All Things Bookkeeping! - Sharon deFonteny
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharon deFonteny, a Full Charge Bookkeeper, Certified Online Instructor, and Certified Quickbooks Online Pro Advisor based in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I teach people all things bookkeeping! I have three levels of bookkeeping courses that can also be taken together to earn a bookkeeping certificate of completion. My customers are small business owners and people who want to learn a new skill set or improve their current work situation.
Tell us about yourself
After spending years working in the field of accounting, I learned that my true gift lies in teaching it. I earned a bachelor's degree in Business Education and received a teaching certificate in accounting from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. I spent several years teaching accounting and personal finance to high school students. Ten years ago, I began teaching bookkeeping skills to adult learners for our local community college. It was during this time that I completed a program to become a Certified Online Instructor as well as completing a QuickBooks program to become a Certified QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor.
Another organization then contacted me and asked to create a bookkeeping certification program for continuing education students. Within a few years, my program became the second-highest certification program. Based on the success of my program, the next logical step was finding an online platform and teaching the program under my own business instead of someone else's. Helping people is what motivates me every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the number of people I've helped. I love getting emails from students telling me that they were able to confidently start up their own business because they had a solid understanding of how to handle the finances. Many of my students are people who inherit a family business, only to learn that the books were neglected and a complete mess. It brings me such joy when they reach out to let me know that because of my program, they are able to get their books in order and get their business on the right track. I also love hearing from students as they navigate through my program to let me know they were promoted as a result of being able to take on new tasks.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear all of the hats! There are a lot of moving parts to operating a successful business, as the business owner, you have to handle all of it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up! It is not easy, but if it's in your heart, keep at it and don't give up.
- Manage your time well - don't be afraid to set boundaries.
- Do not neglect yourself - it is an absolute must that you take care of yourself. Whether it's a yoga class, a massage, or dinner with loved ones - make time to enjoy life and have a self-care routine.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sharondefonteny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdefonteny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharondefonteny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-defonteny-214b8b65/
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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