#learningasigo

This week felt quieter, but not unproductive. With tax slips still coming in and winter weather making travel unrealistic I focused on technical issues, and refining how I work with clients.

What is working?

One of the biggest improvements this week has been on the technical side. I’m really happy that I took the time to update and make changes to the software on my laptop. I had been dealing with issues caused by an outdated version, and after troubleshooting last week, everything is running much smoother now. It’s made day-to-day work feel less stressful and a lot more efficient.

I’m also very happy with my decision to move fully to virtual meetings with clients. With how brutal the winter weather has been in Niagara and the amount of snow we’ve had, travelling to meet clients in person would have been unrealistic. Virtual meetings have been convenient for both me and my clients, and they’ve allowed the business to keep moving even when the weather hasn’t cooperated.

Another thing that’s been really encouraging is the feedback I’ve received about my pricing. Clients seem genuinely pleased with the flat-fee structure and have mentioned that it feels more affordable and transparent compared to other places. Seeing a few completed returns result in decent refunds has also been very satisfying. It’s rewarding to see clients relieved and happy once everything is filed properly. Word of mouth has also started to kick in more this week. I’ve had several clients book appointments for later in February and into March, which gives me confidence that business will continue to pick up as we move deeper into tax season.

What is not working?

One ongoing challenge is timing. Many people are still waiting on their tax slips, which means there isn’t as much immediate business as I originally hoped for at this point. A lot of potential clients are interested, but everything is on pause until their documents arrive.

I’ve also had a small but unexpected operational issue with printing. I realized that my old printer, which uses ink cartridges, was becoming far too expensive to operate. Since I do need to print some returns, I ended up having to purchase a new printer that’s more cost-effective. While this was an added expense, it was necessary and should save money in the long run.

How do you feel the project is coming?

Right now, things feel a bit slow, but not in a discouraging way. I can see that momentum is building. With appointments already booked later into tax season, I’m confident that profitability will improve as more slips are issued and clients are ready to file.

What are you learning about running a business?

I’m learning that timing and external factors play a much bigger role than I expected. Even when everything is set up properly, there are things completely outside your control, like document delays or weather. I’m also learning how important it is to invest in the right tools and systems early, because small inefficiencies can quickly become frustrating if they aren’t addressed.

What are you learning about yourself?

I’m learning that I’m actually very good at dealing with people. Going into this business, I was honestly nervous about that part. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would feel talking with clients, answering questions, or explaining tax information in a way that made sense.

This week felt heavier than the last few, mostly because Balanced Returns didn’t slow down just because my semester started back up. I’m now back in school full time while still running the business, and that shift hit me pretty quickly.

On the positive side, clients are actively filing returns with me and the business is making money. That part feels good, but it also comes with a different level of responsibility. When people are trusting you with their tax information and paying for the service, it changes how you approach the work. I’m taking more time to review things and double-check details, even when it means things move a bit slower than I’d like.

One thing I didn’t expect this week was how much time I’d lose to software issues. What should have been a straightforward process turned into troubleshooting and trying to figure out why things weren’t working the way they should. It was frustrating, especially with limited time, but it was also a reminder that running a business means dealing with problems that have nothing to do with clients or effort. Sometimes it’s just the tools getting in the way.

I also had an interesting experience with networking that came up naturally. One client mentioned family members who are looking for long-term bookkeeping support. I’m not in a position to take that on right now, but it was eye-opening to see how quickly opportunities can come from conversations alone. It made the business feel bigger than just individual tax returns.

The biggest challenge right now is time. Being back in classes, keeping up with assignments, and still serving clients has forced me to rethink my schedule completely. There’s less flexibility than before, and I’m learning the hard way that I can’t do everything at once without burning myself out.

Overall, the project feels real in a different way than before. It’s no longer about whether the idea works. It’s about whether I can maintain it while balancing everything else going on in my life.

What I’m learning about running a business is that progress isn’t always smooth or efficient. There are delays, setbacks, and moments where you feel behind even when things are going well. I’m also learning that growth doesn’t always mean more clients. Sometimes it shows up as connections, conversations, or future opportunities.