We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bernadette L. Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bernadette below.
Bernadette, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up, I was immensely inspired by the exemplary work ethic of my mother and grandmothers. They were undoubtedly some of the hardest-working women I have ever known. Their lives were a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and tireless dedication to their responsibilities, be it toward family or work. Observing them navigate through life’s challenges with grace and determination has instilled in me a strong sense of duty and an understanding of the value of hard work.
Their fight, not just to succeed, but to excel, in spite of the adversities they faced, has left an indelible mark on me. Their example has taught me that efficiency in one’s work comes from a blend of diligence, a keen attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My work ethic is a direct reflection of the lessons I’ve learned from them – to face challenges head-on, to never shy away from hard work, and to always strive for excellence in everything I undertake.
I carry their legacy with me through every project I tackle, channeling their resilience and work ethic to not only meet but exceed the expectations set before me. Their influence has provided me with a solid foundation that propels me to strive for efficiency and hard work in my professional endeavors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am Bernadette L. Harris, the spearhead of BTB Advisory Firm, a cadre of master’s-level accountants, dedicated to offering a gamut of accounting services since 2001. Our clientele spans emerging to seasoned companies across a variety of industries including consulting, marketing, and medical sectors. Our mission is simple yet profound – to synergize with entrepreneurs, helping them channel their passion into profits by strategically nurturing sustainable small businesses. We envision a future where seven-figure small businesses are the standard, not the exception.
At the heart of our firm’s values are Efficiency, Community, Legacy, and Strategy. We believe that small businesses flourish when systems and structures are harmonized with maximized efforts. Our approach fosters genuine client relationships, profitable connections, and supportive collaborations which are the bedrock of thriving small businesses. We’re not just about maintaining a legacy, but about creating a positive ripple effect across families and communities through multi-generational and sustainable businesses. Our strategies are meticulously crafted and executed with our client’s goals as the nucleus of every plan.
I hold the conviction that accounting transcends numbers, formulas, and deadlines. It’s a realm where trust is the currency and honest communication is the linchpin for successful accountant-client relationships. This philosophy is the essence of what keeps small businesses not just operational, but flourishing.
My academic and professional journey has been robust and enriching. With a B.S. in Accounting, an MBA, and an MS in Fraud and Forensics, I am also a Certified Fraud Examiner. My forte lies in making the ostensibly daunting realms of accounting and taxes, engaging and comprehensible. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of entrepreneurs strategize, initiate, and transition their businesses from profitable ventures to profound establishments.
My insights on entrepreneurship and fraud prevention have been sought by reputable media outlets like ABC, CBS, and NBC, further amplifying the message of financial prudence and strategic entrepreneurship. My narrative also encompasses the full spectrum of entrepreneurial experiences – the highs, the lows, and the plateaus. This, coupled with more than 1,000 client success stories and over two decades of accounting expertise, empowers me to serve with a blend of understanding, compassion, and a relentless commitment to seeing our clients triumph.
Aside from my professional pursuits, I am a bestselling author, adjunct instructor, podcast host, and a TEDx Speaker. My life beyond work is about exploring new horizons, literally and metaphorically, as I love traveling and ticking off destinations from my bucket list.
Our firm is continually evolving, and we are excited about upcoming ventures that will further our mission and provide enhanced value to our clients. We are keen on not just maintaining but elevating the standard of excellence that BTB Advisory Firm is synonymous with.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my extensive journey, I can distill it down to three instrumental core facets: resilience, financial literacy, and effective communication. Resilience has been my companion through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Each challenge encountered was a lesson in disguise, propelling me to learn, adapt, and persevere. My solid foundation in accounting, fraud prevention, and financial management, under the umbrella of financial literacy, armed me with the requisite knowledge to adeptly navigate the financial intricacies inherent in running a business. This financial acumen was not only pivotal in managing my firm, BTB Advisory Firm, but also instrumental in aiding thousands of entrepreneurs transition their businesses from merely profitable to profoundly impactful. The third linchpin, effective communication, has been the cornerstone of building and nurturing successful client relationships and dynamic team collaborations. The ability to convey complex financial information in an accessible, easy-to-understand manner has fostered trust and enduring relationships with clients.
For those embarking on their professional or entrepreneurial journey, I would tender the following advice: embrace resilience, as the road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges that can morph into invaluable learning experiences with the right attitude. Invest time and effort in enhancing your financial literacy; a solid understanding of financial principles is instrumental for making informed business decisions. A plethora of resources, courses, and experts are available to help bolster your financial knowledge. Lastly, hone your communication skills. Mastering the art of effective communication is invaluable; it’s about being clear, concise, and open to feedback. Transparent communication with clients, team members, and stakeholders will not only form the foundation of lasting relationships but also foster successful collaborations. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. It entails continuous learning, adapting, and an unwavering commitment to your vision and values.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is an entrepreneur who is passionate, driven, and committed to growing a sustainable and impactful business. They are individuals or entities at various stages of business growth, be it emerging or seasoned companies, across a multitude of industries like consulting, marketing, and medical sectors, among others.
One of the defining characteristics of an ideal client is a willingness to partner in a journey of strategic growth. They value the expertise and the tailored financial strategies we bring to the table, and are open to a collaborative relationship. Our mission at BTB Advisory Firm is to expand passion and profits by strategically growing sustainable small businesses. Therefore, clients who are aligned with this mission and are keen on forging a path where seven-figure small businesses become the norm, resonate with our vision.
Moreover, an ideal client appreciates the importance of trust, honest communication, and a solid financial foundation in scaling their business. They are not just looking for a service provider, but a partner who is invested in their success, and who can provide them with the financial insights and strategies to navigate through the complexities of business growth.
They also value the community-centric approach we adopt. At BTB Advisory Firm, we believe that genuine client relationships, profitable connections, and supportive collaborations are instrumental in helping small businesses thrive. Hence, a client who cherishes these values of community, efficiency, legacy, and strategy, would be an ideal fit.
Our ethos is that accounting is so much more than numbers, formulas, and deadlines; it’s about building a lasting relationship based on trust, and nurtured through honest communication. Thus, clients who echo this sentiment, and are keen on building a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship are those we look forward to working with.
Lastly, an ideal client is one who is excited about what the future holds, and is ready to embark on a journey of strategic growth, with a dedicated team by their side, working tirelessly to help them achieve their financial objectives and contribute positively to their legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheBTBAdvisoryFirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btbaccounting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBTBAdvisoryFirm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bythebook
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bythebook
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/trustbernadette
Image Credits
Kimberly Taylor https://www.kimazingphotos.com/ She’s the photographer for the four professional images. The personal image was taken with a cell phone.
