We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pam Balentine-Bell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pam, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
In the trajectory of my career, there have been many times where I have been the “only one in the room”. In fact, I can count the handful of times where I WASN’T the only woman, the only black person, and the ultimate dynamic…the only black woman in the room.
We know that accounting is the language of business and that it’s important for business owners to have a trusted CPA. However, a statistic many people don’t know is that Black CPAs make up less than 2% of CPAs in the world. So learning how to navigate the “only person in the room” space is something I am very familiar with.
First, confidence is key. When I walk into that room, I tend to exude confidence and be unapologetically myself. But this isn’t a fake it until you make it situation; I have to at the top of your game at all times, but also showing my authentic self and allow my character to be present in the room.
Which leads me to my second point, knowledge is power! Being well versed in tax and accounting practices for small business. This is an area of business where people heavily rely on my skillset – so that always has to be on point… but I always find a way to relay it in a way that a non-accountant could understand. Showing my skill set and my relatability at the same time. Being a valued professional with advice, but a person/teacher who can communicate well will always take you far.
Lastly, networking is crucial. Yes, you may be the only person in the room…but you are not in the only room! There are other people who are going through the same scenarios that you face. Find your tribe, or as I like to call it, your personal board of directors to navigate this life we lead. These are the people who make the world seem very similar to yours and can collaborate on ideas, strategies, and goals so you, as a collective, are no longer the only ones in the room.
So navigating spaces where you’re the only one in the room can be daunting at first, but remembering that I am blazing the trail for those coming after me is very motivating and inspiring. The world needs more “CPAs with Personality”!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I empower business owners to know their numbers, save time, and save their money through our services. We focus on tax preparation and accounting for business owners. We are expanding our services by launching tax planning services. This is strategic consulting that allows for us to save tens of thousands of dollars on taxes but tapping into the tax code!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful things in my journey are: continuous learning, relationship building, and customer service. In my field, things change very quickly. Staying in the know, educating myself on the law and different strategies that my clients can benefit from is key. My advice it to join professional organizations, sign up for newsletters, and attend conferences in your respective field to stay informed.
Building relationships not only with clients but other business owners and those in the community is so important. People do business and send referrals to those they know, like, and trust. Business is a word of mouth thing…people have to know you and like you. Building and fostering relationships is organic and free marketing. Joining networking groups, scrolling on EventBrite, getting out and about is the way to start. But the fortune is in the follow up. Be sure to connect and stay in touch with people you meet. And meet people without expectation. You networking THROUGH people and tap into their network of people.
Lastly, customer service has to be on point. Giving top service is how to gain client retention and another way to gain referrals. Make it easy for customers to connect with you, provide a top notch service, and lead with value!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
There are many times where being a business owner is overwhelming. As an introvert, communicating with various types of people all day every day, managing the work load, managing a team…it can be a lot.
The way I manage is:
1. Time Blocking – not only setting a to do list, but setting the time frame to get things done. This allows me to avoid doing random things and getting side tracked with my email alert goes off
2. Self care – taking time to take care of yourself both mentally and physically is key. Working out, stretching, seeing a therapist, taking a walk. It’s important to decompress
3. Find a hobby outside of work – find something you enjoy doing and turn your brain off
Image Credits
Photo Cred: Ashley Nicole Photos ATL
