We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Klausmeier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I love failure. Failing is actually in my mind, the biggest indicator of success. It is counterintuitive but true! Seriously, some of the greatest successes and lessons learned come from epic failures. Be ‘okay’ failing and making mistakes! Failures will truly help move you forward; just be willing to learn and grow from them. No failure is permanent as long as you never give up.

Another huge indicator of success is to not be afraid to ask for help. There are tons of people who have been in your shoes before, and they’re more than willing to lend a hand. You don’t have to be “the boss/the mom/the wife/the daughter” who knows and does everything. The most successful people know how to rely on others and delegate. Trust me, nobody has the superhuman ability/knowledge/time/energy to handle everything. Collaboration is key, and don’t hesitate to tap into the knowledge, skills, and support of others.

I failed a ton during the COVID-19 pandemic. I failed to remain patient with myself and kids, I failed to eat well, I failed to work out, I failed to sleep enough, and I failed to ask for help. The stress during that time significantly contributed to a mini-stroke that I experienced which almost cost me my life. But guess what… I LEARNED from those failures (and the many other mini-failures I experience every day) and now I realize that my health, both mental and physical, is the number one priority and in order to focus on that, I know I can’t do it alone. My husband, my kids, my friends, my teammates, and my clients all need that from me.

Embrace challenges, be comfortable with some failure and the learning that comes with it, and remember that you don’t have to go at it alone.

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.

Hey there! I’m Alicia Klausmeier, the founder of Dream Accounting Solutions. Numbers, data analysis, and the entrepreneurial spirit have always been in my veins. It’s so fulfilling to use my problem-solving skills to help fellow small business owners tackle their biggest challenge: money! Cash flow and financial uncertainties are major reasons why many small businesses struggle.

Before diving into the accounting world, I spent 14 awesome years in education—12 of those shaping young minds and 2 in administration, where I rocked data analytics and helped teachers embrace new technology. When I ventured out of education, I found myself taking on the accounting role in my husband’s business. And let me tell you, it was like magic—it just clicked! That’s when I decided to turn my side hustle into my full-time gig, earned additional certifications, became a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, and voilà, Dream Accounting Solutions was born!

Here at Dream Accounting, our entire team loves that we get to work with business owners daily, helping them make more money! By getting things organized and bringing clarity to their financials, our clients see profits soar, and that means more cash in their pockets. Nothing beats the feeling of witnessing our clients succeed—it’s what fuels us every single day.

To make it all happen, we lay the groundwork with accurate foundational bookkeeping, managing payroll, AP, and AR. Then we dive into the numbers, data-driven decisions like champs. Our background in education comes in handy too—we love teaching our clients efficient accounting processes, reading financial statements, and analyzing data to empower them to make informed choices. At Dream Accounting Solutions, we’re all about success, growth, and making money moves together!

Any advice for managing a team?

Communication is key when it comes to managing a team. Keep those lines open, listen to your team’s ideas, and make sure everyone’s in the loop with important updates. Lead by example, show your team how it’s done by living up to the values and work ethic you expect from them. Additionally, allow for work-life balance! Be understanding and supportive of your team’s personal lives to avoid burnout and keep everyone feeling good. Be good with flexibility too! If your team has reasonable requests for flexible work arrangements, trust them to handle their time effectively. Giving them that freedom not only boosts morale but also makes them happier and more productive. With these approaches, you’ll create a positive and motivated work environment where your team can truly thrive.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Two must-read books that I highly recommend are “Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box” by the Arbinger Institute and “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz.

In “Leadership and Self-Deception,” I’ve learned the invaluable lesson of treating others as individuals with their unique needs, desires, and perspectives rather than merely objects to control. This book emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive work environment through accountability, respect, and collaboration.

As for “Profit First,” it’s a game-changer for managing finances as a business owner. The concept of allocating money into different accounts resonated with me, allowing for better control over finances, reduced stress, and paving the way for long-term growth. I personally follow the system, and so do many of my clients and friends, all of whom have experienced significant reductions in stress, gained a better understanding of business finances, and ended up with more money in their pockets. It’s a practical and impactful approach that truly works.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamaccountingsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamaccountingsolutions/

Image Credits
M Photography