The Real Bottom Line

Wendy Brookhouse

Dive into the heart of success with Wendy Brookhouse, the Ultimate Wealth Amplifier, as she delves deep into the 8 pivotal drivers of business triumph. From financial acumen to customer satisfaction, every episode unravels a new secret to achieving unparalleled success. Welcome to Season 4, where we break down the core elements that shape prosperous businesses.

  • Financial Performance
  • Growth Potential
  • The Switzerland Structure
  • The Valuation Teeter-Totter
  • Recurring Revenue
  • Monopoly of Control
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Hub & Spoke
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BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Episode 144 - How to Build a Brand Story That Sells
6d ago
Episode 144 - How to Build a Brand Story That Sells
Your business has a story—are you telling it in a way that connects, engages, and drives sales?In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Andrea Sampson, storytelling expert and CEO of Talk Boutique, to break down the art and science of storytelling in business. Whether you're pitching investors, marketing to customers, or leading a team, a compelling story can make all the difference.Andrea shares insights from her career in advertising, branding, and coaching TEDx speakers—revealing how entrepreneurs can transform dry facts into powerful narratives that inspire action.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The Power of Storytelling in Business – Why storytelling is more than just marketing; it’s a business essential.✅ What Makes a Story Effective? – The key elements every great story must have.✅ How to Find Your Brand’s Core Story – A step-by-step approach to defining your what, how, and why to craft a powerful brand message.✅ How Storytelling Helps You Sell – How to position your product or service so that customers see themselves in your story.✅ The Common Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make – And how to avoid them.✅ Lessons from TEDx – What working with TEDx speakers taught Andrea about crafting short, high-impact stories.✅ AI & Storytelling – How artificial intelligence can help refine your brand story (but why it should never replace human connection).Why This Matters:If you don’t control your brand’s story, your customers will create their own. A strong, well-crafted narrative builds trust, engages your audience, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market.Want to sharpen your storytelling skills? Download Andrea’s Storytelling Toolkit at blackstarwealth.com/storytelling-toolkit.🎧 Tune in now and start telling a story that sells!
Episode 142 - Why Humanity and Emotion Are the New Currency in Writing and Business
Jan 13 2025
Episode 142 - Why Humanity and Emotion Are the New Currency in Writing and Business
What makes a story truly unforgettable? It’s the humanity and emotions behind it. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Crystal Adair-Benning, a prolific ghostwriter and storytelling expert, about why the most impactful content comes from real, human experiences.Crystal opens up about her journey, from ghostwriting her first New York Times bestseller at just 14 to redefining her career during COVID. We dive into:Why human-written stories resonate more deeply than AI-generated content.How emotion and authenticity create connections that drive business success.The shift from event planning to becoming a full-time storyteller and creative coach.The power of storytelling as a marketing tool for entrepreneurs and thought leaders.Crystal also shares her belief that emotion is the currency of the future and offers insights into how writers and business owners can stand out by focusing on their unique human experiences.Key Takeaways:Authenticity Wins: Stories told with empathy and authenticity connect with audiences at a level AI cannot replicate.Marketing with Heart: Using your story as a marketing tool isn’t just effective—it’s transformative for your audience.Human Creativity Matters: Creativity isn’t unlocked; it’s already within you. Sometimes, you just need the right guide to find it.Connect with Crystal:Website: www.writewordmagic.comInstagram: @writewordmagicResources Mentioned:Crystal’s Freebie: Bestselling Blueprint (available on her website)Real Bottom Line: Emotions are the ultimate currency. When you tap into the heart of your story, you unlock the power to connect, inspire, and drive impact.
Episode 139 - Turning Tides in Entrepreneurship: Navigating Post-Pandemic Events
Oct 7 2024
Episode 139 - Turning Tides in Entrepreneurship: Navigating Post-Pandemic Events
In this special edition of The Real Bottom Line, we’re diving deep into the world of live events and how they’ve evolved since the pandemic. Wendy sits down with three incredible guests—Menna Riley, founder of Leading Ladies Networking, Tyler Hayden, a renowned keynote speaker and author, and Ravi Tangri, a facilitator and expert in soul engineering—to explore how live events can boost your business, the shifts in event structuring, and why connection remains key in the post-pandemic world.Our guests share their personal stories of how they had to pivot during COVID, from taking in-person events online to blending virtual and live experiences. The group also discusses the upcoming Turning Tides Conference and why this event is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to learn, grow, and connect in new ways. This is an episode packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and a unique look at the future of live events.Key Takeaways:Pivoting in a Pandemic: Menna, Tyler, and Ravi share how they transitioned from live to virtual events, and how those changes have stuck around in hybrid formats.The Importance of Connection: The pandemic showed us what we missed about in-person interaction. Live events help foster that connection, but they now require a more engaging, interactive format.Engagement is Everything: Ravi discusses how to engage your audience, whether in-person or online, with techniques like open space and World Cafés that keep people connected and involved.Turning Tides Conference: The upcoming conference for entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia offers a unique "unconference" format where attendees will get personalized advice from experts and walk away with an actionable plan for their business.Memorable Quotes:Menna Riley: “Consistency, consistency, consistency—you have to keep doing it or you’ll lose it.”Tyler Hayden: “We’ve been missing a place to come and connect... We want to help create that for Nova Scotia long term.”Ravi Tangri: “I realized the blocks I was putting in my own way... and found suddenly I could do 95% of what I did in person with the same engagement online.”Special Offer:Listeners of The Real Bottom Line can get an exclusive discount for the upcoming Turning Tides Conference. Tune in for details and learn how to attend this unique event designed for entrepreneurs.Resources Mentioned:Menna Riley’s Leading Ladies Networking: https://mennariley.com/Tyler Hayden’s Team Building School: https://www.tylerhayden.com/Ravi Tangri’s Soul Engineering: https://speakerscanada.com/keynote-speaker/ravi-tangri/Turning Tides Conference: https://www.turningtidesconference.caConnect with Us:Website: blackstarwealth.comFacebook: Black Star WealthLinkedIn: Wendy BrookhouseInstagram: @BlackStarWealth
Episode 137 - Building, Scaling, and Selling: Lessons from Julie Ellis of Mabel's Labels
Sep 3 2024
Episode 137 - Building, Scaling, and Selling: Lessons from Julie Ellis of Mabel's Labels
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to discuss her incredible journey from corporate life to building an eight-figure business and ultimately selling it. Julie shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of speed in a competitive market, and the emotional complexity of selling a business.Key Topics Discussed:Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipJulie’s shift from the corporate world to co-founding Mabel’s Labels.How motherhood sparked the idea for the business.The early days of Mabel’s Labels and how the four co-founders divided responsibilities.Navigating PartnershipsThe dynamics of working with multiple co-founders.Importance of clear roles, communication, and having a shareholders agreement in place.The informal yet structured approach to decision-making that kept them moving forward.First to Market and the Need for SpeedHow being the first children’s label brand in North America drove the need for speed and innovation.Challenges of staying ahead of competitors and the fear of being overtaken by larger companies.Corporate Lessons Applied to EntrepreneurshipWhat Julie learned from her corporate experience that benefited Mabel’s Labels.The balance between process and agility in a growing business.The Emotional and Practical Aspects of Selling a BusinessThe unsolicited offer to buy Mabel’s Labels and the decision-making process that followed.The intense due diligence process and the importance of being well-prepared.Julie’s personal journey post-sale and why she decided to leave the company shortly after.Life After Mabel’s LabelsJulie’s transition to coaching and consulting after leaving Mabel’s Labels.Her focus on helping leaders at inflection points in their careers and businesses.The importance of intentionality and strategic decision-making in business and life.Top Takeaways:Clear Roles and Communication - Establish clear roles and maintain open communication to navigate the complexities of partnerships.Move Quickly, Stay Ahead - Innovate and push forward to maintain a competitive edge, especially when you're first to market.Prepare for the Emotional Impact of Selling - Selling a business is both a financial and emotional journey; be prepared for the challenges of both.How to Connect with Julie Ellis:Visit Julie’s website: https://www.julieellis.ca/Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ellis/
Episode 131 - The Mental Health of Entrepreneurs: Breaking the Silence with Michael Devenney
Jul 9 2024
Episode 131 - The Mental Health of Entrepreneurs: Breaking the Silence with Michael Devenney
In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy Brookhouse welcomes back Michael Devenney for an in-depth discussion on a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the mental health of entrepreneurs. Michael shares insights from his groundbreaking 2017 Mindset Project survey, which revealed that 68.3% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues, with a depression rate nearly four times higher than the general population.Michael get into his personal journey with depression, which motivated him to conduct the survey, aiming to uncover whether his struggles were unique or shared by others in the entrepreneurial community. The conversation highlights the deep connection entrepreneurs have with their businesses and how this impacts their mental well-being.As they discuss the results of the initial survey and the ongoing second survey, Michael and Wendy explore the increased isolation and pressure entrepreneurs face today. They talk about the limited action taken despite growing awareness and the continuous challenges of financial health, growth expectations, and the impact of external factors like the pandemic and geopolitical events.Michael emphasizes the importance of seeking help through therapy and leveraging online resources, sharing his positive experiences with therapy over the years. Wendy and Michael also touch on practical strategies for entrepreneurs to manage stress, improve mental health, and foster better work environments.Join us as we break the silence on this vital issue and provide actionable insights to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of mental health. Visit mindsetproject.ca to participate in Michael's survey and contribute to this essential conversation.
Episode 130 - Building Effective Teams: Insights from Erin Longmoon, CEO of Zephyr Connects
May 12 2024
Episode 130 - Building Effective Teams: Insights from Erin Longmoon, CEO of Zephyr Connects
Building Effective Teams: Insights from Erin Long Moon, CEO of Zephyr ConnectsIn this episode of The Real Bottom Line podcast, Wendy interviews Erin Longmoon, the founder and CEO of Zephyr Connects, a company that helps businesses build effective teams. Erin shares her journey into entrepreneurship and the importance of building a valuable company that is not dependent on the founder. She also discusses the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring and provides valuable tips for onboarding new team members. Erin emphasizes the need for a partnership approach when working with a recruiter and highlights the importance of understanding your company's unique culture and core values when hiring. She also shares insights on the recruiting process and the importance of creating a positive and engaging interview experience for candidates. If you're a small business owner looking to build a strong and effective team, this episode is a must-listen!Erin shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship and how she became the founder of Zephyr Connects. She discusses the importance of mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs as an entrepreneur. Erin also highlights the need for intentional and tactical hiring decisions, emphasizing the importance of hiring for culture fit and diversity of skills and experiences. She provides valuable insights on the onboarding process and the importance of integrating new team members into the company's culture and dynamics. Erin also discusses the role of recruiters and provides guidance on when and how to use their services. She dispels common misconceptions about recruiters and emphasizes the importance of a partnership approach when working with them. Erin concludes by sharing tips for effective interviewing and the importance of creating a positive and engaging interview experience for candidates.Design a recruiting process that aligns with your company's needs and cultureFocus on culture fit and core values when hiringCreate a positive and engaging interview experience for candidatesConsider partnering with a recruiter for expert assistanceMitigate expectations and be flexible in the hiring process
Episode 128 - From Franchise to Finance Minister: Cathy Bennett's Entrepreneurial Journey
Mar 13 2024
Episode 128 - From Franchise to Finance Minister: Cathy Bennett's Entrepreneurial Journey
In this inspiring episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy Brookhouse is joined by serial entrepreneur Cathy Bennett, whose extensive career ranges from successfully running the largest female joint venture in Canada within the McDonald's franchise system to serving as the Finance Minister of Newfoundland. Cathy shares invaluable insights into the lessons learned from her time in the fast-food industry and how these experiences propelled her into a diverse array of business ventures, including construction, real estate, and even venture capital through Sandpiper Ventures, focusing on empowering female entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, Cathy emphasizes the critical importance of strategic exit planning, the power of mentorship, and the necessity of fostering a supportive team. Her journey not only highlights the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship but also sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the business world.Key Takeaways from the Episode:The Value of Franchise Experience: Cathy attributes much of her success to the foundational skills and disciplines learned from the McDonald's franchise system. "You get to refine your problem-solving and your strategic thinking very significantly with that type of intensity."Diversification and Opportunity Seizure: From owning McDonald's franchises to launching a venture capital firm for women, Cathy's journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and diversification. "Where I saw an opportunity that financially made sense, and where our team had the capacity to expand, we expanded."Strategic Exit Planning: Cathy advises entrepreneurs to start planning for the sale of their business from day one. "The day you buy a business, you should really be thinking about it... because at some point, that time is inevitable."The Importance of Team Building: Highlighting the role of her team in her success, Cathy stresses the importance of hiring people who complement your skills and weaknesses. "Just because you see it quick doesn't mean you see it right."Challenges for Female Entrepreneurs: Cathy discusses the bias in venture capital and the challenges women face in accessing capital. "Only 2 percent of venture capital money actually ends up with women... there is bias in decision making."Mentorship and Empowerment: Cathy shares stories of mentorship and its impact, emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation. "It was a similar path that I walked when I didn't have the capital, but ultimately a partnership was an opportunity for me."Quotes from Cathy:On making decisions: "It's really difficult not to make really quick decisions when every lunch hour... is a make-it or break-it type of experience."On the importance of a supportive team: "If we became stagnant, then the opportunities for [the team] became stagnant."On entrepreneurial mindset: "I got really aggressive on opportunity... it provided more opportunities for that team."On diversity in venture capital: "We investing in companies that are trying to solve very, the biggest problems of the world today."
Episode 127 - Entrepreneurship and Leveraging Freelance Talent with Sandra Reimer
Jan 30 2024
Episode 127 - Entrepreneurship and Leveraging Freelance Talent with Sandra Reimer
In this episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy welcomes Sandra Reimer, an experienced entrepreneur and founder of CoLabourNation. The discussion delves into the nuances of entrepreneurship, storytelling in marketing, and the burgeoning world of freelance talent.  Key Points:The Evolution of Storytelling: Sandra discusses how storytelling in marketing has evolved with new tools, stressing the need for authenticity and considering the audience's perspective.Launching CoLabourNation: Sandra explains her motivation for starting CoLabourNation in 2020, driven by her desire to help others leverage their strengths in entrepreneurship. The platform focuses on connecting freelancers with business owners.Challenges in Hiring Freelancers: The conversation shifts to the challenges business owners face in hiring freelancers, such as finding trustworthy talent and understanding their own needs.Vetting Freelancers: Sandra details her process for vetting freelancers, looking for continuous learners with aligned personal and professional interests to ensure a perfect match with business owners.The Rise of Freelancing: The discussion touches on the increasing trend of freelancing, attributed to individual desires for meaningful work and the challenges businesses face in hiring full-time employees.Final Advice: Sandra advises entrepreneurs to understand their strengths, identify energy-draining tasks, and consider hiring freelancers to focus on high-value activities.About Sandra Reimer:Bio:Sandra Reimer is a dynamic Marketing Matchmaker, adept at connecting overwhelmed business owners with top-tier Canadian freelancers. Her venture, CoLabourNation, is pivotal in accelerating success for entrepreneurs by facilitating outsourcing in marketing and administration. With a rich experience spanning two decades, Sandra has carved a niche in helping world-changers articulate their narratives as a freelance communication strategist. Her influence extends to her roles in co-organizing Communitech’s Future of Work & Learning Peer-to-Peer Group and serving on the Conestoga College Entrepreneurship Collective Advisory Board as a Freelancer Evangelist. Her work with startup founders through Boundless Accelerator and Innovate Niagara showcases her commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.Her Story:Sandra's entrepreneurial journey began 20 years ago as a writer, editor, and communication strategist. Initially handling both content creation and design, she soon realized that her strength lay in storytelling, not design. This epiphany led her to collaborate with a graphic designer, enhancing the quality of her services, client satisfaction, and her ability to sell these services. This experience was Sandra's first lesson in identifying and focusing on her highest value activities - tasks where passion, performance, and pay intersect.As she honed her skills, Sandra expanded her collaboration with professionals like website designers and other writers, embodying the essence of technicians collaborating to boost revenue. Gradually, she shifted towards higher-value work, embracing the roles of manager and CEO by hiring virtual assistants for administrative tasks. This evolution in her professional identity was crucial in freeing her to focus on areas where she excelled.Three years ago, Sandra embarked on a new venture with CoLabourNation, leveraging her expertise to match business owners with freelancers skilled in marketing and administration. She understands the challenges entrepreneurs face, such as being trapped in technician roles or needing skills outside their expertise, particularly in the increasingly complex field of marketing.Topics of Interest:Sandra is keen to discuss several key areas:Owner Identities: Understanding the different roles an entrepreneur plays - Technician, Manager, and CEO - and what it takes to transition between these identities.Levels of Delegation: She emphasizes the importance of delegation, outlining levels from basic task execution to complete ownership, crucial for business growth and personal development.The Challenge of Onboarding: Sandra recognizes the struggle entrepreneurs face in finding and integrating the right people into their businesses.Understanding Your Zone of Genius: She advocates for tools like Working Genius, Clifton Strengths, and The Stand Out Assessment by Marcus Buckingham to help entrepreneurs discover and leverage their unique strengths.Sandra Reimer's journey and insights offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs striving to balance their roles, delegate effectively, and operate within their zones of genius. Her expertise in connecting business owners with the right talent underscores her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success.Connect with Sandra: Listeners are encouraged to connect with Sandra on LinkedIn or visit the CoLabourNation website for more information.Conclusion:This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, highlighting the significance of storytelling, strategic networking, and the effective use of freelance talent. Sandra Reimer's expertise provides a roadmap for working within one's zone of genius by leveraging external resources.
Episode 126 - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Global Mobility with Sophia Hoareau
Jan 16 2024
Episode 126 - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Global Mobility with Sophia Hoareau
In this insightful episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy delves into the entrepreneurial journey of Sophia Hoareau, a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully built and sold her business. Sophia's story is a rich tapestry of ambition, strategic growth, and adaptability, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business lifecycle.Sophia's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at a young age, influenced by her family and her early business ventures. Her professional journey began in the insurance industry, but her entrepreneurial aspirations led her to co-found a business in the relocation industry, leveraging her background in Canadian immigration. Her company specialized in providing comprehensive destination services to expatriates relocating to Canada, including housing, work permits, and community integration.The podcast highlights the challenges and triumphs of Sophia's business journey, emphasizing the importance of a CEO mindset and strategic planning. Sophia shares her experience in scaling her business, focusing on quality service and maintaining a work-life balance. Her approach to business growth was methodical and ambitious, aiming to double revenue annually, a goal they impressively achieved.A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the intricacies of selling a business. Sophia candidly shares her initial reluctance to sell and how she navigated the complex process, emphasizing the importance of being well-informed and building a strong advisory team. She stresses the value of negotiation in the sale process and the emotional journey of letting go of a business she nurtured from the ground up.Post-sale, Sophia took a brief hiatus before launching her consulting and coaching business, Conseil Waro Inc. Her new venture focuses on business strategy and international mobility consulting, drawing on her extensive experience in the relocation industry.Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of building a supportive team, both in running and selling a business, and the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning in entrepreneurship. Sophia's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the world of business.Listeners can connect with Sophia for expertise in international hiring and business strategy, gaining insights from her rich experience in entrepreneurship and global mobility.Sophia's BioA true entrepreneur at heart, at the age of 11, Sophia seized her first opportunity to solve a problem when her family returned to live in the Seychelles after immigrating to Canada 7 years earlier. She started selling healthy sandwiches and homemade popcorn during recess to replace the junk food offered in the schoolyard!Her life journey inspired her to study Immigration first and then Business Management at the HEC of Montreal. She began her career in an immigration and relocation agency as well as a training centre helping new comers launch their business.At the age of 28, she moved on to a more significant challenge: the labour shortage in Canada. She co-founded a company specializing in the relocation and integration of foreign workers to address the pressing labour shortage.Sophia set a goal to double her company's revenue every year, which she achieved with her partner and team. This goal was accomplished through her hard work and dedication to both her business and family balance. The fact that the success of her company resulted in a seven-figure acquisition agreement is a testament to her leadership and strategic vision.Passionate about entrepreneurial challenges, Sophia has become a sought-after strategic partner by her clients to foster their success and growth. Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sophia-waro
Episode 125 - Breaking Free from Business Prison: A Journey to Entrepreneurial Mental Health
Nov 15 2023
Episode 125 - Breaking Free from Business Prison: A Journey to Entrepreneurial Mental Health
Today, we're going on a journey back in time, revisiting an interview that struck a powerful chord with our audience - a conversation I had with the incredible Michael DeVenney about a year or so ago.So, you might be wondering why this rewind is so important. Well, it all ties into a hot topic we've been discussing recently - breaking out of the business prison we often find ourselves trapped in. You see, this interview with Michael, it wasn't just any interview; it was one of our most popular episodes, and for a good reason. We tackled a subject that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the business world: entrepreneurs and their mental health.As entrepreneurs, we're often so focused on building our businesses that we forget to take care of ourselves. And this, my friends, can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. It can lead to a cocktail of less-than-positive feelings about our business and, even worse, push us to make decisions driven by exhaustion and overwhelm rather than sound long-term strategies.That's why, to complement this episode, I've designed a challenge tailored specifically for entrepreneurs like you. It's a chance to revolutionize the way you run your business and, more importantly, safeguard your mental health. You'll find all the details about this challenge in our show notes, so make sure to check it out.So, without further ado, I invite you to dive back into this enlightening replay with Michael DeVenney. Let it serve as a mirror reflecting your own journey as a business owner, and start thinking about your own mental health. Are there steps you need to take to ensure you're thriving, not just surviving, in the entrepreneurial world? Join me in this episode, and let's unlock the path to a healthier and more prosperous business future, together.