As a bookkeeper, you've got A LOT on your plate. From managing client relationships to keeping up with the latest regulations, it can be tough to stay on top of everything. When you're so busy, you might even be worrying about things falling through the cracks...missed deadlines, poor customer service, stress, stress & more stress.
But don't worry - we've got some tips to help you work smarter, not harder so you can manage your bookkeeping business with a little more ease. We're not sugar coating this...it's not all rainbows and unicorns when it comes to running your business, but there is a better way.
Get automated
The best way to save time and reduce your stress is to automate as much as you can. We're not just talking about the usual suspects, we're also talking about TaxDome (our FAVORITE), Zapier, Calendly & more. These tools are there for a reason. A good reason. They can save you literally hours of work each week, and make you feel like you have more time to do what you want...like scrolling IG, or reading really cool blogs :)
Take breaks
Whoever said "time is money" obviously never took a proper lunch break. Studies show that taking regular breaks throughout the day can actually improve focus and productivity. So go ahead, take a walk, do some yoga, or just chill out with a good book. You'll come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. This works especially well if you aren't trapped in that 9 to 5 mentality. It can be hard to do it, but a good meditation certainly can't hurt your day....and it definitely can help improve it.
Talk to your clients
Good communication is the key to a successful bookkeeping practice. Make sure you're regularly checking in with your clients, giving them updates on their finances, and answering any questions they might have. This will help you build stronger relationships and avoid any nasty surprises down the line.One of the many reasons we love TaxDome is because it really does automate this part for you. You can set regular updates and check-ins as the work goes through your workflow, leaving your client in the loop and happy for the updates.
Set boundaries
It's important to have a life outside of work. Did you hear that?? You don't live to work, you work to live. That means setting specific work hours when they can contact you, establishing communication protocols, and being clear about what you will and won't do for your clients. Don't let them walk all over you! With a little bit of boundary-setting, you'll be able to manage your workload more effectively and still have time to binge-watch your favorite Netflix show.
It is possible to do things different. To take a stand in your business and declare that you are doing things differently. With a few slight tweaks to the way you operate, you can streamline your workflow, reduce stress, and still have time for the things you love. So go ahead, give these tips a try, and let us know how it goes!