We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Ausdemore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.

Nikki , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

While working at my last job, I realized that the corporate world wasn’t for me. After many years of running my own businesses, I wanted the freedom of being my own boss again. I also saw this as a chance to reinvent myself, rather than returning to my previous ventures. During my search for new opportunities, I discovered Kristin Ingram’s Bookkeeper Training School. With my passion for finance and organization, bookkeeping felt like the perfect fit.

Given my background in midwifery and birth work, I decided to focus my bookkeeping business on supporting women who serve other women. As a woman business owner, I understand the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs—limited time, energy spent on client care, and the overwhelm of administrative tasks like bookkeeping. I knew I could help by taking that burden off their plates, allowing them to focus on their families and clients. This is why my bookkeeping niche serves midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, massage therapists, mental health therapists, and other women-owned service-based businesses that support women.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At Orange Blossom Bookkeeping, we understand that managing finances can be a complex and time-consuming task for many businesses. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to streamline your financial processes and ensure your books are always in order.

One of the key services I provide is QuickBooks Online diagnostic reviews. These reviews are essential for identifying any underlying issues or areas of concern within your accounting files. Whether it’s incorrect categorization, unrecorded transactions, or discrepancies in your financial reports, our detailed analysis helps pinpoint the problems. This proactive approach allows you to address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring your financial health remains intact.

In addition to diagnostic reviews, I offer clean-up work for files that require adjustments. Many businesses experience fluctuations in their bookkeeping practices, leading to errors or incomplete records. I rectify these mistakes, ensuring that your financial data is accurate and reliable.

For businesses that haven’t maintained their financial records in a timely manner, my catch-up services are ideal. I help bring your accounts up to date, whether that involves reconciling multiple months of transactions or organizing receipts and invoices. This service not only alleviates stress but also positions your business for better financial management moving forward.

To maintain ongoing accuracy and efficiency, I provide monthly bookkeeping services. This includes categorization of transactions, regular reconciliation of bank and credit card statements, and the preparation of detailed monthly reports. My comprehensive reporting gives you clear insights into your financial performance, enabling you to make informed business decisions.

I also ensure that your balance sheet accurately reflects your business’s financial position by diligently tracking both assets and liabilities. This attention to detail helps provide a clear picture of your company’s overall health and ensures you are prepared for any future financial obligations.

At Orange Blossom Bookkeeping, I pride myself on delivering timely, accurate, and top-quality service to all my clients. My commitment to excellence means that you can trust me with your financial management, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business. I believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, providing personalized service tailored to your specific needs and goals

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships. In the world of business, particularly in service-based industries, success often hinges on trust and personal connections. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about establishing yourself as a trusted referral and reliable source of knowledge. This trust takes time and consistency to cultivate.

I’ve found that consistently showing up to industry events, community gatherings, and professional groups is essential. Attending multiple times allows people to become familiar with you, and familiarity breeds trust. Beyond just attending, actively engaging with others by asking questions, participating in discussions, and contributing value helps establish your expertise and sincerity.

Additionally, I make a point to reach out for one-on-one meetings. These personal interactions allow me to dive deeper into understanding the challenges others are facing, offering tailored advice or simply lending a listening ear. These individual connections are often where the strongest business relationships form, leading to referrals and long-term collaborations.

Another key component is getting involved in the communities and groups you want to serve. This might mean volunteering, joining committees, or offering expertise in a way that benefits the group. When people see that you’re genuinely invested in their success and the community, they are far more likely to trust you with their business. Building relationships in this manner creates a foundation of trust, credibility, and visibility that naturally attracts clients over time. I’ve recently joined the finance committee with NAWBO Phoenix and I am really enjoying the personal connections, business connections, and the opportunity to serve this dynamic organization.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

About a year ago, I came across a book that had a profound impact on both my mindset and my approach to business. Fear Is Not the Boss of You: How to Get Out of Your Head and Live the Life You Were Made For by Jennifer Allwood was more than just an inspiring read—it was a catalyst for change in how I viewed myself as an entrepreneur.

The book really spoke to my struggles with imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of self-doubt and questioning whether I was truly capable of succeeding. Allwood’s message challenged me to recognize that fear, while natural, didn’t have to control my actions or decisions. I learned that it’s possible to feel fear and still move forward, taking action even when self-doubt creeps in.

One of the most powerful takeaways was the realization that I had been getting in my own way when it came to growing my business. By overthinking, procrastinating, or waiting until I felt fully “ready,” I was missing opportunities. Allwood’s words motivated me to take bolder steps, even when I didn’t feel completely confident. She emphasized that perfection isn’t required to make progress, and that growth often happens when we take action in spite of fear.

Since reading the book, I’ve embraced a more proactive approach to running my business. Instead of waiting for the “right moment,” I’ve pushed myself to tackle challenges head-on, even if they feel intimidating. The mindset shift that Fear Is Not the Boss of You inspired has allowed me to break free from the limitations I had unconsciously set for myself, enabling me to pursue my goals with renewed determination and clarity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.obbookkeepingaz.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orangeblossombookkeeping
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

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