Member Spotlight: Lisa Raiche
We first met Lisa Raiche when we asked her to participate in a tax panel last spring. She impressed us with her knowledge and confidence, and we were thrilled when she decided to join Groundwork as a member during the year. Lisa is quickly carving out a niche as the go-to consultant for those looking to build a sustainable growth plan for their business, set measurable and attainable goals, and track the right financial metrics. She’s always up for an afternoon chat at the kitchen counter, especially when it comes to nerding out on productivity tips, scheduling strategies, or delicious food!
Lisa is currently running a 4-week business roadmap series here at Groundwork, and we are excited to work with her to provide more programming in the future. In the meantime, you can learn more about what she is up to and how she works in this interview.
What’s your profession?
I am a CPA by trade. I currently support business owners as a business growth advisor & profitability consultant.
Describe a typical work day for you.
Starts with my morning routine (see below). At year end, a typical day is business planning sessions with clients developing goals and objectives for the next year, including a financial model and cash flow forecast to support the goals… maybe not super sexy stuff, but the foundation for a successful business.
During the year I spend my time in review conversations with clients. I act as an accountability partner, work through the results of their objectives, and review financial results. Did they reach revenue goals? Did they overspend? Is there a cash flow concern? Does the financial model for subsequent months need to be adjusted? And I always spend time wading through junk & real email like any business owner. If there is still daylight left, I work on my own business.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at your job?
Like any business owner, the hours in the day seem shorter and the ‘to-do list’ longer.
Do you have a morning routine?
My morning starts with the gym at 6AM, breakfast, journaling, and reading before I start the business day. I try to take 30 minutes to read a chapter of a business book and 30 minutes for the days business news and articles.
What are your favorite productivity tips or hacks?
If you have any, I’ll take ‘em! Productivity has been one of my greatest challenges. When you work for someone else, you may have some level of autonomy, but certain things are engraved in stone. When you run your own business, you are left to your own devices. I’ve recently adopted a blocking system to plan for working on clients and working in my business. Blocks are moved and not deleted. I’m only in a few weeks, I’ll let you know how I make out. If I’m reading the next great productivity book next month, you know it didn’t work out. ;) Gotta keep a sense of humor!
What do you listen to during the day?
It depends on my mood or what I’m working on. I enjoy podcasts, but after a long day and if I’m still working in the evening I’m all about my loud, heavy rock and metal. I’ve been a rocker chick since I was 11. As I work on this interview, I’m listening to new hard rock on iTunes.
How do you benefit from using a coworking space?
I find I am incredibly motivated and I get a ton done. I noticed over the last year that if I’m at home I get distracted at dogs barking at every crack of a tree branch, the mail man, laundry needing to be changed over, dishes in the dishwasher. Working at home has distractions galore!
What’s in your digital toolbox?
I use the G-Suite for email, documents, etc., QBO (QuickBooks online) & apps that run side by side with it for accounting reporting including Fathom, ProfitCents, lots of Excel spreadsheets, and ShareFile for secure client information. I’ve slowly been moving clients to Zoom meetings which has been a super big help.
What is the most surprising or unusual aspect of your life?
I love to cook and garden if I have the time.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in the ability of other people to keep going & pushing forward. It can help you put your own trivial BS in perspective.
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