I Love Bookkeeping

Latest Episodes:

Why You Shouldn't Reply to Work Emails on Weekends Sep 22, 2022

Show notes

Do you respond to work emails over the weekend? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss why it's never a good idea to respond to work-related emails over the weekend, on public holidays, or after hours.

Hannah and Melissa start the conversation by revealing that they don't reply to work-related emails during the weekend.
For Melissa, there is no such thing as a work emergency - and replying to emails on the weekends gives people the impression that it's okay to contact you whenever they like.
Melissa talks about how some people struggle to put away work on the weekends. Daniel is one such example and struggles to disconnect himself from work on weekends.
Hannah and Melissa try to identify the only times it makes sense to reply to work emails - There aren't any.
Hannah talks about her weekend schedule and how she shuts off completely on Friday evening.
Hannah and Melissa agree that the hustle mentality and working throughout the weekend often leads to burnout.
Melissa also believes the concept of "grind and hustle 24/7" to reach success is just wrong - the only thing you can expect from it is physical and emotional exhaustion.
According to Melissa, another good habit is not using your phone during the weekend - time away from all types of screens can make you more productive when you resume on Monday morning.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

Why You Should Consider Joining a Mastermind Group Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

Are you looking for a dose of motivation, mentoring, and accountability? A mastermind group might be what you need. In this episode, co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan go through the benefits of being part of a mastermind group, how to join one, what to expect, and how to get the most out of the group.

Hannah and Melissa talk about the benefits of being in a mastermind group and reveal they first met at the Bookkeeper Launch Mastermind Group.
Melissa explains why she feels the best mastermind groups consist of people with diverse skill sets and experiences.
Hannah and Melissa agree the best way to get more out of a mastermind group is to join groups that focus on areas you are not particularly good at.
Hannah shares the benefits of being around people who push you and hold you accountable - Melissa adds that accountability partners should also understand if you have to pivot.
Melissa highlights why it pays to join mastermind groups with people who have already reached the goal you would like to achieve.
Hannah and Melissa share their experience in mastermind groups as well as some of the common themes around the more successful masterminds.
According to Melissa, mastermind groups that lack structure and organization are rarely successful.
Hannah explains how running a business can be very lonely - which is why camaraderie is such a huge thing in mastermind groups.
Melissa highlights how masterminds can help broaden your thinking by exposing you to opinions and views of other people.
Hannah and Melissa break down the difference between paid versus free masterminds - and how joining a paid group might motivate and push you a little bit more.
For Melissa, finding the perfect mastermind group is a lot like online dating - you have to put yourself out there.
Although several characteristics define productive mastermind groups, Hannah believes the best groups boast high participation levels and have a clear format for giving and receiving feedback.
Melissa shares what she does to get the most out of both virtual and in-person mastermind meetings.
Melissa and Hannah go through the advantages of only taking one or two things to implement in your business - too many ideas will lead to overwhelm.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

How and When to Ask for Testimonials Sep 15, 2022

Show notes

Want to know how to ask for testimonials and actually get a response? In this episode, co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss the dos and don'ts of asking for testimonials. They also demonstrate how bookkeepers can use testimonials from satisfied clients to build social proof and scale their businesses.

Hannah starts the conversation by revealing she enjoys the process of asking for and receiving testimonials.
Although there are numerous ways to get testimonials, Hannah believes the most persuasive testimonials come from customers who are already satisfied with your services.
Melissa explains that you don't have to ask all your clients for testimonials - start with the ones that have had a positive experience working with you.
Hannah and Melissa discuss the difference between asking for a testimonial in-person versus through email.
Hannah shares her experience asking for testimonials at BKX - it was interesting since most bookkeepers are introverts and camera shy.
Melissa goes through some of the questions she asks when requesting a testimonial.
According to Melissa, the easiest way to get a testimonial is to make your questions short and to the point. People are busy and don't have time to go through 50 redundant questions.
Hannah explains why written testimonials are often more authoritative than recorded videos.
Hannah and Melissa agree that people are more willing to give testimonials when you offer incentives - it's not a bribe, but you'd be surprised what a $50 discount can get you.
Melissa reveals why it's never a good idea to ask new clients for testimonials right off the bat.
Melissa shares how business owners can use testimonials to grow their brand.
Hannah and Melissa go through the pros and cons of automating your testimonial collection process.
Hannah explains why she believes you should never ask for testimonials more than twice a year.
Melissa shares some of the software she uses when asking for both video and written testimonials.
Hannah highlights that, ideally, you should ask for testimonials after the customer has some success with your service - but always ask. The more you ask, the more you'll get.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

Why Every Business Owner Needs to Go on a Brain Dump Retreat with Ben Day Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Want to come up with new ideas for your business? Maybe you should consider going on a brain dump retreat. Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan talk to Ben Day from Lionshare Bookkeeping - they discuss how business owners can use brain dump retreats to clear overwhelm and come up with fresh ideas for their businesses.

Ben Day is the owner of Lionshare Bookkeeping where he and his team offer full-service bookkeeping exclusively to real estate investors.
Ben is a huge proponent of having a niche - However, he also believes your niche should be broad enough for it to make sense.
Melissa asks Ben what it's like to manage a large team and the difference between managing full-time employees and a handful of subcontractors.
Ben talks about creating a flexible work environment and how giving your team the opportunity to self-govern around a set of guidelines leads to better morale, improved productivity, and positive work culture.
Hannah goes through the benefits of creating a space where team members can grow with the business but also grow individually on their own.
According to Ben, employees become way more productive when you allow them the freedom to create their own schedule around a set of guidelines.
Ben talks about his BKX talk - Brain Dump Retreats. The topic is built on the idea that business owners need to get away from the business and schedule some intentional quiet time; only then can they come up with brilliant ideas for the business.
Ben shares how he performs his brain dump sessions and the positive impacts those new ideas have had on his business.
Hannah, Ben, and Melissa share their love for dogs and how dogs lead to more fulfillment in life.
Hannah asks Ben about his scaling journey and the moment he decided to start bringing on new team members.
Ben believes making a lot of money at the expense of your sanity is not a great way to live life.
Ben's advice for business owners looking to scale is to take it slow - scaling is complicated, and trying to rush things is a guaranteed recipe for disaster.
Hannah highlights the drawbacks of chasing new shiny things instead of focusing on the work in front of you.
Ben reveals his experience with mentors and the benefits of having the right business mentors.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lionshare Bookkeeping - lionsharebookkeeping.com

Ben Day on LinkedIn

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

Practical Tips on How to Delegate Effectively Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

Why is delegating so important, and how can business owners master the art of effective delegation? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan expand on Melissa's BKX talk - Delegate, Develop, and Grow. They also share insights on why delegation is the only way to scale a business and create more time for the business owner.

Melissa shares her first experience delegating tasks and letting go of responsibilities - it was chaotic.
Delegating is a skill that doesn't come naturally for most people - Hannah believes business owners should not be too hard on themselves if they struggle to delegate.
Melissa explains why the most valuable thing you can do as a business owner is learning how to delegate.
For Hannah, delegating frees up more time for the business owner to focus on high-impact tasks and create the perfect work-life balance.
Melissa explains why the most challenging transition for business owners is shifting from doing to leading.
Hannah and Melissa agree that it's almost impossible to scale your business if you don't know how to delegate.
Hannah dissects the first step to mastering the art of delegation: knowing when to ask for help.
Melissa shares her post-maternal depression story and how hiring a housekeeper made life at home manageable.
Hannah expounds on the consequences of business owners believing they can do everything on their own.
"Average people trade their time for money. Wealthy people trade money for time." Melissa is a huge proponent of this quote and aims to get to a place where she can trade money for more time.
Hannah highlights that delegation is expensive, but you have to decide which is more precious: time or money.
Melissa talks about delegation in the family unit and how parents can lighten their load by getting the kids involved in building a productive home.
According to Melissa, it's not unethical to source cheap labor from workers outside the US - if you cannot afford to pay local talent, it's okay to hire foreign freelancers from platforms like Upwork.
Melissa shares the impact effective delegation has had on her life-work balance.
Hannah and Melissa discuss how business owners can overcome the need to micromanage their team members after delegating tasks.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Follow Through with Your Goals Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Do you struggle to follow through with your goals? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss goal setting and the benefits of setting realistic, achievable goals. They also share practical strategies you can use to maximize your ability to follow through on your goals.

Hannah and Melissa discuss the benefits of setting big goals and having smaller goals that keep you motivated along the way.
Hannah shares her struggles with following through on the goals she set for herself.
Melissa shares her goal-setting process - and a framework that makes it easy to follow through.
Hannah shares a story of how she used goal setting to prepare for a marathon and remain disciplined throughout.
Hannah and Melissa agree that celebrating small wins along the way is the easiest way to stay motivated and follow through on your goals.
Melissa explains that motivation is good for goal setting - but you need consistency to actually follow through.
Melissa breaks down an intriguing goal-setting strategy that will keep you going, especially on days you don't feel like putting in the work.
Hannah talks about checklists and why they are so effective in daily productivity management.
Hannah and Melissa discuss productivity and the benefits of focusing on high-priority tasks.
Hannah and Melissa go through the pros and cons of having an accountability partner.
According to Hannah, there is no shame in setting a goal and realizing the goal is not the right fit - However, this is not reason enough to drop every goal you set.
Hannah firmly believes in working hard in silence and letting success make all the noise.
Hannah expounds on the benefits of developing habits that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Melissa reveals why she's a big fan of making immediate changes. Just start - take action now and learn as you go.
Hannah and Melissa debate what are the biggest roadblocks stopping people from achieving their goals.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

Should Personality Assessments Be Used in Hiring? Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

How accurate are personality assessments, and should you use them for hiring? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan break down the pros and cons of personality tests- and whether business owners should use them when making business decisions.

Hannah and Melissa go through the major highlights from Sally's BKX speech - Personality Assessments.
Melissa unapologetically maintains that she doesn't like personality assessments - because there are no comprehensive studies to prove their effectiveness.
Melissa explains why she believes personality assessments should not dictate how you live your life, both professionally and personally.
For Hannah, personality tests are not super important, but they do help shine a light on a person's strengths and weaknesses.
Hannah and Melissa agree that personality tests are great for personal use - but should never be used in any part of running a business.
Melissa breaks down the effectiveness of personality assessments compared to the Big Five when hiring new employees.
Hannah reveals she's a big fan of zodiac signs - but would never use them to make hiring decisions.
Melissa is convinced that introverts can also make great salespeople.
Hannah and Melissa go through the benefits of analyzing your strengths and weaknesses - and how to use your weaknesses to make hiring decisions.
According to Hannah, if employees are comfortable voicing their concerns, that's a great organization to work for.
Hannah and Melissa share their experience being on stage at BKX.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

Ways to Future-Proof Your Business In Case of a Recession Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

How close are we to a recession? Can your business survive and maybe even thrive in a market downturn? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan break down Ben's BKX opening speech: Fascinating Futures - and how bookkeepers can build recession-proof businesses in these uncertain times.

Hannah and Melissa talk about Ben's doomsday BKX speech about the prospect of an impending recession.
Hannah describes why it was important for Ben to talk about the recession and the uncertainty in today's business environment.
Melissa explains why she's convinced that the businesses that came out of the pandemic unscathed can survive a market downturn the same way.
According to Melissa, your actions will determine whether you're one of the businesses that come out on top in case of a recession.
As someone with anxiety, Melissa reveals all she can do to stay sane, with everything that's happening in the world, is to keep moving forward.
Hannah and Melissa share their admiration for Ben's "Adapt and Overcome" philosophy - and why businesses need to learn how to pivot in the face of new economic challenges.
For Hannah, the key to surviving and even thriving during a recession is to play the long game - make long-term decisions and only make changes when it's absolutely necessary.
Melissa's advice for business owners: when the money starts rolling in, fight the urge to start buying things you probably don't need.
Melissa shares an inspiring story of how her clients came out on top during the pandemic.
Melissa explains why client success should be the driving factor for any business - and how helping your clients make more money will drive more revenue for your business.
Hannah believes the overarching theme for surviving a global crisis is being creative, expanding your services, and thinking outside the box.
Melissa breaks down the benefits of having an emergency kit and saving for your business in case of a market collapse.
Melissa highlights the benefits of niching down - and why having a niche is the key to surviving all forms of financial drawbacks.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

What You Missed at BKX 2022 Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

BKX 2022 was a massive success. Want to know what you missed? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan talk about the most memorable moments of BKX 2022.

Hannah and Melissa reveal that one of their major highlights at BKX was when they interviewed Ben on stage.
Hannah reveals that their interview with Ben was not rehearsed as he wanted to answer questions off the top of his head.
Hannah admits that she was a little nervous about being on stage.
Melissa describes how the audience resonated with the topic of weird client interactions - because we've all had one.
Hannah shares Ben's reaction when he learned that the audience wanted to know who his favorite child was.
Melissa talks about the excitement that comes with meeting fans in person and interacting with people she normally sees on Facebook.
Melissa's pro tip for event speakers: volunteer to speak on the first or second day of the event.
Hannah and Melissa break down the pros and cons of running a virtual event alongside an in-person event.
Melissa explains why she believes it's almost impossible to try and compare the experience of a virtual event versus an in-person event.
Hannah and Melissa agree that people assume hosting an event is easy because nothing ever goes wrong at well-run events.
Melissa shares how disappointed she was with the dessert - especially since good food was a motivating factor for attending BKX.
Hannah describes the state of her feet after a whole day of wearing heels - Melissa adds that bleeding feet is the primary reason she's a big fan of flats.

Mentioned in this episode:

hello@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Implement New Processes and Systems in Your Business Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

What is a business process, and does your business really need one? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan go through systems and processes that can enhance the overall performance of your business - and how you can build one that's tailored to your business model.

Melissa goes through the benefits of developing business processes - and why creating systems and processes is the first step to scaling a business.
Melissa talks about the first processes she implemented in her business when she took over running the business after Daniel was deployed.
Hannah shares her thoughts on why she believes having processes always leads to increased productivity.
Melissa describes how hard it was to move from a sub-contractor business model to hiring permanent staff.
Melissa reveals she is a massive fan of time blocking.
Hannah and Melissa go through unique strategies for building efficient business processes.
According to Melissa, processes guarantee high-quality outputs - knowing exactly what needs to be done ensures nobody skips a step and the quality is the same across team members.
Melissa breaks down how business owners can use quantifiable metrics to evaluate the diverse aspects of their business processes.
Hannah explains why a critical step to implementing business processes is figuring out how much it's going to cost you.
Hannah asks Melissa how she monitors the results of new processes - Melissa asks for feedback from her team.
Melissa explores the benefits of building a culture where employees are comfortable pointing out the flaws in your system.
Melissa shares how her team became hysterical when they learned that Daniel would be the one implementing the Traction business system.
Hannah admits that she often struggles to adapt to change, especially when she's accustomed to a specific way of doing things.
Hannah and Melissa agree that you don't need to build new processes from scratch - if somebody else has a process that would fit your business model, buy it and implement it.
Melissa highlights why trusting yourself is one of the key attributes to making confident decisions as a business owner.
Melissa explains that if your team is negatively reacting to a new process, figure out if they're struggling because it's new or they're struggling because it's not working.