I Love Bookkeeping

Latest Episodes:

How to Handle Embarrassing Client Interactions Jul 14, 2022

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Have you ever experienced an awkward or embarrassing interaction with a client? How did you handle it, and what did you do to salvage the situation? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan share their most embarrassing client situations and reveal how they remained super professional even though deep down they were ready to crawl into a hole.

Hannah and Melissa agree that most people have experienced at least one awkward client interaction in their careers.
Hannah describes how a verbally abusive co-worker embarrassed her in front of a full salon after making a minor hairdressing error.
Hannah and Melissa believe that working for a mean boss is more than enough reason to get another job.
Melissa talks about why it's always a good idea to keep your cool after something embarrassing happens during client meetings.
Melissa shares her most embarrassing client interaction. It's both embarrassing and funny, yet she remained calm and professional, even though deep down she was mortified.
Melissa explains why you need to remain positive and focused on the job even after embarrassing yourself in front of a client.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Authentically Evolve Your Business Jul 12, 2022

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Can bookkeepers evolve their business, follow new trends, and still stay true to their business's core values? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan talk about how bookkeepers can authentically evolve their business by keeping a close watch on social media and capitalizing on trends that connect with their audience.

Hannah explains how hard it is for business owners to keep up with ever-changing social media trends.
Melissa asks Hannah what a trend is. Hannah breaks down the dictionary definition and adds what it means from a social media perspective.
Hannah and Melissa discuss when and when not to ride a social media trend.
Hannah shares the most important question you should ask yourself before deciding to follow a trend on social media.
Melissa asks Hannah if a content creator can ride a social media trend and still be authentic. Hannah believes it's possible, as long as you stay true to your company values.
Hannah advises content creators to go after social media trends only if they align with their company values or have the potential to bring in more customers.
Hannah and Melissa reveal some of the social media trends that backfired when they tried them out.
Melissa talks about why she dislikes going live on social media - Hannah also shares her experience going live on social media and reveals how it was a total disaster.
Hannah and Melissa explain why they believe the best way to stay sane on social media is not to take things personally.
Hannah describes how your audience can see right through inauthentic content - she also discourages content creators from following trends that don't align with their core values.
Mellisa goes through how she used popular social media trends to break down complex topics and drive engagement for her brand.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

Social Media Content Creation Jul 07, 2022

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Are you looking to start creating content for social media but don't know where to start? Or maybe you have a hard time coming up with content ideas for your online brand? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan share their thoughts on how bookkeepers can consistently generate engaging social media content and authentically market their brand.

Hannah and Melissa start by addressing the generational content gap - and how different age groups consume content.
Hannah asks Melissa what she struggles with when creating content. Her answer is what most people also struggle with: ever-changing social media algorithms.
Melissa reveals her content creation process involves creating as much content in advance and then scheduling it on a content calendar.
Hannah clarifies that you should only consider outsourcing your content creation if you have the budget for it.
Melissa talks about the benefits of professionalizing your content creation process.
Hannah describes the difference between looking for inspiration and stealing other people's content.
Hannah and Melissa agree that having a pattern is the best way to create content for social media consistently.
Melissa explains that being original in your content creation will set you apart from the competition - and that means niching down as much as possible.
Hannah shares her experience using social media metric tools - she also reveals that sometimes asking for feedback from your audience is all you need to drive engagement.
Hannah and Melissa go through why your content does not have to be perfect during the initial stages of your content creation journey.
Hannah explains why your fear of being judged should not stop you from creating content online.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Stay On Brand with Your Business Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

What can bookkeepers do to stay on brand with their overall business image? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss how bookkeepers can manage their business' identity, stay on brand, and become immune to the ever-changing social media trends.

Melissa explains why she's very intentional about brand authenticity and maintaining a consistent business identity.
Hannah and Melissa explain why consistency is the key to successful branding - they also go through tips you can use to stay immune to social media branding trends.
Melissa shares why she believes the more successful businesses operate primarily in the best interest of the clients or the best interests of the team.
Hannah talks about the benefits of having an accountability partner in business.
Hannah explains the difference between changing and evolving your brand.
Melissa reveals that she likes working with professional graphic designers because they effortlessly maintain consistent brand assets.
Melissa talks about brand reputation - and explains why your bookkeeping business is only as good as your reputation.
Hannah asks Melissa what she does to stay true to her brand consistently.
Melissa reveals she's her own biggest critic - and explains why being your own biggest critic can be both good and bad for your business.
Hannah and Melissa discuss what it means to live and breathe your brand.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Have Originality In Your Business Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

How important is it to have originality in your business? Is it even possible to be creative as a bookkeeper? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss why originality is a bookkeeper's greatest weapon and how creativity leads to business success.

Hannah and Melissa start by describing their creative backgrounds and how being creative helps in building originality.
Melissa reveals, for the first time, that she initially went to college for fashion design - This is the primary reason she has such an easy time coming up with creative ideas.
Melissa explains how the less creative bookkeepers can build originality in their business by outsourcing or delegating tasks that demand creativity.
Hannah breaks down the misconceptions around creativity and originality - she also goes through some easy-to-implement hacks bookkeepers can use to differentiate themselves from the competition.
Melissa explains how analytical bookkeepers can turn their businesses into creativity hubs by experimenting with the branding and marketing side of the business.
Hannah explains how originality leads to a better customer experience.
Hannah asks Melissa what she does to maintain originality and cultivate creativity in her business - Melissa states she's always open to new ideas.
Melissa talks about failing in business and why sometimes failing is necessary for success.
Hannah and Mellisa explain how comparing yourself to others will mean the death of your creativity - Melissa also admits to having fallen into the comparison trap numerous times in the past.
Hannah goes through simple steps you can use to spark your inner creativity and come up with original ideas.
Melissa explains the difference between being inspired by someone and flat-out copying.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

What is Your Go-to Bookkeeping Snack? Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

What's your go-to work snack? Is it healthy or you're only worried about the energy boost and getting through the workday? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan talk about their go-to work snacks and how having healthy snacks throughout the day can decrease hunger and boost productivity.

Hannah reveals her go-to work snack and why she can't seem to get enough of it.
Melissa explains why bookkeepers who are too busy to schedule lunch should always have snacks within reach.
Melissa shares how back in the day, her work days were fuelled by caffeine - She's on a healthier kick right now, so caffeine is off the table.
Hannah talks about her love for Starbucks and how she always finds a reason to pop into one of their stores whenever she's running errands.
Hannah reveals that she's actually a pretty good cook - she also shares a story of how she overcame her pretzel addiction in the thick of the pandemic when everything was closed.
Hanna and Melissa dissect the pros and cons of treating yourself every once in a while.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

How to Have Hard Conversations Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

How can you have a hard conversation without the conversation turning into a frustrating battle of wills? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss why people fear having difficult conversations and what you can do to ensure the conversation does not precipitate conflict, bad feelings, or further negative outcomes.

Hannah explains how leaders can learn to manage difficult conversations even when there's the risk of a confrontation - she also explains why most people procrastinate on having uncomfortable conversations.
Melissa reveals what she does to stay calm when having an uncomfortable conversation.
When thinking about when to have hard conversations, Hannah encourages people to have them as soon as possible. Immediately, if possible.
Melissa shares the benefits of preparing for a hard conversation ahead of time - she also reveals reasons why she's against having a script for the conversation.
Hannah and Melissa agree that removing emotions from the equation is the best way to manage a difficult conversation.
Hannah shares why leaders should approach difficult conversations as a way of finding a solution instead of looking for a confrontation.
Hannah asks Melissa what she would do if the other person is intent on turning the conversation into an argument.
Hannah and Melissa discuss how the "We need to talk" statement raises anxiety - They also reveal how the tone of voice can influence the outcome of a difficult conversation.
Melissa shares the reasons she believes all leaders should have regular check-ins with their team members - and how these check-ins can be used to have those tough conversations.
Hannah describes why meetings break down when people in the discussion take things personally.
Melissa explains how hard conversations become so much easier when participants are actively listening instead of listening to respond.
Melissa reveals the one trait that differentiates exceptional from average leaders.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

The Key to Referral Agreements with Tax Preparers Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

How can bookkeepers and tax preparers build relationships that provide better customer support? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan share their thoughts on how bookkeepers and tax preparers can gain insight into each other's practices and improve client outcomes by building better working relationships.

Melissa talks about why, as a bookkeeper, it's always a good idea to collaborate with tax preparers in your space. She also explains how a bookkeeper and a tax preparer working for the same client can make the client's life easier by collaborating.
Melissa reveals how millennial or introverted bookkeepers can take the first step and reach out to the tax preparers in their space.
Hannah and Melissa explain why you'll always be on the winning side if you constantly operate in your clients' best interests.
Hannah asks Melissa how she maintains her relationships with the tax preparers in her network.
Hannah and Melissa discuss how bookkeepers and tax preparers can communicate their needs to each other without crossing boundaries.
Melissa explains how and where brand new business owners can find a reputable tax preparer for their business.
Melissa shares her biggest pet peeve when working with a new tax preparer.
Hannah and Melissa reveal the key traits that define a tax preparer who's efficient and good at their job - they also discuss some simple yet effective hacks you can use to qualify or disqualify potential tax preparers before choosing to work with them.
Hannah asks Melissa about the benefits she derives from maintaining relationships with numerous tax preparers.

Mentioned in this episode:

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

Building Relationships Series: How to Build Relationships With Clients Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

How should you go about building relationships with clients? What are some things you can do to stand out from the competition and wow your customers? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan share their thoughts and examples of things business owners can do to build better relationships with their clients.

This episode, which is part of the Building Relationships series, addresses what's probably the most important topic: building relationships with clients.
Hannah asks Melissa whether, when she first started working for the company she now owns, she really prioritized building relationships with clients.
Melissa shares a story that shows the power of relationship-building.
For Hannah, focusing on getting to know people and what they're focusing on, and going the extra mile, was one of the best ways for her to the foundation of a good relationship with a client.
Melissa admits that going the extra mile to get to know clients better isn't something that comes naturally to her.
Melissa asks Hannah where she draws the line when it comes to asking questions about a client's personal life.
Melissa believes that building relationships is important but following through and doing what you said you were going to say are key ingredients of successful relationships with clients.
Having boundaries but communicating with clients and getting feedback from them is something Hannah values.
Melissa shares a couple of things bookkeepers could do to build better relationships with clients and to stand out from the competition.
What you do to stand out from the competition and wow your clients doesn't have to be something big, says Hannah.
Melissa and Hannah talk about small gestures you can do that will have a big impact on your relationship-building efforts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Help Scout

Zapier

Handwrytten

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

Mastermind Groups: What You Need to Know Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

What are the benefits of being in a mastermind group? And how should you approach finding and joining one? Co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss free and paid mastermind groups, the benefits of being a member of one, and share their experiences.

Hannah talks about the fact that mastermind groups are a very popular topic among the Bookkeepers.com community and shares that she and Melissa actually met at an in-person mastermind.
Melissa often doesn't get many questions from those who don't know her but does get plenty from people who attend mastermind events she's part of.
Hannah isn't part of a mastermind group but she's a member of a Facebook group.
Melissa discloses that the Bookkeepers Elite mastermind group doesn't exist anymore but some members have kept it alive through unofficial events.
Hannah and Melissa see mastermind groups as a unique opportunity for different people to come together in a non-judgemental and friendly space.
For Hannah, being open and the willingness to accept a different idea are one of the huge parts of joining a mastermind group.
Melissa, on the other hand, believes that even though mastermind members may be open to other people's ideas, they're still going to do what they want.
According to Hannah, one of the benefits of being in a mastermind group is that its members sort of have accountability partners.
Melissa discusses ways members of Bookkeepers Elite have held each other accountable and shares her challenge of participating in virtual events instead of in-person events.
Hannah sees Facebook groups as a double-edged sword.
Melissa stresses the importance of always giving and contributing to a community or mastermind group you're part of.
For Hannah, when it comes to marketing and networking is 'go where your clients go' but with mastermind groups and communities is 'go where your people go'.
Melissa brings the concept of paid mastermind groups into the conversation, and talks about what being part of a mastermind group has done for her.

Mentioned in this episode:

Bookkeepers.com

Slack

Circle

success@ilovebookkeeping.com

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