Cash flow management: Turning numbers into strategic decisions

Case Study: Lisa Stoneham - Turning Numbers into Strategic Decisions

Lisa Stoneham, the founder of Straightforward Accounting Solutions, has always had a passion for numbers and helping others. However, the journey to starting her own business wasn't straightforward. For many years, Lisa dreamed of running her own business but found herself postponing the leap due to a lack of confidence. It wasn't until late 2015 that she finally decided, "It's now or never."

The turning point came when Lisa attended a roadshow where she was introduced to Xero accounting software. The revolutionary features of Xero, including real-time data access and automation of menial bookkeeping tasks, were life-changing for Lisa. She knew she had to be part of this innovation. Armed with newfound confidence and a clear vision, Lisa launched Straightforward Accounting Solutions, bringing a unique twist to traditional bookkeeping by translating numbers into strategic insights that help business owners make informed decisions.

Addressing Common Challenges

Lisa's clients, particularly small business owners, often face similar challenges: they are time-poor, struggle with understanding cash flow, and feel overwhelmed by the demands of running a business. These business owners have burning questions—about profitability, payroll, and their financial future—but often don't know where to find the answers.

Lisa's expertise lies not just in bookkeeping, but in demystifying these financial concerns. She helps her clients understand their cash flow, make informed decisions about their finances, and ultimately gain control over their business's financial health. Her approach is particularly impactful for professional services and consulting businesses, many of which have established themselves with turnovers ranging from $500,000 to over a million dollars annually.

The Role of Your Time Matters business networking community in Business Development

Lisa credits much of her business success to her involvement with the Your Time Matters (YTM) community. As one of the first business groups she joined, YTM has played a massive role in her development as an entrepreneur. Unlike other networking groups, YTM is a supportive community where members genuinely care about each other’s success. This sense of belonging and support has been a consistent source of strength for Lisa over the past eight years.

Through YTM, Lisa connected with mentors, including Kerryn Powell's husband, Leigh , who helped transform her business. With Leigh’s guidance, Lisa learned how to talk about her business more effectively, which in turn helped her grow from someone who had just left a job with no clear direction to running a successful business that provides her with a good living.

Lisa's Advice to Business Owners

Lisa's journey has taught her the importance of consistency. She advises business owners to focus on doing little things regularly rather than making grand gestures sporadically. One of her favorite quotes is, "How can I win the day?" It’s about focusing on small, achievable tasks each day and gradually building towards long-term success.

Lisa Stoneham's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the willingness to embrace innovation. Her journey from dreaming about business ownership to running a thriving enterprise demonstrates the impact that understanding your numbers, connecting with the right people, and staying consistent can have on your entrepreneurial journey.

As a speaker at the YTM online Lunch Learn Do event on September 18th, Lisa will join forces with Leigh. Together they will share more insights on the financial management in your business. They know it goes beyond just checking the numbers at the end of the financial year. Understanding and mastering your finances is key to the success and growth of your business.

Lisa’s story is a reminder that with the right support and mindset, you can transform your business and your life.

Hello ,

We are - Kerryn and Leigh Powell, the team behind, YTM. We have experienced the challenges you face, and know how important the right support, knowledge and strategies are for your business or organisation to grow. Technical knowledge is not enough.

Business owners and professionals need support, leads, knowledge and people who care.

We acknowledge that merely understanding, doesn’t make it easy, but it does make a difference to our community members who access business networking events, workshops, strategy sessions and a supportive community designed with you in mind! Let’ have a conversation and discuss how YTM can assist you to grow your business. Book a time here .