Key takeaways
- Success isn’t overnight – Miriam started making $1,000 in her first year, $8,000 in her second
- Focus on what works rather than chasing glamorous opportunities
- Embrace challenges: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they provide valuable learning experiences.
- Take action: Don’t get stuck in the “fluffing around” phase. Take consistent action towards your goals.
- Build genuine connections: Networking and building relationships with other entrepreneurs can provide support and opportunities.
- Find your tribe: Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow.
- Prioritise self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for long-term success.
- Balance isn’t realistic – There are times to embrace “beast mode” periods while being present during downtime.
- Don’t be afraid to fail: Failure is a stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
- Celebrate the journey: Enjoy the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
- Adapt and Evolve: Personal development and self-reflection help refine your approach over time; learn to adjust your tactics and celebrate even the small victories.
- Leadership starts with self-awareness and responsibility for team culture
- Set boundaries with clients and value your time
From Doctor Dreams to Accounting Success
Miriam Holme’s journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur wasn’t a straight line. Initially, she dreamt of becoming a doctor, but after failing the UMAT test, she realised that medicine wasn’t her true calling. She eventually discovered her passion for accounting and built a thriving business from the ground up.
The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
The real transformation in Miriam’s business came from an unexpected source – a ridiculously high mortgage. “When you’ve got a high mortgage, you are so much more focused on a daily basis,” she explains. This financial pressure, combined with hiring team members who needed to be paid, created the accountability that had been missing. It pushed her out of her comfort zone and into serious business growth.
Leading with Authenticity: Breaking the Traditional Mold
Miriam’s leadership style challenges conventional wisdom. “I’m probably not a typical leader,” she admits. I’m probably a bit of an over-sharer.” Instead of maintaining a rigid hierarchy, she focuses on creating an environment where team members feel empowered to raise issues and suggest changes.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Miriam emphasises the importance of mindset and self-mastery in achieving entrepreneurial success. She shares her own struggles with limiting beliefs and how she overcame them to reach her goals. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to challenge their own limiting beliefs and cultivate a positive mindset.
The Power of Action and Hard Work
Miriam stresses the importance of taking consistent action towards your goals. She cautions against getting stuck in the “fluffing around” phase and encourages entrepreneurs to take bold steps, even if they’re not sure where they’ll lead. She believes that hard work and dedication are essential ingredients for success.
Building a Strong Network and Finding Your Tribe
Miriam highlights the importance of networking and building relationships with other entrepreneurs. She shares how her network has provided her with support, opportunities, and valuable insights. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to find their tribe and surround themselves with people who challenge and inspire them to grow.
Prioritising Self-Care and Embracing the Journey
Miriam emphasises the importance of self-care and maintaining good health. She shares her struggles with burnout and how she learned to prioritise her physical and mental health. She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the journey, celebrate their accomplishments, and enjoy the ups and downs of building a business.
Finding Your Version of Balance
Rather than striving for traditional work-life balance, Miriam advocates for embracing your natural rhythms. “I’ve just owned that I’m a crazy person,” she laughs. “Sometimes I just have to go into beast mode.” The key, she’s found, is being fully present whether you’re in work mode or family mode.
Lessons from Loss and Legacy
A powerful turning point came with the unexpected loss of her father at 63. “That changed everything,” Miriam shares. “I do not want to play small.” This experience reinforced her commitment to pushing herself while maintaining perspective about what truly matters.
The Marketing Strategy That Actually Works
While many businesses pour money into traditional marketing, Miriam’s approach is refreshingly different. She focuses on building genuine connections:
- Adding clients to her personal social media networks
- Engaging authentically on platforms where her clients are active
- Leveraging organic tagging and mentions in industry groups
- Being selective with paid advertising
- Building strong referral partnerships
This strategy has proven so effective that she admits, “I get so many referrals that I don’t actually probably have to market, but I actually like doing it.”
Setting Boundaries: The Key to Sustainable Growth
Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons from Miriam’s journey is learning to value her time and set clear boundaries. She shares a recent example: “Someone booked in right before Christmas… didn’t answer their phone, didn’t send me an email… and then said sorry, I was out shopping.” Her response? “No, sorry, I can’t take you on right now.” This represents a significant shift from her earlier days of accommodating everyone.
The AI Revolution in Accounting
Looking toward the future, Miriam is excited about integrating AI into her practice. “We’re going to be able to reduce our costs and provide a better level of service,” she explains. However, she emphasises the importance of maintaining the human touch while leveraging technology for efficiency.
Action Points
- Start Small and Act Now: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—begin with small, actionable steps, and learn as you go.
- Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Reflect daily on what may be holding you back and commit to a “no excuses” mentality.
- Set Clear Goals: Write down your goals (even if on a simple Post-It note) and visualise where you want to be.
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you; seek mentors who have “been there, done that.”
- Prioritise Execution Over Perfection: Focus on actionable steps rather than getting lost in planning; remember that progress compounds over time.
- Embrace Your Unique Journey: Understand that your path is yours alone—celebrate your wins, learn from your failures, and never let comparisons steal your joy.
- Balance is a Myth—Aim for Harmony: Rather than striving for perfect work-life balance, aim for a harmonious integration of your professional and personal lives.
- Stay Accountable: Use daily or weekly check-ins (via a simple calendar or a commitment card) to ensure you’re moving toward your goals.