Cultivating Business Growth

Dealing with dental insurance can feel like a never-ending maze—especially when you're unsure whether you're getting the reimbursement you deserve. In this episode, we're joined by Adriana Steinberg of Apex Reimbursement Specialists to talk about how dental practice owners can take control of their insurance strategy and boost profitability through effective PPO fee negotiation, credentialing, and billing improvements. Topics covered in this episode: The current insurance landscape and its impact on dental revenue How PPO fee negotiation works (and why it matters) Credentialing strategies that avoid lost income Outsourced vs. in-house dental billing How to benchmark and track your reimbursement trends Connect with Adriana: https://www.apexreimbursementspecialists.com Visit us at willowcfo.com for more resources and to subscribe to our newsletter.

Hitting a financial plateau can feel like one of the most frustrating points in your business journey—you're working hard, but growth has stalled. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, we're diving into why it happens, how to recognize it early, and what you can do to break through. Megan Spicer is joined by Katina Peters, CPA and Virtual CFO, to walk through: Key indicators that your business may be plateauing Common causes like market saturation, outdated offerings, and leadership burnout How to diagnose root issues using financial data and feedback Strategic steps to get back on track, including innovation, team engagement, and optimized marketing Tools and resources like forecasting models, EOS, and SWOT analysis that support long-term growth This episode is packed with both practical insights and encouragement to help you move forward with purpose. If you're feeling stuck, know you're not alone—and that this is a phase you can work through with the right strategies and support.

Fraud can happen to any dental practice—and often does. In this episode of Cultivating Business Growth, we're joined by Susan Gunn, Certified Fraud Examiner, and a nationally recognized expert in financial systems and ethics for healthcare practices. Susan shares jaw-dropping real-world stories—including a $1.1 million embezzlement case—and provides actionable steps dentists can take to protect their practices from financial mismanagement and theft. From spotting red flags to implementing simple systems, this episode is packed with value for any dental professional looking to strengthen their operations. In this episode, you'll learn: The most common ways embezzlement happens in dental offices Red flags and behavioral signs to watch for How to set up back-to-back accountability in your financial systems Why leadership and a culture of integrity are your first lines of defense How even minor oversights can cost your practice thousands This is a must-listen for dental practice owners, office managers, and financial professionals who want to build a more secure and trustworthy business.

Building a Business Budget That Actually Works In Episode 163 of Cultivating Business Growth, we're diving deep into how to create a business budget that actually works—without making your head spin. Katina Peters, Partner at Willow Virtual CFO, joins us to discuss why budgeting is essential for small businesses and how it can be your most powerful decision-making tool. We cover: Budgeting strategies for businesses that want to grow Why budgets fail—and how to fix them Simple tools and templates you can use right away How to create a budget for business that improves cash flow and long-term success Download our free strategic budget template: https://willowcfo.com/163 Want help creating your business budget or financial strategy? Schedule a free discovery call: https://willowcfo.com/contact Budgeting doesn't have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can gain clarity, control, and confidence in your numbers—so your business can thrive.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Grace Yum, founder of Mommy Dentists in Business, to explore how building a strong community and embracing leadership can help you grow a dental practice. We discuss mentorship, burnout, profitability, and how collaboration leads to greater success for women in dentistry.

In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, host Megan Spicer is joined by Jaime Staley, Partner and CFO at Willow Virtual CFO, to break down the often-intimidating process of creating and managing cash flow projections. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just trying to get a better handle on your finances, this episode is designed to simplify your strategy and help you gain clarity. With real-world examples, a step-by-step walkthrough, and a free cash flow projection template, Megan and Jaime guide listeners through the essentials of cash forecasting and explain how simple it can be to get started—even if spreadsheets aren't your thing.

When it comes to accounting for construction businesses, using a generic accounting program can result in more confusion than clarity. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, host Katina Peters, CPA, CGMA, and Virtual CFO, sits down with John Meibers, Vice President and General Manager of Deltek ComputerEase, to discuss the real-world advantages of construction accounting programs built specifically for the industry. John brings over 30 years of experience in the construction software industry and shares his expert perspective on what contractors are missing out on when they don't use purpose-built software. From managing real-time job costing to navigating complex payroll and change orders, this episode is a must-listen for contractors, CFOs, and accounting professionals who work with construction clients.

Today, we're diving into a fundamental topic for every business owner: what is cash flow management and why is it important? To help us unpack this, we're thrilled to welcome back our resident cash flow expert, Jaime Staley. Known affectionately as the 'Cash Flow Queen,' Jaime brings her wealth of knowledge to help business owners take control of their finances and build a more secure future. Cash flow management is one of the most critical aspects of running a business, yet it's often overlooked or misunderstood. This episode will break down what cash flow management really means, why businesses struggle with it, how better management can save time and reduce stress, and the benefits of outsourcing cash flow management to experts.

We are so excited to welcome Joe Saul-Sehy for episode 158! Joe is a seasoned financial expert with a background as a financial advisor and co-host of the award-winning Stacking Benjamins podcast, where he dives into personal finance topics with a fun and approachable style. Joe's experience and insight make him a trusted voice for those seeking financial wisdom, especially business owners looking to balance their personal and business financial health. In today's episode, Joe will share valuable strategies to help you leverage personal financial management to support your business growth. 

Tax season is a time of high stress for many business owners. The fear of the unknown, looming deadlines, and last-minute scrambling often create unnecessary anxiety. However, with proper tax planning and organization, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with this time of year. In episode #157 of the Cultivating Business Growthpodcast, host Megan Spicer is joined by Katina Peters, Partner, CPA, and CFO at PJS & Co. CPAs, to discuss how business owners can prepare for tax season efficiently and proactively.

Mari Smith, one of the world's top social media experts and often called the 'Queen of Facebook,' joins us for episode #156. In this exciting episode, Mari gives business owners actionable insights on leveraging social media for business growth.

Join us for the first episode of the new year, where we discuss signs that you are outgrowing your accountant. Are you ready to grow and take the next step? If so, it may be time to outsource CFO services. As your business grows, so do its financial complexities. Knowing when to expand and invest in additional expertise can make all the difference in achieving sustainable growth.

Welcome to Episode #154 of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, brought to you by PJS & Co. CPAs! In this episode, host Megan Spicer teams up with Kim Nixon, Director of Operations, to explore how prioritizing customer experience can become a pivotal driver for business growth. Together, they discuss the differences between customer service and customer experience, share strategies to improve client relationships, and highlight the measurable benefits of focusing on this often-overlooked area. If you're looking for actionable advice on transforming your client relationships into a powerful growth engine, this episode is for you!

In episode #153, Sarah Noel Block discusses lean marketing for small businesses. She is the founder of Tiny Marketing. She shares ways they can achieve big results. Whether you're running a small marketing team or wearing all the hats yourself, Sarah's expertise in streamlined, efficient marketing systems offers invaluable insights. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by marketing and unsure where to focus your resources, this episode is for you!

In episode #152, Jaime Staley helps us tackle the question: how do we plan and execute a budget for business growth? Considering that the financials are a lifeline for a company, this topic is an important starting point for any business at any stage of its life. If this is your first time taking on a budget for your business and you aren't sure where to start, we can help. PJS & Co. CPAs are offering a new service to help you create a monthly budget for 2025 and set you up for success. Visit our homepage, pjscpas.com, to learn more and get started!

Don't miss episode #151, where Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a nonprofit tech services company with 95% autistic employees, joins us to discuss how companies should focus on the ROI of kindness and how organizations can thrive and foster innovation by promoting neurodiversity & psychological safety in the workplace.

Welcome to episode 150 of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast. Today, we will explore the power of SMART goals and how they can help you build a strong foundation for growth. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or business owner, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals is critical to turning your vision into reality. We'll explore practical tips for creating SMART goals that inspire action and set you up for sustainable success. 

Welcome to episode #149, where we discuss Strategies for Effective Communication With Your Tax Preparer and bookkeeper. Nancy McClelland, a top client accounting services ProAdvisor, one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting, and the writer of an award-winning blog, The Dancing Accountant, joins us to discuss how small businesses benefit from encouraging and promoting open communication with their bookkeepers and tax professionals.

Welcome to episode #148. Today, Partners and VCFOs of PJS & Co. CPAs Jaime Staley and Katina Peters uncover the question, "How can I grow my business?" and how a skilled CFO can be the key to unlocking sustainable growth, steering the financial strategy, and ensuring your business survives and thrives in a competitive market. 

Jaime Staley, partner and CFO at PJS & Co. CPAs, Dr. Barb Provost, Founder of Purse Strings LLC, and Maggie Nielsen talk about how to help business owners overcome financial fears in this episode. Barb and Maggie have joined forces to support and empower women to take control of their financial future and make informed choices about managing their money. 

Welcome to episode #146, where we continue discussing the crucial role of an Operations Manager. In episode #145, we covered the many benefits of having an Operations Manager. In this episode, we will discuss when to hire one for your company. Kim Nixon joined us again to walk us through the hiring procedures for operations managers.

In episode #145, Kim Nixon, Director of Operations at PJS & Co. CPAs talks about why hiring an Operations Manager is important. There are many benefits of filling the operations manager role. In the next two episodes, we will talk about the advantages of hiring a professional. We will also show examples of their work and talk about when you might need to hire one. Additionally, we will give tips on how to find the right person for the job. 

Welcome to part two of our discussion of the dos and don'ts of managing your money. Maintaining a good relationship with your finances and setting realistic goals for yourself is essential for financial success. In episode #143, we explored several dos to assist you in starting and maintaining a sound financial life. Jaime Staley helps us understand what not to do, which is just as important as knowing what to do. 

Join us for part one of our two-part series, which discusses the "do's" and "don'ts" of managing personal finances. Jaime Staley joins us for episode #143 to discuss the "do's" and offer personal finance tips. Finances are an overwhelming topic, and there are so many aspects to understand, from budgeting to credit cards to investing. Learning how to manage money correctly is an essential part of life, and if you know the do's, you can set yourself on a path to success.

In episode #142 of the Cultivating Growth Podcast, we discuss unlocking growth for your business. Jaime Staley joins us to discuss the importance of industry benchmarks. Industry benchmarks are metrics a company can use to see how it performs compared to other businesses in its industry. This information is crucial in growing your business and achieving long-term success.

Join us for episode #141 where we discuss the Accounting Month-End Close Checklist. Jamie Staley discusses different techniques and strategies for handling this for various businesses. This analysis is essential in keeping accurate data and making sound financial decisions based on your business' monthly data. 

We talk with Rick Watson in episode #140 of the Cultivating Growth Podcast. Rick is a financial expert, trusted advisor, and the Founder of the National Referral Network. He is also the author of "A Firm Worth Building: Running a Better Professional Business." Rick offers insight on building trust in sales and strategies for building a two-year relationship in just a few weeks!  

Join us for episode #139, part two of our "10 Strategic Questions for Your CFO" series. If you haven't already, check out episode #138 for the first five questions. In this episode, we will continue our discussion with Katina Peters about important questions for your CFO. With these five questions, you will feel more informed and at ease, maximizing your time effectively.

Is your business ready for a Chief Financial Officer? Have you started your new financial journey with a professional? If so, check out episode #138 and learn some strategic questions for your CFO when meeting with them for the first time. This two-part series will provide 10 questions that can help in managing your company. Hiring a financial advisor can also be costly, so it's important to make the most of your money and ask the right questions.

Dr. ArNelle Wright is a true leader in the dental industry. She is a certified transformation and personal growth coach, general dentist, speaker, and mentor. In this episode, she covers the benefits of having a mentor. She also tackles how leadership classes can enhance your business and team. Additionally, she discusses the key factors for a successful dental business.

The thought of switching your company's payroll software can cause some major anxiety. It requires patience, research, communication, and team effort. Payroll is extremely personal for a company. Your team depends on their paychecks. Getting people paid promptly and accurately with no surprises is the goal. If you've been delaying this task or need help figuring out where to start, check out this week's episode, where we discuss the dos and don'ts of changing payroll software.

Ruth King, otherwise known as the “Profit and Wealth Guru,” joins us for this episode. She is passionate about helping small business owners get profitable and stay profitable. Today, we will learn how Ruth helps contractors take their businesses to the next level. 

In episode #134 of the podcast, we explore the secret ingredient to business success with Megan, Katina, and Amanda – unraveling the enigmatic concept of finding your niche. This skill is crucial for businesses in a busy market. It impacts their business operations, product marketing, and customer relationship management.

The new year is here and with it comes new filing rules for all businesses. In today's episode, we discuss the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) requirements and how the reporting requirements can affect you. We plan to assist our clients with these filings and will know more as additional information becomes available. We wanted to share what we know now with our podcast community. Please consult your attorney if you have any legal questions as they relate to the BOI.

Many videos, tutorials, articles, and classes surround the crypto world, and access to information is constantly increasing. Today, we will learn from Laura Walter, a cryptocurrency CPA, about using crypto for business and personal life. 

How important is company culture when the rubber meets the road? Is it a vanity term that just evokes feeling of comfort or does it impact the bottom line? Growing your company and profits, requires understanding the connection between company culture and productivity. 

Reaching that next level performance in your business can be draining and time consuming. Not knowing where to start or how to do it can be frustrating. Brandon Pipkin is one of America's top leadership and sales trainers, motivators, and author.  He has trained over 3,000 global leaders, over 12,000 sales professionals and has delivered over 800 individual training classes. Brandon created H3Leadership and the H3Sales Approach to help teams and businesses improve performance. He believes that enhancing leadership skills can lead to reaching higher levels of success.

In our previous episode, part I, we defined revenue forecasting and the components of how to revenue forecast. In the second part of revenue forecasting, we explore how to apply and use this roadmap to help your business grow. 

In Part I of this two-part series, we are explaining the basics of revenue forecasting. This will include understanding what revenue forecasting is and learning how to do it effectively. Forecasting revenue can be challenging as your business grows but it's important to actively participate as an owner. Partner, Katina Peters, touches on the key elements that significantly contribute to and impact how to forecast your revenue. 

Dr. Tracy Brower is a sociologist studying work life fulfillment and happiness. She is the author of two books: The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life by Bringing Life to Work. She is also a contributor for Forbes.com and Fast Company, and a Vice President of Workplace Insights with the Applied Research + Consulting group at Steelcase. Dr. Brower explains why employees feel unfulfilled and what brings them happiness at work.

There are many skills and traits that go into forming a successful business owner, tenacity being one of them. Tenacity is not only something deemed solely for the business realm but in personal life as well. Dive into tips that go behind the psychology of tenacity and grit in business and how improve mental toughness.

Don Schminke, formerly a researcher at MIT and John Hopkins Institute, who is now a consultant for organizational strategic development. Don has taught 30,000 CEOs to reach their full potential and guide their companies to success. He delivers his methods with science and research data he has discovered over years of schooling and expeditions. 

Giving and receiving feedback in the workplace can take your team and leadership to the next level, improve self-awareness, and lead to business growth. Providing feedback regularly and directly is a big contributor to effectively making changes within your organization. It can be difficult and uncomfortable, but communication is crucial to evolving relationships.  We use the book, Thanks for the Feedback, as a helpful resource that explores giving and receiving feedback within a team. If you have ever struggled with how to give and receive feedback, this episode is for you!

In this captivating episode, host Amanda Mulcahy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Partner Jaime Staley and esteemed Author and Business Life Coach Daniel Mangena. Delving deep into the essence of his philosophy, Daniel sheds light on the common challenges faced by his clients, the delicate balance between personal and professional pursuits, and the transformative power of mindfulness in the business realm. Prepare to be inspired and gain valuable insights as this episode uncovers the profound wisdom hidden beneath the surface.

SWOT analysis is one of the most common tools for businesses to audit and analyze their position and environment. Unfortunately, many companies and individuals take the SWOT analysis and throw them into a drawer once it's complete. They never get to the point of evaluating how they can integrate it into their strategic planning.  How can we incorporate our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into our planning without being over-ambitious or biased? Katina urges us to list all the points from the analysis and dig into them with an open mind. You can look at them as a team or with an expert.

We are bringing you a very powerful and impactful discussion with entrepreneur, author and the original Boss Mom, Dana Malstaff and Host Megan Spicer as they talk about Scaling Your Business with the Right Leverage. From people to technology and everything in between, it all makes an impact on the success of your business and how far you and your team can go and grow.

Host, Megan Spicer, and partner Jaime Staley discuss a very debatable topic, multitasking. Listen along while they weigh the pros and cons and dive into the discussion of if multitasking is killing your productivity. Megan and Jaime discuss the effects of anxiety, stress, and mental health. They provide advice on how to limit multitasking and enhance multitasking skills. Additionally, they offer strategies for improving team productivity. 

Join Host, Megan Spicer, and Partner, Jami Johnson, as they discuss business resilience and grit, two of their favorite topics, in today's episode. We are talking about business resilience, how to build it up and the characteristics you need to keep it going. 

Join Host Megan Spicer in a very hot topic that is forever ongoing: Creating Business, Balance and Bliss. She is joined by the knowledgeable Amy Vetter, who is the host of the podcast Breaking Beliefs, an Inc. and Entrepreneur.com contributor, author of the book Business Balance and Bliss, one of the most powerful women in accounting, board member and corporate advisor. The expertise and relatability on this topic about work life balance integration, gets you thinking about how the balance and bliss may not actually be out of reach. 

Join Financial Therapist, Amanda Clayman and Host Megan Spicer in talking about Safeguarding Your Financial Mindset as a Business Owner. We dive into how past experiences and relationships can affect how you use and see money today, as well as how to go about changing your financial mindset to a more positive and successful one. 

Handling a busy schedule can be difficult. Handling a busy schedule as a working professional can be even harder. It's time to organize your life and find the right tools for the job. We discuss 8 tips to help get and stay organized if you are a busy professional.