Help! My Business is Growing

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Getting your pricing strategy right is crucial to business success. And though it might seem as simple as choosing a random number - it’s not. Pricing is more complex and understanding the psychology behind your customers’ buying decisions plays a huge role in getting it right. If your prices don’t match the perceived value of your products, you might lose customers, miss out on sales, or damage your brand's reputation.  So, how do you price your products so you can hit your goals? What common pricing mistakes should you avoid? And how do you make sure that your pricing strategy keeps you competitive in the long run?In this episode, Adam Wallace and I explore the fine “art” of pricing and its critical role in business growth. He shares the psychology behind pricing decisions, the impact of prices on customer perception, and shares strategies to optimize pricing for maximum profit. Adam is a Price & Earnings Optimization expert and has spent years unlocking pricing power for products and services. After more than a decade as a corporate fixer, joining Fortune 100 leadership teams to capture additional value on multibillion-dollar ventures, he now serves as an interim executive and board member for private companies We discuss: (timestamps)03:13 Understanding the psychological and emotional side of pricing 09:30 How pricing affects perceived value and customer satisfaction10:58 Why copying competitors' pricing strategies can hurt your business 16:05 Customer feedback is just one piece of the pricing puzzle 19:34 How small businesses can win by focusing on niche markets 26:26 Targeting untapped markets by focusing on customer groups 28:54 How our perception of pricing is shaped by what we value 29:15 Why focus and clarity are key to value-based pricing success 31:43 How buyer urgency can impact pricing decisions 32:01 Setting first sale value precedents 38:28 Optimizing Your Pricing to Drive Business Growth 46:01 Actionable Steps to Improve Your Pricing Strategy This WeekResources:Adam Wallace, Price & Earnings Optimization:www.AdamWallace.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyofwallace/  Email: Adam@AdamWallace.comAuthor: (Re)Value: Raise Your Prices and Build Your Legacy (Business Expert Press; July 22, 2024)Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | The Art and Science of Pricing https://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/the-art-and-science-of-pricing/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Customer retention is an often overlooked aspect of business success. When you focus too much on attracting new customers, you risk neglecting the ones you already have. This could mean lost revenues and damaged trust.To fix this, businesses need to turn to customer journey mapping. By mapping out key interactions, you can improve customer experiences, build loyalty, and increase engagement.But what is customer journey mapping exactly and how can it prevent customer churn? And what steps can you take to keep clients satisfied and loyal?In this episode, Samantha Irwin and I explore the power of customer journey mapping and how it can help your business thrive. We break down her six key stages of the journey and share strategies on how you can improve customer retention and satisfaction - so you don’t lose them to the competition.Samantha is a small business coach & consultant and the creator of the Power of People Academy and the Creating a Culture Deck. She inspires and educates teams to create exceptional Customer Experiences that foster loyalty and advocacy, driving both financial success and heartfelt service for brick-and-mortar businesses. She equips businesses to provide consistently Exceptional Customer Experiences, fostering thriving enterprises and fulfilled staff. Samantha's commitment extends to teaching business owners how to make their establishments preferred workplaces and favored customer destinations.We discuss: (timestamps)03:05 - Traditional vs. non-linear customer journey maps05:39 - The six key steps of customer journey mapping11:58 - Why customer interaction is crucial for business success15:37 - Is great customer service personality trainable or innate?18:52 - How to refine your hiring process to attract the right staff21:05 - Hospitality as a crucial business skill21:50 - How online-only businesses can improve customer experience23:59 - Why curating the customer experience benefits your business27:21 - Real-life examples of customer experience transformation34:24 - How culture change improves employee engagement and retention34:48 - Training hospitality skills to enhance customer satisfaction36:49 - How curiosity builds customer connections and opportunities37:31 - The superpower of maintaining energy in customer service39:34 - Why sometimes you have to 'fake it' to lead effectively41:04 - One actionable step to improve customer retentionResources:Samantha Irwin, Small Business Coach & Consultant, Kaizen Small Business Solutionshttps://kaizen.zone/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaizen-business-coaching-consulting/Courses + Downloads: Power of People Academy, your hospitality boot camp: (5 week On demand Front Line Customer Service Training Program): https://kaizen.zone/power-of-people-course/Customer Journey Map Free Download: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62293e8a78ab99224ea6e655Blog post | Improving Customer Retention with CustomerIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Franchise audits are vital for maintaining the financial health of your business. However, many new franchisors find this process challenging, struggling through it due to a lack of preparation and understanding of what it’s all about. This can lead to compliance issues, financial discrepancies, and even damage to the brand’s reputation.So, what exactly is franchise auditing? How does it work? And why is it so important for the financial health of your franchise business?In this episode, Stacy Farber and I discuss how to prepare for a franchise audit, what to expect, and strategies for managing your franchise's finances as it grows.Stacy is a partner at UHY LLP and brings over 25 years of experience in audit and financial leadership experience to her engagements. She is the  Connecticut Audit and Attest Practice Leader.  and has extensive experience completing financial statement audits, single audits, and reviews and compilations for multiple industries, including franchising entities. We discuss: (timestamps)02:26  What is a franchise audit?04:20  What auditors look for in financial statements 08:00 What negative equity means for your franchise10:02 How revenue recognition affects your financials12:56 How long does a franchise audit take?14:38 How far back should auditors look?16:45 How often should you do franchise audits?17:48  What to do if your franchise sale gets denied18:49 Cash vs. accrual accounting 25:54 Common issues in franchise audits27:41 Best practices running a franchise  34:03 Actionable tips to get  your business franchise audit readyResources:Stacy Farber, CPA, Partner, UHY LLP https://uhy-us.com/professional/stacy-farber/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-r-farber-cpa-9a3722/Email: sfarber@uhy-us.comRelated Episodes:How to Turn Your Business Into a Successful FranchiseHow to Pick the Right ERPKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to be Franchise Audit Readyhttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-to-be-franchise-audit-ready/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Is your business growing but struggling with outdated tools, systems, and processes? ERP systems can help streamline operations and boost efficiency. But, ERP, or Enterprise resource planning, is more than just adding new technology. It requires careful planning and proper change management. When is the right time to implement an ERP system in your business? How do you get started, and how do you help your team transition smoothly?In this episode, Allison Cummins and I discuss ERP implementation and why change management is a major part of it. She shares how growing businesses can benefit from ERP systems to streamline operations and how to ensure a smooth transition for your team.Allison is the Founder and CEO of Blue Outcomes, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in Project and Change Management. She is a trusted advisor for growing companies and is known for bringing transparency and accountability to business transformations. We discuss: (timestamps)03:28 When is the right time to consider an ERP system?05:04 Revenue size for ERP implementation06:18 Big ERP players vs. smaller systems07:43 The differences between major ERPs (SAP, NetSuite, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics)09:49 Transitioning from smaller ERPs to larger ones 11:55 The cost of switching to an ERP15:53 Preparing data for ERP implementation18:34 Data types to include in an ERP system20:49 How far back should data go in an ERP system?23:59 Connecting different data systems in an ERP25:17 Common issues on the people side during ERP implementations29:44 Preparing staff for ERP implementation 32:16 Stories of successful and unsuccessful ERP implementations36:27 Causes of scope creep in ERP projects40:47 Actionable steps for starting the ERP processResources:Allison Cummins, Founder and CEO, of Blue Outcomeshttps://blueoutcomes.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonecummins/Email: allison@blueoutcomes.comKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Pick the Right ERP https://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-to-pick-the-right-erp/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Your small business is poised for growth, but lurking legal risks could derail your success. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of growth and overlook the legal side of things. From employment laws and tax codes to those contracts that seem clear until they aren't, any of these can lead to expensive and time-consuming disputes. So, how do you make sure your business is legally protected? Do you hire a full-time lawyer or a consultant? And are there other ways for you to stay compliant and reduce risks without breaking the bank? In this episode, Michelle Bomberger and I discuss how you can minimize legal risks in your growing businesses. She shares how small business owners like you can protect themselves legally as the business expands including how to manage vendor and customer contracts, ensure compliance, and address employment issues during the recruitment process.My guest today is Michelle Bomberger, CEO and Managing Attorney at Equinox Business Law Group. Michelle believes that every business deserves to have the same strategic law advantages as mega-corporations. Her experience as a business owner and entrepreneur gives Michelle unique insights into the emotional and practical aspects of owning a business and how important legal infrastructure is to growth and success. We discuss: (timestamps)02:17 How business owners can minimize legal risk04:10 Key points in vendor contracts for risk mitigation06:36 Defining indemnification for business owners08:36 Must-have items in customer contracts9:23 Importance of tracking contract expiration dates13:14 Essential components in employee contracts16:57 Managing legal requirements for remote employees18:47 Hiring HR experts for legal compliance19:55 Integrating contracts, insurance, and business structure24:37 Instances where the corporate veil can be pierced27:16 Differences between professional liability and E&O insurance28:55 Coordinating legal and insurance conversations34:25 Key discussion points with a strategic legal advisor36:44 Steps to gain better legal insight and minimize risksResources:Michelle Bomberger, Strategic Legal Counsel, Founder and CEO, Equinox Law Grouphttps://equinoxbusinesslaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebomberger/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EquinoxbusinesslawTwitter: https://twitter.com/equinoxlawYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@EquinoxBellevueKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Minimizing Legal Risk in Your Growing Businesshttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/minimizing-legal-risk-in-your-growing-business/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Great businesses thrive by investing in their people. When companies face tough times, it's often due to a lack of workforce development. If employees don't feel supported or aren't given chances to grow, it can lead to demotivation, higher turnover, and team dysfunction.  So, what is workforce development? How does it function, and how can you implement it effectively?In this episode, Michelle Arentz and I chat about why workforce development matters and how creating a positive workplace culture can really boost employee retention and help your business grow. We talk about what makes the recruitment process effective and share some handy tips for small businesses to keep their teams motivated and productive.My guest today is Michelle Arentz. She is a workforce development consultant and founder of Lazarus Learning LLC. She is a workforce MD, helping companies enjoy a healthy bottom line by focusing on strengthening their hiring, teams, leaders, and cultures. She has woven a career tapestry of over 2 decades between corporate learning and development in both Canada and the US as well as spending 7 years as a high school teacher.We discuss: (timestamps)01:50 The negative effects of the lack of intentional culture-building5:40 The Four core elements of company culture13:14 Treating employees well for better business outcomes17:16 Avoiding the "Penny wise and pound foolish" trap21:09 Employees are an asset, not an expense26:18 The importance of employee happiness33:45 Communicating changes effectively37:40 Developing management skills in small businesses43:50 One actionable step to move your company closer to your goalsResources:Michelle Arentz, Workforce Development Consultant, Founder of Lazarus Learning:www.lazaruslearning.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lazaruslearningEmail: advance@lazaruslearning.comKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How Workforce Development Drives Business Growthhttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-workforce-development-drives-business-growth/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Employee retention lies at the heart of every successful business. It's the lifeline that keeps productivity high and morale even higher, making your team feel valued and appreciated, and motivating them to do their best. Yet, many companies struggle with keeping their best talent. Even businesses that seem great on paper often face high turnover rates. So why is it becoming harder to retain your employees? Why is this a recurring issue? What makes people want to leave? And what can you do to really show you appreciate them in a personal and relevant way?In this episode, Kristie Holmes and I talk about what it takes to retain great talent in small businesses. She shares the basics of employee retention strategies and provides practical tips for businesses aiming to build and maintain strong teams.Kristie is the dynamic force behind The HR Dept. With over 15 years of profound experience in recruiting and Human Resources across a spectrum of industries, she embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication. Her mission to provide tailored HR services ensures that small businesses not only survive but thrive in today's competitive landscape.Download her HR templates to help you get your recruitment process in place:https://thehrdeptky.com/resources/We discuss: (timestamps)02:49 Why a good retention strategy is important04:14 Common issues affecting employee retention07:36  The perceived appreciation gap between managers and employees08:34 Practical ways for managers to show appreciation to employees10:02 The impact of public appreciation on company culture11:07 Monetary and non-monetary methods to appreciate employees16:09 Showing appreciation to remote teams17:37 Effective methods for remote team appreciation21:45 Employee training and development on a tight budget24:04 Implementing an official mentorship program25:29 Rewarding employees who mentor others27:41 Encouraging employee-to-employee appreciation30:19 Examples of successful employee retention strategies36:16 Actionable steps to take to foster appreciation and gratitudeResources:Kristie Holmes, Owner, The HR Dept, LLChttps://thehrdeptky.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-dept-llc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrdeptky/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehrdeptkyKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Retain Your Best EmployeesIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When your financial records are not accurate or organized,  it can lead to poor decisions, financial problems, and stunted growth.So how do you keep your books clean? What should you look for in a bookkeeper and accountant? And how do you make sure that your financial records are accurate and up to date?  In this episode, Jennifer Yousem and I talk all about the challenges of messy accounting for small businesses. We break down why this is so common, even in this day and age of accounting software and tools, and its true impact on the health of your business. She also shares tips for maintaining clean books to support your company’s growth.Jennifer Yousem is a Fractional CFO who started her career in equity research. She pivoted into corporate finance for enterprise media and advertising companies and led teams in strategic and operational finance at Sony, Paramount, Clear Channel & Daily Mail. She was part of the team tasked with launching Verizon Hearst Media Partners and as their CFO, helped lead the merger with Complex to form Complex Networks, a multi-platform digital lifestyle brand owned by Verizon and Hearst. We discuss: (timestamps) 03:06  Discovering messy books04:50 Common issues with messy books11:09  Differences between revenue, profit, and cash16:10 Hiring a qualified bookkeeper19:49 Tips on weeding out the wrong people in your team28:05 Optimal month-end closing process35:17  Actionable steps to take to keep your books organized and accurateResources:Jennifer Yousem, Fractional CFO, I Love EBITDAhttps://iheartebitda.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferyousemInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousem/?hl=enKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Messy Finances and How to Avoid Themhttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/messy-finances-and-how-to-avoid-them/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Expense management is a must for any business.  Every dollar spent can either contribute to your growth or drain your resources. And while it seems like a simple thing to do, many businesses struggle with it -  causing bigger financial problems down the road. So what can you do to avoid this in your business? In this episode, John Krebsbach and I go very deep into effective expense management. From managing credit cards and checks to dealing with reluctant vendors, he shares practical tips and real-world examples to help you implement an effective expense management system and protect your growing business.John is a Principal at Precision Advisors, a business operations advisory firm for companies who are growing or are looking to ignite growth. He is an experienced founder and chief operating officer who enjoys the journey of building high-growth companies with great people. He earned and refined his growth operator skill set in a variety of environments, from co-founding a startup (and shutting it down) to scaling an Inc. 5000 business and building new teams within a global corporation.We discuss: (timestamps) 02:25 What is expense management and why it matters05:14  Managing credit card expenses and tracking spending17:49 Expense management for check and ACH-heavy businesses26:14 Working with vendors resistant to digital tools28:15 Implementing expense management processes 42:21 One actionable step to take to implement an efficient expense management systemResources:John Krebsbach, Principal, Precision Advisorshttps://precision-advisors.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkrebsbach/Special offer for listeners of the podcast:Get a $500 sign-up bonus from Ramp to manage your business expenses: https://ramp.com/partners/precision-advisorsKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Effective Expense Management For a Financially Healthy Businesshttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/effective-expense-management-for-a-financially-healthy-business/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Transforming your construction business can be a challenging yet rewarding process.Is it time to scale up? Well, you've got customers to deal with, suppliers to find, building codes to follow, and a team to keep on point. All these moving parts directly affect your finances. Things can get chaotic fast, and if you neglect any of these areas, it can really hurt your financial stability and growth.So, how do you keep everything on track in your construction business? What areas should you focus on to boost your finances? And what strategies can you implement to make sure all parts of your operations align with your financial goals?In this episode, Dominic Rubino and I discuss strategies to elevate your construction business, from specific operational improvements you can make and the financial planning and analysis you need to support your expansion goals.Dominic is a construction business coach and host of the podcasts  “Profit Tool Belt”  and “Cabinet Maker Profit System”. He is also a serial entrepreneur, a proud husband and father, and a horrible fly fisherman. In both shows, Dominic shares lessons, tips, and tricks from thought leaders in the construction industry. With Dominic, you’ll get reality, not theory. He uses real -life stories and colorful anecdotes that help you see what the next level looks like and know how to get there. He’s been a business coach for over 23 years and an Entrepreneur for 25. Over the years he’s had companies in Construction Trades, Contracting, Mail Order, Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, & Business Coaching. His commitment to you is that you’ll learn more in this interview than most businesspeople do in a year. And he wants you to go and apply it!We discuss: (timestamps) 02:22 Common problems in construction businesses before coaching03:26 Key issues for construction businesses aiming to grow04:39 The benefits of having the right team07:46 How changing your mindset can drive growth08:52 Real-life construction case study example16:25 Business alignment & focus24:29 Addressing operational problems in construction25:52 Implementing time tracking for better planning29:53 Explaining new processes to your construction team31:18 Actionable steps to boost construction business growthResources:Dominic Rubino, Construction Business Coach and Podcast Host, BizStratPlan Profit Tool Belthttps://profittoolbelt.com/https://cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicrubino/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitToolBeltYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVBkA9GmALX_J7W3iGIy6gPodcast: https://profittoolbelt.com/podcast-dom/Podcast:https://cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/podcast/Kathy Svetina, Fractional CIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When people talk about business innovation, the top of their minds is new tech or new products.However, small business innovation particularly, is so much more than that.  It's also about fresh ideas, seeing things from a different perspective - including how you use your products, making smart choices, and strategic growth. So what does innovation look like in small businesses? Are there any tools or techniques that can enhance innovation? How does it drive success? And how can you, as a leader, build a culture of innovation in your business?In this episode, Steve Wunker and I talk about innovation, specifically in businesses. What it is, what it looks like, and real-world examples of innovative businesses. He shares practical strategies and informative insights on how you can foster innovation and stay ahead of the market regardless if you are a small or large business.Steve Wunker is the Managing Director of New Markets Advisors, a global consulting firm focused on innovation. He was responsible for one of the world’s first smartphones, pioneered the mobile marketing and commerce industries, and partnered with a longtime colleague, Harvard Business School’s Clayton Christensen, in building the consulting firm Innosight. He’s also the author of three award-winning business books and the co-author of the new book: The Innovative Leader: Step-by-Step Lessons from Top Innovators for You and Your Organization.We discuss: (timestamps) 02:08 Exploring innovation in small businesses03:06 The innovation process for small businesses04:06  Managing customer expectations in innovation09:16 Innovation as an evolutionary process11:10 Identifying opportunities for innovation13:02 Rebranding as a strategy for innovation17:13 Different types of innovation beyond products and services18:40 Questions and frameworks to jumpstart innovative thinking20:31 Building and cultivating innovation in your business27:05 Balancing financial prudence and innovation31:30 Real-world example: laundromat innovation34:56 Actionable steps to take for small business innovationResources:Steve Wunker, Managing Director, New Markets Advisor http://www.innovativeleaderbook.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwunker/Email:swunker@newmarketsadvisors.com Author: The Innovative Leader: Step-by-Step Lessons from Top Innovators for You and Your Organization (2024) - https://a.co/d/57VXey0Capturing New Markets: How Smart Companies Create Opportunities Others Don’t (2011)https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-New-Markets-Companies-Opportunities/dp/0071825959Jobs to be Done: A Roadmap for Customer-Centered Innovation (2016)Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Running a business can be very stressful, as you may already know.When stress kicks in, it can impact both your body and mind, affecting how well you work. If it’s not managed, it can lead to loss of focus, missed opportunities, and even burnout, which can prevent your business from growing. The good news is, there's a simple yet effective way to manage stress called Breathwork. This technique helps you regain control and stay calm during the daily hustle. But what is breathwork exactly? How is it different from regular breathing? How does it help manage stress? And how can you make sure you're doing it correctly?In this episode, John Hall and I break down a number of powerful strategies for managing stress, including mastering breathwork, avoiding getting locked in “survival mode” and shifting focus to positivity and gratitude.John is a Breathwork & Embodiment Coach and a 30-year Fortune 100 tech leader. He left corporate life to cultivate the relationships and purpose that drive fulfillment. Now, he coaches executives and entrepreneurs via a science-backed methodology blending neural science, breathwork, and somatic practices to manage stress, boost self-confidence, and unlock potential.We discuss: (timestamps) 02:35 The Impact of stress on business performance04:53 The physical effects of chronic stress09:53 B.P.M: Breath, Physiology and Mindset20:07 Identifying daily stressors and how to overcome them21:15 How to shift negative thoughts 23:09  Breathwork in Action27:37 Relaxation tips during stressful moments30:26 Tapping as a stress-relief technique35:26 The quickest way to get yourself to relax right now Resources:John Hall, Breathwork & Embodiment Coach https://johnhallcoaching.com/Email:  john@johnhallcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnthomashall/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhallcoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhallcoaching/  Speaking + Media Inquiries: https://quick.callwithjohnhall.comOther resources mentioned in this episode:Amy Cuddyhttps://www.amycuddy.com/Daniel Kahneman https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Mastering Business Stress with Breathwork https://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/mastering-business-stress-with-breathwork/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! For your business to grow, you need a recruitment strategy or recruitment process in place to get the right team in place.If you don’t find the people that can best fit your business needs, you might end up with higher turnover and lower productivity, making it harder to hit your goals. So what can you do to get it right?  You can optimize your job listings, cultivate the right culture and even adjust your salary ranges to attract good candidates. You can also bring in professional HR recruiters. They have the expertise to find the right candidates quickly and efficiently, making sure you get the best fit for whatever your business needs.But how do you actually work with them? What's the process like? How long does it take to find someone who's the perfect fit? And what can you do to help them get you the best results?In this episode, Kristie Holmes and I explore the essentials of successful recruitment in small businesses. We address the different parts of the recruitment process and provide actionable tips on how to set it up for businesses looking to expand their teams.Kristie is the dynamic force behind The HR Dept. With over 15 years of profound experience in recruiting and Human Resources across a spectrum of industries, she embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication. Her mission to provide tailored HR services ensures that small businesses not only survive but thrive in today's competitive landscape.Download her HR templates to help you get your recruitment process in place: https://thehrdeptky.com/resources/We discuss: (timestamps)02:27  Why it's hard for small businesses to find the right hires05:28 How to start the recruiting process07:40 The ideal length for a job description08:23 Next steps after creating a job description13:22  Using AI tools for job descriptions and resumes14:03 Timeframe from engaging a recruiter to interviews15:01 Shortest and longest times to find a candidate16:57 Aligning pay expectations with market rates21:30 How company culture affects recruitment25:16 Being upfront about work-life balance expectations25:30 The difference between hiring a recruiter and DIY recruiting27:22 How recruiters charge for their services29:04  Actionable step to take to find the right peopleResources:Kristie Holmes, Owner, The HR Dept, LLC:https://thehrdeptky.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-dept-llc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrdeptky/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehrdeptkyKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Hire Your Best EmployeesIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Workforce planning is a vital strategy for your growing business. It makes sure that you have the right people fill the right roles at the right time. But applying workforce planning concepts to your operations might be challenging, especially if it's something you've never had in your business before. So, what exactly is workforce planning? How does it integrate into your business structure? And how do you know if it's effective or not?In this episode, Carol Fraser and I talk about workforce planning and its significance, impact, and role in the growth and success of your business. From understanding job architecture to optimizing talent alignment, Carol also shares practical strategies on how to implement this in your business effectively.Carol specializes in workforce planning and strategic HR leadership, offering cost-effective fractional HR executive services. With a track record spanning diverse industries, she helps organizations anticipate talent needs, optimize workforce deployment, and drive sustainable growth. We discuss: (timestamps)02:04 What is Workforce Planning04:43 Five essential inputs for effective workforce planning09:29 Defining what kind of people you need in your organization 13:57 Key questions to ask when incorporating workforce planning in your operations24:31 Common workforce planning mistakes and how to address them 30:22 What is employee experience?32:49 Job description vs job architecture36:56 Actionable steps to take in implementing workforce planningResources:Carol Fraser, Workforce Planning Expert, Fractional HR Executive:https://www.c4talent.comSchedule a meeting with Carol:https://www.c4talent.com/calendar Workforce Planning PDFs:Workforce Planning.pdfHR-Opoly.pdfKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Workforce Planning and Job Architecture for Business Growthhttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/workforce-planning-and-job-architecture-for-business-growth/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! In the world of successful businesses, effective leadership alignment is crucial. When a company succeeds, it's often because its leaders make sure that everyone in the company understands, agrees, and works together to achieve its goals - that their strategies match the overall vision and objectives. This alignment fuels growth and success. However, when it's missing, people tend to focus on their own agendas, which can derail progress and cause problems. So, what exactly is leadership alignment? How can you achieve it in your business?  And why is it so important for success?In this episode, Andy Katzman and I talk about leadership alignment, what it is, why it’s important, and how it is a driving force in achieving sustainable business growth. He also shares tips, tools, and strategies on how you can foster this alignment with your team members whatever the size of your business.Andy is the Founder and CEO of  Andy Katzman Small Business Advising. He is a Human Resources and operations executive and expert with over 20 years of experience and has designed and implemented HR strategies for many businesses in a variety of industries and lifecycle stages.We discuss: (timestamps)01:55  Importance of leadership alignment03:53 Transparent communication with employees05:27 The negative impact of silos on businesses07:27  Small business human resources advising 09:33  Tools to use for addressing misalignment11:32 Creating a safe space for employee-leadership communication13:43 Receiving and acting upon employee feedback constructively16:11  Real-life examples of those who did not heed the advice19:13  Upholding company values and culture25:03 Assessing cultural fit pre-mergers and acquisitions26:19 Cultural alignment in business acquisitions29:42 Addressing data limitations in small businesses' human resources30:12 Actionable steps to take in achieving leadership alignment Resources:Andy Katzman, Founder, Andy Katzman Small Business Advising  https://aksba.net/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-katzman-a5b92117/Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Achieve Leadership Alignmenthttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-to-achieve-leadership-alignment/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When your business becomes a victim of financial fraud, specifically check fraud, it can be a total nightmare. Not only will you lose money but you'll also lose time in trying to track it down, closing your account, and talking to your bank, lawyers, and the authorities. Depending on the size of the theft, it can affect your operations. You may not be able to pay your employees and your suppliers, damaging your reputation and it may even lead to legal action against you.So what can you do to protect your business? What are the red flags to watch out for?  What are the different forms of check fraud?And what can you do to try and get your money back?In this episode, Courtney Olson and I discuss the rising threat of Check Fraud and its impact on your growing business. We uncover common fraud tactics and share practical tips to safeguard your business finances.Courtney is the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of First Bank Chicago and is responsible for supporting the Bank’s growth and expansion through developing strong business relationships within the local marketplace. She utilizes her background in sales, lending, and deposits to assist clients and prospects in designing a holistic banking strategy.We discuss: (timestamps)02:04 The different types of financial Fraud04:08 How to recognize check fraud08:03 Prevention strategies against the check, ACH, and wire fraud11:38 What is Positive Pay?13:56 Addressing the limitations of Positive Pay 15:58 Managing significant Bank-Approved unauthorized transactions22:25 How the ACH Positive Pay System works24:20 Actionable steps to take to protect your business from check or financial fraudResources:Courtney A. Olson, Senior Vice President / Managing Director, First Bank Chicagohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-a-olson-6865b410/Website -https://www.firstbankchicago.com/Contact Info - colson@firstbankchicago.comKathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Prevent Check Fraudhttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-to-prevent-check-fraud/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When hiring for a new position, it's crucial to get it right.  Hiring mistakes can be costly and disruptive, affecting productivity, team morale, and your bottom line. Making the wrong choice can also mean wasted time, resources, and opportunities for your company to grow. But how do you avoid making hiring mistakes? What are the red flags to watch out for? And how do you pick the right people who will bring your business to the next level?In this episode, Jamie Van Cuyk and I explore the ins and outs of Hiring Mistakes and how they can affect your growing business. We discuss what can trip up your hiring process and provide actionable tips to avoid them. Jamie Van Cuyk is the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. Drawing from over ten years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their first team members, including employees and long-term contractors. By learning the dynamics of each company and their specific needs, she helps them find their perfect-fit, long-lasting team members and avoid the hiring and firing cycle. We discuss: (timestamps)02:01 Common hiring mistakes by small businesses04:52  Defining your hiring needs07:41 Creating strategic hiring plans 10:34 The differences between hiring for tactical vs leadership positions15:38 Interview questions to determine if candidates are tacticians or more strategic 17:20 Spotting hiring and interview red flags 22:44 Balancing gut instincts and bias when hiring24:53 The average number of interview rounds for a position28:30 Evaluating candidates through paid assignments32:42 Actionable steps to take to get your hiring rightResources:Jamie Van Cuyk, CEO and Lead Strategist, Growing Your Teamhttps://growingyourteam.com/ Contact Info: jamie@growingyourteam.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowingYourTeamInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/growingyourteam/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamievancuyk/ Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | How to Avoid Hiring Mistakeshttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/how-to-avoiding-hiring-mistakes/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! One of the most creative and simple ways to grow a business is by taking the Appreciation Marketing approach. It’s a strategy that can help you strengthen your relationships with your customers by showing your appreciation and that you genuinely care about them. It's a common problem in many businesses. You might just be too busy to stop and take time to acknowledge your customers, partners, and even those in your network. You might be focused on making sales or just not sure how to go about building these connections without coming across as insincere or inauthentic.But by using Appreciation Marketing strategies, you can stop yourself from alienating your customers and instead grow a loyal following. This will in turn, lead to increased engagement with your business and your sales. The sad reality is though when companies fail to show genuine appreciation, they can alienate their customers and miss the chance to grow a loyal following. Even worse, the competition can quickly take over and leave them behind. But what exactly is Appreciation Marketing? How does it work? How can you use it? And how does it help grow your business?In this episode, Curtis Lewsey and I discuss Appreciation Marketing and its impact on building genuine relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders. We explore what it is, how it works, and how to implement it effectively for long-term success.Curtis Lewsey is the Author of Appreciation Marketing ® and Founder of AMcards.com. With over 15 years of experience in the sales and marketing industry, Curtis has carved a remarkable path by understanding the true essence of relationships. He is the co-author of the national best-selling book, Appreciation Marketing® - How to Achieve Greatness Through Gratitude. He then started AMcards which helps businesses implement an automated Appreciation Marketing® Strategy - a simple, inexpensive, and highly effective system for long-term follow-up with real greeting cards.We discuss: (timestamps)02:35 What is Appreciation Marketing03:43 The financial impact of Appreciation Marketing13:57 Appreciation Marketing as a better approach to making sales16:35  Building meaningful relationships through personalization24:30 Automation can help streamline personalization.33:30 Generic vs personalized gifts37:32 Actionable steps to take to implement Appreciation MarketingResources:Curtis Lewsey , Author of Appreciation Marketing ® and Founder of AMcards.com https://amcards.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clewsey/Email - Curtis@AMCards.comAuthor -Appreciation Marketing, How to Achieve Greatness Through GratitudeSign up for a free cardIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When your business grows, expect to get busy. But what happens when there is just too much on your plate? You might need an Executive Assistant (EA).It's a pivotal role within the organizational structure, providing crucial support to CEOs while helping steer the company toward success. So how do you go about hiring one?What do they do?Do you really need one?How do you manage their responsibilities? And how do they help grow your business?In this episode, Gina Cotner and I talk about the pivotal role Executive Assistants play in business growth, covering essential topics such as how to choose one, how to build trust, and, the art of delegation.Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual Executive Assistants around the United States with swamped and successful entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber Executive Assistants work part-time, from home, taking many tasks and projects off the plate of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are needed most.We discuss: (timestamps)02:16 Introduction to Executive Assistants 04:30 When is it time to get an EA06:27 What is a Chief of Staff?09:32 What are the qualities of a Chief of Staff? 13:41 Core Responsibilities of EAs 16:34 How EAs can manage your inbox20:37 What type of work do EAs generally excel in?22:03 How much managing will EAs need?25:54  Questions to ask to determine if an EA is the right fit29:50 EA costs35:13 The pros and cons of using an agency to hire an EA36:40 Agency culture vs your business culture38:13 Actionable step to take to figure out if you need an Executive AssistantResources:Gina Cotner,  CEO,  Athena Executive Serviceswww.athenaexecutiveservices.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaeaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/AthenaVirtualAssistantsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_servicesYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@athenaexecutiveservices5248LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-executive-services/FREE RESOURCE: Schedule an initial call with Gina: https://athenaexecutiveservices.com/explore-hiring-a-va/Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Finding the Right Executive Assistanthttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/findiIs your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! If your small business is currently growing, it might be time to professionalize your operations. The tools and methods that worked when you started may no longer work for you now that you're expanding. Without upgrading your ways of working, your business can fail. Inefficient processes and disorganization can hold you back, allowing the competition to leave you behind. So, how do you professionalize your operations?What are the specific steps to get started?How does optimizing your systems lead to sustainable success?  And how do you streamline, standardize, and systematize things the right way? In this episode, Whitney Hahn and I discuss professionalizing your business operations; what it means, and why it’s important for growing businesses. She shared strategies for scaling smart and also provided insights on finding your customers and case studies on how to set up your operations for growth.Whitney Hahn is the CEO of ProvokeBetter.com and a “Business Made Simple” Certified Coach since 2020. She is on a mission to help owner-makers grow their business while OUTgrowing their busy-ness. And guides small businesses through transformative frameworks, earning a reputation as a catalyst for thriving revenue machines. We discuss: (timestamps)01:54 What it means to "professionalize business operations" 4:51Managing the challenges in scaling business operations 06:59 Understanding your target market is essential for business success11:24  Identifying and addressing your customer’s core business problems  21:36 Professionalizing business operations25:41 The importance of documenting processes and procedures26:29 Providing clear guidelines for success  28:25 Tools to help with optimization29:24 Avoiding the "busyness trap" 30:23 Normalize learning from mistakes 31:58 Case study: Optimizing business operations 40:48 Actionable step to take to start professionalizing business operationsResources:Whitney Hahn, Small Business Advisor and Trainer, ProvokeBetterhttps://provokebetter.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyhahn/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/provokebetterYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@provokebetterContact: https://provokebetter.com/contact/For a free business readiness assessment, visit https://provokebetter.com/help/Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/Blog post | Driving Growth with Professionalized Business Operationshttps://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/driving-growth-with-professionalized-business-operations/Is your growth causing financial headaches? Sales up, but profits lagging? Financial practices stuck in entry level mode?Don't worry, it's not you—it's your financial setup.Introducing NextGen Finance Blueprint by NewCastle Finance. This CFO-led roadmap: • Brings fuzzy finances into focus • Gives you a clear money picture • Creates a step-by-step action planReady to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint