If you run a business, you know how hard it is to juggle all the things that you need to do. You started your business to offer the service that you love, not crunch numbers. You might have even gone through the experience of working with a bookkeeper or tax person and felt that you weren’t sure you were getting the right advice for your business.
Trust me when I say, this happens a lot! If you have big business goals, then you need a business finance expert who can serve your business through a holistic approach. Not solely based on one piece of your financial picture.
This is why I am so grateful to my client, Rachael Venema, for taking the time to share her story. I’m sure you will relate to her story.
I edited her answers for clarity.
Rachael Venema Photography’s Partnership with Lighthouse Advisory
Can you share about your business and who you serve?
My business is Rachael Venema Photography and I offer full-service photography experience to clients who want a custom portrait experience. I help my clients with curating their family photos, newborn photos, high school senior photos with the end result being heirloom portrait art of beautifully printed albums or custom design wall art.
What made you decide to work with Joanna Lighthouse Advisory?
So, I go to photography conferences and read the book, Profit First, by Mike Michalowicz and he was also at the last conference I went to in January. He’s a mastermind at running businesses and I knew I wanted to implement that strategy for my finances in my business. But to be honest, I hate bookkeeping, I hate keeping up with it, I hate having to think about that all of the time, but it’s necessary for your business to run well. My friend Jennie Bishop of White Wave Photography referred me to Joanna at Lighthouse and she’s gone through the Profit First certification, implementing the strategy at many other businesses. Even though there’s a cost to hiring her, my business has thrived because of her amazing financial advice and just keeping me on track with my business.
Had you worked with anyone like LA before? How was Joanna different?
I do have an accountant who does my taxes every year, but he just does my taxes and gives me some feedback. He actually is very knowledgeable and helps me with lots of tax advice that has helped my business tremendously. He just isn't involved in the day-to-day transactions and budgeting for my business. I pay him to do my taxes and he doesn't get involved in the day-to-day bookkeeping.
Joanna had me give my accountant the budget that we created together, so he can help me implement my spending throughout the year versus having to spend money at the last minute so I can save on taxes.
She’s more of a financial strategist, planning, comparing, budgeting, and day-to-day looking at the big picture whereas the CPA just does my taxes and he’s not going to give me advice month to month. She’s like having a financial advisor and strategist in your corner.
What were some unexpected benefits of working with Joanna?
Every month we meet and she creates a budget for me and creates sales projections and comparisons which is amazing. I’ve never had that before. Usually there’s a bit of a trend with photography sales throughout the year. It goes up and down based on weather, what’s going on, marketing and all of that. She’s able to compare and help me prep for the lower months, but having that budget, sales, goals and projections helps me not freak out when it’s slow. It’s like having a monthly accountability partner. Somebody I can run questions through and give me advice on what I should do with my business. I feel like she’s a business partner and that’s huge.
How did working with Lighthouse Advisory impact your success this year?
I had my best year ever last year. This year she and I set some pretty big goals. So far I’ve exceeded the goal every month. Even this month I’ve already hit my goal for the whole month. I was able to meet my sales goals in January and February and I'm already two-thirds of the way to meeting my March goal. I would have never had these goals set without Joanna.
What would you say to a business owner who is thinking of hiring Joanna?
You’ll find out quickly that she's worth the investment. She’s worth every penny I pay her. If you hate thinking about numbers in your business and you’re really struggling with creating a budget, managing your finances, having a plan, knowing what you need to do with your business financially, Joanna is your girl. She really helps you think through things and plan ahead. Running a business is so hard and for me keeping up the financial part was really hard and it just helps you set goals and accomplish them. Having Joanna help you and create all of the systems that you need helps your stress level too.
How can the readers get in touch with you?
Rachael Venema Photography serves clients across the Central Valley area of California. She offers a full-service portrait photography experience for her clients. You are welcome to follow Rachael on Instagram or subscribe to her email.
Partnering with Lighthouse Advisory
I cannot thank Rachael enough for sharing her story. I love being able to help businesses get a clear view of their financial picture while creating a sustainable strategic plan. If you’re curious about me, I’d love to set up a call with you to meet.
