Hey Reader,

Are you sick of me talking about bookkeeping yet?

If you are, I assume you either (1) have an amazing bookkeeper onboard already or (2) are pushing down at least one excuse for not having bookkeeping help.

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Curious about the top excuses I see for business owners not engaging a bookkeeper?

Them: I'm not comfortable handing over financial control

Me: That's cool, I wouldn't be either. When you hire a bookkeeper, you're not giving up control; you're adding a trained professional to your team. My job is to help you understand your numbers better & make better decisions... not to make those decisions for you.

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​Them: I can't just trust a stranger

Me: That's understandable. Finances are a vulnerable thing, especially when your business is your baby. You should know that there isn't a required certification process for bookkeepers (at least in the US). There's no oversight committee or continuing education requirement.

All that means you should do your due diligence. Ask for references, about education, and about any certification programs. Ask about years of experience in the field and if they hold errors & omission insurance.

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​Them: I'm actually really anxious to face how much I'm struggling with my business books/finances

Me: That fear is real, and it stops so many people... but ignoring a problem never makes it go away. You have to face your fears eventually, so why not today? (plus solving the problem will help avoid potential late fees & penalties)

First, take a deep breath (or four). Next, reach out for help. A good bookkeeper will offer some sort of consultation or meet & greet, so you can get a feel for their personality. Look for someone who is kind, friendly, and understanding.

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​Them: I don't want to be judged for my bookkeeping mess

Me: Honestly, over the last 10 years, I've only had 1 or 2 clients who truly had embarrassing books. Everyone else has blown the problem out of proportion in their minds and delayed getting help as a result.

Yes... a huge mess, or years of neglect, will cost money to clean up, but it's doable. Starting over is always an option too. Just be honest with your bookkeeping about where you're starting & what's happened.

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Them: I don't want to / don't have the funds to spend a lot on bookkeeping services

Me: You've got to spend money to make money, and qualified bookkeeping help is a good place to start. I offer quarterly review packages for my super small clients, which is an affordable way to get expert eyes on your books.

Think of it this way: if you're not spending that time each week struggling with your bookkeeping, how could you be making money instead? Focus on what makes you money & outsource the tasks that don't... and you'll come out ahead.

Or, if you're not ignoring your books for months (or years) at a time, how much is the stress reduction worth to you? You're going to pay, either now or later, and it'll cost less now.

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I know hiring bookkeeping help seems like a giant leap. It makes entrepreneurship feel real and big and scary... but you can (and should) do this. A good bookkeeper is going to take tasks off your to-do list and make your business-owner life easier. Trust.

Before you go, let's be friends! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest (all @ balancedfi)

Enjoy,

P.S. Not quite ready to hire bookkeeping help? Many small businesses can get by with a spreadsheet (if you're dedicated to keeping the spreadsheet updated) like my Small Biz Money Manager!

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