“I love the accounting ability to be able to fix problems for people and make things better. But, I also have to learn there is a certain point where I need to be doing them for me, so my systems are in place.”  -Shannon Lavender     Too often we design our businesses solely on the people we wish to emulate. The ones we call successful. We get stuck in habits and patterns of trying to live a life that is not authentic, of trying to create a business that doesn’t align with our true dreams. But it doesn’t have to be this way, there is space to learn from others while holding true to what it is that makes you happy.  Shannon Lavender, small business owner, QuickBooks Pro Advisor and Pure Bookkeeping licensee, is this episode’s featured guest. She has spent 20+ years helping people build their dreams, by finding, building and using the right systems for them.  If you are struggling, unsure which direction to move to chase down your dream then this is the episode to get you thinking about what truly makes you happy, and how (with a little help), you might reach your goal.  During this interview, you'll learn...     •   The value of systemizing your bookkeeping business      •    How to decide what success looks like to you     •    The importance of setting healthy boundaries Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn. Time Stamps 01:33 - Shannon talks about her career journey  03:58 - Overcoming the obstacles of taking over existing businesses  05:21 - Adapting to unforeseen changes  06:12 - Setting healthy boundaries with your clients  07:30 - Finding the way that works for you to find clients  09:53 - The Pure Bookkeeping journey  12:05 - Implementing the right systems 19:10 - Getting your time back  23:04 - Dreaming big: the future of Shannon's business  29:00 - Designing the business you want  This episode is brought to you by our friends at Katana!   If you have clients using outdated and inefficient manufacturing software, Katana offers real-time data syncing for production, inventory, and accounting data, manufacturers get complete visibility over every inch of their business and their numbers stay up-to-date even as orders come in.   If you sign up for the Partner Program and refer clients before April 30th, you will get 30% off the first 3 months of your Katana subscription.   You’ll also earn a 20% revenue share for every client you invite.   Head to thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/katana to learn more.