In this deeply personal conversation, Jo opens up about her family’s journey from school anxiety and selective mutism to a self-directed, joyful approach to learning: unschooling. She shares the early signs that traditional school wasn’t working for her daughter, including a traumatic bullying incident, health challenges, and escalating panic attacks in Year 8. Despite trying reduced timetables and a paid online school, the same patterns returned.

Jo describes the moment they de-registered and chose to remove expectations, allowing recovery and curiosity to lead. The result? A thriving teen with community, responsibility, paid work (dog walking, stables, social media), equine study certificates, vibrant friendships, and a self-initiated plan to sit GCSEs on her own timeline. Jo also demystifies local authority involvement, reflects on judgement from others, and shares a parenting philosophy centred on trust, autonomy, and consequences in a safe, loving home.

Early signs: selective mutism, post-Covid transition, and exhaustion in Year 7

The trigger events: unexpected class move, bullying incident, and toilet-pass anxiety

Attempts to “fit back in”: reduced timetable, calm room, and online private school

The pivot: de-registering and choosing unschooling to prioritise healing

Life after school: horses, certificates, paid work, social confidence, and self-led GCSE plan

Myth-busting: local authority contact, fines, and what “education” can look like at home

Parenting through judgement: autonomy, boundaries, and trusting teens

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Join the collective - https://www.6figurebookkeeper.com/

Get Journal and fic your online presence - https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman take a deep dive into the five most profitable and practical niches for bookkeepers to consider. Niching can be one of the most important decisions in your bookkeeping journey—yet it’s often where people get stuck. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your services, this episode will help you identify the types of clients you’re best equipped to support, and how niching can lead to greater profitability and ease in your business.

Jo and Zoe break down the real-world pros, challenges, systems, and service expectations across five key industry types. They also share personal stories from their own practices and clients to illustrate how each niche works in practice.

💡 You Will Learn:

Why niching matters and how it helps you streamline systems and services.

How to identify your ideal client based on more than just industry.

The specific needs and quirks of five different business types.

How to position yourself as an expert in a niche even if you’re still learning.

Where opportunities lie for bookkeepers in sectors like construction, salons, and e-commerce.

How niching allows you to automate, specialise, and increase your profit margin.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Reach 6 Figures as a Bookkeeper - https://www.6figurebookkeeper.com/collective/

In this episode, we speak with Steph Nicholson — member of The Bookkeepers’ Collective, ambassador, and our Bookkeeper of the Year — about moving from industry into practice, navigating practising licences, building confidence through community and networking, and a standout cashflow turnaround that saved 40 jobs. Steph shares candidly about grief, neurodiversity, and the realities of growing a practice that works around life.

You Will Learn

Ways to enter bookkeeping from industry and why that background can be a superpower.

How Steph navigated practising licences (ultimately via IAB) and what services she can deliver under it.

Practical paths to early clients (referrals + visibility) and confidence-building through subcontracting.

How to find work experience: events, Collective connections, and subcontracting.

Networking for introverts and launching a relaxed local group (“pints & prosecco”).

Managing ADHD/perimenopause in business with boundaries and simple coping strategies.

A cashflow case study: using tools and timing to protect jobs and rebuild reserves.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/

Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, we take a fresh, practical look at what bookkeepers actually do—end to end. We walk through the real workflow for small businesses: choosing cloud software and connecting bank feeds, coding sales and expenses with proper evidence (especially for VAT), handling accruals and prepayments, running credit control and payment runs, dealing with payroll journals, staying compliant with AML, and turning up-to-date data into useful management reports and cash flow forecasts.

You Will Learn

The true purpose of bookkeeping (decision-ready info first, tax compliance as a result).

Why we recommend moving clients to cloud software (Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, QuickBooks) and specialising in one platform.

How to keep business and personal spend separate and reconcile from the bank statement out.

Sales workflows: invoicing, POS, online sales via Stripe/PayPal—and why you must “gross up” fees.

Expenses, approvals, and smooth supplier payment runs (with director approvals).

Payroll boundaries: when to outsource vs in-house, and how to post payroll journals correctly.

AML responsibilities and the “bookkeeper as detective” mindset.

Building monthly/quarterly reporting rhythms, KPIs, and cash flow forecasting clients can act on.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Try Journal free for 14 days: https://www.bookkeepersmarketing.com/

Take part in our Summer Survey: https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

In this episode, Jo and Zoe dive deep into the challenges bookkeepers face when it comes to showing up consistently on social media. They discuss the fears, mistakes, and mindset blocks that often hold bookkeepers back—from bad Canva templates to blank-page paralysis—and why marketing is a non-negotiable part of building a thriving practice.

The episode introduces Journal, a brand-new social media tool designed specifically for bookkeepers and accountants. Journal combines the power of AI, Canva, and scheduling in one place, with bookkeeper-specific content preloaded. Jo and Zoe share their personal journey with marketing, why consistency builds trust and clients, and how Journal helps bookkeepers stand out as professionals while saving huge amounts of time.

Why social media and visibility are essential for bookkeepers

Zoe’s journey from struggling with blogging and confidence to winning a social media award

The common pitfalls of DIY Canva content

Why consistency builds trust and impacts pricing, branding, and client attraction

How Journal combines AI, Canva, scheduling, and bookkeeping-specific content in one platform

Special listener offer: 14-day free trial + £10/month lifetime discount

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

⬇️ Resources for Bookkeepers

linktr.ee/6fb

⬇️ Take part in the Summer Survey to find out what other bookkeepers are charging.

https://6fbsummer.scoreapp.com/p/summer2025

⬇️ Join The Bookkeepers' Collective

https://6figurebookkeeper.com

Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman dive into one of the most frequently asked questions in the bookkeeping community - how should you price your services? Drawing on insights from their summer pricing survey and real-world experiences, Jo and Zoe break down the pitfalls of hourly rates, the importance of value-based pricing, and how to confidently transition to fixed fee models.

They explore how efficiency, technology, and mindset impact profitability, and share how to build a pricing strategy aligned with your lifestyle, capacity, and goals. You’ll also learn about the gold standard service model and how to design packages that reflect the true value you provide as a bookkeeper and finance professional.

What Listeners Will Learn

Why hourly pricing can cap your income and reduce your profitability.

How to position your services based on outcomes and value.

What bookkeepers are actually charging based on current survey data.

How to design and price a “gold standard” monthly bookkeeping service.

The impact of tech and efficiency on hourly-based income.

How to reverse-engineer your pricing based on income goals.

Strategies for repricing clients without losing your business.

The importance of understanding your ideal client when pricing.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

Jo and Zoe will be discussing a study of 500 business leaders based in the UK conducted by Dext by IRIS on the cost of wasted potential for your client's business

-----------------------------------------------

About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman explore six powerful business lessons they’ve learned over the years—insights that apply far beyond the world of bookkeeping. From reframing failure to embracing automation and understanding your money story, Jo and Zoe share personal anecdotes and honest reflections that show how running a business can teach us about resilience, decision-making, and self-awareness.

The discussion touches on the emotional weight of failure, the importance of being in the right rooms, how to work with your natural energy patterns, and why understanding your past (especially around money) is key to growth. Whether you’re new to business or well-established, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate your personal and professional life with confidence and clarity.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Why failure is often the best teacher in business and life.

How to gain confidence when networking or entering new spaces.

The importance of understanding and working with your energy cycles.

How to build assets that support long-term business growth.

Why using tools and AI is about leverage—not laziness.

How your money story and personal background can influence business decisions.

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Zoe Whitman interviews her co-host Jo Wood, who shares what it really takes to run a high-performing bookkeeping practice. At the peak of her business, Jo was supporting 65 clients and generating consistent turnover of £25,000 per month. She talks through how she built and led her team, structured her services, and developed systems that allowed her to step back from the day-to-day without compromising client service.

Jo opens up about her leadership journey, why WhatsApp became an essential client communication tool, and how niching brought huge efficiencies. She also reflects on what she'd do differently if she were building her business today, given the range of tech and AI tools now available to bookkeepers.

This episode offers a practical and honest look into what it takes to scale a practice, not just in terms of numbers, but in building a business that works without burning you out.

You Will Learn:

How Jo structured her team to support 65 clients efficiently

Why she prioritised onboarding clients into the system, not just onto the books

The benefits of team-wide communication through WhatsApp

How niching helped streamline processes and improve service delivery

Why developing leadership and systems is more sustainable than doing all the work yourself

What Jo would do differently with today’s tools and technology

Practical strategies for scaling to £25k+ months sustainably

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

In this special episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, Zoe interviews her co-host and business partner Jo Wood about her incredible journey from struggling with self-belief to building and eventually selling her award-winning bookkeeping practice, Jo Wood Virtual FD.

Jo shares openly about the personal challenges that shaped her—including childhood bullying, becoming a young mum, and health issues caused by stress—as well as the pivotal moments that helped her realise her purpose. She explains how her family background in entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her own ambitions and how her values of belonging and service have fuelled the growth of the 6 Figure Bookkeeper community.

This heartfelt and inspiring episode explores what it really takes to build a successful business, the importance of mental and physical wellbeing, and why visibility and vulnerability are key in leadership.

What Listeners Will Learn:

Jo’s journey from employment to self-employment and starting her bookkeeping business

The role Jo's family and upbringing played in shaping her entrepreneurial drive

How Jo overcame burnout and serious health issues while running a growing business

Why she sold her practice, Also how she did it in just two weeks

The mindset shift from building a business to finding deeper purpose

Lessons about visibility, confidence, and redefining success

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

-----------------------------------------------

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6fig...

-----------------------------------------------

Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

-----------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.