean into a pivot towards embracing the future, as it happens.   During this interview, you'll learn... The value of advisory skills in an automated world How to grow your business with AI The importance of embracing the changing technological landscape To find out more about David, click here.   To explore Anders CPAs + Advisors, click this link.   Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Time Stamps   01:27 - David discusses his career journey  03:18 - The impact of technology on our profession  04:58 - Using AI to your best advantage  10:23 - To fear AI, or embrace it? 12:08 - Growing your business with AI 19:37 - The continued evolution of AI This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL! BILL automates your clients’ AP, AR, spend, and expense, and lets them track and manage their cash flow, in real time. You can also use the BILL Accountant Console to access insights to level up your advisory services plus so much more! To learn how BILL can help you and your clients, and to sign up for the referral program, visit thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/bill.

“My unique ability is to have people become aware of the value they provide, and then use that to transition their businesses to what they want.” -Lisa Campbell   There is a world of difference between making a living in a job, and creating a business that gives us true freedom. The problem is many of us get stuck on the way. Stuck charging low prices to clients who don’t value our skills.    Creating a bookkeeping business, just to have a business, is not the same as setting out with a clear idea of what you want your future to look like and directing all your effort behind that goal. Your business should be the gateway to the life you have always dreamed of, not another barrier.    Lisa Campbell, founder of Accelerate 2 Advisor, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping people find their personal pathways to success. In this episode, she speaks about how to determine our unique abilities, what it takes to beat limiting beliefs and how you can set yourself up for a great 2024.   If you are struggling to measure your successes, aren’t sure what you offer that makes you special, or love her courses and want to listen to even more useful tips for success. This is the right episode for you.    During this interview, you'll learn... The value of facing limiting beliefs How to determine your unique abilities The importance of measuring past successes for future growth To find out more about Lisa, click here.   Connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.    Time Stamps   01:18 - Lisa discusses her career journey  05:44 - Determining your unique ability  10:43 - Lisa’s recommendations for a great 2024  15:22 - What do you want your business to do for you? 18:24 - Beating the limiting beliefs  23:37 - The Accelerator Method Masterclass This episode is brought to you by The Accelerator Method Masterclass Series! If you're a bookkeeper tired of working in overwhelm on compliance detail, learn how to reposition to high-value advisor correctly with this virtual opportunity that's hosted by Lisa Campbell.   It begins on March 4th at 4pm ET. REGISTER TODAY!

“The good thing is that you don’t have to be the one to replicate the knowledge, you can hire those that do. Know your strengths but know when somebody else is stronger, and lean to each person’s strength.” -Rachel Fisch Finding your niche is a great way to work with focus on the things that matter most to you and to find your ideal client. In this episode, Rachel Fisch, owner of RealityTax.ca and FischBooks Inc and now General Manager of Dext, speaks to what your ideal client profile could look like, the power of organic networking, and how getting excited about the success of others, can drive our own. If you have found your niche, but are stuck with the wrong clients, aren’t sure which direction to invest your energy, or want to learn more about effective networking, this is the episode for you.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of getting excited about shared success How to build an ideal client profile The importance of organic networking  To find out more about Rachel, check out her LinkedIn profile. To learn about RealtyTax.ca, go here. To explore Dext, click this link. Time Stamps 01:28 - Rachel discusses her career journey  03:03  - The story of RealtyTax.ca  08:44  - Managing a new acquisition   13:31  - The key factors of a good merge  18:40  - Finding your ideal niche  25:39  - The value of a strong network  30:36  - Getting excited about shared success This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Dext! They have a FREE webinar called AI: The Accounting Trend That’s Here to Stay that’s on February 22nd at 12pm ET. During the session, you’ll learn how to leverage AI to positively impact your bookkeeping business plus so much more! REGISTER NOW You’ll be glad you did! 🙂

“Our clients, they’re consumers at some level, and they’re comparing the experience they have with you. They are going to compare it to the great experiences they have. Their favourite businesses are the ones that take care of them the most. The best service experience they have ever had, that is their benchmark.”  -Shep Hyken All of us are customers. And yet despite having a wealth of experience, we hardly ever apply it to our own bookkeeping business. Getting started on the journey of quality customer service and experience can begin with some simple questions: Why do people work with us, and why don’t they? And what do I love about my favourite businesses, and what don’t I like? That is not to say you have to do what everyone else is doing. But if you can identify the criteria in yourself and others that really gets you excited about your work. You will have better footing to make more informed decisions about the future of your business.  Customer service and customer experience expert, Shep Hyken, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping the world’s best brands build a customer-centred culture. In this episode, Shep digs into what it means to set the tone in your business, the importance of great customer service, and how to measure it successfully.  If you are tired of people deciding what you do, and how you do it, this is the episode to get you clear about who you are, what your business can offer, and how best to present that to the rest of the world.  During this interview, you'll learn... The value of a great introduction How to find & retain clients that fit your business The importance of great client services To find out more about Shep, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Time Stamps   01:41 - Shep discusses his career journey  05:44 - Labelling ourselves before others can 08:11 - Creating the best client services   15:27 - The fine balance of quality customer service  21:23 - The Right Fit Client  25:50 - Why are your clients picking you? 33:33 - How much better do you need to be? This episode is brought to you by The Accelerator Method Masterclass Series! If you're a bookkeeper tired of working in overwhelm on compliance detail, learn how to reposition to high-value advisor correctly with this virtual opportunity that's hosted by Lisa Campbell.   It begins on March 4th at 4pm ET. REGISTER TODAY!  

“If we could get what’s in your head, about how you do bookkeeping, out of your head and onto paper, into a system or process that someone else could follow, do you think then you could trust somebody else with your clients?”  -Peter Cook   The world of bookkeeping is ever-evolving.   More and more frequently we are being relied on not only for our number crunching but in an advisory capacity. There is a wealth of knowledge we each possess from years of working within our niches. The problem is, all that great information is trapped inside our heads.   Building effective systems and processes is about more than just having a computer run the numbers. Our systems should reflect the very best of ourselves. They should contain our knowledge and experience, so others can easily use that information to help clients.   Peter Cook, co-author of the E-Myth Bookkeeper and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career mentoring business owners to find out what they really want from their businesses and their lives and how to get it.    If you are struggling to move from working IN your business to working ON your business, are looking to scale your business, but everything is stuck in your head, or just want to test your systems against the advice of a master in the field, then this is the episode to get you started!   During this interview, you'll learn... The power of the entrepreneurial mindset How to build your ultimate systems manual The importance of getting out of your own head To find out more about Peter, click here.   Connect with him on LinkedIn.   Get your copy of The E-Myth Bookkeeper.    Time Stamps   03:12 - Peter talks about his journey  06:34 - Evolving with the times 09:40 - The story of E-Myth  14:02 - What is a business system? 17:18 - Measuring successful outcomes   20:01 - Building your ultimate systems manual  24:01 - The impact of great systems    This episode is brought to you by The Accelerator Method Masterclass Series!   If you're a bookkeeper tired of working in overwhelm on compliance detail, learn how to reposition to high-value advisor correctly with this virtual opportunity that's hosted by Lisa Campbell.   It begins on March 4th at 4pm ET. REGISTER TODAY!

“It was going to be another thing, like the internet itself, that completely changes the landscape of everything.” -Seth David Embracing the future of technology in our bookkeeping businesses can be a daunting task. Taking the leap into AI and innovation requires trust and a willingness to adapt. There are so many innovative apps on the market, constantly changing and evolving their offerings, that it can be really hard to know which direction to turn.  If we make our systems the starting point, we better position ourselves, such that we may not understand how the technology works, but we do understand how to leverage it for the best outcomes for our business. We can’t know the right tool until we understand the problem we have to fix.  Seth David, Chief Nerd at Nerd Enterprises, is this episode’s featured guest. He has spent his career helping people to understand not only the tools and resources available to them, but how to apply them for maximum results in their businesses.  If your work management isn’t flowing, you don’t know which tool is the best fit for your business or are unsure about the future, this is the episode to get you future-focused.  During this interview, you'll learn... How to work in partnership with AI How to choose the right tool for your business The importance of workflow management  To find out more about Seth, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:42 - Seth discusses his career journey  09:38 - Getting to grips with AI 21:25 - Looking to the future  30:08 - Finding the right apps for you 37:45 - Understanding work management flow    49:34 - Seth’s app recommendations  56:41 - 2024 & beyond This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Gusto! Gusto’s payroll and HR services can make your life a little easier.  Automatically calculating paychecks, filing payroll taxes and much more! Gusto does it all.  The best part? Because you’re a listener, you get THREE MONTHS TOTALLY FREE! Just go to gusto.com/thesuccessfulbookkeeper to sign up TODAY!

“When a business owner is supported and when they have extra funds available, those funds usually funnel back into their local community.” -Julie Walters Welcome to our 400th EPISODE!!  Thank you for your support! Now let's get to the episode... :) Best practice isn’t what everyone else is doing, it is learning from everyone else and building practices that work best for you. When we consistently deliver on our processes, we automatically create the space for growth as things begin to run themselves.  There is never a right time to make a start or take the next step in your bookkeeping business. If we don’t make the change today, 12 months from now we’ll find ourselves stuck in the same position, wishing we had acted sooner.  Julie Walters, owner of Pathfinder Bookkeeping and Tax, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent her career helping businesses grow and prosper. She speaks powerfully about the safety and security our businesses provide us, while explaining just how far-reaching the impact of what we do can be felt by others.  If you are struggling to build effective systems and processes into your business, aren’t sure how to communicate your skills or worth to your clients, or just want to modernize your business without leaving your clients behind, this is the episode to set your business in motion. During this interview, you'll learn... The value of Pure Bookkeeping as a tool for your success How to find the courage to take a leap The importance of bringing our clients with us on our journey To find out more about Julie, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. To learn more about Pure Bookkeeping, visit this link. Time Stamps  01:27 - Julie discusses her career journey 03:39 - Navigating the highs & lows  06:01 - Taking the leap  10:41 - Bringing our clients with us 12:48 - How Pure Bookkeeping can help you 14:53 - Building your dream team 17:14 - Never a right time  20:00 - Growing with your business  27:06 - Measuring the impact ripple 33:44 - Looking to the future

“It’s such a great time to actually look at how we all are in this ecosystem. And if we support each other and work with each other, it trickles up.” -Karolina Francis Welcome to a special episode celebrating Canadian Bookkeeping Week! During this conversation, Michael talks all things bookkeeping with a special panel of guests. Karolina Francis of KNF Consulting, Jonathan Carter of Kata Accounting and Melissa Lenos of King Business Solutions lend their unique perspectives to an insightful discussion about what it means to be a bookkeeper. The hardest part of any business is working with people, but it is also the best part. Our people are our success. Without them we have nothing, so the more effort we put into our relationships, the greater the impact and return. As bookkeepers, we want to see success for our clients. If they win, we win. And yet it can be hard to find the right people for us. What makes us a great bookkeeper might not make us a great leader, marketer, or coach. The panel talks about the value of finding people to work with whose personalities are congruent with our own. If you are struggling to keep pace with changes to the industry and technology, not sure how to know who you want to work with, or just want some incredible tips from industry experts, let the stories in this episode guide the way. During this interview, you'll learn... Tips for a more successful bookkeeping business How to forge lasting connections for lasting success What it means to thrive in change  Connect with Karolina, Jonathan and Melissa on LinkedIn. Time Stamps     02:03 - Introducing the panel   06:13 - Getting into business   10:02 - The challenging parts of growth  17:41 - Finding the joy in the work 27:28 - The impacts of technologies 33:40 - Navigating a changing industry 41:01 - Tips for business success  Thank you to our great friends at CPB Canada for helping us put this episode together!  If you're not a member yet, go here to learn more!