204 ⎸ Q: How long should we retain client documents?

Send us a textIn this episode, I had an incredibly insightful conversation with Robin J. Emdon, author of "GetResultsology - The Science of Getting Stuff Done" and a productivity coach who specializes in helping people overcome procrastination. In this conversation Robin dives deep into the psychology behind why we procrastinate and provides concrete strategies to break free from it.In this episode you’ll hear:The neuroscience behind procrastinationThe three neurotransmitters you need to get into your grooveWhy external accountability is crucialStrategies for tackling boring work that still needs to get doneResources mentioned in this episode:"GetResultsology - The Science of Getting Stuff Done" - Free PDF download at reallyusefultips.comFive Day Productivity Challenge - Free 5-day video series (10 minutes/day) at skyrocketyourproductivitychallenge.comMeet RobinRobin J. Emdon is an accountability coach and creator of the GetResultsology® System. His journey started in his family’s retail business, but he soon realised his true passion was empowering others. In 2001, he trained as a life coach in the U.S., which led him to specialise in accountability coaching.During the 2020 pandemic, Robin faced his own challenge with procrastination despite years of coaching experience. Determined to find a solution, he developed the GetResultsology® System to help others and himself.Based in South Devon, England, Robin helps clients all over the world boost their income and profits by achieving extraordinary results through accountability coaching. In his spare time, he enjoys sharing his passion for local history. Connect with Robin🌐 Main Website: getresultsology.com💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinjemdon/📱 Instagram: @robinjemdon https://www.instagram.com/robinjemdon/🎙️ Goalbusters Podcast: https://getresultsology.com/podcast/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this episode, Serena sits with Grace Costa, founder of Social Mixed Media and the Social Accountant, to dive deep into what's working in social media marketing right now. Grace shares her journey from accountant to marketing agency owner and gives us the real scoop on how AI is changing the game for bookkeepers and accountants trying to land clients online.In this episode you’ll hear:- 4 core organic marketing strategies for bookkeepers and accountants in 2025- How AI and Google's new search features affect visibility- Why DM outreach doesn't have to feel spammy- Real talk about using templates vs. creating everything from scratchResources mentioned in this episode:Metricool - Social media scheduler recommended by Grace (posts to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile)Loomly - Serena's preferred social media schedulerManyChat - Automation tool for DM sequences and lead magnetsCanva - For customizing social media templatesChatGPT - For client research and personalized sales callsMeet GraceGrace Costa is the founder of Social Mixt Media, a marketing agency that helps businesses grow through digital marketing strategies and automation. She's also the founder of Social Accountant, a membership that delivers done-for-you marketing content each month, exclusively for bookkeepers and accountants.Connect with Grace👥 Facebook: Social Accountant📱 Instagram: @socialaccountantmedia👩‍💼 LinkedIn: Social Accountant💼 Social Accountant Membership: https://socialmixtmedia.com/accountant🌐 Social Mixt Media: 2 weeks of social media templates: https://socialmixmedia.kit.com/dcfcb22051Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descJoin the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textHey everyone! This month's live Q&A was packed with so many good questions from the community. We covered everything from client communication systems to accrual accounting transitions, and I even got to address some pricing questions that I know so many of you struggle with.In this episode you’ll hear:Client request systems and processesXero migrations and software recommendationsAccrual accounting deep divePricing strategies and business growthResources mentioned in this episode:Xero: https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7dJet Convert: https://jetconvert.com/Hubdoc: https://www.hubdoc.com/Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/SLFEMUL4/t/uiptq7nuGusto: https://gusto.com:/partners/i/serena591TaxJar: https://www.taxjar.com/Keeper: https://keeper.app/?via=serenaContent Snare: https://contentsnare.com/#_r_serena58Bookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaElevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevatePricing for Profit: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/storeBookkeeping Biz Workshops: bkworkshops.onlineAmbitious Bookkeeper Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousbookkeeperAlyssa Lang/Workflow Queen: https://www.workflowqueen.comKatie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvBookkeeper Launch: https://sk293.isrefer.com/go/BLFS/SS64/Akadian: https://fastandeasyqbo.samcart.com/referral/ihiA1kYR/8Duca0gOuAg8wpjFThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textJoin Serena and Alyssa Lang, the Workflow Queen, as they dive deep into the results of the first-ever State of Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting Industry Report! We collected over 200 responses from bookkeepers and accounting firm owners like you, and the data is honestly eye-opening. This isn't your typical corporate survey - this is BY us, FOR us small firm owners.In this episode you’ll hear:The advisory services reality check - Why 41% of you are probably already doing advisory work but not charging for itThe referral marketing machine breakdown - Since 41% of you rely on word-of-mouth referrals, we're sharing specific strategies to systematize and amplify your referral gameTeam structure insights - Why so many are working full-time but haven't built a team yetClient capacity breakdown - 26% are serving 20+ clients, and we're breaking down how that's even possibleIndustry positioning trends - What people are calling themselves and their businessesResources mentioned in this episode:ambitiousbookkeeper.com/resultsConnect with Alyssa:🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com📱 IG: @workflowqueen🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow QueenThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textThis bonus episode features the live recording from Wave Seattle, where I joined forces with Alyssa Lang (the Workflow Queen) and event host Erin Pohan for an authentic conversation about business, friendship, and finding your people in the accounting industry. We shared our "biz bestie" origin story, talked about navigating personal setbacks as business leaders, and answered real questions from the audience about everything from hiring to burnout.In this episode you’ll hear:How a mistakenly booked hotel room with one king bed instead of two queens led to the friendship that changed both our businessesHonest discussion about mental health, taking breaks, and why it's okay to pause when life gets overwhelmingConcrete tips for networking, building authentic relationships, and creating your own "board of directors" for different areas of lifeLive answers to questions about hiring, social media strategy, competition vs. collaboration, and pushing through burnoutResources mentioned in this episode:Ambitious Bookkeeper Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousbookkeeper/Asana, QBO, Xero, Marco Polo, ChatGPTXero Con, Bridging the GapHuman DesignConnect with Erin🌐 Website: https://www.upkeeping.co/📱 IG: @upkeeping.co🌊 WAVE Conference: @wave.seattleConnect with Alyssa:🌐 Website: workflowqueen.com📱 IG: @workflowqueen🎙️ Podcast: Conquering Workflows & Systems with the Workflow QueenThanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Interview Editing → Akiha Marketing: https://www.akihamarketing.com/Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx0Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Adrian Lopez, a former IRS revenue agent turned CPA, who just left the IRS last month to start his own practice. Adrian pulls back the curtain on what really happens during IRS audits and shares insider secrets that every bookkeeper and business owner needs to know.In this episode you’ll hear:The real audit triggers that most people don't know about (hint: it's not filing extensions!)Why construction contractors and real estate investors are being targeted more frequentlyHow the IRS uses algorithms and financial status analysis to select audit candidatesWhat documentation and systems keep businesses safe from IRS scrutinyThe steps that practically guarantee a "no change" auditMeet Adrian LopezAdrian Lopez is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a former IRS Revenue Agent.During his tenure with the IRS, he audited a wide range of self-employed individuals and small business owners, including dentists, doctors, construction contractors, restauranteurs, manufacturers, wholesalers, tax preparers, real estate professionals, landlords, money managers, and farmers.Now, Adrian is launching his own tax and accounting practice, dedicated to serving individuals, families, and small businesses.He offers a comprehensive suite of services, including individual and business income tax preparation, audit representation, advisory and consulting services, tax planning, and bookkeeping.Connect with Adrian LopezLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianl1996/Website: https://www.anlcpa.com/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm tackling a listener question about document retention in our digital age. You know how we used to worry about keeping physical files for 3, 5, or 7 years? Well, now that everything's digital and stored in the cloud, does that change our retention strategy? Spoiler alert: it's way more complex than I initially thought! I'm breaking down both IRS guidelines for small businesses AND AICPA guidelines for accounting firms, plus sharing exactly what we do in our own firm.What You'll Learn:The difference between IRS requirements for small businesses vs. AICPA guidelines for accounting firmsHow to create your own document retention policy (and why every firm owner needs one)The logistics of offboarding clients while protecting yourself legallyWhat documents you should NEVER delete and what you can purge after 7-10 yearsResources mentioned:Ask YOUR Questions at: http://speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeperIRS Publication 583 and 552AICPA GuidelinesIRS.govDropbox, OneDrive, Google Workspace, Google DriveCanopy, Content SnareFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants:Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaGrab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardFor new bookkeepers:Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvFor online businesses:Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactConnect with us:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm answering an audience question about whether the nonprofit sector is a viable niche for a new bookkeeping firm. I dive deep into the pros and cons of specializing in nonprofits and share actionable strategies for making this niche work.What You Can Expect to HearHow to overcome the common challenge of nonprofits expecting discounted pricing through value-based pricing strategiesSpecific scalability tactics including productizing services, choosing specialized software, and building efficient processesNetworking strategies and the sweet spot for targeting mid-size nonprofits that have budget but haven't internalized their accounting functionFor experienced bookkeepers & accountants:Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaGrab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklistGrab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboardFor new bookkeepers:Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvvFor online businesses:Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contactConnect with us:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaPodcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, Serena sits down with Meenadchi, an ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how intergenerational trauma impacts our relationship with money. This isn't your typical business conversation - we're diving deep into the personal stuff that affects how you run your business and serve your clients … and get a little woo!In this episode you’ll hear:How trauma from your ancestors (even great-grandparents) lives in your body and affects your money decisions todayWhy your "difficult" clients might not be responding because of their own money trauma - and how understanding this changes everythingThe surprising science behind why we existed in our grandmother's bellies and what that means for inherited patternsPractical exercises you can do right now to start healing your relationship with money, including writing a letter TO moneyResources mentioned in this episode:Free money magic meditation: https://meenadchi.myflodesk.com/moneymagicTrauma of Money™: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/Creme de la Creme Networking Group: https://cremedelacreme.coachesandcompany.com/Meet MeenadchiMeenadchi (she/her) is an ancestral healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and communications expert whose work centers social change and embodied transformation. Using the modality of Family Constellation Therapy, Meenadchi supports socially-conscious changemakers and entrepreneurs heal inherited and ancestral money trauma, so that we can be paid well for our work and so that we can pour funds into our communities from a state of overflow instead of self-sacrifice. Meenadchi holds a clinical license in occupational therapy and has historically served communities impacted by gender-based violence, complex trauma, and serious mental illness. She is the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication (2019) and is a faculty member with the Trauma of Money™.Connect with MeenadchiWebsite: http://meenadchi.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadchi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/with.meenadchi/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambiJoin the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify

Send us a textIn this May Q&A episode, Serena dives deep into the practical side of building a bookkeeping business, covering everything from software partnerships and pricing strategies to finding your niche and standing out from the competition. She shares real-world advice on working with Xero and Gusto, addresses common struggles with client onboarding, and provides actionable tips for bookkeepers at every stage of their journey.In this episode you’ll hear:How to handle software costs and partnerships with Xero and GustoStrategies to differentiate yourself in a crowded bookkeeping marketThe real talk on choosing your niche and why you shouldn't let others talk you out of what you loveGame-changing client onboarding tactics that eliminate problem clients from day oneResources mentioned in this episode:Xero, Gusto, QBO, Hubdoc, Jet Convert, Dubsado, Relay Bank, Squarespace, Kajabi, Bluehost & HoverBookkeeping Business Accelerator (BBA): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bbaBBA VIP upgrade optionSquarespace for Bookkeepers program by Tia: https://www.riledupgoats.com/ssfbBookkeeping Biz Workshops (coming August, evenings, 3 days)Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)Join the Bookkeeping Biz Workshops for just $37 HERE> Grab the Spotify Playlists here: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/spotify