Ever feel like traditional accounting services are putting you on a hamster wheel—lots of work, not enough impact? Adam Lean from The CFO Project is here to show us how to break free.

In this episode, Adam dives into how accountants can level up their practices by offering high-value advisory services that go beyond the numbers. He’s trained hundreds of accountants to escape the commodity trap, work smarter (not harder), and make a real difference for their clients.

We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, shifting your mindset, and how to make the leap into advisory work—all while keeping your life balanced and your sanity intact. If you’re ready to create more impact and work fewer hours, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Former accountant turned Guideline product manager James von der Lieth breaks down how small accounting firms can offer competitive retirement benefits without breaking the bank. From navigating state mandates to understanding the new Starter 401(k) option, James shares practical insights on implementing and managing retirement plans for both firms and their clients. Learn how modern 401(k) providers are making it easier than ever to offer retirement benefits, plus discover how accounting firms can create new revenue streams by helping clients with their retirement planning needs.

Connect with James!
Guidline - https://www.guideline.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-von-der-lieth-3450b33b

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

HR expert Kira La Forgia breaks down what small business owners need to know before making their first (or next) hire. From understanding the true costs beyond salary to showcasing company culture authentically, she shares practical insights on building teams that align with your business values and goals. While many entrepreneurs focus solely on finding help, Kira emphasizes the importance of stepping into leadership and creating sustainable systems that support both business growth and employee success.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Discover how hiring quality talent can transform your accounting firm's capacity and profitability. This episode explores the long-term benefits of strategic hiring, from increased efficiency to improved client satisfaction. Learn practical tips for attracting top talent, conducting effective interviews, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and development within your team.

• (00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Quality Hiring

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

Keila shares insights on how small accounting firms can create compelling benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. She explores core benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, as well as innovative perks such as flexible work arrangements and wellness programs. Keila offers practical advice on assessing team needs, maximizing budgets, and regularly reviewing benefits to ensure they align with company culture and employee values.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Small Team Benefits

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

Keila and guest Danielle Johnson, founder of House of MKTG, dive into the world of branding for small businesses. They discuss the signs that indicate it's time to move beyond DIY branding, the unexpected drawbacks of DIY approaches, and the benefits of working with a professional. Danielle shares insights on finding the right branding partner and offers valuable tips for businesses at various stages of growth.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

Twitter - x.com/littlefishcpa

More About Little Fish Accounting

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services at www.littlefishaccounting.com.

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Keila delves into the often-overlooked importance of branding and marketing for accounting firm owners. She explains why these elements are crucial for establishing a firm's identity, attracting ideal clients, and standing out in a competitive landscape. The episode offers practical, manageable steps for firm owners to start building their brand and marketing strategy, emphasizing that even small efforts can make a significant difference in a firm's success and sustainability.

• (00:00) - This is Build to Enough

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and sign up for our newsletter at www.littlefishaccounting.com

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

In the fourth installment on boosting firm success, Keila  delves into the crucial topic of team management and development. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, fostering continuous learning, and creating a positive work environment to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Keila also shares practical strategies for measuring staff performance, gathering feedback, and aligning team goals with company objectives to build a more efficient and adaptable workforce.

Thank you to our sponsor, Ignition 

• Book free trial Here : ignitionapp.info/keila-free-trial
• Coupon code: Trawick24 50% off for 3 months (pro, pro +), expires Jan 1, 2025

• (00:00) - Introduction to the Series

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and sign up for our newsletter at www.littlefishaccounting.com

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

Keila welcomes Jennie Moore from Ignition to discuss how their platform is helping accountants streamline operations and improve client engagement. Jennie shares insights on Ignition's key features, including proposal creation, automated payments, and client communication tools. The conversation explores recent product enhancements and how Ignition addresses common pain points for accounting firms, such as scope creep and pricing updates. Keila and Jennie emphasize the importance of leveraging technology to increase efficiency and boost top-line revenue in accounting practices.

Thank you to our sponsor, Ignition 

• Book free trial Here : ignitionapp.info/keila-free-trial
• Coupon code: Trawick24 50% off for 3 months (pro, pro +), expires Jan 1, 2025

• (00:00) - Introduction and Series Overview

Connect with Keila!
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick
Website - www.krht.co

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and sign up for our newsletter at www.littlefishaccounting.com

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting

In the second installment of a four-part series, Keila focuses on understanding client mix and maintaining strong client relationships as key factors for success in professional service firms. She explores how technology impacts client satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of effective onboarding processes and assessing whether current tools meet both firm and client needs. Keila also discusses strategies for evaluating client fit, gathering feedback, and building stronger relationships, ultimately aiming to enhance transparency and deliver on promised client experiences.

Thank you to our sponsor, Ignition 

• Book free trial Here : ignitionapp.info/keila-free-trial
• Coupon code: Trawick24 50% off for 3 months (pro, pro +), expires Jan 1, 2025

• (00:00) - Introduction to the Series

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Little Fish’s suite of services and sign up for our newsletter at www.littlefishaccounting.com

Follow Little Fish Accounting at instagram.com/littlefishaccounting