I've come a long way! But there is still a way to go...
Over 9 years ago I started managing a bookkeeping business that dealt with paper, followed manual processes, and utilised only desktop software. Some of the team would work in the office and others would attend clients offices to complete the bookkeeping. It was working; however differentiation in the market was difficult.
Around 2008 cloud accounting started in Australia and the opportunity for change had arrived. Xero and other providers were offering a new way to manage bookkeeping. It was a time of great opportunity, even though cloud accounting was in its infancy.
I wanted to make a difference and create change. At Cornerstone we embarked on a transformation to the cloud by taking full advantage of everything Xero and QBO had to offer. Together with what the other “new kids on the block”, the add-on apps (like Receipt Bank), it was exciting times. While a lot of convincing of clients had to occur, there was plenty of support from all our partners in the industry.
I took the opportunity looked across the whole business to identify other key areas that I wanted online. I searched for cloud based systems that would enhance user experiences and deliver our online strategy. I discovered a suite wonderful online products with great features. We trialled and implemented many new software products:
Employment Hero for people management
Help Scout for improved email management
Slack for team messaging
Asana for managing projects
They created a new fun way of doing business. The transformation took several years. It involved a great team who were committed to our cloud strategy. It resulted in a new way of delivering our services to our clients. It was fun to be involved at the start of great disruption for this industry.
Our way of doing business changed dramatically. We went from paper to paperless and from manual processes to automated. It allowed us online access to every area of the business no matter where we were located. It also allowed the team to work centrally and deliver our services to all clients, no matter where their location.
This was a great achievement for all involved. It has been exciting managing the transformation and watch it come to life. The support of our partners has been incredible. The way many clients embraced the change has been inspiring. Thank you to all who assisted.
Now it's time for a change. I look forward to meeting and working again with the wonderful people who have supported me along this incredible journey.
My next venture will bring together two of my key passions:
technology and the cloud
small business
Keep in touch with me via LinkedIn or social media.