Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad

In this episode, Rachel Barnett discusses the significance of having a sounding board, such as mentors, coaches and self employed friends. She reflects on her personal journey, illustrating how engaging with others has been instrumental in the success of her bookkeeping business. Rachel strongly advocates for listeners to seek out their own sounding boards for guidance and growth in their professi...

In this episode of Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett chats with Nicole Lux-Ritchie, a technology coach. Nicole shares her slogan "don't let your technology bully you," focusing on helping the tech-shy manage their digital tools. They discuss the importance of foundational tech like email and data storage, and navigating the tech world without feeling overwhelmed. The episode is a...

In this episode of " Gentle Frog's Bookkeeping Lilypad", a host Rachel Barnett talks about various things to include in the client engagement letter. The scope of work should describe what the bookkeeper is offering and what the client can expect. This episode was inspired by a post on the Facebook community group and includes Rachel's top five list is well as Suzette Flemming's top five list.   h...

In this podcast episode, Rachel guides listeners through a few tips for hiring and things to think about when narrowing down which candidate to invite to join the team. She shares insights on where to find potential candidates and offers strategies for assessing their expertise, especially in areas outside your own expertise. The discussion then shifts to compatibility between employer and candida...

In this episode of the Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lily Pad podcast, Rachel Barnett explores her experiences with SCORE, an organization she's been involved with for over six years. The discussion covers a range of topics, from attending various workshops on marketing and financial concepts to teaching QuickBooks Online. Rachel reflects on how her involvement with SCORE has shaped her teaching style,...

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 t...

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...

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 Frog...

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...

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 pay...

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,...

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 challenge...

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 distra...

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...

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 h...

In this episode of "Gentle Frogs Bookkeeping Lily Pad," host Rachel Barnett shares her journey as a small bookkeeping business owner. Rachel discusses various marketing strategies she experimented with, including sending postcards, generating curated lists, and participating in community events. She reflects on the lessons learned from these experiences, emphasizing the importance of authenticity...

In this episode, Rachel shares insights on self-marketing for bookkeepers, drawing from her journey since 2012. She discusses her initial marketing strategies, including Craigslist ads and leveraging client referrals. Rachel reflects on her experiences with networking, emphasizing the value of small, supportive groups and the impact of joining a Seattle-based bookkeepers meetup. She provides tips...

In this episode, Rachel shares her unique insight in the bookkeeping world and the driving force behind starting this podcast. Rachel also shares a behind the scenes look into what her process is like when pre-screening a potential hiring candidate and how giving meaningful contributions to your network is essential in building a supportive community.

Welcome to Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad. We’ll dive into what it is like to run a bookkeeping business with realistic expectations and genuine encouragement with the host Rachel Barnett of Gentle Frog. You’ll find an open, welcoming community in this cozy little corner of the internet.   To learn more about Rachel and Gentle Frog, check out: gentlefrog.com