---
title: "EP506: Ron Bester - How SODA Helps You Build A Business That Runs Without You"
description: Ron Bester shares what bookkeepers notice first when they apply SODA, why self-audits matter, and how saving even 15 minutes a day changes the direction of your business.
---

[Episodes: Listen Now to The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast — The Successful Bookkeeper ](https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/podcast)

# [EP506: Ron Bester - How SODA Helps You Build A Business That Runs Without You](https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/podcast/ron-bester-small-business-owner-pain-points-running-own)

 Written by [Michael Palmer](https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/podcast/author/michael-palmer) | Dec 9, 2025 2:00:07 PM

**“ You do not want a business that is entirely dependent on you. You want an independent running business.”**  
**-Ron Bester

**Ron Bester, VP of Client Experience at Successful Bookkeeper Global, breaks down why so many bookkeepers feel buried in day-to-day work and how the SODA framework helps you reclaim time, reduce stress, and build a business that doesn’t rely on you to survive.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

- **How to spot where your time is leaking & fix it**
- **Build simple systems that remove bottlenecks**
- **Use automation to cut repetitive tasks & free up hours**

Connect with Ron on [**LinkedIn**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbester/).

**Time Stamp**

00:00 – Why running a business is different from doing work you enjoy  
03:00 – The common pitfalls small business owners face  
07:00 – Why every business needs a plan, systems & an exit strategy  
10:00 – Introduction to the SODA framework  
12:00 – Systemize: building processes that create consistency  
15:00 – Outsource: letting experts handle non-core work  
17:00 – Delegate: breaking the “only I can do it” mindset  
20:00 – Automate: using tech to remove repetitive tasks  
23:00 – The biggest transformation bookkeepers experience with SODA  
26:00 – Early wins & what shifts first  
28:00 – Why most owners don’t realize they are the bottleneck  
30:00 – One small action you can take today  
31:00 – How the SODA pre-checklist and intensive work  
33:00 – Building a business that runs independently of you

[View full post](https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com/podcast/ron-bester-small-business-owner-pain-points-running-own)

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