Financial Fortunes: Finding a True Financial Partner
A peer advisory organization in Minnesota sought a true financial partner to support their ongoing growth in a sustainable, consultative way.
At a Glance:
The Business Women’s Circle had previously worked with financial vendors who were effective, but who provided little additional support.
Owner and Co-Founder Lani Basa needed a financial partner to handle her business finances and support her as she sought to grow her business.
The BWC is now able to grow and share more financial information with members, for better decision-making all around.
Meet The BWC
The Business Women’s Circle, or The BWC, was founded in 2009 to fulfill a need that Owner and Co-Founder, Lani Basa, saw in her community: unique peer advisory groups by women and for women to support them in their endeavors.
The BWC’s “Circles provide safe spaces for trusted peers to learn, grow, and develop their skills through facilitated tools and a curated community of ambitious and caring women.” Beyond their Circles, The BWC also hosts a variety of events and workshops, including an Annual Forum, that provide expertise and learning opportunities across subjects to help women thrive in their personal and professional lives.
The BWC had previously had two different financial vendors, each of which were effective, but did not deeply understand The BWC’s and Lani’s needs, or fit with her busy schedule. Almost without realizing fully what she was looking for, Lani began looking for a financial partner.
Previous Relationships Were Falling Flat
For many small business owners, finances are more complex than just understanding how to file taxes. Not only do they need to understand their individual financial obligations, but they need to understand topics like reconciliation, taxes, staffing, and more. This can be especially challenging for individuals who had limited, if any, financial education before starting their business. This was the case for Lani, who turned to an accountant and bookkeeper when her financial situation got too complex for her to manage herself.
While the relationships Lani had with her vendors were sufficient, she felt there was something missing in the way of guidance. They did not seem to align with her business needs, or her own busy life. Lani wanted to grow her business — and manage her personal finances — and she knew she needed more support to do so. Instead of simply having a vendor, she was looking for a financial partner who could guide her, provide her with insights, and act as an expert consultant.
Shortly after this realization, Lani met Amanda, KeyLin’s Co-Founder and President, through The BWC.
KeyLin is an All-In-One Financial Partner
There was no one factor that sold Lani on the partnership, but many: KeyLin’s people-first approach, the flexibility of virtual appointments, the secure technology used, and even being a woman-owned small business. Lani felt KeyLin would be an ideal financial partner, because she felt she would be understood and supported by the team at KeyLin.
At first, the relationship was more transactional: Lani needed her business taxes done, and she needed her QuickBooks reviewed, and she needed them done quickly. However, as the relationship evolved, Lani began to rely on the KeyLin team for more and more.
Now, Lani appreciates the simplicity and ease of having all her finances in one place. KeyLin helps Lani not only with her personal finances, but with everything her business needs to keep running smoothly. From taxes and reporting to reconciliations and 1099s to strategic consultation, KeyLin does everything for The BWC except payroll — but Lani rests easily knowing that is an option, if she needs it.
The Impacts of Our Partnership
In one word, Lani describes the major benefit of our work together as “partnership.” She trusts deeply that the KeyLin team is there for her, and her business, and that we’ll provide her with guidance and expertise as she needs it. As she puts it,
KeyLin prioritizes building relationships with clients so we can put the people — and the business — first. When we understand you and your business, we can better make recommendations and provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions possible for your situation.
Just as important, KeyLin also provides Lani and The BWC with a clear picture of where the business is at any given point. With our virtual accounting and bookkeeping, Lani can check on her books whenever she wants to see where her finances are. Then, if she has questions, she knows she can always reach a member of our team to talk through them. She can trust the books, the reconciliations, and the reports are done, which she says provides her with peace of mind.
Plus, working with KeyLin has not just helped Lani and The BWC with financial adeptness. Thanks to our partnership, KeyLin has been able to share our knowledge and resources with the members of The BWC, equipping dozens of women with the skills and information they need to make better financial decisions.
Find Your Financial Partner with KeyLin
KeyLin gives each of our clients a personal touch, so you can trust we understand you and your business. As Lani put it, “The team at KeyLin gets me and they get my business.” She also gives this advice to other business owners: “If the financials aren't your strength, find a company/partner you can trust who can take that work on for you so you can devote your time to growing your company.”
By prioritizing relationships, we’re better able to serve you and address your unique business needs, no matter what they end up being. From the personal to the professional, your finances are in good hands at KeyLin.
Looking for a financial partner? Schedule your free first consultation today to get to know our team and understand what we can do to support you and your business.