The Better Bookkeeper Show

Why do so many bookkeepers work 40–50 hours a week but still feel like they're not making enough money? In this first episode with CPA and Profit Truths founder Marika Ponton, Lynn Talbott explores the financial habits that separate profitable bookkeeping businesses from those that simply stay busy. Together they discuss common first-year mistakes, overspending on software, setting realistic expec...

What happens when your bookkeeping business outgrows you? In this episode, Lynn Talbott welcomes Cheryl Blazej back to the show to discuss one of the biggest challenges firm owners face: letting go of daily bookkeeping work and stepping into the role of CEO. Together, they share real-world experiences about: Delegating client work Building trust with employees Avoiding micromanagement Managing gro...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Lynn Talbott and Ashley Lamar Morris dive deeper into the bookkeeping services and clients new bookkeepers should avoid when first starting out. They discuss: why payroll can quickly become overwhelming, the hidden stress behind restaurants and retail bookkeeping, construction and job costing challenges, difficult client red flags, and how to protect your confidence...

Starting a bookkeeping business can feel overwhelming — especially when you think you need to offer payroll, inventory, sales tax, CFO services, and everything else right away. In this episode, Lynn Talbot and Ashley Lamar Morris explain how new bookkeepers can keep things simple, build confidence, and attract the right clients from the beginning. You’ll learn: the 5 core services every beginner b...

This is Part 2 of our interview with Cheryl Blazej, founder of Blazej Accounting. In this episode, Cheryl shares the next stage of her journey—from managing everything herself to building a scalable bookkeeping firm supported by systems, processes, and a strong team. As her clients grew and their needs became more complex, Cheryl realized she needed to move beyond basic bookkeeping and step into a...

This is Part 1 of a three-part interview with Cheryl Blazej, founder of Blazej Accounting. What are you really building—a bookkeeping business or just another job? In this episode of The Better Bookkeeper Show, Lynn Talbott sits down with Cheryl Blazej to talk about her journey from being laid off and taking on any client she could find… to building a fully remote bookkeeping firm with over 90 cli...

Are you working too many hours in your bookkeeping business and still feeling behind? In this episode, Lynn Talbott shares practical strategies to help bookkeepers build better workflows, organize their systems, and create a business that doesn’t depend entirely on them. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disorganized, or stuck doing everything yourself, this episode will help you understand how to...

What does it take to stand out as a bookkeeper in a crowded market? In this episode, Lynn Talbott sits down with Joshua Stiebens, founder of The Bearded Bookkeeper, to explore how niching down and building a memorable brand can completely transform your bookkeeping business. Joshua shares his journey from starting with no clear roadmap to building a successful firm by focusing on systems, personal...

The bookkeeping industry is evolving faster than ever—and 2026 is bringing major changes. In this episode, Lynn Talbott shares 9 game-changing trends shaping the future of bookkeeping , from AI and automation to value-based pricing and advisory services. If you're wondering whether AI will replace bookkeepers, or how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry, this episode will give you cl...

Bookkeeping cleanup is one of the most valuable — and intimidating — services a bookkeeper can offer. In this episode, Lynn explains what bookkeeping cleanup really means, how to fix messy QuickBooks files, and how to price cleanup projects with confidence. Many bookkeepers avoid cleanup work because they’re afraid of what they’ll find inside a client’s books, but messy books often represent the b...

In this episode, we’re talking about pricing, hiring contractors, and building a team that actually supports your growth. If you’ve ever struggled with underpricing your services, hesitated to pay more for quality help, or felt unsure about how to coach your team effectively, this conversation is for you. Growing a bookkeeping firm requires more than technical skills. It requires confident pricing...

Do you feel like you’re not “ready” to run or grow your bookkeeping business? Do you ever wonder if you really know enough to call yourself a confident, independent bookkeeper or firm owner? You’re not alone and this conversation proves it. In this honest and inspiring interview, I sit down with Nancy McClelland , CPA and independent business owner, to talk about impostor syndrome in bookkeeping ,...

Do you secretly worry that you’re “not ready” to grow your bookkeeping business? You’re not alone and you’re not underqualified. In this episode, Lynn Talbott breaks down why confidence is the real missing piece for most bookkeepers. If imposter syndrome is stopping you from raising your prices, taking on better clients, or trusting your own expertise, this episode is for you. We cover: ✔ Why comp...

Ever feel like you’re too late to start your bookkeeping business, or like you need one more certification before you’re ready? In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Strobel, owner of Village & Vine Consulting . Her story is proof that there’s no perfect timeline for starting a bookkeeping practice. Laura didn’t side hustle her way into bookkeeping. She learned the skills, took the plunge, and...

Ever catch yourself wondering, “ Am I actually good enough at this to call myself a professional bookkeeper?” Spoiler: You're not alone, and it takes a lot more than just knowing debits and credits. In this episode, I'm joined by Ashley LaMar-Morris, owner of Purrrfect Bookkeeping and one of my former team members, to walk through the seven essential skills every modern bookkeeper needs to master....

Holiday cheer is in the air… but so is year-end cleanup season. The good news? December gives you a golden window to get organized and set 2026 up for success. In this episode, Ashley and I walk you through the exact 5-step workflow we both use to prep our client books before the January chaos hits! Whether you’re brand new to bookkeeping or you’ve survived a few tax seasons already, this episode...

If you’ve ever thought, “Why did I even start this business?” or felt like you’re just logging in, doing client work, and living on a hamster wheel, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Denner, a leadership coach and trainer who helps small business owners reconnect with their purpose. We discuss what happens when you lose your why (and how to find it again), why so many ent...

Think you need more certifications, one more tax season, or a “perfect” moment before you start or scale your firm? I’ve been there too, and waiting cost me YEARS of momentum, money, and peace of mind.  In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the four biggest regrets from building, scaling, and selling my bookkeeping business so you don’t repeat them.  Key Takeaways: Why confide...

Most bookkeepers wait too long to think about selling. I know because I did the same thing. In this episode, I’ll show you how to avoid my mistakes and strengthen your firm now with two more value drivers. In the last episode, we covered financial performance and growth potential. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and do that first!  These aren’t abstract theories. They’re the sa...

Have you ever thought about your exit strategy?  Wait! I know you’re probably thinking “Lynn, I just started my business! Why would I want to exit it?” But thinking about selling your firm (even if you never do) will force you to build better systems, smarter structures, and a business that isn’t 100% dependent on you.  In this episode, I’m sharing two value drivers you can implement now...

Think you don’t need a mentor because you can figure it out yourself? I used to say the exact same thing. But now I understand that mentorship is the secret weapon that helps bookkeepers grow into confident business owners! That’s why I invited a former mentor of mine, Ronna-Renee Jackson of LaunchPoint Leadership, to join me for this conversation. Together, we break down how a mentor’s outside pe...

If promoting yourself feels fake or overwhelming, you’re not alone. You can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. This episode will help you get in front of the right clients *without* selling your soul on social media. I’m sharing the simple, sustainable marketing moves I wish I’d used sooner, and I’m joined by marketing expert Stacey Nolan, who’s been helping bookkeepers and small business owner...

You’ve closed the deal… now what? This is part 2 of our “Mastering the Sales Process” series and we’re breaking down what to do after the client says yes! From contracts and payment links to document requests and expectations calls, we’re walking you through the full onboarding process so you can keep the momentum going. You’ll learn: How to send contracts and payment links without confusing the c...

As a bookkeeper, you may not feel like a natural salesperson... but if you’re running your own bookkeeping business, sales calls are non-negotiable! In this episode, Ashley LaMar-Morris with Purrrfect Bookkeeping is back as a guest and we’re breaking down how to lead confident, aligned discovery calls without feeling salesy or second-guessing yourself. We cover: How to prep for a call so you're ch...

Think you need a fancy website, a fully decked-out office, or a thousands of dollars worth of software to start your bookkeeping business? Think again! In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 essentials to get your bookkeeping business off the ground. Everything from the exact tech stack I use, to the legal steps that protect you, to the confidence you’ll need to land your first clients, and much more...