The Better Bookkeeper Show

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.

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

In this episode, we’re talking about pricing, hiring contractors, and building a team that actually supports your growth.If you’ve ever struggled with underpricing your services, hesitated to pay more for quality help, or felt unsure about how to coach your team effectively, this conversation is for you.Growing a bookkeeping firm requires more than technical skills. It requires confident pricing, smart hiring, and strong leadership.Lynn shares practical insights on when to invest in better talent, how to think about contractor pay, and why building the right team is essential for long-term profitability.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

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

Do you secretly worry that you’re “not ready” to grow your bookkeeping business?You’re not alone and you’re not underqualified.In this episode, Lynn Talbott breaks down why confidence is the real missing piece for most bookkeepers.If imposter syndrome is stopping you from raising your prices, taking on better clients, or trusting your own expertise, this episode is for you.We cover: ✔ Why comparison kills your momentum ✔ What to say when a client asks something you don’t know ✔ Why confidence is a skill, not a personality trait ✔ How clients actually see your value ✔ Simple mental shifts to build confidence starting todayThis isn’t about being perfect , it’s about showing up anyway.💪 Want ongoing support, scripts, and confidence-building tools?Join the Bookkeepers Training Circle: 👉 coachingbookkeepers.com