In Episode 42 of the Bookkeeping Lily Pad Podcast, Rachel shares important information about a growing security concern: unauthorized access to Intuit accounts, including QuickBooks Online. She discusses how these breaches happen, why commonly used login credentials put users at risk, and what steps you can take to better secure your account. Topics include user ID best practices, the limitations of multi-factor authentication, setting up passkeys, and the need for a 24/7 Intuit response option for compromised accounts. This episode offers practical guidance for bookkeepers, accountants, and small business owners who rely on QuickBooks and want to ensure their data—and their clients’ data—stays protected.
Ever look at a discovery call intake form and think, “There’s no way I can help this person”? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares a real story about nearly turning down a call that turned out to be one of the most rewarding of the week. She talks about why jargon-filled forms can be misleading, how to approach calls with curiosity (not fear), and the unexpected value in simply showing up. Whether you’re a new or seasoned bookkeeper, this episode is your reminder that you probably know more than you think—and every call is a chance to help someone.
Struggling to name your business—or thinking about a rebrand? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares what she’s learned from naming two of her own businesses, including what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently. She covers common pitfalls to avoid, tips for choosing a name that can grow with you, and why spelling and domain availability really matter. Whether you're brainstorming your first business name or considering a fresh start, this episode is packed with helpful insights (and a few laughs).
Are you thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business—or any kind of business? In this honest and personal episode, Rachel Barnett shares her own unexpected journey into business ownership and the lessons she’s learned over 13 years. From setting realistic expectations to the importance of naming and defining what you actually want, Rachel explores what it really means to build a business from scratch. If you’ve ever thought, “Should I do this?”—this episode is for you. Pour a cup of tea and let’s talk it through.
Hiring the right bookkeeper can be a challenge—how do you know if someone truly has the skills they claim? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares her experience pre-screening bookkeepers for a business, reviewing hundreds of resumes, conducting technical interviews, and refining the hiring process. She explains what worked, what she’d do differently, and how business owners can improve their own hiring process. If you're looking to hire a bookkeeper—or wondering how to stand out as a candidate—this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss!
Do you need a mentor, a coach, or a mastermind group? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares her experiences with different types of mentorship and coaching, from one-on-one mentors to group coaching programs and mastermind groups. She explains how to identify what kind of support you need, where to find it, and how to set expectations for the relationship. Whether you're looking for guidance on bookkeeping, business growth, or leadership, this episode will help you navigate your options and find the right fit. Tune in and start building the support network that works for you!
What exactly is retained earnings, and how does QuickBooks Online handle it? In this short bookkeeping basics lesson, Rachel Barnett breaks down how retained earnings work, where to find it on your balance sheet, and why you don’t need to manually update it in QuickBooks. She also explains what a positive or negative retained earnings balance means for your business. Whether you're a bookkeeper or a small business owner, this quick explanation will help you understand this important accounting concept. Tune in and learn something new today!
Clear communication sets the foundation for a great client relationship. In this episode, Rachel Barnett walks through her "How We Work" guide—a resource she shares with clients to outline expectations, processes, and policies. Learn why having a welcome document helps clients feel at ease, how to set boundaries around communication and scope, and what details you should consider including in your own version. Plus, Rachel shares insights on pricing, workflow transparency, and managing client responsibilities. Tune in and get ideas for your own bookkeeping business! Gentle Frog's How We Work document: https://www.gentlefrog.com/welcome-what-to-expect/
January can be a stressful month for bookkeepers, but there are ways to make it easier! In this episode, Rachel Barnett reflects on what went well, what could improve, and how to simplify 1099 processing. She shares practical strategies, including W-9 collection tips, pricing structures, and the importance of setting boundaries for a smoother year-end. Plus, hear how blocking off time in December can set you up for success in January. Tune in and learn how to make next tax season better than before!
Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad podcast is back! This short teaser gives you a glimpse of what’s coming in Season 2—new episodes on accounting basics, bookkeeping business insights, and bite-sized lessons on accounting concepts. Whether you're a bookkeeper, small business owner, or just curious about bookkeeping, there’s something for you. Tune in for a fresh start and let us know what you’d like to hear next!
Today's episode of 'Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lilypad' delves into the crucial topic of boundaries, focusing on self-reflection and personal values. The discussion centers around the importance of time and respect, two key boundaries that significantly impact our professional and personal lives. We explore effective strategies for communicating these boundaries to clients, ensuring a harmonious and respectful working relationship. This episode is not just about managing business interactions; it's a deeper look at how setting clear boundaries can lead to a healthier work-life balance and more meaningful client engagements. If you're looking to understand and implement boundaries in your work life, this insightful conversation is for you. https://luxcentric.com/ https://www.gentlefrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Gentle-Frog-Welcome-and-What-to-Expect.pdf https://www.sarrigilman.com/
In this episode, Rachel shares insights on self-marketing for bookkeepers, drawing from her journey since 2012. She discusses her initial marketing strategies, including Craigslist ads and leveraging client referrals. Rachel reflects on her experiences with networking, emphasizing the value of small, supportive groups and the impact of joining a Seattle-based bookkeepers meetup. She provides tips for introverted professionals, such as using branded clothing at events. The episode concludes with Rachel encouraging feedback and suggesting future topics, setting the stage for the next episode focusing on practical marketing tips and her personal journey. Links: https://www.imprintequity.com/aboutquicksource/ https://thegsba.org/
In this episode, Rachel shares her unique insight in the bookkeeping world and the driving force behind starting this podcast. Rachel also shares a behind the scenes look into what her process is like when pre-screening a potential hiring candidate and how giving meaningful contributions to your network is essential in building a supportive community.
In this episode join Rachel Barnett and the Bookkeeping Handmaid, Elizabeth Sims, in a discussion on the ins and outs of operating a small bookkeeping business. Tune in as they tackle common questions, and shed light on crucial aspects of running a successful bookkeeping venture. From addressing misconceptions about contractor status to unraveling the complexities of W-9s and 1099s. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this candid conversation is sure to provide valuable tips and inspiration to fuel your journey in the world of bookkeeping.
In this episode, Rachel dismantles the myth of the "super admin" and explores the various tasks that can be efficiently outsourced. From social media management to client communication oversight. Learn how strategic delegation can alleviate bottlenecks, empower your team, and propel your business forward. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just beginning to explore administrative support, tune in to uncover the secrets of maximizing efficiency with admin help. Grow My Accounting Practice with Mike Michalowicz - https://growmyaccountingpractice.com/ Gentlefrog.com/about
As your business expands, you might find yourself at a crossroads, needing to bring on additional support. The first step? Figuring out which role to fill. It's important to identify exactly what you need and what will benefit you the most (not what’s trendy or popular). When Rachel embarked on her Gentle Frog journey, she didn't seek another bookkeeper. Instead, her initial hire was her former CRM manager (Nena) who was responsible for tracking incoming leads and nudging—sometimes pushing—her to follow up. This role was all about tying up loose ends. Spoiler: Rachel's need for someone to organize her loose ends hasn't changed in the past five years, this is why you hear about Jess so frequently! Nena - my former “boss”, CRM manager, and right hand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snezana-markoc-908124170/. If you are looking for someone to forcefully nudge you along, reach out to her and ask if she’s accepting clients.
In this episode, Rachel delves into setting clear expectations for working with your team and explores various strategies to support your team members effectively. She shares insights on creating a collaborative environment where both you and your team can thrive, achieving mutual satisfaction in the working relationship. Rachel highlights practical tools like Slack for communication and the importance of a thoughtful onboarding process. Otter for transcriptions - https://otter.ai/home Slack - https://slack.com/ The whole team - https://www.gentlefrog.com/about/ Nena, our former admin (CRM manager) who helped shape Rachel and Gentle Frog into what has become - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snezana-markoc-908124170/
In this episode of Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett dives into the silver linings of underbidding projects. Despite the initial feelings of disappointment, she highlights the benefits like cash flow, building relationships, gaining experience, and improving efficiency with software. Rachel also stresses the importance of learning from each project, whether it's mastering a new software or getting better at identifying things to look for when preparing your next proposal. Sometimes the win is that you’ve made someone else’s day better by offering them a screaming deal on their project. Saasant: https://www.saasant.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad Get on my calendar: https://gentlefrog.com/meeting Interested in group coaching? https://gentlefrog.com/group-coaching
In this episode of Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett talks about a bookkeeping dilemma: handling a client who messes up their financial records during the course of a cleanup, making it harder for the bookkeeper to finish the project because they’ve just created a bunch of extra work. Rachel gives an example where this happened (to someone else) and discusses possible ways to address this and other scope creep issues. Gentle Frog’s diagnostic review and clean up course: https://courses.gentlefrog.com/offers/AvrZAG8u/checkout 97 & Up — affiliate link & welcome offer: https://www.nerdenterprises.com/a/2147546802/DyoHDAZY How we work and what to expect: https://www.gentlefrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Gentle-Frog-Welcome-and-What-to-Expect.pdf My recent video on Rewind backup software: https://youtu.be/OjUpwlDaoHk?si=wcIu3NnNoG6XE_n1 (there are other videos on my YouTube channel) My Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad Wanna chat? Let’s grab Zoom coffee: https://gentlefrog.com/meeting
Hey there, it's Rachel from Gentle Frog! I'm super excited to share a little something I've been pondering – a group coaching program designed specifically for new bookkeepers. Imagine a space where we tackle those first-client jitters together, with live support and a treasure trove of resources. Curious? Click here to learn more let me know if you’re interested. https://gentlefrog.com/group-coaching