The Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast is for bookkeepers & accountants who are growing or aspiring to start their own business. Our mission is to elevate the bookkeeping profession by providing support and resources for new and experienced firm owners. We share actionable tips on running a successful bookkeeping business, tools and resources, plus guest expert interviews that will help you elevate your business. Where you can find us: Website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com BBA: https://www. ...
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200 ⎸ What I Learned in 2024 & Q1 of 2025
54:19
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54:19Send us a text It’s the 200th episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast and Serena pulls back the curtain on her bookkeeping firm's 2024 performance, sharing both the wins and challenges. She gets real about client churn, revenue growth, personal struggles with mold toxicity, and the hard lessons learned about communicating with clients who aren'…
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199 | [Q&A] Handling Clients, Cash vs Accrual, Inventory, and Solo Bookkeeper Vacation Planning
37:11
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37:11Send us a text This episode comes from April’s Live Q&A session, where Serena answered various questions from bookkeepers about pricing strategies, software recommendations, financial statement presentation, and business growth challenges. In this episode you’ll hear: Learn how to confidently set your prices for bookkeeping setups and avoid underch…
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198 ⎸ Building toward an Exit with Maggie Lord
37:28
37:28
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37:28Send us a text In this episode of the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast, Serena chats with Maggie Lord, a powerhouse entrepreneur who sold her media company to David's Bridal and now helps female founders do the same. Maggie shares her journey from starting a wedding blog in 2008 to selling her company 12 years later, and reveals insider knowledge about…
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197 ⎸ [Q&A] Tech, Pricing, Client Acquisition, & Services
39:20
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39:20Send us a text Are you dreaming of starting your own bookkeeping business but feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make? You're not alone. As someone who's built a successful bookkeeping practice from scratch, I know firsthand that figuring out what services to offer, how to price them, where to find clients, and what technology you…
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196 ⎸ The Comeback Blueprint: What Every Ambitious Man Needs to Hear with Cletus Coffey
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41:24Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast, Serena Shoup chats with Cletus Coffey, former pro athlete, single dad, and founder of Torch Training. Cletus shares his remarkable journey from professional sports to entrepreneurial failures to finding his authentic purpose through personal transformation. In this episode…
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Send us a text In this mini-episode, Serena shares her research on the Fair Tax Act and what it could mean for bookkeepers. She explains how this potential legislation would eliminate income tax and the IRS, replacing them with a national sales tax. Serena offers practical advice for bookkeepers to prepare for this potential shift and future-proof …
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194 | Organizing and Managing Work Production in Your Small Firm
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6:40Send us a text Running a bookkeeping or accounting firm means juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and deliverables - often leading to that feeling of "I'm drowning in work!" As someone who's built a successful practice while working 20 hours or less per week, I've discovered that how you organize and manage your workflow makes all the difference …
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Send us a text Serena dives deep into marketing strategies for bookkeepers and small business owners who are skeptical or overwhelmed by social media, sharing practical tips for building connections and growing your business. What You’ll Learn: Marketing isn't just about social media: Discover a multi-pronged approach including offline networking, …
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Send us a text In this episode I’m tackling a listener ‘struggle’: Imposter Syndrome. This is also a MINI episode, which means you can view the video on YouTube! While you’re there, make sure to subscribe! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Bookkeeping Biz Workshops My FREE Training Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some w…
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191 | Setting up TaxJar for eCommerce Businesses
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10:26Send us a text In today's bite-sized episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of setting up TaxJar for eCommerce businesses. Whether you're a bookkeeper with some eCommerce clients or an online seller yourself, stick around. Serena's got some super helpful insights coming your way, complete with screen sharing over on YouTube if you're up for it…
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190 ⎸ Building Business Together with Megan Tobler
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34:41Send us a text In this episode, we're diving into a wonderful conversation between Serena Shoup and Megan Tobler. Megan shares her inspiring journey from corporate sales to building a vibrant business community for moms in entrepreneurship. In this episode you’ll hear: The reality of juggling motherhood and building a business from the ground up. H…
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189 | Are There Remote Bookkeeping Opportunities Still?
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9:31Send us a text Our MINI episodes are also YouTube videos - and may be better viewed on YouTube. Click here to watch! https://youtu.be/7zH54q8eR6I In this episode you’ll hear me answer a listener submitted question about the opportunities available in accounting & bookkeeping and how to find the right one for you! Resources mentioned in this episode…
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188 | How to Become a Better Leader with Alyssa Lang
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52:25Send us a text In this episode, Alyssa Lang, my biz bestie & The Workflow Queen dives into what it truly means to be a great leader, focusing on how to move beyond everyday tasks and really lead your firm. She breaks down five key pillars of leadership that will help you build a scalable, profitable, and well-aligned business. Alyssa shares her per…
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187 ⎸ How to Handle Sales Tax with Brian Greer of TaxConnex
31:42
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31:42Send us a text Hey there, welcome back to The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast! Today, I'm chatting with Brian Greer from TaxConnex about all things sales tax. Whether you're a sales tax newbie or just looking for a way to outsource, we've got you covered. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive into making sales tax a bit less daunting.…
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186 ⎸ [Q&A] E-commerce, Digital Products & the CFO Title
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28:39Send us a text Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast. This week, join me as I dive into a treasure trove of archived Q&A content. We’re talking year-end tips, the ins and outs of e-commerce, using that CFO title wisely, and loads more. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive right in. Enjoy! I…
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Send us a text In this video I’m demonstrating how to adjust bank balances when you’re cleaning up a Xero bank reconciliation. We’ll cover: spend money transactions receive money transactions manually reconciling transactions conversion balances (adjusting the beginning balance) Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeep…
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[Tech] OpenPhone for 2FA & Client Communication
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8:02Send us a text We use OpenPhone instead of Google voice for 2FA codes and for client communication. I'll go over that in this video and show you our setup. Here's how to work around needing to pay for multiple users as your team grows: Make sure you have a central email inbox setup (like [email protected] or [email protected]) Give your enti…
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184 ⎸ Weekly (Micro) Reporting for Clients with Shea & Michelle
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43:33Send us a text In this interview episode, we're diving into the world of micro reporting and weekly client updates with Shea Keats and Michelle Röse from Breakaway Advising. If you've ever been curious about adding a personal touch to your client advisory, this one's for you! In this episode you’ll hear: what micro reporting is all about how the co…
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183 ⎸ Keys to Growth & Pricing with Ryan Lazanis
37:18
37:18
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37:18Send us a text In this interview episode, I chat with Ryan Lazanis from FutureFirm about growth strategies and pricing tips to help streamline your firm. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, Ryan shares some golden nuggets on navigating the world of accounting business with ease and purpose. In this episode you’ll hear: Ryan’s j…
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182 ⎸ The #1 Event to Attend this Year with Erin Pohan
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41:53Send us a text In this interview episode we've got the incredible Erin Pohan joining us to talk all about her journey in accounting, and to share some exciting news about WAVE, the must-attend event for women in accounting this year! In this episode you’ll hear: Erin’s incredible journey from having just one side client to now running her very own …
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Send us a text Welcome to 1099 Season! If this is your first 1099 season, buckle up, I’m here to help! Tune in today to hear an overview of what to know about 1099s so you’re armed with the confidence to take this on, and improve your processes for next year! In this episode you’ll hear: All the types of 1099s Reporting requirements, deadlines & th…
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180 ⎸ How to Make this Year More Profitable
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15:15Send us a text In this solo episode, we’re diving into some killer strategies to boost your profits in the new year. We’ll chat about updating your systems, tracking those important numbers, and all the behind-the-scenes moves that can make 2025 your most successful year yet! In this episode you’ll hear: secrets on tracking your profitability and w…
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179 ⎸ Managing Your Energy in Business with Emily Leahy
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39:23Send us a text In this interview episode, we've got Emily Leahy sharing her incredible insights on managing energy in business, especially for us ambitious women out there. Forget the hustle; it's all about syncing with your personal cycles and making life work for you. You won't want to miss these gems! In this episode you’ll hear: optimizing ener…
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178 ⎸ Lead Magnets & Email with Liz Wilcox
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37:51
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37:51Send us a text In this interview episode, we've got the amazing Liz Wilcox joining us to spill her secrets on turning email followers into friends, and eventually, loyal clients. In this episode you’ll hear: secrets on capturing leads through strategic social media moves and savvy website setups Discover the "email staircase" and turn your follower…
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Send us a text By popular request, we’ve decided to air a summit presentation I did with Josie Parr, at her Profitable Lifestyle Firm Summit. I’m talking about crafting deliverables that matter for your clients. If you’d like to see the presentation slides, head over to my YouTube Channel! In this episode you’ll hear how to: Maximize your value Shi…
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176 ⎸ How to Transform Clients into Your Biggest Cheerleaders with Madelyn Furlong
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36:23Send us a text In this interview episode, I’m hanging out with marketing whiz Madelyn Furlong. We’re diving into how to turn your clients into mega-fans that'll rave about your business. From personal touches to killer marketing strategies, we've got you covered. In this episode you’ll hear: how having all your marketing needs handled by one team c…
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Send us a text In this solo episode, I’m diving into the world of Threads. Is it the next best thing for bookkeepers or just another time-sink? Let's figure it out together. In this episode you’ll hear: the lowdown on what Threads is how Threads can pull over your Instagram followers how, in just three months, Threads helped me land a bunch of podc…
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174 ⎸ Sustainable Money Practices with Kara Perez
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28:07
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28:07Send us a text In this interview episode, I chat with money guru Kara Perez about merging sustainable living with smart financial practices. If you've ever been curious how to save some green while going green, you'll love this one! In this episode you’ll hear: practical, sustainable money practices that fit right into your life without breaking th…
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173 ⎸ Money Stories & Shame around Money with Wall Street Girl Next Door (Nicole Ayub)
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36:19Send us a text In this interview episode, we've got Nicole Ayub, the fabulous Wall Street Girl Next Door, sharing her insights on money stories, emotional hang-ups, and shaking off that pesky shame around finances. Get ready to dive deep and rethink your money mindset! In this episode you’ll hear: why we're all feeling funky about our finances and …
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172 ⎸ Defining your Values in Life & Business with Corree Roofener
47:39
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47:39Send us a text In this interview episode I chat with Corree Roofener about how defining your personal and business values can transform your life. From nature walks & spiritual growth to aligning ethics to enhance your business, we're diving deep into what truly matters! In this episode you’ll hear: The overlap of business and personal values Found…
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171 ⎸ [ND] Bookkeeping with Neurodivergence with Aneisha Velazquez
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39:17Send us a text In this interview episode, we dive into the world of bookkeeping with a twist—neurodiversity. Join me as I chat with Aneisha Velazquez from Yellow Sky Bookkeeping. She’s sharing her unique journey with autism and ADHD while offering tips on building better systems and communication. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it! In thi…
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170 ⎸ [ND] Starting a Neurodivergent Bookkeeping Business with Amy Burgess
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25:45Send us a text In this interview episode, we're continuing our neurodivergent series and diving into the inspiring journey of Amy Burgess, a fellow neurodivergent and brilliant bookkeeper. If you're curious about building a business that truly reflects who you are and want some killer insights into making it happen, you don't wanna miss this one. I…
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169 ⎸ [ND] Managing Business & Home with ADHD with Megs Crawford
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42:52Send us a text This is the first of a series we will be having on the podcast, all around neurodivergent businesses & bookkeepers. You can find these episodes by searching [ND] in brackets on our blog. In this episode you’ll hear: How to declutter & create systems in your home Operating a business with ADHD Planning your day in your business How to…
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168 ⎸ Slowing down to create more success with Katy Murray
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51:23Send us a text In this interview episode, I’m chatting with Katy Murray, the brains behind the Gingerbiz Podcast. She’s a powerhouse who's done it all—from professional photography to managing HR for a big company, and even launching her own business, Katie & Co. We first connected through Threads, and it turns out we have a lot to chat about when …
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167 ⎸ Living a Happy & Balanced Life with Sharon Hefetz
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28:41Send us a text In this interview episode, I’m catching up with Sharon Hefetz, who has an incredible story to share about her journey with multiple myeloma. She opens up about how she turned to self-care, mindfulness, and intentional living to navigate her diagnosis and achieve remission. Plus, we've got a special giveaway for you, so check out the …
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166 ⎸ SEO for Bookkeepers with Jules White
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36:18Send us a text In this interview episode, I’m hanging out with SEO whiz, Jules White, to break down some super practical tips to get your bookkeeping website noticed. Jules shares some cool hacks for optimizing images and structuring your content, plus some easy-to-use tools for keyword research. If SEO has been a mystery to you, this episode is yo…
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Send us a text In this solo episode, I’m chatting about a question I got from one of you awesome listeners: should you add tax services to your bookkeeping biz? We’ll weigh the pros and cons, talk about building your own client base, and figure out if expanding your services is the right move for you. In this episode you’ll hear: building a persona…
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BONUS ⎸ Scotty + Serena BTS of performing at Xerocon
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58:18Send us a text We’ve just come back from Xerocon 2024 Nashville, and i’m giving you a backstage pass to the inner workings of how Scotty ’OKR’. Scarano secured the mainstage for one of his accounting raps—and included me in the ride! In this episode you’ll hear: the story behind Scotty & I performing at Xerocon Scotty’s journey rapping about accoun…
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164 ⎸ [SPOTLIGHT] Build confidence to leave corporate with Rebekah Poirier
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34:20Send us a text In this spotlight episode, Rebekah Poirier, founder of Serenity CFO Solutions, shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. We're getting into how she's using social media to get clients, the perks of running your own business, and how the Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA) program has been a game-changer! In …
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163 ⎸ [SPOTLIGHT] Customize your Business with Nic Robb
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29:50Send us a text In this Spotlight episode I’m shining the spotlight on one of my BBA students, Nicole Robb. She talks about how BBA played a pivotal role in building confidence, finding the right clients, and getting invaluable support from the BBA community. Tune in to hear what BBA can do for you! In this episode you’ll hear: Nic's journey the imp…
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Send us a text In this solo episode I delve into the concept of ambition, sharing reflections on personal success, fulfillment, and the evolving priorities of life. Tune in if you’re ready to reevaluate what success means to you! In this episode you’ll hear: what ambition means defining success for yourself balancing ambition with life seasons orig…
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160 ⎸ The Alyssa + Serena Show Part 1
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1:02:44Send us a text In this interview episode, I’m chatting with my biz bestie, Alyssa Lang (Workflow Queen)! Introducing…The Alyssa + Serena Show: Part 1. We reflect on personal & professional experiences, offering valuable insights and strategies for navigating the world of bookkeeping and entrepreneurship. In this episode you’ll hear: Serena's and Al…
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161 ⎸ The Alyssa + Serena Show Part 2
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1:03:30Send us a text This interview episode is Part 2 of The Alyssa + Serena Show with my biz bestie, Alyssa Lang (Workflow Queen)! We talk about managing clients, offering advisory services, and the importance of SOPs in a bookkeeping firm. From practical business advice to lighthearted banter, you’ll wanna tune in to elevate your bookkeeping game! In t…
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159 ⎸ [STRATEGY] Managing Process vs. People with Becky Hesson
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43:26Send us a text In this strategy episode, I coach Becky Hesson through some business roadblocks. We delve into challenges with marketing, managing people, and seeking better and more efficient ways of doing things. If you have a team, you’ll definitely wanna tune into this one! In this episode you’ll hear: the challenge of ensuring consistency in mo…
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Send us a text In this solo episode I take you step by step through the onboarding process, outlining the various phases from capturing leads to gathering documents and starting the cleanup. Tune in to gain actionable tips and strategies for a seamless onboarding process and make sure to catch the YouTube videos linked in the show notes for an even…
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Send us a text In this episode I’m exploring the world of client onboarding, while focusing on the use of Dubsado to automate the process. If you're interested in learning about automated onboarding processes and low-cost options, this episode is for you! In this episode you’ll hear: Challenges of managing multiple clients at the same time Specific…
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156 ⎸ [SPOTLIGHT] Onboarding Systems for Solo Firms with Corrie Scott
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32:28Send us a text In this Spotlight episode I’m shining the spotlight on one of my BBA students, Corrie Scott - owner of Taylor Made Bookkeeping Solutions. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we dive into the world of efficient onboarding systems and work-life balance in the realm of bookkeeping. In this episode you’ll hear: benefits & challenge…
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155 | [RE-AIR] Onboarding With Dubsado with Kendra Courtney
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48:36Send us a text The onboarding phase with your clients can set the tone and expectations for the entire client relationship. On today’s podcast episode I’m interviewing Dubsado expert, Kendra Courtney, who has helped me and countless other bookkeepers and accountants with setting up their Onboarding workflows using Dubsado. In this episode you’ll he…
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154 | [Q&A] QBO Integrations, Cyber Security, and More
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21:30Send us a text On Epsisode 154 I’m sharing another Q&A from the archives! You’ll hear me answer questions and jam on topics like: Cybersecurity Setting up a small practice switching clients from month to month from a catch up the importance of locking previous periods (are you doing this for your clients?!) various integration discussions, and the …
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153 ⎸ Balancing your Sidehustle with Corporate
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15:51Send us a text In this episode you’ll hear: How to stay focused How I stay organized & plan my work Setting your calendar up for your cycle and energy levels Resources mentioned in this episode (some are affiliate links): Pomodoro timer Passion Planner Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listenin…
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