In this episode of Accounting with Confidence, I'm sharing my journey and insights on the importance of strategic planning for your firm. From my early days as a partner with no formal plan, through the ups and downs of partnerships, to finally finding a structured approach that works. I'll also fill you in on my experience at the Woodard Summit event in Texas, the benefits of attending such events, and how a coach has transformed my business. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a team, discover actionable tips to help you set and achieve your business goals.

In this episode I share insights to help you build a business you love. I discuss the importance of planning, even admitting that I missed my typical October planning due to a busy schedule. I reveal my two main goals for 2025: implementing a thorough marketing plan to achieve a 15% revenue increase, and standardizing processes to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Additionally, I touch on personal goals like advancing my quilting projects and training our new dog. Join me in setting and achieving your own goals for the new year!

In this Confidence Booster episode, I share my personal experiences with anxiety and provide practical tools and strategies to manage it. From the power of music and exercise to the importance of taking mental health days, I offer valuable insights for reducing stress and maintaining productivity, especially during the hectic holiday season. Tune in for a confidence boost and learn how I navigate the challenges of owning and operating a business while managing anxiety.

In this episode of Accounting with Confidence, I provide an in-depth overview of the extensive tech stack my full-service CPA firm uses. I discuss the various applications and tools that help us manage tax preparation, accounting, payroll processing, practice management, and client communications. From Drake Tax for tax returns to Canopy Tax for practice management, and Ignition for proposals and payments, I provide detailed insights into each product's role and benefits. Additionally, I touch on our transition to cloud-based solutions and alternative software options like Xero, ensuring you have the information to enhance your own business operations.

Tech Stack Links

In this Confidence Booster episode of Accounting with Confidence, I share invaluable hiring tips for small business owners. As an experienced CPA firm owner, I discuss the challenges of hiring, including distrust, fear of wrong decisions, and the costs involved. I provide actionable advice on creating a thorough hiring process, emphasizing the importance of detail-oriented and tech-savvy candidates. From sharing your company culture in job postings to implementing hidden skills tests, I outline how to identify the right applicants. I also stress the importance of honesty and clarity in job descriptions and the necessity of starting the hiring process well before busy seasons. Tune in for an in-depth look at making smart hires that fit your business needs.

In this episode I discuss the importance of strategic planning for business success. Drawing from my own experience, I share insights on setting goals, maintaining accountability, and the practical steps necessary to develop and implement a strategic plan. I'll explain why having both short-term and long-term goals is crucial and provide tips on enlisting help from mentors, coaches, or accountability partners. Learn how to review your current plan, understand why certain goals may have been missed, and set achievable targets for the future. Whether you're an accounting firm owner or running another type of business, my advice will help you navigate the complexities of strategic planning and grow with confidence.

n this short and powerful confidence booster episode, I discuss why planning is essential for your business and personal success. As we approach year-end, it's the perfect time to focus on budgeting, setting goals, and planning for fun. Join me as I share insights on creating effective plans, reducing anxiety, and finding accountability partners to stay on track. Let's work together to set targets and make the journey to achieving your goals smoother and more rewarding.

00:00 Introduction to Beth Whitworth

00:44 Why Planning is Important

01:57 Setting Goals and Budgets

06:14 Planning for Fun

07:48 Accountability and Continuous Planning

10:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Accounting with Confidence, I provide an update on my journey of improving my marketing efforts since launching the podcast in winter 2022. I reflect on my initial struggles with marketing and my progress, including taking a marketing class and building referral relationships. I discuss my decision to implement a cohesive and sustainable marketing strategy for 2025, the lessons learned from a marketing audit, and my plans to integrate the podcast with my accounting practice. I emphasize the importance of consistency, focusing on what makes my business unique, and leveraging my passion to create effective marketing messages. I also share my commitment to setting focused time for marketing tasks and embracing progress over perfection. Join me as I navigate the challenges and excitement of enhancing my marketing approach.

In this video episode, I explore the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Drawing from my own recent experiences, I discuss how venturing into new and uncomfortable territories can foster growth and learning. I share insights from participating in a growth-focused group for accounting firm owners and attending a retreat for accounting influencers, both of which challenged me to new limits. I also issue a personal challenge for you to try something new, whether it's attending an event, starting a conversation with a stranger, or attempting a new activity. This episode marks my first foray into recording on video, and I reflect on the experience and just getting it done, not perfect.

Watch on YouTube here: Episode 20

00:00 Introduction to Beth Whitworth

00:41 Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

00:45 Launching the Video Podcast

01:21 Facing New Challenges

02:27 Joining the Growth Group

03:54 Attending the Influencers Conference

04:55 Breaking the Ice: Belonging in...

In this episode I share my journey to finding balance in my professional life by setting critical boundaries. I'll discuss the struggles I faced working excessive hours, the negative impacts on my personal life, and the steps I took to reclaim my time and improve my business. Learn how implementing calendar blocking, using a calendar app, and stopping the practice of always answering the phone transformed my business and personal well-being. I'll also dive into how these changes supported me through a challenging health diagnosis and allowed my practice to thrive in my absence. Tune in to discover how setting professional boundaries can lead to a more fulfilling and successful business life.

00:00 Introduction to Beth Whitworth

00:36 The Struggles of Overworking

05:15 Setting Professional Boundaries

06:11 Calendar Blocking: A Game Changer

15:07 Implementing a Calendar App

22:33 Stop Answering the Phone

30:16 The Importance of Boundaries

30:59 A Personal Story of...