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 the specific stuff they need done? She shares her own take - she's all about clients who dive into le...
Jan 09, 2024•9 min•Ep. 13
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 SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, illustrated through person...
Jan 05, 2024•16 min•Ep. 12
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 Frogs Bookkeeping Lilypad, which is more focused on the challenges faced by bookkeeping business owners....
Dec 29, 2023•10 min•Ep. 11
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 a meet-up, it was about building friendships and learning from each other's experiences. Listen in f...
Dec 26, 2023•14 min•Ep. 10
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 payroll adjustments. The episode also explores the concept of service packages, from basic to comprehen...
Dec 22, 2023•16 min•Ep. 9
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, highlighting how they cater to specific industries and personalize their services. Rachel encourages...
Dec 19, 2023•13 min•Ep. 8
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 challenges. Key Points Discussed: Finding Personal Resonance: Wendy emphasizes the importance of asking onese...
Dec 15, 2023•28 min•Ep. 7
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 distractions and tasks can significantly enhance productivity and focus. Rachel's candid and engaging narr...
Dec 12, 2023•20 min•Ep. 6
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 respectful working relationship. This episode is not just about managing business interactions; it'...
Dec 08, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 her experience with various projects from the week. Rachel highlights her commitment to helping other...
Dec 05, 2023•23 min•Ep. 4
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 and personal connection in marketing efforts. Additionally, Rachel talks about her approach to conte...
Nov 30, 2023•20 min•Ep. 3
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 for introverted professionals, such as using branded clothing at events. The episode concludes with ...
Nov 28, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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.
Nov 23, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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
Nov 13, 2023•2 min
