We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rhian Dodd-Tovey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rhian below.

Hi Rhian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

YOU CAN DO IT – Not something anyone believes at first.

I started my business to simply start working again after having a baby while maintaining the flexibility I needed. It started small offering virtual admin services and has been ramping up ever since.

I started one client at a time, figuring things out as I went and learning so much from the journey and process. Each new client that onboarded became a chance to refine processes and grow the practice. Even now I’m still learning and growing, taking on employees and figuring out the next challenges that come from the next stage of business.

Would I have done anything different? Probably not because I truly believe that the magic is in the journey and you learn so much from going through the figuring it out process.
Would I have niched down earlier? Yes, that would probably have got me where I am quicker but that’s something people told me to do that I had to learn for myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am originally from the UK but live in Kansas City now. We’ve been here for nearly 8 years.

I have an accounting degree in the UK and a background in purchasing for a global manufacturing company.
I was fortunate enough to not have to work after having my daughter but quickly realized I needed some stimulation and something outside of being a Mum so as soon as I could, RDT Support was born. Initially offering virtual admin services, I realized that I would actually niche down and use my true skills (accounting) to help other people start and manage their businesses.

RDT Support offers full service accounting services from bookkeeping right through to tax strategy and tax prep services.
We provide everything from taking monthly bookkeeping off your plate, to financial reporting and handling your tax planning and prep.
We are an all female team offering truthful, no jargon services. We are extremely passionate about seeing other entrepreneurs succeed and want to part of your business support team and not just the old man accountant that does your taxes at the end of the year. We are here to provide year round support and advice.

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

I wish finances were taught in school. I have never had a problem with money and grew up in a financially stable home, but no-one ever taught me about managing cash flow or investing.

I’ve had to really do some deep work about allowing myself to invest money into myself and my business, for the future. It’s not something I’d ever been taught or spoken about so when the opportunity came to invest money into my branding to take my business to the next level, it was really uncomfortable.
I think I had the mindset that what I was doing was ok, why waste money when it’s working fine and everything is consistent and we have a stable life, but deep down I knew if I invested there was more to be had, more growth, more client potential and more money.

I had to decide between stability and safe, or risk and potential growth.

I chose growth and it paid off (not to say it will for everyone) but it has shown me that my upbringing was to take the safe route and I really had to go through discomfort to do something different.

Now, I try and look at everything from a wider perspective and give myself time and space (through meditation usually) to feel what I should do, rather than just choose what I was taught or shown previously.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputation is everything. Our clients referrals bring us the most work and this make my heart so happy.
It shows our clients truly value the services we bring them and know how much we can also help their friends and peers.

Honestly reputation comes from just having experience, continuing to learn and grow and never being afraid to go and figure something out. Google is an entrepreneurs best friend.
Providing good quality service will earn you your reputation and experience comes from just doing the work and figuring it out.
If you can be honest, reliable and trustworthy, reputation will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: rdtsupport.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/rdtsupport
• Facebook: facebook.com/rdtsupport

Image Credits
Molly Kuplen