Firm Up

“There's no way I'm going to be an accountant, this is an absolute snore-fest”  Those were the words of today's podcast guest as a young accounting graduate.  Thankfully for the industry, he changed his mind after a stint managing a toy store. He snubbed an offer from one of the big 4 to join a small, humble village accountancy practice. As our first guest of the series who isn't a firm-owner, Stuart Hurst shares his heartening story of how he got head-hunted and became a huge influence within the industry. Stuart is a testament to the impact an employed accountant can make on their practice, their clients, the whole industry, and most importantly, their own career when they become attuned to their ‘why.' So, what made Stuart so driven to change his industry and why is he so fiercely opposed to ‘once a year, dinosaur accountants'? Listen now and learn: How a loving, but tumultuous childhood taught Stuart the importance of good finance management What happened in one week that changed the trajectory of his career forever The famously cheesy, but effective sales training all his staff go through Why he had to ‘get the knife out and get bloody' to save his most recent accountancy practice Don't forget to share this one with your team - it's bound to spark their motivation. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YBqdZHYEEPQ

It isn't often you meet someone who started their accounting career at the tender age of 13. But then again, it isn't often you meet someone with a story as interesting as the brilliant Eriona Bajrakurtaj.  From landing in a UK school aged 6 with no knowledge of English, she went on to study at Oxford, become a mum of 2, and build a property development portfolio, all the while taking over and revolutionising the family's accounting firm! She's already achieved what most people don't achieve in a whole lifetime, but it hasn't been an easy ride. In this chat with Heather, Eriona opens up about how she was repeatedly underestimated by her team, and her family, and how her strong will enabled her to turn her firm around by bringing it into the digital era, despite opposition. Through Eriona's story, you'll learn:   Why she stood her ground and digitised the firm, against her dad's wishes, and in the face of a mass team walk-out How she brought the firm into the digital era, even though her team shrugged off her early efforts as ‘cute' What she did to reduce her client base from 3000 to 1,200 and INCREASED turnover What happened when she tripled and even quadrupled some client fees, expecting them to leave If you aren't already, you're sure to be in awe of Eriona's tenacity and drive by then end of this episode. So grab a pen, take notes, and enjoy learning from one of the top 50 Women in Accounting. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KcppwHEYcPw

Lucy Cohen's decision to train as an accountant was a rebellious one from the norm she grew up in. Born into a creative family, Lucy surprised everyone when she quit dancing for data, but she never looked back. Founding her own company, Mazuma, at just 23, she went on to become one of the most successful female firm owners there is, winning prestigious awards and make numerous television appearances for her sought after expertise. In this generous chat, Lucy opens up to Heather about some major life events, and how they shaped her ethos not just in business, but her approach to life.   Hit play now to find out: The importance of embracing change without making change for changes sake How a life-threatening health scare helped her overcome anxiety Why she still seeks advice even at the top of her game What unusual hobby Lucy has, and why you should have a focus outside of your business Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CWxP8XEtYSI

Johann Goree's path to success is far from ordinary. From his humble beginnings gardening for his keep, to successfully acquiring multiple accountancy firms, he shares his original approach to growth in this thought-provoking chat with Heather Elkington. Highly respected in the industry, Johann has never made a redundancy, and still has every team member he's acquired. Clear in the fact he's not an accountant or bookkeeper, but a business owner who runs accounting firms, this episode isn't one to miss if you want to learn: Why you don't need to be a marketing expert to grow your accountancy practice How Johann got his first acquisition 'by accident', picking up 50 new clients as a result What's the biggest killer for a firm owner looking to sell Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5QWTvpnFxxM

She's the most followed accountant on social media in the UK and has had her fair share of controversy over the last few years. But no one can deny Jeri Williams has been an absolute powerhouse in the accounting industry. Since starting her first firm from her garage back in 2016 with 2 babies in tow, to successfully running two firms across two different continents, how does she do it all? Heather digs deep in today's episode to find out, and some of her strategies might surprise you. Hit play to learn: Jeri's upbringing around money and her inspiration to launch The Accountants Wealth Academy The importance of taking the admin out of every day as a practice owner How she stopped taking client calls completely Why you should eat, sleep and breathe marketing if you want to scale your business Jeri's master plan to work fewer hours, for more money Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8ThtXWswCqk The Accountants Wealth Academy: Website - www.accountantswealthacademy.co.uk Email - help@accountantswealthacademy.com Smooth Accounting: https://smoothaccounting.co.uk/

Rachel Harris is on a mission to disrupt the accounting industry.​ ​ With a 7-figure firm already under her belt that she built HER way, we think she's doing pretty well.​ ​ But her experience hasn't been all plain sailing...​ ​ In this chat with Heather, she shares how she built a thriving business from the ground up, despite being constantly underestimated.​ ​ Prepare to be inspired as Rachel generously shares her story and what she believes to be the keys to her success, including:​ ​ Reframing thinking around 'people with money'​ The value of apprenticeships​ Spotlighting core values​ The StriveX 'engine'​ How to get started on social media​ Why personal branding is so important Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aFw2fMjA8wA

Heather Elkington is BACK with season 2 of Firm Up.​ ​ In this episode, Season 1 co-host James Ashford is back to talk about what happens AFTER you achieve your big goal.​ ​ Ever the frank-talker, James shares what life has been like since selling GoProposal, and what advice he'd give firm owners with a similar dream.​ ​ Tune in & brew up while you learn:​ ​ James' #1 advice for business owners​ How to create a winning team culture​ Why home culture can impact on your working culture​ The hard truths accountants need to face​ Practical advice for accountants​ The difference between firms that stand out and those that don't​ Find more about GoProposal on: Website LinkedIn Instagram

Are you seeking motivation to up your prices and change your processes? Then this season finale is the episode for you! Heather and James return one last time to discuss how to harness motivation, make impactful changes and frequency of reviews.  James also explores his love of cold water immersion and reveals his shower technique.  Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal Buy tickets for Firm Up Live here and use code FU25 to get 25% off (Exclusive discount for GoProposal members, all details in the community): https://goproposal.com/firm-up-live/ 

In the penultimate episode of series 1, Heather and James discuss how to enhance your client relationships with memorable interactions.  This episode delves into how to guide customers through your services so they're excited about working with you, what we can learn from hospitality staff, and why even your graphics can impact your customer journey. Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal

Do you struggle to pitch or find it tricky to build client relationships? This might mean you need a clearer framework. Heather and James return to talk us through the all important GLOSS method. The GLOSS method is the proven framework used by us for successful sales meetings and fee reviews that enable you to maximise your client relationships.  This episode explores what value means and how you can maximise your impact on your business and the world.  Links: The GLOSS Method Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal

Asking for what you're worth got you stumbling at the starting blocks? As we return for episode 4 of Firm Up, Heather and James dig into the science and software behind pricing. Decades of the latest sales psychology have taught us to fear price transparency. Heather and James chat about their pricing ideals and how to build trust in your services.  The pair discuss firm-wide pricing and how crucial it is that every member of staff understands and believes in your pricing.. is it fair if you wouldn't give your Mum that deal?  This episode covers the gender pay gap, the fear of rejection and transparency and trust in pricing.  Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal

“Who's is that mercedes in the car park…it better not be the accountants” In episode 3, Heather and James reveal the importance of interrogating our core beliefs and paradigms that govern our actions and most importantly our businesses.    They talk about our unique psychology towards money and displays of wealth and how these affect accountancy firms specifically.  Heather's ultimate accountability for many years has been the operating profit line of GoProposal so she discusses the possibilities of profitability. They debate being a good buyer and enjoying your profit and how to grow your business exponentially by taking up more space.  Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal

As we return for episode 2 of Firm Up, Heather and James delve into the true importance of being profitable and storm-proofing businesses to deal with hard times.  The pair discuss big mistakes and lessons learnt from failure; they teach us how to spot hard times approaching and all about the psychology of money, rejection and transparency.  Follow GoProposal across socials @goproposal

In the first episode of Firm Up, host Heather and guest, James, discuss focusing on your mindset to empower you to start thinking like a business. The episode kicks off with discovering the story behind why GoProposal was founded and the lessons and failures that led James to it.  They also dive into the mission of GoProposal and why they are led by it, how their tech compliments all businesses in the entire accountancy industry; plus find out what Heather and James' somewhat controversial take on work-life balance is...  Follow GoProposal across socials, @goproposal

Launching February 2023...