Catapult Your Business

Casey Clark

Catapult Your Business is a podcast that helps business owners navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Hosted by Casey Clark, CEO of Cultivate Advisors, each episode tackles a specific challenge or obstacle entrepreneurs face and provides clear and direct next steps for overcoming it. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, Catapult Your Business is here to help you achieve your vision and goals. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

How do you scale your business from six figures to seven figures?
Jun 11 2024
How do you scale your business from six figures to seven figures?
On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we're tackling a vital question for entrepreneurs: What are the key areas to focus on to scale your business from hundreds of thousands in revenue to over a million dollars?CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Angi Semler Welch, the Director of the 3X Program at Cultivate Advisors. Angi has a rich background in journalism and the automotive industry and ran a successful marketing agency for over a decade before joining Cultivate. Now, she helps business owners in the $200K-$500K revenue range break through to the million-dollar mark.In this episode, Angi dives into five crucial areas you need to focus on for growth:1. Vision: It's essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why. This isn't about a corporate vision statement but understanding your personal goals and how they align with your business.2. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to ensure you're focusing on activities that drive results rather than getting lost in the noise. Angie emphasized the importance of setting up your days for success.3. Financial Acumen: Knowing your numbers is key. From understanding profit and loss statements to managing cash flow and setting the right pricing, financial literacy is vital for making informed decisions.4. Sales Process: Developing a consistent and systematic approach to sales can significantly improve conversion rates and free up your time for other growth activities.5. Marketing: Creating a strategic marketing plan that aligns with your target audience and business goals is crucial. Angie highlighted the importance of tracking ROI to ensure your marketing efforts are effective.Angi also shares the importance of understanding your financials and sales process before making marketing decisions. She shared practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring your business is set up for sustainable growth.If you're feeling stuck or unsure about how to reach your business goals, consider reaching out -- Angie's 3X program might be the solution you need to transition from a business owner to a CEO with a data-driven approach.Tune in to learn more.--Learn more about our guest, Angi Semler Welch, the Director of the 3X Program at Cultivate AdvisorsLearn more about the 3x Program at Cultivate Advisors.Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
Are core values just an absolute waste of time?
May 28 2024
Are core values just an absolute waste of time?
On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we discuss Core Values and answer the question, "Are core values just an absolute total waste of time?"It's a question many of us have pondered at least once.CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Senior Business Advisor Jessica Osborne to explore this topic. Jessica brings a wealth of experience from the fashion and supply chain management world and is passionate about fostering growth within the business community.In this episode, Jessica highlights the importance of authentic and actionable core values in driving company culture and decision-making. They explore why core values matter internally and in attracting the right employees, customers, and vendors.During this episode, Jessica shares practical and actionable approaches to defining and implementing core values within your organization. From conducting interviews to uncover common attributes among top performers to using core values as a guiding framework for decision-making, they provide strategies that you can readily apply to ensure these values truly resonate and drive behavior across all levels of the company.Furthermore, Jessica underlines the proactive nature of establishing core values, urging businesses to invest in this foundational aspect early on. By aligning decisions and behaviors with core values, companies can navigate challenges more effectively, foster a culture of trust and alignment, and set the stage for long-term success.So, if you're ready to explore the power of core values in shaping your company's trajectory, you don't want to miss this episode of Catapult Your Business.— Learn more about our guest, Jessica Osborn, Senior Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/jessica-osborn/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
How does your mental health affect your ability to be a successful entrepreneur?
May 14 2024
How does your mental health affect your ability to be a successful entrepreneur?
On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we're tackling a biggie: how your mental health affects your success as a business owner.CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Business Advisor Jason Infinger to hash out this topic. They get real about the struggles entrepreneurs face and how taking care of your mental well-being can make or break your business journey.Jason shares his own experiences and those of his clients, highlighting how something as simple as getting enough sleep or finding time for exercise can impact your performance as an entrepreneur. Casey chimes in with his own insights, emphasizing the need for balance and self-care in the entrepreneurial grind.Together, they explore how burnout and the pressure to hustle constantly can damage mental health. They also offer practical tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset, from setting boundaries to establishing a solid morning routine.Throughout the conversation, Casey and Jason stress the importance of communication and support networks, both in business and in life. They remind listeners that it's okay to ask for help and that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for success.So if you're an entrepreneur feeling the strain of running your own business, this episode is for you. Tune in to Catapult Your Business and learn how to prioritize your mental health while crushing your goals. Because when your mind is in the right place, there's no limit to what you can achieve.---Learn more about our guest, Jason Infinger, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/jason-infingerWant a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
How do you wrap your head around financials?
Apr 30 2024
How do you wrap your head around financials?
On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Business Advisor Stephanie Magurno to unpack a crucial topic: how to get your head wrapped around financials. Financials can be daunting, but understanding them is critical to making informed decisions and driving business success. With a background in accounting and years of running her own companies, Stephanie is here to help you navigate your business's financial landscape.When it comes to financials, mindset is critical. It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about adopting a CFO mindset, where financial data inform every decision.So why do so many business owners need help with financials? Stephanie breaks it down into two main challenges: lack of understanding and accuracy of data. Many entrepreneurs dive into business fueled by passion without the financial know-how to interpret statements or make informed decisions.But fear not. Stephanie outlines a practical methodology for mastering financials:Start with the Basics: Get a handle on your financial statements, like profit and loss statements and balance sheets.Budgeting and Forecasting: Look ahead and create a roadmap for your finances, comparing projections with actuals to stay on track.Cost Management: Dive deep into your expenses, identifying areas for optimization and cost-cutting. Investment and Funding Decisions: Explore different options for financing your business, whether through debt, equity, or alternative sources.ROI Analysis: Evaluate the return on investment for various decisions, considering both financial returns and risk mitigation.Performance Metrics and KPIs: Focus on leading indicators to track the health of your business and spot potential issues before they arise.By following these steps, you can gain control over your financials and make informed decisions that drive your business forward. Remember, financials are not just about taxes or historical reporting—they're your roadmap to success.So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level, it's time to embrace financial literacy. Tune in to hear the full episode and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes of Catapult Your Business.— Learn more about our guest, Stephanie Magurno, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors  cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/stephanie-magurno/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
Why does messaging help your company stand out?
Apr 16 2024
Why does messaging help your company stand out?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, host Casey Clark is joined by Nancy, a senior Business Advisor at Cultivate, to explore the importance of messaging in making your company stand out.Drawing from her extensive background in entrepreneurship and marketing, Nancy highlights the critical role messaging plays in today's crowded marketplace. Effective messaging goes beyond merely stating who you are; it's about articulating what benefits you offer to your audience and how you uniquely solve their problems.The conversation delves into various aspects of messaging, including the distinction between awareness, consideration, and decision stages in the buyer's journey. Nancy stresses the importance of aligning messaging with the audience's needs at each stage, employing storytelling, and using customers' language to enhance engagement.Casey and Nancy underscore the broader applicability of messaging beyond marketing, emphasizing its significance in internal communications, sales strategies, and change management within organizations.Tune in to learn how to start viewing messaging as a conversation with your audience, grounded in common sense and customer insights. —Learn more about our guest, Nancy Benjamin, Senior Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisorshttps://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/nancy-benjamin/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
Why do I have inconsistency when it comes to performers on my team?
Apr 2 2024
Why do I have inconsistency when it comes to performers on my team?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, we dive deep to understand why organizations experience inconsistency in team performance. To help us explore the root causes of inconsistency and strategies to address them, Casey Clark is joined by special guest Simone Ashkar, Senior Vice President of Advisory at Cultivate.Simone brings extensive experience to the table, having started in franchising before joining Cultivate in 2017. The episode begins with Simone emphasizing the necessity of continual evolution in leadership to adapt to the dynamic nature of human behavior within teams.Key Takeaways:Alignment and Buy-In: Simone stresses the importance of aligning team members' goals and fostering a shared sense of purpose. Leaders must continuously assess and maintain alignment to promote consistency in performance.Confidence Building: The conversation shifts to the role of confidence in driving consistent performance. Simone highlights the need for leaders to proactively recognize and address confidence issues, particularly during periods of change or challenge.Understanding Learning Styles: Casey and Simone discuss the significance of recognizing individual learning styles to optimize training and support efforts. Leaders can enhance performance and confidence levels by tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences.Empowering Through Leadership: The episode concludes by focusing on empowering team members to carve their paths to success. Casey underscores the importance of leaders providing support and guidance while allowing autonomy and flexibility in decision-making.Tune in to hear more valuable insights into overcoming challenges related to inconsistent performance within organizations.—Learn more about our guest, Simone Ashkar, Senior Vice President of Advisory at Cultivate Advisorshttps://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/simone-ashkar/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
What is the value of strategic partnerships?
Mar 19 2024
What is the value of strategic partnerships?
On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this episode, CEO and Co-founder Casey Clark is joined by Deborah Snyder, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Cultivate, to discuss the value strategic partners bring to your business.Throughout the discussion, alignment emerges as a central theme. They stress the importance of finding partners who share your business goals and resonate with your ideal client personas (ICPs). Deb emphasizes the need for intentional approaches to finding partners, recommending platforms like LinkedIn and leveraging personal networks to identify potential partners who align with your business objectives.But it's not just about finding partners but nurturing those relationships. Deb's passion for building connections is palpable as she advocates investing time and effort to cultivate strong bonds. She paints a vivid picture of a vibrant ecosystem where partners thrive individually and elevate each other through mutual support and collaboration.While building strategic partnerships may require time and effort, the potential rewards for business growth and success are substantial. Tune in to Catapult Your Business for more.—Learn more about our guest, Deborah Snyder, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Cultivate Advisorshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-snyder-78765435/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
How do you scale a sales process?
Mar 5 2024
How do you scale a sales process?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Dan Smythe, a highly skilled advisor at Cultivate, to discuss scaling your sales process.In this episode, they delve into the significance of a scalable sales process, emphasizing that having one is not enough; it needs to be meticulously structured and adaptable, highlighting the following key points:Identify Your Ideal Client Persona: Understand your target audience, their needs, and how your product or service aligns with their requirements. This sets the foundation for a tailored sales process.Define Clear Stages: Map out the stages of your sales process, considering factors like the length of the process, conversion rates, and the nature of your business. This provides a roadmap for effective sales progression.Set Clear Objectives for Each Stage: Clearly define what you aim to achieve at each stage of the sales process. Don't solely focus on closing the deal; break it down into smaller, achievable objectives, ensuring a more strategic approach.Identify Key Activities: Drill down into the specific activities within each stage, assigning responsibilities to team members. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency and preventing details from slipping through the cracks.Utilize the Right Tools and Technology: From Google Sheets to sophisticated CRMs, choose tools that support and enhance your sales process. Implementing technology ensures efficiency, provides reminders, and streamlines tasks, contributing to overall scalability.Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and document SOPs for your sales process. This step is vital for transferring knowledge and skills, enabling scalability, and reducing dependency on individual team members.It's important to continue to evaluate and optimize the sales process. Dan and Casey stress the importance of adaptability, considering changes in business size, industry dynamics, and evolving client needs.As you reflect on your own sales process, remember that seeking an external perspective and staying open to improvements can lead to substantial growth. Tune in for more tips.— Learn more about our guest, Dan Smythe, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/dan-smythe/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
How do I get more referrals for my business?
Feb 20 2024
How do I get more referrals for my business?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate partner and Seasoned Advisor Cody Muenster to answer an important question: how can I boost referrals for my business?Whether your business is already swimming in referrals or you're struggling to understand why they're not flowing in, the potential for growth is immense. Cody brings a wealth of experience to this topic. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the transformative power of referrals in driving business growth. Central to this conversation is the PACER framework, which encapsulates the systematic approach to enhancing your referral strategy: Plan, Ask, Compel, Easy, Review, and Repeat.The core message revolves around intentionality. Cody stresses the significance of receiving referrals and actively and intentionally following up with those who make them. Building a robust referral system involves cultivating evangelists within your client base and creating a consistent and reliable stream of high-quality referrals.PACER serves as a recipe for success in gaining referrals. Be intentional in your efforts, meticulously plan your approach, proactively ask for introductions, create compelling incentives, make it easy for advocates to share, and continuously review and repeat the process to refine and optimize your strategy over time.Implementing these strategies is a transformative step for businesses, opening the door to significant growth through a robust and well-nurtured referral system. Tune in to discover the keys to unlocking your business's referral potential.—Learn more about our guest,  Cody Muenster, partner and Senior Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisorscultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/cody-muenster Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
How do you recruit top talent with your company's culture in mind?
Feb 6 2024
How do you recruit top talent with your company's culture in mind?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by one of Cultivate’s top Business Advisors, Yianni Arhontoulis, to discuss recruiting top talent with the company's culture in mind.    Yanni, with a background in hospitality, shares insights into the changing landscape of hiring practices and emphasizes the importance of building a culture that resonates with prospective employees. The discussion centers on the high costs, both monetary and in terms of time and effort, associated with recruiting. Yanni underscores the need to involve the team in the hiring process, making it a collective effort.    Together they explore innovative approaches to assessing cultural fit, such as allowing candidates to "try on" the job through methods like stodging or role-playing. The conversation emphasizes the value of aligning individual goals and aspirations with the company's culture, going beyond traditional competency assessments.Touching on the role of incentives, Casey and Yanni discuss the impact of reward structures on attracting the right candidates. They caution against overly aggressive incentives that may not align with the organization's culture, emphasizing the importance of consistency in cultural messaging.The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of AI in recruitment, highlighting its potential to refine communication and tailor job descriptions to attract the desired candidates.    Tune in to learn how to slow down, invest time in finding the right cultural fit, and recognize the long-term benefits of building a team that aligns with the company's values and goals.    Like and subscribe for more business tips.—Learn more about our guest, Yianni Arhontoulis, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors. https://www.linkedin.com/in/yianni-arhontoulis-108192128/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
How do you create a company culture that no one wants to leave?
Jan 23 2024
How do you create a company culture that no one wants to leave?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate partner and Team Cohort Leader Nick Phelps to answer the question: How can a company create a culture where employees never want to leave?They discuss the critical role of retention as a core Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and the impact of company culture on the bottom line. The conversation emphasizes aligning the vision and mission with every team member, creating a shared goal environment.The episode explores the day-to-day aspects of fostering an environment where employees thrive, focusing on leaders explaining the "why" behind tasks and building trust. Nick emphasizes recognizing individual motivations and personal goals outside of work.While compensation is vital, the discussion highlights the significance of work-life balance, intangibles, and understanding employee motivations. The concept of the "airport test" becomes a practical way to assess cultural fit during the recruiting process.    This episode offers insights on career paths and growth opportunities tailored to individual preferences, underlining the importance of a thriving company culture in retaining top talent.Tune in and subscribe for more best practices.    --Learn more about our guest, Nick Phelps, partner and Team Cohort Leader at Cultivate Advisors.https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/nick-phelps/    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
How do I pivot and move people to the right roles to scale the business even faster?
Jan 9 2024
How do I pivot and move people to the right roles to scale the business even faster?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, we delve into a crucial aspect of business growth—how to pivot and strategically place individuals in key roles for accelerated scaling. Casey is joined by Matt Fox, a Senior Business Advisor here at Cultivate, to unravel the complexities of succession planning and the art of positioning the right people in the right roles.As seasoned entrepreneurs, Casey and Matt discuss common challenges business owners face when scaling their companies. The conversation highlights the significance of prioritizing people in the business, emphasizing that a solid team is the backbone of success.Matt brings a wealth of expertise in succession planning and optimizing team roles for maximum efficiency. The episode discusses the intricacies of succession planning, focusing on creating a future org chart and aligning it with your business's growth trajectory. Learn valuable strategies for identifying key personnel, assessing their potential, and developing a plan to ensure their seamless transition into new roles.Matt and Casey share insights on fostering a people-centric mindset within your business, emphasizing the importance of investing time and energy into your team. They discuss the delicate balance between developing existing talent and strategically hiring externally to fill gaps.Tune in for actionable advice on building a winning culture, developing your team, and effectively implementing succession planning. Whether you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur on the verge of scaling, this episode provides valuable insights to propel your business forward.—Learn more about our guest Matt Fox, Senior Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/matt-fox/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com
Why does building training for your team help you scale your business faster?
Dec 26 2023
Why does building training for your team help you scale your business faster?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, we tackle training and why building training for your team is crucial for scaling a business. Vince Carone, Director of Content Development for Cultivate, specializing in building training for entrepreneurs, joins Casey Clark to explore the significance of structured training programs in employee retention and overall business growth.Vince emphasizes the high cost of hiring and the need for confidence-building through training, both initially and as an ongoing process. He discusses the importance of measurable and repeatable systems, drawing parallels with personal experiences like teaching his son football basics. The conversation touches on saving time, ensuring consistency, and increasing enterprise value through well-documented systems.The episode stresses the impact of emotional engagement, celebrating team members' expertise, and fostering a sense of ownership. They provide practical advice on starting with frequently asked questions (FAQs), creating short, modular training content, and organizing it in a simple grid format. Vince introduces the concept of a "training sandwich," with top and bottom layers covering company-wide and technological aspects and a customizable middle layer for department-specific and role-specific training.Tune in for insights on using tools like transcription services, ChatGPT, and voice recordings to streamline the training creation process and learn how to get everything out of your head and into a system to increase team efficiency and business scalability.—Learn more about our guest, Vince Carone, Director of Content Development at Cultivate Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincecarone/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
Why is Emotional Intelligence one of the most underrated skills for scaling your business?
Dec 12 2023
Why is Emotional Intelligence one of the most underrated skills for scaling your business?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, Jeff Armstrong, the Director of Partnerships, joins Casey Clark to explore the often overlooked but critical skill of emotional intelligence for scaling a business. Jeff shares his journey of discovering emotional intelligence as a necessity in his entrepreneurial career, emphasizing its impact on his well-being.Together, they delve into the dual nature of emotional intelligence, covering both interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Jeff highlights the importance of awareness and agility in managing emotions, not only for business owners but also for the entire team.The episode covers the role of leaders as the "big pendulum" influencing their teams and how emotions can be categorized as either renewing or depleting. Casey shares his own strategy of staying positive by celebrating progress and emphasizing the tangible impact of emotional intelligence on business culture.Tune in to learn how to take control of your inner lives, assign meaning to your experiences, and manage your emotions as a powerful lever for personal and business growth.—Learn more about our guest, Jeff Armstrong, the Director of Partnerships at Cultivate Advisors: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffarmstronghi/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com
Why should you identify the “why” with your clients?
Oct 17 2023
Why should you identify the “why” with your clients?
On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time.  In this episode, Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Advisor David Hardin to discuss the importance of identifying and understanding the "why" in business, specifically in the context of service-based businesses. David shares his experience of working with clients and how he integrates the "why" into their business relationships. He highlights the impact of understanding and addressing the client's underlying motivations and goals. By connecting with the "why," businesses can improve their close rates, increase retention, and build trust.The hosts also provide practical advice for skill-building, such as using tactics like "this versus that" to uncover the client's true motivations and needs. They stress the importance of setting and aligning expectations with the client, especially during kickoff meetings.David's final piece of advice is to make asking "why" a central part of your business mindset, from questioning processes to understanding your clients, staff, and leaders. By embracing this mentality, businesses can experience rapid growth and success.Tune in to learn more about the power of the "why" and how understanding and leveraging it can drive positive outcomes and better client relationships.—Learn more about our guest, David Hardin, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/david-hardin/Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:cultivateadvisors.com