The Better Bookkeeper Show

Lynn Talbott
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Starting a bookkeeping business can sometimes be… a little scary.  You might be new to working for yourself, or you might have been winging it for a while? Maybe you've got a little side hustle bookkeeping business going on... but now you're ready to get down to business. Either way, you don’t have to go through it alone! I’m Lynn Talbott, and I scaled and sold a seven-figure bookkeeping business, I’ve been where you are now. I know the problems you’re facing and I want to share what I had to learn the hard way to help you on your journey. In each episode, I share tips for growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way, dealing with client issues that may arise, and managing a team of bookkeepers...if you choose to. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solo-entrepreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2 Sept

    How to Manage Multiple Bookkeeping Clients From Home

    What does a typical day really look like for a work-from-home bookkeeper? In Part 2 of our Day in the Life of a Bookkeeper conversation, Lynn Talbott continues her interview with Ashley Lamar Morris of Purrrfect Bookkeeping to explore the routines, systems, and workflows behind running a solo bookkeeping business from home. Ashley walks us through her daily and monthly bookkeeping workflow, explaining how she manages approximately 20 clients while keeping her workload organized and manageable. From checking emails and reviewing her own books first thing in the morning to requesting client statements, reconciling accounts, managing uncategorized transactions, following up on missing information, delivering reports, and scheduling client meetings, Ashley breaks down how her bookkeeping workflow changes throughout the month. She also shares the simple color-coded Google Sheets system she uses to manage her bookkeeping clients and quickly identify which accounts need attention, which are waiting on client information, and which are completely closed for the month. Lynn and Ashley also tackle an important question for independent bookkeepers: When should you bill clients for emails and additional questions? They discuss the difference between answering a quick question and spending 10–15 minutes researching transactions, reviewing financial reports, and preparing a detailed response and how to make sure you're compensated for your time without making clients feel nickel-and-dimed. In this episode, you'll learn: • What a typical day looks like for a work-from-home bookkeeper • How to organize a monthly bookkeeping workflow • How to manage multiple bookkeeping clients • Email and task management strategies for solo bookkeepers • How to prepare for month-end bookkeeping • How to manage client statements and missing information • A simple Google Sheets system for bookkeeping client management • When bookkeepers should charge for emails and additional work • Hourly billing vs. monthly bookkeeping pricing • How to use downtime for bookkeeping training and professional development • Productivity strategies for working from home • Why multitasking can hurt your focus • How to build a bookkeeping business that fits your lifestyle Whether you're a new bookkeeper, virtual bookkeeper, solo bookkeeper, or already running a bookkeeping business from home, this episode offers practical strategies you can use to improve your workflow, manage your clients more efficiently, and create a business that works for you. Thank you to our guest Ashley. You can reach out to Ashley at purrrfectbookkeeping.com If you're looking for a community of bookkeepers who understand what it's like to build and run a business, join us inside the Bookkeepers Training Circle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 19 Aug

    How to Run a Bookkeeping Business From Home

    You don't have to build a huge bookkeeping firm to build a successful bookkeeping business. In this episode, Lynn Talbott talks with Ashley Lamar Morris, owner of Purrrfect Bookkeeping, about what it really looks like to run a bookkeeping business from home as a solo entrepreneur. Now in her third year of business with around 20 clients, Ashley has intentionally built a workload that feels comfortable and manageable. Instead of following the constant pressure to "grow and scale," she's focused on creating a profitable bookkeeping business that fits her lifestyle. Ashley shares her experience transitioning from a W-2 bookkeeping employee to running her own firm, including why she didn't feel ready for her first client, how confidence developed through experience, and why she initially underestimated the amount of unpaid administrative work involved in running a bookkeeping business. Lynn and Ashley also dive into one of the biggest challenges of working from home: staying focused. You'll hear practical strategies for improving productivity as a work-from-home bookkeeper, including time blocking, minimizing phone and email distractions, creating a dedicated workspace, using noise-canceling headphones, and working with the Pomodoro Technique to break client work into focused blocks. They also discuss why new bookkeeping business owners don't need every system, app, or client management platform from day one, and why many of the best systems are developed naturally as your client base grows. Whether you're thinking about starting a bookkeeping business from home, already working as a virtual bookkeeper, or simply looking for better ways to manage your time and clients, this episode is a reminder that your bookkeeping business doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be successful. Thank you to our guest Ashley. You can reach out to Ashley at purrrfectbookkeeping.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 5 Aug

    5 Bookkeeping Client Red Flags: When to Say No

    Every bookkeeping client isn't worth saying yes to. In this episode, Lynn shares one of the biggest lessons she learned from building—and eventually selling—a successful bookkeeping firm: choosing the right clients is essential to building a profitable, low-stress business. You'll learn how to recognize bookkeeping client red flags during a discovery call, why some clients cost far more than they're worth, and how to professionally decline projects that aren't the right fit. Whether you're a new bookkeeper or growing your own bookkeeping firm, this episode will help you improve your client onboarding process, protect your time, and create healthier client relationships. In this episode:The 5 biggest bookkeeping client red flagsHow to conduct a better discovery callQuestions every bookkeeper should ask prospective clientsWhen to walk away from a clientHow to say no professionallyWhy good clients build better bookkeeping businessesTips for growing a profitable bookkeeping firm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 22 Jul

    How to Price Your Bookkeeping Services for Profit | Bookkeeper Interview with Marika Ponton (Part 2)

    Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for new—and even experienced—bookkeepers. In Part 2 of the Profit Truths series, Lynn Talbott and Marika dive into one of the most important drivers of profitability: pricing your bookkeeping services correctly. Thank you to our guest Marika Ponton - You can reach out to Marika at https://profittruths.com Together they discuss: why so many bookkeepers undercharge,how to know when it's time to raise your rates,balancing profitability with long-term client relationships,tracking your time to improve pricing accuracy,building confidence as a business owner,and developing a true profit mindset. They also explore practical strategies for: researching market rates,pricing your first bookkeeping clients,using testimonials and referrals to grow your business,setting financial goals,tracking key business metrics,and treating your bookkeeping practice like a real business from day one. If you're starting a bookkeeping business, growing a bookkeeping firm, or looking to increase your profitability, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. Perfect for: New bookkeepersIndependent bookkeepersVirtual bookkeepersBookkeeping firm ownersQuickBooks Online ProAdvisorsAnyone looking to build a more profitable bookkeeping business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 8 Jul

    Why Bookkeepers Work Hard But Still Don't Make Money | Bookkeeper Interview with Marika Ponton (Part 1)

    Why do so many bookkeepers work 40–50 hours a week but still feel like they're not making enough money? In this first episode with CPA and Profit Truths founder Marika Ponton, Lynn Talbott explores the financial habits that separate profitable bookkeeping businesses from those that simply stay busy. Together they discuss common first-year mistakes, overspending on software, setting realistic expectations, managing cash flow, improving accounts receivable, and using your existing network to attract better clients. Whether you're just starting your bookkeeping business or looking to improve your profitability, this conversation offers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Thank you to our guest Marika Ponton - You can reach out to Marika at https://profittruths.com Part 2 continues the conversation with even more strategies for building a profitable bookkeeping business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 24 Jun

    From Bookkeeper to CEO: How to Scale Your Firm with Cheryl Blazej

    What happens when your bookkeeping business outgrows you? In this episode, Lynn Talbott welcomes Cheryl Blazej back to the show to discuss one of the biggest challenges firm owners face: letting go of daily bookkeeping work and stepping into the role of CEO. Together, they share real-world experiences about: Delegating client workBuilding trust with employeesAvoiding micromanagementManaging growth effectivelyDeveloping leadership skillsCreating a business instead of a job Whether you're a solo bookkeeper considering your next step or a firm owner looking to scale, this episode offers practical advice and honest insights from two professionals who have successfully navigated the journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 10 Jun

    What Services Should New Bookkeepers Avoid? (Part 2) | Bookkeeper Interview with Ashley Lamar Morris

    In Part 2 of this conversation, Lynn Talbott and Ashley Lamar Morris dive deeper into the bookkeeping services and clients new bookkeepers should avoid when first starting out. They discuss: why payroll can quickly become overwhelming,the hidden stress behind restaurants and retail bookkeeping,construction and job costing challenges,difficult client red flags,and how to protect your confidence while building your bookkeeping business. This episode also covers: how to gradually expand your service offerings,why service-based businesses are ideal for beginner bookkeepers,how to build strong bookkeeping systems,and how to grow a profitable bookkeeping business intentionally. If you’re: starting a bookkeeping business,learning QuickBooks Online,building a virtual bookkeeping business,or trying to avoid burnout as a bookkeeper, this episode is packed with practical real-world advice. This episode is perfect for: beginner bookkeepers,independent bookkeepers,virtual bookkeepers,bookkeeping firm owners,and bookkeeping entrepreneurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 27 May

    What Services Should New Bookkeepers Offer First? (Part 1) | Bookkeeper Interview with Ashley Lamar Morris

    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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

About

Starting a bookkeeping business can sometimes be… a little scary.  You might be new to working for yourself, or you might have been winging it for a while? Maybe you've got a little side hustle bookkeeping business going on... but now you're ready to get down to business. Either way, you don’t have to go through it alone! I’m Lynn Talbott, and I scaled and sold a seven-figure bookkeeping business, I’ve been where you are now. I know the problems you’re facing and I want to share what I had to learn the hard way to help you on your journey. In each episode, I share tips for growing your bookkeeping business in a thoughtful and sustainable way, dealing with client issues that may arise, and managing a team of bookkeepers...if you choose to. I fully believe that anyone has what it takes to make a living from bookkeeping, whether that means being a solo-entrepreneur or building a 7-figure firm like me. So follow along, and let’s get your bookkeeping business where you want it to be! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Lynn Talbott
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SpeakEasy Productions
  • Show Website
    The Better Bookkeeper Show

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