What Building My Website Taught Me About Letting Go (Without Losing Control)
I could do it myself, but should I?
I am not sure about you, but when you start or set up a business - you are mindful of what you can/can’t do and for me, I wanted to do so much on the cheap - as I had lots of time but not much money. So as I set up things, it looked a little bit like this:
First I researched, set up a software or app by myself (who doesn’t love Youtube) and I did it on the cheap as I didn’t have money to get help.
Next I generally didn’t love what I had created, I could afford a little bit of help, so I paid professionals to help me fill the gaps in my knowledge or help me create templates. This allowed me to do it myself - as I didn’t want to loose touch and I still didn’t have a great deal of cash.
Now, I tend to lean on specialists to do what I need but in reality, I still have the knowledge, access and ability to check in on what they are doing - as going through the first two steps I have gained the knowledge of the software so I ultimately have never given away power or control, and always have an understanding if I need.
That all sounds a bit vague right?
Let me share with you an app/setup that I actually did in Keeping Balance - now I am not going to share with you my Xero journey - as that’s a bit unfair, I have been using Xero for over 10 + years and used it in my previous business. So I am going to share with you something I find VERY CHALLENGING - it’s design & marketing.
My Website Journey:
Signed up for Squarespace myself, I had played with it before in a previous job and knew what I could/couldn't do in it and thought done was better than perfect
Purchased a template and loaded it, helped me with elements I was not good at or did not know how to do. Still doing it myself and having to create the words and creatives
Paid someone to help me fix a couple of pages in the Squarespace website.. They jumped into my website and made the changes, and was low cost
Invested in a copy writer who helped me get my words out (as this is not my strong suit) and could find my “voice” in terms of what I was offering at Keeping Balance
Invested in a Web Designer, again who was using Squarespace and had a total rebrand into the look at it is today. Using the information from the Copy Writer
Invested in a Website Audit, this was more recently and it’s to help me know that I am on the right track as I continue to build and grow the website
Your Bookkeeping Journey:
Your business bookkeeping might look a little bit like this:
Started a business, opened a bank account and registered a business name/ABN. Didn’t think about your tax / bookkeeping until you went to do your tax at year end, and your accountant advised you need a system.
Researched Xero, everyone seems to recommend it so you paid for a subscription and starting setting it up
YouTube and Google is your friend, you have been teaching yourself how to reconcile - but really, you still have no clue if what you are doing is right
You asked your accountant for some help, and they can help you - but it will cost you an arm and a leg, so you continue to do it yourself
You are starting to become time poor, as you need to grow your business - but don't know where to turn and committing to outsourcing scares the shit out of you, as you don’t know who to trust and if they know what they are doing.
Does this sound like you?
Want to know what I would do, if I were you?
First of all I am not a fan of passing over control and not knowing how to “check” your own Xero, or know how to read reports. I am 100% against a bookkeeper paying bills without appropriate approvals and consultation. (My observations on dissociation when not paying your own bills is a whole other story for another time)
Here is what I would do
I would have someone check your Xero File is set up correctly
Why?
Because time and time again, I have seen files that aren’t set up well. They might be missing bank feeds, haven’t linked Stripe or missing gaps in the bank
I would sign up for training - possibly with your accountant or a bookkeeper.
Why?
I think you need to understand what gaps you have in your knowledge and get the answers that are right for you.
I would ensure that the training wasn’t a basic online training, I would have someone train you or show you in your business, in your Xero file.
Why?
I find when we learn, if we are learning on fictitious examples, we tend to not lock in the information and when we go back to our Xero file, we dont’ know how to translate what we have learned.
If they are a good operator, they should be able to screen record some trainings for you, to remind you how to do repetitive tasks.
I would learn how to log in, how to check if the file is being reconciled, how to process payroll, how to read reports and navigate every part of Xero that is used in my business.
Why?
When you have realised you no longer have time to DIY and it comes time to outsource, you need to know how to check your Xero file. It’s not a lack of trust for who you are using, it’s because it should be a collaborative relationship - rather than a set and forget handing over control.
You as a business owner needs to know, if your file is up to date, if it’s ready for respective lodgements and what your reports look like so there are no surprises when you are making business decisions or planning for tax and reporting obligations.
So, should you do it yourself? Maybe. But should you stay in DIY mode forever? Probably not.?
Start by building your knowledge. Then, when you’re ready, get the right support—without handing over the reins completely.
That’s how you grow with confidence and clarity.
Words by Jahna Koehler
I’m a business consultant and bookkeeping specialist based in Queensland. My love for numbers began in my teens when I’d tag along to tax appointments, sparking an early fascination with numbers..
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve gained extensive experience working in and with businesses, as well as founding and successfully selling my own specialised accounting practice.
Beyond just managing their books, I’mpassionate about training and educating business owners to truly understand their finances and business operations. My goal is to help them make informed decisions with confidence and build a sustainable, thriving business for the future.
General Advice Disclaimer
All information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be read as, specific health, business, or taxation advice. Readers must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate legal, financial, and taxation advice relevant to their individual circumstances. For further information, visit: https://keepingbalance.com.au/disclaimer
