Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Milner Bailey . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My journey to entrepreneurship began early on as a child, my late mother was an entrepreneur, and business owner in Alexandria, Egypt. At a young age I was always inspired by her constant drive and tenacity; she had a passion like no one else to succeed and establish something she was truly passionate about. Despite seeing first-hand the commitment business ownership required I knew one day I wanted something of my own. With that in mind, by the time graduated high school I moved to America as an international student to pursue my accounting and supply chain degrees and was eager to learn as much about business as I could. Before graduating I decided to complete other certifications, and completed certificates in both Corporate Entrepreneurship, and strategic sourcing.
Fast forward to 2017, I launched my first business with my husband, a Roofing and Remodeling company. I had an established career as a controller, with years of experience in accounting under my belt, and he had a successful background in the roofing and construction business. Finally, by 2020, then during the pandemic, juggling 3 children, maintaining our family business and doing side work as an accounting consultant I began to notice more and more companies were gaining confidence in cloud services and remote work. I knew I needed to branch off on my own and launch something that was mine. Even though cloud accounting was becoming increasingly popular, I also realized very few accounting professionals utilized the benefits of social media…and so my idea was born. I created my business plan, and dug into potential competitors, analyzing how I want to brand myself and the company. I spent months building the framework, researching platforms, analyzing my target markets, and laying out my deadline to launch by January 2022.
Throughout the planning phase, while you’re eager and excited, I realized early on that I needed to accept the reality that nothing comes easy, but what differentiates each of us is our ability to persist and remembering to stay motivated. After many moments of feeling overwhelmed and defeated, I remembered this is just like raising children and its going to take a village. Once I had that in my mind, I was determined to grow my business village. I used all avenues, social media and friends, to build new relationships. Overtime I formed friendships with business attorneys, insurance professionals, branding agencies, and likeminded women who inevitably became mentors.
From the moment I began building my business plan, my idea evolved into more than what I initially imagined, but with every roadblock I remember my journey, I remember the inspiring people in my corner, and I remember research. That is what motivates me through all the tough times..And for anyone aspiring to launch a business, those tough times are inevitable.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up my entire life as an expat and eventually moved to Houston for University just before my 21st birthday to peruse my accounting and supply chain degrees. With just over 12 years of experience in accounting, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both manufacturing and service industries, which has enabled me to grow my skill set and meet a vast array of different people.
Every profession has a stereotype, and when I chose my career path, I was determined to break those of the accountant. You know, the introverted bean counters? While I do love number, after all they don’t lie but I knew I needed to change it up, so I chose a supply chain degree with a certification in procurement. My first job out of college I put my CPA requirements on the back burner and accepted a position as an inventory accountant, and I remember during my interview they asked if I would be okay working in the warehouse, it was such an odd question to me. Of course, I jumped in full force and then my direct manager (the warehouse director) quit my 2nd week on the job. Suddenly it became sink or swim, I was managing inventory, running production numbers, purchasing inventory, and of course I elected to get forklift certified because who am I to manage anyone who’s job I didn’t know inside and out right? My supply chain degree was definitely put into action. From that day on my entire career seemed to follow the same path. However, despite the stereotypes I was always told I didn’t remind people of the regular accountant, or I wasn’t what they expected. I don’t agree with the stereotypes but I have always love interacting with new people, I’m my most motivated in fast paced and forever changing environments which lead me to eventually starting my own business.
In 2021 I formed The Accounting Agency, a boutique accounting agency that provides cloud-based accounting and tax services to both business owners and individuals. I didn’t want to form a business based solely on myself, but I wanted to create an agency that also gave other women the opportunity to thrive and succeed with clients by providing services either in tax preparation, or in the full accounting system, or in specialized areas. While tax season is always eventful, my true passion is helping emerging or established business owners gain confidence in their numbers so they can strategically make the best decisions possible. I am a true believer that numbers don’t lie, and your numbers will always paint a true picture. By having a strong accounting system in place it will help elevate your business’ performance, and enable you to make the best possible financial decisions.
We aim to grow close relationships with each of our clients, whether it be on a single project, monthly services, annual tax preparation, or even for periodic accounting and tax advice. Part of being an entrepreneur is knowing you can’t do it all, and our goal is to reduce our clients time managing financials so they can focus on making money.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I decided to form The Accounting Agency I knew I wanted to set myself apart from the typical accountant and utilize social media as much as possible. I did a lot of research on the few modern accountants that were already appearing online and teamed up with a branding company so I could zone in on the aesthetic I was going for, before I started flooding the internet with my accounting and tax advice for marketing.
Before launching my business, I started posting useful information from my personal accounts, to test the waters for interest and feedback which lead me to network with other individuals and organizations where I could meet other professionals. By the time I launched my business online I already had an inbox full of questions and comments. The one piece of advice I would give anyone who wants build a social media presence is stay consistent, be confident in who you are and what you can do, and engage as much as possible
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Honestly there are so many tools available to help generate leads, but my consistency to put myself out there and market my business whether it be through my website and blog, or the use of social media, email campaigns, and through networking groups that I have joined. Utilizing targeted marketing strategies, such as online advertising, content marketing, and email campaigns, to reach our ideal clients. By identifying specific industries or demographics that align with our agency services and then create tailored marketing campaigns that attract their attention.
Also, I think it’s important to mention that by meeting other business owners in the same industry it has proven to be an amazing resource to partner and work together to grow, and once we meet with potential new clients we also offer add on service incentives, or promotions for repeated business, and encourage everyone to provide us with feedback.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theaccountingagencyllc.com
- Instagram: Theaccountingagencyllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaccountingagencyllc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-accounting-agency-llc/
Image Credits
Christa Elyce – Houston Studio