Building a bookkeeping business—or any business—isn't about getting motivated once in a while. It's about showing up consistently, day after day. When you're in the building phase, your foot stays on the gas. Every email you send, every networking conversation, every social media post, every follow-up call, and every connection you make moves your business one step closer to your next client. (And yes... you can absolutely take the weekends off. Just don't lose your momentum.) Last month we ran the Bookkeeper's Growth Game, where the entire focus was on completing daily Income Producing Activities (IPAs) that actually move your business forward. No busy work. Just simple, consistent actions that create real results. Want the complete IPA list we used? Drop "LIST" in the comments and I'll send it your way!

Question for anyone with clients on Jobber, ServiceTitan, or Housecall Pro alongside QBO: at month end, do you verify the two systems actually agree, or trust the sync unless something looks off? I have been researching this for a few weeks and working bookkeepers keep describing the same quiet failures: a penny of drift on e-transfers, hand-corrected with no alert, five to ten silent fixes a month on a single client. The vendors' own docs admit it happens, but I want to know what it actually costs the person doing the close. Full disclosure, I build small-business tools and am deciding whether this deserves a real solution. Not selling anything here. What is your process, and how much time does it add per client?

For expenses paid on a personal card: Is there a way to apply it to any excess owner draw/owner pay taken from the same year? For example, buying fuel for a vehicle. I want to make sure the expense goes in the fuel category, but can I create a JE to also pull from the owner draw account?

I'd like to share an email I received today from a woman who I consider a friend and hold in high esteem. It left me quite inspired and I felt compelled to share; Hi ⁣Melissa, ⁣ Here is your Friday Joy Tip:⁣ Listen before you push.⁣ ⁣ Clarity speaks in stillness.⁣ ⁣ That does not mean we never take action.⁣ ⁣ It means we stop worshiping action as the only sign of progress.⁣ ⁣ There are moments when the most aligned thing you can do is pause.⁣ ⁣ Pray.⁣ Reflect.⁣ Ask better questions.⁣ Listen for peace.⁣ Notice what feels led and what feels forced.⁣ ⁣ Because constant pushing can create noise.⁣ But stillness can reveal direction.⁣ ⁣ This weekend, before you rush into the next thing, pause long enough to ask:⁣ What is actually being led here?⁣ ⁣ Declaration: I listen before I push, and I trust the clarity God gives.⁣ Reflection: What might God be showing you in the quiet?⁣ --- I'm excited to introduce you to my friend, Nikki Cruise, founder of Joy Inspired. Nikki has an incredible story of resilience, faith, and perseverance, and she's made it her mission to help entrepreneurs and professionals build businesses and lives rooted in purpose, joy, and intentionality. Through her coaching, speaking, and podcast, she shares practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement that reminds us success isn't just about what we accomplish—it's about who we become along the way. I know you'll be inspired by her message, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more about Nikki and the amazing work she's doing at Joy Inspired. You can find out more about Nikki and her amazing story on her website - www.joy-inspired.com ⁣

So my friends it appears that I have hit a point of interest when I posted about your email list being the most valuable asset in your business - YAY! My email box has flooded with questions from all of you - most focusing on how to get started. We agree that for a business, your email list is one of the most valuable assets you can build because you own it. Unlike social media, where algorithms determine who sees your content, your email list gives you a direct line of communication with people who have already expressed interest in what you offer. I like to think of it as a simple four-step system: Step 1: Give People a Reason to Join Very few people subscribe to "receive our newsletter." They subscribe because they'll receive something valuable immediately. Some of the highest-converting lead magnets are: - Free guides - Checklists - Cheat sheets The more specific your offer, the better. For example: Instead of: "Join my newsletter" or "Sign Up Now" Try: - "Download the 7 Mistakes Costing Small Businesses Thousands in Taxes." - "Get the Monthly Bookkeeping Checklist We Use for Every Client." - "Free Profit First Cash Flow Tracker." - "The Ultimate Small Business Tax Deadline Calendar." Step 2: Put Your Offer Everywhere Most businesses only have one place people can subscribe. Instead, your opt-in should be everywhere your audience interacts with you. Examples include: - Website homepage - Contact page - Resource page - Email signature - Social profiles - Business cards Think of every interaction as an opportunity to invite someone onto your list. Step 3: Create Content That Builds Trust Content is what fills your email list. Create educational content that answers the questions your ideal customer is already asking. Some examples: - FAQ's - Client success stories - Tips and tricks Every piece of content should include a simple call to action: "Want the complete checklist? Download it here." Step 4: Nurture Your Subscribers