The Better Bookkeeper Show

Starting a bookkeeping business can feel overwhelming — especially when you think you need to offer payroll, inventory, sales tax, CFO services, and everything else right away.In this episode, Lynn Talbot and Ashley Lamar Morris explain how new bookkeepers can keep things simple, build confidence, and attract the right clients from the beginning.You’ll learn:the 5 core services every beginner bookkeeper should offer,what NOT to offer when starting out,how to avoid burnout,how to choose better bookkeeping clients,and why relationships matter more than ever in modern bookkeeping.This episode is especially helpful for:independent bookkeepers,virtual bookkeepers,aspiring bookkeeping firm owners,and anyone trying to grow a sustainable bookkeeping business.They also discuss:QuickBooks Online workflows,monthly reconciliations,reporting packages,client communication,bookkeeping systems,and building long-term confidence as a bookkeeper.If you’re trying to grow a profitable bookkeeping business without chaos, this episode is for you.

This is Part 2 of our interview with Cheryl Blazej, founder of Blazej Accounting.In this episode, Cheryl shares the next stage of her journey—from managing everything herself to building a scalable bookkeeping firm supported by systems, processes, and a strong team.As her clients grew and their needs became more complex, Cheryl realized she needed to move beyond basic bookkeeping and step into a more advisory-focused role. That meant hiring strategically, improving workflows, and learning how to lead a business instead of simply doing client work.In this episode, we discuss: • Hiring and building a bookkeeping team • The importance of systems and processes • Transitioning into advisory services • Scaling beyond solo bookkeeping • Working on the business instead of in it • The mindset shifts required for long-term growthIf you're trying to scale your bookkeeping business and feel stuck doing everything yourself, this episode will give you valuable insight into what growth really requires.

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.

Are you working too many hours in your bookkeeping business and still feeling behind?In this episode, Lynn Talbott shares practical strategies to help bookkeepers build better workflows, organize their systems, and create a business that doesn’t depend entirely on them.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck doing everything yourself, this episode will help you understand how to fix your processes and start scaling.You’ll learn how to build repeatable workflows, delegate effectively, and implement systems that save time, reduce stress, and improve client work.This episode is perfect for independent bookkeepers and firm owners who want to work smarter, not harder.

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.

The bookkeeping industry is evolving faster than ever—and 2026 is bringing major changes.In this episode, Lynn Talbott shares 9 game-changing trends shaping the future of bookkeeping, from AI and automation to value-based pricing and advisory services.If you're wondering whether AI will replace bookkeepers, or how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry, this episode will give you clarity and direction.You’ll learn how successful bookkeepers are adapting by embracing technology, improving client relationships, and expanding into higher-value services like financial advisory and forecasting.This episode is perfect for independent bookkeepers, firm owners, and anyone looking to build a modern, profitable bookkeeping business.