We were lucky to catch up with Angela Norton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
When I was brainstorming the name for my company, I really wanted it to reflect my mission. You see, my goal isn’t just to provide bookkeeping services to business owners; it’s also about teaching people how to be financially successful. So, originally, I thought of naming it “Counting Seeds Collective.”
The “Counting” part signifies that we’re all about managing money, which is a crucial aspect of what we do. And “Collective” is all about my vision for our office space – a place where people can come together for meetings and workshops. It’s not just about individual growth; it’s about a collective journey toward financial success.
But, in the end, I decided to keep it simple and went with “Counting Collective” because I wanted a name that was easy to remember. It still captures the essence of what we’re all about – financial management and building a community of like-minded individuals working towards their financial goals.
Angela, 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?
I’m Angela Norton, and I consider myself a serial entrepreneur who’s always up for a new challenge. I started my professional journey with a very successful 15-year career as a photographer, capturing special moments and memories. However, I reached a point where I wanted my weekends and evenings back, so I decided to switch gears.
I discovered my passion for bookkeeping and accounting, and it felt like a natural fit for me. There’s something strangely satisfying about cleaning up a business’s financial records and helping them understand their financial health. That’s when I founded Counting Collective.
At Counting Collective, we offer a range of bookkeeping services, catering to everyone from small businesses to large enterprises. We also play a pivotal role as the Financial Manager on commercial and residential construction projects, ensuring the financial aspects run smoothly.
What truly sets us apart from others in the industry is our dedication to teaching. I find immense joy in working one-on-one with business owners, guiding them on setting up their books correctly and making the most out of bookkeeping software. It’s about empowering them to take control of their financial affairs.
Customer service is at the core of what we do. We take pride in delivering A+ customer service, going the extra mile to meet our clients’ needs and ensuring their financial success. One key differentiator is our commitment to proactive bookkeeping. We work on our clients’ books each week, rather than waiting until the end of the month, ensuring that their financials are always up-to-date and accurate.
What I’m most proud of is our ability to make a real impact on businesses’ growth and financial well-being. Whether it’s helping a small business get started on the right financial footing or managing complex construction project finances, our goal is to be a trusted partner in their success.
So, what I want potential clients and followers to know about Counting Collective is that we’re not just bookkeepers; we’re educators, mentors, and dedicated partners in your financial journey. We’re here to help you thrive, understand your financial health, and achieve your business goals.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation in the market has been built on a foundation of trust and professionalism. One of the key factors that have contributed to this is my ability to separate business from pleasure. I firmly believe that maintaining clear boundaries in professional relationships is crucial for building trust and credibility.
Coming from a small town has also played a significant role in establishing my reputation. In a close-knit community, word-of-mouth and personal connections are paramount. Over the years, through my photography business, involvement in my local church, and active networking, I’ve had the privilege of forming numerous meaningful relationships.
These connections have not only enriched my personal life but have also been instrumental in expanding my professional network. The trust and goodwill I’ve cultivated within my community have translated into a strong reputation in the market. Clients and partners know that when they work with me, they can expect transparency, reliability, and a commitment to their success.
In essence, my reputation has been built on the pillars of trustworthiness, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and the invaluable relationships I’ve fostered through my small-town roots and various community involvements.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The lifeblood of my business when it comes to acquiring new clients has undoubtedly been referrals and networking. These two channels have consistently proven to be the most fruitful for Counting Collective.
Referrals have played a significant role in our growth. When clients are satisfied with the services we provide, they naturally become enthusiastic advocates for Counting Collective. They recommend us to their peers, colleagues, and friends who are in need of bookkeeping and financial management solutions. This word-of-mouth endorsement not only reflects our clients’ trust but also demonstrates their belief in our ability to deliver results.
Additionally, networking has been instrumental in expanding our client base. My active involvement in various networking events, both within my small town and in broader professional circles, has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses. These connections have not only led to direct client referrals but have also created opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
In summary, referrals and networking are the lifeblood of our client acquisition strategy. They showcase the trust our existing clients have in our services and allow us to forge valuable relationships with new clients who share our commitment to financial success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.countingcollective.com
- Instagram: counting.collective
- Facebook: ccbookkeeping
- Linkedin: heyangelanorton
Image Credits
Angela Norton Photography