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What tools does a CPA use to run a small accounting firm?

On the Small Business Solutions Podcast (SBSPod), Nelson Gray talks with accountant and fractional CFO Evan Badzik about the software he uses for bookkeeping, tax prep, invoicing, and a simple online presence.

Evan runs Basic Accounting and Tax Services. He uses QuickBooks and Xero for monthly accounting, Intuit ProConnect for tax returns, Excel for tracking work, Wix for his website and invoicing, and Gmail plus Google Calendar to stay organized.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The core tools a solo CPA uses for client work and running the firm
• QuickBooks and Xero for monthly bookkeeping
• Intuit ProConnect for tax preparation
• Why he works in the client’s accounting software instead of forcing one system
• Using Wix for a website, domain, and invoices
• How billing, payments, and bookkeeping can spread across four platforms
• Choosing the best tool for one need, then getting locked into subscriptions
• Using the slower tax season to improve processes
• Tracking clients, deliverables, and follow-up without a complex CRM
• Posting on Facebook and LinkedIn so the right clients can find him

If you want a clear look at small business accounting software and how a working CPA actually uses it, this episode breaks down the stack in plain language.

Subscribe to SBSPod for practical tools and systems for small business owners.

Go solve problems, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

#SBSPod #SmallBusinessSolutions #CPATools

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What is a fractional CFO for a small business, and when do you actually need one?

On the Small Business Solutions Podcast (SBSPod), Nelson Gray talks with accountant and fractional CFO Evan Badzik about cash flow, taxes, and financial decisions for owners who cannot hire a full-time CFO.

Evan runs Basic Accounting and Tax Services. After 12 years in corporate accounting, tax, and finance, he started his own firm about a year and a half ago. He provides monthly accounting, small business tax preparation, tax strategy, IRS representation, and selective fractional CFO work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a fractional CFO is and how the role differs from a bookkeeper or tax preparer
• The two types of small businesses that usually need a fractional CFO: cash-flow problems and growth
• How a fractional CFO helps owners manage cash flow, books, taxes, and decisions
• Why profitable companies can still struggle with cash
• Balancing work in the business and work on the business as a solo operator
• Finding accounting clients through referrals and relationships instead of ads
• Misconceptions about accountants and tax professionals
• Using AI for tax research, and why the taxpayer is still accountable for the return

If you are looking for a fractional CFO, a small business accountant, or a clearer system for cash flow and taxes, this episode explains the role in practical terms.

Subscribe to SBSPod for practical tools and systems for small business owners.

Go solve problems, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

#SBSPod #SmallBusinessSolutions #FractionalCFO #SmallBiz

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Is keeping your software up to date really worth the time?

In this solo episode of the Small Business Solutions Podcast (SBSPod), Nelson Gray explains why software patching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your small business from cyberattacks, security vulnerabilities, and costly downtime.

Many business owners ask, "If it isn't broken, why fix it?" Nelson breaks down why that mindset can leave your business exposed, how hackers take advantage of outdated software, and why compatibility issues can disrupt everything from payment systems to everyday business operations.

You'll also learn practical, low-cost strategies for managing updates across multiple computers, why updating your phone is just as important as updating your PC, and how to safely roll out updates without disrupting your business.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why small businesses are frequent cyberattack targets

• How unpatched software creates security risks

• Why software updates improve compatibility and reliability

• A simple monthly patch management routine

• Tips for testing updates before deploying them to every device

• A free tool that can help automate software updates for small businesses

Whether you're managing one computer or a growing team, this episode provides practical IT advice that can help reduce risk and keep your business running smoothly.

Subscribe to SBSPod for practical technology and business solutions designed specifically for small business owners.

#SBSPod #SmallBiz #PatchManagement

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Discover practical tools and proven strategies for running a successful landlord business in this insightful episode of the Small Business Solutions podcast.

Nelson Gray sits down with Elisee Ilunga, an experienced landlord and real estate investor, to explore the exact software and systems he uses to manage rental properties efficiently. From self-managed units to working with property managers, Elisee shares how he streamlined operations, reduced paperwork, and saved both time and money.

Key topics include:

• Hemlane as a comprehensive property management platform for rent collection, bookkeeping, maintenance tracking, and tenant communication
• Essential supporting tools like Google Voice, receipt scanning apps, and market analysis software
• Creating efficient weekly bookkeeping habits to stay organized
• Cost-effective alternatives to traditional property management
• Finding reliable vendors through referrals and local networks
• Preparing for business growth and knowing when to scale

Whether you're a new landlord, self-managing rental properties, or looking to optimize your real estate investment operations, this episode delivers actionable solutions and real-world insights you can implement immediately.

Tune in to learn how to simplify landlord responsibilities while building a more profitable and manageable rental business.

#SmallBiz #SBSPod #Landlord

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What Is It Really Like to Run a Landlord Business? | Interview with Elise Ilunga

What does it actually take to become a landlord?

I sit down with Elise Ilunga, a real estate investor and landlord, to talk about what it's really like to own and manage rental properties. Instead of focusing on the glamorous side of real estate investing, we discuss the day-to-day realities of being a landlord, the lessons learned along the way, and what surprised him most after getting started.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Elise chose to become a landlord before becoming a full-time investor
• The biggest misconceptions about owning rental properties
• Managing contractors, paperwork, insurance, and tenant relationships
• Organizing physical and digital records to stay on top of the business
• Tax advantages of owner-occupied rental properties
• What makes an ideal long-term tenant
• Marketing rental properties and filling vacancies through referrals and online platforms
• Lessons he wishes he knew before buying his first property
• Why keeping great tenants happy is one of the best investments you can make

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to run a landlord business or you're considering investing in rental properties, this conversation offers practical insights from someone doing it every day.

#SmallBiz #SBSPod

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Welcome to the very first episode of the Small Business Solutions Podcast!

If you've ever listened to business podcasts and thought, "That's inspiring...but how do I actually do it?" then you're in the right place.

Small Business Solutions was created for small business owners with 10 or fewer employees who want practical ideas they can implement—not just motivational stories. Every episode is designed to help you discover the tools, software, systems, and processes that make running a business easier and more efficient.

In this introductory episode, host Nelson Gray shares the vision behind the podcast, why he started it, and what you can expect from future episodes.

Upcoming episodes will include:

• Interviews with real small business owners about how they built and operate their businesses
• Deep dives into the software and tools they use every day
• Practical discussions about websites, payment processing, marketing, communication, automation, and business systems
• Five Force Friday, where we analyze businesses and discuss strategic ideas using Porter's Five Forces framework

Whether you're starting a business, growing one, or simply looking for better ways to solve everyday business challenges, this podcast is here to save you time by researching the tools and strategies that matter most.

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Go solve problems, and I'll see you in the next episode.

#SmallBiz #SBSPod