Ep.22 Small Business Success : Accounting & Other Essentials

With Rachel Eden

Guest Name: Rachel Eden

Episode Description:

In this episode, Rachel, a local accountant and Reading Borough Councillor, shares her insights on running a successful small business. She discusses the importance of understanding your costs, pricing your services effectively, and building strong relationships with clients. Rachel also offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business, including the importance of financial planning and seeking support from local networks.

Rachel’s experiences as a councillor and business owner provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today.

Holy Brook Associates Website: https://www.holybrook.com/

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Rachel Eden Socials:

Holy Brook free resources to help small businesses & charities:

Holy Brook Blog

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Listen to the episode

Episode Time Codes

00:23 Introduction

00:42 About Rachel

01:08 What Rachel likes about Reading

02:38 What made Rachel want to be a Councillor

04:34 How has Reading changed over the years since Rachel first because a Reading Borough Council member in 2020?

05:58 Rachel’s company | Holy Brook Associates

07:56 What financial challenges do small businesses face and what services do you offer to help?

09:54 Rachel’s tips for small businesses on pricing

13:06 how Rachel promotes her services and connects with the right clients

14:44 what financial advice to anything just starting out their small business

17:11 Suggestions for accountancy software

18:22 Where new small business owners can find advice and answers to their questions

20:39 Rachel’s future plans for Holy Brook Associates

21:43 Rachel’s key takeaway

Videos

Key takeaways

The Power of Accurate Pricing: Rachel emphasizes the importance of accurately pricing your services, including factoring in your time and expertise. She advises against undervaluing your work and recommends creating a pricing structure that reflects your value.

The Value of Financial Planning: Rachel stresses the significance of financial planning and record-keeping for small businesses. By tracking income and expenses, small business owners can make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for tax season.

Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Rachel shares her perspective on the importance of embracing failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. She encourages listeners to view failures as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as setbacks.

Episode references

Curious Lounge | Reading:

https://www.thecuriouslounge.co.uk/

Councillor Rachel Eden | Whitley Ward

Rachel’s Councillor Page

October 2024 | Rachel on Politics South today discussing the NHS, the upcoming budget and how communities can come together after the summer.

A Kindness Interview with Rachel when she was Mayor of Reading

A Kindness Interview

See the details for your Local Councillor in Reading:

Your Councillors

Xero Accountancy Software:

Xero website

Reading Business Network (RBN):

RBN website