Know your numbers is a saying we hear often! Personal finances and business finances are what keep the wheels turning day in and day out 😉
This Advisory Perspective Series post is for anyone and everyone who keeps books and especially for those using QuickBooks Online! It is a pleasure to feature Debbi Allison, the Founder of Open Book Consulting today. I’ve asked Debbi to answer the Advisory Perspective Series Questions I created to introduce you to various professionals I value.
Debbi is passionate about empowering business owners with financial understanding so they can make better business decisions through Financial Coaching, QuickBooks Online Training, and assisted Bookkeeping services. Debbi has 20-plus years of practical business experience, is a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor, a certified business coach, and holds a degree in accounting. Learn more about her services at openbookpros.com. Welcome Debbi!
Question 1. What do you enjoy about working with your clients?
I enjoy when they want to learn both awareness and understanding of how their business finances work and especially when they want to be better stewards of their businesses. Almost every single client I have comes to me because they’re seeking knowledge about doing things right. And they want to do the best that they can do.
It’s fun to work with my clients because they want to learn about a subject that can be difficult and demanding. And they want to understand and learn more. I believe where there’s a will, there’s a way they can understand it. It’s not beyond them.
Accounting is difficult for a lot of people. But if it’s something you want to know, you can! The fact I get to work with these amazing entrepreneurs that are seeking to be the best at what they do is terrific! My clients really want to succeed and serve their customer base at the best of their abilities.
Question 2. How would you suggest a potential new client prepare for a 1st meeting?
For a client to prepare for a first meeting is sometimes a little bit nerve-wracking. You don’t know what you’re walking into! My first meetings with clients are usually two-way interviews. It’s simply just a conversation, a way to get to know each other.
I want to understand what they want out of their business, and what they want out of this experience. And I want them to be able to feel open and comfortable. That’s really what the first meeting is about.
It’s about me learning a little bit about them, what they’re passionate about, what they love. For them to learn about me, what I’m passionate about, what I love. And sharing with each other and making sure we connect. I really love working with clients I can be friends with and people that I enjoy, respect, and want to be a cheerleader for.
Question 3. When someone agrees to become a client, what can they expect immediately? Over time?
Most of the time my clients are working in QuickBooks Online. I rarely work outside of QuickBooks Online and only under specific circumstances, because I’m most familiar with this program. During the first meeting, we are going to be inside their QuickBooks Online software looking at their numbers.
We’ll start with the balance sheet which is one of the most misunderstood reports. Then we move to the profit and loss, which is usually better understood. We’re going to be looking for what’s going on, what your financial picture actually looks like and we’ll dig down to see if something is an immediate red flag that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
We want to quickly figure out what problems there may be and ascertain what can be improved. Have to give you a heads-up, that doesn’t always mean we’re going to be able to solve problems in the first meeting! Sometimes it’s just the discovery and awareness of “Hey, this is what’s going on?!”
One of my aunts used to tell me it took twice as long to fill in a hole as it took to dig it in the first place. Sometimes this is really true because you don’t know where all the dirt has gone 😉
Question 4. What is your service philosophy?
I empower entrepreneurs to understand their numbers and make better decisions. Whether that be through learning about QuickBooks Online, learning more about their financials and financial terms, learning how to create an actual strategic growth plan, outsourcing their bookkeeping entirely, or a hybrid model that fits them.
Together with the client, we determine what they need quickly without overwhelming them. We work to increase client comprehension and confidence, realizing it isn’t a race to the finish. It really is about the journey and understanding what’s happening along the way.
Question 5. What resources do you provide to assist “laypeople” with understanding what is being discussed?
When I first go into an engagement with a client I focus on assisting them and providing additional resources. I understand there are a lot of resources out there. Not all of them are good resources. So I try to be very selective in vetting the resources I recommend. Very commonly I will suggest resources like the SBDC (Small Business Development Center.) I’ll also use software my clients already use (i.e. if I’m doing QuickBooks online training, I’ll use the items that are native inside QuickBooks Online.) The goal is to empower my clients to help themselves. I enjoy helping you find the answers that you need.
This is how I came to know Lynn Lambrecht. Her Living Planner information is a resource I needed for my clients, especially when they want to be proactive about what to do when things go south.
Half of learning to do something is learning to do it for yourself. I’d rather teach you to fish than just hand you the fish.
Image by Dirk Wouters from Pixabay
Bonus Question! If you were to relay one piece of advice to anyone reading this, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of your numbers. They’re your friends.
Teach You To Fish
Thanks so much, Debbi for sharing your expertise with us today. Your dedication to teaching and involving people with their numbers comes through loud and clear! And everyone, Q3 begins next month – what a great time to get a handle on your numbers 🌞
When you’re ready to give it a go with an all-aspect-of-life status review, contact me to set up a time to meet. Email: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com or if you’d prefer to schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your situation, reach out. My main website is: https://thelivingplanner.com and my online DIY information is located at https://courses.thelivingplanner.com
Benjamin Franklin has a great quote to close this week, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”. ❣️Lynn
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