240 | [Q&A] 1st Thing to Automate, Building Rapport with Clients, & Intuit vs Gusto Payroll

This episode is a replay of my April 2026 live Q&A, and we cover a ton of ground that I know so many of you are dealing with right now. Whether you're just starting out and trying to figure out where to even begin with automation, or you're in the thick of building a team and wondering why delegating feels harder than just doing it yourself, this one's for you. We also get into some juicy topics like QBO Payroll versus Gusto, how to handle S-Corp clients who are flying under the radar on reasonable salary, and what to do when a competitor is trying to tank your reputation online. In this episode you’ll hear: The very first thing I recommend automating in your bookkeeping practice How to confidently ask a prospective client for access to their books QBO Payroll versus Gusto How to advise S-Corp clients on taking a reasonable salary Resources mentioned in this episode: Elevate: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/elevate The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba Emailing List: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/subscribe Dubsado (free audio series): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/dubsado Dubsado (affiliate link): https://www.dubsado.com/?c=shoupcpa Dubsado Decoded: https://kendracourtney.com/dubsado-decoded/ Breakthrough by Workflow Queen: https://serenashoup.krtra.com/t/IKUxtNZoz7lF YouTube: "Is It Time to Move My Clients to Xero?" Xero Partner Program (affiliate link): https://xeroamericas.partnerlinks.io/79afz10exu7d Gusto (affiliate link): https://gusto.com/partners/i/serena591 Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeper For more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below: Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa Thank you for your support of our show. If you haven’t left a review yet it’s super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review. Podcast Publishing Tools we use: Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link) Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link) Get access to the FREE Advisor Activation Audio Series before it goes away! https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/activate