Busy seasons can feel like proof that everything is working—revenue is up, new clients are rolling in, and the momentum feels unstoppable. But without intention, those same highs can lead to overspending, rushed decisions, and burnout. Keila shares how to use times of abundance to strengthen your business: building cash reserves, hiring strategically, maintaining consistent marketing, and protecting your team’s capacity. It’s a reminder that sustainable success isn’t just about surviving the slo...
Apr 23, 2025•14 min•Ep. 149
Not every season is for pushing. In this episode, I’m talking about why the slower pace of summer isn’t a sign that we’re falling behind—it’s actually a key part of growing our firms with intention. These quieter months give us rare breathing room to reassess, reset, and realign. I’m sharing how we treat summer at Little Fish Accounting like a business strategy retreat. We use this time to dig into what tax season taught us, refine our internal systems, and support our clients in doing the same....
Apr 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 148
In a business world obsessed with bigger, faster, and more—what if growth didn’t have to mean higher costs? In this episode of Build to Enough , Keila breaks down how small business owners can scale intentionally without taking on unnecessary overhead. From avoiding the most common scaling traps to using automation and smart pricing, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice that will help you grow smarter—not just bigger. (00:00) - Introduction to Sustainable Scaling (01:37) - Co...
Mar 26, 2025•15 min•Ep. 147
Too many entrepreneurs mistake chaos for a growth signal, when really, it’s a sign to pause and reassess . In this episode, we’re breaking down how to tell if hiring or expanding your services is the right move—or just a reaction to overwhelm. (00:00) - Introduction and Recap (00:59) - The Myth of Being Busy (01:59) - Identifying the Need to Expand (02:18) - Capacity Limits and Missed Opportunities (05:07) - Avoiding Expansion Traps (07:39) - Intentional and Sustainable Growth (10:09) - Key Take...
Mar 12, 2025•13 min•Ep. 146
Growth sounds exciting—until cash flow issues, surprise expenses, and bad pricing decisions throw everything off track. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it actually takes to scale sustainably. I’m breaking down four key financial metrics that can make or break your growth, plus how to use them to make smart, strategic moves (instead of just hoping for the best). (00:00) - Introduction to Scaling Smart (01:31) - Understanding Your Financial Standpoint (01:40) - Revenue: Identifying ...
Feb 26, 2025•12 min•Ep. 145
You know that feeling when you finally get your tax return back, and the number staring at you is way higher than you expected? That’s financial heartbreak. 💔 But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay ready so you don't have to get ready. What You’ll Learn: 🔹 Why tax surprises happen (and how to dodge them) 🔹 The real key to saving on taxes (hint: it’s not just deductions) 🔹 Simple ways to keep your finances organized year-round 🔹 How to work with ...
Feb 12, 2025•13 min•Ep. 144
Do you ever wonder if your business is set up to grow the way you actually want it to? In this episode Keila breaks down how to use your financial data as a compass to reaching your goals. She’ll dive into the common traps business owners fall into—like overextending resources, running on gut instinct, or ignoring key numbers—and how tracking the right metrics can help you avoid them. Plus, she explains how tools like dashboards and reporting can give you a clearer picture of what’s working, wha...
Jan 29, 2025•13 min•Ep. 143
How many times have we set big, ambitious goals at the start of the year, only to feel overwhelmed a few months in? 🙋🏽♀️ This week on Build to Enough, Keila shares why traditional goal-setting often fails us and how to flip the script. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, let’s focus on what’s enough for you . ✨ In this episode: ✔️ How to set goals aligned with your values and capacity ✔️ Why "enough" is the key to sustainable success ✔️ Practical tips to create intentional, ...
Jan 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 142
As we enter the new year, enjoy this bonus rebroadcast of "Finding Your Capacity Sweet Spot" Determining the right number of clients to take on without compromising quality or burning out is essential. On this episode, Keila talks about how to set ideal revenue goals, assess your bandwidth across life and work, and strike the perfect balance between earning target income and maintaining sanity. Going beyond "work-life balance" into intentionally designing your business around your desired lifest...
Jan 01, 2025•15 min
Keila Hill-Trawick breaks down how accounting firms can evolve beyond basic tax preparation to offer meaningful advisory services that benefit both the firm and their small business clients. She distinguishes between tax preparation, advisory, and planning services while providing practical steps for implementing these offerings without overwhelming your firm. Drawing from her experience at Little Fish Accounting, Keila explains why fixed-fee comprehensive packages often serve small businesses b...
Dec 18, 2024•13 min•Ep. 141
Ever feel like traditional accounting services are putting you on a hamster wheel—lots of work, not enough impact? Adam Lean from The CFO Project is here to show us how to break free. In this episode, Adam dives into how accountants can level up their practices by offering high-value advisory services that go beyond the numbers. He’s trained hundreds of accountants to escape the commodity trap, work smarter (not harder), and make a real difference for their clients. We talk about overcoming impo...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 140
Former accountant turned Guideline product manager James von der Lieth breaks down how small accounting firms can offer competitive retirement benefits without breaking the bank. From navigating state mandates to understanding the new Starter 401(k) option, James shares practical insights on implementing and managing retirement plans for both firms and their clients. Learn how modern 401(k) providers are making it easier than ever to offer retirement benefits, plus discover how accounting firms ...
Nov 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 139
HR expert Kira La Forgia breaks down what small business owners need to know before making their first (or next) hire. From understanding the true costs beyond salary to showcasing company culture authentically, she shares practical insights on building teams that align with your business values and goals. While many entrepreneurs focus solely on finding help, Kira emphasizes the importance of stepping into leadership and creating sustainable systems that support both business growth and employe...
Oct 30, 2024•39 min•Ep. 138
Discover how hiring quality talent can transform your accounting firm's capacity and profitability. This episode explores the long-term benefits of strategic hiring, from increased efficiency to improved client satisfaction. Learn practical tips for attracting top talent, conducting effective interviews, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and development within your team. (00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Quality Hiring (01:31) - The Cost of Poor Hiring Decisions (02:07) - Maxi...
Oct 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 137
Keila shares insights on how small accounting firms can create compelling benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. She explores core benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, as well as innovative perks such as flexible work arrangements and wellness programs. Keila offers practical advice on assessing team needs, maximizing budgets, and regularly reviewing benefits to ensure they align with company culture and employee values. (00:00) - Introduction to Small Team Benefits ...
Oct 02, 2024•14 min•Ep. 136
Keila and guest Danielle Johnson, founder of House of MKTG, dive into the world of branding for small businesses. They discuss the signs that indicate it's time to move beyond DIY branding, the unexpected drawbacks of DIY approaches, and the benefits of working with a professional. Danielle shares insights on finding the right branding partner and offers valuable tips for businesses at various stages of growth. (00:00) - Welcome to Build to Enough (01:16) - Meet Danielle Johnson (01:51) - Why Fo...
Sep 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 135
Keila delves into the often-overlooked importance of branding and marketing for accounting firm owners. She explains why these elements are crucial for establishing a firm's identity, attracting ideal clients, and standing out in a competitive landscape. The episode offers practical, manageable steps for firm owners to start building their brand and marketing strategy, emphasizing that even small efforts can make a significant difference in a firm's success and sustainability. (00:00) - This is ...
Sep 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 134
In the fourth installment on boosting firm success, Keila delves into the crucial topic of team management and development. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, fostering continuous learning, and creating a positive work environment to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Keila also shares practical strategies for measuring staff performance, gathering feedback, and aligning team goals with company objectives to build a more efficient and adaptable workforce. T...
Aug 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 133
Keila welcomes Jennie Moore from Ignition to discuss how their platform is helping accountants streamline operations and improve client engagement. Jennie shares insights on Ignition's key features, including proposal creation, automated payments, and client communication tools. The conversation explores recent product enhancements and how Ignition addresses common pain points for accounting firms, such as scope creep and pricing updates. Keila and Jennie emphasize the importance of leveraging t...
Aug 21, 2024•26 min•Ep. 132
In the second installment of a four-part series, Keila focuses on understanding client mix and maintaining strong client relationships as key factors for success in professional service firms. She explores how technology impacts client satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of effective onboarding processes and assessing whether current tools meet both firm and client needs. Keila also discusses strategies for evaluating client fit, gathering feedback, and building stronger relationships, ulti...
Aug 14, 2024•11 min•Ep. 131
In the first of a four-part series, Keila discusses strategies for accounting firm owners to turn the second half of their year into a success. She focuses on financial health as the foundation, covering essential benchmarks like KPIs and strategies to maintain and improve a firm's financial standing. Keila emphasizes the importance of analyzing monthly recurring revenue, churn rates, and client satisfaction scores, while also reviewing profit margins and service packaging. This episode provides...
Aug 07, 2024•15 min•Ep. 130
In this episode, Keila tackles the common entrepreneurial challenge of shiny object syndrome. She explores how constantly chasing new trends, technologies, and opportunities can derail business growth by diluting focus and draining resources. Keila offers practical strategies for staying focused on core objectives, including setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and creating solid plans. (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast (00:55) - Understanding Shiny Object Syndrome (03:29) - The Impact o...
Jul 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 129
In this episode, Keila delves into the dangers of falling into the comparison trap and becoming too comfortable in your business. She emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, adaptation, and self-assessment to achieve sustainable growth. Keila shares valuable tips on avoiding complacency, embracing change, and fostering a culture of improvement within your organization, all while staying true to your unique business goals and vision. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (01:31) - The C...
Jul 17, 2024•15 min•Ep. 128
In this episode, Keila delves into the often-overlooked challenges of being a CEO in a small business. She candidly discusses the isolation, decision fatigue, and financial pressures that come with the role, offering a realistic counterpoint to the glamorized perception of entrepreneurship. Drawing from her personal experiences, Keila provides valuable advice on building support systems, managing stress, and developing leadership skills to navigate the complex journey of business ownership. (00:...
Jul 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 127
In this episode of Built to Enough, Keila delves into the challenges of leadership as businesses grow from solopreneurs to small teams. She explores four key areas for effective leadership, including adapting leadership styles, balancing visionary goals with operational realities, implementing professional development strategies, and managing team dynamics. Keila shares personal experiences and practical advice for entrepreneurs facing the transition from hands-on doer to strategic leader, empha...
Jul 03, 2024•15 min•Ep. 126
In this episode, Keila discusses the often-overlooked benefits of hiring an operations person in a small business. She shares her personal experience of how hiring an operations director transformed her company, and outlines six key benefits of bringing operations expertise into a growing business. Keila emphasizes how an operations professional can drive efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and contribute to strategic growth, making a compelling case for why this role is a valuable invest...
Jun 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 125
In this episode, we explore the crucial difference between making money and managing money as an entrepreneur. We discuss various strategies for boosting revenue, such as increasing sales, diversifying revenue streams, and adjusting pricing. However, we also emphasize the importance of effective financial management, including budgeting, cash flow management, expense control, and investment planning. By finding the right balance between income generation and financial management, entrepreneurs c...
Jun 19, 2024•15 min•Ep. 124
In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses: getting paid on time. Late payments can disrupt cash flow, strain vendor relationships, and hinder growth opportunities. We explore practical strategies for setting favorable payment terms, shortening payment cycles, and using technology to streamline the invoicing and payment process. Whether you're a freelancer or a small business owner, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable tips to help you opti...
Jun 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, we dive into the key differences between being a solopreneur and building a team for your business. We explore the advantages and challenges of each approach, from the flexibility and control of solopreneurship to the increased productivity and innovation potential of a team. Whether you're considering hiring your first employee or wondering if solopreneurship is right for you, this episode provides valuable insights and recommendations to help you make the best decision for you...
Jun 05, 2024•17 min•Ep. 122
Your chart of accounts is the backbone of your business's financial system. In this episode, learn how to create and customize a chart of accounts that provides the visibility you need to make informed decisions. Discover tips for keeping it clean and simple while still capturing the right level of detail for your business. (00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Updates (01:17) - Understanding the Chart of Accounts (02:30) - Simplifying vs. Detailing Your Chart of Accounts (07:36) - Enhancing Financ...
May 29, 2024•16 min•Ep. 121
