Help! My Business is Growing

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Collaboration is an often overlooked driver of business growth. It can spark innovation, expand your market reach, and turn challenges into opportunities in ways you might not expect. Yet, many small businesses struggle to find the right partnerships. So what do you need to do to start collaborating effectively to propel your business forward? What are the strategies that can help you turn obstacles into opportunities? And how can you spot and secure the right partnerships for lasting success? In this episode, Chad Jenkins and I discuss the power of business collaborations and how they can significantly boost your company's growth. We also explore practical strategies for identifying and forming the right partnerships to drive success. Chad is the President & CEO of SeedSpark and a lifelong entrepreneur who possesses a knack for uncovering unconventional opportunities within traditional businesses. His passion lies in understanding how businesses operate and reshaping them for remarkable returns. We discuss: (timestamps) 02:23 How do you grow a business through collaborations? 04:25 Making your product-based business stand out from competitors? 07:57 Practical steps to implementing collaborations in your business 15:31 Common collaboration mistakes 17:45 Challenges in entering the collaboration space 18:56 Key factors to consider when vetting potential partners 20:07 Case study: success through business collaborations 24:41 Developing a new revenue stream through collaboration 32:30 Documenting collaboration efforts for strategic decision-making 38:34 Actionable steps to take to start collaborations in your business Resources: Chad Jenkins, President & CEO, SeedSpark https://seedspark.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadtjenkins/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seedspark/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeedSpark/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSD-HmywcGJP4VaDa828dQ Author: Just Add a Zero: Remove the Film, Outperform your Competition, and Grow Exponentially through Collaboration Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Growing Your Business Through Collaborations 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Every construction project starts with a contract—but not all contracts are created equal. If you overlook critical details or skip negotiation, you could face unexpected liabilities, payment delays, and disputes that stall progress. Poor contract management can lead to financial setbacks, strained relationships, and missed opportunities for future projects. So, how can you identify risks before signing? What strategies help you negotiate fair terms? And how can you protect your interests while keeping projects on track? My guest today is Megan Shapiro. She is a Risk Management Strategist, Construction Attorney & Founder of Construction Contract Coach. After litigating construction disputes for nearly 15 years, Megan is now taking everything she's learned and teaching construction leaders how to Do It Like A Lawyer. Through her workshops and coaching programs, Megan offers actionable strategies for negotiation, persuasion, contract review, and strategic communication. Drawing on her years of representing subcontractors, owners, GCs, and everything in between, she empowers construction leaders to win more projects, eliminate claims, and maximize profits—all while reducing risk and helping leaders adopt a lawyer’s mindset to succeed in business. We discuss: (timestamps) 03:03 Contracts for construction and remodeling businesses 05:37 Key points for general contractors and subcontractors 08:36 Indemnity explained in simple terms 11:43 Managing contract defense costs 13:10 Remedies for breach of contract 14:32 Subcontractor liability for issues like water leaks 16:53 Risks in prime contracts for general contractors 17:16 When to consult your broker on contracts 21:37 Fixing non-compliant contracts in ongoing projects 22:51 Working with brokers on problematic contracts 23:59 Reasons insurance claims get denied 28:16 Negotiating contract terms as a subcontractor 31:04 Examples of subcontractors negotiating better terms 33:57 Defining late provisions and liquidated damages 35:31 Reducing contract risks for subcontractors 37:34 Preventing problems from poorly managed contracts 40:53 Addressing supply chain and labor shortage risks 42:20 Options for subcontractors in bad contracts 43:44 Actionable steps to take to improve your contracts Resources: Megan Shapiro, Risk Management Strategist, Construction Attorney & Founder, Construction Contract Coach https://meganshapiro.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constructioncontractcoach/ Free Negotiation Style Quiz: https://meganshapiro.ck.page/81045b49f1 Free resources on Megan’s Website: https://meganshapiro.com/free-resources Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/constructioncontractcoach/ Instagram: 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Hiring and onboarding a sales team can either make your business or break it. If you don't have a solid hiring process in place, you'll end up guessing who’s right for the job instead of making an informed choice and hoping they’ll figure it out on their own. But wrong hires or weak onboarding cost money because it leads to high turnover, frustrated salespeople, and lost sales. You need a clear process to find the right talent, get them up to speed with your business, and keep them motivated with fair, effective compensation. So, how do you build a strong sales team? Which onboarding methods actually work? And how do you create compensation plans that drive results without hurting your profits? My guest today is Aleasha Bahr. She is a sales strategist, speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the Black Sheep Sales Method™. Because if it’s a fit, it’s a fact and there’s no selling involved. She has 15 years of experience customizing sales strategies to your personality, audience, and service (because sales is not a one-size-fits-all!) Her methods empower business owners to effortlessly convert up to 80% of their leads without pressure, pitching or pretending to be someone else. Aleasha’s signature Black Sheep Sales Method is based on 15+ years of sales experience, tens of millions of dollars in services personally sold herself and sold by service providers she’s supported. She has been featured on Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast, Sales Game Changers, Business Innovators Radio, and Outside Sales Talk. Aleasha is also the host of the “Sales Is Not A Dirty Word” podcast. We discuss: (timestamps) 02:34 What’s broken in sales hiring? 04:21 Why experience alone isn’t enough for sales success 09:03 When to hire a sales strategist 11:08 What goes into an effective sales strategy? 16:22 Positioning salespeople as experts 18:16 Helping clients focus on what they need 19:54 Rolling out a new sales strategy to seasoned salespeople 23:51 Red and green flags when hiring salespeople 27:10 How hiring for sales differs from hiring for other roles 30:47 Building a diverse sales team culture and compensation insights 33:36 Actionable next steps to take to develop a strong sales strategy Resources: Aleasha Bahr, Sales Strategist and Founder, Black Sheep Sales Method http://www.aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr Black Sheep Sales Method™: https://aleashabahr.com/blacksheep/ Podcast: Sales Is Not A Dirty Word Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | How to Hire, Onboard, and Compensate Salespeople Effectively https://ww 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! One of the toughest conversations you’ll have as a leader is terminating an employee. Whether you’re dealing with someone who’s struggling or changes in your business, getting this process right is make-or-break. One wrong move could land you in legal hot water or send your team's morale into a nosedive. So, how do you know when it’s the right time to let someone go? How can you have these hard conversations with honesty and fairness? And what steps can you take to make sure the process is clear, respectful, human-centered, and professional? My guest today is Jill Shroyer who has over two decades of HR experience and is the CEO & Lead Consultant of Expedition HR which specializes in helping businesses navigate tough workplace conversations without feeling like a jerk! Expedition HR offers on-demand, on-call expert HR and tough workplace conversation support and guidance through the Expedition HR Subscription (like having a VP of HR on-call), HR Jumpstart (foundational HR training) and Leadership and AllEmployee Training (signature training is called Navigating Tough Conversations). Expedition HR CEO & Lead Consultant, Jill Shroyer, has over two decades of HR experience and is a published author of the book, Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life. Jill is also a published author of the book, Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life. We discuss: (timestamps) 02:48 - Differences between layoffs and performance terminations 06:10 - How to handle termination for poor performance 13:54 - Is the problem with your new hire or the hiring process? 19:25 - Differences in terminating new hires vs. long-term staff 21:29 - What does effective documentation really look like? 27:09 - Setting clear expectations during onboarding 28:40 - When should you offer severance (USA) 32:49 - Handling high-risk terminations 35:22 - How often do worst-case scenarios actually happen? 37:56 - Scripts for difficult terminations and handling emotions 43:56 - Tips for firing a family member in a family business 46:20 - Actionable step to take to handle terminations effectively Resources: Jill Shroyer, CEO & Founder, Expedition HR https://www.expeditionhr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-shroyer-phr-32657411 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpeditionHRUtah/ Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Best Practices for Employee Terminations https://www.newcastlefinance.us/listen/best-practices-for-employee-termi 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Growing your business is on every entrepreneur's mind. Maybe you're eyeing new markets, or you've set your sights on doubling revenue in the next few years. Sounds exciting, right? But if your business isn't ready for that growth, it can backfire fast. What happens when you're not prepared? Production delays start piling up. Your team burns out. Worse, you start losing the customers you worked so hard to get. So, how do you know if your business is ready for rapid growth? What steps should you take to prepare your operations? And how can you do it all without causing your team or your resources to burn out? In this episode, Joey Iazzetto and I break down what it takes to achieve real, sustainable business growth. He walks us through the five critical areas you need to master—covering everything from capacity and customer insights to financial strategies and optimizing sales channels for success. Joey is a national marketing leader and the Chief Growth Officer of ICG Marketing, specializing in driving revenue growth and maximizing ROI through strategic business planning. With a deep understanding of business strategy, he leverages customer and competitive insights to deliver significant financial gains for privately held businesses. His proven track record showcases measurable results by seamlessly integrating sales, marketing, finance, and operations to enhance overall business performance. We discuss: 02:28 – Understanding exponential growth challenges [04:27 | 07:53 | 15:11 | 30:28 | 35:50] – The 5Cs or critical areas of business growth 11:55 – Conducting effective customer research conversations 20:33 – How market research reveals positioning opportunities 21:53 – Managing customer response to new messaging 40:19 – Why sales and marketing drive easy growth 44:18 – Actionable steps to achieve healthy exponential growth Resources: Joey Iazzetto, Chief Growth Officer, ICG Marketing https://www.icgmarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-iazzetto-8741361/ Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Growth Without Breaking: The 5 Cs for Sustainable 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a powerful method to improve your sales communication skills. If your sales team isn't closing as many deals as you'd like, the problem might not be the product or service—it could be how effectively the salesperson communicates. Misunderstanding the customer’s needs, speaking at the wrong pace, or failing to connect can lead to missed opportunities. Ineffective communication can also create friction with your team, suppliers, and clients. So, what exactly is NLP, and how can it help you communicate better and boost your sales? And what steps should you take to start using it to transform your business? In this episode, I talk with Nikki Rausch about how Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) can transform your sales strategy. She explains how NLP helps improve communication and close more deals, offering practical tips to integrate it into your sales approach. Nikki Rausch is a sales maven, sales coach, best-selling author, and podcast host. She integrates her 25+ years of experience selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, sharing with her clients the same approaches that led to her shattering sales records in her industry and receiving multiple “top producer” awards along the way. A business degree from the University of Washington and her master's certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming mesh perfectly to create a powerful foundation upon which Nikki built tremendous sales skills and now provides enormous benefits for her clients. We discuss: (timestamps) 04:19 What is NLP and Why Is It Important for Sales? 06:00 How Does NLP Improve Sales Conversations? 10:16 The Key Difference Between Mimicking and Matching in NLP 15:11 How to Identify NLP Opportunities in Your Sales Interactions 16:25 Understanding the Four Levels of Competency in NLP 19:47 Nikki Rausch’s Journey Into NLP and Sales Mastery 24:45 How Nikki Trains Salespeople to Implement NLP Effectively 25:16 Applying NLP Techniques in Sales Emails for Better Results 28:12 How to Avoid Using Too Many "I Statements" in Communication 40:07 What is Pre-Framing and How It Can Transform Your Sales Calls? 45:46 Actionable Steps to Implement NLP in Your Business Resources: Nikki Rausch, Sales Maven | Sales Coach | Author | Podcast Host https://yoursalesmaven.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerausch/ Nikki is offering a free ebook, Closing the Sale, which covers the final three steps of her Selling Staircase framework to help boost confidence in consult calls. Download it at yoursalesmaven.com/kathy Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Mastering Sales with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) https://www.newcastlefinance. 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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint

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 satisfaction 10:58 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 Week Resources: Adam Wallace, Price & Earnings Optimization: www.AdamWallace.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyofwallace/ Email: Adam@AdamWallace.com Author: (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 plan Ready 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 maps 05:39 - The six key steps of customer journey mapping 11:58 - Why customer interaction is crucial for business success 15:37 - Is great customer service personality trainable or innate? 18:52 - How to refine your hiring process to attract the right staff 21:05 - Hospitality as a crucial business skill 21:50 - How online-only businesses can improve customer experience 23:59 - Why curating the customer experience benefits your business 27:21 - Real-life examples of customer experience transformation 34:24 - How culture change improves employee engagement and retention 34:48 - Training hospitality skills to enhance customer satisfaction 36:49 - How curiosity builds customer connections and opportunities 37:31 - The superpower of maintaining energy in customer service 39:34 - Why sometimes you have to 'fake it' to lead effectively 41:04 - One actionable step to improve customer retention Resources: Samantha Irwin, Small Business Coach & Consultant, Kaizen Small Business Solutions https://kaizen.zone/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaizen-business-coaching-consulting/ Courses + Downloads: https://kaizen.zone/power-of-people-course/https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62293e8a78ab99224ea6e655 Blog post | Improving Customer Retention with Customer 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 plan Ready 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 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 franchise 10:02 How revenue recognition affects your financials 12:56 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 denied 18:49 Cash vs. accrual accounting 25:54 Common issues in franchise audits 27:41 Best practices running a franchise 34:03 Actionable tips to get your business franchise audit ready Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-r-farber-cpa-9a3722/ Related Episodes: How to Turn Your Business Into a Successful Franchise How to Pick the Right ERP Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | How to be Franchise Audit Ready https://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 plan Ready 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 implementation 06:18 Big ERP players vs. smaller systems 07:43 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 ERP 15:53 Preparing data for ERP implementation 18:34 Data types to include in an ERP system 20:49 How far back should data go in an ERP system? 23:59 Connecting different data systems in an ERP 25:17 Common issues on the people side during ERP implementations 29:44 Preparing staff for ERP implementation 32:16 Stories of successful and unsuccessful ERP implementations 36:27 Causes of scope creep in ERP projects 40:47 Actionable steps for starting the ERP process Resources: Allison Cummins, Founder and CEO, of Blue Outcomes https://blueoutcomes.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonecummins/ Email: allison@blueoutcomes.com Kathy 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 plan Ready 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 risk 04:10 Key points in vendor contracts for risk mitigation 06:36 Defining indemnification for business owners 08:36 Must-have items in customer contracts 9:23 Importance of tracking contract expiration dates 13:14 Essential components in employee contracts 16:57 Managing legal requirements for remote employees 18:47 Hiring HR experts for legal compliance 19:55 Integrating contracts, insurance, and business structure 24:37 Instances where the corporate veil can be pierced 27:16 Differences between professional liability and E&O insurance 28:55 Coordinating legal and insurance conversations 34:25 Key discussion points with a strategic legal advisor 36:44 Steps to gain better legal insight and minimize risks Resources: Michelle Bomberger, Strategic Legal Counsel, Founder and CEO, Equinox Law Group https://equinoxbusinesslaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebomberger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Equinoxbusinesslaw Twitter: https://twitter.com/equinoxlaw Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EquinoxBellevue Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Minimizing Legal Risk in Your Growing Business https://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 plan Ready 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-building 5:40 The Four core elements of company culture 13:14 Treating employees well for better business outcomes 17:16 Avoiding the "Penny wise and pound foolish" trap 21:09 Employees are an asset, not an expense 26:18 The importance of employee happiness 33:45 Communicating changes effectively 37:40 Developing management skills in small businesses 43:50 One actionable step to move your company closer to your goals Resources: Michelle Arentz, Workforce Development Consultant, Founder of Lazarus Learning: www.lazaruslearning.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lazaruslearning Email: advance@lazaruslearning.com Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | How Workforce Development Drives Business Growth https://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 plan Ready 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 important 04:14 Common issues affecting employee retention 07:36 The perceived appreciation gap between managers and employees 08:34 Practical ways for managers to show appreciation to employees 10:02 The impact of public appreciation on company culture 11:07 Monetary and non-monetary methods to appreciate employees 16:09 Showing appreciation to remote teams 17:37 Effective methods for remote team appreciation 21:45 Employee training and development on a tight budget 24:04 Implementing an official mentorship program 25:29 Rewarding employees who mentor others 27:41 Encouraging employee-to-employee appreciation 30:19 Examples of successful employee retention strategies 36:16 Actionable steps to take to foster appreciation and gratitude Resources: 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/thehrdeptky Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | How to Retain Your Best Employees 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 plan Ready 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 books 04:50 Common issues with messy books 11:09 Differences between revenue, profit, and cash 16:10 Hiring a qualified bookkeeper 19:49 Tips on weeding out the wrong people in your team 28:05 Optimal month-end closing process 35:17 Actionable steps to take to keep your books organized and accurate Resources: Jennifer Yousem, Fractional CFO, I Love EBITDA https://iheartebitda.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferyousem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousem/?hl=en Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Messy Finances and How to Avoid Them https://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 plan Ready 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 matters 05:14 Managing credit card expenses and tracking spending 17:49 Expense management for check and ACH-heavy businesses 26:14 Working with vendors resistant to digital tools 28:15 Implementing expense management processes 42:21 One actionable step to take to implement an efficient expense management system Resources: John Krebsbach, Principal, Precision Advisors https://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-advisors Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Effective Expense Management For a Financially Healthy Business https://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 plan Ready 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 coaching 03:26 Key issues for construction businesses aiming to grow 04:39 The benefits of having the right team 07:46 How changing your mindset can drive growth 08:52 Real-life construction case study example 16:25 Business alignment & focus 24:29 Addressing operational problems in construction 25:52 Implementing time tracking for better planning 29:53 Explaining new processes to your construction team 31:18 Actionable steps to boost construction business growth Resources: Dominic Rubino, Construction Business Coach and Podcast Host, BizStratPlan Profit Tool Belt https://profittoolbelt.com/ https://cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicrubino/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitToolBelt Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVBkA9GmALX_J7W3iGIy6g Podcast: https://profittoolbelt.com/podcast-dom/ Podcast: https://cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/podcast/ Kathy Svetina, Fractional C 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 plan Ready 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 businesses 03:06 The innovation process for small businesses 04:06 Managing customer expectations in innovation 09:16 Innovation as an evolutionary process 11:10 Identifying opportunities for innovation 13:02 Rebranding as a strategy for innovation 17:13 Different types of innovation beyond products and services 18:40 Questions and frameworks to jumpstart innovative thinking 20:31 Building and cultivating innovation in your business 27:05 Balancing financial prudence and innovation 31:30 Real-world example: laundromat innovation 34:56 Actionable steps to take for small business innovation Resources: 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/57VXey0 Capturing New Markets: How Smart Companies Create Opportunities Others Don’t (2011) https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-New-Markets-Companies-Opportunities/dp/0071825959 Jobs 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 plan Ready 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 performance 04:53 The physical effects of chronic stress 09:53 B.P.M: Breath, Physiology and Mindset 20:07 Identifying daily stressors and how to overcome them 21:15 How to shift negative thoughts 23:09 Breathwork in Action 27:37 Relaxation tips during stressful moments 30:26 Tapping as a stress-relief technique 35:26 The quickest way to get yourself to relax right now Resources: John Hall, Breathwork & Embodiment Coach https://johnhallcoaching.com/ Email: john@johnhallcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnthomashall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhallcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhallcoaching/ Speaking + Media Inquiries: https://quick.callwithjohnhall.com Other resources mentioned in this episode: Amy Cuddy https://www.amycuddy.com/ Daniel Kahneman https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 Kathy 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 plan Ready 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 hires 05:28 How to start the recruiting process 07:40 The ideal length for a job description 08:23 Next steps after creating a job description 13:22 Using AI tools for job descriptions and resumes 14:03 Timeframe from engaging a recruiter to interviews 15:01 Shortest and longest times to find a candidate 16:57 Aligning pay expectations with market rates 21:30 How company culture affects recruitment 25:16 Being upfront about work-life balance expectations 25:30 The difference between hiring a recruiter and DIY recruiting 27:22 How recruiters charge for their services 29:04 Actionable step to take to find the right people Resources: 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/thehrdeptky Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | How to Hire Your Best Employees 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 plan Ready 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 Planning 04:43 Five essential inputs for effective workforce planning 09:29 Defining what kind of people you need in your organization 13:57 Key questions to ask when incorporating workforce planning in your operations 24:31 Common workforce planning mistakes and how to address them 30:22 What is employee experience? 32:49 Job description vs job architecture 36:56 Actionable steps to take in implementing workforce planning Resources: Carol Fraser, Workforce Planning Expert, Fractional HR Executive: https://www.c4talent.com Schedule a meeting with Carol: https://www.c4talent.com/calendar Workforce Planning PDFs: Workforce Planning.pdf HR-Opoly.pdf Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ Blog post | Workforce Planning and Job Architecture for Business Growth https://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 plan Ready to level up? Visit newcastle.finance/blueprint