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In this NICHE series episode, I interview Kirstin Reader, owner of Purple Sapphire Business Solutions - which specializes in Tourism & Travel companies. Listen in as we cover a wide range of topics for a smaller bookkeeping firm in this niche! Kirstin serves her clients with the help of a part time bookkeeper and only spends about 20 hours a week in/on her business, as she also homeschools her 4 school aged children (5 have already graduated!)

In this episode you’ll hear:

•  How Kirstin uses GoProposal to price her clients 
•  The specific pain points seasonal businesses experience 
•  How attending industry conferences has helped Kirstin become more of an expert in her niche 
•  BONUS: I share an idea on how to help DIYers in her niche — that you can apply to your own industry as well! 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• GoProposal - Proposals & pricing software
• Square - Mobile payment software
• FareHarbor - Online booking software
• WeTravel - Booking & payment software
• Peak Software Systems

 Kirstin is a Certified Digital Bookkeeper, Enrolled Agents, and Certified Tax Coach. She owns Purple Sapphire Business Solutions, which provides tax planning and preparation services to business owners and bookkeeping services to businesses in the travel and tourism industry.

Connect with Kirstin:

 Facebook: @purpletaxes
Website: www.purpletaxes.com

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

•  Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link) 
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

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In this Niche Series interview episode, I talk with Dan Luthi, Partner at Ignite Spot Accounting. This epi is particularly interesting because Dan’s firm doesn’t have a niche! So we chat about all their unique strategies and the power of collaborating, investing, and advertising.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• team structure and growth opportunities for employees
• billing based on annual recurring revenue
• streamlining workflows and managing platform updates

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)

About our guest:

Dan Luthi is a Partner at Ignite Spot Accounting. For over a decade, he has worked with small businesses throughout the United States to do excellent accounting and make it useful for each business owner’s life and employee. Dan’s current position focuses on our clients’ needs through process development, system management, customer care, and business development. In addition, being a member of Intuit’s Accountant Council, Intuit’s Payroll Council, Gusto’s Partner Accountant Council, a member of Accounting Salon, and Bill.com Accountant Council have allowed him to directly share immediate client needs and feedback with their key providers. Each of these partnerships and several certifications will enable him to fulfill his joy of helping clients bridge the gap between accounting and personal goals.

Connect with Dan in LinkedIn >

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this Niche Series podcast, I chat with new firm owner, Sean Coggins, about his recent jump from corporate and how he’s setup his business in his first year. He’s making a new switch to the Cannabis industry, and we are diving into what his go-to-market strategy has been.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Sean’s go-to-market strategy
• Sean’s minimum pricing for monthly engagements and how he ‘upsells’ additional services
• Tips for networking as an introvert

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)

About Our Guest:

Sean has 10+ years professional experience working in both public and private accounting. During his tenures at both a Top 5 international firm in Baltimore, MD and a regional firm in Annapolis, MD, Sean has provided financial statement audit, review, and compilation services, as well as various forms of financial consulting to clients across many different industries.

Sean has focused his efforts within the technology, real estate, and manufacturing/distributing industries. He also has extensive experience assisting businesses with critical issues, including revenue recognition principles, design of internal control systems, and complex financial reporting. Sean has been instrumental in adding value to the clients he serves and enjoys partnering with businesses on each of their unique journeys. Sean currently resides in Severna Park, MD with his wife and two young children. When not working, Sean can be found chasing the children around a playground or enjoying time boating with his family.

Connect with Sean:

• Connect with Sean on LinkedIn >
• Visit Sean’s Website >
• 📊 Sean is partnering with Excel Dictionary for new products coming soon. Visit their store and get a discount! > (Discount code: COGGINS10)

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:
Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this interview episode I talk with the owner of a niche firm called REI Bookkeeping Babes—a firm that specializes in helping female real estate investors. We talk about her marketing strategies, pricing, and so much more!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• when Randy got started with bookkeeping
• how she found her first niche & transitioned to the one she’s in now
• marketing strategies she’s used
• secrets to her success

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Bookkeeper Launch
• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®️
• The Bookkeeping Client Closer (mini-course)

About Randy

Randy Ballen has been a bookkeeping professional for over 15 years. She opened her original firm, Ballen Bookkeeping, over 5 years ago and in January of 2022 partnered with another bookkeeping firm to create a joint venture of REI Bookkeeping Babes. She also has a real estate investing business and recently started a nonprofit to address housing insecurity in vulnerable populations. She’s really passionate about lifting women up and empowering them to go after their biggest and best dreams. She has a 35 year old son and a wonderful daughter-in-law and lives in sunny Florida. She loves all the Arts, music and dancing most of all.

Connect with Randy:

• Add her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.ballen
• Check out her nonprofit: roomtorise.org

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this strategy episode, we explore pricing and differentiating value within your service packages, open up about burnout and the importance of work-life balance, and share insights into team meetings, hiring methods, and time management strategies.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• tips on splitting up and elevating packages
• advice on balancing work and rest
• strategies for taking on a team
• recommended tools and processes for efficiency

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Kickoff With Asana - Join Alyssa Lang to get your workflows in place!
• Elevate - Elevate your skills & client experience in just 4 weeks!

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this Q&A episode, I talk about the importance of goal-setting and walk you through a special visualization exercise. I also talk about how to increase leads, share strategies for attracting the type of clients you want, and dive into the profit-first method. Come get your biz tips!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• strategies for setting money goals and time goals
• an exercise for visualizing the future
• how to pay yourself more
• tips for increasing revenue

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Bookkeeping Client Closer - Find your perfect fit client!
• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® - Launch and scale your virtual bookkeeping biz with this step-by-step online course!

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this Q&A episode, Serena talks about her experience taking a break from social media and how it benefited her mental health. She also shares tips on managing business social media pages and taking a closure period to focus on CEO work. Plus, you’ll hear her answer questions related to pricing and managing Ecommerce. Come get some actionable tips!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• details on Serena’s social media hiatus
• how we handle holiday/closure periods
• how to include software subscriptions in your pricing
• strategies related to DIY Ecommerce

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Check out my Bookkeeping for E-Commerce Clients Workshop!
• Check out Meta Business Suite for managing business social media pages!

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

In this Q&A episode, we’re tackling all things client onboarding. Serena shares tips on automating follow-ups, creating custom proposals, and scheduling follow-up appointments to gauge client interest. Plus, tips for recruiting and creating a checklist for future hires. This one is packed with goodies!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• software recommendations for creating proposals & for HR support
• how to present multiple service options to potential clients
• how to implement flat-rate pricing
• how to establish credibility with new clients

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• See how The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® VIP offers you the support you’ve been looking for all along!

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

On this episode, we’re airing another Q&A! This time, Serena answers questions from our very own Ambitious community. She shares tips and tricks on file-sharing systems, backup software, core values, hiring strategies, and more.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• how to utilize Google Drive and Hubdoc for your business
• strategies for finding quality candidates for hiring
• perks of being in BBA VIP

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• See how The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® VIP can help you start or grow your bookkeeping business ↗️

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training

Send us a text

This is a very, very exciting & special episode because it is our 100th episode!🍾  You're in for a treat because we're pulling questions from our audience. And my team member, Tia - our bookkeeper & resident designer - is on to help read the Q’s.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• how to create a productive work culture
• branding advice from Tia
• tips on hiring a part-time bookkeeper
• tips on handling client bank access
• strategies for effective website building
• and MORE!

If you’re interested in using OpenPhone please use my referral link!

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Join the next free training at ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training