Final Round: Keeping Connected

Communicate in Style

Whether it’s clients or colleagues, you’ll need a reliable way to communicate, and there are so many options out there, you could spend each day of the year using something new.

We recommend finding several ways that you’re comfortable communicating with, as different business interactions may require different forms of communication.

Your clients will also have individual preferences, and this is where things like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software start to be a consideration. Don’t worry about that, we’ll tackle CRM at the end of this post!

G Suite

I know what you’re thinking, “Really, you’re going to tell me about Gmail?!”

No, I’m going to tell you about the wonders of getting your business email and having it be “[email protected]”

Setting up a domain, or even just setting up a dedicated email for business contacts, adds...

Get Paid

The method you choose to track your time is really going to depend on your work style and habits, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best available software out there to help you choose what’s right for you!

Some of these programs will work fine by themselves, while others will be more useful if you have chosen to integrate them with other applications or software.

Here’s our run-down on some of the best options:

MinuteDock

A tidy web-based application that can integrate with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software to facilitate invoicing for billable time. It requires a monthly subscription. MinuteDock is compatible with almost any internet-accessing device, so you’re covered on the go!

It works most like a stopwatch, and allows you to tag client(s) and add a description of your work. They don’t provide timestamps, so if you forget to pause or end your timer, you might have a little trouble; incorrect entries are easy to...

Tech Resources:

A First Look: Document Management

So you’re ready to start bookkeeping, that’s great! There are a handful of things you’ll absolutely need to start:

1. A way for your clients to get their documents organized and available to you.
2. A place to store and access documents.
3. A way to track your work.
4. A reliable way to communicate.

There are enough programs and gadgets available to the up and coming bookkeeper that it’s reasonable to find your head spinning after your initial jump, but don’t worry, we have some recommendations to get you started!

A Home for Documents

There are hundreds of programs that boast quick and easy document organization, but not all of them are suited for you or your clients; below we have curated a list of some of the best and most widely used applications out there:

Wave

Made by Waveapp.com - this offers free basic accounting services and payroll and payments for a monthly fee. It’s billed...

1. A Desk or Other Space

This may seem obvious, but you really do want a work space separate from your regular living space. Working from the couch can limit your productivity, and might not offer you the most comfort or the space that you need to be efficient! Which brings us to our next point…

2. A Good Chair

That’s right, where you sit MATTERS. Make sure that your chair fits your body! You want to have back support without cutting off the blood flow to your legs.

If you are particularly short or tall, we recommend sitting in a chair before buying it, so you know what is comfortable. You also have the option of picking up and exercise ball as a chair - they even make chair frames for them so you don’t have to worry about accidentally rolling away.

3. A Proper Computer Setup

Previous posts have suggested having at least a laptop and a second monitor; and here we’ll expand upon that. Whatever your typing on - you want it low enough...

1. Create a Dedicated Work Space

Dividing work life and personal life is not a new concept, but when you’re working from home it is critical.  By setting aside a place where you only do work, you can help you keep the two separate.

It can be as simple as splitting your desk into two distinct spaces, or as big as having a separate home office that you only use for work. The space should be comfortable and inspiring.

When you aren’t working, be sure to take your leisure activities away from your dedicated work space.

2.     Stick to your Schedule

The freedom of working from home can be double sided, you may be tempted to work too little or too much.

Set a schedule for when you want to work (don’t forget to take time for lunch and brain breaks) and try your best to stick to it. You may have to adjust your schedule multiple times before you find what works best for you!

Give yourself deadlines for finishing a project or task. After...

Do you ever work from home?

Do you have a separate space at home designated for regular & exclusive business use?

Now just to be clear….. We’re not talking about the kitchen table or your guest bedroom!

We’re talking about a separately defined space in your home where you only work on your business.   If this applies to your business operations from home...  then you may be entitled to deduct the expenses for the percentage of square footage your home office occupies.

I was surprised to learn (and you may be too) just how much you can save…. The IRS says this tax deduction brings self-employed persons who qualify, an average tax savings of $3,000 each year!

Okay, so how do we get this deduction?  You can claim the deduction one of two ways outlined below....

Regular Method

You can deduct a percent of your actual expenses based on the portion of your home devoted to regular & exclusive business use.  Included in the...

We strongly recommend that you check and or purchase from https://www.newegg.com/ where you can find competitive pricing and reliable reviews. We do not receive any service or benefits from Newegg for this recommendation.

1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS is a continual energy source that provides emergency power when your main input source goes out. They provide near instant protection from power interruption, outages or surges, at least several minutes, allowing you to save data and shut down your devices.

They are frequently used to protect databases, sensitive work information, and general productivity, and have a large range of sizes and utility.

There are small and portable versions which are a great starter option. You’ll want to make sure you can at least plug your computer, monitor, and internet router into the UPS, allowing you to save your work in the case of a power problem. If your situation includes multiple employees, you’ll want to...

So you’ve decided you want to be a bookkeeper (congratulations!) and you’ve decided to take the leap to start your own bookkeeping business!  Bravo!!

If you put in the work and follow the steps below, it’s nearly guaranteed that you will be successful.  You will have the freedom to choose when you work, where you work, and who you work for. And if all goes well, you will never, ever have to go work as an employee for someone else again.  

But you’re probably asking how to go about doing that?  A lot of people think that starting a business can be a daunting task. Really it is pretty straightforward if you’re organized and have someone guiding you through the process.

It can be broken down into these simple steps.  

First, you’ll need a name.  When thinking about a name, think about branding and your image.  Do you want the business to be centered around you? Or do you want the business to grow bigger than you....

Bookkeeping doesn’t require selling stuff to friends, having parties, buying inventory or recruiting others.  

It is a career that has been around for generations, one that thanks to modern technology you can now do from anywhere, for anyone, at any time.

Every business needs a bookkeeper!   And there are literally millions of small businesses across the country.  Growing more and more each day during this gig economy.

All it requires to become a bookkeeper are some basic computer skills, an interest in numbers, a passion for helping others and some basic training.

In return, you’ll find it to be a very rewarding career as you help small businesses (your clients) succeed!

According to a US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor statistics, the average bookkeeper in the US makes nearly $40,000 per year,  and likely works only 25-30 hours a week.

So how do you get started?

Well, first lets talk about what equipment you will need?

• a reliable computer...

Are you looking for a flexible career?  

One where you can work from anywhere?  The kitchen table? Sure. A local coffee shop? Yep.   Your kid's swim meet? Totally. Your ailing parents house?  Yes. While travelling the world? Even better!

A career where you can truly set your own schedule? Want to make a few bucks in the morning before your day job? No problem. During nap time? Piece of cake.  While the kids are at school? Easy Peasy. From the car during piano lessons? Done. From your desk at lunch? Sure thing. In between classes? Fantastic. After the kids go to bed?  Absolutely.

We’re here to show you how you can work from anywhere, at any time and make $50-$80 per hour while doing it.  

Doing what you might ask?  

Well there are actually a variety of ways, but our favorite is working as a virtual bookkeeper.  

How do we know it’s possible you ask?

We know because we’ve done it!

Founder, Meaghan Likes, started a...