The Better Bookkeeper Show

Do you feel like you’re not “ready” to run or grow your bookkeeping business? Do you ever wonder if you really know enough to call yourself a confident, independent bookkeeper or firm owner?

You’re not alone and this conversation proves it.

In this honest and inspiring interview, I sit down with Nancy McClelland, CPA and independent business owner, to talk about impostor syndrome in bookkeeping, fear, confidence, and what it ...

Do you secretly worry that you’re “not ready” to grow your bookkeeping business?

You’re not alone and you’re not underqualified.

In this episode, Lynn Talbott breaks down why confidence is the real missing piece for most bookkeepers.

If imposter syndrome is stopping you from raising your prices, taking on better clients, or trusting your own expertise, this episode is for you.

We cover:

✔ Why comparison kills your momentum

...

Ever feel like you’re too late to start your bookkeeping business, or like you need one more certification before you’re ready?

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Strobel, owner of Village & Vine Consulting. Her story is proof that there’s no perfect timeline for starting a bookkeeping practice.

Laura didn’t side hustle her way into bookkeeping. She learned the skills, took the plunge, and went all in, alongside her dau...

Ever catch yourself wondering, “Am I actually good enough at this to call myself a professional bookkeeper?” Spoiler: You're not alone, and it takes a lot more than just knowing debits and credits.

In this episode, I'm joined by Ashley LaMar-Morris, owner of Purrrfect Bookkeeping and one of my former team members, to walk through the seven essential skills every modern bookkeeper needs to master. These are the real-world skills ...

Holiday cheer is in the air… but so is year-end cleanup season. The good news? December gives you a golden window to get organized and set 2026 up for success.

In this episode, Ashley and I walk you through the exact 5-step workflow we both use to prep our client books before the January chaos hits!

Whether you’re brand new to bookkeeping or you’ve survived a few tax seasons already, this episode will help you feel calmer, mo...

If you’ve ever thought, “Why did I even start this business?” or felt like you’re just logging in, doing client work, and living on a hamster wheel, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Denner, a leadership coach and trainer who helps small business owners reconnect with their purpose. We discuss what happens when you lose your why (and how to find it again), why so many entrepreneurs become accidental bus...

Think you need more certifications, one more tax season, or a “perfect” moment before you start or scale your firm? I’ve been there too, and waiting cost me YEARS of momentum, money, and peace of mind. 

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the four biggest regrets from building, scaling, and selling my bookkeeping business so you don’t repeat them. 

Key Takeaways:

• Why confidence comes after action (no...

Most bookkeepers wait too long to think about selling. I know because I did the same thing. In this episode, I’ll show you how to avoid my mistakes and strengthen your firm now with two more value drivers.

In the last episode, we covered financial performance and growth potential. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and do that first! 

These aren’t abstract theories. They’re the same steps I wish I had known y...

Have you ever thought about your exit strategy? 

Wait! I know you’re probably thinking “Lynn, I just started my business! Why would I want to exit it?” But thinking about selling your firm (even if you never do) will force you to build better systems, smarter structures, and a business that isn’t 100% dependent on you. 

In this episode, I’m sharing two value drivers you can implement now to build a firm that’s more ...

Think you don’t need a mentor because you can figure it out yourself? I used to say the exact same thing.

But now I understand that mentorship is the secret weapon that helps bookkeepers grow into confident business owners!

That’s why I invited a former mentor of mine, Ronna-Renee Jackson of LaunchPoint Leadership, to join me for this conversation. Together, we break down how a mentor’s outside perspective helps you spot issues s...

If promoting yourself feels fake or overwhelming, you’re not alone. You can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself.

This episode will help you get in front of the right clients *without* selling your soul on social media. I’m sharing the simple, sustainable marketing moves I wish I’d used sooner, and I’m joined by marketing expert Stacey Nolan, who’s been helping bookkeepers and small business owners stand out for years.

We’re ...

You’ve closed the deal… now what?

This is part 2 of our “Mastering the Sales Process” series and we’re breaking down what to do after the client says yes! From contracts and payment links to document requests and expectations calls, we’re walking you through the full onboarding process so you can keep the momentum going.

You’ll learn:

• How to send contracts and payment links without confusing the client
• If you should sto...

As a bookkeeper, you may not feel like a natural salesperson... but if you’re running your own bookkeeping business, sales calls are non-negotiable! In this episode, Ashley LaMar-Morris with Purrrfect Bookkeeping is back as a guest and we’re breaking down how to lead confident, aligned discovery calls without feeling salesy or second-guessing yourself.

We cover:

• How to prep for a call so you're choosing the right clients ...

Think you need a fancy website, a fully decked-out office, or a thousands of dollars worth of software to start your bookkeeping business? Think again!

In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 essentials to get your bookkeeping business off the ground. Everything from the exact tech stack I use, to the legal steps that protect you, to the confidence you’ll need to land your first clients, and much more!

Whether you’re fresh out of...

You probably didn’t wake up and say, “Today feels like a great day to write a business plan.”

But if you’re tired of winging it, saying yes to the wrong clients, or wondering where your profit went… It's time to create a plan that actually works for you.

In this episode, I’m breaking down 7 practical, tactical steps to help you build a bookkeeping business that’s aligned with your goals, your values, and the lifestyle you’re ...

Ever undercharged a client? Lost track of your growing team? Or worse: hired someone who nearly tanked your reputation?

In this episode, George Wilson is back as a guest and we get real about the mistakes that cost us money, time, and sleep while building our bookkeeping firms… and how we finally got it right.

These are the painful (and painfully common) missteps that almost every bookkeeper faces when trying to grow, and thi...

Thinking about adding payroll to your services? This episode breaks down what bookkeepers really need to know before diving into payroll, from pricing and platforms to managing tricky client expectations.

Our guest is George Wilson, owner of Southern Payroll & Bookkeeping, who brings hard-earned insights from years of processing payroll across multiple industries, including one of the most complex: restaurants.

Here’s wha...

Are you struggling to let go of control as your bookkeeping business grows? Leading a team requires a completely different skill set than being a solo practitioner. In this episode, I share my tried-and-true strategies for building a motivated, happy, and high quality bookkeeping team (while also maintaining your sanity).

After listening, you'll walk away knowing:

• How to address mistakes constructively without damaging team m...

The demand for bookkeepers is skyrocketing! Every small business needs someone to manage their books, and CPAs are retiring at a record pace. This episode reveals why NOW is the ideal time to launch your bookkeeping business, with real insights from my own journey, including actual client ratios and service offerings. Plus:

• How to differentiate your services in a competitive market
• Specific strategies for landing your first payin...