The Better Bookkeeper Show

This is Part 1 of a three-part interview with Cheryl Blazej, founder of Blazej Accounting.What are you really building—a bookkeeping business or just another job?In this episode of The Better Bookkeeper Show, Lynn Talbott sits down with Cheryl Blazej to talk about her journey from being laid off and taking on any client she could find… to building a fully remote bookkeeping firm with over 90 clients and a team of 13.In Part 1, we focus on the early stages of growth—when you're doing everything yourself, underpricing your services, and starting to realize that your business may not be sustainable long term.Cheryl shares the mindset shifts and key decisions that helped her move from overwhelmed bookkeeper to business owner, including how she started hiring, building systems, and stepping into a leadership role.In this episode, you’ll learn: • The difference between building a bookkeeping business vs creating a job • How to transition from doing the work to leading the business • When to hire your first team members • Why most bookkeepers get stuck in the “doing everything” phase • The early steps to building a scalable bookkeeping firmIf you're feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or unsure how to grow your bookkeeping business, this episode will give you clarity and direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to stand out as a bookkeeper in a crowded market?In this episode, Lynn Talbott sits down with Joshua Stiebens, founder of The Bearded Bookkeeper, to explore how niching down and building a memorable brand can completely transform your bookkeeping business.Joshua shares his journey from starting with no clear roadmap to building a successful firm by focusing on systems, personality, and strong client relationships.You’ll learn why blending in is the biggest mistake most bookkeepers make—and how being clear, specific, and authentic can help you attract better clients and grow faster.This episode covers branding, niching, pricing, client relationships, and the mindset shifts needed to build a profitable bookkeeping business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bookkeeping cleanup is one of the most valuable — and intimidating — services a bookkeeper can offer.In this episode, Lynn explains what bookkeeping cleanup really means, how to fix messy QuickBooks files, and how to price cleanup projects with confidence.Many bookkeepers avoid cleanup work because they’re afraid of what they’ll find inside a client’s books, but messy books often represent the best opportunities to grow a bookkeeping business.You’ll learn how to start a cleanup project correctly, why the balance sheet is the key to fixing bookkeeping errors, and how cleanup work can turn into long-term monthly bookkeeping clients.In this episode we cover:• What bookkeeping cleanup actually is• How to fix messy QuickBooks files step by step• Why the balance sheet should be your starting point• How to price bookkeeping cleanup projects• How cleanup work can turn into long-term bookkeeping clientsIf you're an independent bookkeeper or building a bookkeeping firm, learning how to handle cleanup work confidently can help you grow your business and attract better clients.New episodes every week with practical advice for bookkeepers who want to build profitable, confident bookkeeping businesses.#bookkeeping#bookkeeper#bookkeepingbusiness#quickbooks#quickbookstips#bookkeepingtips Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like you’re not “ready” to run or grow your bookkeeping business? Do you ever wonder if you really know enough to call yourself a confident, independent bookkeeper or firm owner?You’re not alone and this conversation proves it.In this honest and inspiring interview, I sit down with Nancy McClelland, CPA and independent business owner, to talk about impostor syndrome in bookkeeping, fear, confidence, and what it really takes to grow a successful firm.Nancy shares her journey from becoming a CPA to going independent and why you don’t need to know everything to succeed.In this episode, we cover:Why impostor syndrome is normal for bookkeepers and firm ownersHow letting go of “knowing it all” actually helps your business growThe importance of hiring specialists instead of doing everything yourselfWhy fear doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re growingThe real value bookkeepers bring to societyLearning to trust your skills, your experience, and yourselfIf you’re an independent bookkeeper or firm owner feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or doubting your worth, this interview will change how you see yourself and your business.About the Host:I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business thoughtfully and sustainably. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like mine. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Join our Training Circle at www.coachingbookkeepers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you’re too late to start your bookkeeping business, or like you need one more certification before you’re ready?In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Strobel, owner of Village & Vine Consulting. Her story is proof that there’s no perfect timeline for starting a bookkeeping practice.Laura didn’t side hustle her way into bookkeeping. She learned the skills, took the plunge, and went all in, alongside her daughters.You’ll learn:When it actually makes sense to leave your W-2 jobWhy the first 1-3 years of growing a bookkeeping practice feel hardWhat full-cycle bookkeeping services look like and why clients value themWhy having support changes everything when you’re building a businessHow to balance working with familyWhether support comes from family, mentors, peers, or a community like The Bookkeeping Training Circle, you don’t have to figure this out alone.If you want guidance and accountability as you build your bookkeeping business, join me inside The Bookkeeping Training Circle: coachingbookkeepers.com/membershipAbout the Host:I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Join our Training Circle at www.coachingbookkeepers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holiday cheer is in the air… but so is year-end cleanup season. The good news? December gives you a golden window to get organized and set 2026 up for success.In this episode, Ashley and I walk you through the exact 5-step workflow we both use to prep our client books before the January chaos hits!Whether you’re brand new to bookkeeping or you’ve survived a few tax seasons already, this episode will help you feel calmer, more organized, and totally in control as you head into Q1.16:08 - Step 1: Using QBO Books Review21:19 - Step 2: Reconciling the Balance Sheet34:52 - Step 3: Reviewing Profit & Loss44:40 - Step 4: Tax Mapping the Chart of Accounts46:16 - Step 5: Closing the BooksLearn more about Ashley LaMar-Morris at purrrfectbookkeeping.com**If year-end cleanup still feels overwhelming or you want the confidence and systems Ashley and I use to stay proactive all year long, come join us inside The Bookkeepers Training Circle: coachingbookkeepers.com/membership About the Host:I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business thoughtfully and sustainably. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like mine. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you need more certifications, one more tax season, or a “perfect” moment before you start or scale your firm? I’ve been there too, and waiting cost me YEARS of momentum, money, and peace of mind. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the four biggest regrets from building, scaling, and selling my bookkeeping business so you don’t repeat them. Key Takeaways:Why confidence comes after action (not before)How building with an exit in mind makes your firm easier to run todayThe hiring rule of thumb that would’ve saved me from burnoutThe mindset shift that finally helped me price for value. If you’re ready to stop operating like an employee and start leading like a CEO, surround yourself with like-minded bookkeepers in my Training Circle. Join here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membership--I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought about your exit strategy? Wait! I know you’re probably thinking “Lynn, I just started my business! Why would I want to exit it?” But thinking about selling your firm (even if you never do) will force you to build better systems, smarter structures, and a business that isn’t 100% dependent on you. In this episode, I’m sharing two value drivers you can implement now to build a firm that’s more profitable, sustainable, and attractive down the road.Timestamps:[04:55] What potential buyers look for (and the tough questions to expect)[08:18] Value Driver #1 - Financial performance: What your financials should show, margin benchmarks you should strive for, and a simple ROI check for client profitability.[14:00] Value Driver #2 - Growth potential: Six ways to highlight future earnings[25:37] Action steps and homework: A simple exercise to look at your business through a buyer’s eyes and spot opportunities to de-risk and increase value.If this episode is helpful to you, get the full workbook with all 8 value drivers, checklists, and templates inside my bookkeeping Training Circle. The first 30 days are free. Join here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membership.About the Host:I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like mine. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If promoting yourself feels fake or overwhelming, you’re not alone. You can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself.This episode will help you get in front of the right clients *without* selling your soul on social media. I’m sharing the simple, sustainable marketing moves I wish I’d used sooner, and I’m joined by marketing expert Stacey Nolan, who’s been helping bookkeepers and small business owners stand out for years.We’re breaking down why marketing feels so overwhelming for bookkeepers, the biggest mistakes we see over and over, and how to show up consistently without living on social media. You’ll learn where to start, what to skip, and a few powerful tools that actually move the needle.Key Takeaways:The #1 marketing mistake that repels potential clients before they ever reach outThe first step to take if you want clients in the next 30 daysAn overlooked tool (that you likely already have but aren’t using) that can make marketing 10x easierHow to position yourself so you’re the obvious choice over other bookkeepersYou can connect with Stacey Nolan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stacey-nolan-m-ed-838078222 If this episode is helpful to you, get even more help with 30 days free in my Bookkeeping Training Circle. Join here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membershipAbout the Host:I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTubeProduced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a bookkeeper, you may not feel like a natural salesperson... but if you’re running your own bookkeeping business, sales calls are non-negotiable! In this episode, Ashley LaMar-Morris with Purrrfect Bookkeeping is back as a guest and we’re breaking down how to lead confident, aligned discovery calls without feeling salesy or second-guessing yourself.We cover:How to prep for a call so you're choosing the right clients (not just hoping to get picked)What to say to avoid oversharing, overpromising, or underchargingHow to confidently talk pricing and set next steps without awkwardnessOur 5-step framework for running a strong, structured discovery callGet 30 days free when you join my bookkeeping Training Circle. Join here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membershipLearn more about Ashley LaMar-Morris at purrrfectbookkeeping.com--I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You probably didn’t wake up and say, “Today feels like a great day to write a business plan.”But if you’re tired of winging it, saying yes to the wrong clients, or wondering where your profit went… It's time to create a plan that actually works for you.In this episode, I’m breaking down 7 practical, tactical steps to help you build a bookkeeping business that’s aligned with your goals, your values, and the lifestyle you’re working toward.Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, this will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Timestamps:[02:19] Step 1[05:30] Step 2[08:18] Step 3[13:30] Step 4[17:58] Step 5[21:26] Step 6[25:15] Step 7Want to follow along? Grab my free Bookkeeping Business Plan Template at https://coachingbookkeepers.com/business-plan and start building your roadmap today!--I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thinking about adding payroll to your services? This episode breaks down what bookkeepers really need to know before diving into payroll, from pricing and platforms to managing tricky client expectations.Our guest is George Wilson, owner of Southern Payroll & Bookkeeping, who brings hard-earned insights from years of processing payroll across multiple industries, including one of the most complex: restaurants.Here’s what we cover:How to choose the right payroll platform (Gusto, ADP, QBO, and more)What most bookkeepers miss about tip reporting and employee classificationWhy your pricing may not reflect the actual work you’re doingThe key contract clauses that protect you from payroll headachesWhen to say yes and when to walk away from a payroll clientPayroll can be a profitable service… but only if you do it on your terms. Listen in to learn how to avoid burnout, choose better clients, and grow your bookkeeping business with confidence.If you’re ready to take your bookkeeping business to the next level, you can join my private Training Circle here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membershipTimestamps:00:37 – What We’ll Cover In This Episode01:43 – Meet George Wilson: Payroll Expert05:34 – The One Shift That Changed How We Do Payroll08:22 – The Business Model That Nearly Bankrupted Us11:39 – What “Full-Service Payroll” Really Looks Like15:24 – This Industry Should Not Be Your First Payroll Client17:01 – The Easiest Payroll Clients to Start With20:04 – How to Avoid Last-Minute Payroll Panics24:02 – The Overlooked Scheduling Mistake That Can Derail Your Week27:15 – Why Your Bookkeeping May Not Match the W-330:25 – The One Tax Mess You Don’t Want to Clean Up33:16 – The Line You Must Draw With Payroll Clients34:06 – How to Assess Client Complexity Before Saying Yes--I’m Lynn Talbott, the Bookkeeper’s Coach. My podcast, The Better Bookkeeper Show, is your guide to growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solopreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be!Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube!Produced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.