Cashflow is the heartbeat of every business, yet it’s often an area that many bookkeepers shy away from advising on. But when approached with the right tools and systems, it can be one of the most impactful services a bookkeeper can offer. In a recent conversation with Colin Hewitt, founder of Float Cashflow Software , we discussed how bookkeepers can confidently step into cashflow advisory by leveraging simple technology and smart systems. Colin shared valuable insights on how tools like Float can simplify cashflow forecasting, allowing bookkeepers to provide real-time guidance that empowers clients to make smarter financial decisions. By embracing cashflow advisory, bookkeepers can not only add more value to their clients but also elevate their role from traditional number-cruncher to trusted business partner. Colin’s story is fascinating. He built Float not as a tech project, but out of frustration from running his own creative agency and struggling to forecast cashflow accurately. What started as a solution to his own problem has become one of the most trusted cashflow tools in the world — and a game-changer for bookkeepers ready to deliver real financial clarity to their clients. The Problem Every Business Owner Faces When I asked Colin why cashflow is such a challenge for business owners, his answer was simple: “People don’t see it coming until it’s too late.” So many small businesses operate reactively — checking the bank balance instead of managing forward visibility. That’s where bookkeepers come in. We have the numbers, the access, and the relationship. What we often lack is the system that turns raw data into insight. That’s the gap Float fills. Colin built Float to connect directly with cloud accounting software like Intuit QuickBooks , Xero , and FreeAgent , automatically pulling real-time data into clean, easy-to-read cashflow forecasts. No more spreadsheets. No more guesswork. He calls it “helping business owners sleep better at night.” I call it empowering bookkeepers to finally deliver the strategic value clients desperately need. Turning Data into Decisions Bookkeepers are perfectly positioned to help clients understand their cash position — but to do that effectively, we have to move from compliance to clarity.Colin explained that Float helps bookkeepers visualise  the future. Instead of drowning in transactions, you can show clients what their next 3, 6, or 12 months look like in real terms — what’s coming in, what’s going out, and when. The magic lies in what happens next: conversations. Once clients see their cashflow clearly, they start asking better questions — “What if I hire someone new?” “Can I afford to invest in equipment?” “What happens if I lose a major contract?” That’s where we step up as Strategic Bookkeepers. We move beyond reconciliation and into scenario planning — giving clients the ability to make informed decisions with confidence. It’s not about becoming a financial advisor; it’s about owning your role as the bridge between numbers and action. Why Cashflow Advisory Is the Future If you’ve been listening to my podcast or inside my Transformation Program , you know I’m passionate about helping bookkeepers evolve into trusted business partners. Cashflow advisory is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to make that shift. It ’s tangible, repeatable, and deeply valued by clients. When you help a business avoid running out of cash, you don’t just save them money — you save them stress, relationships, and sometimes their entire livelihood. Colin and I agreed that this kind of work is the natural next step for modern bookkeepers. With AI automating more data entry and compliance, it’s our human insight — interpreting and communicating financial information — that drives long-term success. Cashflow advisory perfectly fits that model. It’s recurring, it’s scalable, and it’s relationship-based. Making Cashflow Advisory Scalable One thing I love about Float is how it makes advisory practical .Colin designed it so bookkeepers can manage multiple clients efficiently. You can set up recurring cashflow forecasts, customise scenarios for each business, and even schedule monthly or quarterly review meetings based on live data. That means you can deliver premium advisory work without spending hours in spreadsheets. I’ve seen bookkeepers inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program  build entire service tiers around cashflow. They offer it as part of their monthly advisory packages, creating predictable recurring revenue while delivering incredible value to clients. Colin emphasised that you don’t need to be a financial analyst to do this. The key is structure. Use Float’s templates, interpret what you see, and frame it in plain English for clients. That’s what clients pay for — understanding , not accounting jargon. Confidence Through Conversations Many bookkeepers tell me they hesitate to talk about cashflow because they don’t want to “sound like an accountant.” I get that. But advisory isn’t about giving tax advice — it’s about facilitating clarity. Colin shared how bookkeepers who start with small steps, like walking clients through a three-month cashflow forecast, quickly gain confidence. Clients love it. They feel empowered, and that creates loyalty. Once you start having those conversations, something shifts. You stop being “the bookkeeper who reconciles the accounts” and become “the advisor who helps me understand my business.” That’s when your perceived value — and your pricing power — skyrockets. My Takeaway from Talking with Colin Talking with Colin reminded me how aligned Float’s mission is with what I teach inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program . It ’s all about helping bookkeepers deliver more value with less stress — using systems, education, and support to move from survival to strategy. Float isn’t just a software tool. It’s a catalyst for transformation. It helps you step confidently into advisory, communicate your worth, and elevate the way you serve clients. If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce advisory into your practice, start here. Cashflow forecasting is simple, actionable, and incredibly impactful. You already have the data — you just need the structure to turn it into insight. Final Thoughts Bookkeepers are the unsung heroes of small business. We see the patterns, the pitfalls, and the potential — often before anyone else. By embracing tools like Float and adding cashflow advisory to your offering, you can make a real difference in your clients’ lives and in your own business. As Colin said so well, “Cashflow is the truth. Everything else is noise.” When you help clients understand that truth — clearly, confidently, and consistently — you stop being just another bookkeeper. You become indispensable. Want More Cashflow Insights and Strategies? If this post got you thinking about how you can integrate cashflow advisory into your practice, you're not alone! In our Facebook group , we’re discussing this and so much more. Join us today  to connect with other strategic bookkeepers, share tips, ask questions, and access exclusive resources designed to help you confidently advise your clients on cashflow and grow your practice. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what you truly want your life and bookkeeping practice to look like in 2026. Reflection is powerful when it’s honest and fresh, not polished or perfect. So in this post, I’ll walk you through my own reflections, then help you build your own simple plan for success next year. My Own Reflection I’ve had my bookkeeping practice for over 15 years — actually heading into year 16. These days, I don’t spend much time working in  it because it runs beautifully without me. That freedom has allowed me to focus on The Strategic Bookkeeper , which is absolutely my life’s work. Like many of you, my journey hasn’t been linear. I’ve been a single mum to a special-needs child, rebuilt after a marriage that didn’t work out, and learned that financial independence isn’t just about money — it’s about having time and choice. So when I reflect on 2025, I feel grateful that my practice continues to tick along even when life throws curveballs. That stability comes down to one thing: The Bookkeeping Practice Blueprint  and the Five Big Keys . They’re simple, but they work. Checking In with Yourself Now it’s your turn. How has your year been? Has your practice run smoothly without you? Are you earning what you want? Are you working the hours that suit your life? Maybe you’re like my right hand, Jo, who runs my practice. She’s had a tough year health-wise, yet the business has kept moving because the systems are strong. Or maybe you’re like Marianne , a bookkeeper I interviewed recently on my podcast, who’s gone from working weekends and long hours to taking holidays and spending quality time with family. And if you’re like me this year — working more than you’d prefer — that’s okay too. It’s all part of the journey. The important thing is recognising it so you can plan for change. Celebrate What’s Working We bookkeepers tend to be perfectionists — detail-oriented, high-achieving, and sometimes our own harshest critics. But progress doesn’t come from focusing on what’s missing. Celebrate what is  working. Maybe you gained a new client, improved a process, or invested in your education. Maybe you just kept going when things felt hard. That counts. This year, I finally achieved a decade-long dream — I’m about to head off on a big lap around Australia in a motorhome with my partner. We’ll be working from the road, and it feels surreal to say that out loud. So what have you  achieved? Write it down. Acknowledge it. Because gratitude fuels growth. Building Your 2026 Plan Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to plan — but keep it simple. I call this the Napkin Plan . It’s the kind of plan you could literally sketch on the back of a napkin. Think of one of my coaching clients — we’ll call him Adam. He’s a successful trade-based entrepreneur. When we worked together recently, he arrived with a five-year plan drawn out on a single page: Build $10 million in assets (mostly property and business value). Grow his business to $11 million in annual turnover. Maintain 20% net profit. Nothing fancy, just clarity. That’s what I want for you. Your Own Napkin Plan Here’s how to create your version: Reflect first  – look at what’s worked and what hasn’t this year. Set a five-year vision  – where do you want to be? Maybe it’s earning $200k, taking Fridays off, or owning an investment property. Work backwards  – what needs to happen in 2026 to get you there? Set simple revenue and lifestyle goals  – how much do you want to earn? How many hours do you want to work? Keep it visual  – jot it on one page. Scribbles are fine. Just get it out of your head and onto paper. Real-World Numbers Let’s use Lynda's story (one of the beautiful Tribe members in my progam) as a benchmark. As a solo bookkeeper, she hit $200,000 in revenue in her first year — with high profitability — by selling advisory from the start. That’s absolutely achievable if you apply the Blueprint and focus on value over volume. If you’ve got a small team, remember this ratio: 66% gross profit target 33% maximum for cost of sales (team and software) Minimal overheads Those numbers will help you build a sustainable, scalable practice that gives you freedom — not burnout. Bringing It All Together So, here’s your action list: Reflect on 2025 — how do you feel about your business and life? Celebrate your wins — big and small. Create your one-page napkin plan — focus on revenue, time, and lifestyle. Re-listen to the episodes mentioned and use the Blueprint to guide your next steps. In my next episode, I’ll go deeper into the Five Big Keys  and show you how to turn this plan into consistent action. But for now, keep it simple and intentional. Final Thoughts Your life and business are intertwined — and both deserve care. It’s okay to have ups and downs. What matters is that you keep moving forward with clarity. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a plan . So grab a pen, pour a coffee, and map out your 2026 — on a napkin if you have to. You’ve got this. #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

When I think of courage, I think of quiet bookkeepers who decide they want more — more balance, more confidence, and more meaning in the work they do every day. That’s exactly how I’d describe Julianna Nagy , one of our long-term Transformation Program members and a proud graduate-club bookkeeper. Julianna’s story isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady, thoughtful, and full of the kind of small, brave decisions that change everything over time. When she first joined me more than two years ago, she was booked but broken  — overwhelmed, under-systemized, and unsure how to truly value her own expertise. Today, she’s the founder of Horizon Accounts , the host of the Prosperity on the Horizon  podcast, and a confident speaker at industry events. And she got there by learning to see her worth and speak it clearly. Booked but Broken — and Ready for Change When Julianna joined the program back in August 2023, she already had a full roster of clients. From the outside, her practice looked successful — but on the inside, she was running on fumes. She told me she was working long hours, tied to the day-to-day, and constantly second-guessing her pricing. Like so many of us, she’d been trying to move away from hourly billing toward value-based pricing but couldn’t shake the fear that clients wouldn’t stay if she charged what she was truly worth. Even after one brave 60% price increase that her client accepted without hesitation, she still struggled to believe she could consistently charge for value. That fear is one of the biggest markers of the booked but broken  stage — the point where you’re busy but not fulfilled, earning but not thriving. Julianna recognised she couldn’t keep doing business that way. She needed a system, a voice, and a belief in herself strong enough to carry her forward. Finding Her Voice and Her Value Once Julianna stepped into the program, everything began to shift. She absorbed the Pricing Academy content and started using the strategies and tools to reframe her services. But the real turning point came when she redefined her brand. Instead of listing tasks and transactions on her website, she started speaking directly to her clients’ outcomes — clarity, confidence, and control. She began talking about what bookkeeping means  for a business owner, not just what it does . That change rippled through every part of her practice. Her proposals transformed from technical lists to stories about possibility. Her Million Dollar Storybook Brochure  gave her something tangible and powerful to hand to prospects — something that immediately positioned her as a top-tier professional. Even seasoned marketing professionals were impressed. For the first time, Julianna wasn’t just delivering bookkeeping services — she was leading conversations about value and vision. Stepping into Advisory — and Believing She Belongs There Before joining the program, Julianna often heard that bookkeepers should “move into advisory,” but she didn’t quite believe she could. She felt that familiar imposter voice whispering, Who am I to advise business owners? Then she realised she’d already been doing it. Julianna had been sitting in on her clients’ planning meetings, offering insight into their budgets and cashflow, and helping them think strategically about growth — she just hadn’t been calling it advisory. With structure, language, and confidence from the program’s advisory module, she learned to productize those services, label them clearly, and price them properly. Now, she provides quarterly planning, cashflow forecasting, capacity management, and KPI monitoring for most of her clients. She collaborates closely with accountants and even mentors business owners on pricing and profit. Advisory didn’t just expand her revenue — it expanded her sense of who she is. Beyond the Horizon — Coaching, Confidence, and Contribution One of my favourite things about Julianna’s story is how it keeps evolving. Not only has she transformed her bookkeeping practice, but she’s also launching her own coaching service, Beyond the Horizon Coaching . Her decision came from recognising a deeper need in her clients. Business owners weren’t just looking for financial clarity — they were craving personal clarity too. They’d ask her about team management, pricing confidence, and leadership decisions. Because she’d walked that same path, Julianna realised she was perfectly positioned to guide them. She now speaks about boundaries, profit with purpose, and the mindset needed to scale sustainably. Her practice also donates a portion of profits to charity, linking growth to giving back — a reflection of her values and the kind of integrity that defines her brand. From Doubt to Authority — The Real Transformation When I asked Julianna what has changed most since joining the program, she didn’t talk about money first. She talked about voice . She said her “brand voice” is the biggest shift — the way she communicates, the confidence she has in meetings, and the authority she now holds with clients. That’s what I love most about transformation: the moment when a bookkeeper stops seeing herself as “just” a technician and starts showing up as a trusted advisor. She no longer hides behind email templates or second-guesses her proposals. She speaks clearly, charges confidently, and leads conversations about outcomes. The fear hasn’t disappeared — it’s just been replaced by courage practiced over time. And that courage, she’ll tell you, is built through repetition. Hearing the same principles, showing up for coaching, learning from peers, and putting the tools into practice until they feel like second nature. Still Climbing, Still Growing Julianna will be the first to say she’s not “done.” She’s still scaling, still refining her systems, and preparing to bring on more team members to free herself from the day-to-day. But she’s no longer trapped by the business she built. The profit is there. The purpose is there. The path is clear. She’s proof that transformation isn’t about one giant leap — it’s about steady, intentional steps toward the version of yourself that already exists inside you. Julianna’s story reminds me — and every bookkeeper I coach — that the horizon isn’t a destination. It’s a direction. Next Steps: Get the Same Results as Julianna If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Marianne rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025? Don’t worry — you can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook group , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Marianne’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

The Hard Truth: My First Five Years Were My "F-Up" Years Let’s be real. My first five years in practice were a mess. I was technically competent, I could land new clients, and I even built a small team. But I was also overworked, underpaid, and operating without a strategy. I thought I was building a business, but I was merely spinning my wheels. If you’re a bookkeeper or accountant anywhere in the world—whether you’re just starting out, growing, or already booked but feeling broken—this post is for you. I want to show you what I’ve learned, what I got wrong, what I nailed, and how you can fast-track your own journey by avoiding the chaos I walked through for far too long. Because if you’re going to build the business (and life) of your dreams, you need more than just skill—you need a strategy. The Hard Truth: My First 5 Years Were My “F-Up” Years Let’s be honest. My first five years in practice were a mess. I was technically skilled, I could win new clients, and I even hired a small team. But I was also overworked, underpaid, and deeply unstrategic. I thought I was growing a business, but I was actually just spinning my wheels. Here’s what I got wrong: I thought technical skills and client acquisition were enough. I charged by the hour instead of productising my services. I grew without a clear financial model—my cost of sales was nearly 50%, and gross profit wasn’t where it needed to be. I lacked real leadership systems, so I ended up managing staff reactively and often at the cost of my health. What I didn’t know then was that I was falling into the same trap 9 out of 10 bookkeepers fall into—stuck in the Booked But Broken zone. Busy, but not profitable. Working hard, but not scaling. Sound familiar? From Busy and Broken to Scaled and Strategic It wasn’t until year six that I finally figured it out. I restructured my pricing model, stopped trading time for money, and built a practice that worked for me—not the other way around. In one pivotal moment, I overhauled my pricing strategy and doubled my net profit in less than 48 hours. From there, I scaled to a consistent six-figure take-home pay with just a part-time team. And that shift didn’t just save my business—it saved me. You see, at that time, I was going through a divorce. I was raising a special needs child, and I was really, really sick. I was on cortisone, antibiotics, and running on fumes. So when I talk about “dreaming on your terms,” I’m not being cute—I mean survival. I mean the difference between barely hanging on and showing up as your best self for the people you love. That’s what scaling gave me. And that’s what I want for you. The 4 Bookkeeper Archetypes: Where Are You? As I began coaching and working with bookkeepers around the world, I noticed the same patterns showing up again and again. That’s when I developed what I call the Bookkeeper Archetypes—a simple but powerful way to diagnose where you are in your journey and what you need to focus on next. Here they are: Start-Up – You’re new, no clients yet, and dreaming big. Growing – You’ve got clients, but your pipeline isn’t full and some key foundations are missing. Booked But Broken (BBB) – You’re fully booked but overworked, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Scaling – You’ve got a six-figure take-home pay, time off, and a business that runs without you. Most bookkeepers fall into the growing or booked but broken stage. And most of them stay there. Why? Because they don’t realise that scaling isn’t just about getting more clients. It’s about building better systems, getting your product and pricing model right, and becoming a confident, capable professional. Most bookkeepers fall into the growing  or booked but broken  stage. And most of them stay  there. Why? Because they don’t realise that scaling isn’t just about getting more clients. It’s about building better systems, getting your product and pricing model right, and becoming a confident, capable professional. Growth vs Scaling: Stop Confusing the Two One of the biggest mistakes I see (and made myself) is confusing growth with scaling. Growth can actually break your business if it’s not done right. Here’s the difference: Growth  = More clients, more work, more hours. Scaling  = More income, without more work. If you're growing without fixing the broken stuff underneath—your pricing, your delivery model, your leadership systems—you’re just building a busier version of burnout. That’s not the dream. So if you’re in the growing or BBB stage, the goal is to shift gears: fix what’s broken and build a business model that gives you both profit and peace. What Got Me There (and Can Get You There Too) The turning point wasn’t just about working harder—it was about working smarter. Here’s what actually moved the needle: A clear blueprint  – I stopped guessing and started building with structure. That’s why I created The Bookkeeping Practice Blueprint—to give others what I never had. Better pricing  – I stopped charging hourly and began productising my services, stacking value, and charging what I was worth. Building a team  – I created leadership systems so I wasn’t micromanaging or doing everything myself. Mindset shifts  – I started putting myself first—not last. Because if you burn out, your business breaks. Strategic support  – I invested in education, joined a network, and surrounded myself with people who had already done what I wanted to do. That’s what I now teach inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program—a proven path to go from chaos to confidence and finally build your business and your life on your terms. Final Word: You Can Absolutely Do This I’ve been where you are. I’ve made the mistakes. I’ve sat in tears wondering if it’s all worth it. And I can tell you—it is. But only if you choose to build it strategically. Only if you stop winging it and start working with a blueprint. Only if you stop thinking “I just need more clients” and instead ask, “How do I scale sustainably?” If you want to go deeper, you can check out my books (The Strategic Bookkeeper and The Bookkeeping Practice Blueprint) or join me in our upcoming free 5-part series, The Blueprint Path. It’s designed to help you start, grow, fix, and scale the right way—without the burnout. Because you deserve a thriving practice with delighted clients, and the income and lifestyle that works for you. Let’s make that your reality. Ready to Create the Same Results as I Did? If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025, where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped me—and Michelle—rebuild our practices into ones that truly support our lives. 🔗 Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop Reading this after 3 November 2025? Don’t worry—you can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community, where we share tools, strategies, and success stories every week. [ Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → ] #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

Every bookkeeper has a story. But few are as inspiring — or as relatable — as Marianne Davies’ journey from burnout to breakthrough. Her story is proof that it’s never too late to rebuild your business on your terms — and thrive doing what you love. Booked, But Broken When Marianne first reached out to me, she was what I call “ booked but broken .” On paper, her bookkeeping practice  was full — she had clients, steady work, and a strong reputation. But behind the scenes, she was exhausted . Like so many bookkeepers, she was overworked , undercharging, and constantly firefighting client issues. There was no time for strategy , rest , or growth . She had started losing her passion. Although she loved her clients, her bookkeeping business  was unsustainable. She was busy, but not fulfilled — a reality many bookkeepers face. You may have a thriving client list and still feel trapped, reacting to everyone else’s needs, trying to keep all the plates spinning. What Marianne needed wasn’t more clients — it was clarity , structure , and confidence . The Moment Everything Changed Joining The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program  was both exciting and terrifying for Marianne. After two decades of doing things one way, the idea of changing her systems , pricing , and processes  felt monumental, but she decided to back herself. That’s when everything started to click. She realised she didn’t have to do everything alone. She could build systems, delegate effectively, and create a practice that served her — instead of draining her. And as she began to implement the Five Big Keys — Team, Education, Assets, Implementation, and Support  — her business transformed. Pricing with Confidence One of the most powerful shifts Marianne experienced was around pricing. Like many bookkeepers, she’d been undercharging for years, afraid that raising her prices would drive clients away. But after learning how to communicate her value , not just her tasks , she finally found the confidence to charge what her expertise deserved. She stopped selling bookkeeping as a commodity and started positioning herself as a Strategic Bookkeeper — a trusted advisor helping clients understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and grow stronger businesses. The result? Clients didn’t leave. They respected her more. And her profitability skyrocketed. I often say that premium pricing isn’t about greed — it’s about alignment. It’s about creating a win-win relationship where both you and your clients get what you truly deserve. Marianne is living proof of that. Building Systems for Freedom Once Marianne had clarity on her services and pricing, she turned her attention to systems — the backbone of every successful practice. We worked together to implement streamlined workflows using tools. She built templates, automated her onboarding process, and established consistent communication standards across her clients. Those systems gave her something she hadn’t felt in years — freedom. With these systems in place, she could finally step away from the daily grind and focus on strategy , leadership , and the bigger picture. Stepping Into Leadership As her practice grew stronger, Marianne built a small but mighty team. She embraced her role as a leader — something she once thought she wasn’t “ready” for. Through the program’s implementation coaching, she learned how to delegate effectively, set boundaries, and communicate expectations clearly. Leadership doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But it’s a skill and like all skills, it can be learned. Marianne proved that by stepping into leadership with courage and purpose. Through the program’s implementation coaching, she learned how to delegate effectively, set boundaries, and communicate expectations clearly. Leadership doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it’s a skill that can be learned. Marianne proved that by stepping into leadership with courage and purpose. From Overwhelmed to Empowered When I asked Marianne about her biggest transformation, she didn’t hesitate: “Confidence.” She said, “I finally feel like a real business owner. I’m not just keeping things afloat anymore. I’m building something sustainable and exciting.” That shift from overwhelmed to empowered is what I love most about her story. It’s not just about systems and pricing — it’s about identity. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who runs a business with intention, not obligation. Marianne’s energy has completely changed. She’s confident, focused, and genuinely excited about the future. She’s gone from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable. That shift from overwhelmed to empowered is what I love most about her story. It’s not just about systems and pricing — it’s about identity. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who runs a business with intention, not obligation. Marianne’s energy has completely changed. She’s confident, focused, and genuinely excited about the future. She’s gone from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable. Lessons for Every Bookkeeper Marianne’s journey holds lessons for every bookkeeper — no matter where you are in your business: You don’t need more clients — you need better structure. Your confidence will grow when your systems do. Raising your prices won’t lose clients — it will attract better ones. You can’t scale chaos.  Start with systems and support. You deserve a business that gives you time, profit, and peace. If you’re stuck in the “busy but broke” cycle, it’s not because you’re failing — it’s because you’re ready to evolve. That’s what Marianne did. She stopped waiting for the “right time” and took action. My Reflection: A Blueprint for Success I’ve been helping bookkeepers transform their businesses for over 15 years, but stories like Marianne’s still move me. She represents what’s possible when you combine determination  with the right framework. The truth is, you don’t need to start from scratch. You just need the blueprint  — the structure that helps you move from overwhelm to clarity, from chaos to control, from “booked but broken” to thriving . Marianne’s success isn’t luck. It’s the result of systems , strategy , and self-belief  — all built one step at a time. Her journey is a reminder that being “booked” doesn’t always mean being successful. True success comes when your business gives you profit , purpose , and peace  — not exhaustion. You don’t have to struggle alone or settle for survival. The path to thriving is clear — and it starts with believing that you deserve better. Marianne believed it. She took the leap. And now she’s living proof that with the right mindset  and support, you can build the business and life of your dreams. Next Steps: Get the Same Results as Marianne If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Marianne rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025? Don’t worry — you can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook group , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Marianne’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

Starting a business is never easy — but what about starting fresh after 20 years in the game? That takes real courage. Michelle did just that, walking away from the chaos of her old practice to rebuild from the ground up — and she did it on her terms Seven months later, Michelle has more than just a thriving practice. She has momentum, clarity, better pricing, stronger systems  and her weekends back. This is her story. And it’s packed with lessons every bookkeeper and accountant can use, especially if you're craving a reset, a reframe, or a roadmap to a more profitable, sustainable practice. Stability First: Why Michelle Didn’t Rush the Glow-Up When Michelle took over her new practice, she didn’t rush to rebrand or throw out the old ways. Instead, she focused on one thing: stabilising. Showing up for clients, streamlining operations, and setting a solid foundation without the pressure of doing it all at once. That first 90 days was all about “don’t break anything.” Michelle understood something most bookkeepers miss: when you take over a practice (or reset your own), the smartest move is to stabilise before you scale. It’s about earning the right to grow, not chasing growth at any cost. Lesson:  Don’t try to fix everything overnight. Stabilise first. Your future self will thank you. Getting Paid What You're Worth: Michelle’s Pricing Pivot Like many bookkeepers, Michelle had been undercharging for years. But with a fresh start in her new practice, she finally saw a chance to change the game Rather than honouring old pricing that didn’t serve her, she took a strategic approach. She didn’t immediately hike rates for every existing client  but she did anchor new client quotes to her new value-driven pricing model. She also implemented proposal software to professionalise and streamline the quoting process  and made sure to include premium options and advisory where appropriate. This gave her clients clarity and gave her confidence. Michelle stopped doing one-off jobs, too. No more quoting piecemeal work that drained her time and added chaos to the calendar. She learned to say no -  kindly, but firmly. Lesson:  Premium pricing is not about greed , it’s about alignment. Align what you charge with what you deliver, and you’ll unlock profit without burnout. Systemising for Sanity: How Michelle Took Back Her Time One of Michelle’s biggest wins? Building systems that worked for her. She streamlined her onboarding, cut back on scope creep, and embraced the tools inside the Strategic Bookkeeper Program — all of which gave her back precious time. She also began working “on” the business, not just in it. That shift — carving out time for strategy, rather than firefighting — helped her regain her energy and focus. Most importantly, she built her weeks around her life. Fridays became her sacred space. That boundary alone gave her time to think, plan, and rest. Lesson:  You don’t need a massive team to run a better business. You need smart systems — and the courage to use them consistently. Mindset Matters: From Overwhelm to Ownership Michelle’s transformation isn’t just about strategy — it’s about mindset. She admitted feeling overwhelmed at first. Like many bookkeepers, she carried years of habits of people-pleasing, perfectionism, overdelivering, undercharging. But with the right support, she started to unravel those patterns. Inside the Strategic Bookkeeper Program, Michelle embraced the power of community. She found herself surrounded by like-minded women , bookkeepers who were kind, capable, and strategic. That tribe gave her the validation and accountability to keep going when things felt heavy. By month four, she noticed the shift. She started thinking like a business owner , not just a technician. That’s when things really took off. Lesson:  Confidence doesn’t come first — action does. Find your people, get the support, and do the work. Confidence will follow. The Results: A Practice That Finally Feels Right Seven months later, Michelle’s practice is completely transformed. She’s got clear pricing, efficient systems, strong client boundaries, and most importantly — time for herself. She now has a plan for growth that works with  her life, not against it. She has clear pricing. Better systems. Stronger client boundaries. Time back in her week. And a plan for sustainable growth , on her  terms. She’s no longer saying yes to everyone. She’s saying yes to the right clients. She’s not chasing shiny objects. She’s building stability and momentum. And for the first time in a long time, she has a business that fits around her life and not the other way around. What Michelle built isn’t just a practice. It’s peace of mind. Lesson:  With the right plan and the right support, seven months is enough to turn everything around. Final Thoughts: What Michelle’s Journey Means for You If you’re a bookkeeper or accountant wondering if it’s too late to hit the reset button — it’s not. Michelle’s journey proves that it’s never too late to change, grow, and build a practice that works for you . If you’re nodding along, thinking “that’s what I want,” then let Michelle’s journey be your sign. The Strategic Bookkeeper method isn’t just theory — it works in the real world, with real people, doing real work. Start with stability. Price with confidence. Build smart systems. And never underestimate the power of choosing to start again. Because sometimes the best thing you can do… is begin. Michelle’s story is proof that real change doesn’t come from working harder — it comes from following the right path. Ready to create the clarity, profit, and freedom you deserve? The Blueprint Path Workshop is your next step. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. 📥🎉 Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. 📥🎉 Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

If you've ever wondered why some bookkeepers thrive while others just survive, this is for you. In Episode 134 of The Strategic Bookkeeper Podcast , I unpack the 10 core factors that have consistently driven success for bookkeepers across the globe, especially those who’ve come through my program and gone on to build dream practices with six-figure incomes, time wealth, purpose, and joy. These aren't fluffy ideas. They’re practical, proven, and deeply rooted in my own journey—from starting with nothing to building multiple successful businesses and now supporting thousands of bookkeepers worldwide. 1. Be Strategic from the Get-Go One of the biggest mistakes I see is when bookkeepers wait too long to get strategic. Your business needs a strategy from day one—not just when you hit a roadblock. Whether it’s your brand, your pricing, or your onboarding, every element of your practice should be designed with intention. 2. Productise Your Services Productisation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your pathway to consistency, confidence, and premium pricing. I break down exactly how I packaged my own services and how you can too. Think clear client journeys, irresistible offers, and boundaries that empower you, not burn you out. 3. Master the Sales Conversation If sales make you squirm, you’re not alone. But learning how to confidently lead a sales conversation changed my life—and my bank account. I share the scripts, the structure, and the mindset shifts that helped me sell without selling, and teach my clients to do the same. 4. Build a Magnetic Brand Your brand is your voice when you're not in the room. It either pulls clients toward you or pushes them away. I get practical about how to position yourself as the obvious choice—even in a crowded market—and how your brand can help you charge more without apology. 5. Think Like a CEO I’ve always said: you’re not just  a bookkeeper, you’re the CEO of your own business. In this episode, I explain how to step into that identity fully—what decisions you should be making (and how), what to delegate, and what habits will serve you long-term. 6. Create Leverage with a Team Even a small team can give you massive leverage. I cover how I built a small-but-mighty team to help me earn six figures while stepping back from the daily grind. This section is for you if you’re thinking about hiring—or wondering if it’s worth it. 7. Prioritise Marketing That Works While You Sleep Spoiler alert: if your marketing doesn’t work when you’re offline, it’s not sustainable. I explain the marketing ecosystem I created for myself and my clients—simple, scalable, and focused on pulling the right people into your world without constant hustle. 8. Build Unshakeable Confidence This might surprise you, but many of the bookkeepers I meet don’t lack skill—they lack confidence. I share my personal strategies for cultivating unshakeable self-belief, dealing with imposter syndrome, and showing up as the badass business owner you really are. 9. Focus on Time, Profit, Purpose, and Joy Success isn’t just about money. I believe in building businesses that serve your life—not the other way around. I talk about how to balance the books and  your energy, how to design your calendar around your dream lifestyle, and how to put joy back at the centre of your business. 10. Stay in the Room and Do the Work Finally, the real magic? It happens when you stay in the room  and take consistent action. I see so many bookkeepers give up just before the breakthrough. This episode is your reminder that if you’ve got the guts to stay in the game, you’ll get the glory. If you haven’t already, give Episode 134 a listen , it’s packed with practical steps, real-life stories, and my personal take on what it takes to build a practice that truly works for you . 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. Because your dream bookkeeping practice isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you. — Jeannie If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not really moving forward  in your bookkeeping practice, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too — busy, tired, and unsure what to fix first. That’s exactly why I created The Bookkeeping Blueprint. This blueprint is the foundation of everything I teach, and in this blog, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s all about — what you’ll learn, why it matters, and how it can change the trajectory of your business. Because this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building a business and life that truly work — on your terms. Why I Created The Bookkeeping Blueprint Over the years, I’ve seen far too many bookkeepers working themselves into the ground for too little reward. They’re brilliant at what they do but stuck in survival mode — juggling clients, putting out fires, and rarely taking a breath to work on  their business. I designed this workshop to break that cycle. The goal is simple: to help you understand exactly where you are right now, where you want to be, and what needs to happen to bridge the gap. That clarity changes everything. Inside the workshop, we don’t just talk theory — we get practical. You’ll complete a Now–Future Analysis , mapping out your current situation and your vision for your dream practice. From there, I help you identify your “Domino Move” — the one action that will create momentum and make everything else easier or unnecessary. It’s not about working harder. It’s about working strategically . The Blueprint: The Model for Bookkeeping Practice Success Once we’ve established clarity, I walk you through the Bookkeeping Practice Blueprint , the visual model I built after more than 15 years in the industry. It outlines the 10 key areas every bookkeeper needs to focus on to build a thriving practice. But within that framework, there’s something I call The 5 Big Keys  — the five pillars that underpin long-term success: Team  – You can’t scale without support. We explore how to build a small but mighty team of three that helps you take home $200,000 or more. Education  – You’ll learn why investing in education isn’t optional; it’s the backbone of sustainable success. Assets  – From templates and checklists to branded tools, we’ll look at how to build tangible assets that make your business scalable. Implementation  – Knowledge without action is just noise. This is about building habits that move the needle consistently. Support  – No one succeeds in isolation. The right community and accountability can be the difference between stagnation and success. These keys help you see your business as a system — one that you can build, refine, and grow over time. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, the Blueprint gives you the clarity to make smart, confident decisions. The Real Shift: From Technician to Strategic Bookkeeper One of the biggest mindset shifts that happens in the blueprint is moving from doing the work  to leading the business . Most bookkeepers start as technicians — amazing at the work itself, but stuck in the weeds. That’s why I teach you how to step into your CEO mindset. You’ll learn how to think, plan, and make decisions strategically instead of reactively. I’ll also show you why your pricing, positioning, and brand  are the real levers of growth. It’s not about working more hours or taking on more clients. It’s about attracting the right  clients — the ones who value your expertise, pay premium rates, and trust you as a strategic partner. When you start selling value instead of hours, everything changes. You stop competing on price, and you start competing on impact. Clarity Creates Confidence (and Profit) One of my favourite moments during every workshop is watching bookkeepers light up when things finally click. When they see their practice mapped out clearly — their bottlenecks, their opportunities, their goals — confidence takes over. They realise they don’t need to do 100 things to grow. They need to do the right  three. That clarity fuels action. Action builds results. And results create confidence. The Blueprint Isn’t Just a Map — It’s a Turning Point I created The Bookkeeping Blueprint because I know what it feels like to be stuck and unsure what to do next.I built my own six-figure practice with a small team, not because I had endless resources, but because I had a plan. And now I want to help you do the same. This Blueprint has helped bookkeepers around the world transform how they work — from startups finding their first clients to experienced practitioners who’ve been in business for years but have lost their spark. Here’s what I’ve learned from running it: You can’t fix what you can’t see. The Blueprint gives you visibility. You can’t grow without structure. The Blueprint gives you the framework. You can’t scale without support. The community gives you the accountability. When those three pieces come together, growth stops being a mystery and starts becoming inevitable. Final Thoughts If you’ve been spinning your wheels, feeling like you’re missing “something,” this is it. The Bookkeeping Blueprint Blueprint isn’t another training session or motivational talk. It’s a reset button — a chance to step back, look at the big picture, and start building your business with intention .It’s about turning insight into action, and action into transformation. So, if you’re ready to create a practice that gives you more profit, more time, and more joy, it’s time to get strategic. You don’t need to figure it out alone. The path is already mapped — and it starts with your Blueprint. Listen in to Episode here: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube With love and strategy,  Jeannie 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. Because your dream bookkeeping practice isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you. — Jeannie If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

When I stood on stage at Xerocon , I shared a truth that changed everything for me and for hundreds of bookkeepers around the world: if you want to grow profitably and reclaim your time, you must evolve from bookkeeper  to strategic bookkeeper . In this post, I want to take you behind that presentation — the real strategies I shared on how to scale your bookkeeping practice using advisory  and automation . Whether you’re just starting out or already fully booked, these insights will help you shift from overworked and underpaid to profitable, confident, and in control. 1. The Four Stages of Bookkeeping Practice Growth The first step to scaling is knowing where you are now. Every bookkeeper sits in one of four stages: Start-Up:  You’re setting up systems and looking for your first clients. Growing:  You have a few clients and momentum but haven’t filled your capacity yet. Booked-But-Broken:  You’re busy, maybe even fully booked, but profits are thin and you’re exhausted. Scaling:  You’ve hit six-figure take-home income and finally have time freedom. I’ve been in every one of these stages myself. The key is knowing what to focus on at each level. For example, a Booked-But-Broken  bookkeeper must reprice and repackage before hiring or expanding. A Scaling  bookkeeper, on the other hand, can focus on advisory and automation to leverage profit and time. Once you know your stage, you can stop guessing and start acting strategically. 2. Advisory: The Heart of Profitability Let’s start with the big one — advisory . Advisory is simply everything that goes beyond  bookkeeping. Bookkeepers prepare the numbers; strategic bookkeepers investigate  them. That shift is where your value multiplies. When you start offering advisory, three major things happen: The market will pay more.  Clients will spend two to ten times more for insight than they will for data entry. You need fewer clients.  Fewer, higher-value clients mean less chaos and more profit. Your impact skyrockets.  You stop being “just the bookkeeper” and become a trusted partner who helps clients grow. In one example I shared at Xerocon, a solo bookkeeper built a $200,000 practice in a single year with only 20 clients. Roughly $60,000 of that was advisory revenue — low cost, high value. Without it, she would’ve been stuck under $140,000, overworked, and still chasing more clients. That’s the power of adding advisory from the get-go. 3. How to Deliver Advisory Without Overwhelm So how do you start? You don’t need a degree in business coaching or a new team of analysts. You just need to add a layer of insight  to the work you’re already doing. Start with entry-level advisory  — monthly numbers meetings where you walk clients through their reports and ask simple, powerful questions: “Why did revenue go up this month?” “What’s driving this expense?” Those questions unlock conversations that lead to genuine business improvement. That’s the foundation of strategic bookkeeping. From there, expand into services like: Financial health checks Cash-flow forecasting Job-costing analysis Budget planning SWOT and profitability reviews Annual business planning sessions Each of these can be sold as a stand-alone product or bundled into monthly packages. I often recommend charging between $250 and $500 per month  for a monthly numbers review — more if you include planning resources or strategy sessions. Remember: clients pay for outcomes, not hours. Price accordingly. 4. Automation: The Engine of Scale If advisory drives profit, automation drives time.Automation is simply using technology to do what used to require manual effort — reducing keystrokes, errors, and wasted time. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Here’s what automation really does for your business: Cuts costs and increases profit margins Frees up capacity without extra staff Improves accuracy and client satisfaction Creates time for higher-value advisory work Think of it as an invisible team member that never sleeps. Automation also allows you to offer new, scalable services. For example, one of my bookkeepers built out a suite of automated reports that turned into a monthly advisory product — all she had to do was review the results with clients. It’s this combination of automation and advisory that allows Strategic Bookkeepers to scale profit and time simultaneously. 5. Mindset, Productivity, and Mechanics There’s a reason I talk so much about mindset — because no system or strategy works if your mindset isn’t right. To succeed at scale, you must master three dominoes, in order: Mindset  – Believe you can charge premium prices and deliver real value. Productivity  – Streamline your work so you’re not trapped in busywork. Mechanics  – Build the practical systems and products that support growth. Most bookkeepers jump straight to mechanics — trying new software, chasing new clients — without addressing the first two. But when you start with belief and productivity, implementation becomes natural. The bookkeepers I mentor who scale fastest are the ones who do the inner work. They stop apologising for wanting more and start building businesses that serve their lives — not the other way around. 6. The Future of Bookkeeping Is Strategic The future of our industry isn’t compliance alone. AI and automation are changing the game — but they can’t replace strategic thinking . Your value isn’t in reconciling transactions; it’s in interpreting them. Numbers are only powerful when they’re translated into insight, action, and outcomes. That’s why I always say: Strategic Bookkeeping is an investment, not a cost.  When clients see the results — more cash flow, better margins, stronger businesses — they become advocates. They tell their friends. Your practice grows organically, profitably, and sustainably. Your Next Step If you take only one thing from my Xerocon presentation, let it be this:  You already have everything you need to scale. You don’t need to work more hours, chase more clients, or discount your prices. You simply need to evolve how you think about the work you do. Start by adding one advisory service. Automate one process. Say yes to being more strategic. That’s how you move from being booked but broken  to booked and balanced . Because when you position yourself as a Strategic Bookkeeper, you don’t just manage numbers — you change lives. And that starts with your own. With love and strategy,  Jeannie Listen in to Episode 132 here: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. Because your dream bookkeeping practice isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you. — Jeannie If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

In a world where business is often measured only by profit, Paul Dunn  stands out as someone who’s redefined what success really means. In this inspiring conversation on The Strategic Bookkeeper Podcast , Jeannie Savage sat down with Paul — a four-time TEDx speaker, co-founder of B1G1: Business for Good , and a true icon in the accounting and bookkeeping world — to explore how giving can transform not only your business, but your entire life. For decades, Paul has been on a mission to prove that business can be a force for good. His initiative, B1G1, has already facilitated over 381 million giving impacts  worldwide — a staggering achievement that continues to grow every day. From Hewlett-Packard to Human Impact Paul’s story is extraordinary. Originally from the UK, he began his career with Hewlett-Packard  in Australia as one of its first employees in the region. He went on to build one of Australia’s first computer companies and later founded Results Corporation , a firm dedicated to helping businesses grow strategically and ethically. But his true transformation began in 2007, when he met Masami Sato , a young entrepreneur from Japan with a revolutionary idea. She asked him a question that changed his life: “What if every time business was done, something good happened in the world?” That question became the foundation for B1G1 (Buy 1, Give 1)  — a global movement that allows businesses to link everyday actions to life-changing giving impacts. Instead of waiting for “one day” to give back, B1G1 makes it possible to give every day , through small, measurable acts that add up to extraordinary change. The Magic of Micro-Giving What makes B1G1 so powerful is its simplicity. As Paul explained, it’s not about giving big — it’s about giving often . “What if we could create a system where businesses could tap into giving — not through huge donations, but through tiny, meaningful acts that happen every single day?” Today, more than 470 vetted projects  across the globe are available for B1G1 members to support. Businesses can link specific actions — like signing a new client, completing a project, or receiving a Google review — to a giving impact. For example, Jeannie shared how her bookkeeping practice celebrates every new client, service upgrade, or review by triggering a B1G1 donation. This creates a tangible connection between business success and global good — and clients love it. It’s a ripple effect that turns routine transactions into meaningful contributions. As Paul said, “Every time you do business, something great happens in the world.” Why Bookkeepers Have a Unique Power to Create Change During the conversation, Paul highlighted something that resonated deeply with Jeannie — the unique influence bookkeepers have compared to accountants. Having spent decades working with accounting professionals, Paul admitted that his understanding shifted after attending a bookkeepers’ conference years ago. “For the first time, I realised how powerful and important bookkeepers truly are. Accountants might see clients once a year for tax time, but bookkeepers? They’re in the trenches monthly, connecting, supporting, and making a real difference.” He went on to say that bookkeepers are often the heartbeat  of small business — they’re the ones who see the struggles, celebrate the wins, and keep the financial engine running. And because many bookkeepers are women, Paul pointed out, they bring empathy, care, and community into their work in ways that extend far beyond numbers. Jeannie agreed wholeheartedly. As she explained, bookkeepers aren’t just helping businesses stay compliant — they’re transforming lives. By helping families gain financial clarity, reduce stress, and increase profit, they’re changing futures — “one business at a time.” Legacy, Family, and the Ripple Effect One of the most touching moments in the conversation came when Paul shared how one B1G1 member described their why : “We’re creating a business our kids will be proud to be part of.” That, Paul said, is what legacy really means — building something that positively impacts others and endures beyond you. Jeannie connected deeply with that sentiment. She spoke about her own purpose: to help bookkeepers, especially women, achieve financial independence and confidence so they can build lives filled with freedom, purpose, and joy. She shared that her work is about helping others put themselves first — because when you do, you show up as your best self for your family, your team, and your clients. It’s that ripple effect — one empowered bookkeeper influencing dozens of clients, families, and communities — that creates real, lasting impact. How B1G1 Works for Bookkeepers For bookkeepers who want to start giving, Paul explained that B1G1 is built for ease and accountability. Every project undergoes rigorous vetting — with up to 90% of applications rejected — to ensure every dollar goes exactly where it should. Members can choose causes that align with their values, automate their giving through client milestones, and access a suite of marketing assets and widgets  that integrate directly into their brand story. Bookkeepers can, for example: Give every time a new client joins Donate when a client upgrades their service Celebrate each Google review with a giving impact These small actions add up fast — and create a brand story that clients genuinely want to be part of. As Jeannie pointed out, this is more than a feel-good strategy. It’s smart business. B1G1 gives bookkeepers a clear point of differentiation in a crowded market. Clients want to work with businesses that care, and giving creates instant emotional connection. Connection Is Why We’re Here Paul closed the conversation with a quote from Brené Brown , whose work both he and Jeannie admire deeply: “Connection is why we are here. It gives our lives purpose and meaning.” That, he said, is the heart of everything — connection. Between bookkeepers and their clients. Between businesses and the world. Between purpose and profit. And perhaps his most powerful reflection was this: “When your vision becomes more powerful than your memory, your future becomes more powerful than your past.” It’s a reminder that the work bookkeepers do every day is about more than numbers — it’s about creating futures worth believing in. A Call to Bookkeepers Everywhere Jeannie ended the conversation with gratitude and a challenge. If you’re a bookkeeper or accountant, she said, consider this: your work already changes lives. Why not make that impact global? Through B1G1, you can tie your daily business activities to something bigger — something that not only grows your practice but gives meaning to every transaction. For Jeannie, it’s simple: “We’re saving the world one business at a time. And B1G1 makes it easy.” To learn more or join the movement, visit www.b1g1.com . Author:   Jeannie Savage Listen in to Episode 131 here: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

I asked the question every bookkeeper wants answered — what exactly is Intuit QuickBooks doing with AI? Jared Brintz from Intuit Quicbooks, explained that Intuit is moving from product-based tools to a unified, AI-driven ecosystem. Across its brands — TurboTax, Credit Karma, Mailchimp, and Intuit QuickBooks — the company supports over 1 00 million global customers. Each interaction fuels its generative AI operating system, already live in the US and expanding into Australia soon. The shift isn’t just about automation. It’s about what Jared called agentic AI — a network of specialised AI agents that assist with everything from bookkeeping and payroll to CRM and scheduling. Think of it as a team of intelligent digital helpers working inside Intuit QuickBooks alongside you. This isn’t about replacing bookkeepers; it’s about amplifying us. AI agents handle repetitive tasks like transaction categorisation, payroll preparation, and reconciliations so we can focus on strategic, advisory, and relationship-building work. As Jared said, “It’s where AI and human intelligence come together.” What Agentic AI Really Means If the term “agentic AI” sounds futuristic, think of it as automation that learns. Traditional bots follow strict rules. An AI agent, on the other hand, learns from every interaction. When you correct a miscategorised expense, it remembers and improves. This creates a feedback loop — your software becomes smarter the more you use it. The result is greater accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. And because it handles the admin, you get time back for the high-value work that truly drives your business forward. From Nine Apps to One Platform Jared shared a statistic that stopped me in my tracks: most small business owners use n ine different apps to manage their business. Intuit QuickBooks is changing that by bringing everything together in one platform — from accounting to marketing through its integration with Mailchimp.Fewer systems mean less chaos. When your workflow lives in one place, you save time, reduce errors, and create mental space for strategy and creativity. As someone who built a six-figure lifestyle practice through systems and automation, I can tell you: simplicity isn’t optional. It’s essential. Staying Curious in an AI World Our conversation ended with one powerful message: stay curious.AI isn’t replacing us; it’s evolving with us. We’re still early in this journey, and there’s enormous opportunity for bookkeepers who lean in. As Jared said, “It’s never too late to learn.” You don’t need to be a tech expert overnight. Just start exploring. Try using ChatGPT or Intuit QuickBooks’ AI features to create reports, draft client messages, or automate repetitive work. I use AI daily — to build systems, write content, and plan strategy. It’s not about replacing human connection; it’s about reclaiming time to do what matters most: serving clients and living life on your terms. What This Means for Bookkeepers So, what’s next for bookkeepers and accountants? AI isn’t competition. It’s collaboration. Like the cloud revolution before it, agentic AI removes friction and enhances your expertise. Here’s how to get ready: Experiment daily.  Use ChatGPT or Intuit QuickBooks’ AI tools. Practice good prompts. Review your workflow.  Find tasks you can automate or delegate. Focus on advisory.  The more automation you use, the more valuable your strategic insights become. Educate your clients.  Show them how AI makes their books more accurate and timely. Stay human.  Empathy, judgment, and relationships will always set you apart. Bookkeeping has always been about people. Numbers tell stories, and our job is to turn those stories into action. AI simply helps us tell them faster and better. Talking with Jared from Intuit QuickBooks confirmed what I already believe — the future belongs to strategic bookkeepers.Intuit QuickBooks is leading the way with AI that supports us rather than replaces us, helping us shift from data entry to strategy and insight. If you embrace these tools now, you’ll future-proof your business and open doors to new opportunities. This isn’t about doing more work; it’s about doing better work  — with greater accuracy, impact, and freedom. The future of bookkeeping is intelligent, intuitive, and exciting. And with the right mindset, it’s yours for the taking. With love and strategy, Jeannie Savage Listen in to Episode 130 here: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom

When it comes to building a profitable and time-rich bookkeeping practice, the systems behind the scenes make all the difference. In a recent conversation on The Strategic Bookkeeper Podcast , Jeannie Savage sat down with Beth Kocol, a systems and automation strategist and certified Dubsado specialist, to explore how smart workflows can reduce admin overload, enhance client experience, and give bookkeepers back their time. . Beth runs Studio 320 , where she helps service providers — especially bookkeepers — design automation that feels human. Her mission is simple: help you “get your brain out of your backend.” The episode uncovered five game-changing Dubsado workflows that every bookkeeper can implement to simplify operations and scale sustainably. 1. Turning Tech Chaos into Calm Beth knows firsthand the chaos that comes with juggling clients, family, and endless admin. A mum of two boys, she built her business around bringing clarity and calm  to the service-based world. She’s passionate about helping women in business find peace in their processes — and her preferred tool for doing that is Dubsado, an affordable, all-in-one client relationship management (CRM) platform designed for service-based professionals. . Jeannie admitted she hadn’t fully explored Dubsado before working with international bookkeepers inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program . But after seeing how it simplified workflows for bookkeepers across the US, Canada, and beyond, she quickly became a fan.Cost-effective and accessible, Dubsado empowers bookkeepers at every stage — from startups to those who are booked-but-broken — to organise leads, onboard clients beautifully, and automate repetitive admin. 2. Lead Capture That Doesn’t Let Opportunities Slip The first workflow Beth recommends is a lead-capture system that converts. Many bookkeepers rely on social media DMs or email threads to track new enquiries, but those conversations easily get lost.With Dubsado, every potential client fills out a simple lead-capture form that asks the right qualifying questions — name, email, budget, goals, and needs. From there, automated workflows kick in: a thank-you message, an invitation to book a discovery call, or even a pre-call questionnaire Jeannie highlighted how this small automation can bridge the gap between marketing and management. For startups, the form itself can double as a landing page — ideal for those who aren’t ready for a full website but still want to present professionally. “It’s the perfect way to make sure every lead is nurtured, not forgotten,” Jeannie said. 3. Custom Proposals and Contracts — Without Losing the Personal Touch Automation doesn’t have to feel robotic. Beth shared how bookkeepers can use Dubsado to generate customised proposals, contracts, and invoices in minutes — while still keeping things personal.Instead of juggling Google Docs, DocuSign, and manual QuickBooks or Xero invoices, Dubsado links them all together. A bookkeeper can update a few key details — scope of work, fee, and client name — and Dubsado instantly creates the proposal, syncs it to the contract, and generates the invoice. Jeannie emphasised how much this improves both client experience and cash flow. “The onboarding experience is everything,” she said. “When a client’s first impression is seamless, it builds trust — and you get paid faster.” Dubsado even allows bookkeepers to embed short intro videos within proposals, making it easy to add warmth and personality to the process. 4. Simplified Client Onboarding Every bookkeeper knows that onboarding can be a bottleneck — chasing paperwork, access permissions, and missing documents. Beth has seen it all and designed workflows that remove the friction. In Dubsado, once a client accepts a proposal, they’re automatically moved into an onboarding workflow: A welcome email with next steps Automated reminders for missing information Secure links for file uploads or portal access Scheduled check-ins or kick-off calls For those offering variable pricing or temporary retainers, Dubsado keeps communication clear. Bookkeepers can set introductory packages (e.g., “$300/month for the first 90 days, pending scope review”) and update them once full access to records reveals the true workload. Jeannie pointed out that this helps bookkeepers manage expectations and reduce awkward pricing surprises. “Clarity upfront is one of the most powerful forms of client service,” she noted. 5. Automating Follow-Ups and Nurture Beth’s final workflow focuses on long-term client relationships. Once the onboarding is complete, Dubsado can send automated check-ins, satisfaction surveys, or renewal prompts — helping bookkeepers stay top of mind without lifting a finger.These touchpoints can also deliver education and value assets, like “How to read your financial reports” guides or quarterly advisory reminders. Jeannie loved this feature for its potential to strengthen client loyalty and free up time for higher-value advisory work — a cornerstone of her Strategic Bookkeeper Blueprint . Why Dubsado Works So Well for Bookkeepers Both Jeannie and Beth agree: successful bookkeeping practices are built on consistency, communication, and client care. Dubsado delivers on all three. It allows bookkeepers to: Present like professionals from day one Automate repetitive admin without losing personality Improve client communication and response times Track leads and jobs visually through every stage Integrate with tools like Zapier and existing accounting software And at a fraction of the cost of enterprise CRMs, it’s an attainable investment for any practice. Beth describes it as “your digital operations assistant”  — the silent team member that never forgets a task, never sleeps, and never complains. The Real Transformation Throughout their chat, what stood out most was the synergy between Beth’s system-building philosophy and Jeannie’s mission to help bookkeepers build profitable, lifestyle-friendly practices.As Jeannie put it, “A well-built system doesn’t just save you time — it gives you peace of mind. When your processes are organised, you can focus on your clients, your family, and your life. ” Beth’s frameworks complement Jeannie’s Bookkeeping Practice Blueprint , showing how automation and human connection can coexist beautifully. Together, they represent the future of bookkeeping — smarter, simpler, and more strategic. The takeaway from Jeannie’s conversation with Beth Kocol is clear: automation is not about removing the human touch — it’s about freeing humans to do their best work. With Intuit QuickBooks, Zapier, and now Dubsado playing pivotal roles in modern bookkeeping ecosystems, there’s never been a better time for bookkeepers to level up their systems. If you’re ready to move from busy and overwhelmed to streamlined and profitable, tools like Dubsado can help you get there — one smart workflow at a time. With love and strategy, Jeannie Savage Listen in to Episode 129 here: 📍 Spotify 📍 Apple Podcast 📍 YouTube 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me inside The Strategic Bookkeeper Transformation Program, where we bring these 10 factors to life with coaching, community, and done-for-you assets to help you fast-track your results. If you’re ready to create the same clarity, profit, and freedom in your own practice, The Blueprint Path Workshop  is where to start. It’s a 5-part live series  kicking off on Monday, 3 November 2025 , where I’ll guide you through the same framework that helped Michelle rebuild her practice — one that supports her life, not the other way around. Register for The Blueprint Path Workshop → Reading this after 3 November 2025?  Don’t worry — you haven’t missed out entirely. You can still connect with me and other bookkeepers inside our free Facebook community , where we share tools, strategies, and stories like Michelle’s every week. Join The Strategic Bookkeeper Facebook Group → #BookkeepingSummit #VirtualSummit #SmallBusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #OnlineEvent #BookkeepingCommunity #BookkeepersOfInstagram #StrategicBookkeeper #BookkeepingPractice #BookkeeperLife #AccountingProfessionals #PracticeManagement #ScaleYourPractice #WorkSmarterNotHarder #TimeWealth #BuildYourDreamBusiness #ProfitAndPurpose #BusinessFreedom