The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast

"Like this is not just a gig, but this is my career. You grow into wanting more of that for your clients and you start recognizing if a client isn't about that. The last thing I want is just agree to do a subpar job because a client doesn't really care and then they decide to care in two years and they look back at the history and they're like, 'This has been a mess.'" -Christina Springstead Christina Springstead, owner and founder of Springstead Solutions, returns to share what she's learned from handling complex cleanups and growing her business with intention. From refining systems to managing client expectations, Christina explains how bookkeepers can balance quality, communication, and growth—without burning out. In this interview, you'll learn: How to spot hidden issues in cleanup projects before you quote Why communication & transparency build client trust How to manage pushback & set professional boundaries To learn more about Christina and Springstead Solutions, here. Connect with her on Linkedin. Time Stamp 02:13 – Christina shares her background & path back to bookkeeping 04:34 – Lessons learned from recent cleanup projects 06:00 – The hidden costs of missing bank feed data & auto rules 07:42 – When CPA journal entries hide deeper problems 09:51 – How cleanup checklists evolved into better systems 10:51 – Why deeper diagnostic reviews protect both client & bookkeeper 12:06 – Expecting problems: guilty until proven innocent approach 13:01 – When "accurate" AR & AP numbers aren't accurate at all 14:45 – The danger of ignoring small errors today 15:34 – How to handle client pushback with transparency & purpose 16:22 – Choosing clients who care about accurate books 17:13 – Why clean books protect long-term business value 18:20 – Setting boundaries & recognizing red flags in clients 19:47 – The difference between hobby clients & business-minded ones 20:26 – Holding clients accountable for financial quality 21:02 – Managing stress & staying flexible during heavy work periods 22:45 – Communicating delays honestly with clients 23:57 – Building trust through consistency & openness 25:41 – Why clear communication increases client value perception 27:01 – Real client story: turning nonprofit chaos into clarity 28:55 – How bookkeeping education empowers boards & leaders 31:21 – Hiring a VA and assistant to buy back time & focus 32:53 – Building a business around your lifestyle, not fear 33:41 – Manifesting growth & designing your dream business 35:03 – Recommended books: Who Not How & Buy Back Your Time 37:33 – Why mindset, focus& vision drive real success 40:12 – How the new Summit experience connects the bookkeeping community This episode is brought to you by our amazing 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!

"Do not be tempted to undervalue yourself just because it happens to be something that's fast or easy for you to produce." -Casey Brown In the finale of this two-part series, pricing expert and president of Boost Pricing, Casey Brown, returns to share how bookkeepers can move from fear-based pricing to confident, value-driven conversations. She explains how to stop pre-discounting, test your true pricing ceiling, and communicate your worth with clarity and confidence. In this interview, you'll learn: Why pre-discounting hurts your profits How to identify & attract better, higher-value clients How to package & present your services with confidence Connect with Casey on LinkedIn. To buy her book, Fearless Pricing, click here. Watch her TED Talk, or video on 12 things I Hate About Hourly Billing. To learn more about Boost Pricing, click this link. Time Stamp 02:03 – The two types of discounting: negotiated & pre-discounting 03:52 – How to test your true price ceiling 04:54 – Overcoming scarcity mindset & fear of losing clients 06:02 – Why fewer clients at higher prices can be more profitable 08:44 – Letting go of price-sensitive clients who drain your energy 10:43 – Why bad clients cost more than they're worth 11:13 – The gender gap in business pricing & confidence 12:45 – How women undervalue their services & why it costs them 13:52 – Messaging & packaging your services for higher value 15:17 – Half of pricing success is the number; half is how you frame it 16:52 – Stop obsessing over numbers & focus on context 17:47 – The problems with hourly billing models 18:47 – Why fixed-fee & value-based pricing work better 19:26 – When & how to offer pricing packages 20:47 – Avoid overwhelming clients with too many choices 22:28 – Be the expert—guide your client's decision 24:31 – Why clear messaging builds trust & confidence 25:57 – The Picasso lesson: charge for your experience, not your time 26:58 – How to articulate the process & value you deliver 27:21 – Where to find Casey's free resources, book & programs 28:42 – Fearless Pricing community & how to join This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"Bookkeeping is a commodity. My accounting software can be a commodity. So how do we strike that emotional cord and how do we give the confidence that we are the right choice going forward? We're not a commodity. We are differentiating. We're building that difference." -Melanie Spillman Melanie Spillman, Vice President of Sales for Sage US Medium Businesses, shares practical ways bookkeepers can build stronger client relationships—through listening, follow-up, and authenticity. She explores how trust is earned, why active listening matters, and how to keep human connection alive in an increasingly automated industry. In this interview, you'll learn: How to build trust quickly & consistently with clients The art of active listening & letting silence do the work Why understanding your client's past & future builds connection Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn. To learn more about Sage, click here. Time Stamp 01:41 – How to build trust quickly with clients 03:34 – The power of timely follow-up 05:19 – Setting expectations & communicating clearly 06:33 – Teach, tailor & take control in client conversations 07:53 – How to ask better questions & listen actively 09:23 – Staying present & focused during meetings 12:22 – The value of silence in communication 13:54 – Showing authenticity & passion with clients 15:53 – How to build trust in the first meeting 17:22 – Asking about a client's past & future to deepen connection 20:09 – Why focusing only on history limits your impact 21:15 – How to stand out in a competitive market 22:29 – The "front door" story: lessons in emotional connection 25:39 – Why people buy with emotion & justify with logic 27:31 – Turning services from a commodity into a connection 29:34 – Keeping the human touch in an automated world 31:27 – Using AI to free time for more meaningful client work 33:22 – Understanding what really motivates clients 36:48 – Make every client interaction meaningful 38:46 – How Sage uses AI to empower bookkeepers

"It's the bookkeeper who has to sell his or her own services, and so they're not a professional salesperson. So a lot of times there's a lot of fear and we get in our heads, we get in our gut, we feel pushy, we feel salesy, we feel weird and we discount. And so to me, it's about arming the person whose job it is to sell this value with the skills and tools to do it." -Casey Brown In part one of this two-part conversation, pricing expert and resident of Boost Pricing, Casey Brown, joins the podcast to help bookkeepers overcome fear, self-doubt, and hesitation around pricing their services. Drawing from her journey as an engineer turned pricing strategist, she explains how your "money story" shapes your pricing decisions—and how to change it. In this interview, you'll learn: How mindset & money stories limit what you charge The biggest pricing mistake small firms make How to handle pricing objections without discounting Connect with Casey on LinkedIn. To buy her book, Fearless Pricing, click here. Watch her TED Talk, or video on 12 things I Hate About Hourly Billing. To learn more about Boost Pricing, click this link.  Time Stamp 00:00 – Why pricing confidence matters for bookkeepers 02:10 – Casey's journey from engineer to pricing strategist 04:38 – Lessons from working at GE & entering the pricing world 05:56 – Shifting from big corporations to small businesses 07:14 – Why analytical pricing models don't work for small firms 08:13 – Helping bookkeepers sell their own value with confidence 10:24 – From pricing analytics to pricing mindset training 12:31 – How training teams led to massive profit increases 13:36 – Why pricing problems start between your ears, not in spreadsheets 15:14 – Common sales beliefs that hold business owners back 17:19 – The myth that "the market sets the price" 18:52 – How changing beliefs can boost profitability 20:18 – Why most people fear talking about price 21:01 – Understanding your personal money story 22:41 – How emotions affect pricing decisions 23:13 – Exercises to detach emotion from pricing 24:22 – Casey's advice for bookkeepers ready to charge more This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"We have to stop trading time for money. Hourly billing traps you. It gets you in the cycle of undervaluing yourself. Discounting just to get a client to sign up with you and think that you're going to charge more in the future is another trap. Doing free work, answering quick questions, answering an abundance of emails and never getting paid for it is a trap." -Michelle Weinstein Michelle Weinstein, founder of The Abundant Accountant and The Pitch Queen, talks about how bookkeepers can confidently sell their services without feeling pushy or uncomfortable. Drawing on years of experience helping accounting professionals close high-value clients, Michelle shares simple strategies to increase revenue and build trust with prospects. In this interview, you'll learn: How to overcome fear & hesitation around pricing and sales Questions that turn discovery calls into meaningful conversations How to position your value instead of selling your time To learn more about Michelle, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 00:00 – Why selling is a skill every bookkeeper needs 03:05 – How Michelle helps bookkeepers sell with confidence 05:40 – Shifting your mindset from "selling" to "helping" 08:12 – The biggest mistakes bookkeepers make in sales calls 10:45 – How to ask powerful questions that uncover client needs 13:10 – Why you should never discount your services 15:22 – The difference between pricing & value 18:03 – Turning consultations into lasting client relationships 20:45 – How to talk about money without fear or guilt 24:00 – Using Dext tools to add more value to clients 27:12 – Building confidence through practice & preparation 30:10 – Michelle's top advice for bookkeepers ready to grow 32:30 – Where to learn more about Michelle & The Abundant Accountant This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"The more intentional you get with your money, the more intentional you get with your time as well." -Jennifer Hume In our 500th episode, Jennifer Hume, owner of Coronation Bookkeeping & Tax Services, shares how she built a successful virtual bookkeeping firm and expanded into coaching for real estate professionals. She reveals what worked, what didn't, and how she uses systems, marketing, and speaking to grow her business with purpose and profitability. In this interview, you'll learn: How niching and storytelling drive growth and confidence Why systems are essential for scaling How Jennifer built a $250K firm through referrals To learn more about Jennifer, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 02:03 – Jennifer's journey from family business to starting her own bookkeeping firm 05:28 – Lessons learned from her father's failed business & what she'd do differently 06:08 – The importance of systems & Profit First for building a strong foundation 07:49 – Transitioning from data entry to leadership & advisory work 08:16 – How Jennifer built a $250K firm through referrals & strong processes 10:45 – Learning to market intentionally & step outside her comfort zone 13:03 – Building referral partnerships with accountants & real estate brokerages 15:07 – Overcoming fear & learning to pick up the phone to grow the business 17:07 – How niching into real estate transformed her business 19:42 – Why specializing makes marketing easier & attracts better clients 21:07 – What marketing tactics didn't work (and what to watch out for) 22:08 – Email marketing & newsletters that actually connect 24:55 – How creating a professional speaker's reel set her apart 26:44 – The power of storytelling on stage & building confidence through speaking 30:12 – Using AI tools like ChatGPT to craft speeches & prompts quickly 33:22 – Building a coaching business for real estate professionals 34:56 – Why 90% of realtors quit within five years & how coaching helps 35:40 – How financial & time habits create happier, more balanced lives 37:32 – Where to find & connect with Jennifer online This episode is brought to you by our amazing 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!

"The number one driver of small to medium sized businesses not making it is cash flow problems. It's not that they're not profitable. This is the big thing with net cash that most people don't realize, is that you can run a profitable business and run out of money." -Tommy Vincent In this spotlight episode, Tommy Vincent, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Hub Analytics, returns to share how bookkeepers can confidently step into advisory by focusing on just 3 key metrics. He explains how to measure, track, and present them to clients in a way that builds trust and drives business growth. In this interview, you'll learn: The 3 metrics every bookkeeper should track Why consistency matters more than dozens of KPIs How net equity shows a business owner's true wealth To learn more about Hub Analytics, click here. Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 00:00 – Introducing 3 Key Metrics 02:16 – Why bookkeepers are well-positioned to deliver advisory services 03:59 – Why less is more with KPIs for small business clients 04:54 – The three core metrics 06:33 – Breaking down net operating income & what it reveals 07:50 – Industry nuances & why measuring consistently matters 09:30 – Using consistent monthly tracking to spot improvement 12:20 – Net equity explained 14:27 – Why 78% of a business owner's net worth is tied to their business 16:04 – Loans, distributions & reinvestment 20:54 – Why profitable businesses still fail without cash 23:10 – Healthcare & construction industries & cashflow gaps 25:59 – Watching DSO & DPO to avoid cash crunches 27:21 – How bookkeepers can differentiate by tracking just 3 KPIs 28:29 – How to package advisory 30:55 – Why most existing clients won't pay more 33:18 – Advisory is best suited for businesses over $1M revenue 34:56 – How Hub Analytics supports bookkeepers with AI-driven reporting

"I think that the hacker mindset is a superpower because what it does is it fosters independent thinking. And independent thinking enables a person to observe or discover overlooked pathways, overlooked opportunities, things that other people have missed." -Ted Harrington Ted Harrington, cybersecurity expert and author of Hackable: How To Do Application Security Right and his upcoming book Inner Hacker: A New Way Of Thinking, returns to talk about the hacker mindset and how it can transform both business and life. In this interview, you'll learn: The four traits of the hacker mindset How AI is shaping cyberattacks Ways to tap into your inner hacker To learn more about Ted, click here. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Check out his new book, Inner Hacker: A New Way Of Thinking here. Time Stamp 01:22 – Ted Harrington returns with his new book Inner Hacker 02:47 – Why thinking like a hacker is a superpower 09:17 – The four traits of the hacker mindset 12:39 – What holds people back from channeling their inner hacker 18:24 – How the book supports his business & clients 23:13 – AI's role in modern cyberattacks 29:20 – What's changing for small businesses & cybersecurity awareness 32:31 – Why hackers target small businesses 36:36 – Protecting yourself by knowing where you're vulnerable 37:45 – Ted's future plans & keynote speaking This episode is brought to you by our amazing 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 have to keep evolving. We're always evolving. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. If you're not happy with what you're doing, there's always a way to change. And you can lean on great thought leaders like this to help you get there.  " -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, Founder of Accelerate 2 Advisor, returns for part two of her series about Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She shares practical ways bookkeepers can apply the next four habits to strengthen client relationships, build stronger teams, and sustain long-term success. In this interview, you'll learn: How to create win-win client & team relationships Why discovery calls should focus on understanding, not selling The power of synergy with your team and professional partners To learn more about Lisa, visit her profile on LinkedIn. Sign up for her Masterclass here! Time Stamp 00:00 – Win-win results with accountants through systemized books01:25 – Habit 4: Think win-win 06:57 – Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood09:55 – Why selling is ongoing & rooted in understanding clients' real needs 12:28 – Listening & trust with clients & team members 15:25 – Habit 6: Synergy 18:20 – Building referral networks & partnerships for growth 21:14 – Niching & connecting with industry vendors & partners for referrals 23:25 – Real-world example: systemized bookkeeping driving strong CPA referrals 25:07 – Habit 7: Sharpen the saw 29:50 – The most transformative habit for bookkeepers 35:00 – How proactive bookkeepers put first things first to reach advisor level 35:56 – Wrap-up & invitation to Lisa's Accelerate to Advisor masterclass This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"The opportunity now is huge with accountants and bookkeepers to provide more of a proactive service, more forecasting, more future visibility. But certain things have to be in place for that to happen." -Paul Lodder Paul Lodder, VP of Accounting Product and Strategy at Dext, discusses how bookkeepers and accountants can use cash flow forecasting and automation to move beyond compliance and become true strategic advisors. In this interview, you'll learn… Why 1 in 4 small businesses face cash flow issues How to make cash flow forecasting personal How automation frees time for advisory To learn more about Paul, click here.  Time Stamp 00:01 – Dext study on 500 Canadian SMBs 02:27 – Why 42% fear closure 04:48 – Opportunity in cash flow forecasting 07:22 – Make cash flow personal for clients 10:25 – Cost of manual vs automation 14:39 – 1 in 4 face cash flow issues 18:09 – Barriers: capacity & strategy 20:44 – Scenario planning & sensitivity 23:42 – Key metric: debtor days 27:11 – Charging for automation, value pricing 32:28 – Tech plus relationships build trust 37:29 – More conversations, more advisory 38:17 – Where to find the Dext study This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"  Beginning with the end in mind is very helpful for people who are starting, but also for people who are already in the weeds and they just like, 'I can't do this anymore. I need to do something else.' Figure out what it is that you want to build and then reverse engineer it and build it." -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, founder of Accelerate 2 Advisor, shares how to apply the first three of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People directly to your bookkeeping business. In this interview, you'll learn: Why being proactive creates stronger client relationships How to begin with the end in mind to design the business you want The importance of putting first things first & delegating effectively To learn more about Lisa, visit her profile on LinkedIn. Sign up for her October 20th Masterclass here! Time Stamp 00:01 – Importance of systemizing every transaction for accurate books 01:04 – Focus on Stephen Covey's first three habits 02:11 – Lisa shares her backstory: from overwhelmed bookkeeper to mentor 03:26 – Discovering Pure Bookkeeping & freeing time to grow beyond data entry 04:45 – Building the Accelerate to Advisor Mastermind program 07:42 – Lisa introduces Level Up Live & her sessions on Covey's habits 10:25 – Habit 1: Be proactive 15:19 – Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind 21:14 – Habit 3: Put first things first This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"Anyone who grows plants knows that sometimes you have to trim the leaves to have an overall healthy plant. Not every customer will come with you as you grow your business, and that's actually a good thing. It keeps your business efficient and healthy." -Etinosa Agbonlahor In the finale of this two-part conversation, Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, returns to share practical strategies for raising prices without losing confidence or clients. She explains how to overcome resistance, use behavioral nudges, and position your services to attract the right customers. In this interview, you'll learn: How to spot signals your pricing is off Simple nudges & choice architecture that boost client acceptance How to raise prices with confidence & retain long-term relationships To learn more about Etinosa, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about Decision Alpha. Download your free Behavioral Pricing Playbook here. Time Stamp 03:01 – The fear of losing customers & why churn can be healthy 07:23 – Building confidence to justify premium pricing 12:29 – Signals your pricing isn't working 19:14 – Behavioral nudges that influence client choices 26:40 – Using choice architecture to present pricing 30:41 – Raising prices while honoring long-term clients This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"You should be distinct enough and positioned just a bit enough that people go, 'Oh, I am caring about the value they're gonna bring to me, to the point where I wanna double click.'" -Etinosa Agbonlahor Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, shares how pricing is about more than numbers. She explains why understanding your value and talking to clients is key to building a profitable bookkeeping business. In this interview, you'll learn: Why most bookkeepers underprice their services How client conversations uncover real value Ways to position yourself so price isn't the only factor To learn more about Etinosa, click here. Connect with Etinosa on LinkedIn. Learn more about Decision Alpha. Download your free Behavioral Pricing Playbook here. Timestamps 02:32 – Etinosa's career journey in finance & behavioral economics 04:57 – Why businesses leave 11% profit on the table 07:56 – The number one mistake in pricing: not talking to customers 11:12 – How bookkeepers often copy pricing from competitors 13:55 – Should you show prices on your website? 15:30 – Positioning: are you in the bazaar or the premium store? 19:02 – Differentiation through unique processes or systems 21:15 – Telling your story to build perceived value This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"Just having the courage to allow some of your real story to come through publicly is your differentiator. It builds trust, opens doors to sales conversations, and draws future customers to you." –Jess Jensen Jess Jensen, co-founder of Co-pilot Communications, is back for the second part of this powerful conversation. In part one, she revealed why your personal story is the ultimate marketing tool. Now, she's sharing how to put it into practice with a clear, step-by-step framework for building a digital presence that feels authentic, consistent, and achievable. From breaking through inconsistency, to leveraging AI for content ideas, to showing just the right kind of imperfection—Jess shares practical strategies small business owners can use to show up online and grow their influence. In this interview, you'll learn… How to overcome the biggest barrier to showing up online: inconsistency Why the right kind of imperfection can make you more trustworthy than polished content How AI can accelerate your content creation while still keeping your voice authentic To learn more about Jess, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. For listeners of the show, Jess is offering quick, practical 25-minute reviews for business owners and senior leaders who think their profile might be holding them back. You'll get a real-time audit and a handful of actionable next steps. Openings begin the third week of October. No cost, no catch, just clarity. Here's the booking link. Time Stamps 00:00 – Why courage & vulnerability build trust 01:25 – Simple ways to dip your toe into posting 02:20 – Why responding matters more than likes 04:04 – The real barrier: inconsistency 06:17 – How AI can help with idea generation 09:06 – Treating AI like a junior employee you train 12:08 – The psychology of showing up online 14:38 – Imperfection as a powerful differentiator 18:16 – Why collaborators & "yes/no" people matter 18:58 – Where to find Jess online & claim your free LinkedIn audit This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place.  Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"People are interested in other people. So you can talk about your practice or where you see perhaps the industry going down the road, but from a point of view that is informed and experienced and maybe has a little bit of vulnerability woven in." -Jess Jensen Jess Jensen, co-founder of Co-pilot Communications, has helped leaders at Microsoft, Qualcomm, Adidas, and now small business owners across North America build their digital presence. In part one of this two-part series, she shares why personal storytelling is key to standing out in today's crowded market. In this interview, you'll learn… Why personal voices connect more than brand voices How storytelling humanizes small businesses Ways to overcome fear & self-doubt To learn more about Jess, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. For listeners of the show, Jess Jensen is offering quick, practical 25-minute reviews for business owners and senior leaders who think their profile might be holding them back. You'll get a real-time audit and a handful of actionable next steps. Openings begin the third week of October. No cost, no catch, just clarity. Here's the booking link.   Time Stamps 00:00 – Why people connect with personal stories 01:23 – Journey from global brands to co-founding Co-pilot Communications 03:16 – Helping executives build digital platforms 04:31 – Humanizing brands through leadership voices 06:47 – Applying storytelling to small businesses 09:52 – Overcoming fear & finding your voice 13:45 – Differentiation: "Differences sell, similarities don't" 16:08 – Step 1: Define your "audience of one" 20:28 – Step 2: Clarify what you want to stand for 24:38 – Step 3: Practice creating content & iterate 25:41 – Step 4: Build relationships in the comments 26:46 – Preview of part two: Jess's full four-step playbook This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place.  Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who've already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/dext to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work!

"A woman came up to me and said, 'You know, you really get me.' And I thought that's really the mantra I want to kind of go with. I want people to understand that I get what they're saying. I can't be them, but I can translate the pain and the successes that they're having." -Jennifer Kahnweiler Introverted leaders bring unique strengths to the workplace, but they're often overlooked. In this episode, Jennifer Kahnweiler, an expert on introverted leadership, shares how introverts can thrive, influence, and lead with confidence. In this interview, you'll learn: How the Four Ps help introverts succeed in leadership Practical ways introverts can influence without being loud How listening can become a powerful sales advantage To learn more about Jennifer, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 00:00 - Introduction to Introverted Leadership01:57 - The Journey to Understanding Introversion 05:31 - The Evolution of Introverted Leadership 11:21 - Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces 14:48 - The Impact of COVID on Introverts 19:42 - Navigating the Changing Workplace 21:01 - Empowering Introverts in the Workplace 22:54 - Embracing Introversion in Leadership 24:27 - The Evolution of the Introverted Leader 26:20 - The Four P's of Introverted Leadership 32:24 - Listening as a Key Skill for Introverts 38:08 - Recognizing & Valuing Personal Accomplishments This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Sage! Drowning in paperwork? AutoEntry lets you snap, scan, and sync receipts, invoices, and statements—so you can ditch manual entry, reduce errors, and get back to what really matters: growing your practice and delighting your clients. Learn more about AutoEntry or get started for free at Sage.com.

" I think it's important that you go for it. You imagine what that looks like. I didn't go into this with the intention of having a big company. It happened one employee at a time. How do you get the 30 employees? Well, start with one." -Jenny Groberg In this episode, we wrap up a two-part conversation with Jenny Groberg, founder of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping, where she shares how she turned a small team into a high-performing force, overcame personal challenges, and scaled her business to seven figures. In this episode, you'll learn… Raising expectations & setting clear boundaries How to delegate effectively to focus on growth & leadership Adopting subscription pricing to streamline billing & boost cash flow To learn more about Jenny, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 00:01 – Transition from hobby employees to a committed team 03:55 – Personal recovery journey & building a supportive culture 05:30 – Giving back through scholarships, donations & teaching 12:36 – Shift to subscription pricing & improved cash flow 21:00 – Letting go of toxic clients to safeguard staff 26:36 – Encouragement to set big goals, delegate & believe in yourself This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Sage! Drowning in paperwork? AutoEntry lets you snap, scan, and sync receipts, invoices, and statements—so you can ditch manual entry, reduce errors, and get back to what really matters: growing your practice and delighting your clients. Learn more about AutoEntry or get started for free at Sage.com.

" When I'd go on appointments I would say, 'You know, I do work with so and so', and then that would kind of just help them feel reassured that I knew what I was doing, but I never pretended to know everything. I would be very upfront. If there's something I don't know, let me do some research and I'll get back to you." -Jenny Groberg Jenny Groberg, founder of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping, shares her powerful story of building a seven-figure firm from scratch. Listen to this episode to learn how small actions can lead to big wins in your bookkeeping business. In this episode, you'll learn… How a $500 QuickBooks certification launched her business Why asking for client reviews changed everything Ways to scale while balancing family life To learn more about Jenny, click here.  Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 00:01 – Jenny's start in bookkeeping with no money & two kids 02:43 – The $500 QuickBooks investment that paid off 03:32 – Asking for reviews & building credibility 08:33 – Turning small clients into long-term relationships 17:03 – Hiring the first employee & scaling the team 19:52 – Overcoming setbacks & a traumatic brain injury 31:30 – Keys to growing a seven-figure firm This episode is brought to you by our great friends at Sage! Drowning in paperwork? AutoEntry lets you snap, scan, and sync receipts, invoices, and statements—so you can ditch manual entry, reduce errors, and get back to what really matters: growing your practice and delighting your clients. Learn more about AutoEntry or get started for free at Sage.com.

" One of the most famous quotes ever from Tony Robbins, this one I take with me every single day. 'Fall out of love with yourself and fall in love with your customer and watch the magic happen'. And you gotta fall in love with your customer. When you fall out of love with what you offer or your package, and you fall in love with your customer, you have a beautiful relationship that happens." -Lynn Gagne-Webb In this episode, we wrap up our two-part conversation with Lynn Gagne-Webb, founder of Custom Bookkeeping. Lynn dives into the challenges of pricing, managing client expectations, and building a bookkeeping business that truly fits your goals. In this episode, you'll also learn... Why understanding communication styles can transform client relationships The pros & cons of hourly billing versus value-based pricing How to handle scope creep without burning out your team To learn more about Lynn, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 01:00 – Intro to part two with Lynn Gagne-Webb 01:44 – Trust & communication with clients 03:26 – Color coding for better communication 05:14 – Airplane analogy for pricing & expectations 08:33 – Handling clients wanting more for less 17:13 – Switching from packages to hourly rates 19:54 – Managing rising costs with the airplane model 24:14 – Flat rate questions & subscription fatigue 28:56 – Adapting to industry changes 31:43 – Focus on loving your customer 32:21 – Courses & Learn Bookkeeping Canada

" You're on your own as a business owner. You're trying to figure out, there's no course that anybody gives you to tell you how to be a business owner." -Lynn Gagne-Webb In the first of a two-part series, Lynn Gagne-Webb, founder of Custom Bookkeeping, shares her journey from the corporate world to running and selling a successful bookkeeping firm. As well, Lynn dives into her unique approach to building a team, and reveals how creating a culture of trust and flexibility helped her attract and keep loyal staff for years. In this episode, you'll also learn... The struggles of being a business owner The importance of taking CEO time to review your own business health  How to focus on leading your business To learn more about Lynn, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Time Stamp 01:23 – Lynn shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship 03:37 – Lynn's vision for supporting small business owners 04:18 – The challenges of being on your own as a business owner 05:22 – Why small businesses struggle & how lack of knowledge hurts them most 06:41 – Getting caught up in growth & forgetting to review your own numbers 07:51 – The value of CEO days & looking at your business health 08:49 – Why even bookkeepers shouldn't do their own books 10:17 – The difference between detail-oriented & problem-solving bookkeepers 12:22 – Knowing your strengths & weaknesses as an owner 15:38 – Lynn's hiring experiences & lessons learned in building a team 18:14 – How flexibility & trust created a loyal workforce 22:12 – The impact of culture on retention & business success