Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad

Episode Thirteen - Digging Deeper: What’s Your Definition of a Good Client?

In this "Gentle Frogs, Bookkeeping Lilypad" podcast episode, Rachel Barnett chats about how bookkeepers can spot great clients. She gets real, saying there's no magic list for finding the right client - it's kind of like figuring out who makes a good friend. Rachel digs into the personal side of it: What does a 'good client' really mean to you? Is it about the business size, the vibe you get, or the specific stuff they need done? She shares her own take - she's all about clients who dive into learning QuickBooks. Her teammate, Meghan,  loves clients who just hand over all their bookkeeping tasks. Rachel also tosses in some tips on getting noticed. She's big on having a website and using Google My Business. Her key message? Be clear about what you're looking for in a client. Don't just blend in with the crowd. 
 
https://support.google.com/business/answer/9157481
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad
https://www.gentlefrog.com/services/

Episode Twelve - Year-End Review: Crafting a Vision for Your Bookkeeping Future

In this "Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lily Pad" episode, the focus is on goal planning and year-end review. The discussion revolves around the importance of reflecting on the past year, recognizing successes, and identifying areas for improvement. The episode touches on experiences with course creation and YouTube content, highlighting the importance of setting achievable goals. Emphasis is placed on SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, illustrated through personal examples. The conversation also delves into the value of creativity, self-reflection, and openness to new opportunities. Topics include creating more content, adhering to personal and professional boundaries, and appreciating team efforts. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their 2023 achievements and set 2024 goals, with suggestions like participating in online groups or masterminds to alleviate isolation. The podcast concludes with an invitation to the Facebook group, reinforcing a commitment to community support and helping others grow.
 
https://mariettemartinez.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad
https://gentlefrog.com/about

Episode Eleven - Introducing Gentle Frog’s Landing Pad: Diverse Voices of Everyday Bookkeepers

In this podcast episode, Rachel Barnett introduces her new podcast 'Gentle Frogs Landing Pad,' where she interviews everyday bookkeepers, both veterans and newcomers. The show aims to share real-life stories and experiences from the bookkeeping industry, discussing their starts, likes, dislikes, and genuine conversations about the profession. This new podcast differs from her existing 'Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lilypad, which is more focused on the challenges faced by bookkeeping business owners. The episode features clips from the first three episodes, which include interviews with Christy Decker, Terri Bork, and Linda Shuler.
 
You can find our upcoming guests here: 
Christy Decker / Bay Point Bookkeeping / https://baypointbookkeeping.com/
Linda Shuler / Shuler’s Bookkeeping / https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulersbookkeeping/
Terri Bork / Abacus Gal / https://www.abacusgal.com/

Episode Ten - A Weekend of Bookkeeping Insights in Syracuse, NY

Join me, Rachel Barnett, as we dive into the special weekend we had with fellow bookkeepers in Syracuse, New York. In this episode, "Together in Numbers: A Bookkeepers' Weekend in Syracuse," we share the warmth and wisdom from our informal get-together. It was a time for open chats about everything bookkeeping - from tricky sales tax questions to creating better engagement letters. More than just a meet-up, it was about building friendships and learning from each other's experiences. Listen in for stories and insights from this cozy retreat, showing the real power of coming together in the world of numbers and books.
 
Links To Check Out: 
- Wendy Sloneker - https://www.selftalkwordsearch.com/ & https://www.wendysloneker.com/
- Kaela Beach - https://www.helloearlybird.com/
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Syracuse/Liverpool
 
Be sure to join us over on the Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad's Facebook Group
 

Episode Nine - Bookkeeping Buffet: Crafting Your Service Menu

In this episode of "Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad," Rachel Barnett delves into the diverse range of bookkeeping services. She emphasizes the importance of customizing services to suit client needs, comparing it to a buffet with various options like receipt management and payroll processing. Rachel shares personal experiences, highlighting challenges like managing time cards and late-night payroll adjustments. The episode also explores the concept of service packages, from basic to comprehensive, and the flexibility they offer. Rachel's insights are aimed at helping bookkeepers tailor their offerings and navigate the complexities of their profession with ease and efficiency.

Episode Eight - The Distinctive Bookkeeper - Creating Your Brand

Join Rachel Barnett in this insightful episode of Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad, where she delves into the art of standing out in the bookkeeping world. Rachel discusses how bookkeepers can differentiate themselves, not just through niches but through unique service offerings and personal touches. She shares experiences with fellow bookkeepers like Terri Bork, Christy Decker and Amanda Root, highlighting how they cater to specific industries and personalize their services. Rachel encourages listeners to find their unique voice in the industry, whether it’s through specialized services, client engagement, or certifications. This episode is a must-listen for bookkeepers seeking to create a distinctive and memorable presence in their field. Keep an ear out for the upcoming interviews with Terri and Christy, soon to be released!
 
https://www.abacusgal.com/
https://baypointbookkeeping.com/
https://rootsystembookkeeping.com/

Episode Seven - Finding What’s Right for You in Business and Life with Guest Wendy Sloneker

In this insightful episode of Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad, host Rachel Barnett and guest Wendy Sloneker engage in a conversation about the personal and professional journeys of small business owners and freelancers. Wendy, a grief and emergence coach, shares her perspectives on how to navigate the complex emotions and decisions that come with running a business and facing personal challenges.
Key Points Discussed:
Finding Personal Resonance: Wendy emphasizes the importance of asking oneself, "What would be right for me?" This question guides the entire discussion, exploring how individuals can make decisions that resonate with their personal and professional goals.
The Journey of Podcasting: Rachel reflects on her experiences with podcasting, discussing the challenges and learnings from her previous and current podcast ventures.
Grief and Business Ownership: Wendy talks about the intersection of grief coaching and business, especially relevant in December, a month often marked by emotional highs and lows.
The Concept of Emergence: Wendy introduces the idea of 'emergence coaching', focusing on helping people navigate through grief, loss, and major life changes.
Engaging with Future Self: A unique approach discussed is engaging with one's future self to gain insights and guidance on current challenges and decisions.
Avoiding Comparison Traps: The conversation delves into the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others, especially in the context of social media and professional growth.
Listening to Your Body: Wendy advises on the importance of tuning into one's physical and emotional responses as a guide for decision-making.
Final Thoughts:
Rachel and Wendy wrap up the episode with a discussion on the importance of acknowledging one's progress and the journey of personal development that comes with entrepreneurship. Wendy also shares information about her collaborative project related to seasonal changes and personal growth.
 
https://the-juicy-good-life.mykajabi.com/solstice-shift-live-event
https://linktr.ee/wendy.sloneker

Episode Six - Productivity Amplified - Utilizing a Virtual Assistant

In this episode of Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett explores the myriad of tasks that a virtual assistant can handle, ranging from software research to content creation, thus enabling business owners like Rachel to concentrate on their core competencies. Delving into her personal journey with her virtual assistant, Jess, Rachel shares invaluable insights on how outsourcing distractions and tasks can significantly enhance productivity and focus. Rachel's candid and engaging narrative illuminates the varied and essential services virtual assistants offer, showcasing how they can be pivotal in scaling and streamlining small businesses. Dive in and discover how a virtual assistant can be your secret weapon in growing and organizing your business.
Key Topics:
Outsourcing Distractions and Maximizing Efficiency
Practical Examples: Software Setup and Content Creation
The Importance of an Outside Perspective in Business
Flexible Engagement Models for Virtual Assistants
Rachel's Experience with Her Virtual Assistant, Jess
Links:
https://gentlefrog.com/about
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad/

Episode Five - Reflections on Boundaries: Time, Respect, and Clear Communication

Today's episode of 'Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lilypad' delves into the crucial topic of boundaries, focusing on self-reflection and personal values. The discussion centers around the importance of time and respect, two key boundaries that significantly impact our professional and personal lives. We explore effective strategies for communicating these boundaries to clients, ensuring a harmonious and respectful working relationship. This episode is not just about managing business interactions; it's a deeper look at how setting clear boundaries can lead to a healthier work-life balance and more meaningful client engagements. If you're looking to understand and implement boundaries in your work life, this insightful conversation is for you.
 
https://luxcentric.com/
https://www.gentlefrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Gentle-Frog-Welcome-and-What-to-Expect.pdf
https://www.sarrigilman.com/
 
 

Episode Four - Saying ’Yes’ and Helping Newcomers

In this episode of Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett discusses the importance of seizing opportunities and the challenges of balancing a bookkeeping business. Rachel shares her journey from being overwhelmed by commitments to learning the art of saying 'no' and strategically choosing projects. She emphasizes the value of teamwork and mentoring in the bookkeeping field, detailing her experience with various projects from the week. Rachel highlights her commitment to helping others, whether it's lifting up new bookkeepers or volunteering with SCORE to teach QuickBooks Online. She also touches on ethical considerations in outsourcing work and the importance of honesty with clients. Throughout the episode, Rachel's passion for bookkeeping and empowering others in the field shines through, offering insights and inspiration for fellow bookkeepers and small business owners.
Links:
https://www.nerdenterprises.com/a/20214/DyoHDAZY ←- 97 & Up affiliate link
https://www.score.org/seattle/local-workshops ←- Seattle SCORE workshops available via Zoom