Unauthorized access to QuickBooks accounts is on the rise, and most users don’t realize how vulnerable they are. In this episode, Rachel shares what’s happening, why it matters, and the steps you can take to better protect your Intuit account.

Ever look at a discovery call intake form and think, “There’s no way I can help this person”? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares a real story about nearly turning down a call that turned out to be one of the most rewarding of the week. She talks about why jargon-filled forms can be misleading, how to approach calls with curiosity (not fear), and the unexpected value in simply showing up. Whether you’re a new or seasoned bookkeeper, this episode is your reminder that you probably know more than you think—and every call is a chance to help someone.

Struggling to name your business—or thinking about a rebrand? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares what she’s learned from naming two of her own businesses, including what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently. She covers common pitfalls to avoid, tips for choosing a name that can grow with you, and why spelling and domain availability really matter. Whether you're brainstorming your first business name or considering a fresh start, this episode is packed with helpful insights (and a few laughs).

Are you thinking about starting your own bookkeeping business—or any kind of business? In this honest and personal episode, Rachel Barnett shares her own unexpected journey into business ownership and the lessons she’s learned over 13 years. From setting realistic expectations to the importance of naming and defining what you actually want, Rachel explores what it really means to build a business from scratch. If you’ve ever thought, “Should I do this?”—this episode is for you. Pour a cup of tea and let’s talk it through.

Hiring the right bookkeeper can be a challenge—how do you know if someone truly has the skills they claim? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares her experience pre-screening bookkeepers for a business, reviewing hundreds of resumes, conducting technical interviews, and refining the hiring process. She explains what worked, what she’d do differently, and how business owners can improve their own hiring process. If you're looking to hire a bookkeeper—or wondering how to stand out as a candidate—this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss!

Do you need a mentor, a coach, or a mastermind group? In this episode, Rachel Barnett shares her experiences with different types of mentorship and coaching, from one-on-one mentors to group coaching programs and mastermind groups. She explains how to identify what kind of support you need, where to find it, and how to set expectations for the relationship. Whether you're looking for guidance on bookkeeping, business growth, or leadership, this episode will help you navigate your options and find the right fit. Tune in and start building the support network that works for you!

What exactly is retained earnings, and how does QuickBooks Online handle it? In this short bookkeeping basics lesson, Rachel Barnett breaks down how retained earnings work, where to find it on your balance sheet, and why you don’t need to manually update it in QuickBooks. She also explains what a positive or negative retained earnings balance means for your business. Whether you're a bookkeeper or a small business owner, this quick explanation will help you understand this important accounting concept. Tune in and learn something new today!

Clear communication sets the foundation for a great client relationship. In this episode, Rachel Barnett walks through her "How We Work" guide—a resource she shares with clients to outline expectations, processes, and policies. Learn why having a welcome document helps clients feel at ease, how to set boundaries around communication and scope, and what details you should consider including in your own version. Plus, Rachel shares insights on pricing, workflow transparency, and managing client responsibilities. Tune in and get ideas for your own bookkeeping business!Gentle Frog's How We Work document: https://www.gentlefrog.com/welcome-what-to-expect/

Learn how to make January’s easier from vacation time in December to W-9 collection, processing 1099s, and more!

This is a teaser of what you can expect ahead in season 2.

In this episode join Rachel Barnett and the Bookkeeping Handmaid, Elizabeth Sims, in a discussion on the ins and outs of operating a small bookkeeping business. Tune in as they tackle common questions, and shed light on crucial aspects of running a successful bookkeeping venture. From addressing misconceptions about contractor status to unraveling the complexities of W-9s and 1099s. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this candid conversation is sure to provide valuable tips and inspiration to fuel your journey in the world of bookkeeping.

In this episode, Rachel dismantles the myth of the "super admin" and explores the various tasks that can be efficiently outsourced. From social media management to client communication oversight. Learn how strategic delegation can alleviate bottlenecks, empower your team, and propel your business forward. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just beginning to explore administrative support, tune in to uncover the secrets of maximizing efficiency with admin help.   Grow My Accounting Practice with Mike Michalowicz - https://growmyaccountingpractice.com/ Gentlefrog.com/about

As your business expands, you might find yourself at a crossroads, needing to bring on additional support. The first step? Figuring out which role to fill. It’s important to identify exactly what you need and what will benefit you the most (not what’s trendy or popular). When Rachel embarked on her Gentle Frog journey, she didn’t seek another bookkeeper. Instead, her initial hire was her former CRM manager (Nena) who was responsible for tracking incoming leads and nudging—sometimes pushing—her to follow up. This role was all about tying up loose ends. Spoiler: Rachel’s need for someone to organize her loose ends hasn’t changed in the past five years, this is why you hear about Jess so frequently! Nena - my former “boss”, CRM manager, and right hand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snezana-markoc-908124170/. If you are looking for someone to forcefully nudge you along, reach out to her and ask if she’s accepting clients.

In this episode, Rachel delves into setting clear expectations for working with your team and explores various strategies to support your team members effectively. She shares insights on creating a collaborative environment where both you and your team can thrive, achieving mutual satisfaction in the working relationship. Rachel highlights practical tools like Slack for communication and the importance of a thoughtful onboarding process. Otter for transcriptions - https://otter.ai/home Slack - https://slack.com/ The whole team - https://www.gentlefrog.com/about/ Nena, our former admin (CRM manager) who helped shape Rachel and Gentle Frog into what has become - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snezana-markoc-908124170/

In this episode of Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett dives into the silver linings of underbidding projects. Despite the initial feelings of disappointment, she highlights the benefits like cash flow, building relationships, gaining experience, and improving efficiency with software. Rachel also stresses the importance of learning from each project, whether it’s mastering a new software or getting better at identifying things to look for when preparing your next proposal. Sometimes the win is that you’ve made someone else’s day better by offering them a screaming deal on their project. Saasant: https://www.saasant.com/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad Get on my calendar: https://gentlefrog.com/meeting Interested in group coaching? https://gentlefrog.com/group-coaching

In this episode of Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett talks about a bookkeeping dilemma: handling a client who messes up their financial records during the course of a cleanup, making it harder for the bookkeeper to finish the project because they’ve just created a bunch of extra work. Rachel gives an example where this happened (to someone else) and discusses possible ways to address this and other scope creep issues.  Gentle Frog’s diagnostic review and clean up course: https://courses.gentlefrog.com/offers/AvrZAG8u/checkout 97 & Up — affiliate link & welcome offer: https://www.nerdenterprises.com/a/2147546802/DyoHDAZY How we work and what to expect: https://www.gentlefrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-Gentle-Frog-Welcome-and-What-to-Expect.pdf My recent video on Rewind backup software: https://youtu.be/OjUpwlDaoHk?si=wcIu3NnNoG6XE_n1 (there are other videos on my YouTube channel) My Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentlefrogsbookkeepinglilypad Wanna chat? Let’s grab Zoom coffee: https://gentlefrog.com/meeting

Hey there, it’s Rachel from Gentle Frog! I’m super excited to share a little something I’ve been pondering – a group coaching program designed specifically for new bookkeepers. Imagine a space where we tackle those first-client jitters together, with live support and a treasure trove of resources. Curious? Click here to learn more let me know if you’re interested. https://gentlefrog.com/group-coaching

In this episode of Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad, Rachel Barnett and Jody Snow dive into the challenges entrepreneurs face, regardless of their business’s size. They share insights on creative, budget-friendly marketing strategies that work for people who want to attend in person events as well as for folks who are more inclined to market virtually. 1,000,000 cups: https://www.1millioncups.com/s/ Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: https://10ksbapply.com/ SCORE workshops: https://www.score.org/workshops-events Texas Woman’s University, Center for Entrepreneurs: https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/

Join Rachel Barnett as she delves into the challenges and revelations of reevaluating her pricing model. This episode offers a candid look at the trial and error behind optimizing course offerings, the power of listening to one’s audience, and the importance of being flexible in business strategy. A journey of discovery for bookkeepers and entrepreneurs alike. “Before You Stop Posting On Instagram or Youtube... You NEED to Watch This.” by Vanessa Lau https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyLTuw8d12I 12 week year: https://12weekyear.com/ Gentle Frog’s Courses: https://www.gentlefrog.com/qbo-courses/

In this episode, Rachel Barnett explores the concept of niches in the context of owning and operating a small bookkeeping business. She discusses the flexibility of niches, how they can be based on factors like geography or software preference, and the importance of working with clients you enjoy. Why Kate Josephine Johnson niched in Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/blog/kate-josephine-johnson Kate’s bookkeeping website: https://heritagebusinessservices.com/ Accounting Coach: https://www.accountingcoach.com/ Julie and Julia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_%26_Julia Moroccan cookbook that I’ve used for years and love: Amazon Cookbook Here is a 10 min YouTube interview that I found about niches and I really liked it, I found it after recording or I would have mentioned it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgerS0pPxP8 Nerd Enterprises aka Seth David’s 97 and Up group (affiliate link): https://www.nerdenterprises.com/a/20214/DyoHDAZY