The Better Bookkeeper Show

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 --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.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why did I even start this business?” or felt like you’re just logging in, doing client work, and living on a hamster wheel, this episode is for you.In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Denner, a leadership coach and trainer who helps small business owners reconnect with their purpose. We discuss what happens when you lose your why (and how to find it again), why so many entrepreneurs become accidental business owners, and how bookkeepers in particular can move from “just a bookkeeper” to purpose-driven firm leader.Key Takeaways:Two simple exercises that will help you reconnect with your purposeWhy character is more important than competenceHow leadership doesn’t start when you hire someone (it starts well before that)Why delegation is not just about offloading tasksYou’ll walk away with simple, practical exercises to uncover your deeper motivation, shift your mindset from operator to owner, and start leading in a way that makes the ride of business ownership a lot more fun!Resources Mentioned:Strengths FinderWorking Geniusjoedenner.com / Connect with Joe on LinkedInJoe’s Free Resource: The Three-Step Guide to Living the Life You Always Wanted **Tired of just logging in and doing client work on repeat? The Bookkeepers Training Circle helps you move from "just a bookkeeper" to confident business owner. 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.

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.

Most bookkeepers wait too long to think about selling. I know because I did the same thing. In this episode, I’ll show you how to avoid my mistakes and strengthen your firm now with two more value drivers.In the last episode, we covered financial performance and growth potential. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and do that first! These aren’t abstract theories. They’re the same steps I wish I had known years earlier, because they not only make your business more sellable, they make it easier and less stressful to run right now too.Timestamps:[00:38] Learn from my mistakes: Why you should start planning now[04:28] Value Driver #3 - Cash is king: Tighten up AR, shorten billing cycles, auto-charge clients, and track AR turnover to boost cash flow.[21:00] Value Driver #4 - Be the purple cow: Use niching and branding to prove your firm is premium, not generic.[30:09] Action steps and homework: Check if your firm’s cash cycle and positioning make you stand out.If this episode is helpful to you, get the full workbook with all 8 value drivers, exercises, checklists, and templates inside my Bookkeeping Training Circle. The first 30 days are free. 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.

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.--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.

Think you don’t need a mentor because you can figure it out yourself? I used to say the exact same thing. But now I understand that mentorship is the secret weapon that helps bookkeepers grow into confident business owners!That’s why I invited a former mentor of mine, Ronna-Renee Jackson of LaunchPoint Leadership, to join me for this conversation. Together, we break down how a mentor’s outside perspective helps you spot issues sooner, make decisions faster, and move your firm forward without burning out.Key Takeaways:The different styles of mentorship, from quick “flash” guidance to long-term leadership supportHow to recognize when you’re stuck in the “I’ll just do it myself” trap that keeps bookkeepers from scalingThe six specific symptoms that show it’s time for you to find a mentorIf this episode is helpful to you, get even more help with 30 days free in my Bookkeeping Training Circle. Join here: coachingbookkeepers.com/membershipConnect with Ronna-Renee Jackson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rjackson3--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.

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/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 YouTubeProduced by SpeakEasy Productions and hosted by Lynn Talbott of The Bookkeeper’s Coach.

You’ve closed the deal… now what?This is part 2 of our “Mastering the Sales Process” series and we’re breaking down what to do after the client says yes! From contracts and payment links to document requests and expectations calls, we’re walking you through the full onboarding process so you can keep the momentum going.You’ll learn:How to send contracts and payment links without confusing the clientIf you should store your clients’ documents or notWhy your language matters more than you thinkThe shift from “helper” to “leader” and how it changes everythingIf this episode is helpful to you, get even more help with 30 days free in 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.

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.