What I’ve Learned in Six Months

Saturday, September 1^st, 2018 marked 6 months since I canned my corporate life and ventured into uncharted territory to start my own bookkeeping practice.  Here’s a smattering of things I’ve learned, discovered, worried about, struggled with, been surprised by and pondered throughout the past 1/2 year, 6 months, 26 weeks, 180 days, 4,320 hours, 259,200 minutes, or 15,552,000 seconds.

1. Be yourself at all costs. Trying to be something you’re not is exhausting. The modern way to say this might be “you do you”. However you say it though, it’s legitimately good advice.
2. Anyone who knows me will agree that I have an independent streak, I don’t like to ask for help. I’ve discovered though, that everyone really genuinely wants to help you succeed. So ask for recommendations on Facebook. Sign up for free seminars at the Small Business Centre and say hi to the person who sits down beside you. Better yet, bring a box of Timbits to a room full of strangers and make friends without even trying.
3. Most things take twice as long as you want them to but at the same time, all of the things you’re not prepared for or hadn’t thought of will happen at lightning speed. #thestruggleisreal
4. Almost all of my clients have come to me through recommendations from people who know me either personally, socially or as former coworkers…proof that you’re always teaching people who you are and demonstrating your personality, character, and work ethics.
5. When business starts to pick up it’s tempting to want to meet with everyone ASAP. News flash: You’re only 1 person and you only get 24 hours in a day like everyone else. With point number 3) in mind, you should realize that you’re not a miracle worker and if you try, you’ll only stress yourself out and potentially disappoint your clients. I’m learning to take on half of what I want to handle. Once I’ve reached a reasonable routine and comfort level, then I can gradually take on more.
6. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to think about insurance. Let your car insurance company know that you’re using your vehicle for business use. Call your home insurance company and see if they have small business rider that you can add to your policy. Get a good business liability policy for your industry. Update your Will and Power of Attorney to reflect some succession planning if anything happens to you. Seriously. Contact me if you need the name of a lovely insurance broker.
7. If you’re teaching clients or customers, shorter sessions are better than longer ones. Meet them again to cover any remaining topics. Information overload doesn’t help anyone.
8. Accept that you can only control so much. Some clients have to work at their own pace and that’s okay.
9. Schedule some space into your calendar each week with no set game plan of how you’ll use it. I know that sounds ridiculous but I’m serious. Block off a couple of hours with no intended purpose every week. Use this time to jot down ideas, note what’s working and what’s not, research ideas, make future plans, develop some focus, contact someone for advice, reevaluate priorities, etc.
10. Document EVERYTHING! Was that enough CAPS for you? For every task and every client, open a document and jot down what you’re doing, how you’re doing it and heck, maybe even why. Update this every time you work on those tasks or do any work for those clients. Running a business is a blur of activity. You WILL forget things if you don’t take good notes.
11. Figure out when you’re most productive each day. I get more client work done between 6-10am than any other 4 hour chunk of time in the day. Then I enjoy breakfast. When are you in the productivity zone?
12. Trust your gut. Know when to say no. If you’ve decided on business hours, a business niche, particular tools or software that you want to use, product offerings, pricing structures, mission statements, etc., and a potential client doesn’t quite meet those parameters, stick to your guns (within reason). Of course, it’s always nice to refer that prospective client to a colleague who can provide what they’re looking for.
13. Schedule your back office work as if it’s your best customer. Give it priority treatment! Although back office work doesn’t make you any money, if neglected it can cost you thousands. If need be, pay someone to do it for you. It’ll still be cheaper than neglecting it.

The fine print:

The information and opinions expressed by Lori K Aitken on this blog are based on her own personal experiences. Please consult your own legal and accounting professionals for specifics regarding how any of the topics covered here may apply to your business’s unique structure, needs, or operational policies and procedures.