The “aha” moment I eluded to last week

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Hello, there!

If you read last week’s email (it’s okay if you didn’t!), you may remember that I recently had a big mindset/perspective shift around a few aspects of my business. More specifically, it was about my audience's (oh hey, that’s you!) relationship with their finances.

To set the stage: since I started my business (way back in 2018 – what even is time?!?!), I’ve been operating from the premise that people begrudge all things business finances. They think that bookkeeping is the definition of a necessary evil, that managing cash flow is super annoying, and everyone would wash their hands of it all if they could. (Gee, black and white/catastrophic thinking much, Stephanie? )

When I talked about bookkeeping, cash flow, budgeting, any and all things business finances, I assumed people were instinctively shrinking back and turning away. I assumed that anything to do with money brought up feelings of resentment (that they even had to deal with it in the first place), shame, overwhelm, and panic. You know, all the happy fun time emotions!

And hey, it’s quite possible that they are.

AND YET.

WHAT IF.

(This is where my big “aha” moment came.)

What if, in addition to any feelings of resentment, shame, overwhelm, or any other uncomfortable emotions that usually cause people to shrink back and lean away, people ALSO:

Perked up, because they’re interested in ways to actually feel better about their bookkeeping and cash flow.

Leaned forward, because while they may be a little nervous, they’re ultimately curious about understanding their numbers.

Cocked an ear, because they craved a safe place to whisper “I honestly don’t know how all of this works but I’d like to figure it out” and be met with nothing but compassion, patience, and some really helpful information.

Well let me tell you, that notion left me flabbergasted.

Could it possibly be true?

I have since been assured that it is, in fact, VERY TRUE.

Well color me pink and call me a flamingo. (<- I have no idea what that means. It just popped into my head, but I’m running with it. )

This is a VERY different place from which to operate a business.

I already feel more confident, more motivated, and more grounded. I'm no longer fighting and pushing to "make" people pay attention and care about their finances.

So what does this have to do with you? (Because while you may be a bit curious about other people’s aha moments, the enthusiasm understandably wanes quickly.)

What it has to do with you is this: If any of the above felt like you, if you’ve felt yourself perk up, lean forward, or cock an ear while reading this email: You’re in the right place. I see you. I’ve got you.

We weren’t taught about finances in school. Our culture has a love/taboo relationship with money. Money trauma is real. So OF COURSE you’re (possibly) feeling resentful or overwhelmed about all things money. NO WONDER you (possibly) feel a flush of shame when you think about your biz finances. (Shout out to my lovely friend Fenn for teaching me the glorious healing properties of the phrases “of course” and “no wonder”.)

AND YET.

If you want to feel better about your business finances, I 100% believe we can get you there.

If you’re curious about understanding your numbers, I can help.

If you’re craving a safe place to raise your hand, say “I’d like to figure it out”, and feel the warm glow of acceptance and comraderie, please know that this is that place.

Also: You’re doing a great job. I believe in you. You can do this.

I have no official “next steps” for you right at the moment. No specific blog post to read or training to sign up for. (Enrollment for the Love Your Numbers club is always open, so that’s a thing you could check out, but it’s certainly not an official next step!) A workshop is coming (probably in early- to mid-August), but I don’t even have a “yes, I’m interested, please email me details as you figure them out” list yet.

In the meantime, seriously. You’re doing a great job. Even if you think you’re doing a crappy job and that your finances are a hot mess, you’re doing a great job. Just stick with me. There’s plenty of time and you can do this.

All the consensual money hugs,

P.S. I have 3 open slots for ongoing done-for-you bookkeeping. If you’re interested in having me do your bookkeeping (not so you can ignore it, but so you personally don’t have to do it), take a gander! Investment starts at $250/month.

P.P.S. If you’re really craving a “next step”, feel free to reply to this email with any questions you have about your finances, where you may be feeling stuck, or a request for a peptalk!