Episode 325: How We Started Our Businesses From Our Kitchen Tables

There is a new look to The Bookkeepers' Podcast as Jo and Zoe share their real life stories to tackle a common challenge many aspiring bookkeepers face: how to start a virtual bookkeeping practice from home—particularly after facing redundancy. Drawing from their own experience and real-life questions from their Facebook community, Jo and Zoe walk through the essential steps needed to set up a compliant, confident and client-ready bookkeeping business. From choosing your business structure and securing AML supervision to creating engagement letters and setting prices, this episode is packed with foundational advice for new and returning practice owners. Jo shares her personal story of being made redundant and how that pivotal moment led to building a practice that aligned with her lifestyle and values. Zoe explores the mindset shifts required to move from an employee mentality to business owner confidence, especially when it comes to pricing and valuing your expertise. The conversation also unpacks the pitfalls of hourly pricing, the emotional impact of redundancy, and the need to invest in yourself and your business. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or considering a refresh, this episode will help you lay the right foundations. You Will Learn: Why redundancy can be a powerful catalyst for starting your own practice. The essential legal and regulatory steps to set up a bookkeeping business. The mindset shift from employee to business owner. Why pricing by the hour is outdated—and what to do instead. How to build confidence, even when you're feeling uncertain. The importance of identifying your ideal client early on. 00:00 - Intro: How to Start a Virtual Bookkeeping Practice 00:17 - Starting a Business After Redundancy 07:29 - Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Bookkeeping Business 12:04 - Do You Need a Solicitor for Contracts? 14:01 - Ideal Clients and Choosing Your Services 15:54 - Pricing Lessons from Bridesmaids' Dress Alterations 18:59 - The True Value of Your Time at Work 22:49 - What’s the Minimum You Should Charge as a Bookkeeper? 26:07 - Why Hourly Rates Hold You Back ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.