Originally published on the blog I started for my bookkeeping biz, but in my heart, this post belongs here at My Remembering Place! So here it is. 🙂
I'm still not 100% certain that I want to be doing this. But I'm going to do it anyway.
I'm starting a blog.
This morning I read this tweet:
"When inspiration comes you don't send it to
voicemail. You answer the phone and have a conversation with it."
Will.I.Am
– Susan (@FeedTheSoul)
And that was it. I realized I have to stop planning on starting my blog and just start the darn thing. Because while I'm in planning mode, all of my great blog post ideas are being sent to voicemail and I'm not very good about listening to old messages. So. Here I am.
I must share that I really have no idea what I'll be doing here.
I do know that I'm not going to hold myself up to some perfectionist's standard because if I do, I'll never post a single thing. Heck, I'm definitely diving deeply into the not doing it perfectly approach because that graphic up there? It isn't exactly centered and when I saved it in Paint (yes, Paint!) it got a little pixelated.
And I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that there's some rule against using TypePad to blog professionally. But maybe not. Either way, I really don't care. I've had this bookkeeping.typepad.com domain for YEARS and I've practically never even used it. So I'm going for it.
What it is exactly, I'm still not sure. I'm thinking this blog will be part business diary, part "Dear Abby" if folks are kind enough to ask me questions along the way, and part who knows what!
I think I'm partially unsure how to do this whole blogging-as-a-business-owner thing because I used to have a fairly well-read online journal years ago (it even won an award at one point!) and I'm not entirely sure how to show up here without mixing personal with business.
Back then I'd just open up my web browser, click the new entry button, and start pouring my heart out into words. I knew the world was reading and I was totally okay with that. I wasn't afraid of what people might think or say. I wasn't worried about saying too much or saying the wrong thing. But that blog was not in any way, shape, or form tied to my livelihood. The risks didn't feel all that risky to me.
But, I really want to be here, so I've decided I'm going to do what I do in my "real" life. I'm going to show up fully, just as I am, allowing you to see me however I am in the moment. I'm going to write what comes from my heart and I'm going to try to write often.
You see, the other day, after reading Havi's post about someone believing in me when it seemed like no one else did and I didn’t know how to believe in myself all I could hear was that little voice within me encouraging me. The voice insisted on reminding me that quite a few people have either encouraged me to start this blog, or they've outright stated that they would support me in doing so. Listening to The Voice was giving me strength to DO IT ALREADY.
I needed to let go of my concerns about this site's design not matching my main business website's design
(which is in the process of being overhauled right now anyway). I
don't know if I have an RSS feed and I haven't signed up for the
Feedburner "subscription" thing yet either.
But I'm going for it.
I was really touched when I asked Stacy Brice
for help with this blog (when it was still just an idea, a concept, a
possibility) and she not only said YES, but she also went on to write
her own blog post about how something I'd said helped her.
I think it was in that moment, realizing that I could help more people
just by writing about the things I usually say to people, that I knew I
would have to push myself into starting this blog.
And Mark Silver – someone I love dearly and have been working closely with for over a year now – has helped me to realize that some of the things I do and think as naturally as breathing are actually things that people would love to hear about and hear about from me. So in many ways, this blog is my first step into sharing more of those things that are just within me, the things I don't realize I share so naturally in conversation, the things that people say to me after I say them, "Wow – no one's ever said it like that before! Now I get it! Thank you!"
I just have to remind myself that people actually want to hear what I have to say even though to me, it's just obvious. The last thing I want to do is hold back the help I have to offer. So if blogging makes me a little more vulnerable but leads to a magnification of my ability to help others – then all the vulnerability in the world is worth it.
Since I started doing Shiva Nata, I've been having all these ideas of things I could post here, just like Havi said I would. So that's why I'm here. I'm moving past my fears, taking an imperfect step, and starting this blog because I really just want to be able to help more people.
I've got stuff to share about that thing I do in the world, helping small business owners who love what they do, but can't keep up with the numbers side of their biz.
For me, starting this blog is like deciding to get pregnant, which I did for the first time just a little under five years ago. It's like deciding to start my own business, which I did just over three years ago. It's like saying yes when I was asked that big question: "Will you marry me?"
Because, just like those times, I really have no idea how this is going to turn out, but I love you enough to say yes to the idea. I love the idea of you–someone who enjoys reading what I write and perhaps finds something I say to be helpful–enough to dive in with both feet and just go for it.
So here I am.
And if I get stuck, maybe you can help me? All you'd have to do is ask me a question about something you want to know about business, managing money in business, how to benefit from bookkeeping, or anything at all about life or business in general.
Because I'd be happy to answer your questions, right here, on my brand-spanking-new blog!
Just a test.
Congrats Jess. I know you’ll have some great insights and ideas to share about business and bookkeeping. I can’t wait.
Jess, how wonderful that you’ve started blogging! I love you and your great big heart, which is such a gift to all of us who know you. Your voice in this blog post is as honest and clear and YOU, as you are in person.
And I even have a question for you! 🙂 My business and I are Canadian, but much of my revenue and many of my expenses are in US dollars. Since converting currencies costs me bank charges and other fees both ways, how would you recommend handling the book-keeping for US$ transactions?
Thanks so much for stepping into this new blogging thing. I’m thrilled that you’re here, and looking forward to reading more from you!
Love and hugs, Hiro
Way to go! It’s a super scary step, but you’ll get used to it. Before you know, you’ll be addicted!
If you need a hand, I’d be happy to help out 🙂
Now, keep going! (and tweet me when it’s up!) (http://twitter.com/angie1234p)
bumpity, bumpity, bump … congrats!
— joyce [@FontSiteDiva]
okay jess…here you go!
i’ve been in business more or less for 3 to 15 years, and i’ve never kept books. i use a mac.
i want to keep business and personal books, and i don’t want two pieces of software. can you recommend a simple and not expensive application for me to use with this brand new year?
and any other advice for someone stepping down the scary road of keeping track of the ins and out of my business and my life?
peace,
chas
Ok, two things here for me…
First of all, I’m in the same place with my blogging. I have great ideas, and I have finally figured out how I want to present them. Seems that I can draw analogies between life and business challenges really well. And that will be how I write my blog. But lots of ideas are flowing through the brain. But none have made it to the keyboard. Frustrating!
Naomi if IttyBiz and Havi have demonstrated that I don’t have to be the stuffy person I’m not to blog about biz. I guess I need to read that procrastination thing to get going. It’s on my list… for tomorrow… lol
So I’m with you on that, sistah….
Next thing. I am in a world of hurt over the “details” of my business. I am a great designer, great idea-er, great with my clients, suck at books, records, official stuff.
So I’m coming to you, hanging out and see if I can get things turned around.
And if you hadn’t finally started your blog, and if Havi hadn’t tweeted about it, and if Naomi hadn’t said such wonderful things about Havi, and if I hadn’t listened to that Renegade podcast, and and and, and if Eve hadn’t eaten that apple… well, i digress. Bottom line, glad you got going. All the reason for ME to get going too!
Best to you!
K
PS
I’m going to try that shakin’ shiva thing too! Wow, YouTube, look out!! whoaaaa!
Mazal Tov on your new baby, er, blog, Jess! I so admire your jumping in, splashing and thrashing as you find your way. And find your way into the flow, you will.
One worry you can throw out right now — if you’re concerned about TypePad being OK for a professional blog, checkout The Blog Squad and Andy Wibbels (who now works for TypePad), both of whom built blogging fame via their TypePad blogs.
I’ve been sorta fretting about my blog — stagnant on TypePad for almost a year, soon to be ported to WordPress (as part of new website) — how do I start up again after being silent for so long?
Your taking the plunge may be the extra push I need to “just do it”…
Wishing you success with your new blog, and don’t forget FUN!
AmpleHugs,
-Anne
Deeply, deeply happy that you jumped in. We’ll help you get set up with all the right stuff- whether it’s wordpress, feedburner, RSS, whatever. The point is, you started.
And there you go!
Folks: This one here is one to follow. She’s AMAZING. But you know that already- you’re here.
You know I think you rock. Here’s to blogging with great ease 🙂
And, btw, I really dig the way you write 🙂
I have a question. Do any of your clients sell things for children? My friend and I were talking about starting a babywearing business but now I realize we may be effected by the new law coming into effect in February – do you know anything about it?
Congratulations, Jess!
Fabulous first post – the perfect way to start.
“So if blogging makes me a little more vulnerable but leads to a magnification of my ability to help others – then all the vulnerability in the world is worth it.”
That gave me chills. Can’t wait to read more from you.
Hey Jess,
I love this. Feel so akin to your approach, your vulnerability. I enjoyed how you began with the tweet quote and ending with the similarity of starting this with other big events/transitions in your life.
I’ve be squirming about getting more blogs written myself. You’ve inspired me to let go of the doing it right thing. Having it be part of Mark’s blog add an extra level of self consciousness for me.
My financial questions for you: I would like to hear about how you would suggest organizing a small businesses financial record keeping–basic, basic, systems sort of thing.
Congratulations!
Kate
Heart of Business
Infrastructure Queen
Hey Jess!
Congratulations on the new blog. You’re off to a good start.
I want to echo chas’s question and also ask: personal cash in hand, spent on business needs, how to account for in QuickBooks? Is that a journal entry or what?
But never mind that. Wow. You have another way to take care of your people. Good for you!
This is extraordinary – first post, beautifully written, and handsomely commented on. You rock girl!
And wonderful that people are already coming forward with the kinds of questions you can use for future posts. I’m subscribing for sure.
Cheers!
Caroline
Wow! Thank you all so much for your comments and questions. I’m going to be answering the questions soon. I’m so touched by everyone’s comments and support.
Thank you guys! 🙂
@Hiro
So you asked:
“My business and I are Canadian, but much of my revenue and many of my expenses are in US dollars. Since converting currencies costs me bank charges and other fees both ways, how would you recommend handling the book-keeping for US$ transactions?”
Can you tell me more about how you’re doing this right now? I’d love to set up a time to talk on the phone so I can ask you a few questions and then answer your question!
@Dara
You said: “I have a question. Do any of your clients sell things for children? My friend and I were talking about starting a babywearing business but now I realize we may be effected by the new law coming into effect in February – do you know anything about it?”
What I know about the CPSIA law I know from Twitter and Google. 🙂 I have read that they are not altering the law to exclude small stores, but that they are not going to enforce it for small businesses/small stores.
Hope that helps!
@chas
The first part of your question was:
“i’ve been in business more or less for 3 to 15 years, and i’ve never kept books. i use a mac.
i want to keep business and personal books, and i don’t want two pieces of software. can you recommend a simple and not expensive application for me to use with this brand new year?”
I’m known for answering many questions with a question. Have you tried QuickBooks?
I have lots of clients who like to use it for both personal and business recordkeeping. There is a Mac version and it’s not terribly expensive ($199.95) and I can offer you a discount if you want to order it through Behind the Scenes.
Info on the application here: http://tinyurl.com/macQB
Let me know if you have questions about it. I’m kind of married to QB as I use it in my practice and really love it, across the board. But there are other online apps out there and some of them are less expensive.
I just don’t have personal experience with them, so I can’t back any of them as worthwhile at this point. 🙂
@Extra Crispy Mark
You said: “I want to echo chas’s question and also ask: personal cash in hand, spent on business needs, how to account for in QuickBooks? Is that a journal entry or what?”
I’m going to answer chas’s question soon. 🙂
Regarding personal cash in hand, spent on business needs, you got it exactly right.
It’s a journal entry made into QB. Unless you want to reimburse yourself. If you want to do that, just cut yourself a check and book it to the proper expense account with a memo indicating you are reimbursing yourself (and obviously, have a receipt to prove it, in case the IRS ever comes-a-knocking).
If you want to just track it, it’s a journal entry. Debit the expense account and credit your Owner’s Equity or Owner’s Capital account.
Follow up questions are welcomed so if I just spoke in Greek, say so. 🙂
@kappaluppa
You said: “I am in a world of hurt over the “details” of my business. I am a great designer, great idea-er, great with my clients, suck at books, records, official stuff.”
Wow, do I get that. I really understand. I’ve been in that place before with many things in my life.
It’s so great that you know, really know, what it is you’re great at. And in many ways, it’s even more important that you already know what you “suck” at.
So perhaps you’ve got a choice to make? Do you want to learn what you don’t know so you can “suck” less? Or do you want to find some help so you can focus on what you love?
I hope I can be helpful to you as you navigate this “world of hurt!”
Please let me know how I can help Kappaluppa! Thanks for sharing and for telling me part of your story. I look forward to getting to know you better too!