PODCAST · business
One Step Better Podcast
by Whirks
Tune in for insight to help small business owners and their teams get One Step Better every day. You'll gain practical tools to help you improve processes and empower your team.
Episodes
-
Hire, Automate, or Say No: Rethinking Headcount in the Age of AI
For years, the answer to "we're busy" was simple: post a job ad. Good people fix all problems. Good people still fix problems, but Mike and Matt argue the first question has changed. Before you hire, you have to ask what you're actually hiring someone to do, and whether a machine, a better...
-
The Role Follows the Work: Rethinking Our Accounting Firm Staffing Model
Matt and Mike have had this conversation about 9,000 times. They still don't have a definitive answer. Mike opens with a big goal: land on some real conclusions about how the firm is structured. What follows is an honest look at the org chart behind their accounting firm. It has three pods, each...
-
Eight Years of Outbound, Then They Booked Themselves: Why Marketing Attribution Drives Us Crazy
Accountants like things that balance. Marketing attribution does not balance.Mike and Matt get into the thing they've been chasing for about three years: figuring out whether the money they spend on marketing is actually working. Between outbound sales, content, events, local networking, paid…
more -
One Roof, Two Businesses: What Nobody Tells You About Running Payroll and Accounting Together
Nobody starts an accounting firm with a clean box. You start with client one, then client ten, and somewhere in there you said yes to payroll, yes to inventory software, yes to the FedEx exec with real estate in four states, because the mortgage was due and the mortgage does not care about your...
-
The Version of Our Firm We Don't Put on the Conference Stage
Every firm has a version of itself it shows on stage. This is the other version.Mike and Matt open the books on what they still haven't figured out. The staff accountant role they hired for ten years ago doesn't exist anymore. The comp plan still pays people to keep the work instead of pass it...
-
Ideal vs. Reality: What We Still Haven't Figured Out
New studio, new building, and the first episode recorded in it — which turned into a looser, more honest conversation than usual. Matt and Mike open with the move. Nine to twelve months of planning, three weeks of the entire team working remote while the building came together, and a hard-earned...
-
If I Started My Firm From Scratch Today, I'd Build It Completely Different
One Step Better now has its own YouTube channel! Subscribe here so you never miss an episode: @OneStepBetterPod Last episode Matt and Mike asked whether the entry-level staff accountant role still makes sense in a world of AI. This one zooms out: if the work is changing, what does the whole…
more -
Do You Even Need Entry-Level Accountants Anymore? (The AI Question Nobody Can Answer Yet)
➡️ One Step Better now has its own YouTube channel! Subscribe here so you never miss an episode: @OneStepBetterPod Every accounting firm is quietly asking the same question right now: if AI can categorize transactions, reconcile accounts, and tie down a balance sheet, do we still need to hire...
-
Why a Great Culture Still Isn't Enough Without Leaders Who Hold People Accountable
Patrick Accounting has a stack of "best place to work" accolades, yet Mike still rates themselves a C on the one thing that would change everything. Listen to Matt and Mike get honest about LMA (leadership, management, and accountability) and why holding people accountable is genuinely one of the...
-
ICP, Acceptable Clients, and the Gray Area Where Most Accounting Firms Get Burned
Every accounting firm has a client they should have said no to. Most of them took it anyway because the money looked good, the sales conversation went well, or somebody convinced themselves they could make it work. Mike and Matt have been there. Listen to them get honest about what actually makes…
more -
What It Looks Like to Roll Out AI Across Your Accounting Firm
Matt connected AI to every major tool in the firm. Then things got interesting. What followed was a mix of things going sideways, things working better than expected, and one moment that made Matt realize he wasn't thinking nearly big enough. All of which sparked a real conversation about what AI...
-
Is Your Accounting Firm Developing Leaders or Just Promoting Good Employees?
At some point, every growing accounting firm takes their best person, puts them in a leadership role, and hopes for the best. And for a while it kind of works. Until it doesn't... Mike and Matt are in the middle of this right now. 60 people, multiple team leads, a director of accounting, and an...
-
What's Broken About Your Accounting Firm?
The best firms don't wait for things to fall apart. They break them first. Hiring, training, sales, team structure. If you're not proactively challenging what's working, growth will do it for you, and it won't be on your terms. In this episode, Mike and Matt get real about the specific things…
more -
Why Your Leadership Team Needs More Disagreement
If you're building a leadership team around you as an accounting firm owner, you already know: letting go of control is hard. And when it goes sideways, even over something small, it can feel like a lot more than it is.In this episode: The exact moment the leadership meeting went sideways and…
more -
Are You Ready to Scale Your Accounting Firm?
Most firm owners ask the wrong question when they want to grow. They ask how before they ask am I willing to do what it takes. Or as Matt puts it: "How much brain damage do you want along the way?" Because growing a firm isn't about strategy decks or revenue targets. It's about whether you, the...
-
One Step Better: A Podcast for Accounting Firm Owners
If you own an accounting firm, you probably feel a gap between where you are and where you want to be. This podcast is about closing that gap by building a firm One Step Better at a time. Hosted by Matt Patrick (owner and founder of Patrick Accounting) and Mike Shaeffer (COO), you'll hear the...
-
What We Got Wrong Scaling Our Business (and What We'd Do Differently)
"You have to be willing to light some money on absolute fire for the goal of what may be." Ever feel like you're growing your business but somehow everything is getting harder, more expensive, and more chaotic? Not sure if you're actually ready to scale or just tired of being stuck where you are?...
-
Has Tipping Gone Too Far? A Business Owner's Perspective
Most restaurant owners think about tips from the payroll side. But your customers are thinking about tips from the experience side, and right now, that experience is broken. In this episode, Matt and Mike talk about tipping culture from both sides of the table. As customers frustrated by guilt...
-
Your Tip Structure Has Payroll Risks You Haven't Thought About
Most business owners set up their tip policy once and never think about it again. That's usually when the problems start. In this episode, Matt and Mike get into the compliance side of tipped employees that most owners don't hear about until they're already in trouble. They cover why overtime…
more -
How to Raise Prices Without Losing Your Regulars
Do you actually know what your menu items cost you? Not what you think they cost. What they really cost after portion creep, waste, vendor substitutions, and everything else that chips away at your margins. In this episode, Mike and Matt talk through the pricing paralysis most restaurant owners...
-
What Your POS System Isn’t Telling You About Profitability
You're looking at your POS report. Then your spreadsheet. Then your bank account. They're all telling you something different. So which one do you believe? In this episode, Matt and Mike talk through what your point of sale system is actually built to do, where it falls short, and what happens…
more -
Why Your Restaurant Is Busy But Not Profitable
It looks like you’re winning from the outside, but your bank account tells a different story. In this episode, Matt and Mike share what they've seen across hundreds of restaurant P&Ls: consistent patterns, missed opportunities, and small changes that add up to real profit. There’s no secret…
more -
Why You Can't Understand Your Accountant: Part 2
Your accountant says an expense is "non-deductible" and you're confused because you paid for it with your business card. Doesn't that reduce your taxes?Nope. Just because you used your business card doesn't make it deductible.Join us for Part 2 of simplifying accounting terms that confuse…
more -
Why You Can’t Understand Your Accountant: Part 1
Your accountant just asked, “Have you looked at your P&L lately?” And you’re sitting there wondering if that’s the same thing as your profit & loss statement. Or your income statement. Or… are those different things? So, we asked our accounting team to list every word they use that clients…
more -
5 Numbers Every Business Owner Should Be Tracking Monthly
Do you know if your business made money last month? Not "Did you make sales?" Did you actually make PROFIT? Most business owners track revenue religiously, but can't answer this without doing mental math. Your P&L is your scorecard. But most small business owners don't actually understand what it...
-
Why Every Small Business Should Stop Doing THIS in 2026
Most small business owners say they want to grow, but their habits tell a different story. From spending money out of boredom, to hiring reactively, to holding on to tasks that should’ve been off your plate months ago… these are the mindsets, systems, and habits that quietly slow you down. In…
more -
2025 in the Rearview: What Actually Moved the Needle
If you’re trying to grow a healthy business, you already know it’s not just about hitting revenue goals. It’s about getting clarity, leading people well, fixing what’s not working, and still finding the energy to show up again tomorrow. And if you're anything like us, you probably haven’t stopped...
-
Accrual or Cash? How to Choose the Best Accounting Method for Your Business Goals
Do your financials feel off, confusing, or just plain useless for making decisions? You might be using the wrong accounting method for what you're trying to accomplish. In this episode, Matt and Mike walk through what cash basis and accrual accounting actually mean, why it affects your...
-
7 Tax Write-Offs That Could Get Your Business Audited
Think you can write off your vacation, your dog, or that new truck with the wrap on it because it’s “technically” a moving billboard? A lot of business owners do! And that’s exactly what gets them in hot water. In this episode, Mike and Matt break down the 7 most common write-offs business owners...
-
5 Reasons Your Restaurant Margins Are So Low and How to Fix Them
Most restaurant owners don’t get into the business for the spreadsheets. But ignoring the math is exactly how good places go under. In this episode of the One Step Better Podcast, Mike and Matt unpack what really causes margin problems in restaurants. From portion control to overstaffing out of...
-
How to Finally Get a Handle on Cash Flow in Your Business
Your P&L says you’re making money. But your bank account is telling a different story. In this episode, we unpack why that gap exists, how to actually understand where your cash is going, and what steps you can take to get ahead of it. Hear the most common cash flow mistakes we see, the simple...
-
Should Your Home Healthcare Staff Be 1099 or W-2?
Hiring home care workers and classifying them as 1099 contractors? That decision isn't just about what's easier or what the agency down the street is doing. If you're setting the schedule, assigning the work, and expecting specific people to show up, that's probably not a contractor. In this...
-
Succession Planning for Family Businesses: Where to Start (Before It’s Urgent)
Think succession planning is just for when you're ready to retire? Think again. In this episode, Matt and Mike get real about why most business owners wait way too long to think about it, and how building systems now makes your business more valuable AND more fun to run. You'll learn why your...
-
Outgrowing Basic Bookkeeping? Here's What Comes Next
You’ve got bookkeeping. You’ve got reports. But the numbers still don’t tell you anything useful. This episode is for business owners who’ve hit that moment of “Wait… I’m running a real business now, and I don’t actually know what’s going on.” We’ll talk through the key metrics that matter, the...
-
How One Remote Employee Can Trigger 5 Tax Filings
Hiring remote employees? Storing inventory out-of-state? Even one move across state lines can create a pile of tax and compliance issues you didn’t see coming. This episode walks through what business owners need to know before making multi-state decisions. You’ll hear how a single remote hire…
more -
Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners: 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and More Explained
You want to save for retirement and cut your tax bill. But picking the wrong plan or missing key deadlines can do the opposite This episode walks through the real retirement plan options for small business owners, using what’s working right now. You’ll hear why 401(k)s are more accessible than…
more -
Q4 Tax Moves Every Service-Based Business Should Know
Are you still waiting to “see how the year ends” before making tax decisions? Thinking you’ll just deal with it all in January?That’s exactly how service-based business owners get hit with tax bills they didn’t see coming.In this episode, Matt and Mike explain what actually matters before…
more -
How to Pay Yourself Properly (Without Raising IRS Red Flags)
If you own a business, paying yourself isn’t always straightforward. Matt and Mike walk through what actually goes into getting paid as an owner, from how your entity type affects your options, to how Profit First helps make sure the money’s really there when you need it. They also touch on the...
-
Avoiding Tax Surprises: How Growing Companies Get Ahead
A bigger tax bill is NOT always bad news. Sometimes it just means your business grew. Tax surprises like this are common, and they usually don’t come from one mistake. They show up when systems can’t keep pace, when cash gets mistaken for profit, or when the tax plan never adjusts as the numbers...
-
How to Approach a Bookkeeping Cleanup (Without the Stress)
Do your financials feel off, confusing, or just messy? Not sure where your money is going or if your books are even accurate? This is a common problem for business owners!!! Especially if you've outgrown your current system, had turnover in your bookkeeping, or just haven't had the time to keep...
-
First Time Setting Up a New Entity? What Every First-Time Owner Should Know
Have you started a business and aren't sure if you need an LLC, an S-Corp, or something else entirely? Or maybe you’ve heard conflicting advice and you’re worried about making the “wrong” choice?Mike and Matt walk through what actually matters when you’re choosing (or changing) your business...
-
Business Structure Decisions: S-Corp vs. LLC for Your Growth Strategy
Are you stuck trying to figure out if an LLC or S-Corp is better for your business? Or maybe you're realizing the structure you picked years ago no longer fits where you're headed? This is one of the most common mistakes we see. Picking the wrong business entity can lead to higher taxes…
more -
When to Use an Employee-Only Entity to Simplify Multi-Location Payroll
In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the concept of employee-only entities, particularly for businesses with multiple locations. They explore the complexities and compliance risks associated with having separate entities for each location, emphasizing the benefits of consolidating employees…
more -
Budgeting for Growth: What Every $1M+ Business Should Build
In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the complexities of budgeting for a million-dollar business. They explore key considerations such as contingency planning, balancing growth and profitability, and the emotional challenges that come with managing larger budgets. The conversation also touches…
more -
Frustrated with Your Accountant? Here's What You Should Actually Expect
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the often frustrating relationship between business owners and their accountants. They explore the expectations that business owners should have regarding communication, the frequency of meetings, and the proactive guidance they should receive. The...
-
Forecasting Without Fear
In this episode of the One Step Better Businesspodcast, the hosts discuss the critical role of forecasting and planning inbusiness. They emphasize the importance of having a long-term vision andsetting clear goals to guide decision-making. The conversation covers theprocess of creating a…
more -
How Small Business Owners Gain Confidence in 180 Days
In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the journey of business owners from the initial 90 days to the 180-day mark of working with Patrick Accounting. They explore the transition from feeling relief to developing confidence in their accounting systems, the importance of building effective systems...
-
How Small Business Owners Really Thrive
In this episode, Mike and Matt discuss the concept of 'thriving' in business, emphasizing the importance of a shared understanding among team members and clients. They explore how education in accounting can empower business owners to feel in control of their financial situations, navigate tax...
-
Is Your Payroll Provider Overcharging You? Here’s How to Find Out
In this episode of the One Step Better Business podcast, hosts Mike and Matt delve into the intricacies of payroll processing costs. They discuss how businesses can determine if they are overpaying for payroll services, the various pricing structures used by payroll companies, and the hidden fees...
-
Who We Help (and Who We Don’t): Is Whirks the Right Fit?
In this episode of the One Step Better Business podcast, Mike and Matt discuss the types of clients that Whirks works best with, as well as those that present challenges. They emphasize the importance of transparency in client relationships and outline specific characteristics of ideal clients,...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Tune in for insight to help small business owners and their teams get One Step Better every day. You'll gain practical tools to help you improve processes and empower your team.
HOSTED BY
Whirks
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does One Step Better Podcast have?
One Step Better Podcast currently has 198 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is One Step Better Podcast about?
Tune in for insight to help small business owners and their teams get One Step Better every day. You'll gain practical tools to help you improve processes and empower your team.
How often does One Step Better Podcast release new episodes?
One Step Better Podcast publishes regularly with 198 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to One Step Better Podcast?
You can listen to One Step Better Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts One Step Better Podcast?
One Step Better Podcast is created and hosted by Whirks.
URL copied to clipboard!