• EP525: David Homan - Why Networking Feels Broken & What Actually Works - Part 1
    2026/03/31

    "There's all that magic that seems to happen by those who are born with relationship privilege, but we can all build it. It just starts with how you can become more purposeful and intentional with what you want out of not just your life, but the people around you that form your purposeful community."
    -David Homan

    Community-building strategist and author of Orchestrating Connection, David Homan challenges the way you think about networking. He explains why traditional networking often feels forced and ineffective, and shows how shifting toward intentional, trust-based relationships can open doors you didn't think were possible.

    David shares how vulnerability, curiosity, and generosity create stronger connections, and why building a purposeful community matters more than collecting contacts.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why most networking fails & what to do instead
    • How to turn your existing network into a supportive community
    • A simple way to create opportunities without asking for anything

    To learn more about David, click here.

    Connect with him on LinkedIn.

    Get a copy of Orchestrating Connection this link.

    Time Stamps

    00:56 – Why traditional networking feels forced
    02:08 – David's background & early exposure to relationships
    09:34 – Network vs. purposeful community
    11:40 – Using vulnerability to build trust
    19:19 – Real connection vs. transactional conversations
    23:29 – The five principles of meaningful relationships
    29:16 – How to start building your community today

    Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at The Successful Bookkeeper Summit 2026!

    It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact.

    Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it.

    Don't miss this incredible opportunity!

    REGISTER TODAY!

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    33 分
  • EP524: Gina Cotner – The Simple Accountability System That Gets Work Done
    2026/03/24

    "High performers liked to be with high performers. So if you start to train yourself as a manager, as a boss, as a business owner, as an entrepreneur, in holding people accountable, you will notice who doesn't mind that, who kind of thrives around that, and those kind of people attract more people like that."
    –Gina Cotner

    In this episode, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, Gina Cotner shares a practical framework for holding your team accountable without creating tension or fear. She explains why delegation alone is not enough, how accountability builds stronger leaders inside your firm, and how small shifts in communication can dramatically improve follow-through and results.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • What to say when deadlines are missed & how to fix the real issue
    • The simple question that drives ownership & initiative
    • How asking "when" changes your team culture

    To learn more about Gina, click here.

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

    Read about her company, Athena Executive Services at this link.

    Time Stamps

    00:57 – Gina's business growth through rapid expansion & market shifts
    13:08 – Why delegation without accountability fails
    21:40 – Shifting ownership: "What do you need from me?"
    23:36 – The power of asking "when" in every meeting
    27:42 – What to do when work is not completed on time
    29:14 – The million-dollar question: "What got in the way?"
    35:11 – Why caring deeply gives you room to hold people accountable
    41:15 – Negotiating deadlines without lowering standards

    This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL!

    They're hosting Bookkeeper Appreciation Week from March 30th to April 3rd—dedicated to recognizing the real work you do and giving you tools you can actually use to free up time for more strategic work.

    Get ready for 5 days of practical resources delivered straight to your inbox, plus live, CPE-eligible webinars!

    Register now at bill.com/successfulbookkeeper!

    Don't miss it!

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    47 分
  • EP523: Spotlight - Joe Woodard - How To Stay Relevant In The AI Era
    2026/03/19

    "At some point in the future, somebody's going to be watching a movie about our era and there's going to be a human bookkeeper. And they're going to turn to their parents 20 years from now, and they're gonna say, 'Bookkeepers used to be people? That's so weird. I thought they were always artificial intelligence. I thought they were always computers.'"
    -Joe Woodard

    In this spotlight episode, founder of Scaling New Heights, Joe Woodard shares a clear view of where the bookkeeping profession is heading as AI reshapes the industry. He breaks down how service models are evolving, why advisory must be structured differently, and what practical steps you can take today to stay relevant and valuable plus much more!

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to use AI safely while protecting client data
    • The difference between AI-enabled tools & native AI platforms
    • How to structure your services using "swim lanes" instead of pricing tiers

    To learn more about Joe, visit his LinkedIn profile here.

    To get your ticket for Scaling New Heights, click this link.

    Time Stamps

    00:53 – Introduction to Joe Woodard & what's new since his last visit
    02:15 – Why advisory is becoming the core value in bookkeeping
    04:20 – Moving from pricing tiers to service "swim lanes"
    06:04 – Breaking down transactional, controllership, FP&A & outsourcing
    08:26 – How subscription models change pricing & scope conversations
    10:16 – Why managing scope is harder than managing profitability
    12:11 – How to handle scope creep using swim lane language
    15:23 – Pricing differences for small versus larger clients
    16:22 – The impact of AI on bookkeeping & accounting
    18:03 – Book recommendations to understand the future of work
    20:14 – The "Hidden Figures" lesson every bookkeeper should understand
    22:18 – Two paths to adopt AI in your firm
    25:41 – Native AI tools versus AI layered on existing platforms
    28:34 – How to protect client data when using AI
    32:21 – Practical advice for using tools like ChatGPT safely
    35:36 – Scaling New Heights conference & what to expect

    Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at The Successful Bookkeeper Summit 2026!

    It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact.

    Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it.

    Don't miss this incredible opportunity!

    REGISTER TODAY!

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    39 分
  • EP522: Linda Hunt - How To Price & Package Your Services Without Burning Out
    2026/03/17

    "Oftentimes we get into burnout because we are saying yes to everything. We're getting scope creep, and we aren't billing for those extras."
    –Linda Hunt

    In this episode, the author of The Money Conversation: Speak the Truth. Set the Standard. Get Paid Without Apology, Linda Hunt explains why burnout often starts with unclear boundaries and underpriced services. She shares practical strategies to help you calculate your true capacity, package your services properly, manage scope creep, and position yourself as a strategic partner without overextending yourself or your team.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to calculate your Minimum Aligned Price & set a sustainable pricing floor
    • How to recognize scope creep & confidently charge for extra work
    • How AI can free up time for deeper analysis & advisory conversations

    To learn more about Linda and her company, SumSolutions, click here.

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

    Buy her book, The Money Conversation at this link.

    Time Stamps

    01:06 – Linda's journey from corporate to building a remote accounting firm
    04:25 – Why lack of structure leads to burnout
    09:49 – Calculating your Minimum Aligned Price
    15:07 – Assigning clients to specific days to improve focus
    18:49 – Structuring annual packages & dividing by 12
    20:22 – What scope creep looks like in real life
    23:54 – Turning extra requests into paid projects
    29:45 – Using AI to elevate your advisory role
    35:37 – Linda's pricing reset session & upcoming book, The Money Conversation

    This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL!

    They're hosting Bookkeeper Appreciation Week from March 30th to April 3rd—dedicated to recognizing the real work you do and giving you tools you can actually use to free up time for more strategic work.

    Get ready for 5 days of practical resources delivered straight to your inbox, plus live, CPE-eligible webinars!

    Register now at bill.com/successfulbookkeeper!

    Don't miss it!

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    38 分
  • EP521: Julee Gracey - How Bookkeepers Can Raise Prices & Win Better Clients
    2026/03/10

    "We always say 'Motivation is like a shower. You should visit it daily.' You have to keep yourself motivated every day. How do I get myself motivated and sold back on myself so that I can be the best version of how I want to show up for my clients?"
    –Julee Gracey

    In this episode, sales and marketing coach, speaker, and author of Highly Confident, Julee Gracey explains why confidence is the foundation of pricing, pitching, and growing a bookkeeping business. She shares practical strategies to help you strengthen your internal dialogue, communicate your value clearly, and attract higher-quality clients who are willing to pay for your expertise.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How to stop underpricing & stand firm behind your fees
    • Why you must get sold on yourself before you try to sell your services
    • How to identify your ideal clients & speak directly to their needs

    To learn more about Julee, click here.

    Follow Julee on Instagram.

    Get a copy of Highly Confident.

    Time Stamps

    00:55 – Introduction to Julee & her background in sales
    06:17 – Why confidence is required before you can sell
    10:41 – Rewiring negative self-talk & managing imposter syndrome
    14:01 – The difference between selling & closing
    16:05 – Why you should stop handing out business cards
    20:11 – Understanding the three types of clients
    27:01 – How to overcome fear of networking events
    33:21 – Shifting from price focus to return on investment
    36:26 – A real example of raising prices & holding firm
    40:29 – Overview of Julee's book Highly Confident

    This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL!

    They're hosting Bookkeeper Appreciation Week from March 30th to April 3rd—dedicated to recognizing the real work you do and giving you tools you can actually use to free up time for more strategic work.

    Get ready for 5 days of practical resources delivered straight to your inbox, plus live, CPE-eligible webinars!

    Register now at bill.com/successfulbookkeeper!

    Don't miss it!

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    44 分
  • EP520: Amy Jacobson - Emotional Intelligence For Bookkeepers
    2026/03/03

    " In order to create that trust, you have to be honest enough to know that you're not the right person for everybody. But those people that you do connect with, when you find that connection, that is when you can start to go through that process."
    –Amy Jacobson

    In this episode, Australian emotional intelligence expert, speaker, and author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering Change and Difficult Conversations, Amy Jacobson explains why technical skill alone will not build a strong, sustainable bookkeeping firm. She shares how emotional intelligence drives trust, strengthens client relationships, and improves leadership inside growing firms, along with a practical five-step framework you can apply immediately.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • How emotional intelligence builds client trust & retention

    • How to adapt your communication style to different clients

    • Why leadership requires a different skill set than bookkeeping

    To learn more about Amy, click here.

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

    Buy her book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering Change and Difficult Conversations, at this link.

    Time Stamps

    01:11 – Amy's background & her path into emotional intelligence
    04:14 – A clear definition of emotional intelligence for business owners
    06:08 – Where bookkeepers commonly struggle with EQ
    09:51 – How trust is built through real connection
    12:24 – The five-step emotional intelligence framework
    15:11 – A real example of client loss due to poor communication
    18:10 – Shifting from technical language to client-centered language
    21:10 – Becoming part of the client's business instead of an outside vendor
    23:44 – Why leadership is not the same as technical skill
    27:13 – How reactive leadership drains time & energy
    30:00 – A simple daily question to improve emotional intelligence
    31:41 – Where to access Amy's books and free tools

    This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL!

    They're hosting Bookkeeper Appreciation Week from March 30th to April 3rd—dedicated to recognizing the real work you do and giving you tools you can actually use to free up time for more strategic work.

    Get ready for 5 days of practical resources delivered straight to your inbox, plus live, CPE-eligible webinars!

    Register now at bill.com/successfulbookkeeper!

    Don't miss it!

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    35 分
  • EP519: Teresa Slack - The Road To A Million-Dollar Bookkeeping Business - Part 4
    2026/02/24
    "The biggest one and the most impactful one is not making the time every week to work on the business. They get themselves into the rat race. They spend the money on these programs, and then they don't make the time to implement them. That's the biggest mistake that I see. Do the hard things 'cause we can all do hard things and it's okay if we screw up."–Teresa Slack In the final episode of this four-part series, co-founder of Financly Bookkeeping Solutions, Teresa Slack shares how her bookkeeping firm shifted from survival to stability by building the systems, pricing, and team structure needed to scale. She breaks down the decisions that increased profitability, supported growth, and turned the firm into a sellable asset, along with the real challenges of restructuring roles, working through setbacks, and preparing for a successful exit. In this episode, you'll learn: What made the firm scalable & no longer dependent on the ownersWhy systems, profitability & cloud operations increased business valueWhat buyers actually looked for when acquiring the firm Click here to learn more about Teresa and email her at teresa.slack@teresaslack.ca. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about Pure Bookkeeping. Subscribe to the Value Pricing Academy YouTube channel. Join VIP list for free training from Mark Wickersham here. Get your free copy of How to Price Bookkeeping eBook (the tool she used to turn her business around). Click here to join the VPA on Skool platform free training and support. Time Stamps 01:43 – Realizing the business was no longer fragile 02:04 – Setting new goals for growth & team support 03:26 – Building benefits & a sustainable work environment 04:22 – Turning revenue goals into clear action plans 05:46 – Growth setbacks & unexpected challenges 07:15 – Restructuring roles into bookkeepers & client managers 09:33 – Why the transition was harder than expected 12:01 – Systems that finally made the new structure work 13:36 – How role clarity improved efficiency & client service 14:59 – Using outsourced bookkeeping to support scale 16:41 – When selling the business became a real option 18:16 – Choosing buyers who aligned with the firm's values 20:09 – What increased the firm's valuation 22:55 – Preparing financially before selling 25:19 – Why systems & owner independence matter to buyers 27:22 – Lessons learned after selling the firm 28:37 – The biggest mistakes Teresa sees firm owners make 30:02 – What's next for Teresa & how she supports other bookkeepers Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at The Successful Bookkeeper Summit 2026! It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact. Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! REGISTER TODAY!
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    35 分
  • EP518: Teresa Slack - The Road To A Million-Dollar Bookkeeping Business - Part 3
    2026/02/17

    "You can have all the great checklists and all the great systems for quality bookkeeping and you can hire all the right people, but if you don't know how to price your services, you are going to fail. You will not be profitable."
    –Teresa Slack

    In part three of this four-part series, Teresa Slack, co-founder of Financly Bookkeeping Solutions, shares the phase where momentum finally began to build. After resetting the firm, she and her sister shifted their focus to working on the business, not just surviving inside it, and made real progress through uncomfortable pricing conversations, focused implementation time, and disciplined investment in systems and training.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why systems alone are not enough without proper pricing
    • The difference between fixed pricing & true value pricing
    • How Teresa increased prices & discovered clients were willing to pay

    To learn more about Teresa, click here and email her at teresa.slack@teresaslack.ca.

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

    Learn more about Pure Bookkeeping.

    Subscribe to the Value Pricing Academy YouTube channel.

    Join VIP list for free training from Mark Wickersham here.

    Get your free copy of How to Price Bookkeeping eBook (the tool she used to turn her business around).

    Click here to join the VPA on Skool platform free training and support.

    Time Stamps

    00:54 – Entering the phase where momentum begins to build
    02:29 – Why poor pricing guarantees failure, even with great systems
    03:29 – Fixed pricing versus value pricing explained
    04:22 – Presenting higher prices & hearing clients say yes
    05:47 – Making large investments without feeling ready
    06:40 – Closing Fridays to work on the business
    08:17 – Turning training into real results through implementation
    09:35 – Fixing pricing mistakes & rebuilding confidence
    12:02 – Hiring experienced bookkeepers using structured systems
    13:56 – Why skills alone are not enough without the right mindset
    18:09 – Building a training process that sets staff up for success
    20:16 – Repricing existing clients & facing the fear
    22:09 – Increasing revenue by 45 percent in six weeks
    23:27 – Losing the wrong clients & moving forward stronger
    24:16 – What's coming in the final episode

    Your expertise has more value than you think, so Own Your Authority at The Successful Bookkeeper Summit 2026!

    It's a high-energy two-day virtual experience for bookkeepers ready to lead with confidence and elevate their impact.

    Join inspiring leaders on November 4th–5th to gain actionable strategies, powerful tools, and the clarity to shape the work you want, not just keep up with it.

    Don't miss this incredible opportunity!

    REGISTER TODAY!

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    25 分