Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in financial services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Callahan, Owner of Myst Bookkeeping, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Myst Bookkeeping provides monthly bookkeeping services to US-based entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to turn their financial frustration into financial clarity. So many entrepreneurs are frustrated because their business finances are a mystery to them. My monthly bookkeeping service includes quarterly coaching calls where we look at the numbers together and get clear on where your business stands and what your goals are for the next quarter. Helping my clients feel a sense of clarity around their finances is something I take great pride in.
Tell us about yourself
I've always had a deep interest in spirituality and understanding what makes us tick – so it was a bit of a surprise to my family when I decided to become an accountant. Within six years of graduating college, I had gone from working on Wall Street to doing yoga teacher training in Nepal and traveling the world – quite a range of experiences! While on my travel kick, I was offered a remote job working as a bookkeeper. At first, I thought it was something I'd just do for a short time, but I enjoyed it so much that I started my own firm and have been doing it ever since. I still think it's so cool to see the various passions that people have turned into businesses.
The core belief that keeps me going is that all areas of life are interconnected. Meaning if we're stuck in one area of life, that will bleed into the other areas. Financial success does not equate to life satisfaction if we don't know why we're doing what we're doing. One of the greatest gifts of entrepreneurship is the mirror it provides us to deeply reflect on our values and make sure our businesses are in alignment with those.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is that I actually went out and started my own business. Being self-employed has helped me sharpen my skillsets in so many areas. I really value the growth that has come from the entrepreneurial journey.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, choosing a specific business niche to focus on has been challenging. I can see the value in speaking to a specific market, but there are so many business owners I can help it's hard to think of excluding them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Remember why you started your business. Write it down, and be sure to come back to it on the hard days. For me, I wanted to have more control over my schedule and life in general. I still block off my calendar in the mornings and do my daily yoga practice.
- Be gentle with yourself but be persistent. There are so many hats to wear in business, and it takes time to learn them all. Even though I knew exactly how to do the accounting, it took me years to learn how to speak to my ideal clients and show them I knew what I was doing. You'll be constantly faced with growth edges but enjoy the experience of it.
- Don't let your finances get away from you. If you're not clear on your financial picture, ask for help. It's a lot easier (and cheaper) to get it right on the front end.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mystbookkeeping.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystbookkeeping/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-callahan-481077b7/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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