The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast

The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast is a weekly show to help increase your confidence, work smarter and build a business you love. Each week you'll listen to inspiring guests who will share their success secrets, so you can take your bookkeeping enterprise and life to another level. Some of them include New York Times Best-Selling Author of E-Myth, Michael E. Gerber, the host of The Productive Woman podcast, Laura McClellan, Pure Bookkeeping Co-Founder, Debbie Roberts and the author of "I Know How She Does It", Laura Vanderkam. If you're a bookkeeping business owner who is looking for an uplifting, entertaining and informative podcast exclusively for YOU then you have arrived at the right place! Get ready because your journey towards success begins — now. Your Host Michael Palmer is an acclaimed business coach who has helped hundreds of bookkeepers across the world push through their fears and exponentially grow their businesses and achieve the quality of life they've always wanted.

EP515: Jonathan Stark - Why Hourly Billing Is Holding Your Bookkeeping Firm Back 01/27/2026

EP515: Jonathan Stark - Why Hourly Billing Is Holding Your Bookkeeping Firm Back "The hardest thing is to not try and solve their problem in the sales interview, just listen to the business case, and then come up with clever ways to achieve that business case really as easily as you possibly can. So you're looking for smaller projects, not bigger projects. It's, it's a complete mind shift.” -Jonathan Stark Jonathan Stark, author of Hourly Billing is Nuts, breaks down why hourly billing holds you back. He shares how shifting to value-based pricing changes your income, your clients, and your time. Jonathan explains how writing, teaching, and niching help you stand out, and why clients buy outcomes, peace of mind, and confidence, not hours. In this interview, you’ll also learn: Why hourly billing rewards inefficiency & limits growth What mindset shifts you need to stop selling time How specialization & authority support higher pricing To learn more about Jonathan, click . Get a copy of his book, Hourly Billing Is Nuts, . Connect with him on . Time Stamps 00:58 – Why hourly billing is nuts & how Jonathan discovered it 04:00 – Discovering value-based fees & applying them in year one 05:40 – Breaking the habit of scoping during sales calls 09:18 – Pricing options based on outcomes, not deliverables 11:30 – How fixed pricing improves trust & client behavior 16:21 – Connecting your work to revenue growth or cost reduction 18:55 – Selling peace of mind as a measurable outcome 20:58 – Why working fewer hours should not mean earning less 22:31 – How AI & automation increase value, not risk 25:35 – Why predictable pricing benefits both you & your clients 29:00 – Identifying what different clients truly value 31:09 – Letting go of poor-fit clients to grow sustainably 36:10 – Why Jonathan wrote Hourly Billing Is Nuts 38:57 – Books that support the shift away from hourly billing 42:17 – What it means to “own your authority” 44:25 – Why being different matters more than being cheaper 47:07 – Using specialization to escape price competition 48:57 – Writing as a long-term growth strategy 50:12 – Where to find Jonathan’s free resources Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact. Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39823845

EP514: Spotlight - Syvonia Brown - Emotional Intelligence Every Bookkeeper Needs 01/22/2026

EP514: Spotlight - Syvonia Brown - Emotional Intelligence Every Bookkeeper Needs "Slow down. I think we move so fast and we're trying to go in straight to the solution and there could be multiple things that the customer needs and we miss opportunities when we move too fast.” -Syvonia Brown In this Spotlight episode, Syvonia Brown, Director of Sales at Sage 50 US, talks about emotional intelligence and why it matters more than most bookkeepers realize. She shares practical ways to handle tough client conversations, slow down reactive thinking, and build trust without taking on unnecessary stress. In this interview, you’ll learn: How active listening changes difficult client conversations Why silence can be a powerful communication tool How to show empathy without absorbing client emotion To learn more about Syvonia, click . Explore Sage at . Time Stamp 01:20 – What emotional intelligence really means in client work 02:10 – Checking in with yourself before client conversations 02:55 – Why jumping to solutions causes problems 04:25 – Using silence to help clients feel heard 05:17 – Simple techniques to avoid filling the silence 06:46 – Phone, video, or email how & tone changes everything 10:42 – Empathy without taking issues personally 12:21 – Why apologizing can make things worse 14:06 – De-escalating upset clients without matching their tone 16:14 – Taking accountability when mistakes happen 18:30 – Handling issues when you don’t know the full story 20:01 – Embedding emotional intelligence into firm culture 21:22 – Training teams to lead with empathy 23:21 – How emotional intelligence drives loyalty & referrals 25:29 – Practical habits bookkeepers can apply immediately Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact. Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39711470

EP513: Salim Omar - The Smart Way To Exit Without Burning It Down 01/20/2026

EP512: Sharrin Fuller - Scaling Smarter: Why Systems Matter More Than Headcount 01/13/2026

EP512: Sharrin Fuller - Scaling Smarter: Why Systems Matter More Than Headcount " We need to do things that the other people aren't doing because that's how you make ways, that's how you revolutionize, that's how you pave a new path for the other people that think like you, but maybe don't have the strength at this point yet to pave the way.” -Sharrin Fuller In this episode, Sharrin Fuller, strategic advisor and founder of Glass Wallet Ventures, shares why she believes the future of bookkeeping is client-facing, relationship-driven, and systemized. She breaks down how she scaled smarter, reduced her team, embraced technology, and rebuilt her firm to run smoothly with less effort. Sharrin also shares the thinking behind her book, Unfollow The Rules: The Messy Truth About Burnout, Bad Decisions And Building Until It Worked and why challenging traditional models matters more than ever for firm owners. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why scaling smarter beats hiring more staff How technology replaces tasks but not relationships What bookkeepers must do to stay relevant as AI advances To learn more about Sharrin, click . Connect with her on . Buy her book, Unfollow The Rules, at . Time Stamp 00:00 – Why only client-facing roles matter in the future 01:03 – Sharrin’s career journey & building multiple firms 03:47 – What inspired her book Unfollow The Rules 11:23 – Scaling smarter without adding people 12:23 – Reducing a team from 12 to 2 without losing clients 14:45 – Challenging traditional business models 19:53 – How to decide what to outsource or automate 24:08 – The downside of fast-changing technology 27:56 – What Sharrin is building next & where to find her Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at ! It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact. Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39657360

EP511: Spotlight - Tommy Vincent - How AI Is Changing Analytics For Bookkeepers 01/08/2026

EP510: Mark Murphy - The Five Roles Every Winning Team Needs 01/06/2026

EP509: 2025 Year-In-Review Show! 12/30/2025

EP509: 2025 Year-In-Review Show! “Ethics and integrity are a bookkeeper's superpower.” -Heather Smith Kick off your new year with clarity and momentum in this special Year-In-Review episode! Host, Michael Palmer brings together an international panel of leaders to unpack the biggest wins, surprises, and lessons from 2025. This conversation gives you a grounded look at what actually changed in the bookkeeping world and what you can expect moving into 2026. You’ll hear real stories from Canada, Australia, and the United States about technology shifts, economic pressures, client transformations, team challenges, and the rising demand for advisory. Our final episode of 2025 is packed with insights that you don't want to miss! Thank you so much for listening to our show and being a part of our community! Your support is the reason this podcast continues to grow. Wishing you a HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL 2026! To find out more about our guests, click below: Time Stamp 01:11 – Michael introduces the Year-In-Review panel 03:38 – Biggest surprises from 2025 04:51 – How bookkeepers embraced AI 05:12 – Personal breakthroughs & executing on training 07:04 – Economic pressures & global ripple effects 11:24 – Setbacks bookkeepers faced this year 16:41 – Capacity challenges & communication gaps 19:22 – Heartwarming client wins 23:05 – Helping clients understand their numbers 27:23 – The ripple effect bookkeepers create 30:03 – Why new bookkeepers matter 32:16 – Heartbreaks & financial vulnerability 34:06 – Ethics as a bookkeeper’s superpower 39:26 – What worked well in 2025 40:10 – Hiring support to free up time 42:12 – Workflow systems paying off 46:11 – What didn’t work & lessons learned 49:26 – Overwhelm from too much change at once 50:59 – Trends shaping 2026 54:58 – The rising need for human connection 1:02:37 – Personal focus areas for 2026 1:05:05 – Closing thoughts & New Year wishes /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39322150

EP508: Lisa Campbell - How To Build A Business Beyond Bookkeeping - Part 2 12/23/2025

EP508: Lisa Campbell - How To Build A Business Beyond Bookkeeping - Part 2 "You get to a place little by little of just working with these wonderful people that really appreciate what you're doing. They're paying top dollar and you love what you're doing.” -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, author of Beyond Bookkeeping and bookkeeping mentor, joins host Michael Palmer for part two of this special live series recorded at Accountex Canada 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. She shares how to filter ideal clients, step into advisory with confidence, and build a business that supports your life—not drains it. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why most bookkeepers already are doing advisory without realizing it One simple step you can take this month to start leading clients How boundaries create freedom and stronger client relationships To learn more about Lisa, click . Connect with her on . Order a copy of . Time Stamp 01:09 – The biggest myths bookkeepers believe about advisory 02:25 – Why you’re more qualified than you think 03:08 – The one conversation that can start your advisory journey 04:40 – How honesty builds trust & opens deeper client relationships 06:32 – Systematization as the path to freedom 07:36 – The emotional toll of staying stuck & overwhelmed 08:13 – Why boundaries matter & how to set them 09:36 – Stopping late-night messages, constant emergencies & scope creep 11:02 – Charging premiums for urgent work 11:50 – Seeing yourself as a leader, not a laborer 12:47 – The mindset shift that unlocks real advisory 13:39 – Why losing the wrong clients makes space for the right ones 15:24 – How ideal clients show up when you raise your standards 20:19 – Building your business mindset through learning and curiosity 22:01 – Differentiating yourself from low-cost competition 24:17 – How niching creates authority & demand 25:08 – The future of bookkeeping and the rise of AI-supported advisory /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39234980

EP507: Lisa Campbell - How To Build A Business Beyond Bookkeeping - Part 1 12/16/2025

EP507: Lisa Campbell - How To Build A Business Beyond Bookkeeping - Part 1 "You learn, you read, you surround yourself with other people. Don't stay isolated behind your computer. You come to things like this. You join groups, you learn what other people are doing, and a lot of it is just understanding the value yourself.” -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, author of Beyond Bookkeeping and longtime bookkeeping mentor, joins host Michael Palmer for a special two-episode series recorded live at Accountex Canada 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. She shares how a single “midnight moment” pushed her to rebuild her business, break free from burnout, and step confidently into advisory work. In this interview, you’ll learn: What finally broke the cycle of burnout & overwork How systemizing business unlocked time, freedom & new opportunities Why shifting from compliance to advisory starts with mindset To learn more about Lisa, click . Connect with her on . Order a copy of . Time Stamp 01:16 – Lisa shares her “midnight moment” & the push to change everything 03:14 – The shift from having a job to building a business 06:16 – How burnout & overwork showed up in her daily life 07:03 – The mindset change that unlocked growth 08:12 – What “beyond bookkeeping” really means 09:17 – The moment she realized her systems were working 10:26 – How long it took to make the shift & why timing is different for everyone 11:46 – Breaking through time constraints & building structure 12:44 – How she stayed connected to her why during tough seasons 15:11 – How Profit First transformed her business & her clients’ 16:20 – Why more clients doesn’t equal more profit 18:10 – Moving from hourly work to value & subscription pricing 18:53 – The hidden gold bookkeepers give away for free 20:12 – Why learning, community & awareness help you charge your value 21:23 – Lisa’s exercise to uncover value adds 24:12 – How she rewired her thinking & found new opportunities 25:16 – Shifting from compliance work to advisory 26:50 – Building an ecosystem for the entire client journey /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39234375

EP506: Ron Bester - How SODA Helps You Build A Business That Runs Without You 12/09/2025

EP505: Christina Springstead - The Bookkeeper’s Guide To Boundaries, Cleanups & Growth 12/02/2025

EP505: Christina Springstead - The Bookkeeper’s Guide To Boundaries, Cleanups & Growth "Like this is not just a gig, but this is my career. You grow into wanting more of that for your clients and you start recognizing if a client isn't about that. The last thing I want is just agree to do a subpar job because a client doesn't really care and then they decide to care in two years and they look back at the history and they're like, 'This has been a mess.’” -Christina Springstead Christina Springstead, owner and founder of Springstead Solutions, returns to share what she’s learned from handling complex cleanups and growing her business with intention. From refining systems to managing client expectations, Christina explains how bookkeepers can balance quality, communication, and growth—without burning out. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to spot hidden issues in cleanup projects before you quote Why communication & transparency build client trust How to manage pushback & set professional boundaries To learn more about Christina and Springstead Solutions, . Connect with her on . Time Stamp 02:13 – Christina shares her background & path back to bookkeeping 04:34 – Lessons learned from recent cleanup projects 06:00 – The hidden costs of missing bank feed data & auto rules 07:42 – When CPA journal entries hide deeper problems 09:51 – How cleanup checklists evolved into better systems 10:51 – Why deeper diagnostic reviews protect both client & bookkeeper 12:06 – Expecting problems: guilty until proven innocent approach 13:01 – When “accurate” AR & AP numbers aren’t accurate at all 14:45 – The danger of ignoring small errors today 15:34 – How to handle client pushback with transparency & purpose 16:22 – Choosing clients who care about accurate books 17:13 – Why clean books protect long-term business value 18:20 – Setting boundaries & recognizing red flags in clients 19:47 – The difference between hobby clients & business-minded ones 20:26 – Holding clients accountable for financial quality 21:02 – Managing stress & staying flexible during heavy work periods 22:45 – Communicating delays honestly with clients 23:57 – Building trust through consistency & openness 25:41 – Why clear communication increases client value perception 27:01 – Real client story: turning nonprofit chaos into clarity 28:55 – How bookkeeping education empowers boards & leaders 31:21 – Hiring a VA and assistant to buy back time & focus 32:53 – Building a business around your lifestyle, not fear 33:41 – Manifesting growth & designing your dream business 35:03 – Recommended books: Who Not How & Buy Back Your Time 37:33 – Why mindset, focus& vision drive real success 40:12 – How the new Summit experience connects the bookkeeping community This episode is brought to you by our amazing friends at ! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/39005945

EP504: Casey Brown – How To Overcome Fear Around Pricing - Part 2 11/25/2025

EP504: Casey Brown – How To Overcome Fear Around Pricing - Part 2 "Do not be tempted to undervalue yourself just because it happens to be something that's fast or easy for you to produce.” -Casey Brown In the finale of this two-part series, pricing expert and president of Boost Pricing, Casey Brown, returns to share how bookkeepers can move from fear-based pricing to confident, value-driven conversations. She explains how to stop pre-discounting, test your true pricing ceiling, and communicate your worth with clarity and confidence. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why pre-discounting hurts your profits How to identify & attract better, higher-value clients How to package & present your services with confidence Connect with Casey on . To buy her book, Fearless Pricing, click . Watch her , or video on . To learn more about Boost Pricing, click . Time Stamp 02:03 – The two types of discounting: negotiated & pre-discounting 03:52 – How to test your true price ceiling 04:54 – Overcoming scarcity mindset & fear of losing clients 06:02 – Why fewer clients at higher prices can be more profitable 08:44 – Letting go of price-sensitive clients who drain your energy 10:43 – Why bad clients cost more than they’re worth 11:13 – The gender gap in business pricing & confidence 12:45 – How women undervalue their services & why it costs them 13:52 – Messaging & packaging your services for higher value 15:17 – Half of pricing success is the number; half is how you frame it 16:52 – Stop obsessing over numbers & focus on context 17:47 – The problems with hourly billing models 18:47 – Why fixed-fee & value-based pricing work better 19:26 – When & how to offer pricing packages 20:47 – Avoid overwhelming clients with too many choices 22:28 – Be the expert—guide your client’s decision 24:31 – Why clear messaging builds trust & confidence 25:57 – The Picasso lesson: charge for your experience, not your time 26:58 – How to articulate the process & value you deliver 27:21 – Where to find Casey’s free resources, book & programs 28:42 – Fearless Pricing community & how to join This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38822510

EP503: Spotlight - Melanie Spillman - Building Trust & Human Connection In A Digital World 11/20/2025

EP503: Spotlight - Melanie Spillman - Building Trust & Human Connection In A Digital World "Bookkeeping is a commodity. My accounting software can be a commodity. So how do we strike that emotional cord and how do we give the confidence that we are the right choice going forward? We're not a commodity. We are differentiating. We're building that difference.” -Melanie Spillman Melanie Spillman, Vice President of Sales for Sage US Medium Businesses, shares practical ways bookkeepers can build stronger client relationships—through listening, follow-up, and authenticity. She explores how trust is earned, why active listening matters, and how to keep human connection alive in an increasingly automated industry. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to build trust quickly & consistently with clients The art of active listening & letting silence do the work Why understanding your client’s past & future builds connection Connect with Melanie on . To learn more about Sage, . Time Stamp 01:41 – How to build trust quickly with clients 03:34 – The power of timely follow-up 05:19 – Setting expectations & communicating clearly 06:33 – Teach, tailor & take control in client conversations 07:53 – How to ask better questions & listen actively 09:23 – Staying present & focused during meetings 12:22 – The value of silence in communication 13:54 – Showing authenticity & passion with clients 15:53 – How to build trust in the first meeting 17:22 – Asking about a client’s past & future to deepen connection 20:09 – Why focusing only on history limits your impact 21:15 – How to stand out in a competitive market 22:29 – The “front door” story: lessons in emotional connection 25:39 – Why people buy with emotion & justify with logic 27:31 – Turning services from a commodity into a connection 29:34 – Keeping the human touch in an automated world 31:27 – Using AI to free time for more meaningful client work 33:22 – Understanding what really motivates clients 36:48 – Make every client interaction meaningful 38:46 – How Sage uses AI to empower bookkeepers /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38822275

EP502: Casey Brown – How To Overcome Fear Around Pricing - Part 1 11/18/2025

EP502: Casey Brown – How To Overcome Fear Around Pricing - Part 1 "It's the bookkeeper who has to sell his or her own services, and so they're not a professional salesperson. So a lot of times there's a lot of fear and we get in our heads, we get in our gut, we feel pushy, we feel salesy, we feel weird and we discount. And so to me, it's about arming the person whose job it is to sell this value with the skills and tools to do it.” -Casey Brown In part one of this two-part conversation, pricing expert and resident of Boost Pricing, Casey Brown, joins the podcast to help bookkeepers overcome fear, self-doubt, and hesitation around pricing their services. Drawing from her journey as an engineer turned pricing strategist, she explains how your “money story” shapes your pricing decisions—and how to change it. In this interview, you’ll learn: How mindset & money stories limit what you charge The biggest pricing mistake small firms make How to handle pricing objections without discounting Connect with Casey on . To buy her book, Fearless Pricing, click . Watch her , or video on . To learn more about Boost Pricing, click . Time Stamp 00:00 – Why pricing confidence matters for bookkeepers 02:10 – Casey’s journey from engineer to pricing strategist 04:38 – Lessons from working at GE & entering the pricing world 05:56 – Shifting from big corporations to small businesses 07:14 – Why analytical pricing models don’t work for small firms 08:13 – Helping bookkeepers sell their own value with confidence 10:24 – From pricing analytics to pricing mindset training 12:31 – How training teams led to massive profit increases 13:36 – Why pricing problems start between your ears, not in spreadsheets 15:14 – Common sales beliefs that hold business owners back 17:19 – The myth that “the market sets the price” 18:52 – How changing beliefs can boost profitability 20:18 – Why most people fear talking about price 21:01 – Understanding your personal money story 22:41 – How emotions affect pricing decisions 23:13 – Exercises to detach emotion from pricing 24:22 – Casey’s advice for bookkeepers ready to charge more This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38806880

EP501: Michelle Weinstein – How To Confidently Sell Your Bookkeeping Services 11/11/2025

EP501: Michelle Weinstein – How To Confidently Sell Your Bookkeeping Services "We have to stop trading time for money. Hourly billing traps you. It gets you in the cycle of undervaluing yourself. Discounting just to get a client to sign up with you and think that you're going to charge more in the future is another trap. Doing free work, answering quick questions, answering an abundance of emails and never getting paid for it is a trap.” -Michelle Weinstein Michelle Weinstein, founder of The Abundant Accountant and The Pitch Queen, talks about how bookkeepers can confidently sell their services without feeling pushy or uncomfortable. Drawing on years of experience helping accounting professionals close high-value clients, Michelle shares simple strategies to increase revenue and build trust with prospects. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to overcome fear & hesitation around pricing and sales Questions that turn discovery calls into meaningful conversations How to position your value instead of selling your time To learn more about Michelle, click . Connect with her on . Time Stamp 00:00 – Why selling is a skill every bookkeeper needs 03:05 – How Michelle helps bookkeepers sell with confidence 05:40 – Shifting your mindset from “selling” to “helping” 08:12 – The biggest mistakes bookkeepers make in sales calls 10:45 – How to ask powerful questions that uncover client needs 13:10 – Why you should never discount your services 15:22 – The difference between pricing & value 18:03 – Turning consultations into lasting client relationships 20:45 – How to talk about money without fear or guilt 24:00 – Using Dext tools to add more value to clients 27:12 – Building confidence through practice & preparation 30:10 – Michelle’s top advice for bookkeepers ready to grow 32:30 – Where to learn more about Michelle & The Abundant Accountant This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38724410

EP500: Jennifer Hume – Building A Profitable Niche Business & Coaching Practice 11/04/2025

EP500: Jennifer Hume – Building A Profitable Niche Business & Coaching Practice “The more intentional you get with your money, the more intentional you get with your time as well.” -Jennifer Hume In our 500th episode, Jennifer Hume, owner of Coronation Bookkeeping & Tax Services, shares how she built a successful virtual bookkeeping firm and expanded into coaching for real estate professionals. She reveals what worked, what didn’t, and how she uses systems, marketing, and speaking to grow her business with purpose and profitability. In this interview, you’ll learn: How niching and storytelling drive growth and confidence Why systems are essential for scaling How Jennifer built a $250K firm through referrals To learn more about Jennifer, click . Connect with her on . Time Stamp 02:03 – Jennifer’s journey from family business to starting her own bookkeeping firm 05:28 – Lessons learned from her father’s failed business & what she’d do differently 06:08 – The importance of systems & Profit First for building a strong foundation 07:49 – Transitioning from data entry to leadership & advisory work 08:16 – How Jennifer built a $250K firm through referrals & strong processes 10:45 – Learning to market intentionally & step outside her comfort zone 13:03 – Building referral partnerships with accountants & real estate brokerages 15:07 – Overcoming fear & learning to pick up the phone to grow the business 17:07 – How niching into real estate transformed her business 19:42 – Why specializing makes marketing easier & attracts better clients 21:07 – What marketing tactics didn’t work (and what to watch out for) 22:08 – Email marketing & newsletters that actually connect 24:55 – How creating a professional speaker’s reel set her apart 26:44 – The power of storytelling on stage & building confidence through speaking 30:12 – Using AI tools like ChatGPT to craft speeches & prompts quickly 33:22 – Building a coaching business for real estate professionals 34:56 – Why 90% of realtors quit within five years & how coaching helps 35:40 – How financial & time habits create happier, more balanced lives 37:32 – Where to find & connect with Jennifer online This episode is brought to you by our amazing friends at ! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38576545

EP499: Spotlight - Tommy Vincent – 3 Metrics That Drive Advisory Success 10/30/2025

EP499: Spotlight - Tommy Vincent – 3 Metrics That Drive Advisory Success "The number one driver of small to medium sized businesses not making it is cash flow problems. It's not that they're not profitable. This is the big thing with net cash that most people don't realize, is that you can run a profitable business and run out of money.” -Tommy Vincent In this spotlight episode, Tommy Vincent, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Hub Analytics, returns to share how bookkeepers can confidently step into advisory by focusing on just 3 key metrics. He explains how to measure, track, and present them to clients in a way that builds trust and drives business growth. In this interview, you’ll learn: The 3 metrics every bookkeeper should track Why consistency matters more than dozens of KPIs How net equity shows a business owner’s true wealth To learn more about Hub Analytics, . Connect with Tommy on . Time Stamp 00:00 – Introducing 3 Key Metrics 02:16 – Why bookkeepers are well-positioned to deliver advisory services 03:59 – Why less is more with KPIs for small business clients 04:54 – The three core metrics 06:33 – Breaking down net operating income & what it reveals 07:50 – Industry nuances & why measuring consistently matters 09:30 – Using consistent monthly tracking to spot improvement 12:20 – Net equity explained 14:27 – Why 78% of a business owner’s net worth is tied to their business 16:04 – Loans, distributions & reinvestment 20:54 – Why profitable businesses still fail without cash 23:10 – Healthcare & construction industries & cashflow gaps 25:59 – Watching DSO & DPO to avoid cash crunches 27:21 – How bookkeepers can differentiate by tracking just 3 KPIs 28:29 – How to package advisory 30:55 – Why most existing clients won’t pay more 33:18 – Advisory is best suited for businesses over $1M revenue 34:56 – How Hub Analytics supports bookkeepers with AI-driven reporting /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38453645

EP498: Ted Harrington - The Hacker Mindset: A Superpower For Business 10/28/2025

EP498: Ted Harrington - The Hacker Mindset: A Superpower For Business "I think that the hacker mindset is a superpower because what it does is it fosters independent thinking. And independent thinking enables a person to observe or discover overlooked pathways, overlooked opportunities, things that other people have missed.” -Ted Harrington Ted Harrington, cybersecurity expert and author of Hackable: How To Do Application Security Right and his upcoming book Inner Hacker: A New Way Of Thinking, returns to talk about the hacker mindset and how it can transform both business and life. In this interview, you'll learn: The four traits of the hacker mindset How AI is shaping cyberattacks Ways to tap into your inner hacker To learn more about Ted, click . Connect with him on . Check out his new book, Inner Hacker: A New Way Of Thinking . Time Stamp 01:22 – Ted Harrington returns with his new book Inner Hacker 02:47 – Why thinking like a hacker is a superpower 09:17 – The four traits of the hacker mindset 12:39 – What holds people back from channeling their inner hacker 18:24 – How the book supports his business & clients 23:13 – AI’s role in modern cyberattacks 29:20 – What’s changing for small businesses & cybersecurity awareness 32:31 – Why hackers target small businesses 36:36 – Protecting yourself by knowing where you’re vulnerable 37:45 – Ted’s future plans & keynote speaking This episode is brought to you by our amazing friends at ! Imagine having all your financial data in one place, with real-time analytics and customized reports at your fingertips. is a financial platform that streamlines bookkeeping operations, so you can focus on what really matters—delivering high-quality results for your clients. With Hub's easy-to-use tools, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and gain deeper insights into your clients' financials! Ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38303520

EP497: Lisa Campbell – Habits That Transform Your Bookkeeping Business - Part 2 10/21/2025

EP497: Lisa Campbell – Habits That Transform Your Bookkeeping Business - Part 2 “You have to keep evolving. We're always evolving. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. If you're not happy with what you're doing, there's always a way to change. And you can lean on great thought leaders like this to help you get there. ” -Lisa Campbell Lisa Campbell, Founder of Accelerate 2 Advisor, returns for part two of her series about Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She shares practical ways bookkeepers can apply the next four habits to strengthen client relationships, build stronger teams, and sustain long-term success. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to create win-win client & team relationships Why discovery calls should focus on understanding, not selling The power of synergy with your team and professional partners To learn more about Lisa, visit her profile on . Time Stamp 00:00 – Win-win results with accountants through systemized books01:25 – Habit 4: Think win-win 06:57 – Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood09:55 – Why selling is ongoing & rooted in understanding clients’ real needs 12:28 – Listening & trust with clients & team members 15:25 – Habit 6: Synergy 18:20 – Building referral networks & partnerships for growth 21:14 – Niching & connecting with industry vendors & partners for referrals 23:25 – Real-world example: systemized bookkeeping driving strong CPA referrals 25:07 – Habit 7: Sharpen the saw 29:50 – The most transformative habit for bookkeepers 35:00 – How proactive bookkeepers put first things first to reach advisor level 35:56 – Wrap-up & invitation to Lisa’s Accelerate to Advisor masterclass This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38453080

EP496: Spotlight - Paul Lodder - Turning Cash Flow Into Strategic Advisory 10/16/2025

EP495: Lisa Campbell – Habits That Transform Your Bookkeeping Business - Part 1 10/14/2025

EP494: Etinosa Agbonlahor - The Science Of Pricing For Bookkeepers - Part 2 10/07/2025

EP493: Etinosa Agbonlahor - The Science Of Pricing For Bookkeepers - Part 1 09/30/2025

EP492: Jess Jensen - How To Differentiate Your Business Through Storytelling - Part 2 09/16/2025

EP492: Jess Jensen - How To Differentiate Your Business Through Storytelling - Part 2 “Just having the courage to allow some of your real story to come through publicly is your differentiator. It builds trust, opens doors to sales conversations, and draws future customers to you.” –Jess Jensen Jess Jensen, co-founder of Co-pilot Communications, is back for the second part of this powerful conversation. In part one, she revealed why your personal story is the ultimate marketing tool. Now, she’s sharing how to put it into practice with a clear, step-by-step framework for building a digital presence that feels authentic, consistent, and achievable. From breaking through inconsistency, to leveraging AI for content ideas, to showing just the right kind of imperfection—Jess shares practical strategies small business owners can use to show up online and grow their influence. In this interview, you'll learn… How to overcome the biggest barrier to showing up online: inconsistency Why the right kind of imperfection can make you more trustworthy than polished content How AI can accelerate your content creation while still keeping your voice authentic To learn more about Jess, click . Connect with her on . For listeners of the show, Jess is offering quick, practical 25-minute reviews for business owners and senior leaders who think their profile might be holding them back. You'll get a real-time audit and a handful of actionable next steps. Openings begin the third week of October. No cost, no catch, just clarity. . Time Stamps 00:00 – Why courage & vulnerability build trust 01:25 – Simple ways to dip your toe into posting 02:20 – Why responding matters more than likes 04:04 – The real barrier: inconsistency 06:17 – How AI can help with idea generation 09:06 – Treating AI like a junior employee you train 12:08 – The psychology of showing up online 14:38 – Imperfection as a powerful differentiator 18:16 – Why collaborators & “yes/no” people matter 18:58 – Where to find Jess online & claim your free LinkedIn audit This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38239750

EP491: Jess Jensen - How To Differentiate Your Business Through Storytelling - Part 1 09/16/2025

EP491: Jess Jensen - How To Differentiate Your Business Through Storytelling - Part 1 "People are interested in other people. So you can talk about your practice or where you see perhaps the industry going down the road, but from a point of view that is informed and experienced and maybe has a little bit of vulnerability woven in.” -Jess Jensen Jess Jensen, co-founder of Co-pilot Communications, has helped leaders at Microsoft, Qualcomm, Adidas, and now small business owners across North America build their digital presence. In part one of this two-part series, she shares why personal storytelling is key to standing out in today’s crowded market. In this interview, you'll learn… Why personal voices connect more than brand voices How storytelling humanizes small businesses Ways to overcome fear & self-doubt To learn more about Jess, click . Connect with her on . For listeners of the show, Jess Jensen is offering quick, practical 25-minute reviews for business owners and senior leaders who think their profile might be holding them back. You'll get a real-time audit and a handful of actionable next steps. Openings begin the third week of October. No cost, no catch, just clarity. . Time Stamps 00:00 – Why people connect with personal stories 01:23 – Journey from global brands to co-founding Co-pilot Communications 03:16 – Helping executives build digital platforms 04:31 – Humanizing brands through leadership voices 06:47 – Applying storytelling to small businesses 09:52 – Overcoming fear & finding your voice 13:45 – Differentiation: “Differences sell, similarities don’t” 16:08 – Step 1: Define your “audience of one” 20:28 – Step 2: Clarify what you want to stand for 24:38 – Step 3: Practice creating content & iterate 25:41 – Step 4: Build relationships in the comments 26:46 – Preview of part two: Jess’s full four-step playbook This episode is brought to you by our friends at Dext! Dext handles transaction capture, keeps your data accurate, and even simplifies e-commerce reconciliation, all in one place. Join thousands of bookkeepers and accountants who’ve already made the switch. If you're ready to save time, reduce errors, and make bookkeeping more efficient, Dext is for you! Go to to book a demo TODAY and see how it can transform the way you work! /episode/index/show/successfulbookkeeper/id/38190685

EP490: Jennifer Kahnweiler - How To Thrive As An Introverted Leader 09/09/2025

EP489: Jenny Groberg - Turning Small Steps Into Big Wins - Part 2 09/02/2025

EP488: Jenny Groberg - Turning Small Steps Into Big Wins - Part 1 08/26/2025

EP487: Lynn Gagne-Webb – Building & Selling A Bookkeeping Firm - Part 2 08/19/2025

EP486: Lynn Gagne-Webb – Building & Selling A Bookkeeping Firm - Part 1 08/12/2025

The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast

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