Keep What You Earn

In this episode, I dive into the types of businesses that are typically challenging to sell. We explore why businesses built on personal brands, online courses, and creative agencies often face hurdles in creating enterprise value. I also discuss the effect of low barriers to entry, lack of proprietary intellectual property, and the impact of AI on these industries. Additionally, I offer actionabl...

In this episode, we dive into what it truly takes to scale your business to $1 million, $5 million, $10 million, and beyond. From building and relying on a capable team to evolving your role from a doer to a visionary leader, we cover the necessary steps and mindset shifts required for substantial growth. I'll also share practical advice on managing your calendar, focusing on strategic objectives,...

In this episode, I get into the critical topic of when not to sell your business. We'll explore various scenarios that indicate it's not the right time to exit, including emotional burnout and declining financials. I emphasize the importance of having a business that runs independently of you, and discuss the factors that can impact your business's valuation, such as employee satisfaction and depe...

In this episode, inspired by my experience at the Junior Achievement Steps for Success program, I dive into different cash management strategies for business owners. I cover the essential functions of checking and savings accounts, the benefits of having multiple accounts, and how to leverage high-yield savings accounts for tax savings. Additionally, I explore the options of investing through corp...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to reshare an episode from when I was a guest on the Rainmaker for Contractors Podcast. I share practical tax strategies specifically designed for businesses. We'll discuss how recent IRS changes might impact you, the importance of understanding your financial statements, and actionable tips to optimize your tax liability. We'll dig deep into why contractors might avo...

In this episode I dive into the often overlooked topic of founder-led sales. I discuss the common struggle many business owners face in handling various roles, especially holding onto the sales process for too long. I highlight the importance of delegating parts of the sales process, such as discovery calls and lead generation, to create a more scalable and efficient sales machine. I emphasize the...

In this episode I discuss the significance of aligning employee compensation with desired behaviors and business outcomes. Learn practical tips on implementing incentive-based compensation plans, such as cash bonuses, periodic performance reviews, and the concept of phantom equity. Understand why giving away equity isn't always the best solution for fostering an ownership mindset and explore alter...

In this episode, we expand on the $5 million bottleneck and discuss how to multiply your strategic capacity as a CEO to catalyze your business growth. Tune in as I share tactical insights into delegating decision-making, auditing your calendar, and prioritizing high-impact activities. Discover how to empower your team to make strong decisions, allowing you to focus on strategic vision, relationshi...

In this episode I discuss a common hurdle many business owners face: the $5 million bottleneck. Drawing from my experience as a CFO, I outline how business growth often stalls around this revenue point due to the founder's over-involvement in day-to-day operations. I highlight the importance of developing systems, delegating responsibilities, and creating clear organizational structures to overcom...

In this episode, I share personal reflections as I navigate selling our Connecticut home and how this experience paralleled with business advice I received from a visit to the headquarters of acquisition.com. I discuss the value of decluttering and aligning our possessions and business operations with our current phase of life. By stripping down to essentials, I've rediscovered joy and calm in my...

In this episode, I demystify the often complex process of preparing your business for sale. From unexpected offers to due diligence, I provide actionable steps to ensure you're ready for any opportunity that comes your way. Learn how to clean up your financials, document operational procedures, and mitigate risks to build buyer confidence. Discover why it's crucial to have GAAP-compliant financial...

In this episode, we tackle the concept of margin erosion and how it impacts scaling businesses. I share insights on how growing your sales doesn't necessarily equate to growing your profits. We dive into common culprits like hiring rates, customer acquisition costs, and overhead, providing practical solutions to maintain healthy margins. You'll learn the importance of knowing your fixed vs. variab...

In this episode, I dive into the crucial topic of building trust online, especially in the digital marketing landscape. You've probably heard about the phrase 'know, like, and trust,' but I believe there's a missing piece in this equation. I argue that trust is not just a byproduct of likability; it also hinges on reliability. Trust is formed through the relationship plus the consistency of behavi...

In this episode, I discuss some of the challenges and triumphs of evolving a business, sharing personal experiences from my journey as a CPA and business owner. I explore the idea that what got you here won't necessarily get you there, and how this constant need for evolution can feel like starting over at each new business level. I also discuss the concept of sunk cost bias and how difficult it c...

A solid expense reimbursement policy is a must and today I'm sharing effective strategies and platforms. As your business scales, you'll need to trust your employees with your money. We'll dive into how to set clear expense policies, leverage expense management platforms, and foster a money-conscious culture.   Learn why sharing budget transparency and setting expectations are essential to prevent...

I'm sharing a personal journey of self-reflection on spending habits and prompting you to do the same. As I've grown my team to seven members, I've become more conscious of my financial decisions and the impact they have on my business.   I introduce two pivotal questions you should ask yourself when making significant spending choices: 'What if my team could see this?' and 'What if my customers c...

In this episode, I dive into the concept of receivables in accounting. I'll explain how receivables represent money owed by customers and highlight the importance of collecting these funds. Whether the payments are due to installment agreements or scheduled future payments, factoring receivables into your cash flow forecast is crucial. We'll discuss the significance of assessing your financial pip...

In this episode, we dive into the often-asked question: Why don't the rich pay taxes? I break down common misconceptions about income, taxes, and wealth accumulation. We explore the distinction between ordinary income and passive income, and how leveraging assets plays a crucial role in minimizing tax liabilities.   Learn why trading time for money continues to generate tax obligations and discove...

I'm joined by HR expert Jackie Koch, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her extensive background in high-growth startups and HR consulting. We dive into one of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship: hiring. Whether you're debating whether to buy talent or build it within your organization, this conversation has invaluable insights for you.   Jackie and I explore the pr...

I recently hired my husband, Jason, into our business. Jason, an adept entrepreneur with 17 years of experience, brings invaluable insights into operations and sales. Join us as we discuss the advantages of his unique perspective, collaboration opportunities, and how this move will benefit our clients. Despite bringing personal and professional challenges, this decision aligns with our goal to gro...

In this episode, I dive deep into the concept of penetration pricing—a strategy where you set an initially low price to attract customers quickly and gain market share, with plans to increase your price later. I'll break down how this approach differs from loss leader pricing and explain when and how to use it effectively. Whether you're in a highly competitive market or run a subscription-based s...

In this episode, we'll dive into the financial storytelling of your business and the distinct roles of financial professionals. I guide you through understanding how bookkeepers, tax professionals, and consultants influence your financial narrative.  Using a unique metaphor, we'll discuss how a bookkeeper acts like an author or ghostwriter, a tax professional as a publisher, and a consultant as a...

You want to grow your business, but to do that effectively, there are certain types of people you should avoid. Drawing from my own experiences and self-reflections, I underscore the importance of steering clear of those who disrespect your time, are overly price-sensitive, and complain excessively. These individuals can zap your energy and hinder your business growth.   Join me as I offer practic...

Have you ever considered the importance of evaluating values fit when bringing an employee or client on board? I'll discuss why having clearly defined core values is crucial and how it helps us identify the right clients to work with. You'll learn about the key aspects we look for in clients, such as a proven offer, a growth mindset, and resiliency from past business challenges.   We'll also talk...

Let's dive into the hidden financial constraints that could be holding back your business. We explore common roadblocks like improper pricing strategies, ineffective marketing, hiring pitfalls, and leadership challenges. Learn how each constraint can impact your path to profitability, and discover practical solutions for overcoming these hurdles.   From ensuring your pricing matches market toleran...