Natalie talks strange packages, sunglasses and top accounting tech.
Welcome to the Checkout, where we dive deeper into the minds of our guests to learn more about their personal experiences and insights. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Natalie McDermott, partner at Kelly+Partners accounting firm who works primarily with ecommerce clients.
Natalie gives us a glimpse into her world, from an online shopping experience involving a vibrating package to her favourite sunglasses brand. We also hear her must-have tech tool for e-commerce businesses and she discusses the ongoing challenge of finding the right talent.
1. What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Ever Bought Online?
The episode kicks off with a humorous story rather than a weird purchase. Nat recounts receiving a mysterious vibrating package on her doorstep during COVID, only to find out it was a gift for someone else, sent to her address to be discreet. The package had been vibrating for so long that she had to hide it under a mattress to stop the noise!
2. Which Retailer Has Most Inspired You Recently?
Natalie is inspired by two of her clients who ran a successful sunglasses brand. Despite only working on it full-time for a couple of years, they managed to build such a strong brand that they were approached by a buyer and sold it for a significant amount. Natalie admires their dedication, branding skills, and the positive impact they’ve had on other business owners in their community.
3. Name a Piece of Tech That You or Your E-commerce Business Couldn’t Live Without.
For Nat, A2X is an essential tool for any e-commerce business, especially from an accounting perspective. This add-on software helps break down sales by channel, ensures GST is accounted for correctly, and automates much of the process, making it easier to keep accounting data accurate and organised.
4. Can You Recommend a Book or a Podcast That Our Listeners Should Immediately Get Into?
Natalie is a huge fan of Steven Bartlett. She listens to his podcast religiously and has read his book, finding both to be full of practical lessons for both business and life. She particularly appreciates the real-life examples he uses to illustrate his points, which makes the content relatable and actionable.
5. What Is Your Biggest Challenge Today?
The biggest challenge for Natalie and her team at Kelly+Partners is finding the right people who align with their values and are ready to be challenged. As a people-driven business, recruiting the right talent is crucial, but it remains a significant hurdle, which she believes is a common issue across many businesses today.
Revisit the full-length conversation with our guest: Danny Chiha and Natalie McDermott from Kelly+Partners: Knowing Your Numbers in Ecommerce | #425
The Checkout is a short snippet of our conversations.
