The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast

171 ⎸ [ND] Bookkeeping with Neurodivergence with Aneisha Velazquez

• Serena Shoup, CPA • Episode 171

Share episode

Send us a text

In this interview episode, we dive into the world of bookkeeping with a twist—neurodiversity. Join me as I chat with Aneisha Velazquez from Yellow Sky Bookkeeping. She’s sharing her unique journey with autism and ADHD while offering tips on building better systems and communication. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it!

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • energy-focused scheduling
  • the art of setting boundaries in client work to keep your peace of mind
  • how to explain bookkeeping lingo in reports to clients
  • Aneisha’s journey of understanding autism and its impact on her career and clear communication


Meet Aneisha

Aneisha is the owner and founder of Yellow Sky Bookkeeping. They specialize in cleaning up messy books for service providers so they can finally file taxes without losing all their free time. She’s also neurodivergent. As an adult, she was diagnosed as Autistic with a side of ADHD.

When she’s not working in spreadsheets, she likes to read, learn about random topics, and take walks with her husband.


Connect with Aneisha

💼 LinkedIn: @aneisha-v

📹 YouTube: @yellowskybookkeeping

📱 Threads: @yellowskybookkeeping


Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @ambitiousbookkeeper

For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:


Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.

Podcast Publishing Tools we use:

Serena:

Welcome back to the Ambitious Bookkeeper podcast and this is another episode in our Neurodivergent series. Today I have Anisha from Yellow Sky Bookkeeping on, to chat with us all things bookkeeping and neurodivergent. Is that how you would say it? Neurodivergence? Neurodiversity?

Aneisha:

Yeah. Neuro Diver diversity sounds weird. No, that sounds weird. Divergence.

Serena:

But welcome! Introduce yourself for our listener.

Aneisha:

so I'm Anisha, founder of Yellow Sky Bookkeeping. So I do bookkeeping for small business owners and I'm also, late diagnosed autistic. And then the, the A DHD, like on the side, which came as a, a surprise, but not really when I looked into it more. and it's kind of why I started my bookkeeping business. I can talk about that more, but yeah, yeah, they're, they're related, so.

Serena:

Let's definitely dive into that then. Let's just jump right in.

Aneisha:

Yeah, so before bookkeeping, I actually was a sign language interpreter for eight years. So I went to school for that, graduated, went straight into interpreting, and that's mostly like freelance work. and I did like, part time work at a college. And it was great because it was flexible, like I could mostly pick my schedule, more or less. I had more say over it. and then there were days where I could like, not have work, and then Date, like a college schedule, you know, like work Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and then maybe Tuesday, Thursday, take other work, freelance, or just rest. So it was great for that, but it's very, very people heavy. I didn't know at the time, like that was probably what was burning me out, but I was like five years in, I was like, I need to figure out something else to do. Cause. I didn't know if I could keep going. And then, there wasn't really anything else to, like, pivot into. Like, be a teacher, which I'd already, before, thought about doing. I was like, no, that won't work. Or, like, I think, what was the other? It's just, like, full time interpreting. So, I was like, what else can I do? so, that's kind of, like, the next few years was, like, trying different things. So, uh, yeah, I like, I did like online math tutoring, online ESL tutoring, and then through all of those things, it was like I was starting many businesses and like having to do my books at the time, I didn't know that's what it was, but I was like kind of enjoying that part of the process, like tracking my students and who paid and how much they have left and all of that. So I was like, is this something I can do for work? So that's kind of how I ended up, like, finding bookkeeping. and kind of in the middle of that, it was like, pandemic 2021, I believe? Yeah, it was 2021, because it was like the Texas snowstorm issue. I don't know if you remember that. It was like in the middle of that was when I was like, I think I like, I'm autistic, like, and that's like a whole other weird story how I figured it out, but. In the middle of that pandemic snowstorm, I was like, I'm autistic and I want to go get, I, or I want someone else to verify this, because, like, I, I knew I could probably just, like, go with it and, do all the, the advice to change your life and stuff, but I kind of needed the external validation at the time because I didn't want to, like, say I was, but then internally be like, well, what if I'm wrong? Or maybe I'm just reading it wrong. Yeah, so that's kind of why I decided to get diagnosed, and I got pretty lucky with that, I think, because, it was like, I had watched a YouTube video about, a woman who also realized she was autistic, and she worked for an autistic foundation, and so she had the resources to go check to get diagnosed, and I went to Psychology Today, that was one of the ones she said to check. And so you can like put in your area and see like who pops up and then who like specializes in autism, especially in adults. Cause it's different than if you're a kid. and I got lucky. There was like a doctor. And, cause I'm like Dallas footwork. So there was one in Dallas and he was doing everything virtually during the pandemic, so I was able to like get online, find the website, make an appointment. Like once I'm like, want to do something, I'm like, I'm going to do it. So, so yeah, it was like, that day I was like, all right, let's sign up. Let's get the process started. Like what I need to do. so yeah, that's how I like got the process started. Most people, it takes a while, but I don't know if it was the pandemic or. Which doctor I chose, but it was, I would say, within the month. They were, like, scheduling me for the testing process. So it didn't take too, too long. Yeah.

Serena:

What was that process like? So you went through a multitude of tests or

Aneisha:

it was all virtual. first you meet with them. Kind of, like, explain basically why, like, you want to get diagnosed. this is what's happening. and then, we met online, and then they, my husband, like, they were like, he can join too, because he was going to be part of the process. Because they give you, first, like, a questionnaire to, for you to fill out, and then for your family to fill out. Ideally, it would be your parents, but, I mean, I was like, yeah, I don't, think they would be able to fill it out. So, I had my husband do it.

Serena:

Yeah. It's, yeah, it's more relevant if it's the family, the person that you're, the people that you're around on a daily basis to witness the behaviors, right?

Aneisha:

Yeah, because it's, it's just questions like, I can't remember them. Like, for, I had to give my perspective, like, any time I was like, I'm trying to remember them. really picky. It's like, they're trying to pull out those characteristics. So, like, how you would describe it and then how someone looking at you would describe it. And then after that, then they do like the testing, almost, I guess, like, like IT testing, where they, they just give you a series of tasks to do and complete. And there's a tester on the other end, on the, like, Zoom call, where they're watching you. up things and that I think there's one a few tests. They have to like mail me something So we have to wait for it to get there

Serena:

Oh, interesting.

Aneisha:

it was Kind of fun because I like puzzles. So some of them were puzzles

Serena:

Yeah.

Aneisha:

But it was like four parts, I think so like four different days Like it's scheduling to finish.

Serena:

Okay.

Aneisha:

Mm-Hmm.

Serena:

Was it at any part in the process did you feel like stressed out about it or like unsure about following through or were you just I just wanted to know the truth about myself so bad.

Aneisha:

I just wanted to know,'cause I like, I've just always wondered if I was autistic, but most of like, the visuals you see are like, you know, Sheldon or Dr. House, from house. So it's like, well, I'm not like that. But it would always, like, keep popping up, so I just really wanted to know. Like, once I found, like, women who are autistic describing their experience, I'm like, oh, that matches me more. So I was like, maybe there is something to this. So I just wanted to know. Yeah. Yeah.

Serena:

And then as far as the ADHD diagnosis, did that come along with it? Like when you were during that same process, they were like, Oh, also you have Okay.

Aneisha:

Yeah, that was the end result.

Serena:

is it really common for those to be paired?

Aneisha:

It seems like it. Um, and what's funny about that is I would watch a lot of ADHD content, cause I suspect, like, my husband is, so I was trying to help him out, but then I was like, oh, some of this is like, kind of fits me too, but not all of it.

Serena:

Yeah.

Aneisha:

yeah, I, I don't know. I, I have like my own personal theory that, Neurodiverse is just like one thing being expressed different ways, kind of a weird comparison. But like autoimmune disease is like one problem, but depending on where it shows up in your body, we call it like, different names. So I feel like there, it's like a similar thing happening, but I'm not a doctor, so.

Serena:

Yeah. Interesting. So when you finally, when you got that diagnosis, what did it change for you? Is that when you were like, okay, I'm gonna go all in on bookkeeping, what was the timing on that?. Mm-Hmm.

Aneisha:

Well, first of all, I was like, oh, there's a reason why certain things just don't work for me. like the interpreting, just all the people. Like I could, I could pinpoint what was like burning me out. Like I was like, was it the work? or aspects were not working for me. Like it kind of helped me sift through stuff. So I was like, okay, so interpreting is definitely no go. Like it gave me the push to like really change, because I kind of have been like, eh, well, maybe I can keep doing this. skin money schedule's. Okay. But after the diagnosis I was like, no, 'cause I'm gonna burn myself out. cause really common with people with neuro autism especially, is they get like all sorts of autoimmune issues. Physical problems are really common, I think because you are just not working with how your brain and body meets work. So after the diagnosis, I gave you that extra push. Like, okay, I need to do this because I'm autistic. I like in a positive way.

Serena:

were there things that you had already, like, adapted in your life that, or adapted to, that were supportive of being autistic or even A DHD?'cause there's been, like, I've had conversations with people. I'm undiagnosed nothing right now, but I have. a couple people in my life that are, that are diagnosed ADHD and they're like, are you sure you're not like everything that, especially when they meet me in person and like, they're like, uh, chances are you are by the way that you behave. And I'm like, well, for me, it's like a diagnosis doesn't really matter because I've already found a way of life that Is supportive of what I need and in my schedule and the type of work that I'm doing and the way that I live and die by my calendar and reminders and timers. I found a way to function. So my question for you is like, were there things that you were already doing that were supportive of this, that you're like, Oh, okay. It makes sense. That's why I function this way. Or if there's

Aneisha:

That's a good one. like, I already knew I need, like, a schedule. Like a routine to do stuff. Other what like if my routine gets thrown off, I would get thrown off for like weeks. So I would do I would have schedules, routines. I already knew I needed a time alone like away from people. And like just time to be quiet, not talk to anyone. So I knew those things about myself, but I would say like after diagnosis, it's almost like The validation, like, it's not, I mean, it is just how I am, but there's like a reason for it. It's not going to change anytime soon. Like I always felt like eventually I'll be more social or eventually I'll be able to like, need to, wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekend, you know, I'll be able to be that person. You're like, I'll 11 am on the weekend and be fine. And it's like, no, it's like, it just gave me more reason to be more myself.

Serena:

Yeah.

Aneisha:

And then for mostly it's for other people like because if they're like, oh, that's just how you are like growing up You know, you're just like the quiet one or they'll grow out of it. It's like no, that's this is just how I am Yeah, well, it was more for other people to help it helped me put more boundaries to you around like protecting my schedule and Routines, saying no to going to things. Afterwards, I just said no. I felt like I was saying no to everything.

Serena:

hmm. And then you were like, I feel guilty for doing that sometimes, but I get it.

Aneisha:

Yeah.

Serena:

where it's like, that's where it's helpful to have that diagnosis, because then it's like, it gives you permission to not feel guilty, because it's like, what you physically need.

Aneisha:

Yeah. It was just a good reason of, like, to show to people. Like, I would go to church a lot, and that was just really draining. The social part of it, and I really feel guilty about not going, but after the diagnosis, it's like, like, I need to, like, I need to be at home at 7 30 in the evening, because otherwise it throws my week off. Like, I tracked my emotions for, like, months before the diagnosis, so I could draw on that data. It's like, every time I would go to this thing, the next few days were, like, red.

Serena:

I totally understand that. I'm like, there's, if I, if I exert myself with like a high activity day of peopling, or even like high physical activity, like the next 24 hours, I'm like in bed.

Aneisha:

Yeah, yeah, so.

Serena:

So, yeah, I totally get it. So moving more into like. the bookkeeping. So if you're still listening, if you're still with us, after all of this, we're going to now talk about bookkeeping. Yay. which is what the podcast is really about. but I wanted to just kind of like showcase like that diagnosis part of the process. Cause I haven't talked about that on any of the other podcasts. parts of this series and so I was just like personally curious about it, especially if anyone's listening and they're like, I think I might be ADHD or whatever but I don't like, I'm curious about what the process looks like. I mean there's Google but it's always nice to like just hear things from real people. So, What are some of the things that you, the way that you function in your business or with clients like that you do that you find really beneficial for you and for your clients? So like either the way you set up your schedule or the type of work that you're doing, like give us kind of the lay of the land on that.

Aneisha:

first thing that comes to mind is communication, just because for me personally, I like really clear communication. I'm trying to think how to say it, because it's, it's not that I misunderstand people, but people don't realize what they say can come across different ways.

Serena:

Mm hmm.

Aneisha:

And sometimes I need to make sure, like, okay, do you mean this thing or this thing? And so when I'm talking to clients or like prospective clients, I just always remember that, like, this needs to be clear. But there's always a chance that someone could just see something else in the message that I didn't think of. And if they do, I don't, it's not like I'm gonna get upset. I'm just gonna be like, Oh, I just didn't, you know, think of that. So, next time maybe I need to like, change how I said it. but the whole point is like, not getting upset at people for misunderstanding, just cause it happens. Like, just cause I've been misunderstood so much, or my intent been misunderstood. And that can be hurtful, especially as a kid. So just talking to anyone else, I just don't assume bad intention. I just assume like, maybe they just didn't understand, I need to say more clearly, or ask a different way, you know? Like, I think that's like a big part of how I talk to people, especially clients.

Serena:

Yeah. I mean that can be helpful for anybody.

Aneisha:

Yeah, especially bug keeping because it's like, we're asking stuff most people have never thought of or just have no idea about. they don't know why we need like, , a certain form for their tax return before we, you know, get started. They're like, what, what, what's that for? So, I didn't assume they're trying to hide anything. They just don't know. Mm

Serena:

That's one of the things that is part of my, I do a presentation for business owners on bookkeeping and finance. And one of the things I always talk about is like, explain, like I explained to them why we ask for bank statements and like, And I do that with my clients too, because I just want people to understand. I'm like, I'm not just like willy nilly asking for personal documents. Like there's a purpose behind all of these and it's not to pry into your personal life, but it's like, because we actually need information off of it. It's going to make everyone's lives easier if we get all of this up front. yeah, that's for anyone listening. It's a good idea to, and now I'm like, Oh, this is something I could add to my onboarding. Like next to my list of documents of like, this is why we need what we're asking for. Mm

Aneisha:

I've started doing that with especially cleanups. Like I'll just record a short loom. Like one time I was asking like, Hey, Square shows you got cash. I don't see that deposit. Like, you know, like where did you deposit? And then the answer, then I made a loom video just kind of explaining. It's like, I just need to know if you put in your personal account or a different business account, not in QuickBooks, it's like totally fine either way. And then the answer. But just quick quick explanations like that, you

Serena:

Yeah. Such a good point. I always try to approach things from like from the business owner standpoint. I'm like, if I was the client, how, what, what I need from the person asking for this information. And I always love to know why things are the way that they are.

Aneisha:

yeah. you remember like, when you're a kid and they're like, spell like, Icup or something? Like people just randomly say something and they're trying to do like a joke? And I was the person who was like, why?

Serena:

But why? Yeah,

Aneisha:

I wouldn't do it.

Serena:

yeah,

Aneisha:

They'd have to ask someone else.

Serena:

yeah, and I think honestly I think that's one of, the things that is linked to that like strategic way of thinking that a lot of neurodivergent people have that's like our superpower is just like, Being able to like connect the dots and like think strategically. And if you know the why, then you can be like 10 steps ahead of where we're going. Like, I always approach like new processes and stuff the same as like, okay, well, why are we doing it this way before we try to redesign the process? What's the end goal? Why are we doing it this way? And like, here's a fresh perspective. but yeah, So what are some of the ways that you manage your day that have been helpful for anyone listening that's like, I'm struggling to stay focused or, I'm afraid that I'm going to drop the ball when it comes to client stuff. And so I'm not putting myself out there because that's a real thing too, of being like, okay, I know, I know how to book keep, and I know, I know what I'm doing, but like, what's holding me back is that I'm afraid that this. Neurodivergent situation I'm in is gonna get in the way of offering the service I want to offer. So, do you do that helps?

Aneisha:

I get curious about what will work or not. Cause I've tried different ways of structuring like my day and week.

Serena:

Mm

Aneisha:

month, really, cause it's like a month cycle. so I think in the beginning I would do like certain clients on different days. and then try, I tried time blocking. It never works for me.

Serena:

hmm. me. either.

Aneisha:

It does not work, but I keep thinking like, maybe this time it will work. And I'm just like, no, it just doesn't. After my diagnosis, I was like, maybe that's why it doesn't work.

Serena:

Yeah, I tried it once and I was just like, I just overwhelmed myself even more. I got too caught up in like, what's on my calendar and

Aneisha:

Yes. Seeing everything in the boxes and no empty space. I was like, I can't do this.

Serena:

yeah,

Aneisha:

No. Yeah. I tried different things, but I think what's worked is, cause I tend to work in cycles. So like. I might like have like a time like to like waking up time and then but once I hit like when I'm productive I get a lot of stuff done in a short amount of time so I try to take advantage of just that like when am I most productive and I schedule like Like like my current schedule is like Monday is I work on the business like a CEO day. It's not client work No meetings. and then like Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday is like each day has a certain type of client work, but like, I, for some reason, the middle of the week is just better for me work wise to get stuff done, like really involved, focused stuff, and then Friday is kind of a, like a, like tapering off whatever day. But that's almost like that ramp up productive and then ramp down. It's kind of like the same each day too. Like I have that same cycle. So I try to work with my energy, but it's just getting curious. Like, okay, what happens if I try this and then if it doesn't work, it's like, okay, so like either if part of it worked, let's go more in on that part and then leave the rest.

Serena:

Yeah.

Aneisha:

yeah. Yeah. I'm kind of obsessive about like systems and making processes more efficient. I think I spend as much time on that as like client work. Because every time I get it down, I can spend less time on client work. So, I, even in the beginning, I was listening to like, podcasts for people with like, big firms, even though I just had like two tiny clients and some subcontracting work. Cause I was like, I, I already know like, I need to like, save my energy. So I need to operate like I'm a big firm, even though I'm not. So. Mmhmm.

Serena:

I love that. I do something similar where, like, I don't do calls Mondays or Fridays, and now I'm back trying to not do calls on Wednesdays either, unless, like, a client needs to meet and that's the only opening, but I'm trying to, not have any calls on Wednesdays. So that's like my deep work day where it's like, if I do have a project or client work or something that needs focus, I have all day uninterrupted to just not worry about the time. but I like the idea too, of like, If you can pay attention to your energy levels, I know it's not possible for everybody. Like for me, I'm like, I have kids in school. So it's like, I kind of have to make a certain time window work, and part of that usually does work, but then some days it doesn't. I can't, I always have like an afternoon slump, so I'm like, I know I'm not really going to be productive in the afternoon, so like maybe that's when I do like my CPE or, that's a good, really good piece of advice. And then just making systems more efficient. And having systems in place to keep you on track is a good, point too.

Aneisha:

Yeah, it saves it like the time put into it pays off.

Serena:

I agree. Wholeheartedly. Okay, so, you are not currently, like, we talked about this before we hit record, you're not technically targeting neurodivergent businesses, but you're attracting them. So what do you think that's about?

Aneisha:

I think it's. because I try to be almost obsessively clear

Serena:

Mm hmm.

Aneisha:

and patient. the good thing about my interpreting, because it was so like social customer service focused, is I'm used to working with different kinds of people. with different abilities and being understanding or even just like it's normal. Like I don't, make it feel like you have something wrong with you. It's just like, Oh, you need more time. Okay. That's fine. I need more time too. Or, like I have a few clients who, well, I know for sure one has ADHD and that was like my newer one. and we've actually talked about this before, but on the calls, like, Like, she might be talking, and then say like, oh, like, you're typing, do you need me to, like, not talk while you're typing? And I'm like, no, I'm actually typing so I don't forget stuff I want to say later. Like, we can talk about it, and even with clients who don't have it, I can still be, like, really clear about, like, oh, Do you need me to do this for you? Cause that's fine. Like, and then in my marketing, cause I'm on threads, I think that's how we connected for this, but I'm, I'm trying to like test things, like how to explain stuff and see like how people respond. Cause a lot of, I think content for accounting and bookkeeping, it just assumes a lot of knowledge that people should have to understand what you're even saying, and I don't like to assume people know things. I like to explain it in normal speak, assuming you don't know anything, because I feel like everyone should know at least the basics of the business. Yeah. And that comes from, I think, interpreting also, because we have to take concepts and interpret it visually and then make sure it's clear. And then when we're like interpreting it back into English, it's the same thing. my brain is really good at that.

Serena:

That's really cool. I agree with that too. That's one of the things that like that presentation that I do at the beginning of it, I'm always like, Okay, you might already know some of this stuff, but I'm going to take things down to the basics because some of you might have never been taught or know some of these things, but they're foundational. So if you do know it, it's a good refresher.

Aneisha:

Yeah.

Serena:

going to speak to the beginner in the room and then we're going to work our way up so everyone can be on the same page by the end of the presentation. And, yeah, it's sometimes It's stuck in your like, your silo of, especially if you're used to talking to your peers and industry peers, and then trying to translate like what it is we're doing to a regular business owner who does probably doesn't have a business degree. So they don't know all the lingo and they're also afraid and ashamed to ask for help because money is scary for a lot of people. So there's like all these layers that you just, have to learn to accommodate

Aneisha:

Yeah. It's a lot.

Serena:

for sure. So, you said that you had a whole page of notes of ideas. So is there anything that we haven't covered yet

Aneisha:

Let me see. Um,

Serena:

to jam on today?

Aneisha:

Oh, calls, uh, calls with clients.

Serena:

Oh, yeah. Let's talk about that.

Aneisha:

I mean, I've tried different things, like having calls, like just my calendar, my calendar is my source of like when I'm available. And so I've tried having like different days available. times all day on different days available. So currently I have, it's Wednesday, Thursday, and that's just like my calendar. So if people want to meet, I just direct them to my calendar and let my calendar do the, you know, the one that says yes or no. and then if someone does need a time outside of that, then I take that case by case, like if it's someone who I think respects my time and the schedule, then I'll, I'll be like, yes, I can accommodate you. and I like it because it leaves time for sometimes like I have clients with kids, like they need a different time. Like that's cool because I can be flexible. but otherwise everyone just defaults to that schedule and it just makes it easier to keep time open for emergencies or last minute changes or if someone who doesn't respect my time and they're like, do you have something else available? And I'm like, nope, sorry. You can check next week.

Serena:

yeah, that's a, the other thing too that I really, cause I do the same thing, like I said, it's just Tuesdays and Thursdays open on my calendar and I do the same thing case by case. I'll schedule people outside of that, but what it also provides for us is predictability. So I'm not worried about like waking up on a Wednesday morning With like that, oh, which client am I talking to today? None of them,

Aneisha:

right? Yeah.

Serena:

you're at least guaranteed a couple days of like, I know today's going to be, I need to be on point on energy cause I'm going to be on a lot of calls because this is one of the only days that people can book with me versus I don't have to get makeup on today. I can work in my pajamas and just get stuff done. And so it's like really nice to have that level of predictability. on that front as well.

Aneisha:

And I could look for, I, I'm like, I do like talking to people, especially when I can prepare for it and I know it's coming , so it makes, helps me look forward to calls instead of being like, oh, I have to do this again. Like, you know, dreading it. sometimes I wonder like if that's. Cause I'll see people post like job posts. Like I need someone who's client facing, front facing. And I mean, I don't know how many people they get for that, but it's like a stereotype that accountants aren't like people, people. But sometimes I wonder how much of that is just cause we don't like put those boundaries around communication. Like you just want to throw the person to the wolves. Like you must talk to them. Like no boundaries, anytime, all day, no schedule. You know, that's what it sounds like sometimes with those job postings. Yeah.

Serena:

Yeah, for sure. which also is just like, when you think about productivity, just for anyone, you don't have to be neurodivergent for this, but like context switching is so inefficient. So if you're switching between being on a call and then trying to dive into client work and then going on another call or like getting interrupted by like an actual ring. from a client without expecting it. You have to stop what you're doing, because I used to do this when I worked in a firm. Like if a client called the office, we picked it up and we talked to them. And so I would have to stop whatever I was doing, pull up their books, give them the answer that they needed. And it wasn't just the 10 minutes I was on the call. It was like now another 20 minutes to just refigure out where the heck I was to begin with. And like, it's very, really interrupts your day to do the context switching. And then various, like, for instance, how I like, I like to have that one deep work day where I know that, like, this is a day where I can work on a project and probably finish it. Like, I'm one of those people that I don't like to start a cleanup unless I think I can finish it or get it as far as I possibly can. And so if I don't have a four hour block window, I will continue to put that project off.

Aneisha:

Yes.

Serena:

Forever And ever.

Aneisha:

yeah. And even like on the client side, cause I'm a client of other people, other service providers. Like I like to know how to be a good client. So like, am I bothering you if I reach out? Like if they don't give me that clear, like, um, like between this time is the best time to reach me, or this is the best way to get in touch with me. Like I have anxiety about reaching out. Cause I'm like, am I bothering you? The people are super clear. I love communicating with them cause I know I'm not bothering them. I know they can get to my stuff or like, I know where I stand. The uncertainty is just, I don't like that as a client. So I try not to do that to my clients.

Serena:

Yeah. I try not to too, but I definitely did that to a client recently, but it was like she onboarded with us and we started the onboarding process and migration and then she went out of town. And so I think she missed the email that went out that was like, book your onboarding call. And now she's back and she's like, where's everything at? And I'm like, Um, I did send the email, but I didn't follow up on it because it's like a systemized thing that happens. And I'm like, I know that email went out definitely, but it happens. Things fall through the cracks, but it felt like at first I was like, oh no, I dropped the ball. And then I went back and I was like, no, I didn't actually. because she was feeling like out of the loop and it's like first impressions with onboarding a new client. You don't want someone to feel like they don't know where things stand. And so now I'm like reevaluating like the onboarding process with that is like, okay, what can we do? Maybe have like a weekly recurring task that pops up when we're onboarding a client that's like, okay, check in with that client and see where things are at, either internally with the team or externally with the client and give them an update. So I'm like, which feels like a lot of extra work, but it might be worth it.

Aneisha:

Yeah. I think that's kind of what I do, like, uh, especially like onboarding and then cleanups, like at least once a week, update or something like that. Even if they didn't ask, it's like, even if you don't ask for it, it's there.

Serena:

Yeah, absolutely. So I need to remember to add that into my. My little Asana project. Like, I've, we're not recording on Zoom right now, but normally I have all my meetings on Zoom now. I record with a podcast and squad cast, but in Zoom, I have my AI summary turned on automatically for all of my meetings. So I get an email after I end a meeting, even if the meeting isn't video recorded. I have notes with action items and I'm like, I wish I had that right now. I have to actually remember to write down these bullet points, but, luckily this will be on a podcast I can listen to.

Aneisha:

Well, yeah, you just remind you, you remind yourself in the future, like what to do.

Serena:

Yep. so right now you said you have, you are kind of early on your, where, when did you start your business in 2021 or 22.

Aneisha:

22. Yeah. Cause this is the third year.

Serena:

Awesome. So as a fairly new business, bookkeeping business owner, do you have a, Any piece of, I mean, this whole podcast has kind of been like advice, but do you have any pieces of advice for someone just starting out, on, like, if they're like, I don't really know what to focus on first, what would you say? What is the, like, top, maybe top three things to focus on? Because, like, one thing is probably hard.

Aneisha:

I mean, I, I think that also depends on your. Background two, like your strengths, because like what I would say the top three would be like your systems, processes, getting that down. And then also just knowledge about how to do the bookkeeping better or more efficiently. I guess it's kind of related to the processes, but I don't think it is because like cleanups. I mean, we can kind of all do one, but just like being better at doing them. So like either a course or getting some mentorship or something. And then the third one is hard, but I would, I mean, I would say have a website. I know a lot of people say you don't need one necessarily, but I would say have a website. Even if you just do it yourself, just have somewhere to point people.

Serena:

Yeah,

Aneisha:

Because I've had, like, several people over the time I've had a website be like, Oh yeah, I saw it. You know, it looks like you know what you're doing. I've gotten that comment a couple times. but yeah, so I would say like, at least those in the beginning. yeah, that probably covers the main things. But if you have, like, good processes, or you already have bookkeeping knowledge, you can probably replace that with something else, so.

Serena:

absolutely. Well, I mean, that's a good point. Like, you have to know the craft, right? So, and even to just continue to get better, I think it's a good, but it can also be a crutch for people starting out. Cause I remember being like, I'll just take all the certifications and really I should have just been. Hitting the pavement, getting clients.

Aneisha:

Yeah. Well, yeah, and then, I guess, yeah, number four, I guess, is get clients, but I just feel like that's an obvious one, so,

Serena:

it, yeah, kind of, but some people definitely need that kick in the pants because they're like stalling and they're like, I'm just going to wait until everything's perfect to launch.

Aneisha:

And really, it's because I, my first, Yeah. My first first client was like a friend who had a business. and this is, I guess this is another idea. I just wanted to practice pitching myself as a bookkeeper. And so I asked her and another friend, like, can I just practice on you guys? And at the end of it, she was like, can you just do my books? And I was like, okay. So that's when I got my first one, but it was just practice. I wasn't trying to get a client. And then, the second one was like a, after a random Facebook post that someone else shared. So it's like, tell people like, cause I'm really, I was not as. I was kind of embarrassed. So it's like, who am I to be a bookkeeper? but every time I would tell someone, it would pay off eventually. So.

Serena:

Yeah, I think we all struggle with that. I mean, I was at a networking event this morning and I sponsored it, like, but I was still like, she was like, since you're sponsored, I'm gonna have you come up and talk to everyone. And I was like, no, it's okay. But I'm also not at those to get clients. Like I have a pretty good client load right now. And so it's one of those things that I'm like, I'm just working on like building community and visibility and like, Just having conversations. Like, honestly, I love every time I go to one of these networking events, I end up talking to someone who's kind of new or in business and I can, and I just, Chat with them. And like today, the guy, I talked to someone who's a mobile detailer and I was like, Oh, do you have a subscription service? And he was like, no, I've been thinking about adding that because I spend so much time like going back and forth with people on the phone scheduling stuff. And I was like, okay, two issues.

Aneisha:

Yeah.

Serena:

You need a scheduling platform. So I was like, you should, what's your website on? He's on Squarespace. So I was like, just use Acuity. And also, Set up a subscription model because you're missing out on revenue and you're wasting time going back and forth. You can set people on a subscription and then schedule out however many auto details or whatever once a month or whatever. Do it the same time every month and just get on a consistent schedule. And he was like, well, yeah, that's really good point. I was like, yeah, that's what I like doing in those things. But yeah. I'm not up there to like talk about my business, but yeah, so we all end up doing that to ourselves, I think. And I was the same way too, even though I had like years and years and years in corporate and accounting, I still was like afraid to talk about my bookkeeping business. So it can happen to anyone, no matter your experience level. I think It's a different issue. It's a confidence thing.

Aneisha:

Yeah. And just, like, now I feel like, oh yeah, I knew, I mean, I knew what I was doing. It was just the feeling like you know what you're doing. I guess the other thing is like, you know what you're doing, you just take the rest of you to catch up to it. So yeah. Yeah.

Serena:

if someone wants to connect with you after listening, where's the best place to find you? Is it threads?

Aneisha:

me, well, I would say maybe the, my website, like two months ago I would have said Instagram because I'm on there more and I'm still kind of on there, but I'm trying to focus more on like threads, LinkedIn, and then hopefully start like, I like, I want to start a podcast too, but that's not like ready yet. So. Well, my website would have like all the social links, so,

Serena:

Okay.

Aneisha:

just go there and

Serena:

We will link that in the show notes. Thank you so much for coming on here and sharing with us. I really appreciate it. we'll talk to you soon.

Aneisha:

Yeah, thanks for having me. I enjoyed it.

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

Accounting High Artwork

Accounting High

Accounting High