Episode 57: Essential Hiring Tactics, Team Synergy, and Visionary Execution with Lori De Witt

team culture

Mar 13

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Conquering Workflows & Systems for Bookkeepers & Accountants podcast with Alyssa Lang, founder of Workflow Queen and Magnetic Bookkeeping & Consulting and Lori De Witt, Owner of DWP Consulting, Inc., a Canada bookkeeping and accounting firm. Episode topic: Essential Hiring Tactics, Team Synergy, and Visionary Execution

Alyssa Lang interviews Lori De Witt, Owner of DWP Consulting, Inc., a Canada bookkeeping and accounting firm. They discuss topics from setting the vision of the company, communicating it with her team, establishing values and identifying core bottlenecks with her team.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How to be unique in the ways you offer different opportunities to your team
Why it’s important to get support from others in the industry who get what you’re going through
How to determine what your core bottleneck is based off your business needs
How to set the vision, culture and values for your team and get them aligned with the direction of the company

Resources mentioned in this episode:

💻 Join our 5 Day Free Workflows Made Simple Challenge waitlist

💻 Kickoff with Asana for Bookkeepers & Accountants

💻 Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants

☎️ Book a 15 minute consult call to discuss what program is the right fit for you and your firm

📊 Check out Gallup’s Strengths Finder results

⚙️ Slack

Listen to the Full Episode here 👇🏼

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Ever had one of those lightbulb moments that just changes everything? Well, I recently had a chat with Lori De Witt, a visionary in the bookkeeping world, and let me tell you, it was like flipping the switch on how we view business, vision, and team dynamics. Lori, from the scenic expanses of Calgary, Alberta, has such a story of vision, and the sheer power of aligning with your team that's both inspiring and well let’s say it…revolutionary.

Lori's journey began with a dream, a car ride through the fog, and a conversation that would lay the foundation for her business. Picture this: fresh off the heels of marriage, driving through the misty roads leading to the mountains, Lori shared with her husband a vision of a bookkeeping business that wasn't just about numbers, but about creating a flexible, empowering space for women (and now men too!) to thrive professionally without sacrificing their personal lives. Fast forward to today, and she's living that dream with her team at DWP Books.

Lori shares her strategies on creating a unique team culture, aligning with her company's vision, and navigating the challenges of business growth. Here's how Lori's approach can inspire your own leadership playbook!

Offering Unique Opportunities to Your Team

Embrace Flexibility: Lori's vision was clear from the start – to create a workspace where team members could balance their professional and personal lives seamlessly. This meant offering unparalleled flexibility, allowing her team to work around their life's commitments, not the other way around. It's a reminder that when you create opportunities to the individual needs of your team members, you're not just accommodating them; you're empowering them.

Invest in Growth: Lori didn't just hire employees; she invested in their growth. By implementing an internal training program inspired by the Breakthrough program, she ensured that every team member not only understood the ins and outs of the business but also felt connected to its mission and values. This approach shows the importance of seeing your team as partners in growth, each with their unique strengths and aspirations.

The Breakthrough Moment

Our conversation took a deep dive into the transformative process Lori underwent in the Breakthrough program. She shared how aligning her team with her business vision wasn't just beneficial; it was essential. The process, though challenging, was incredibly rewarding! Lori told the emotional journey of sharing her vision statement with her team during a retreat. It was a moment of vulnerability, a laying bare of her soul, but it was met with an outpouring of support, tears, and a collective commitment to the vision she laid out. Seriously, so beautiful and touching.

Seeking Support from Industry Peers

Lori highlighted the invaluable support she received from others in the bookkeeping industry within the Breakthrough program, emphasizing that navigating business challenges can be isolating without a network of peers who understand what you're going through. This community isn't just about having a shoulder to lean on; it's about sharing insights, strategies, and sometimes, just the understanding nod from someone who's been there. Lori's journey reminds us that seeking out and nurturing these connections can be a game-changer for personal and professional development.

Identifying Your Core Bottleneck

Understanding your business's core bottleneck requires a deep dive into your operations, something Lori tackled head-on. By focusing on systems and customer service, she pinpointed where her business needed the most attention. This process is a critical step for any business leader. It involves taking a step back, assessing your operations with a critical eye, and being ready to make the necessary adjustments. Lori's method teaches us that identifying and addressing your bottleneck isn't just about solving a problem; it's about opening up new avenues for efficiency and growth.

The Magic of Internal Training Programs

One of the golden nuggets from our chat was Lori's implementation of an internal training program, a strategy she picked up from the Breakthrough program. This wasn't just about onboarding; it was about embedding her vision into the very fabric of her team's daily operations. Lori's approach to training is refreshingly authentic, homemade, and deeply personal, allowing her to connect with her team on a level that textbooks and formal training programs simply can't match.

Setting the Vision, Culture, and Values

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Lori's experience is the process of setting and sharing the vision, culture, and values with her team. This wasn't a top-down rollout, but a shared journey that involved vulnerability, honesty, and a deep commitment to the collective future of the company. Lori's approach to embedding these elements into every aspect of her business, from hiring to daily operations, serves as a blueprint for any leader looking to align their team with the company's direction.

By sharing her vision in a way that resonated personally with each team member, Lori ensured that everyone was not just on board but fully invested in the journey ahead. This alignment is the key of a thriving company culture, where every individual feels valued, understood, and part of something bigger than themselves. That’s what it’s all about, right?

In Conclusion

As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn't help but feel inspired. Lori's journey from a dream shared in the foggy drive to the mountains to the reality of a thriving, aligned business is a testament to the power of vision, the importance of team alignment, and the transformative impact of personal connection in the workplace.

If Lori'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:

Lori De Witt established and owns DWP Consulting Inc., based in Calgary, Alberta. While working at a public practice accounting firm, she saw the need for good bookkeepers, so the vision of starting her own business was born.

Lori is passionate about understanding what makes her clients effective and building financial structures and processes to make their businesses all they can be. She customizes her services to each client's needs, from basic record keeping to CFO/Controller services. She is developing a fantastic team that shares this passion.

Lori has a Bachelor of Management degree from Athabasca University and has lived and worked in several Canadian provinces and internationally. In addition to growing into her role as a successful business owner, Lori is happily married and has two teenage children and a dog named Millie.

Connect with Lori De Witt:

Connect via email: Lori@dwpbooks.ca

Check out her website: https://www.dwpbooks.com/

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