The Bookkeepers' Podcast

In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, titled "How to Finish Off 2024 in a Strong Position," hosts Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman dive into strategies for making the most of the final quarter of 2024. The episode begins with the hosts catching up after a summer break, reflecting on the back-to-school feeling that September brings, and how it spurs a rush to get back on track with goals.

The main theme of the episode is about the importance of reflection. Jo and Zoe encourage listeners to look back at the year so far, celebrating both small and large achievements, and identifying areas that could be improved. They note how many people struggle with celebrating their wins, often focusing only on what they didn’t accomplish. By taking time to acknowledge what has gone well, bookkeepers can build confidence and momentum.

The conversation then shifts to balancing work and personal life, with Jo sharing her personal experience of achieving a better balance this past summer. She explains how being fully present in both work and family time helped her feel more satisfied in both areas. This leads to a discussion on how underpricing in business can lead to overwork, stress, and imbalance. They advise listeners to review their pricing strategies, as proper pricing can support not only business growth but also personal well-being.

As the episode progresses, Jo and Zoe discuss what bookkeepers can do to finish the year strong. They recommend setting realistic goals for the final quarter and adjusting expectations to reduce overwhelm. Zoe shares a creative exercise from a business coach, which involved visualising future goals by focusing on key life areas like money, health, and relationships. This softer, reflective approach helps to reduce the stress of rigid goal setting and opens up a more flexible, intuitive way of planning.

Finally, the hosts introduce their upcoming Sofa Sessions, scheduled for the 23rd of September, where they will be joined by special guests to discuss business growth and personal development. On the 24th of September, they will be offering one-on-one sessions to provide personalised advice for listeners' businesses.

The episode wraps up with an emphasis on reflection, realistic goal setting, and the value of small, sustainable changes as listeners move into the final months of the year.

Find out your next step in bookkeeping.

https://bookkeeperssupport.com

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

About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. We're raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and bookkeepers worldwide. Whether you're a bookkeeper or accountant wanting to grow your own business to have the flexibility for your life, and your family, come and join us.

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

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-...

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

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.

What if we told you that leadership isn’t just for CEOs or large teams? Even if you're a solo bookkeeper, understanding and applying leadership principles can profoundly impact your business. In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Zoe Whitman dives deep into the subject of leadership with a special guest, Olly Whitman, the founder of Laterally.

We discussed

1. The Connection Between Creativity and Leadership Olly explains that creativity isn’t just about artistic skills—it's about problem-solving and asking the right questions. In the bookkeeping world, creativity can help you find innovative solutions to client challenges and streamline processes. Leadership plays a role in nurturing this creativity, enabling you to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.

2. The Importance of Time Management in Leadership Leadership isn’t just about leading others; it’s about leading yourself. Olly emphasises the importance of understanding how you work best and scheduling your day accordingly. Whether it's deep work like analysing financial data or engaging in shallow work like emails, knowing when you’re most productive can significantly enhance your efficiency.

3. Meetings: A Necessary Evil or an Opportunity? Meetings can often feel like a waste of time, but Olly provides strategies to make them more effective. He suggests treating meetings like ticketed events where attendees must prepare in advance. This approach ensures that everyone comes prepared, making the meeting more focused and productive. For bookkeepers, this could mean clearer client meetings with actionable outcomes, reducing the need for unnecessary follow-ups.

4. Leadership in Small Teams or Solo Practices Even if you’re a one-person business, leadership is essential. It starts with self-awareness—understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and working preferences. By doing so, you can optimise your workflow and set yourself up for success. Olly also highlights the importance of empathy and respect in small teams, which can lead to better collaboration and more innovative solutions.

About Olly Whitman and Laterally

Olly Whitman is the founder of Laterally, a leadership coaching company that takes a creative approach to problem-solving and team collaboration. With a 20-year career in the creative industry, Olly has worked with a wide range of businesses, from global corporations to small local enterprises. His unique perspective on leadership, drawn from his experience as a creative director, offers valuable insights for professionals in all fields, including bookkeeping.

Olly’s new podcast, "Get to Work," promises to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills and understanding the modern workplace's dynamics.

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

About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. We're raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and bookkeepers worldwide. Whether you're a bookkeeper or accountant wanting to grow your own business to have the flexibility for your life, and your family, come and join us.

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

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-...

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

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

Let’s face it: marketing as a bookkeeper can be daunting, especially when the word “copywriting” comes into play. But what if we told you that mastering the art of copywriting could transform how you connect with potential clients and grow your business? In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, we’re joined by Vicki Handley, a copywriting strategist who’s here to share her top tips on how bookkeepers can use copywriting to effectively market their services. Whether you’re a numbers person or not, Vicky’s insights will show you how to make your words work just as hard as your bookkeeping skills.

Why This Topic is Important

In today’s digital world, the ability to communicate your value online is crucial. For bookkeepers, who often see themselves as “numbers people,” the idea of crafting compelling copy might feel out of reach. However, as Vicki explains, copywriting is an essential tool in every business owner's toolkit, helping to inspire action, build relationships, and ultimately convert prospects into clients. By understanding and implementing effective copywriting strategies, bookkeepers can position themselves more powerfully in the market and attract their ideal clients.

What Bookkeepers Can Learn from This Episode

Demystifying Copywriting: Vicky breaks down what copywriting is in simple terms—writing that sells by inspiring action. Whether it's getting someone to book a call or sign up for a newsletter, copywriting is all about persuading your audience.

The Importance of Copy Across Your Business: From social media posts to website content and onboarding materials, Vicky emphasizes that copywriting plays a role in every aspect of your business. It’s not just about the “buy now” buttons but about building a connection and guiding your clients through their journey.

Finding Your Voice: Many bookkeepers may feel uncomfortable with the idea of selling, but Vicki highlights how copy can do the heavy lifting. By sharing your values, personality, and expertise, you can create a warm introduction that makes potential clients feel like they already know and trust you.

Six Copywriting Lenses: Vicki shares her six essential lenses for creating a well-rounded personal brand: People, Process, Practical Information, Proof, Personality, and Purpose. These lenses help ensure that your messaging is clear, consistent, and attracts the right clients while repelling the wrong ones.

About the Topic

Copywriting isn’t just about flashy headlines or aggressive sales tactics; it’s about communicating your value and connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. For bookkeepers, this means translating your expertise in numbers into words that resonate with potential clients. Vicky Hanley’s approach focuses on authenticity and building trust, ensuring that your copy reflects who you are and what you stand for.

About the Guest

Vicki Handley is a copywriting strategist and the head of client success at Content to Clients. She has her own copywriting program designed specifically for service-based business owners called "Think Write Sell." Vicki is passionate about helping entrepreneurs sell themselves online without feeling pushy or uncomfortable, making her a perfect guest to guide bookkeepers through the sometimes intimidating world of copywriting.

About Jo and Zoe

Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman are the duo behind The Bookkeepers' Podcast, where they share insights, tips, and advice for bookkeepers looking to build and grow their businesses. With years of experience and a genuine passion for supporting the bookkeeping community, Jo and Zoe offer practical guidance that bookkeepers can apply to their everyday practices. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to let Jo and Zoe know what you think!

In this podcast we discussed how to utilise a bot in your business to leverage your time, increase efficiency and create more time to support your clients. Emma James is building Otto to use in her practice. Find out more here: https://withotto.app ----------------------------------------------- Find out your next step in bookkeeping. Free calls and books. https://bookkeeperssupport.com ----------------------------------------------- About us We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. We're raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and bookkeepers worldwide. Whether you're a bookkeeper or accountant wanting to grow your own business to have the flexibility for your life, and your family, come and join us. ----------------------------------------------- About our SponsorThis episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2----------------------------------------------- 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.

What if we told you that mastering cash flow forecasting could be the key to not only managing your bookkeeping practice but also empowering your clients to thrive? In this episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast, we revisit a conversation with Colin Hewitt, CEO of Float, a leading cash flow forecasting tool. Originally recorded in 2023, this discussion remains as relevant as ever, especially with the upcoming masterclass featuring Colin. Whether you’re looking to grow your practice or add more value to your clients, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Cash flow forecasting isn’t just for times of financial strain; it’s a vital tool for businesses of all sizes, especially during growth phases. As bookkeepers, we know that understanding the flow of money in and out of a business is crucial. This episode highlights the importance of integrating cash flow forecasting into your services, enabling your clients to make informed financial decisions and sleep soundly knowing they have a firm grasp on their finances.

Here's what you'll learn from this episode:

Cash Flow as a Service: Learn how offering cash flow forecasting can differentiate your practice and create new revenue streams.

Client Empowerment: Discover how tools like Float can make cash flow management accessible to even the most finance-averse clients.

Scenario Planning: Understand the power of scenario planning in Float, allowing you to simulate different financial outcomes and guide your clients through potential future challenges.

Collaboration Opportunities: See how cash flow forecasting fosters deeper client relationships, offering regular touchpoints for meaningful business discussions.

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, we speak to Dara Ladjevardian about how you can leverage a digital clone to scale your availability for new and current clients.

Dara was born in Houston, TX. He studied Physics & Computer Science at Georgetown, after which he moved to San Francisco to work at C3 AI. He then started and sold his first company, Friday, an AI assistant for shopping, after which he moved to Miami to work as a software engineer at OpenStore. He is now the cofounder & CEO of Delphi, a digital cloning platform for experts.

We discuss Digital cloning, AI, education, customer satisfaction and whether we should be afraid of AI.

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

Find out your next step in bookkeeping.

Free calls and books. https://bookkeeperssupport.com

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

About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. We're raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and bookkeepers worldwide. Whether you're a bookkeeper or accountant wanting to grow your own business to have the flexibility for your life, and your family, come and join us.

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

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2

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

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 and Jo Words discuss how to start a virtual bookkeeping practice from home. They share their personal experiences and provide valuable insights for aspiring virtual bookkeepers, covering topics such as setting up a home office, leveraging technology, and building a client base.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in becoming a virtual bookkeeper and running a flexible, home-based business. Zoe and Jo offer practical advice and strategies for creating a successful virtual bookkeeping practice, addressing common challenges and providing actionable steps to get started.

Key Points:

Decide on the type of clients you want to work with and how you'll operate your virtual practice

Invest in reliable technology, including high-speed internet and secure software

Create a dedicated workspace in your home to maintain a separation between work and personal life

Leverage online networking and industry events to build your client base

Keywords:

virtual bookkeeper, home-based bookkeeping, remote bookkeeping, flexible bookkeeping, online bookkeeping, digital bookkeeping, paperless bookkeeping

Call to Action:

If you're interested in starting a virtual bookkeeping practice from home, be sure to check out the 6 Figure Bookkeeper Startup Program. With a special offer of £300 in bonuses for those who sign up by July 31st, this program can provide you with the knowledge and support you need to launch your successful virtual bookkeeping business.

This week on The Bookkeepers' Podcast, we spoke to Sam Conniff, author of Be More Pirate and Creator of Uncertainty Experts.

Sam is an expert in uncertainty and dedicated to helping people navigate change and turn fear into opportunity. Sam’s mission is to equip people with the tools needed to not just thrive in an uncertain society, but to drive innovation, seize opportunities and lead others to become Uncertainty Experts themselves. Sam is the author of the international best-seller and "modern life-bible" Be More Pirate.

He was Co-Founder of Livity, the multi-award-winning social enterprise and youth-led creative Network, Co-founder of Digify Africa, and Co-Founder of Don’t panic, the original activist and Bafta-winning content studio. Sam has won Entrepreneur of the year, Agency of the Year, The Queens

Award and many others.

Sam Conniff discusses how embracing pirate-like qualities can enable change and growth. He argues that unspoken rules and personal biases often hold people back, and that pirates represent a fascinating set of role models for today's society.

The conversation explores the changing nature of work, with a focus on the desire for flexibility and freedom. Zoe and Jo share their experiences as entrepreneurs and discuss the impact of the pandemic on traditional industries.

The speakers discuss the human struggle with uncertainty, and how embracing uncertainty can be liberating. They explore techniques for overcoming fear responses and building confidence in uncertain environments.

The episode covers how the brain processes uncertainty and makes predictions, and how tools like vision boards can help prime the brain for growth and success. The speakers also share advice from a former smuggler on managing uncertainty.

Overall, the episode provides insights on challenging limiting beliefs, embracing change, and developing strategies to navigate uncertainty in both personal and professional contexts.

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

Find out your next step in bookkeeping.

Free calls and books. https://bookkeeperssupport.com

Today on The Bookkeepers' Podcast, Jo and Zoe will be be joined Meera Shah.

Meera comes from a very high level banking background, running Finance, Technology and Business change Programmes and Projects. She is a qualified accountant, and got into the world of change by running finance projects.

Meera was born and brought up in Kenya, and when she was young, she was academically very bright but also very shy and lacked confidence. She grew up in a joint Indian family in Kenya - her dad was one of 11 siblings – so she had to be pretty loud and out-spoken to be heard, even more so as a female. Having low self-worth in this environment was not easy for her! Through personal development Meera overcame this and she moved to London where she landed a job at Goldman Sachs. Lets just say, she quickly learnt to speak up and get empowered!

They will be talking about how to build confidence and speak up.

You can connect with Meera here:

W: https://unlimitedtransformations.com

F: https://www.facebook.com/TheMeeraShah/

I: meerashahunlimited

L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meerashahunlimited/

In this session, we spoke to Kanayo of Sinnergy about how bots can help bookkeepers leverage their time.

Watch the replay here.

Register to join the sessions live, here: Bookkeepersevents.com

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

About us

We help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build businesses they love that work for them. We're raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and bookkeepers worldwide. Whether you're a bookkeeper or accountant wanting to grow your own business to have the flexibility for your life, and your family, come and join us.

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

Support

Find out what the right next step in bookkeeping is for you. Free calls and books. bookkeeperssupport.com

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

About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Find out more at: https://www.xero.com/uk/campaign/new-partner-programme/?utm_source=6FB&utm_medium=podcastnotes&utm_campaign=Q2

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

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.