Profits + Prosecco: The Podcast

This week, we're going to kick off a mini-series revisiting the best of the best on the Profits + Prosecco podcast…starting with the ultimate guide to starting a bookkeeping business!

Starting a business is no easy feat. There are a lot of steps you need to knock out—some you probably don't even know about. It would be so much easier if someone who's done it before would just hand you a nice, simple to-do list you could check off step by step, right?

Well, I happen to agree. So without further ado, here is a list of nineteen things you need to have or do before starting your bookkeeping business…including some things I DIDN'T do that I WISH I'd done when I was first starting out.

Hindsight is 20/20. So if you hit all nineteen points on this list, good news…you'll already be starting off in a better place than I did!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

Attention, BABs grads…and bookkeeping moms in need of a happy medium between corporate accounting and owning your own bookkeeping business!

I am thrilled to have Erin Reece on the podcast—FINALLY!—to chat about her journey to bookkeeping, her experience with her first BABs hire, and why she's looking for another BABs grad to join the Bear Financial Solutions team!

Erin isn't just looking for a BABs grad, though—she's searching for a mom who's passionate about the work. At Bear Financial Solutions, Erin exclusively hires moms…especially moms like her. Moms who love the work and love their kids…and want to find a way to have both.

Erin made a way for herself to have both. And now, she wants to create that opportunity for other moms, too. If you think you might be a good fit for her team after listening to this episode, send your resume to the email linked below!

WORK WITH ERIN:

Apply to join Erin's team today! E-mail [email protected] with your resume and mention the podcast in your subject line!

CONNECT WITH ERIN:

Find out more about Bear Financial Solutions: https://bearfinancialsolutions.com/

Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinthemoneytherapist/

WORK WITH KATIE:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

If you're on the fence about joining LIBBY, or wondering what exactly it has to offer…you've come to the right place. I'm so thrilled to welcome Kristina Hind, current LIBBY member, onto the podcast today!

Kristina is a licensed CPA and graduated with a Master's in Taxation. She started her career by following the path that was suggested in college, but felt unfulfilled and just wanted more. (Sound familiar?) So at the end of 2020, she decided to quit her 9-5. Some time later, she discovered this podcast, realized how similar our stories were, and pivoted to bookkeeping! After going through BABs, she moved on to LIBBY and remains an active member.

Not everyone is able to attend the live components of LIBBY. Some people use certain components more than others. But no matter how you utilize LIBBY, every single facet of the program is packed with value…and Kristina's journey is a great example!

WORK WITH KRISTINA:

Website: www.franklynnaccounting.com

CONNECT WITH KRISTINA:

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

WORK WITH KATIE:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

I am so excited to welcome Lis Lee—former BABs student, former corporate accountant, and current Tech Talks subscriber—onto the podcast to chat about the value of Tech Talks!

Even experienced bookkeepers have questions and uncertainties pop up in their work. Every client is different, and even though many processes are mostly repeatable, unique situations will come up. And when you encounter them, having a space where you can go to ask questions is absolutely game-changing.

Lis is living proof that Tech Talks can save you time, stress, and uncertainty. So if you've been considering signing up, but you're still on the fence…this might just be the push you need!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Whether you're simply bookkeeper-curious or have been running your business for some time, there are always questions that come up…and Tech Talks are the answer! Sign up here: https://www.katieferro.com/tech-talks

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

CONNECT WITH LIS:

Website: lisleeaccounting.com

Instagram: @lisleeaccounting

Freebies from Lis: https://www.lisleeaccounting.com/resources

Today's episode is going to be a little different.

It's short and sweet…but you're going to want to bookmark it. Because it's designed for you to come back and listen to as many times as needed.

This is for you: the aspiring bookkeeper with ambitions to start your own business, but you're unsure if you can tackle the complexities of being an entrepreneur. The stay-at-home mom looking for a way to make money and be financially stable without sacrificing her time with her kids who's afraid that starting a business might steal even MORE of her time. The corporate escapee desperate to make an escape plan who doesn't believe they can make enough money to replace their current salary.

Whoever you are, if you're listening to this…this pep talk is specifically for you. You were meant to hear it. And I want you to listen to it as many times as you need to before it finally gives you the kick in the pants you need to step into what you are meant to do.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

So, we've gone over different types of failure that we worry about as aspiring bookkeepers, the worst-case scenario outcome of these fears…and what comes next for us.

But as we went over the "Now what?" solutions to the worst-case scenarios, I couldn't help but notice something interesting: most of the solutions we identified can be achieved through something available in my product suite!

If you haven't listened to the last episode yet, go back and start there. Then come back to hear which of my programs will be the best fit for you depending on which fear or failure you're struggling with!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

"I want to start my own business, but…what if I fail?"

That's a very good question. What if you DO fail?

The fear of failure is totally normal…and in many cases, it can be valid! Failure does happen. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that you absolutely won't fail when you try something new…

But I am going to tell you that failure isn't the end.

There is an "after" we often forget about when it comes to failure. We can't see past all of our fears to realize that if we fail, there are things we can do to repair that.

So how do we take away the power behind these fears? Let me show you how I do it…

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

To my fellow stay-at-home moms:

If you're in need of additional income, but absolutely can't fathom the idea of going back to (or entering) corporate life…

I understand, because I was there once, too.

Once I'd tasted the stay-at-home mom life, I knew for a fact it would be impossible to go back to corporate life while still being the kind of mom I wanted to be…but I also knew I was going to need a source of income before long.

So I poured myself wholeheartedly into growing my bookkeeping business…and after several years, I am more convinced than ever that bookkeeping is the absolute BEST business for stay-at-home moms to have.

And once you see my list of incredible things a bookkeeping business can give you, you'll be convinced, too.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: 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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

My number one piece of advice for those thinking about starting or scaling their bookkeeping business:

Do. Not. Wait.

There is no perfect time coming, no matter how long you wait for it. You know how I know?

Because I'm living in what many, many people would probably consider the "best" time to start a business.

All my kids are in school. I'm at home. I have five hours away from them every day. This is the first time since I started having kids that I haven't had one of them home with me all the time…

And it's still hard.

It's hard to do the laundry. It's hard to do the dishes. It's hard to fit in a walk. It's hard to work on the projects I have on my plate.

The challenges haven't gone away…they're just different. And if you don't believe me, that's okay: I'm also here today to give you the rundown of what the school year looked like for me as a bookkeeper and a mom. And I promise you, it's going to prove exactly why there is no "perfect" time coming.

But that doesn't mean you can't begin.

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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: www.katieferro.com/6-secrets

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email

Bookkeeping can sometimes be a discouraging field to work in…especially when you see large corporations offering "bookkeeping" (it's not the same thing) for much cheaper than we as individuals can offer it.

My good friend Misa Bacon and I were discussing this via DM, but it's such an important conversation to have that I wanted to bring it onto the podcast!

If you aren't familiar with Misa, she is the Founder and CEO of Perfectly Kept Books® and your go-to for bookkeeping and QuickBooks Pro. She empowers women entrepreneurs to conquer their financial anxieties, and she's here today to give you some powerful encouragement.

It can be easy to feel undervalued or underappreciated. But as my fantastic guest said this week, there is actually a massive shortage of good bookkeepers out there…and a huge demand for good bookkeeping.

You are needed. And the people who need you WILL find you…even if you feel like you can't compete.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Sign up for a 30-day free trial of The Perfectly Kept Books® Club with Misa: club.perfectlykeptbooks.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).

Need to boost your bookkeeping basics? Join BABs now: https://www.katieferro.com/become

Want a peek behind the curtain into LIBBY, my program all about what it really takes to have a simple and scalable (and successful) bookkeeping business? Get access to my free, on-demand four-part series, 6 Secrets to a Simple, Scalable Bookkeeping Business: www.katieferro.com/6-secrets

CONNECT WITH MISA:

Website: https://perfectlykeptbooks.com/

Follow Misa on Instagram: https://instagram.com/perfectlykeptbooks

CONNECT WITH KATIE:

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

For first dibs (and the best prices!) on new offers from me, follow me on Instagram, then subscribe to my email list:

IG: www.instagram.com/orderlyaccountingbykatie

Email Opt In: www.katieferro.com/email