Thank you for joining me as I reflect on an experience that brought me face-to-face with feelings I haven’t had in a very long time. By sharing this story, I hope we can all learn something valuable—not just about the industry, but about ourselves and the unique roles we play within it.
An Unexpected Challenge
I recently attended an industry event, and while I was thrilled to be there, I found myself in a situation I didn’t expect. For context, many of you know I primarily work within the Intuit universe, where I’m well-known for my awards, speaking engagements, and my role in the TrainerWriter Network. However, this event brought me into a space where people didn’t really know me.
At one point, I found myself talking to two younger male CPAs who worked for two of the largest accounting firms in North America. As the conversation progressed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were wondering, Why are you here?
This led me to feel like I had to justify myself—why I was at the event, why I was considered an influencer, and why my work matters. When I explained the type of clients I work with—smaller businesses with revenues around $500,000 to $5 million—it became clear that we operated in very different worlds. One of them casually mentioned, “We don’t deal with anyone under $500 million.”
Doubt Creeps In
At that moment, my insecurities flared up. The shift in tone, whether real or perceived, left me questioning my place at the event. Was my work not significant because I choose to serve small businesses? Was my decision to avoid large corporate clients a weakness rather than a strength?
I needed a moment to process, and thankfully, I had people like Sandra and Jan in my corner to remind me of something crucial: I choose to work with small businesses.
The Power of Choice
I’ve spent 17 years in corporate. I’ve got the metaphorical tattoo—and had it removed! My decision to focus on small businesses isn’t because I have to; it’s because I want to. Small businesses represent 82% of the Canadian workforce. They are the backbone of the economy, and they need support just as much as, if not more than, larger corporations.
My clients may not bring in hundreds of millions, but they’re deeply impactful in their communities. They’re the ones creating jobs, sustaining families, and driving local economies. The relationships I have with them are personal, meaningful, and built on trust.
A Niche Worth Celebrating
What I realized is that serving small businesses is a niche—a vital one. The accountants I spoke with may have incredible insights for their $500-million clients, but they likely couldn’t have the same conversations I have with my clients. It’s not about one being better or worse; it’s about meeting the needs of different client bases.
This experience was a reminder of how important it is to respect one another’s work. Whether you’re a bookkeeper, an accountant, or something else entirely, we’re all here to serve clients in ways that only we can.
Lessons Learned
For anyone who has ever felt out of place at an event or questioned their worth, here’s what I want you to know:
You were invited for a reason. Your work, your expertise, and your contributions matter, even if they don’t look like someone else’s.
Your niche is your strength. Whether you work with small businesses or billion-dollar corporations, your clients rely on you because of the unique value you bring.
Respect is universal. No role, service, or client is “less than.” We all play an essential part in the ecosystem of business success.
This experience was humbling for me, but it also reaffirmed my purpose. I hope my story reminds you of your worth, no matter where you are in your career or who your clients are.
We all deserve to be here.
Until next time,
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