171 ⎸ [ND] Bookkeeping with Neurodivergence with Aneisha Velazquez
Oct 15, 2024
Hey ambitious bookkeepers!
In this interview episode, we dive into the world of bookkeeping with a twist—neurodiversity. Join me as I chat with Aneisha Velazquez from Yellow Sky Bookkeeping. She’s sharing her unique journey with autism and ADHD while offering tips on building better systems and communication. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it!
Listen here or on your favorite podcast player, or watch the video version on YouTube >>
Now let's dive into some highlights!
No-Call Days: Carving Out Time for Deep Work
Serena opens the conversation by sharing her strategy of implementing no-call days. Dedicating Mondays, Fridays, and potentially Wednesdays to uninterrupted work fits beautifully into the structure necessary for deep focus. In our rapidly demanding world, setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining productivity.
Understanding Energy Cycles
Both Serena and Aneisha discuss the importance of acknowledging personal energy cycles. Serena observes her afternoon productivity slump and wisely chooses these hours for less demanding tasks. Meanwhile, Aneisha experiments with different scheduling methods, preferring to align tasks with her natural energy highs and lows, finding that traditional time-blocking strategies don't suit her neurodiverse needs.
Efficient Systems for Better Business
A recurrent theme in this episode is the importance of developing efficient processes. Both Serena and Aneisha emphasize creating structured systems to successfully navigate the bookkeeping world. For Aneisha, despite having a small client base, she strives to manage her firm as if it caters to a larger audience, ensuring workflows are streamlined and adaptable.
Attracting the Neurodivergent Market through Clear Communication
Although Aneisha doesn't specifically target neurodivergent businesses, her clear communication and patient approach naturally attract them. Her background as a sign language interpreter enhances her ability to articulate complex bookkeeping concepts simply, making her services accessible to all business owners, regardless of their predictive knowledge.
Valuing Flexibility and Boundaries
For any bookkeeping professional, the balance between client flexibility and personal boundaries is delicate. Aneisha shares her insights into maintaining a flexible schedule while protecting her time, observing that setting such boundaries helps clients see accountants as approachable.
Navigating the World of Diagnosis and Personal Discovery
Aneisha’s personal narrative, spanning her transition from a sign language interpreter to discovering her neurodiversity, offers valuable insights for listeners on similar journeys. Her curiosity about autism, combined with her ADHD diagnosis, provided validation and a framework to adapt her work and life routines.
Educational Approach and Client Interaction
Presenting complex information clearly and catering to diverse client preparations is another key discussion point. Both Aneisha and Serena utilize tools like Loom videos, aiming for transparency and effective onboarding processes to enhance client cooperation.
Building Community and Visibility
Serena shares her experience of attending networking events, illustrating the importance of building community over merely expanding a client base. For new business owners, Aneisha emphasizes the necessity of good systems, continued skill improvement, and establishing a professional online presence.
As the conversation wraps, we’re reminded of the profound impact that understanding one's mental and physical energy can have on optimizing workload, communication, and client relations. Join us next time as we continue to explore topics that help bookkeepers and accountants thrive beyond traditional roles.
Looking to dive deeper? Be sure to tune into the full episode for an enriching dialogue on the synergy between bookkeeping and neurodiversity. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting, there's something to learn and apply to your burgeoning career.
Stay ambitious!
Connect with Aneisha:
💼 LinkedIn: @aneisha-v
📹 YouTube: @yellowskybookkeeping
📱 Threads: @yellowskybookkeeping
Connect with The Ambitious Bookkeeper®:
🌐 Website: ambitiousbookkeeper.com
🖥️ Courses: ambitiousbookkeeper.com/store
📱 Instagram: instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
📱 Threads: threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
🎥 YouTube: youtube.com/@ambitiousbookkeeper
👤 Facebook: Facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Learn how to start your bookkeeping business (for experienced bookkeepers & accountants): https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv (affiliate link)
Grab the FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist
Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard
Become a Client: ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
We participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission from purchases made through the links on our blog. However, our recommendations are based on our own research and expertise, and your trust is our priority.
Want all the best bookkeeping biz tips in your inbox?
Join our mailing list to get weekly podcast content, exclusive resources & tips on building your bookkeeping business, and the latest news and updates from our team.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason. You can unsubscribe at any time.