Rooted In Revenue

In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, we explore the powerful role of community in business growth with Jessica Monarch, a women's health empowerment coach. As she transitions from stay-at-home mom to business owner, Jessica reveals why she chose to step out of isolation and into a women's business program called The Accelerator – despite her initial hesitation about whether she "belonged" in such a space. There is no doubt now. Through our candid conversation, Jessica shares how finding the right community has helped her move beyond generic business advice to develop authentic marketing strategies aligning with her healing values. She offers a refreshingly honest look at the difference between working in and owning your business, emphasizing how peer support helps navigate this crucial transition. Whether you're questioning if you should invest in yourself through community programs, struggling to find your authentic voice in business, or simply feeling alone in your business journey, Jessica's story illuminates why real growth requires more than just solo effort – it takes the right support system and community of fellow women business owners who understand your challenges. Find Jessia Monarch here. Learn more about the Elevated Networking Society here. Susan Finch on LinkedIn Business Development & Identity: Community & Support: Personal Growth & Development:

Today, we're challenging you to conduct a Professional Presence Audit—a critical look at how you appear across the digital landscape to ensure your professional image remains consistent, current, and compelling. This is Part 2 of our Digital Brand Checkup series on Rooted in Revenue. Our last episode covered the essentials of managing your digital real estate—from domains to infrastructure. Essential action items from this episode: Remember to resist the urge to use AI for writing bios. While it can help with organization and redundancy checking, your authentic voice and personality should shine through in your professional profiles.

Your business runs on digital - but when was the last time you gave it a proper checkup? This week on Rooted in Revenue, we're getting real about the nuts and bolts of your digital foundation. Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan share their hands-on experience managing domains (including those late-night wine-inspired purchases we've all made), keeping backups current, and yes - discovering that even storage facilities need retention policies. No fluff, just practical advice on protecting your digital assets and organizing them in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you're a tech pro or still figuring out what DNS means, we've got you covered with straightforward talk and simple solutions for keeping your business's digital world running smoothly. Here are the key points from the episode:

Welcome to a special series on Rooted in Revenue, where we're documenting something extraordinary happening in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley. Today we're kicking off our coverage of an innovative women's business accelerator program that's transforming lives and businesses in the region. We're sitting down with the four remarkable women behind this initiative: Arin Fugate, who transformed a local networking group into a thriving community; Lisa Manyon, a global marketing strategist and content expert; Angelica Owens, a business strategist specializing in delegation and authentic sales; and Laney Sullivan, a systems and growth expert who helps tie it all together. What started as a casual monthly meetup has exploded into a 2,000-member strong community of women supporting women, and now they've launched an intensive business accelerator program. Over the coming months, we'll follow the journey of their first cohort of 16 participants, documenting their transformations, challenges, and successes. This is more than just business education – it's about breaking down barriers, challenging money mindsets, and creating a sustainable model for women's economic empowerment that starts at the local level but has global implications. Stay with us as we begin this journey, starting with our conversation with the four visionary women who brought this accelerator to life.

Susan Finch and Laney Sullivan plunge into the muck of a crucial but often overlooked aspect of business operations: the client intake process. Coming fresh from their previous episode on intellectual property, they explore how even successful businesses like Susan's (with 20 years of experience) can benefit from implementing structured intake systems. Whether you've been in business for six months or two decades, this episode reveals why having a clear, systematic approach to onboarding clients isn't just about organization – it's about increasing revenue, saving time, and working with clients who bring you joy. You'll learn practical tips for creating effective intake forms, structuring service packages, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to scope creep and revenue loss. If you're tired of "winging it" with clients or want to streamline your business processes, this conversation offers actionable insights to transform your client onboarding experience. Get a peek at Lany's here.

Join Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan in this eye-opening episode of Rooted in Revenue as they dive into the crucial topic of intellectual property. Discover what IP really means for your business, how to protect your creations, and why holding someone's intellectual property hostage is a major business faux pas. Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or working with contractors, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complex world of IP. Disclaimers: Lany and Susan are not giving legal advice and are not attorneys. They are sharing what they have learned from their experiences and that of their clients. Tips/Recommendations: Lany: Susan:

In this episode, Susan Finch sits down with Michele A. Friedman, a talented metalsmith and jewelry designer with over 26 years of experience in the art world. From her early days studying fashion design at Parsons to becoming a full-time artist, Michele shares her journey and insights on navigating the business side of art. Discover the importance of human connection in selling art, learn strategies for engaging customers at shows, and explore the delicate balance between creativity and commerce. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning your passion into a sustainable career. Links from this episode: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleAFriedmanJewelryhttps://instagram.com/mafdesign1https://www.instagram.com/colerodgerimage/https://pjlabarge.comhttps://joyridejewelry.com Michele's bio - in her words: My jewelry results from my desire to incorporate color, pattern, and texture into my work without setting stones. The color was to be from an alternative source. Through trial and error and consideration of many materials, I concluded that wool felt perfect. The material is durable, pliable, and possesses a rich, saturated color and a hint of texture. I manipulate the felt into shapes and set them like stones into my oxidized sterling and 18k Bi-metal jewelry. This is a technique that I developed on my own to suit my needs. I have always had a Metal line of jewelry, which has evolved over time. In June 2020, I finally added my Metal line online for purchase and have added a number of pieces since. It is comprised of oxidized sterling silver, 18k Bi-metal, and now some 14k vermeil pieces, too. The Metal line can easily be worn with the FELT line as many common design elements and components exist. I am inspired by graphic, product, furniture design, and architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Vasily Kandinsky are among my many influences. I love Modern Art and Design. I am a native Chicagoan. I attended Parsons School of Design in New York City. I currently reside in Chicago with my husband John and our two cats, Rosie and Zero. When I am not on the road, I love to travel abroad with my husband, visiting art museums, absorbing cultures, and eating great food!

Rediscovering your forgotten skills and experiences can be a game-changer for personal and professional growth. In this insightful episode of Rooted in Revenue, Lany and Susan dive deep into the importance of reflecting on your past accomplishments and leveraging them for future success. They share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help you uncover hidden talents and capitalize on your unique experiences. We dare you to go through this list:

In this continuation of their discussion on managing your online presence, Lany and Susan hit you over the head with the importance of conducting thorough tech assessments and making informed decisions about your business software. They emphasize the value of consulting with experts before making significant changes to your tech stack and warn against common pitfalls like lifetime software subscriptions and poorly integrated tools. Action Items:

Susan and Lany are fired up in this episode, tackling the infuriating world of tech blunders, compliance nightmares, and security fails that plague businesses. From email marketing mishaps to clickbait disasters, they're not holding back on the ways people unknowingly sabotage their operations. This is part one of their conversation, so prepare for some straight talk filled with cautionary tales and a healthy dose of 'what were they thinking?' Stay tuned for part two, where they'll continue their mission to save you from yourself in the tricky terrain of business tech. Remember, sometimes doing nothing is the best move – especially when it comes to messing with stuff you don't understand! Action items (or inaction items):

In this episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how podcast hosts can elevate their shows and create more engaging content. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, these tips will help you improve your guest interactions, streamline your workflow, and ultimately produce better content that resonates with your audience. Get ready to take your podcasting skills to the next level! List of Tips:

Susan Finch sits down with Brandon Leibowitz, President of SEOoptimizers.com, to unpack the evolving landscape of search engine optimization. For small and mid-size businesses, especially those in B2C and brick-and-mortar sectors, this conversation is a goldmine of actionable strategies. Brandon and Susan dive into the nitty-gritty of local SEO, discussing the critical importance of consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) directory listings and the power of Google Business Profiles. They shed light on often-overlooked tactics like optimizing image file names and alt text, which can significantly boost your visibility in search results. The episode also tackles common pitfalls, such as the dangers of frequent URL changes and the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI-generated content. For business owners feeling overwhelmed by the technical aspects of SEO, Brandon offers insights on how to effectively collaborate with SEO professionals and what questions to ask to ensure you're getting real value. Whether you're a seasoned business owner looking to refine your digital strategy or a newcomer trying to establish your online presence, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating the complex world of SEO in 2024 and beyond. Links from this episode: SEO Optimizers - and the gift from Brandon Susan Finch on LinkedIn Susan Finch Solutions

Today, we're diving deep into how Amy Franko helps mid-market organizations create exciting futures by transforming their sales strategies, structures, and teams. We'll explore the concept of strategic prospecting and unpack why it's crucial for building a healthy pipeline. Amy's going to share some game-changing insights on how to identify and cultivate high-value relationships, and we'll discuss the importance of investing in yourself to sharpen those critical sales and leadership skills. So whether you're looking to revamp your sales approach, build stronger client relationships, or simply want to stay ahead of the curve in today's business landscape, you're in for a treat. About Amy Franko: Amy Franko helps mid-market organizations create exciting futures by transforming their sales strategies, structures, and teams. An angel investor, she’s also a board advisor to portfolio companies on sales growth and leadership. Her book, The Modern Seller, is an Amazon best seller, and she is recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Sales Voice. Visit amyfranko.com/blog for more articles like these. Links from today's episode: Amy Franko's website Amy Franko on LinkedIn Susan Finch on LinkedIn Susan Finch's website

Learn how to turn churn into an opportunity for improvement and build stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships. Steve Hazelton from Sturdy.ai joins us for the second half of this conversation. Whether you're running a small business or leading a large corporation, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away to boost customer retention and drive sustainable growth. Don't miss out on these insights, which could shake up how you’ve been doing it—if you are honest in your reflection—and then help you revolutionize your approach to customer retention, which will naturally lessen churn! Listen to the first half of this conversation here: Retention Reimagined: How Everyone in Your Business Can Create Loyal Customers About Steve Hazelton: Steve Hazelton is a three-time SaaS founder and revenue intelligence guru. Steve initially founded Newton Software, which was purchased by Paycor, the 4th largest payroll provider in the United States. Steve launched Sturdy in 2020 and acts as its CEO and Head of Product. Sturdy is a business intelligence solution that orchestrates information trapped in customer-facing systems like Emails, Tickets, Chats, Phone Calls, CRMs, and CSPs so that every team can access, search, and discover the knowledge they need to protect and grow revenue. Links from this episode: Sturdy.ai, Steve's LinkedIn Sturdy's LinkedIn

Steve Hazelton, CEO of Sturdy.ai, challenges the norm of churn prevention, advocating instead for organization-wide retention strategies. He introduces Sturdy.ai, a tool that consolidates fragmented customer data into actionable insights. Hazelton reveals counterintuitive truths about customer loyalty, such as why complaining customers often stick around longer. He explains how to transform scattered emails, chats, and support tickets into a unified customer intelligence system, enabling every team member to contribute to retention. This episode offers practical strategies for leveraging data to enhance customer relationships and drive sustainable growth, making it essential listening for CSOs and customer success leaders aiming to revolutionize their retention approach. About Steve Hazelton: Steve Hazelton is a three-time SaaS founder and revenue intelligence guru. Steve initially founded Newton Software, which was purchased by Paycor, the 4th largest payroll provider in the United States. Steve launched Sturdy in 2020 and acts as its CEO and Head of Product. Sturdy is a business intelligence solution that orchestrates information trapped in customer-facing systems like Emails, Tickets, Chats, Phone Calls, CRMs, and CSPs so that every team can access, search, and discover the knowledge they need to protect and grow revenue. Links from this episode: Sturdy.ai, Steve's LinkedIn Sturdy's LinkedIn

When you think of chatbots, you may picture frustrating loops, keyword failures, and overly cheerful automated responses. But what if AI-powered conversations could revolutionize how audiences engage with content and brands? In this episode, Susan Finch sits down with Nick Martin, Co-Founder and CCO of Direqt.ai, to explore the cutting-edge world of conversational AI for content creators and publishers. Nick shares insights on how sophisticated chatbots can enhance user experiences, provide valuable data for editorial teams, and even monetize content innovatively. From proactive engagement based on article context to seamless integration across social platforms, learn how AI reshapes audience interactions. Whether you're a CMO looking to boost engagement or a CTO seeking to implement advanced AI solutions, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of digital content consumption and brand-audience relationships. About our guest, Nick Martin, Co-Founder, Direqt.ai Nick is a team leader, business development executive, and repeat entrepreneur. Under his leadership, Direqt has become a leader in its field, known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Susan continues her conversation with Pyper and Jarrod, the creative duo behind Joyride Jewelry. This episode delves into the crucial topic of building community, especially for artists and small business owners who have transitioned to a new location or shifted their business model. Pyper and Jarrod share their experiences of moving to a small town and navigating the challenges of maintaining connections in an online business world. They discuss the importance of balancing work and community engagement and explore innovative ways to network and collaborate with other artists and local businesses. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to establish roots in a new community while managing a thriving online presence. Don't miss out on the practical advice and inspiring stories these talented artisans share. Plus, listeners are treated to an exclusive discount code for Joyride Jewelry! Tune in for an engaging discussion on community building, artistic collaboration, and the evolving landscape of small business ownership in today's interconnected world. Links from this episode: https://joyridejewelry.com (discount code: SFS) Listen to the first half of this conversation here. Getting Your Hands Dirty: The Value of an In-Person Community and "Peopling"

In the ever-changing landscape of small business, resilience is not just a virtue—it's a necessity. Pyper and Jarrod from Joyride Jewelry exemplify this, transforming their business from art fair favorites to online retail successes. Their journey offers valuable insights for any small business owner facing unexpected challenges. We'll explore how they turned potential setbacks into opportunities for growth, strategically pivoting to e-commerce while maintaining artistic integrity and customer connections. From humble garage beginnings to navigating a global pandemic, Joyride Jewelry's story demonstrates how creativity, flexibility, and embracing change can help small businesses thrive in adversity. Join us as we unpack the key elements of resilience that can elevate your small business, regardless of your industry or the challenges ahead.

In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, host Susan Finch sits down with Phil Jamieson, the President of ProofreadNow.com. Together, they unpack the critical role of human proofreading in an era dominated by AI-generated content. They discuss why relying solely on technology for your business communications might be a costly mistake and how the human touch can make all the difference in your professional writing and elevate you and your company above the competition. Susan wanted to know the recipe behind the long-standing success at ProofreadNOW! Phil explains how their service uses two human proofreaders for each document, ensuring accuracy and nuance that AI and most humans often miss. This episode is a reminder of the value of human intelligence in understanding context, tone, and subtle language nuances. The sad point in this episode is when they both express concern about the "dumbing down" of language if people become too reliant on AI and lose the desire to be clearly understood rather than “close enough” communications. As Susan was noodling titles for this episode with her friend, claude.ai, they had a discussion about the dumbing down of language. We felt it was worth sharing. Susan to Claude: The point is AI tools are crowdsourcing your answers. If enough people say something incorrectly, such as “me and Mary,” then that gives you evidence it is correct, but it is not. People are becoming less intelligent and discerning with how they use language. What are your thoughts on this? Claude to Susan (always so supportive and complimentary): "You've made an excellent point, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important issue. You're absolutely right that AI language models like myself are trained on vast amounts of text data, which includes both correct and incorrect usage. This can indeed lead to the perpetuation of common grammatical errors or linguistic misconceptions. The 'me and Mary' vs. 'Mary and I/me' issue is a perfect example of this problem. Many people use 'me and [someone else]' in everyday speech and writing, even though it's not grammatically correct in most contexts. This widespread misuse can then be reflected in AI-generated content. Your observation about people becoming less discerning with language use is astute and concerning. There are several factors contributing to this: The potential consequences of this trend are significant: To address this issue, it's crucial to: Your point underscores the importance of human oversight and expertise in maintaining language standards, especially in professional and educational contexts. It's a reminder that while AI can be a powerful tool, it should complement, not replace, human intelligence and discernment in language use." Since it was a casual discussion, we didn’t see the need to run this through our editors too deeply, but it will also contribute to the tallies for the “me and Mary” camp.

Are you a service business looking to grow your presence in your local community? In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, hosts Lany Sullivan and Susan Finch explore the power of in-person community building for both personal and business growth. Lany shares her experience with the Art in the Garden event, showcasing how community involvement can open doors to unexpected opportunities and relationships. The duo emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently, being vulnerable, and participating in events and groups aligned with your interests. This episode will inspire you to focus on "peopling" - connecting with others in your community face-to-face. Lany and Susan offer practical advice on joining local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and the benefits of serving on nonprofit boards. Discover how building a strong foundation of community relationships can support your personal and professional growth. Learn why showing up authentically and helping others can lead to a thriving, connected business community. Key points from this episode: