“In the bookkeeping and accounting world, if someone gets sick and that client can't get what they need, they just get back into the universe and another bookkeeper picks them up. So you lose everything.”
-Christine Siegenthaler

Christine Siegenthaler, founder of Succession Security, discusses the importance of contingency planning for solo bookkeepers and small bookkeeping firms. She shares how Succession Security helps ensure businesses continue operating during unexpected events like illness, injury, or even death.

In this interview, you'll learn:

• Why contingency planning is essential
• How technology enables seamless business continuity
• Steps to secure your business

To find out more about Christine, click here.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

To learn how Succession Security can help you, visit SuccessionSecurity.com.

Time Stamp

00:37 - Why solo bookkeepers need a contingency plan
01:52 - Risks of losing clients without a backup plan
03:22 - Importance of documentation and access to critical accounts
04:07 - Using cloud-based technology for seamless transitions
07:30 - The role of internet and cloud-based services in contingency planning
13:35 - Finding and trusting the right person to help manage your business
15:04 - The personal nature of bookkeeping and why AI can’t replace human interaction
17:23 - The challenge of bookkeepers taking time off – business doesn't stop
19:31 - Legal considerations and recommended insurance coverage
21:22 - Best practices for security, encryption, and protecting client data
24:14 - How proactive planning ensures business continuity and client security
29:05 - The importance of designating an emergency point of contact
30:05 - How to get started with Succession Security and where to learn more

“If it's consistently where you're feeling behind like you can never get on top of your to-do list, that you're always having to reschedule stuff for tomorrow, that's probably a sign that you have too much work on your plate. That's a sign that you could use more help within your business.”
-Jamie Van Cuyk

Jamie Van Cuyk, owner of Growing Your Team, joins the podcast to help solo bookkeepers and small business owners master hiring and delegation. She shares practical strategies for building a strong team, improving efficiency, and setting up a business for long-term success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Common delegation mistakes & how to avoid them
• How to create a job post that attracts the right candidates
• The difference between micromanaging & effective leadership

To learn more about Jamie, click here.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Time Stamp

01:07 - Jamie Van Cuyk’s background
02:57 - Common fears around delegation
06:22 - The mindset shift needed to delegate effectively
10:42 - Key signs to hire & delegate tasks in your business
14:05 - How shifting from control to trust can create freedom & growth
20:06 - The importance of clear processes & training when delegating tasks
26:45 - How to determine what tasks to delegate
32:25 - Steps in hiring the right person & avoiding common mistakes
35:14 - Real success stories
39:58 - How to connect with Jamie for hiring support
41:33 - Business-building resources

“I remember being on Zoom and we saw our colleagues' children, people got personal and talked about the health challenges they were dealing with or that a family member was dealing with. I saw leaders and bosses having to have that same transparency. It was human to human. Since the workplace has evolved, employees are expecting that same transparency. They're expecting the same collaboration. And what they want specifically for the next generation of workers is the ability to contribute meaningfully to the decisions that impact their work.”
-Dr. Angela Jackson

Dr. Angela Jackson, founder of Future Forward Strategies and author of The Win-Win Workplace, shares how investing in employee well-being can boost productivity, profitability, and retention. She explains why traditional top-down management no longer works and how small businesses can create thriving workplaces by listening to employees and offering flexibility.

In this interview, you'll learn:

• Why empowering employees leads to 23% higher profitability
• How small businesses can compete with larger firms by offering flexibility
• How to measure the ROI of employee engagement

To learn more about Angela, click here.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

To order her book, The Win-Win Workplace, visit this link.

Time Stamp

02:00 - Dr. Angela Jackson and her background
04:50 - Career journey and inspiration behind The Win-Win Workplace
04:51 - Research on aligning employee well-being with business success
08:39 - Why top-down decision-making is outdated
13:59 - The importance of flexibility in modern workplaces
19:01 - Small bookkeeping firm example of flexible work policies
24:01 - Offering meaningful benefits to boost retention
29:01 - Addressing benefit abuse and tracking productivity
33:01 - Key employee metrics and how to access the book