January 3, 2025 • 32 mins
Cheers to bookkeeping (yes, really)! In this episode, we chat with Linda, who turned the traditional CPA world on its head by building a fun, relatable bookkeeping brand. We dive into her journey of breaking out during the post-COVID entrepreneurial wave and drop some serious gems for business owners—like why paying yourself isn’t just a luxury but a must.
What’s on the agenda?
- The highs and lows of bookkeeping (spoiler: it’s not all spreadsheets and snooze-fests).
- Linda’s pandemic pivot to boss babe bookkeeping.
- Why women entrepreneurs need to stop skipping their paycheck.
- Keeping your biz legit: separating business and personal finances.
- The power trio every entrepreneur needs: CPA, financial advisor, and…?
Get inspired, learn something new, and sip along with us! Don’t forget to follow and support us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.
Leave no wine behind!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to the no Wine Left Behind podcast, where
we truly leave no wine behind.
I'm Alex.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
And I'm Celia.
We are here in the studiotogether, sharing ups and downs,
frustrations and funny momentsof our daily adventures.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
So grab your favorite glass, join us as we raise our
voices Together, we'll dive intothe drama of life as we see it
Welcome.
Everyone Joining us today isour bookkeeping bestie, ms Linda
.
Welcome to no Wine Left Behind,thank you.
Yeah, we are so excited to haveyou have so many questions.
(00:42):
Never thought I'd have so manyquestions about bookkeeping, but
you make it seem so much fun.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Well, I try, we try.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Yeah, how did you get into the world of bookkeeping?
Where did it all begin?
Speaker 3 (00:58):
I mean honestly like who chooses bookkeeping.
They're like oh fun, careerchoice bookkeeping, chooses
bookkeeping.
They're like oh fun careerchoice bookkeeping.
But I think my personalitylends to it.
I'm super organized, I'm a typeA, I like things in particular
order right, and to me that madesense.
It was like a thing I couldcontrol.
(01:19):
So I felt like you know, asgirls sometimes we like to
control things and so I kind offell into it that way.
I worked for a CPA firm for areally long time and that's kind
of where I really built theeducation, all the knowledge
base right for those years.
But you know, I mean workingfor a CPA firm.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
snooze, yeah, you seem to be thriving right,
working for a CPA firm.
Snooze, yeah, you seem to bethriving.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
No, that was like.
That was the point where I waslike okay, I'm going to do this
for 20 more years, or I got todo something else.
I just can't do this, I thinkif I'm going to you know work
for that many more years.
I just it felt like I got toget out of this, this is not
making me happy at all anymore,you know.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
And what was that turning point for you?
Did this all happen duringCOVID, like everyone else,
started to find their truepassion and dreams, or was it
clear post?
What's your story?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
I mean again, I'm a type a, so I was a planner about
it start transpiring in 2020,because I just I did not feel
like I was aligned with thepeople I was around sure and.
I'm like this is it becomesreally glaringly obvious when it
comes to major like thingshappening in the world, and
(02:43):
you're, I don't agree withanything that's going on over
here.
Right Like, I just like want tolive this very different life,
trapped here, like with a circleof people I don't relate to you
know, so, yes, it started in2020.
I took the leap January 2021.
But you know, I mean, even thenI didn't think, oh, I'm going
(03:05):
to be a bookkeeping bestie, I'mnot going to.
You know, like I wasn'tthinking, how can I make this
fun?
I was just thinking I got to dosomething else.
I don't want to be with thesepeople, yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Well, kudos to you for being so brave.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
No, thank you.
It was hard and I had goodpeople.
You know you need the people.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So I'm feeling like a trend here.
The last couple of people thatwe interviewed have started
their own business, and it'smuch like how you started yours.
They either were in a placethat they weren't comfortable or
they found their niche andthey're like, okay, let's make
this happen, let's grow, let'sexpand, and it's like the
(03:51):
stories are all like similar.
I love it.
It's great, cause you allfigured out like this is what I
should be doing, how do I dothat.
I'm doing it and you're all getyour own little thing going on.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
It's cool and I feel like COVID definitely pushed
people that way because it waslike well, places might have
been closed or maybe you wereunemployed because of COVID, you
know, laid off or whatever.
It kind of forced you to thinkwell, I got nothing else going
on, I could try this.
What's the worst that couldhappen?
You know, so I feel like thatwas nice and that lended to the
(04:25):
bookkeeping industry growing andballooning and it was a huge
point.
Yeah, all the small businessesthat started.
There was a lot of you knowforethought with it For me.
I knew a lot of people thatwere starting businesses.
I had a lot of good contacts.
I've been networking quite abit.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
And.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I felt like you know what I think.
This is the time becausethere's going to be a lot of new
businesses that need help.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Yeah, that's so incredible.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Yeah, something that we talk about, but you don't
think about it full circle andall encompassing so great timing
for everyone.
So what can you tell us aboutthe people that you support,
either like, is there like atrending industry, or I mean the
(05:13):
more that I think about this,and like post COVID and all the
people trying to beself-sufficient?
Are you finding like more males, more females?
Are they older, are theyyounger?
Like?
I just want to get down to thenitty gritty of all the details
of what you're seeing from yourperspective.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So I think initially and anybody out there that
started a business, you're justlike whoever I can get, whatever
client I can get, I got tosurvive, I got to earn a living
right.
You kind of start that way eventhough you tell yourself you're
not going to do that.
No, I'm going to be sostrategic, I'm only going to be
in my little niche here.
But, like you know, survivalmode takes over and I'm like a
(05:50):
recovering people pleaser.
And so literally, if somebodywere to come to me, even as an
industry, I was like I don'treally want to work.
But you're like they're reallyso nice and I want to help them,
right.
So it took me a little while tokind of come to the realization
of who I really loved to workwith.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Right.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Um, and I think it kind of sort of makes it really
obvious when you go to mywebsite.
I think it's really um, gearedtowards the female entrepreneur.
It doesn't say that.
That's the point, right.
But it's pretty, it's designedaesthetically, there are certain
(06:31):
wordage that's in there thatresonates with other female
entrepreneurs, so I found thatto be the type of businesses I
love working with, and then theydon't always have to be female
entrepreneurs, but if they havesome sort of a creative in them,
so it would be.
You know your marketing, youragencies, your social media
(06:52):
people you know all those kindsof creatives.
I know I'm a bookkeeper.
There's this like one side ofme that's type A, the other side
of me that's very like creative, which is I.
I think why the bookkeepingbestie, the social media, all
that kind of fun stuff is partof why I like the job that I do
(07:13):
now.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
So cool.
I love it.
I don't want to give away anyfree content now.
However, you have to let usknow what are some common
mistakes.
What are you warning peopleabout?
What are you pulling your hairout for?
What can you share in terms ofthat part of your journey?
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Yeah so.
I think one of the things wealways do and I'm happy to even
do this on social media.
I'm happy to.
I feel like consistently, when Itake on a client or when
somebody comes to me askingquestions, is they very rarely
pay themselves properly in amanner that they're actually
taking a salary and it doesn'thave to be wages, they don't
have to be an employee right,that's only certain types of
(08:24):
entities but that you'reliterally taking money out of
your business every single monthand paying yourself.
Because why are you doing this?
If you're I mean, I know we allhave passion, projects and
literally I like my job but paythe bills would I really be
doing this much?
You know, um, and so we helpthem figure out.
How do you safely pay yourself?
(08:47):
How do I have a threshold fortaxes and a threshold for my pay
and cover my operating expenses, like those kind of
conversations, because they'llwilly-nilly take money or, the
worst ever, spend personally inyour business.
Such a faux pas, and it's notbecause I'm a bookkeeper, it's
because you're legally puttingyourself in risk.
(09:09):
It's so bad for you, you know,I mean, and that's one of the
first things we nip in the budand we've actually let clients
go.
They can't seem to rein that in.
Because in the end they'veactually let clients go.
They can't seem to rein that inthe end they don't want the
direction.
And they're really like.
It's about creating anatmosphere that the IRS cannot
go after.
Right, if you treat yourbusiness like it's your personal
(09:32):
checking account, then the IRSwill too, you know they'll come
after you personally, not justyour business, if you don't pay
your taxes, if you don't do this, that or the other, or legally.
If you ever got sued peoplewould come after you personally.
You definitely don't want that,so separating business and
personal is huge.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
It's just easier for you, I agree with that yeah.
It just makes sense, and justmakes sense, and people who
don't do that is, it's wild,yeah, yeah why would you want to
put yourself at risk like that?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
you know a lot of people start businesses thinking
, oh, this is just a little sidehustle, oh, this is just like
an extra little bit of money.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
So I don't always think.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
They think it's going to turn into what it does right
.
And so then, when it does andthey have hired a bookkeeper,
it's like they just need alittle direction.
I don't necessarily think theyunderstand why it's so important
not to you know.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
Oh boy, yeah, Just thinking about that makes me
nervous.
Yeah, a lot.
No, thank you A lot yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Seriously, and so there's a lot of things
obviously you need to knowlegally right.
Are there legal things that youneed to know to get people kind
of on the right track?
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Yeah, I mean, I think there's tips and there's things
that we can do.
I always direct people to thecorrect source, right?
Speaker 1 (10:58):
So like if.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
I'm saying you you know, it kind of seems like
right now would be an optimaltime for you to convert your LLC
to an S corp.
But talk to your CPA, becausethey're going to know your full
financial picture.
We do business bookkeeping, soI don't know what their personal
taxes look like.
They could be married, theycould have 10 children right.
Like so it really matters thefull picture and a CPA is the
(11:23):
best person to advise them onthat Just like the legal
ramifications of, you know,piercing the corporate veil is
what they call it when youpersonally use your business as
your you know.
Basically personal banking.
I mean, if they really want to,you know, talk to a lawyer and
get in the nitty gritty of it,you know.
I mean they certainly can.
But these are just the thingsthat, as over the years 20, some
(11:46):
odd years in this industry thatthey're little tips and tricks
that we know and I feel likethey're valued when they're
shared, you know.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Yeah, I think it's great that you share them and
you don't really call itgatekeep.
You know how, you know how is?
How are people supposed tolearn and know?
And if you're keepingeverything there and there are a
lot of people who are like theyknow something, they have
something valuable and theydon't want to share it, you know
you could be helping.
You know someone else or, insome form or fashion, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
I feel like we're going to find like well, you
know, we're all on social media,so the thing about social media
now is you know, it used to bevery different.
It was like you know, oh, youwant something, click this.
People aren't going to keepdoing that.
They don't want to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
They don't want to be spammed in their email.
They don't want to be harassed.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
So if you're not bringing them any insight or
something to help them, then whyare they?
Following you.
They're not a number to us.
They're a potential client thatover time, once they are
prepared for a bookkeeper,they'll appreciate that we
wanted to support them, whetherwe got paid or not, that's great
.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Yeah, I love that.
That's really cool.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
So then, linda, you had also mentioned CPAs.
So, for those that are startingout their new business and
they're unsure of you, know whothey need in their corner to
support them.
Besides yourself, in a CPAwhich I now know, what other
professionals shouldentrepreneurs be seeking out, or
at least aware of, untilthey're ready to seek out that
(13:26):
support?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Yeah, so the three like sort of branches of the
financial tree, as they say.
Right the bookkeeper?
Right, we're transactional,we're entering your data, we're
reconciling your numbers, we'remaking sure there's no
fraudulent charges in youraccounts.
We're sort of giving you yourmonthly financials how are you
(13:47):
doing right now, income andexpense wise and then your CPA
is taking all of thatinformation, analyzing it and
giving you tax consequences,right?
And letting you know what youshould be paying in estimates.
So there's your two parts.
The last part of that reallylong term is a financial advisor
, and I say that because at anypoint as you grow your business
(14:11):
you want to think aboutstrategically your tax
advantages, and havingretirement is a tax advantage
and setting up retirement inyour business can be a great
financial advantage for you.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Right.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
It's a write off, you know, and um, you can offer it
to like.
This was the first year we putinto place.
Where this is the beginning ofyear four is January one for us,
and we finally put in aretirement plan in place because
I wanted to be able to see youknow I take the next steps in
business, right?
Speaker 2 (14:42):
How can I?
Speaker 3 (14:43):
like show my employees.
I appreciate them offer themsomething back and help myself
right in the end you know.
So I would say those are thethree on the financial you know
sphere of what you you know, Iwould say invest in because
there's dividends that get paidback to you.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Wow, nice Look at you getting all bookkeeping on us.
I love it, it's all the stuff Inormally see on black on white
on my desk and I'm just like,okay, I'll read that later on my
desk.
And I'm just like, okay, I'llread that later.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
Yes, no, I mean, the thing is, is a lot of this stuff
is like okay, it's reallyimportant.
How do you make it fun?
This is boring and honestly,it's one of those things where a
lot of people dread it right.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Like a lot of people, especially in the group that I
love working with the creativesright, they're very much like
don't want to deal with thenumbers.
They feel overwhelmed by that.
They, you know all those kindsof things sort of trip them up a
bit and um.
So they're the ones thatappreciate it the most too, and
they appreciate the fun side ofit too.
You know, I used to feel well, Imean, I was like, like I said,
(15:59):
in a CPA firm.
It's very stuffy, right.
It was like this particular you, you know, like having like
being in my home office, whichis where we normally are, and
usually my dog's sitting upthere on the couch.
He's like laying behind me.
Now, but back in the day, thatwould have been like so much.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
Oh my gosh like seriously yeah and so going on
my own.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
I was like, should I put on a fake background?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
not these days see what's really happening.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
It's not a facade it is literally in my home office,
you know, I think the fakebackground these days is weird
and natural.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
I really do.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
So many people work from home now that before it
really wasn't a thing.
So you know, you had a fewpeople here and there that were
working from home, so they hadthe fake background with their
company logo.
What have you?
Now?
You see that and they move justa little bit and it's like this
weird, it doesn't make sensethese days.
These days, it should be yourenvironment, you know?
Speaker 3 (17:06):
yeah, yeah, make it pretty like the back, your
environments are cute, right.
It's like thank you, it's fine,it's totally fine, like I, you
know, and everybody loves seeingthe dog, so I actually think
people at ease when they'recoming to me in their discovery
call.
It's like oh yeah, that's Cyrus, you know.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
I'm not anybody hoity-toity over here.
We're just going to help youout, don't worry about it and in
your business.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
It will make people comfortable to work with you,
knowing that you're in that kindof laid back, relaxed
environment and there's nostuffiness and it's just.
You know you're free to justkind of be be you and, yeah, do
what you need to do.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Yeah, yeah I mean, I didn't look at it that way in
the beginning.
In the beginning I was like, oh, should I be embarrassed by
this?
Yeah, no the way that I dressedand everything was, like you
know, always very like.
I mean not that this isunprofessional, it's a sweater,
but, like you know, it would belike a nice blouse or all the
(18:10):
things that, like you, feel youhave to do in our profession, in
these, like professional realms.
And they were all the thingsthat I really never was, and I
just didn't like pretendingthat's who I was anymore.
And it wasn't until I finallywas like you know what it is,
what it is.
I feel like they either like mefor who I am.
It doesn't change theintelligence behind the face or
(18:33):
the outfit or the background youknow, and just because I'm not
sitting here in judgment andbeing all like, oh, I know more
than you and oh my gosh, yourbooks are a nightmare.
You know like that's a lot ofwhat you get in our industry
Super like crazy people.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
That's so funny.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Well, you're actually bringing in like a new
generation.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
I feel like that's so funny.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Well, yeah, I'm bringing in like a new
generation.
I feel like yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
And I do network with a bunch of bookkeepers that are
like me, right.
Like you know I love that too,like, and I think that's another
reason why, like you know, onsocial media there's no
gatekeeping.
I just don't feel likegatekeeping is stupid anyway.
But you know, I mean especiallyin like what we're doing, and
(19:21):
you know, I mean it's just sosilly, but a lot of our you know
the bookkeepers that we networkwith is because I may not be
the best fit for this clientRight.
I want to be able to refer them.
I still feel like that's beinghelpful you know Absolutely.
Um, and then we help each other.
Like, you know you, you runinto a problem and you're like,
uh, how are you dealing withthis with your employees?
Or how are you dealing withthis with software?
Like, what are you using?
I'm sick of this thing.
(19:41):
You know, like, right, you know, usually the community is
pretty helpful, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
Yeah, yeah, that's great.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
So what are you reading, perusing, scrolling to
stay up to date on all thebookkeeping things, because now
I'm intrigued and I'm on all thebookkeeping things because now
I'm intrigued and I'm ready tojoin bookkeeping TikTok.
I know, does that exist yet?
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Yeah is there a bookkeeping?
Speaker 3 (20:08):
TikTok, or is there everything else on TikTok?
There is.
It's not all fun, I go there.
I mean, you definitely needyour martini if you're going to
go there.
But there is, yes, because alot of times I'm always thinking
(20:30):
like social media wise, likeyou know, try to get inspiration
of all different people anddifferent industries and stuff,
and so occasionally I'll go into, like the bookkeeping TikTok
and I think, yeah, nah, nevermind.
A lot of times it's likeserious, like oh, if you, you
know, don't do this and don't dothat, or you know, don't forget
(20:51):
to do this or this filingdeadline, and that's helpful.
It's not that it isn't sure butI don't think.
I think it has to be seasonedwith other fun things or what's
the point on social media likeyeah I don't think if you're
taking your tax advice on socialmedia, you're really making
good decisions in life, okay, so?
Speaker 2 (21:15):
now, have you ever done or considered doing a fun
TikTok to show that it can be alittle bit on the fun side?
Speaker 3 (21:23):
So you know what's funny is?
I've held off on TikTok becauseI do Instagram and Facebook.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
And Instagram has the meals and stuff, right.
So we do video over there andI've always thought, okay, well,
I could do TikTok, I could jumpover there.
But I was also like thinkingyou know, is TikTok staying, is
it going away like I hope?
it's going away, I'll be righthere what do I do with all my
(21:52):
free time if I can't scroll onthat for three hours a night?
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Yeah, um, but anyways, yeah.
So I mean, could I do haveplenty of video content that I
could throw over there?
We do lots of stupid things, soyeah so that's like us.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
We don't.
We have TikTok, but we don'tnecessarily really use it a lot.
It's just.
I think we probably what getthree or four videos Like.
It's not like.
Our thing is Instagram and thereels Like we love Instagram.
We've gained a lot fromInstagram, so when we do
anything, it's typically throughInstagram.
I love it.
(22:29):
I love it better than any othersocial media.
I really do.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
I feel like, especially for female businesses
.
I think there's something aboutInstagram that really is
attractive to females is there'svisuals, right?
So I think there's a lot ofthat on Instagram and I get the
most traction there too.
So it's hard to like.
Think about building your youknow base and another social
(22:54):
media platform right.
Yeah, I don't know if I want to.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Yeah, we, we, we're good.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
We don't use.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
Facebook and we don't use really TikTok.
I mean, we have the accounts,we just don't.
Instagrams are like the cargoship, for sure.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
Basically just because of the groups, right.
So in our community we're likepart of different groups and
then we work with them?
Are you guys connected to, likethe Boston Businesswoman?
No, so we do a lot with them,are you guys?
Speaker 1 (23:23):
connected to like the Boston business woman no no, so
I do a lot with them.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
Um, they've been like great like networking group of
and it's all women obviously, ohwe should look into it.
It's really fun.
It's a group now of like 46,000women in any area.
And it's just a Facebook group,but they do have like different
meetings.
This isn't meant to be amarketing plug for them, but no,
(23:53):
it's just a fun community,because if you're looking for
something like we're, doing ourcompany retreat.
we do a company retreat everyyear.
Again, one of those things werelike never, ever did we do
anything fun like that and Ialways just thought, hey, how
can we go have a fun time andmake?
It a right company retreat, butwhen you're looking for like,
oh, I want a caterer or I wantto whatever you put it in this
(24:13):
group it's like 46,000 people.
Somebody's going to come backand be like hey, I know this.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
Yeah, I love that you do the company retreats.
I think team building is superimportant.
Yes, you know, with the group,the group you work with, and I
think everybody in every companyshould do it.
I know they don't, but I thinkit's so, so important.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
It really, really is firm right, so we're not seeing
each other every day.
We have our meetings, theirZoom meetings.
You know we'll try to gettogether, you know quarterly or
semi-annually, and do like awork together day.
But generally speaking, youknow I have somebody in Canada,
I have, you know, somebody inFlorida people in.
(24:55):
Ireland right, so they're notall just easily.
Let me drive and go see themkind of people.
So, it was important to me tokind of get everybody together
in a casual.
It's not really work.
We have a little all handsmeeting where we're going to
talk game plan for the year orwhat our goals are and whatnot,
but we don't really talk toomuch business.
(25:15):
It's really more about likegetting to know each other,
hanging out, having drinkies,doing a fun party yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
So I love that yeah that's exciting.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Smart, yeah, smart way to keep the people happy and
to keep them working, and foryou and with you, you know, yeah
and it's fun like I love doingit, you know, and I love that
you do it.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
So being virtual, is that 100%?
You ever travel to see clients.
How does that work out in thisgrand scheme of things?
Speaker 3 (25:53):
So all of our bookkeeping is strictly virtual.
I do have one client that I doCFO services for and I'll go to
their like board of directorsmeetings quarterly, but
generally speaking, everythingcan be done virtually.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
That's only because they requested me to come, and
you know I mean they're mybiggest clients, so I guess I'll
go.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
So, but otherwise it's virtual right.
We've worked out systems as thekey to any business and like
success is like having goodsystems in place good software.
We are really, reallyparticular about all of our
security.
So, like we've featured, anysoftware that we use meets
accounting, standard, complianceand um, we have cyber security
(26:40):
and our systems and things youknow, like all the things to
make sure that we could besuccessful virtually.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Because that was another thing that I was told at
my old firm there's no way youcould have a virtual firm.
There's no way that would everwork out.
Also there's no way you couldgo on social media.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Joke's on you.
That's awesome, that is so, socool.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Yeah, I feel like I've learned so much in such a
short span of time.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
So do you have any big plans for the new year with
your business?
Speaker 3 (27:18):
The new year.
Yes, 2025 is meant to be sortof refinement.
We have been growth mode forthree years, I think.
First year we grew, from yearone to year two, 150% or
something stupid.
It's just.
(27:39):
It's been so much it's likedrinking from a fire hose that
I've, you know, really tried tolike think through what's our
long-term goal.
You know, in this business, youcould like really let it devour
you and your life.
And I will say that part of thereason I left that other firm
was that that's not what I waslooking for.
(28:00):
I don't need to be amillionaire if I can have a
lifestyle that makes me feelgood on a daily basis and not
overwhelmed and not stressed outand take a vacation when you
need one kind of thing.
So you know, the goal in 25 isto be just strategic about who
we're bringing on and who wehire, prepare a little bit ahead
(28:21):
, Like we did that at the end of24.
I hired again to just kind ofprepare myself so I wouldn't be
overwhelmed in 2025.
Like, this summer was chaos,Absolutely chaos, but yeah, so
the goal is like kind of like Iimagine myself coasting a bit
(28:41):
right, Like we'll just ride thiswave for a minute.
Okay, you know, not be toocrazy.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Yeah, it sounds like you deserve it and business has
been booming, so it sounds likethe perfect time to coast.
Sure, yeah, yeah, althoughagain, if you boom kudos to you,
that's also a good thing.
Yeah, everybody says it's agood problem to have and I'm
(29:13):
like that's the problem.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
Okay, you know, I mean, we'll just hang out more
with my dog yeah, yeah, I mean,who wouldn't want to?
Speaker 1 (29:21):
super cute, yeah, do you guys have pets?
She does.
I have a dog.
Nice, yeah, she's actuallysnoring in the corner.
I'm surprised no one saidanything.
Yeah, she's a big one, so shesnores quite loudly.
Speaker 3 (29:49):
So does mine it's hilarious Like how do I get a?
Husband and a dog like thisAirplugs I know every night,
every night.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I've looked into many different kinds.
What are the most effective?
World effective, if you wantany recommendations.
I have a friend that wears themand she recommended a type to
me and they're amazing.
And I tried like four differentones and I couldn't figure it
out.
And then she goes what are youdoing?
You're not even using the rightones.
I said, oh my God, she sent methis Lamazon link.
I bought them.
They pop right in and blockeverything.
(30:23):
They're perfect, Okay.
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Don't get cheap.
I need those, alright.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
They're awesome yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
I love it, those earplugs.
They're just a gift that keepson giving.
That's it.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
I've told my husband, if we don't figure this out,
we're doing like the.
You know, separate rooms.
Look, I still love you, it'sfine Okay.
I just don't want to be aroundthis, okay.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
No, awful, I bet, yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
So funny.
Well thank you again forjoining us us.
Please let everyone know wherethey can find you on facebook,
on instagram, not on tiktok yetbut where can they find you?
Speaker 3 (31:13):
yep, um.
So the um instagram ishoneycomb virtual and the
facebook is HoneycombBookkeeping.
And I mean, go check out mywebsite.
That's easy too, honeycombVirtual, and there's all the
links to social in there too.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
Awesome, perfect, and we'll be sure to link them in
this episode, but thank you somuch again for joining us.
It's been such a pleasure, somuch fun, so many laughs.
Happy New Year, ladies, happy.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
New Year, nice to meet you.
So, much fun, so many laughs,happy New.
Speaker 3 (31:43):
Year ladies.
Happy New Year.
Nice to meet you, Enjoy.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Enjoy, thank you.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
Be, amazing.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
Yes, yes, yes, for sure, take care.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
Take care, bye, bye-bye.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
Thank you for joining us on this wine-filled
adventure we would greatlyappreciate your support.
Please follow and rate ourpodcast on Apple Podcasts,
spotify or wherever you'retuning in right now, so raise a
glass, leave no wine behind andlet's continue this journey
together.
Cheers.
Welcome to the no Wine Left Behind podcast, where
we truly leave no wine behind.
I'm Alex.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
And I'm Celia.
We are here in the studiotogether, sharing ups and downs,
frustrations and funny momentsof our daily adventures.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
So grab your favorite glass, join us as we raise our
voices Together, we'll dive intothe drama of life as we see it
Welcome.
Everyone Joining us today isour bookkeeping bestie, ms Linda
.
Welcome to no Wine Left Behind,thank you.
Yeah, we are so excited to haveyou have so many questions.
(00:42):
Never thought I'd have so manyquestions about bookkeeping, but
you make it seem so much fun.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
Well, I try, we try.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Yeah, how did you get into the world of bookkeeping?
Where did it all begin?
Speaker 3 (00:58):
I mean honestly like who chooses bookkeeping.
They're like oh fun, careerchoice bookkeeping, chooses
bookkeeping.
They're like oh fun careerchoice bookkeeping.
But I think my personalitylends to it.
I'm super organized, I'm a typeA, I like things in particular
order right, and to me that madesense.
It was like a thing I couldcontrol.
(01:19):
So I felt like you know, asgirls sometimes we like to
control things and so I kind offell into it that way.
I worked for a CPA firm for areally long time and that's kind
of where I really built theeducation, all the knowledge
base right for those years.
But you know, I mean workingfor a CPA firm.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
snooze, yeah, you seem to be thriving right,
working for a CPA firm.
Snooze, yeah, you seem to bethriving.
Speaker 3 (01:52):
No, that was like.
That was the point where I waslike okay, I'm going to do this
for 20 more years, or I got todo something else.
I just can't do this, I thinkif I'm going to you know work
for that many more years.
I just it felt like I got toget out of this, this is not
making me happy at all anymore,you know.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
And what was that turning point for you?
Did this all happen duringCOVID, like everyone else,
started to find their truepassion and dreams, or was it
clear post?
What's your story?
Speaker 3 (02:21):
I mean again, I'm a type a, so I was a planner about
it start transpiring in 2020,because I just I did not feel
like I was aligned with thepeople I was around sure and.
I'm like this is it becomesreally glaringly obvious when it
comes to major like thingshappening in the world, and
(02:43):
you're, I don't agree withanything that's going on over
here.
Right Like, I just like want tolive this very different life,
trapped here, like with a circleof people I don't relate to you
know, so, yes, it started in2020.
I took the leap January 2021.
But you know, I mean, even thenI didn't think, oh, I'm going
(03:05):
to be a bookkeeping bestie, I'mnot going to.
You know, like I wasn'tthinking, how can I make this
fun?
I was just thinking I got to dosomething else.
I don't want to be with thesepeople, yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Well, kudos to you for being so brave.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
No, thank you.
It was hard and I had goodpeople.
You know you need the people.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So I'm feeling like a trend here.
The last couple of people thatwe interviewed have started
their own business, and it'smuch like how you started yours.
They either were in a placethat they weren't comfortable or
they found their niche andthey're like, okay, let's make
this happen, let's grow, let'sexpand, and it's like the
(03:51):
stories are all like similar.
I love it.
It's great, cause you allfigured out like this is what I
should be doing, how do I dothat.
I'm doing it and you're all getyour own little thing going on.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
It's cool and I feel like COVID definitely pushed
people that way because it waslike well, places might have
been closed or maybe you wereunemployed because of COVID, you
know, laid off or whatever.
It kind of forced you to thinkwell, I got nothing else going
on, I could try this.
What's the worst that couldhappen?
You know, so I feel like thatwas nice and that lended to the
(04:25):
bookkeeping industry growing andballooning and it was a huge
point.
Yeah, all the small businessesthat started.
There was a lot of you knowforethought with it For me.
I knew a lot of people thatwere starting businesses.
I had a lot of good contacts.
I've been networking quite abit.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
And.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
I felt like you know what I think.
This is the time becausethere's going to be a lot of new
businesses that need help.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Yeah, that's so incredible.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Yeah, something that we talk about, but you don't
think about it full circle andall encompassing so great timing
for everyone.
So what can you tell us aboutthe people that you support,
either like, is there like atrending industry, or I mean the
(05:13):
more that I think about this,and like post COVID and all the
people trying to beself-sufficient?
Are you finding like more males, more females?
Are they older, are theyyounger?
Like?
I just want to get down to thenitty gritty of all the details
of what you're seeing from yourperspective.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So I think initially and anybody out there that
started a business, you're justlike whoever I can get, whatever
client I can get, I got tosurvive, I got to earn a living
right.
You kind of start that way eventhough you tell yourself you're
not going to do that.
No, I'm going to be sostrategic, I'm only going to be
in my little niche here.
But, like you know, survivalmode takes over and I'm like a
(05:50):
recovering people pleaser.
And so literally, if somebodywere to come to me, even as an
industry, I was like I don'treally want to work.
But you're like they're reallyso nice and I want to help them,
right.
So it took me a little while tokind of come to the realization
of who I really loved to workwith.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Right.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Um, and I think it kind of sort of makes it really
obvious when you go to mywebsite.
I think it's really um, gearedtowards the female entrepreneur.
It doesn't say that.
That's the point, right.
But it's pretty, it's designedaesthetically, there are certain
(06:31):
wordage that's in there thatresonates with other female
entrepreneurs, so I found thatto be the type of businesses I
love working with, and then theydon't always have to be female
entrepreneurs, but if they havesome sort of a creative in them,
so it would be.
You know your marketing, youragencies, your social media
(06:52):
people you know all those kindsof creatives.
I know I'm a bookkeeper.
There's this like one side ofme that's type A, the other side
of me that's very like creative, which is I.
I think why the bookkeepingbestie, the social media, all
that kind of fun stuff is partof why I like the job that I do
(07:13):
now.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
So cool.
I love it.
I don't want to give away anyfree content now.
However, you have to let usknow what are some common
mistakes.
What are you warning peopleabout?
What are you pulling your hairout for?
What can you share in terms ofthat part of your journey?
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Yeah so.
I think one of the things wealways do and I'm happy to even
do this on social media.
I'm happy to.
I feel like consistently, when Itake on a client or when
somebody comes to me askingquestions, is they very rarely
pay themselves properly in amanner that they're actually
taking a salary and it doesn'thave to be wages, they don't
have to be an employee right,that's only certain types of
(08:24):
entities but that you'reliterally taking money out of
your business every single monthand paying yourself.
Because why are you doing this?
If you're I mean, I know we allhave passion, projects and
literally I like my job but paythe bills would I really be
doing this much?
You know, um, and so we helpthem figure out.
How do you safely pay yourself?
(08:47):
How do I have a threshold fortaxes and a threshold for my pay
and cover my operating expenses, like those kind of
conversations, because they'llwilly-nilly take money or, the
worst ever, spend personally inyour business.
Such a faux pas, and it's notbecause I'm a bookkeeper, it's
because you're legally puttingyourself in risk.
(09:09):
It's so bad for you, you know,I mean, and that's one of the
first things we nip in the budand we've actually let clients
go.
They can't seem to rein that in.
Because in the end they'veactually let clients go.
They can't seem to rein that inthe end they don't want the
direction.
And they're really like.
It's about creating anatmosphere that the IRS cannot
go after.
Right, if you treat yourbusiness like it's your personal
(09:32):
checking account, then the IRSwill too, you know they'll come
after you personally, not justyour business, if you don't pay
your taxes, if you don't do this, that or the other, or legally.
If you ever got sued peoplewould come after you personally.
You definitely don't want that,so separating business and
personal is huge.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
It's just easier for you, I agree with that yeah.
It just makes sense, and justmakes sense, and people who
don't do that is, it's wild,yeah, yeah why would you want to
put yourself at risk like that?
Speaker 3 (10:04):
you know a lot of people start businesses thinking
, oh, this is just a little sidehustle, oh, this is just like
an extra little bit of money.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
So I don't always think.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
They think it's going to turn into what it does right
.
And so then, when it does andthey have hired a bookkeeper,
it's like they just need alittle direction.
I don't necessarily think theyunderstand why it's so important
not to you know.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
Oh boy, yeah, Just thinking about that makes me
nervous.
Yeah, a lot.
No, thank you A lot yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Seriously, and so there's a lot of things
obviously you need to knowlegally right.
Are there legal things that youneed to know to get people kind
of on the right track?
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Yeah, I mean, I think there's tips and there's things
that we can do.
I always direct people to thecorrect source, right?
Speaker 1 (10:58):
So like if.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
I'm saying you you know, it kind of seems like
right now would be an optimaltime for you to convert your LLC
to an S corp.
But talk to your CPA, becausethey're going to know your full
financial picture.
We do business bookkeeping, soI don't know what their personal
taxes look like.
They could be married, theycould have 10 children right.
Like so it really matters thefull picture and a CPA is the
(11:23):
best person to advise them onthat Just like the legal
ramifications of, you know,piercing the corporate veil is
what they call it when youpersonally use your business as
your you know.
Basically personal banking.
I mean, if they really want to,you know, talk to a lawyer and
get in the nitty gritty of it,you know.
I mean they certainly can.
But these are just the thingsthat, as over the years 20, some
(11:46):
odd years in this industry thatthey're little tips and tricks
that we know and I feel likethey're valued when they're
shared, you know.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Yeah, I think it's great that you share them and
you don't really call itgatekeep.
You know how, you know how is?
How are people supposed tolearn and know?
And if you're keepingeverything there and there are a
lot of people who are like theyknow something, they have
something valuable and theydon't want to share it, you know
you could be helping.
You know someone else or, insome form or fashion, you know.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
I feel like we're going to find like well, you
know, we're all on social media,so the thing about social media
now is you know, it used to bevery different.
It was like you know, oh, youwant something, click this.
People aren't going to keepdoing that.
They don't want to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
They don't want to be spammed in their email.
They don't want to be harassed.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
So if you're not bringing them any insight or
something to help them, then whyare they?
Following you.
They're not a number to us.
They're a potential client thatover time, once they are
prepared for a bookkeeper,they'll appreciate that we
wanted to support them, whetherwe got paid or not, that's great
.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Yeah, I love that.
That's really cool.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
So then, linda, you had also mentioned CPAs.
So, for those that are startingout their new business and
they're unsure of you, know whothey need in their corner to
support them.
Besides yourself, in a CPAwhich I now know, what other
professionals shouldentrepreneurs be seeking out, or
at least aware of, untilthey're ready to seek out that
(13:26):
support?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
Yeah, so the three like sort of branches of the
financial tree, as they say.
Right the bookkeeper?
Right, we're transactional,we're entering your data, we're
reconciling your numbers, we'remaking sure there's no
fraudulent charges in youraccounts.
We're sort of giving you yourmonthly financials how are you
(13:47):
doing right now, income andexpense wise and then your CPA
is taking all of thatinformation, analyzing it and
giving you tax consequences,right?
And letting you know what youshould be paying in estimates.
So there's your two parts.
The last part of that reallylong term is a financial advisor
, and I say that because at anypoint as you grow your business
(14:11):
you want to think aboutstrategically your tax
advantages, and havingretirement is a tax advantage
and setting up retirement inyour business can be a great
financial advantage for you.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Right.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
It's a write off, you know, and um, you can offer it
to like.
This was the first year we putinto place.
Where this is the beginning ofyear four is January one for us,
and we finally put in aretirement plan in place because
I wanted to be able to see youknow I take the next steps in
business, right?
Speaker 2 (14:42):
How can I?
Speaker 3 (14:43):
like show my employees.
I appreciate them offer themsomething back and help myself
right in the end you know.
So I would say those are thethree on the financial you know
sphere of what you you know, Iwould say invest in because
there's dividends that get paidback to you.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
Wow, nice Look at you getting all bookkeeping on us.
I love it, it's all the stuff Inormally see on black on white
on my desk and I'm just like,okay, I'll read that later on my
desk.
And I'm just like, okay, I'llread that later.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
Yes, no, I mean, the thing is, is a lot of this stuff
is like okay, it's reallyimportant.
How do you make it fun?
This is boring and honestly,it's one of those things where a
lot of people dread it right.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Like a lot of people, especially in the group that I
love working with the creativesright, they're very much like
don't want to deal with thenumbers.
They feel overwhelmed by that.
They, you know all those kindsof things sort of trip them up a
bit and um.
So they're the ones thatappreciate it the most too, and
they appreciate the fun side ofit too.
You know, I used to feel well, Imean, I was like, like I said,
(15:59):
in a CPA firm.
It's very stuffy, right.
It was like this particular you, you know, like having like
being in my home office, whichis where we normally are, and
usually my dog's sitting upthere on the couch.
He's like laying behind me.
Now, but back in the day, thatwould have been like so much.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
Oh my gosh like seriously yeah and so going on
my own.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
I was like, should I put on a fake background?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
not these days see what's really happening.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
It's not a facade it is literally in my home office,
you know, I think the fakebackground these days is weird
and natural.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
I really do.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
So many people work from home now that before it
really wasn't a thing.
So you know, you had a fewpeople here and there that were
working from home, so they hadthe fake background with their
company logo.
What have you?
Now?
You see that and they move justa little bit and it's like this
weird, it doesn't make sensethese days.
These days, it should be yourenvironment, you know?
Speaker 3 (17:06):
yeah, yeah, make it pretty like the back, your
environments are cute, right.
It's like thank you, it's fine,it's totally fine, like I, you
know, and everybody loves seeingthe dog, so I actually think
people at ease when they'recoming to me in their discovery
call.
It's like oh yeah, that's Cyrus, you know.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
I'm not anybody hoity-toity over here.
We're just going to help youout, don't worry about it and in
your business.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
It will make people comfortable to work with you,
knowing that you're in that kindof laid back, relaxed
environment and there's nostuffiness and it's just.
You know you're free to justkind of be be you and, yeah, do
what you need to do.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Yeah, yeah I mean, I didn't look at it that way in
the beginning.
In the beginning I was like, oh, should I be embarrassed by
this?
Yeah, no the way that I dressedand everything was, like you
know, always very like.
I mean not that this isunprofessional, it's a sweater,
but, like you know, it would belike a nice blouse or all the
(18:10):
things that, like you, feel youhave to do in our profession, in
these, like professional realms.
And they were all the thingsthat I really never was, and I
just didn't like pretendingthat's who I was anymore.
And it wasn't until I finallywas like you know what it is,
what it is.
I feel like they either like mefor who I am.
It doesn't change theintelligence behind the face or
(18:33):
the outfit or the background youknow, and just because I'm not
sitting here in judgment andbeing all like, oh, I know more
than you and oh my gosh, yourbooks are a nightmare.
You know like that's a lot ofwhat you get in our industry
Super like crazy people.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
That's so funny.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Well, you're actually bringing in like a new
generation.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
I feel like that's so funny.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Well, yeah, I'm bringing in like a new
generation.
I feel like yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:00):
And I do network with a bunch of bookkeepers that are
like me, right.
Like you know I love that too,like, and I think that's another
reason why, like you know, onsocial media there's no
gatekeeping.
I just don't feel likegatekeeping is stupid anyway.
But you know, I mean especiallyin like what we're doing, and
(19:21):
you know, I mean it's just sosilly, but a lot of our you know
the bookkeepers that we networkwith is because I may not be
the best fit for this clientRight.
I want to be able to refer them.
I still feel like that's beinghelpful you know Absolutely.
Um, and then we help each other.
Like, you know you, you runinto a problem and you're like,
uh, how are you dealing withthis with your employees?
Or how are you dealing withthis with software?
Like, what are you using?
I'm sick of this thing.
(19:41):
You know, like, right, you know, usually the community is
pretty helpful, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
Yeah, yeah, that's great.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
So what are you reading, perusing, scrolling to
stay up to date on all thebookkeeping things, because now
I'm intrigued and I'm on all thebookkeeping things because now
I'm intrigued and I'm ready tojoin bookkeeping TikTok.
I know, does that exist yet?
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Yeah is there a bookkeeping?
Speaker 3 (20:08):
TikTok, or is there everything else on TikTok?
There is.
It's not all fun, I go there.
I mean, you definitely needyour martini if you're going to
go there.
But there is, yes, because alot of times I'm always thinking
(20:30):
like social media wise, likeyou know, try to get inspiration
of all different people anddifferent industries and stuff,
and so occasionally I'll go into, like the bookkeeping TikTok
and I think, yeah, nah, nevermind.
A lot of times it's likeserious, like oh, if you, you
know, don't do this and don't dothat, or you know, don't forget
(20:51):
to do this or this filingdeadline, and that's helpful.
It's not that it isn't sure butI don't think.
I think it has to be seasonedwith other fun things or what's
the point on social media likeyeah I don't think if you're
taking your tax advice on socialmedia, you're really making
good decisions in life, okay, so?
Speaker 2 (21:15):
now, have you ever done or considered doing a fun
TikTok to show that it can be alittle bit on the fun side?
Speaker 3 (21:23):
So you know what's funny is?
I've held off on TikTok becauseI do Instagram and Facebook.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (21:29):
And Instagram has the meals and stuff, right.
So we do video over there andI've always thought, okay, well,
I could do TikTok, I could jumpover there.
But I was also like thinkingyou know, is TikTok staying, is
it going away like I hope?
it's going away, I'll be righthere what do I do with all my
(21:52):
free time if I can't scroll onthat for three hours a night?
I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Yeah, um, but anyways, yeah.
So I mean, could I do haveplenty of video content that I
could throw over there?
We do lots of stupid things, soyeah so that's like us.
Speaker 2 (22:09):
We don't.
We have TikTok, but we don'tnecessarily really use it a lot.
It's just.
I think we probably what getthree or four videos Like.
It's not like.
Our thing is Instagram and thereels Like we love Instagram.
We've gained a lot fromInstagram, so when we do
anything, it's typically throughInstagram.
I love it.
(22:29):
I love it better than any othersocial media.
I really do.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
I feel like, especially for female businesses
.
I think there's something aboutInstagram that really is
attractive to females is there'svisuals, right?
So I think there's a lot ofthat on Instagram and I get the
most traction there too.
So it's hard to like.
Think about building your youknow base and another social
(22:54):
media platform right.
Yeah, I don't know if I want to.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Yeah, we, we, we're good.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
We don't use.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
Facebook and we don't use really TikTok.
I mean, we have the accounts,we just don't.
Instagrams are like the cargoship, for sure.
Speaker 3 (23:13):
Basically just because of the groups, right.
So in our community we're likepart of different groups and
then we work with them?
Are you guys connected to, likethe Boston Businesswoman?
No, so we do a lot with them,are you guys?
Speaker 1 (23:23):
connected to like the Boston business woman no no, so
I do a lot with them.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
Um, they've been like great like networking group of
and it's all women obviously, ohwe should look into it.
It's really fun.
It's a group now of like 46,000women in any area.
And it's just a Facebook group,but they do have like different
meetings.
This isn't meant to be amarketing plug for them, but no,
(23:53):
it's just a fun community,because if you're looking for
something like we're, doing ourcompany retreat.
we do a company retreat everyyear.
Again, one of those things werelike never, ever did we do
anything fun like that and Ialways just thought, hey, how
can we go have a fun time andmake?
It a right company retreat, butwhen you're looking for like,
oh, I want a caterer or I wantto whatever you put it in this
(24:13):
group it's like 46,000 people.
Somebody's going to come backand be like hey, I know this.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
Yeah, I love that you do the company retreats.
I think team building is superimportant.
Yes, you know, with the group,the group you work with, and I
think everybody in every companyshould do it.
I know they don't, but I thinkit's so, so important.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
It really, really is firm right, so we're not seeing
each other every day.
We have our meetings, theirZoom meetings.
You know we'll try to gettogether, you know quarterly or
semi-annually, and do like awork together day.
But generally speaking, youknow I have somebody in Canada,
I have, you know, somebody inFlorida people in.
(24:55):
Ireland right, so they're notall just easily.
Let me drive and go see themkind of people.
So, it was important to me tokind of get everybody together
in a casual.
It's not really work.
We have a little all handsmeeting where we're going to
talk game plan for the year orwhat our goals are and whatnot,
but we don't really talk toomuch business.
(25:15):
It's really more about likegetting to know each other,
hanging out, having drinkies,doing a fun party yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
So I love that yeah that's exciting.
Speaker 2 (25:26):
Smart, yeah, smart way to keep the people happy and
to keep them working, and foryou and with you, you know, yeah
and it's fun like I love doingit, you know, and I love that
you do it.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
So being virtual, is that 100%?
You ever travel to see clients.
How does that work out in thisgrand scheme of things?
Speaker 3 (25:53):
So all of our bookkeeping is strictly virtual.
I do have one client that I doCFO services for and I'll go to
their like board of directorsmeetings quarterly, but
generally speaking, everythingcan be done virtually.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
That's only because they requested me to come, and
you know I mean they're mybiggest clients, so I guess I'll
go.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
So, but otherwise it's virtual right.
We've worked out systems as thekey to any business and like
success is like having goodsystems in place good software.
We are really, reallyparticular about all of our
security.
So, like we've featured, anysoftware that we use meets
accounting, standard, complianceand um, we have cyber security
(26:40):
and our systems and things youknow, like all the things to
make sure that we could besuccessful virtually.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
Because that was another thing that I was told at
my old firm there's no way youcould have a virtual firm.
There's no way that would everwork out.
Also there's no way you couldgo on social media.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Joke's on you.
That's awesome, that is so, socool.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Yeah, I feel like I've learned so much in such a
short span of time.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
So do you have any big plans for the new year with
your business?
Speaker 3 (27:18):
The new year.
Yes, 2025 is meant to be sortof refinement.
We have been growth mode forthree years, I think.
First year we grew, from yearone to year two, 150% or
something stupid.
It's just.
(27:39):
It's been so much it's likedrinking from a fire hose that
I've, you know, really tried tolike think through what's our
long-term goal.
You know, in this business, youcould like really let it devour
you and your life.
And I will say that part of thereason I left that other firm
was that that's not what I waslooking for.
(28:00):
I don't need to be amillionaire if I can have a
lifestyle that makes me feelgood on a daily basis and not
overwhelmed and not stressed outand take a vacation when you
need one kind of thing.
So you know, the goal in 25 isto be just strategic about who
we're bringing on and who wehire, prepare a little bit ahead
(28:21):
, Like we did that at the end of24.
I hired again to just kind ofprepare myself so I wouldn't be
overwhelmed in 2025.
Like, this summer was chaos,Absolutely chaos, but yeah, so
the goal is like kind of like Iimagine myself coasting a bit
(28:41):
right, Like we'll just ride thiswave for a minute.
Okay, you know, not be toocrazy.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Yeah, it sounds like you deserve it and business has
been booming, so it sounds likethe perfect time to coast.
Sure, yeah, yeah, althoughagain, if you boom kudos to you,
that's also a good thing.
Yeah, everybody says it's agood problem to have and I'm
(29:13):
like that's the problem.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
Okay, you know, I mean, we'll just hang out more
with my dog yeah, yeah, I mean,who wouldn't want to?
Speaker 1 (29:21):
super cute, yeah, do you guys have pets?
She does.
I have a dog.
Nice, yeah, she's actuallysnoring in the corner.
I'm surprised no one saidanything.
Yeah, she's a big one, so shesnores quite loudly.
Speaker 3 (29:49):
So does mine it's hilarious Like how do I get a?
Husband and a dog like thisAirplugs I know every night,
every night.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
I've looked into many different kinds.
What are the most effective?
World effective, if you wantany recommendations.
I have a friend that wears themand she recommended a type to
me and they're amazing.
And I tried like four differentones and I couldn't figure it
out.
And then she goes what are youdoing?
You're not even using the rightones.
I said, oh my God, she sent methis Lamazon link.
I bought them.
They pop right in and blockeverything.
(30:23):
They're perfect, Okay.
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Don't get cheap.
I need those, alright.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
They're awesome yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
I love it, those earplugs.
They're just a gift that keepson giving.
That's it.
Speaker 3 (30:40):
I've told my husband, if we don't figure this out,
we're doing like the.
You know, separate rooms.
Look, I still love you, it'sfine Okay.
I just don't want to be aroundthis, okay.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
No, awful, I bet, yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
So funny.
Well thank you again forjoining us us.
Please let everyone know wherethey can find you on facebook,
on instagram, not on tiktok yetbut where can they find you?
Speaker 3 (31:13):
yep, um.
So the um instagram ishoneycomb virtual and the
facebook is HoneycombBookkeeping.
And I mean, go check out mywebsite.
That's easy too, honeycombVirtual, and there's all the
links to social in there too.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
Awesome, perfect, and we'll be sure to link them in
this episode, but thank you somuch again for joining us.
It's been such a pleasure, somuch fun, so many laughs.
Happy New Year, ladies, happy.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
New Year, nice to meet you.
So, much fun, so many laughs,happy New.
Speaker 3 (31:43):
Year ladies.
Happy New Year.
Nice to meet you, Enjoy.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Enjoy, thank you.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
Be, amazing.
Speaker 2 (31:48):
Yes, yes, yes, for sure, take care.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
Take care, bye, bye-bye.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
Thank you for joining us on this wine-filled
adventure we would greatlyappreciate your support.
Please follow and rate ourpodcast on Apple Podcasts,
spotify or wherever you'retuning in right now, so raise a
glass, leave no wine behind andlet's continue this journey
together.
Cheers.
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