Ask Robina - June 5, 2023

Hi Robina! 

I am a bookkeeper and I keep hearing about the value of advisory services.  I keep feeling like I need to add more services to make sure my business continues to grow.  I love what I do, but it seems like everyone else is adding services and I am falling behind. Do I need to add more?  

Ask Robina ~ Submit your questions here.   

Hello Friend, 

This is a great question and I wondered when it would cross my desk.    

Throughout the entrepreneurial journey, each person will be met with a choice to push, pivot, or pause.  The key is to know which is right for the given moment.  Minus a crystal ball, fortune cookie, or genie in a bottle, let’s explore the potential options for you. 

PUSH  

The natural tendency may be to push forward, do the training, and add services to your business offerings.  If this is a direction you want to go (now or in the future), the most important part of the decision is to feel into yourself and know that it aligns with you, your business, and what you want to create. What does it mean to feel into yourself or to know if it is aligned?    

It means the idea of pushing forward feels exciting, and even though all the answers may not be known, there is a sense of it being the right choice.    

That right choice doesn’t have to mean you have to implement 100% of what you learned. More than once, I have signed up for a new training only to implement a piece of it.  The goal is to enhance your gifts versus doing something you aren’t comfortable with. Much like the tires on your car, the more aligned they are, the easier it is to reach the destination.  Pushing forward with excitement differs from feeling like you are being pushed into it.    

PIVOT   

The issue you are facing may seem like a yes or no question, but there is always an option C.  You love bookkeeping and you don’t feel called to add advisory services, but you mentioned growing your business.  There never seems to be a shortage of people needing a good bookkeeper, so you don’t need to worry there.   

If you want to add something new, is it possible there is something you are overlooking within your current offerings or client base?    

Often, we do what we are good at because we love it but miss the things, we are great at.  If you were to pick one part of your business you love the most, is there a way you can expand its offering?  For example, are you a master at creating spreadsheets or app integration?  Could you offer that service to your clients or find another bookkeeper/CPA/enrolled agent that doesn’t enjoy that work and share services?    

PAUSE 

Let’s get down to the best part of the decision.  You don’t have to do anything.  If you aren’t ready, then it is perfectly okay not to say yes at this moment.  A decision made from the belief you are falling behind may move you in the wrong direction. Pausing gives time to let the excitement of something new and shiny pass so things can be looked at a little more objectively.  Even I have rushed into a decision and had to either backtrack, move forward out of obligation, or walk away.  Each was a learning opportunity about pausing vs. deciding.   

Courses will be offered again.  Mentors will open to take new mentees.  Super deals will come back around.    

From books to TEDx talks, you can find multiple resources to support the power of the pause. Resist the urge to fill your pause with work or other distractions.  Get curious about what you are thinking and feeling.  Regardless of whether you are deciding between a new service offering or replying to an email, this is a great practice to get into.  

The power rests with you and you alone. 

FILTER YOUR OPTIONS 

Regardless of the direction you are leaning (Push, Pivot, Pause), it doesn’t hurt to filter your decision beyond the current moment.  From hiring an employee to creating a social media account each choice has its pros and cons.    

• Do I want or need to add this?  

• What resources (time and money) would it take to add?  

• Is this already offered? If so, who and how much?  

• Am I adding something that compliments what I do?  

• Can I hire someone or collaborate with another provider to offer?  

• Does adding a new service align with my long-term plans?   

• Will this bring me joy?  

• If this is a good business decision, is it also a good personal decision?  

• Is the cost (investment of time and money) less than the additional revenue?  
  
  

CONCLUSION 

Wouldn’t it be great to have the crystal ball and all the answers?  But it would kind of take the fun out of life and knowing we get to decide for ourselves.  Trust in yourself. 

If you decide to push forward, push because you want to, and it feels like the right decision. 

If you decide to pivot, pivot because you want to vs. have to or need to.  

If you decide to pause, pause because you want to (or you aren’t sure what else to do). 

Whatever you choose trust that it is the right choice and when in doubt….  

CHOOSE THE THING THAT SPARKS JOY.  

Because you are worth it. 

With Gratitude, 

Robina  

Robina is a Certified Money Coach and retired CPA.  She works as a guide for people to discover the freedom to dream again by transforming their relationship with money. If you want to know more about Robina, you can visit her at www.robinabennion.com.  

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