The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this solo episode, I’m chatting about a question I got from one of you awesome listeners: should you add tax services to your bookkeeping biz? We’ll weigh the pros and cons, talk about building your own client base, and figure out if expanding your services is the right move for you.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• building a personal book of business
• advantages of hiring a tax specialist
• benefits & drawbacks of offering tax services
• my experience with tax services

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• My free training: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/training
• My courses: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/store
• The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator® (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vip
• Email your question to support@ambitiousbookkeeper.com with the subject line “Podcast Question”
• My YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

• Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

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We’ve just come back from Xerocon 2024 Nashville, and i’m giving you a backstage pass to the inner workings of how Scotty ’OKR’. Scarano secured the mainstage for one of his accounting raps—and included me in the ride!

In this episode you’ll hear:

• the story behind Scotty & I performing at Xerocon
• Scotty’s journey rapping about accounting
• & you’ll get to see the actual performance (if you watch the episode on YOUTUBE HERE)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 200 of Accounting High
• Episode 72 with Scotty

Meet Scotty ‘OKR’ Scarano
Scotty is the host (rapping custodian) of the Accounting High Podcast, and the owner of Padgett NC, a franchised accounting firm.

Connect with Scotty
📱 Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottscarano
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

• Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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In this Spotlight episode I’m shining the spotlight on one of my BBA students, Corrie Scott - owner of Taylor Made Bookkeeping Solutions. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as we dive into the world of efficient onboarding systems and work-life balance in the realm of bookkeeping.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• benefits & challenges of using Dubsado for onboarding clients
• use of lead capture form for client assessment
• challenges of running a solo firm without burning out
• proposal process, including steps for reviewing, approving, sending, adding contracts, generating invoices, and sending confirmation and intake emails
• collaboration with Linden Square Co for personalized client gifts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dubsado Decoded
• Dubsado (affiliate link)

Meet Corrie
Corrie started fresh out of college as a teacher. She taught for one year but they did not renew her contract so she subbed the next year. Subs don't make a lot of money, and no money during the summer, so this job became available doing accounting work at a local factory and 6 years later she was still doing accounting. She fell in love with the profession. 4 years into that career, she talked with one of her friends who stayed home with her kids but had her own bookkeeping business. She guided Corrie in the steps and certifications and after having her 1st daughter (2nd child), she opened Taylor Made Bookkeeping Solutions (Dec 2021). In September of 2023, she quit that full time job after having her 2nd daughter (3rd child) and now she runs a solo firm with 22 clients and stays home with 3 kids :)

Connect with Corrie
📱 IG: @taylormadebks

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

• Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
• Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
• Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
• Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup
• Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Sabr Media LLC
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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I interview Katie Fleming, an intuitive business coach & podcast host of The Ambitious Mom Podcast, and we talk about how your presence is the most profitable thing you can do, bridging your life with your business, and the number one thing you can do to level up in your business.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• why radical responsibility is important to your success
• looking at things objectively to find the meaning
• what the both and life is all about

Katie Fleming is the founder of the Ambitious Mom® Brand. She is known for Profitable Presence™ and what she calls the “BOTH AND LIFE”. This is her unique ability to build a wildly successful and profitable business empire & a family legacy at the SAME TIME and her deep belief that we don’t have to choose “either or” but we can choose the “both and life” and have it all, NOW. No delay required. From the beginning of her journey she had a Divine Intuition leading her to be BOTH the CEO of a global brand AND the leader and partner on the Homefront leading the legacy within her family and own four walls. BOTH AND. Early on the phrase “pursue your calling both in and out of your home” led her brand and led her evolution BOTH personally AND professionally. Today, her community of ambitious heart centered entrepreneurs are creating impactful and revolutionary businesses that are changing the world while also changing the world within the stewarding of our homes.

Connect with Katie:

Instagram

Website

💻 Ambitious Mom® Brand

📖 Leadership & Self Deception

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper and Katie @katiefleming

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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I interview the CEO of Liveplan, Sabrina Parsons, and we chat about worklife balance as a mom; discussions to have with clients and how Liveplan can help support those discussions.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• the mindset shift Sabrina had to make as CEO of a company and mom to little kids
• a piece of advice that would help any bookkeeper add more value to you clients (it’s not even advisory!)
• features on the roadmap for LivePlan

About our guest: Sabrina Parsons is CEO of Palo Alto Software, and developer of the best-selling business management software, LivePlan. Palo Alto Software, with headquarters in Eugene, Oregon, develops software and tools specifically targeted at entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Palo Alto Software employs over 70 employees and gives all employees paid maternity and paternity leave, supports a generous short-term disability policy, and focuses on employee benefits that honor and respect their employees’ whole lives. Sabrina assumed the CEO role in May 2007.

Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn>

Explore Liveplan

Signup for LivePlan: www.liveplan.com (Students of Elevate get a special discount code for LivePlan!)

Checkout BPlans.com

**************************************************Join Elevate: Self-Paced HERE>

Thanks for listening.

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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In this episode, I get to interview one of my favorite podcast hosts, Natalie Eckdahl, from Biz Chix Inc. She shares a wealth of knowledge with us on outsourcing, building an enduring business, and building an agency model.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• how to talk to your partner about outsourcing things at home
• what an ‘enduring business’ means
• what building an agency could look like

and so much more.

Resources Mentioned:

Built to Sell

The Big Leap

BizChix.com/outsourcing

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn

Natalie Eckdahl is obsessed with helping women entrepreneurs retain more profit and deliver more impact, and she launched the award-winning BizChix podcast in 2014 to do just that.

Since then, Natalie has helped thousands of women business owners by leveraging her MBA as well as her corporate and small business expertise to provide actionable strategies for profit and growth.

She and her team serve women service business owners through their two group coaching programs - Six Figures Lab and Leadership Lab.

As a wife, mom of three kids ages 8-20 and a caregiver to her Mom, Natalie appreciates how entrepreneurship can give you freedom of time to focus on your VIPs. She loves to drink steaming hot coffee, even in the summer, and last Christmas she asked for an Owl.

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

This episode sponsored by: keeper.app → use code AB 20 for 20% off your first 3 months

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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In this Interview episode I chat with Co-host Erin Andrews of the Owners & Operations podcast for Accountants. We talk about the “traditional firm model” and creating a different work environment for our future accountants.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• What it’s like taking over an accounting firm from your Dad
• What we should (and shouldn’t) be doing to attract talent to our industry as a whole
• What the “traditional accounting firm model is” and what to do about it
• a conversation about building an agency model if you choose

About our guest:

Erin Andrews is the co-host of the Owners & Operations for accounting firm owners. They are on a mission to flip the accounting industry on its head by helping firm owners take control of their business and kiss 70 hour weeks GOODBYE. They offer on-demand courses to help firm owners set the right foundations for their firm, and get out of the traditional accounting firm model. Every Friday they meet in their Private Facebook Group and host discussions aimed at improving processes, operations and the lives of accounting firm owners. They also have a podcast, Owners & Operations - Accountants, where they share their weekly live streams.

Get $300 off of their course by using code ambitious at checkout.

Thanks for listening.

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper & @ownersandoperations

This episode sponsored by: keeper.app → use code AB 20 for 20% off your first 3 months

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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Scott Scarano - fellow Xero enthusiast, podcaster, and firm owner joins me today to riff more on getting through burnout, purpose, and building things YOUR way. If you don’t like hearing how human other accountants actually are, don’t listen.

In this episode you’ll hear us talk about:

• checkered pasts
• creativity vs productivity
• Going against the grain and other real sh**

Listen to the end to hear Scott’s Lil Toddler’s most recent accounting rap!

Scott is the host (rapping custodian) of the Accounting High Podcast, the owner of Padgett NC, a franchised accounting firm.

Connect with him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottscarano

Connect on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano

Thanks for listening.

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper or twitter @serenashoupcpa.

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

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In this solo episode, I’m giving you 7 simple steps to use when you feel like throwing in the towel or burning it all down. Entrepreneurship is hard. You’re not alone. 

In this episode you’ll hear: 

• How to silence the noise
• How to protect your time
• How to give your brain space to rest
• Important questions to reflect on

By the way, here’s that awesome novel I was talking about: 📘 Merewif - By Amanda Adam

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect on Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Send us a text

In this special episode, we’re airing a student spotlight interview with an Alum of The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator. You get an inside look into a real bookkeeping business and hear from one of our amazing students! Come listen and get inspired.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Who Ashly is and where her business started
• How BBA gave Ashly clear processes to follow and lots of confidence to create a flourishing business
• The struggles and benefits of hiring
• The importance of setting up an automated task management system before you actually need one

If you are specifically interested in finding out more information about BBA VIP visit: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/vip

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

Visit our website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com

Follow the Blog: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog

Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper

Connect on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/SerenaShoup

Connect of Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa

Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

• Podcast Editing: Ian Gilliam: iangilliam.com
• Descript (affiliate link)
• Buzzsprout (affiliate link)

Get access to the Dubsado Decoded Private Podcast Series here>>

Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify