Starting a business in a new country comes with challenges, but consistent effort, confidence, and strong support systems can help turn uncertainty into long-term growth. Building trust, staying persistent, and having access to practical guidance are key factors in developing a successful bookkeeping business.
Key takeaways:
- Starting a business while adapting to a new environment requires flexibility, resilience, and patience
- Small milestones and steady progress play an important role in building confidence over time
- Trust is essential in bookkeeping because clients rely on professionals to manage sensitive financial information
- Strong support networks can help business owners overcome challenges and feel less isolated
- Practical mentorship and community guidance accelerate learning and confidence for new franchisees
- Business ownership develops personal growth alongside professional skills
- Consistency and realistic expectations are critical during the early stages of building a business
Starting a business is never simple.
Starting one in a brand-new country, while raising a young family, adds another layer entirely.
For Hetal Lakdawala, that was the reality when she arrived in Australia.
With a strong background in accounting, including a Master’s degree and experience as a financial controller in the Middle East, she knew she wanted to continue working in the industry. But the question was how.
Finding the right starting point
Like many professionals moving into business ownership, Hetal was weighing her options.
She could pursue further qualifications and move into tax, or take a different route that better suited her lifestyle and interests.
“I was very new to Australia… and I had young kids, so I was not sure whether I should go to a full-time job.”
What she did know was that she wanted flexibility, and she wanted to stay close to the work she enjoyed.
That led her to bookkeeping.
But just as importantly, it led her to consider the support she would need to succeed.
“As it is a new place, I was not sure… how I’m going to market, how I’m going to contact other businesses.”
Rather than starting from scratch, Hetal chose to join First Class Accounts, drawn to the structure and support behind the franchise model.
Building momentum, one milestone at a time
In the early days, progress did not come from one big breakthrough.
It came from small, consistent wins.
Looking back, Hetal sees every stage of growth as significant.
“Getting the first client… reaching income of even first $1,000 a month… then $5,000… then $10,000… every stage is giving you some happiness.”
These milestones were more than numbers. They were signals that the business was moving in the right direction.
For new franchisees, this is often one of the biggest mindset shifts. Success is not a single moment, it is built gradually through consistency.
The challenge of trust in the early days
Like many new business owners, Hetal found the early stages challenging.
Not because of the technical work, but because of the relationships required to win clients.
“In the beginning, it was really tough… to make the connections, to make them trust you.”
Bookkeeping is a personal service. Clients are not just outsourcing tasks, they are handing over access to sensitive financial information.
“It’s always a very sensitive area when they share their financial books with someone.”
Building that trust takes time, consistency, and confidence.
But once those first relationships are established, growth becomes more natural, often driven by referrals and word of mouth.
Support that makes a difference
One of the defining moments in Hetal’s journey came early on, when she faced a complex client issue she was unsure how to handle.
Instead of navigating it alone, she turned to the First Class Accounts network.
“I contacted the First Class community… and they said they were happy to help.”
What followed was more than just advice.
“I went there, and she sat with me and did everything with me… she showed me also.”
That level of support left a lasting impression.
“I didn’t expect that… somebody would help me out of their way this much.”
It is this kind of real, practical support that can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling capable.
Growing in confidence as a business owner
As the business developed, so did Hetal’s confidence.
Not just in her technical ability, but in her role as a business owner.
“With time… our confidence boosts… we grow as a person and as a business owner.”
This growth is something many franchisees experience.
Running a business brings challenges, but it also builds resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Lessons learned along the way
Reflecting on her journey, Hetal is clear about what new business owners should expect.
Starting a business requires wearing multiple hats, especially in the beginning.
“You have to wear all different hats… you are doing everything on your own.”
It also requires realistic expectations around income and growth.
“If someone is leaving a full-time job… you are not going to earn the same amount… you need to be ready.”
But alongside that honesty comes simple, practical advice.
“Be consistent… just keep doing. Don’t stop after a few weeks thinking it’s not working.”
Consistency, more than anything else, is what drives long-term success.
Looking ahead
Today, Hetal is focused on the next stage of her business.
She is already expanding her team and broadening her services, moving further into budgeting and cash flow support.
“I am trying to expand more on the budgeting cash flow side.”
It is a natural progression, building on the strong foundation she has already created.
A journey built on support and persistence
Hetal’s story reflects a path that many professionals consider but hesitate to take.
Leaving a stable role, starting a business, and navigating the unknown.
What made the difference was not just her experience, but the decision to build that business with the right support around her.
For those considering a similar move, her journey offers a clear message.
You do not need to have everything figured out from day one.
But you do need the right environment, the right support, and the consistency to keep moving forward.
