Our good friend, Di Crawford-Errington of Ontrack Bookkeeping joins us on the podcast from MYOB Partner Connect Queenstown.

Di starts by sharing her story with us. She's been a bookkeeper for nearly 16 years, starting out as a solo mum with two young girls, looking to support her family and work from home. She was working two jobs, one in a government role and one as a bookkeeper for a plumber.

Di is the President of the Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers. Originally she fell into being on the board of ICNZB and came on as Treasurer. Two years ago she put up her hand and stood up as President.

Changes for ICNZB

It's quite a young association that's trying to grow. Previously they were operating on technology that they'd been gifted and it didn't talk to each other.

From shy schoolgirl to a global stage

Being in business has taught Di how to stand up for herself and has helped her find her voice.

Di has been speaking around the Australiasia region and lobbying with the government on behalf of bookkeepers.

Both Mel and Di are passionate about the importance and the value of bookkeepers and their role in helping small business owners.

Self-belief and lack of self-confidence

Self-doubt is something you can let overwhelm you or you can let it push you through. Di chose the latter.

Know where your limitations are and weighing up the risk of pushing further or sitting underneath them.

It just comes with time and trying things.

Just try it

There are many bookkeepers that are held back from pricing correctly - charging for the value they deliver.

Believe in the product you're delivering and understanding the value you're providing.

If you want to build your experience, go and work as a Treasurer for a not-for-profit.

Pump the pavement, that's how we all got there!

Get into networks, start getting known in your area. If somebody says no, it's not a reflection of yourself.

The Association supporting Students

They come in as certified bookkeepers out of their course but they don't have experience. The association is there to help support bookkeepers so they have a closed Facebook group, regional meetings, job boards, bookkeepers looking for grads, as well as other wraparound guidance.

To back this up, Di's favourite hashtag is #CollaborationOverCompetition

The Association supporting Bookkeepers

Di did some tax returns, asked to be a tax agent with the IRD. She was looking for places to get support as a bookkeeper and realised there wasn't really anything around. Di joined Attainz, to get around people like her. She learnt so much through their sessions and conferences. Stephanie Crawford recommended NZBAI (now ICNZB) and Di jumped on board. It was really the first time she met and networked with other bookkeepers.

Bookkeepers are the helpers, supporters and cheerleaders for their clients.

Di's Tips

Build relationships with each other. Di says she survived because she built great relationships with accountants and coaches.

Ontrack Bookkeeping

https://www.ontrackbookkeeping.co.nz/

ICNZB

If you're a New Zealand bookkeeper looking for other bookkeepers like you, great networking and collaboration, check out ICNZB https://www.icbnzbai.org.nz/

The Revolutionary Firm

Find out more about The Revolutionary Firm mentoring program therevolutionaryfirm.com/program