One of the questions I get asked most frequently by people considering joining my program, Become a Bookkeeper, is whether or not they should get a bookkeeping certification.

My answer is…yes, I believe you should. However, you don't HAVE to get certified in order to do the work of bookkeeping…in fact, certifications don't teach you much about the actual WORK at all.

Certifications are designed for people who already have a basic working knowledge of bookkeeping; their purpose isn't to teach you how to be a bookkeeper. So while they can make it much easier to navigate the specific software you're getting certified in, they don't fill in any gaps in your knowledge…which is where a program like Become a Bookkeeper comes in. Let's discuss the pros, cons, and shortcomings of certifications.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

There are so many bookkeeping courses out there, it's easy to get lost in analysis paralysis, staring at a bunch of open tabs, trying to organize the pros and cons of each when you don't really even understand what you need to be looking for.

Luckily, I'm here to help you out.

Recently, I put up a post on Instagram covering the five most important factors you need to look for when you're shopping around for a bookkeeping course. I'm going to go over those five factors in more depth here today…not only that, but I'm going to throw in a bonus tip or two for you wonderful podcast listeners!

So, without further ado, let me tell you about the top five things to look for in a bookkeeping program…and where you can find a program that I'm quite confident covers all five!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

I'm so thrilled to welcome someone who has been with me since the very beginning of my business onto the podcast: Natalia Otalora, my SECOND EVER bookkeeping client!

One of the big worries of bookkeepers who are just starting out is how they will ever manage to find clients. But the story of Natalia and I connecting is proof that it can happen anytime, anywhere…including a CrossFit gym.

My journey with Natalia is a lesson in trusting the timing, being honest with your clients, and so so SO much more. I can't wait to share it with all of you, because oh boy…talk about a shaky start. You'll get it when you hear it.

CONNECT WITH NATALIA:

Website: https://nataliaotalora.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papelnco/

WORK WITH KATIE:

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this episode, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

This is going to be a very important, very educational episode, my friends. Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions about cybersecurity and what you need to invest in as a bookkeeper, but seeing as I'm not an expert in that...I decided to call one in!

On today's episode, I've invited Brent Panell, CEO of ControlAltProtect, to chat with me about the importance of cybersecurity, the true level of risk bookkeepers are experiencing, and why we need to get serious about cybersecurity.

You may think your business is too small to be a target for hackers…but unfortunately, you're wrong. Here's what you need to know about cybersecurity as a bookkeeper…and where you can go to protect yourself!

CONNECT WITH BRENT:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @controlaltprotect

Website: www.controlaltprotect.com

RESOURCES:

Next Generation Antivirus Recommendations:

Malwarebytes: https://try.malwarebytes.com/get-premium/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoPWArp3k_QIVuPbjBx1fXQNqEAAYASAAEgKdpvD_BwE

Sophos Intercept X: https://www.sophos.com/fr-fr/products/endpoint-antivirus?&cmp=85160&utm_campaign=GPD-2020-Americas-NA-Paid-Search-Google-FR-SCH-B_Product_Intercept-X-DG-85160&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=B_Product_Intercept-X&utm_term=sophos+intercept+x&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwvrFv53k_QIVdcmUCR3LcgYJEAAYASAAEgInYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

SentinelOne Complete: https://www.sentinelone.com/?utm_content=demo-request&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google-paid&utm_campaign=brand-nam-cl-s1-dg-nam-us-en-g-s&utm_term=sentinelone%20products&utm_campaignid=11854731743&utm_adgroup=126719497094&utm_target=kwd-942617628410&utm_device=c&utm_type=e&utm_creative=635524101042&utm_network=g&utm_location=9016854&utm_adposition=&utm_aceid=&utm_adgroupname=features_products&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6_PN3p3k_QIVJMmUCR1P0wplEAAYASAAEgI4CfD_BwE

Multi-factor Authentication Recommendations:

https://1password.com/business-pricing/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=10693428634&utm_content=619020627507&utm_term=1password&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI77GZ-J3k_QIVGEeRBR0m-Q6xEAAYASAAEgJfyfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Cyber Insurance Recommendations:

Travelers: https://www.travelers.com/resources/business-topics/cyber-security

File Sharing Recommendations:

Citrix: https://www.citrix.com/

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this episode, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

In order to do bookkeeping work ethically, you need to gut-check two things before agreeing to take on any new client…

Your competency, and your capacity.

Many people think that their competency is the only metric by which they have to measure their ability to take on a new client, but in actuality, capacity–both mental and time-wise–is just as important. Because you may be competent enough to tackle more complex work for a client, but if you don't have the mental capacity to devote the necessary headspace to do it to the best of your ability…you still need to turn it down.

I practice what I preach here on Profits + Prosecco; in fact, this whole conversation was inspired by something that happened to me last week…let me tell you the whole story.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can access the Tech Talk Vault here: https://www.katieferro.com/offers/7npMUvRU/checkout

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this episode, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

You hear things all the time about being a working mom…but what about working, momming, AND trying to start a business all at the same time?

This is the situation today's BABs graduate and LIBBY member, Cara Martinez, entered into when she decided to start her own bookkeeping biz…BEFORE quitting her day job.

This is the reality for many hopeful entrepreneurs. Not everyone can leave their corporate job behind and launch themselves full-throttle into their own business. But that doesn't mean it's impossible, and Cara's story proves it!

So if you're a working mom who dreams of starting her own business, but doesn't think it's possible with everything else you have on your plate…this episode is for you.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can find all my programs (including mini courses, workshops, and Tech Talks!) here: https://www.katieferro.com/coaching

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

CONNECT WITH CARA:

Instagram: @peachskybookkeeping

Please welcome Samantha Myres, one of the newest members of the Quitter's Club! WOOHOO!!!

Here at Profits + Prosecco, we celebrate quitting. It's not an easy decision, and not an easy path to walk even when you do decide to leave…which is why I think it's so valuable to hear these stories from people just like you.

Unlike what most people think, quitting requires a lot of courage. It requires a lot of effort. And when you're able to get to that place, I think you've more than earned a bottle of Prosecco and some hearty congratulations.

Samantha is a BABs graduate and active LIBBY member, and her story is a truly inspiring and incredible example of perseverance and following your passion. I can't wait for you all to hear from her!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can find all my programs (including mini courses, workshops, and Tech Talks!) here: https://www.katieferro.com/coaching

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myres_bookkeeping/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Myres-Bookkeeping-Services-LLC/100076587255730/

If you're longing for something more, and you desperately want to move forward into something better, but can't seem to take that first step…it's probably because of one of three things.

I've been talking a lot lately about perfectionism, and how falling prey to it will only harm you, not help you. But perfectionism has many forms, and it can show up in the pattern of your thoughts in all kinds of ways.

Whatever is keeping you from taking that first step, you can only fight it once you know its name…and luckily, I'm here to help you identify which of these three things are keeping you frozen.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can find all my programs (including mini courses, workshops, and Tech Talks!) here: https://www.katieferro.com/coaching

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

Ultimately, you only need two things to make up the core of your bookkeeping business…

The technical knowledge to do the job and do it well…and the ability to turn it into a business.

Depending on where you are in your journey to become a bookkeeper, one may seem much harder than the other, or they both might seem daunting, but they're not impossible. You can absolutely learn them.

Not only that, but I can teach them both to you in two of my signature programs.

Not sure which of my programs you need? Today, I'm going to lay out exactly what you'll learn in each program, and where you need to be in order to join.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can find all my programs (including mini courses, workshops, and Tech Talks!) here: https://www.katieferro.com/coaching

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the programs and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this post, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/

As much as it pains me to say it, the best time for starting your bookkeeping business has already passed…

Because the best time to start was when you first began to consider the idea.

But if you're like most people, you didn't act on that first impulse. You sat with the idea for a while. You told yourself all the reasons it wouldn't work for you. You waited, you hesitated, you stalled…and you never got started.

That time is gone. But here's the good news: the second best time to start is right now.

It doesn't matter what season you start in. It doesn't matter if it's the "busy" time for bookkeepers or not. All that matters is how you adjust your messaging with each season…and I can tell you exactly how to do that.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Learn how to take your bookkeeping skills and turn them into a business that allows you to replace (or surpass) your corporate salary, be present for your life, and profoundly impact your clients without selling your life in the process by joining Life by the Books (LIBBY).

If you're looking for more tips for bookkeeping, insight on how to become a bookkeeper, and how to say hello to a more confident business model, enroll in Become A Bookkeeper (BABs).

To learn about the program and get a peek behind the curtain, head to www.katieferro.com/6-secrets.

If you have enjoyed this episode, head on over to Instagram, share your IG stories, and tag me: @orderlyaccountingbykatie

Website: https://www.katieferro.com/