Episode 56: Streamlining Business Operations: Breakthrough Success in Bookkeeping with Holly Skog
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Conquering Workflows & Systems for Bookkeepers & Accountants podcast with Alyssa Lang, founder of Workflow Queen and Magnetic Bookkeeping & Consulting and Holly Skog is the owner of Happy Books Solutions, a bookkeeping and fractional CFO firm which helps interior designers navigate the finance side of their business. Episode topic: Streamlining Business Operations: Breakthrough Success in Bookkeeping
Alyssa Lang interviews Holly Skog, Owner and Founder of Happy Books Solutions, to talk about Holly’s journey through joining and implementing Breakthrough to help her prepare for maternity leave and give her team the time to shine.
In this episode you’ll hear:
What Holly implemented through Breakthrough to create massive wins and shifts in her firm
How Holly maintains her sanity and peach by building a balanced business
Impact of creating an internal training program for her team
How she plans to take 30 days off, unplugged, for maternity leave and 3 months of zero client facing activities
What KPIs she has in place to bonus her team based on performance and execution
Resources mentioned in this episode:
⚙️ Notion
💻 Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants
☎️ Book a 15 minute consult call to discuss what program is the right fit for you and your firm
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Ever found yourself wondering if it's possible to scale your bookkeeping business, take a significant leave, and still keep everything running smoothly? Navigating the world of bookkeeping and accounting as a firm owner can often feel like a solo journey, especially when big life changes are on the horizon. But what if I told you that embracing change, leaning into systems, and finding the right support could not only transform your business but also prepare you for life's biggest moments? Holly Skog's story is a testament to just that.
When Holly Skog, the powerhouse behind Happy Books Solutions, first played around with the idea of starting her bookkeeping business, little did she know she'd be setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. Fast forward to today, and Holly is not just gearing up for maternity leave; she's doing so with the confidence that her business will thrive in her absence. How did she achieve this?
Holly recently shared her incredible journey with us. Over the past eight months, she's not only prepared her business for her upcoming maternity leave but also massively increased her firm's profitability and streamlined her operations. And guess what? She credits a big part of this transformation to the insights and strategies learned from our group coaching program, Breakthrough.
The Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Holly's transition from a corporate finance role to launching her own firm was driven by a desire for freedom and a break from the corporate grind. Feel the same?? "I was just getting really sick of the corporate grind," Holly shared, reflecting on her initial motivation. Her leap of faith into entrepreneurship was fueled by a vision for a different kind of life—one where she could live life on her terms and enjoy the flexibility she dreamed of!
The Maternity Leave Plan That Changed Everything
As Holly approached her maternity leave, the scary task of stepping away from her business was becoming alllll too real. Yet, through intentional planning and leveraging the systems and strategies she learned from Breakthrough, she created a leave plan that worked for her and her firm. "I have a plan in place for maternity leave this spring...knowing that my current clients are well taken care of," Holly explained. This wasn't just about taking time off; it was about making sure her business kept running and helped her peace of mind.
Embracing Systems for Scalability and Sanity
One of Holly's most biggest wins was creating a bonus plan tied to KPIs for her team, a move that not only aligned her team's efforts with the company's goals but also fostered a culture of accountability and motivation. But Holly didn't stop there. She tackled client re-evaluation head-on, adjusting prices to reflect the value her firm provides. Cheers to that! "I conducted a profitability analysis by client...and increased our average monthly client fee," Holly said, highlighting the strategic decisions that led to her firm's profitability.
Streamlining for Growth
Holly's journey outlines the importance of streamlining operations, from automating the sales process to simplifying payment plans. By setting up automations and processes, Holly has been able to shift her focus from working IN the business to working ON the business. This transition has been FREEING, allowing her to concentrate on growing her business instead of getting caught up in day-to-day tasks. Sounds amazing right??
The Power of Niching Down
Perhaps one of Holly's most impactful decisions was niching down to serve interior designers exclusively. This focus allowed her to streamline her services and tailor her systems to meet the unique needs of her clients. "All of a sudden all of these designers came to me," Holly said, describing the power of niching down. By honing in on a specific niche, Holly not only attracted her ideal clients but also set her firm apart in a crowded market.
Setting Boundaries and Focusing on the Future
Preparing for maternity leave also meant setting clear boundaries and focusing on the future. Holly's proactive approach to planning for her absence not only made sure her business will continue to thrive but also sets a precedent for maintaining work-life balance. It's about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around.
5 Quick Action Steps to Prep for Time Off:
Streamline Internal Communications:
Implement tools like Slack to improve team communication.
Establish clear guidelines on when and how to reach out for emergencies.
Implement Systems and Automations:
Plan for Maternity Leave or Extended Time Off:
Start planning early, considering both unplugged time and a gradual return to work.
Set up systems so your business can run without you, ensuring clients are taken care of.
Delegate and Set Boundaries:
Learn to delegate tasks to team members effectively.
Set clear boundaries with clients, including payment terms and communication protocols.
Join a Coaching Program or Seek Mentorship:
Consider joining a coaching program like Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants to accelerate your growth.
Seek mentorship or advice from industry peers or professionals who have been where you are.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Happy Books Solutions
As Holly prepares for her new chapter as a mom, she's also laying the groundwork for her firm's continued growth. With a solid team, streamlined processes, and a clear vision, the future of Happy Books Solutions has never looked brighter. "I'm not tempted to be working a kajillion hours a week...I love what I do, but I don't love doing it all the time," Holly shares.
Your Next Step
Holly's story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you're willing to make bold moves in your business. Whether it's planning for maternity leave, re-evaluating client relationships, or investing in your team's development, each step forward brings you closer to the firm (and life) you've always wanted.
If Holly's story has inspired you, or if you're looking for more insights on scaling your bookkeeping business, don't hesitate to reach out or explore our resources. Your breakthrough moment might be just around the corner. Ready to take your firm to the next level? Learn more about our group coaching program, Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants, and join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs on the same journey as you.
About our guest:
Holly Skog is the owner of Happy Books Solutions, a bookkeeping and fractional CFO firm which helps interior designers navigate the finance side of their business. She's an extroverted numbers nerd who loves bringing personality and approachability to the finance world (a world we all know could use a bit of an image refresh!).
Connect with Holly Skog:
Check out her website: https://happybookssolutions.com/
Follow her on Instagram: @happy.books.solutions
Send her an email: holly@happybookssolutions.com
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