THE 'GOOD WOMAN' BEHIND GOODMAN CONVEYANCING

Having a reliable bookkeeper from day one has been one of the keys to the success of the business.

​It’s fair to say most business owners go into business based on a passion or particular skill, but for Kate Goodman, Owner of Goodman Conveyancing, the role of small business owner was literally thrust upon her.
 
When former husband, Matt Goodman was forced to retire due to illness, he offered Kate the opportunity to take over the business.
 
“Honestly, I never saw myself as a business owner. To say I was faced with a steep learning curve doesn’t even come close. I really didn’t know if I could do it and for the first 18 months I was very outside my comfort zone."

Proving she is every bit capable of doing it, Goodman Conveyancing has flourished under her management with weekly contracts quadrupling, profits increasing and such an increase in staff numbers that the business has relocated  to larger premises.
 
By her side from the beginning was BAS Agent and Bookkeeper, Gabrielle Osborne of PBG Business Services Pty Ltd.
 
Kate says, “I figured out early on that I couldn’t do it all and that out-sourcing areas where I had no expertise was important for the long-term success of Goodman Conveyancing.” 
 
“Having a reliable bookkeeper from day one has been invaluable.”
 
With a company vision of 'Family First, Flexible Fun, and Financially Fortunate', Kate’s definition of success is broader than traditional financial indicators.
 
“For me success is enabling others to flourish which in turn allows me and my business to flourish. By others, I am referring to my clients, my staff, my referral partners, peers within my profession and my community.”
 
A recent campaign to donate a blanket from every settlement to assist St Vincent de Paul with their winter blanket drive is testament to this broader vision with a staggering 300 blankets or just under $15,000 donated to the cause. 
 
Kate has no doubt that the services provided by Gabrielle using Xero and Receipt Bank, has allowed her to focus on these other objectives.
 
Gabrielle says, “For a busy firm in growth mode, Xero just made sense so we switched from a desktop programme two years ago. As the office grew, I no longer need to take up another desk or computer because I could log on to Xero from anywhere. Kate has  access in real-time to how her business is going and staff are able to request leave allowing for resource planning.”
 
Adding Receipt Bank, an optical character recognition app that integrates with Xero to create a bill was a no brainer.
 
“As Gabrielle will attest to, getting receipts from me was challenging at times. And when I’m flat out managing a business, having to fiddle around looking for a receipt for a cab ride three weeks ago was in truth a pain in the butt."
 
Now Kate and her staff can simply photograph or scan receipts to Receipt Bank and throw away the original as Receipt Bank guarantees to store them for seven years.
 
Asked what she attributes the tremendous success of her business to, Kates says
 
“Great staff that care about our clients, putting myself out there in networking environments, and engaging the services of a reliable bookkeeper and BAS Agent.”
 
“I’ve heard other business owners say that they can’t afford a bookkeeper, or they think they can do it themselves and don’t see the value only to turn around a year or so down the track and realise they’ve made a costly mistake or they’re in trouble for non-compliance. Gabrielle has allowed me the time to commit to the areas of my business where I am utilising my own expertise and, more importantly,  time away from my business to spend time with  loved ones.”
 
Goodman Conveyancing – “Better than good!”  - phone for fixed fee conveyancing on 03 6231 2355 or visit www.goodconvey.com
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Gabrielle Osborne (BAcc) is a small business specialist who loves to help business owners focus on what they do best. An innovation enthusiast and determined problem-solver, Gabrielle can change your life too.   

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