In this episode of The Bookkeepers’ Podcast, hosts Zoe and Jo sit down with flexible bookkeeper, Annabel Barnes, who shares her inspiring journey of starting her own bookkeeping practice amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Annabel’s story serves as an inspiration to other bookkeepers and entrepreneurs, highlighting the power of resilience, adaptability, and building a supportive team to build a flexible bookkeeping business.
The Decision to Pursue Entrepreneurship
Annabel had always worked in the bookkeeping industry but sought a change when the pandemic hit. With her son’s health requiring flexible work-from-home arrangements, she decided to take the leap and establish her own flexible bookkeeping practice.
The Supportive Employer Turned First Client
Surprisingly, Annabel’s employer supported her entrepreneurial aspirations and even became her first client when she obtained her license in June 2020. This initial support provided a solid foundation for her flexible business and boosted her confidence.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Flexibility plays a crucial role in Annabel’s work-life balance. Being self-employed allows her and her husband to prioritise their children’s needs and accommodate family commitments. They can choose their work hours, making it easier to manage school runs and medical appointments.
Building Strong Client Relationships
Annabel emphasises the significance of fostering strong client relationships based on shared values and open communication. By understanding her clients’ needs and maintaining regular communication, she has built a loyal client base.
Expanding the Team for Growth
Towards the end of the episode, Annabel discusses the expansion of her team. She has hired additional bookkeepers and support staff to handle tasks such as social media, blogs, websites, and project work. This delegation of responsibilities allows her to focus on higher-level tasks and overall business growth.
Inspiration for Bookkeepers and Entrepreneurs
Annabel’s journey serves as an inspiration to fellow bookkeepers and entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of resilience, adaptability, and building a supportive team. Her story highlights the possibilities of success even amidst challenging circumstances of building a flexible bookkeeping business.
In this episode, you will discover:
Annabel Barnes’ inspiring journey of starting her own bookkeeping practice amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
The importance of flexibility in achieving work-life balance and prioritising family commitments.
Strategies for building strong client relationships based on shared values and open communication.
The power of expanding and training a supportive team to drive business growth.
