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

Alright, Beckie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my business about ten years ago, after working for many small businesses over my career and I was feeling unfulfilled and restless. I was being laid off from the company I was working for, and at that moment I had a friend that owned her own business approach me with a proposition to take over her company bookkeeping and provide some operations support, but very part-time. I had always been interested in entrepreneurship, and after some soul-searching and research, I decided to take the leap and start my own bookkeeping and operations business to help other small businesses that didn’t need full-time employees and needed a sounding board. It was one of the scariest times I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Looking back, I do wonder what would have happened if I had started sooner. Maybe I would have had more time to build my business and establish myself in the industry. Maybe I could have avoided some of the mistakes I made in those early years. Or, maybe I would have burned out and given up before I even got started.

On the other hand, what if I had started later? Maybe I would have had more money saved up or more experience under my belt. Maybe I would have had a better understanding of my target market and been able to make more informed decisions. Or, maybe I would have missed out on some of the incredible opportunities that presented themselves to me in those early years.

It’s hard to say for sure what would have happened if I had started my business sooner or later. But, when I think about it, I don’t think I would change a thing. Starting my business when I did was the perfect timing for me. I had enough experience (about 15 years working in multiple industries doing bookkeeping and operations management) to feel confident in my abilities, but not so much that I was set in my ways. I had enough savings to get me through those early years where I was absolutely scared sh*tless about how I was paying the bills, but not so much that I was not motivated to make this work.

I’m grateful for every moment of my entrepreneurial journey. There are always going to be some bumps in the road, but there are also going to be some seriously amazing times too! When you fall on your a** (and trust me, you will), don’t let that hold you back. Each one of these successes and bumps is a valuable learning opportunity. And while I may wonder about the what-ifs from time to time, I know deep down that I started my business at exactly the right time.

So, if you’re thinking about starting your own business, don’t worry too much about timing. There will never be a “perfect” time to start, so don’t wait around for one. Instead, focus on your goals, passions, make a plan, and trust that everything will fall into place. Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll look back and realize that starting your business when you did was the best decision you ever made. I know it was for me even through all the scary what-if times and the wins. Keep pushing forward, keep hustling, and watch as everything falls into place.

Beckie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before starting Balanced Office Solutions, I had the pleasure of working with many small businesses across a diverse range of industries. However, as much as I enjoyed the work, I was struggling with anxiety and panic disorder at the time, and the daily grind of going into an office filled me with dread. I knew I needed a change. I know what you are thinking, but didn’t that give you more anxiety? Yes, starting a business definitely gave me financial anxiety, but it also brought freedom and the ability for me to explore new ideas and make a difference in the market and help others. I also saw a significant gap in the market for bookkeeping and business support and I truly felt I understood the needs of businesses. With my 25 years of experience in the industry, I knew that I wanted to make a difference and help fellow entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. Here we are 10 years later after deciding to take a leap of faith and start my own business. It has not been a cake walk that is for sure, and I learn something new every day but, I’m proud to say that Balanced Office Solutions is here to help businesses like yours achieve success while keeping anxiety at bay!

Here we don’t just offer bookkeeping, QuickBooks training and setup, and business support service – we offer a sounding board for all things business. As an entrepreneur, I totally get how crucial it is to have all the financial numbers and advice (totally the top of my list), but also needing a sounding board for those business ideas and challenges. I understand the feeling of being lost and not knowing where to turn to for guidance. That’s why I knew I also wanted to become that mentor, advisor or whatever you would like to call it, that offers that supportive shoulder to lean on and who understands your business from every angle. I’m also fully aware that I don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay! That’s why I decided to offer our matchmaker services to connect you with the best resources for your specific needs. It’s our way of ensuring that you receive the support you need for your business.

We offer simplified solutions to real-world business problems that are tailored to your unique needs. Our expertise lies in simplifying accounting, streamlining systems, and strategizing finances to help you grow your business and make the most out of your revenue. However, we don’t believe in bogus promises of million-dollar profits in five days or trying to sell you useless software and spreadsheets that only gather dust. We’re all about the real work that drives real results with action-oriented steps.

I think what sets us apart is our fun and unconventional approach to business, not your typical bookkeeper or firm. While we are all about the numbers, we never forget that behind every business are unique individuals with their own goals and needs. We like to have fun, and finances and business does not have to be boring or stressful. We treat our clients like family and take a personalized approach to our services. We care about your business as if it’s our own and are dedicated to helping you succeed. Our exceptional customer service is second to none, and we always go above and beyond to make sure you feel valued and heard. We take the time to get to know you and your business so that we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs and help you thrive.

My ultimate goal when I built Balanced Office Solutions was to empower you, the business owner with the knowledge and resources to make informed financial decisions and business decisions that best suits you not what everyone else is doing. We’re not just about providing a service, we’re all about collaborative partnerships. And I love to help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

As the founder of Balanced Office Solutions, I can tell you firsthand that every entrepreneur faces the challenge of raising capital to get their business off the ground. But, with a little creativity and a solid plan, it is possible to start with limited funds.

A little background on my business. Balanced Office Solutions is a service-based business that offers bookkeeping and business support services to small businesses. Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses that require a physical location and overhead expenses, our business operates with minimal overhead costs. However, that doesn’t mean starting the business was a walk in the park when it came to funding.

To kickstart my business, I dipped into my savings account. I did a small handwritten budget to figure out the minimum amount of money I would need to get the basics done, including registering the business, purchasing software and equipment, and creating a basic website. I also factored in some buffer money to keep the business going for a few months while I worked on getting clients.

While having the capital to start a business is undoubtedly essential, it’s not always necessary. With the right plan and approach, you can get creative and find ways to fund your business without breaking the bank.

No matter how you choose to fund your business, it’s crucial to have a solid plan in place. This means doing your research, identifying your target market, and creating a clear roadmap for how you will achieve your business goals. You should also be realistic about your financial projections and be prepared to adapt and pivot as needed.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Definitely mindset around money and people pleasing! We all know that money makes the world go ’round, but let’s face it, cash can’t buy happiness. That’s why I had to learn to rewrite my old money mindset story and people-pleasing issues and embrace a healthier perspective on success.

I used to think that success was all about the Benjamins, baby! But then I realized that true success is about doing work that you love, making a positive impact on others, and living a life that aligns with your values. Money can be a nice bonus, but it’s not the only measure of success.

Next, let’s talk about people-pleasing. I used to be a total “yes” person when it came to my business. I was so eager to please everyone that I would say yes to any request or opportunity that came my way, even if it meant sacrificing my own sanity. I was like a superhero with no boundaries! But let me tell you, it did not end well.

I soon found myself burnt out, exhausted, and feeling like a doormat. And the worst part? People didn’t even respect me for it! They just saw me as someone who would do anything for them, no matter what, and free. Talk about a real-life Spongebob.

Learning to set boundaries was a game-changer for me. I realized that saying no to things that didn’t align with my goals or values allowed me to focus on what was truly important. It also helped me establish myself as a respected business owner who values her time and expertise.

And finally, I had to learn that I can’t please everyone when it comes to money. I used to offer discounts to clients who couldn’t afford my rates, out of fear of losing their business. But that only led to feeling undervalued and resentful.

I’ve come to realize that my worth is not determined by my client’s financial ability. I do ensure that my rates are fair and I clearly communicate the value of my services. If a client isn’t a good fit for me, whether it’s because they don’t align with my values or can’t afford my rates, I respectfully decline their business.

In conclusion, running a successful business requires a healthy mindset around money, boundaries, and people-pleasing. Money is important, but it’s not everything. Prioritizing your own needs and boundaries is key to establishing yourself as a respected business owner. And remember, your worth is not tied to your client’s ability to pay.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.balancedofficesolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedofficesolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalancedOfficeSolutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahrosenberg/

Image Credits
Images are done by Monarch Collaborative – Kayla