Profit and Impact

Today we're taking inspiration from the classic Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to ease our agencies' inflation woes.

This week we're kicking off a series about inflation that will help you adjust your agency's financial strategy—and to kick some inflation ass.

Is your bank account acting like a true friend, or more like a frenemy? Let's talk about how to repair that toxic relationship. And by the way—I have a course called the “Cost Calculator” that can help you avoid this problem in the future. It's been discontinued, but if you rate and review the pod, I'll send it to you for free.

Today's a two-minute episode, so you know we're getting real .  We're talking about distorted realities and the problems it can create for your agency, if you're not careful. Oh, and here's the link to the blog post that was mentioned, in case you wanted to go check it out: Lessons in Financial Toughness From The Karate Kid

How are monthly subscriptions and spinach alike?  Hint: they can't be left on their own for too long. Let's look at why those sweet little monthly subscriptions can be a big help—or a big pain in your wallet.

Repeat after me: The accountant is not out to get me. Let's talk about how you two can communicate to make this relationship work.

Ever feel like you and your employees weren't on the same page, with disheartening results? Let's talk about how effective communication with your employees can have a positive impact on your profits.

Ever feel like you and your employees weren't on the same page, with disheartening results? Let's talk about how effective communication with your employees can have a positive impact on your profits.

We know how much you want to, but DON'T DO IT. It can save your ass….ets later down the line! Today we're talking about why you don't always need to resort to desperate measures right away.

This one's a little bit longer than 90 seconds, but we think it's worth a little bit more time. Let's talk about the effect that dread can have on your productivity—and how we can fight back.

We're excited to bring something new to you here at the Profit and Impact Network! Get ready for short bits of advice from everyone's favorite long-winded finance guy.

In this episode Bridget shares with us a spot on Twitter strategy to grow your reach. She also shares her strategy for dealing with up the up an downs of business and life. It's an interesting take on producing content that is not only cathartic but profitable.

Accessible websites - a great example of how profit and impact go hand in hand. Kicking off our next season Is a podcast I wanted to do for awhile but need the perfect guest. Boy did I find her - Bet Hannon is the go to accessibility expert in many big Facebook groups and other WordPress events. Her and Nev go in depth what you need to know:Can I use a plugin?What are plugins are good?What's my liability?What's your take on the future of accessibility?How can I convince a client they should add this on to the project?How can I make a profit doing this?

Recurring revenue is pretty great to have but to get consistent, profitable recurring revenue you need a system to not earn the right customer but keep them. Lindsay lays out a process she developed over time for her SaaS that any agency or SaaS can apply to their business. You'll learn: A six step process to finding qualified leads, starting the relationship out right and keeping them happy for the long term.

Price is obviously one of the main drivers of profits but as the story of Atarim shows it's also a signal to attract the right kind of client.  And by right kind I mean the very profitable and less hassle kind.   Vito, founder of Atarim and formerly WP Feedback talks about how pricing properly allows you to start a business that makes enough money to not be starved for the resources it needs to grow.  Having had the ability to continually improve the product over time he was able to take on a massive rebrand and double the size of his company and do 2 years of sales in 6 months.  This in turn allowed him to pull off the beautiful combo of sky rocketing profits while also lower stress.   Find out more about Atarim:https://atarim.io/

Come tax time everyone wants to lower their taxes.  Often you end up writing big checks in April and your first thought is tell me how I can lower what I owe in taxes.  The answer regrettably is not much.  Nev shares the big thing we should do now and why most of us won't do it and the rest don't want to do it.  This isn't one size fits all advice but it is what we you need to do to increase your profits by lowering your taxes for your business.

Jimmy Rose is a master of productivity and the client experience.  In this episode Nev and Jimmy talk about agency life and life beyond the agency.   Some highlights are:How to make new clients to stay profitable, happy, and on track to complete the project on deadline.  An innovative way to turn internet trolls into new content.A fast and highly profitable way to grow your existing plug in or SaaS  Links Jimmy mentioned in during the show:My 5 favourite productivity systems - On the homepage at https://jimmyrose.meContent Snare free trial - https://contentsnare.com Connect with Jimmy: Twitter - https://twitter.com/_jimmyroseFacebook - https://facebook.com/jimmyrosepageInstagram - https://instagram.com/getjimmyroseLinked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrose0/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfG0GuJW2KMQOyAtlx1XggJimmy's Companies:Content Snare - https://contentsnare.comJimmy Rose / Zapier Mastery Course - https://jimmyrose.me/zapier-mastery/Agency Highway - https://agencyhighway.com

Nev compassionately answers an internet trolls claim that there is no such thing as a compassionate capitalist. He explains how to ACT like a compassionate capitalist using his ACT framework.

Running an agency often means dealing with and overseeing many different things at once, from the copy and offers on your website to the processes that pin down everything you do - and that's before you even get to the client work.  Some days, it will probably feel like you can't seem to get control over all of the moving parts long enough to take a breath (and maybe eat a peanut butter cup #obsessed) - but there is some good news:  Even in the most chaotic agency environment, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you always have control over your next move.  Leveraging your network, starting a side hustle, focusing all your energy on boosting profits in your existing agency business - all of these things have the potential to be highly profitable business activities.  There's just one problem: as profitable activities often are, all of these activities are resource-intensive, requiring resources, processes, and energy - and sometimes, you just don't  Of course, for all the times when you find yourself falling asleep in front of a screen at 3 am with four hours of work still waiting on your final approval, there is another option:  Get someone else in control.  That's what Robert Jacobi would do. As the Director of the WordPress unit at cloud hosting platform Cloudways and former President of Joomla, he knows a few things about growing businesses, managing risk, and making decisions that have an impact.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Robert shares his tips for running a profitable, consumer-friendly business, from getting the right people on your team to cutting through the jargon.  So what's this episode really about? The thing that all people really want out of tech companies (it's simpler than you think)How to set up processes for controlling costs and mitigating risk Why you should always create a financial “runway” for your startupThe best back-to-basics tip for running a profitable business  Why you should listen  We all want to feel like we're in control of the direction our lives and businesses are moving in, but sometimes, the best way to exercise that control is to hire someone with the expertise to help. This episode will give you a whole new perspective on what it means to make a difference, whether that's through charity, philanthropy, or building processes to keep your costs under control.  Links  Nev Harris  Robert Jacobi You can quote me on that… “Every day or on the job, at whatever job, you're packing away a whole bunch of information that is insanely valuable.” - Robert Jacobi “Often, we [mistakenly believe that] the desire to have an impact, the desire to create change, the desire to do good things has to be mutually exclusive from making a profit. I believe, passionately, that profit is what allows you to make that impact.” - Nev Harris  “I'd rather be giving the money to help out causes I care about than begging people for the money to help causes I care about.” - Nev Harris  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here. 

In years to come, whenever someone asks about the biggest economic disaster in my lifetime, COVID will almost definitely make the list - but it won't be the only one.  Twenty years from now, it might not even be the most significant.  I don't want to sound alarmist, but we'll all be better off if we can just accept it:  There will always be another “event” to deal with. If we're lucky, everything will bounce back just the way it did before - and I believe that it always will.  Why?  Well, the data shows that the economy and businesses have dealt with many things like this in the past and always bounced back.  That doesn't mean it's going to be a fun journey, or that we'll always know what we're doing and where to go next, but there are two things we need to make it through in one piece:  Hope And  Savings  At times like these, understanding cash flow really does come in handy - and in this episode, I'll give you a few quick tips on doing just that, along with some sage advice for agency owners during these tumultuous times.   So what's this episode really about?  The value in reflecting on the way we responded to dramatic life events  The good news we all need to hold onto in a COVID worldWhy everyone should aim to have cash reserves and be prepared  Why you should listen  Major global events like COVID-19 are difficult to process in the midst of the drama, but once things slow down, they often leave life lessons in their wake. While it helps to know that better days are always on the way, the real skill lies in being able to handle the challenges today throws at us, and sometimes we have to look back to see how far we've come.  Links  Nev Harris  You can quote me on that…  “It always feels that it always feels like it's going to hurt more than it actually does.” - Nev Harris  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here. 

If you had the power to make any kind of impact on the world, what would it look like?  Would you create the kind of place that allows people to live fulfilling, healthy lives?  A place where people share the same honorable mission and give freely of their skills to make it happen?  Because I know I would - and in my mind, the result would look a little (okay, a lot) like Mayo Clinic.  This world-class hospital system is much more than a non-profit-turned-successful story of philanthropy. It's also a brilliant example of what happens when you find talented people who are committed to making a difference and reward them for their efforts.  Until recently, the thing I loved the most about Mayo Clinic was its origin story, born of a very profitable hospital practice and a team of philanthropists who were committed to (you guessed it) profit and impact… But since spending time there and experiencing the difference for myself, it became about much more than that. It's about how profitability allows the vision of a few to flow down and translate into a mission of many, making a real, tangible impact in the world.  There are so many lessons we could all learn from the way Mayo Clinic operates, and that's what this short and sweet episode is all about. So what's this episode really about?  The power of knowing where to invest your money for the best outputThe key to making sure your staff members embody your company visionHow profit can allow you to live your mission and create the impact you want to create Why you should listen?  In a world filled with bad news and tragic stories, the Mayo Clinic is truly a shining example of one of my favorite principles: hard work gives us the best opportunity to make the impact we want to make on the world and be successful. After listening to this episode, you'll have a little more hope for the future (and the present) of our world.  Links Nev Harris  Mayo Clinic  You can quote me from that…  “The patients are so well taken care of [and] have such a great experience that when they go home, wherever home may be - the opposite side of the world or a couple of miles from there - they tell 20 people, and out of those 20 people that they tell, seven become patients.” - Nev Harris  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

Similar words very different outcomes. There are 1.4 million registered charities in the US alone and probably another million unregistered. Almost 1 for every 100 people. They all have a good mission but for one reason or another most fail to make an impact. These are sad statistics. It's like going to an animal rescue and seeing cage after cage after cage of dogs needing a new home. You can't rescue all dogs and you can't volunteer or donate to every worthwhile cause. So what are you to do…. Nev shares what we can do right now to make a difference and why so many charities struggle. As always this isn't theoretical academic nonsense. He illustrates these points by referring to his stay at the Mayo Clinic. A non profit who from one mans humble beginnings have impacted BILLIONS of people all over the world.

When we've had enough of discussing balance sheets in the financial world, there's another (much bigger) discussion to be had about balance:  How we balance the roles we play in life - as parents, partners, friends, community members, agency owners, and people.  I'm always amazed by the tenacity of women who balance motherhood and business, dealing with unending uncertainty and subverting societal stereotypes along the way. What's even more amazing is how some women have found ways to parent children, nurture other women, and grow thriving businesses into empires in the middle of a global pandemic.  Personally, I've never had to choose between soothing a fussy child and spending that extra (much-needed) hour on writing emails, sending invoices, or thinking up the next big move in my business…  But I know someone who has.  Dana Malstaff is the founder of Boss-Mom and creator of the Nurture to Convert Society, but she's also much more than that. She's a mother, an author, a podcaster, a content strategist, a template architect, a blind spot reducer, an engagement facilitator, and a movement maker.  Oh, and she has a REALLY engaged group of followers on Facebook. Yep, she does it all. #superwoman #marrymedana Dana is proof that you can succeed with business and babies - and in this episode of Profit and Impact, she delivers a few tried-and-tested truth bombs that will inspire women (and men) everywhere.  So what's this episode REALLY about?  The true value in starting your own consulting business Understanding the fundamental differences in the needs and motivations of men and women - and how this impacts business strategy How a woman's role as the household money manager can create a scarcity mindset What it means to balance “social and business contracts” as a woman Why it's so important not to give up and find the thing that works for you  Why you should listen As a mother, a founder, an author, a content strategist, an engagement facilitator, and a movement maker, Dana Malstaff knows a few things about keeping many balls in the air. She also knows how important it is for women to learn how to balance the social and business contracts in a profitable way - and whether you're pushing a pram uphill or just managing your own procrastination, Dana's drive will inspire you.  Links Boss-Mom Nev Harris You can quote me on that…  “Clarity is in the doing. Clarity is in the process and making money is in the process.” - Dana Malstaff  “For agency owners, instead of being really profitable - doing one thing and then being able to give - they want to be they want to create maximum impact for everybody. Then they water down what they have to offer, and they water down their profits, so they really can't make much of an impact at all.” - Nev Harris  “I'm so sick of people saying parenting is hard, you know, and that it's this bad thing. Hard is not bad. Working and things being hard is literally what makes life worth living. You don't climb a mountain because it's easy, you get to the freaking top of the mountain because you have done so many hard things to get there. 99% of the other people never got there because they didn't work hard enough.” - Dana Malstaff Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here. 

We all have rough days, right? Depending on the time of year, the position of the moon, and a number of other factors out of our control, bad days range from “I got a parking ticket” to “my entire life is OVER”.  If you've ever tipped that scale at the wrong end, you'll know that it can be hard to come back from, even when other potential opportunities are knocking. No matter how much you want to get sh$% done, sometimes you just feel kind of “meh”.  Guess what? That's NORMAL...but it doesn't HAVE to be the norm for you.  The truth is that the inspiration you're chasing could come from somewhere completely unexpected. It might be a great idea, a chance meeting, or just a really, REALLY nice car (Mercedes Benz, I'm looking at you, baby!).  Even then, sometimes that mountain ahead is a little too intimidating for the average engine, and for those times, there's always the hard-won wisdom of Brian Obey.  Before he found his feet as the owner of AMPM 24/7 365 Insurance, Brian faced his fair share of mountains. Something as small as a $5 ticket made a big mess, and although it cost Brian a few golden opportunities, he chose to create his own path to success. He even managed to give others a hand up along the way.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Brian gives me an insight into the value of hard times, serendipity, and the true value of the things that get us out of bed in the morning.  So what's this conversation REALLY about? How to make it through the “mud” and out the other sideEmbracing serendipity, and making something of small moments The true value of inspiration and dedication Why you should listen Anyone who has been through dark times will see pieces of themselves in Brian's story. It might just inspire you to lay down a new pathway into the future! Links  AMPM 24/7 365 Insurance You can quote me on that...  “I guess you can take your mistakes or whatever things that happen and turn it into something good if you keep [persevering], man. Keep pushing. You've got to be relentless.” - Brian Obey  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

How many times a week do you tell yourself that it's time to get that inbox under control? It could be smelling like a fridge full of rotten vegetables and attracting flies, and you would still probably find a way to get around the house without looking at it.  The thing is, you probably already spend enough (read: WAY too much) time reading, sending, and responding to emails and messages, but the pile never gets any smaller.  The pressure to make yourself available to demands, queries, and well-meaning comments can make life feel infinitely less sunny and more stressful, but...  There IS a solution. Put down the Paper Bag of Hyperventilation, because you're about to breathe a big sigh of relief.  The way out of the email vortex of doom is simple: put the right processes in place. And just where do you find the right processes? In the wise words of Victor Ramirez, that's where. As a WordPress developer, designer, and Upwork freelancer extraordinaire, Victor knows a few things about managing time without losing your mind.  He's also full of practical advice on taking the hassle out of daily processes (like responding to tedious emails) with the power of asynchronous communication. Yes, it's a long word, but after this interview, it might just become one of your favorites - especially once you discover the magic of TextExpander.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Victor lends me his toolkit for setting up healthy boundaries with clients, plus a few words of wisdom on boosting your online presence, and being satisfied, even when you don't “have it all”. So what's this conversation REALLY about? The value of asynchronous communicationThe alignment between your client relationships and your love life How to choose the right clients, and setting the right boundariesHow to reduce time-wastage with smart tools  Why you should listen We all need a few extra hours in the day to get everything done, and although Victor's advice won't take care of your morning meeting or cook dinner for you, it might help things to run a little smoother. If you'd like more hours and less unimportant jobs on your to-do list, this is the episode for you.  Links  www.wpnyc.org   You can quote me on that...  “It's always a good time to be marketing.” - Victor Ramirez “I'm not going to tell you why [you should work with me]. My TextExpander snippet [for] "why work with me" is "Google Victor Ramirez WordPress and then we can talk".” - Victor Ramirez  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

We all have those little things that need to be done Every. Single. Day. You brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on your work outfit (or your working-from-home “day pajamas”), and start checking off that to-do list.  The thing is, most of us don't love the idea of spending all our time sending emails, making bank transfers, and trudging off to the grocery store with our reusable bags.  We want to make an IMPACT (and a positive one, at that), but when you're weighed down by the minutiae of everyday life, that's easier said than done.  It just so happens that, often, the most impactful thing you can do is take care of a few of those processes that no one else wants to do.  Don't believe me? Just ask Nathan Ingram.  As a growth coach for WordPress agency owners, Nathan has been helping entrepreneurs streamline their online operations and maintain their websites since 1995, and he's learned a few things about doing the same for his revenue.  He also knows all about the importance of diversifying your client portfolio, creating ongoing value, and the ultimate business ideology: building your business on your clients' biggest pain points. In this episode of Profit and Impact, Nathan talks me through the power of a diverse client portfolio, the problem with recurring debt, and the magic of a watertight contract.    So what's this conversation REALLY about? The value of a great contractWhy you should never put all your eggs in one basket Why you MUST eliminate recurring debt (and replace it with recurring income)How to turn boring tasks into a bigger bank balance  Why you should listen Those little things you have to do every day can take up SO MUCH energy, right? They might seem like problems, but with a change in perspective, you can start to see them as opportunities to create solutions (and, if you're lucky, make a little spare cash along the way).   Links  www.nathaningram.com   www.monstercontracts.com   You can quote me on that...  “You always start with value from the client's perspective. What is it that they need to do, but they can't do for some reason, and if they did it, great things would happen? Then you build a service to answer that need - to relieve the pain or accomplish that gain.” - Nathan Ingram  “With good clients, you don't need a contract. With bad clients, you need a great contract, and it's hard to tell the difference between good clients and bad clients right out of the gate.” - Nathan Ingram “If you're selling the boring systematized process stuff that you could do in your sleep, that is the way you make a sustainable business.” - Nevin Harris Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

If your plan for the future is looking a little wobbly right now, you're not alone - even if the structure you were leaning on has tumbled like a house of cards. All you really need is the right foundation to start rebuilding, and sometimes that foundation just happens to be made out of code.  As we all know, the internet has presented unlimited opportunities for entrepreneurs, and that's no exaggeration. You can sell literally ANYTHING as long as you have a solid foundation of coding skills and a little business knowledge… Right?  Well, that might be true in theory, but in practice, building something with staying power involves a load of planning, hard work, and even a few mathematical calculations - just ask Mickey Mellen.  After beginning his web development career with a site for Christian guitar tabs and making the leap to the Google Earth blog, Mickey Mellen found the perfect business partner in Allie Green, and GreenMellen Media was born. They have since grown the company into a full-service agency, offering everything from branding and design to SEO and copywriting. It's a big job, but someone's gotta do it.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Mickey delves into the value of being the first in your field, finding the perfect business partner, and always doing the maths, even when it feels like you're making it up as you go along. So what's this conversation REALLY about? The power of a passionate community following The value of the right business partnerHow to build something that lasts from the ground up Why it's okay to be a little risk-averse (especially with your bank account)  Why you should listen When you're sinking under the pressure of running a business, building a solid foundation is priority number one...followed by finding a partner with strong arms to share the load. Mickey's story will show you that both of those things are TOTALLY possible.  Links  Blog  GreenMellen Media  You can quote me on that...  “If you're looking for it, recessions create opportunity. I always say it's like a forest fire - it burns everything to the ground, and it's devastating and tragic in the moment, but then it allows all sorts of new growth to come about.” - Nev Harris “If you want less stress in your business, understand your numbers, so that when these ups and downs happen, you know what to do.” - Nev Harris Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

If you have ever worked in the service industry, you'll know that it has its ups (hint: in the tip jar) and downs (in the bathrooms with a scrubbing brush). It takes a certain type of person to stick it out into adulthood, but those who do tend to develop a special kind of outlook on the world.  After long enough in the business, you might find yourself wilting beneath armloads of coffee cups, half-empty plates of food, and wine glasses, especially when you're holding down the fort on your own… But you keep right on serving, running on a mixture of passion and hunger for that paycheck. Some nights, your workmates might be the only thing left holding you up. That's why a great team is the cornerstone of most successful hospitality ventures, and as it turns out, the same is true for many successful start-ups.  Surprised? You might not be after you meet today's interview guest.  When times are tough, nothing could be more valuable than a strong team - at least that's the philosophy of Kimberly Lipari. In her time as the CEO and co-founder of valet.io, she has navigated trials and tribulations without an empire-building handbook in sight (unless you count a few words of wisdom from Brene Brown).  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Kimberly unpacks the secrets to her success: valuing team culture, embracing the suck, and always leading with the question, “How can I help?”  So what's this conversation REALLY about? Choosing the mission of service over all else (even a secure engineering job)How to make it up as you go along The value of the trough before the peak The power of a committed team  Why you should listen The revelation that being helpful can become an entire business philosophy might just blow your mind, but once you hear Kimberly's story, you'll be inspired to put the pieces back together and start on your own Crusade of Helpfulness.  Links  valet.io  You can quote me on that...  “You should always be and surround yourself with people who can do things that you can't. It's inspiring and it's humbling at the same time.” - Kimberly Lipari “I think that's how most businesses are, like, "I have no idea what I'm doing." You almost don't know enough of what you're not doing [so you're] like, "Hey, what the hell? You know, I could do this."” - Nev Harris Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

We all need somebody to lean on. Just ask Bill Withers (and, well, all of the people who have covered his song) - no one makes it through the journey of life on their own, and with the right support network, you can work business miracles.  When you find someone who gets you, who's REALLY in tune with your high and low points, you'll end up with much more than a brief conversation and maybe a new friend on Facebook.  You'll get the wonderful feeling that you're part of something bigger - it's even more satisfying than finding that stray $5 bill down the side of the couch.  You might not feel in need of support right now (and if that's the case, go you!), but it's a great thing to be able to draw on - especially on those days when the world seems to be CRUMBLING around you. Even if the idea of sharing your troubles makes you cringe, you shouldn't be afraid to lean on someone…. ...especially if your support person is half as capable as Atlanta WP Coach founder Kathy Drewien.  Kathy has experienced her fair share of financial devastation early in her career, but with the support of her WordPress family, she transformed herself into a successful agency owner.  These days, Kathy spends her time waving that wand of synergy over clients and fellow creatives in the WordPress community at WordCamps and Meetups, creating results that can only be described as…well, magical.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Kathy gives Nev an insight into the power of community, the influence of self-talk, and the parallels between managing clients and caring for expensive cookware.  So what's this conversation REALLY about? How to make others feel better (and why you really should) The true value of a name, and what to do when you forget oneThe importance of being kind to yourselfThe real danger of entitlement Why you should listen We all feel a little lonely every now and then, but with Kathy's practical advice, you'll be building and fortifying your own tribe - and, of course, your bank balance - in no time. Stronger, healthier relationships (and websites) are just a few icebreakers away. Links  Atlanta WP Coach You can quote me on that...  “If you're selling WordPress, you're barking up the wrong tree. You need to be selling your expertise and your ability to get to what they really want.” - Nev Harris “If we come from that mindset of wanting to be helpful and help people solve their problems, it's easy to fall into that trap of nurturing them or attempting to take care of them.” - Kathy Drewien  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

We human beings are social creatures at heart (yes, even when we're stuck in traffic, or on the phone to a cable company), and we have a tendency to develop a few intense relationships.  Sure, that tendency can make us feel a little needy, but it can also do WONDERS for business.  Whether we realize it or not, the people in our lives can make or break our personal bucket lists AND our business goals. You read right. Those strangers on your LinkedIn profile who are constantly sending you poorly-disguised sales pitches? They might just be your ticket over the next big bridge in your career.  After all, they say it's not what you know that matters, but WHO, and Joe Casabona would agree. From humble beginnings as an undergrad, he used his schoolyard relationships and (admittedly) limited work experience to transition into the world of the web. Although painfully aware that he was no Elon Musk prodigy, Joe was inspired by his close contacts to nurture his business relationships AND charge his worth, until finally, he founded Creator Courses. Now, he spends his days explaining the complexities of web design, coding, and the nuances of WordPress and Beaver Builder.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Joe takes Nev through the importance of preparing for pitfalls, owning opportunities, and knowing the value of great clients (and even better mentors).  So what's this conversation REALLY about? How to make the most of your relationships The importance of knowing your value The value of experience How to work your way up from the bottom  Why you should listen Joe is a great example of a not-so-negative recession story (it's possible, I promise!). His story is proof that you CAN create an income with the stability to outlast Armageddon (plus, it guarantees you a well-deserved positivity booster).  Links  www.casabona.org/nev  You can quote me on that...  “The people who have given you money are the people who have already bought into what you're doing. They are the people who trust you and have shown you that trust with their wallet, so nurture your current relationships.” - Joe Casabona  “You want to have relationships you can come back to and have conversations with.” - Nev Harris Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

Some days it's hard to be productive. #hardfact Maybe you've had a series of late nights (and a LOT of coffee), or you just can't seem to take the first few actually productive steps towards nailing those big dreams.  I get it. After a few cups of coffee and a few insanely late nights, I'm a total loose canon when it comes to focused, targeted work. We've ALL experienced a few productivity roadblocks on the path to success. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could bypass all those little barriers and get there faster? If only you weren't constantly fighting off the threat of scope creep, content collection bottlenecks, competing priorities, and general overwhelm...  Becoming a genuinely Productive Person is no easy feat, BUT don't despair - there is an easier way forward towards getting stuff done for real.  This week I speak to Beth Livingston. As the unofficial Venus AND Serena Williams of the WordPress universe, she spends her time setting up those epic shots for her students at WP Roadmaps.  Oh, and when she's not playing with code, she's busy being as productive as possible, and helping those around her to do the same. If project management essentials are always in the land of “maybe later”, Beth's simple summary might just kick you into productivity overdrive.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, I get a lesson on the six principles of productivity management. Beth delves into the not-so-common sense behind the process of defining the job, breaking it down, estimating the time and costs, getting the right resources involved, establishing a change procedure, and agreeing on acceptance criteria.  She also gives away a few handy tips for educating your clients, beating off imposter syndrome, and even glomming onto new trends.  So what's this conversation REALLY about? The six (not-so-common sense) principles of productivity managementCreating a process that works for you How to save your profit margin by educating your client The game-changing magic of finding your tribe  Why you should listen If you've ever had an unproductive day (and haven't we all?), this podcast will get you thinking about how to keep those clients happy, even when things are less peak and more trough.  Links  The Six Principles of WordPress Productivity  You can quote me on that...  “Don't think of change as a bad thing. Change is an opportunity. It's either an opportunity to refine what you're working on or add something to it because somebody had a good idea along the way.” - Beth Livingston  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

We all like a little structure in our lives, even if that just means eating the same thing for breakfast every morning (hello, fruit smoothies), but sometimes it's the things we can't plan for that make the biggest impact.  Whether that's something positive, like meeting someone who helps you elevate your business, or something not-so-positive, like getting caught in a hurricane, any change to the norm can be a little rattling. So what do you do when that sense of order and “normalcy” goes out the window? If you're anything like the average person, you might feel a strong urge to hide in that storm shelter, bury your head between your knees, and wait for things to blow over... The problem is that you won't often find golden opportunities waiting inside. So, you decide to brave the rain and winds (and maybe even a few lightning strikes), but ONLY after making a plan.  If you ask Lee Jackson, a good old-fashioned action plan is the most important tool in a business' survival kit - well, that, and the ability to pivot faster than clients can say, “We've decided to go in another direction.” As an agency owner and host of the Agency Trailblazer podcast, Lee has spent his career planning and pivoting on repeat, a habit which has led him safely through such panic-inducing storms as the dotcom bubble burst.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Lee shares his storm survival plan for businesses, including a few critical tools like the ability to find (and keep) your ideal clients, start the right conversations, and pivot like a pro.  So what's this conversation REALLY about? Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit How to carve out a niche that worksHow to build client relationships that matterThe value of upskilling The real meaning of serendipity  Why you should listen If you need a little extra sunshine in your life, the story of Lee Jackson's career will inspire you to keep on pivoting your way through stormy days, and maybe even pick up the phone once in a while.  Links  Agency Trailblazer  leematthewjackson.com You can quote me on that...  “Yes, everything's on hold, but people are thinking about the future, and if you're talking to them during the bad times, they're sure as hell gonna remember you in the good times.” - Lee Jackson  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.

When you think of the word “capitalism”, what comes to mind?  Maybe you have a mental image of high-powered businessmen strutting around their offices, or ridiculously wealthy CEOs bathing in their money. In some cases, you'd be pretty spot-on.  Capitalism has earned a bad reputation over the past forty years, and for good reason. The lure of a few extra dollars (or a few million) has caused its fair share of social issues, beginning with the idea of a money bath.  We've seen wealthy people get wealthier, poor people suffer, and middle-class people endure a serious struggle over the housing vs. avocado on toast dilemma.  What if the problem isn't with capitalism itself, but with the way it has been structured, used, and abused?  (Well, that and the price of avocados…) The truth is that capitalism wins when we work towards solutions for the world's problems. It's even better when we don't feel guilty for reaping the rewards.  If we think of capitalism as a tool we can use to build a brighter future, we might feel a little better about enjoying its benefits. We'll be able to enjoy the process of refining it WITHOUT sacrificing the small luxuries we work so hard to earn.  The thing about tools is that they only work well when they're in mint condition. Granted, they all get bent out of shape eventually, but that doesn't mean they can't be fixed. All they need is a little anti-rust treatment to keep them looking shinier than freshly-minted silver coins... And you'll find just the thing in my latest podcast!  In this solo edition, I share my views on capitalism in business, and how you can have too much of a good thing. (Even if that good thing is as delicious as a combination of peanut butter and chocolate.)  Tune in to hear all about… The positive side of capitalismThe difference between constructive capitalism and greed The value in taking care of people My ultimate guilty pleasure  Why you should listen:  This topic is evergreen, and it's especially relevant right now. With the right attitude, we can carry on building (and rebuilding) a system that works for generations to come. If you're keen to be part of the shift towards compassionate capitalism, you'll find a few interesting insights in this episode.  Links  www.nevharris.com  You can quote me on that:  “When we're helping other businesses, and we're helping ourselves make more money and our employees make more money, that allows us to be bettering the community.” Like what you hear?  Please leave me a review here - I'm accepting payment in stars!

In case you haven't heard, content truly is queen (or king ;)). The whole world is hungry for things to read, watch, play...you name it, and you know what that means: there's always room for more brilliant minds in the industry.  Here comes the challenging part - once you break IN to the industry, you'll find yourself racing to break OUT from the pack as so many others around you make their plans for World Domination off the back of a very similar blueprint.  So now for the million-dollar question: how exactly can we stand out just enough to turn a relatively common skillset into an envy-inducing career? There's no need to dye your hair pink or drive a fancy car, although the latter might just come with the territory.  Stumped?  Kim Doyal might have a few ideas.  Formerly known as The WordPress Chick, Kim stands out for all the right reasons, and she's no one-trick pony. In fact, she does such a wide range of things that you might wonder whether she ever actually sleeps, but like the anchor in an ocean of lists and to-dos, everything comes back to her passion for content marketing.  These days, Kim spends her time working with agency owners to develop and implement a content strategy with the pull power to gather a herd of hungry followers all on its own.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Kim talks Nev through the value of making others feel better, being gentle with yourself on the road to greatness, and the magic of Harry Potter. So what's this conversation REALLY about? Going all-in on your dreams How to satisfy both your passion and your paycheck The problem with a herd mentality Why you shouldn't overrate your “nuisance factor” Why you should listen Kim Doyal is the ultimate mobile mentor. Whether you are a marketing expert, a high school student, a top CEO, or almost anyone in between, Kim's words will make you feel like part of her own herd (in a good way, of course).  Links  Kim Doyal You can quote me on that...  "You're not going to get good at something by not doing it." - Kim Doyal  “I like to think I'm a very positive person, but I'm constantly beating myself up and when I can step out of that I do great things.” - Nev Harris Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here. 

When you think of the word “capitalism”, what comes to mind?  Maybe you have a mental image of high-powered businessmen strutting around their offices, or ridiculously wealthy CEOs bathing in their money. In some cases, you'd be pretty spot-on.  Capitalism has earned a bad reputation over the past forty years, and for good reason. The lure of a few extra dollars (or a few million) has caused its fair share of social issues, beginning with the idea of a money bath.  We've seen wealthy people get wealthier, poor people suffer, and middle-class people endure a serious struggle over the housing vs. avocado on toast dilemma.  What if the problem isn't with capitalism itself, but with the way it has been structured, used, and abused?  (Well, that and the price of avocados…) The truth is that capitalism wins when we work towards solutions for the world's problems. It's even better when we don't feel guilty for reaping the rewards.  If we think of capitalism as a tool we can use to build a brighter future, we might feel a little better about enjoying its benefits. We'll be able to enjoy the process of refining it WITHOUT sacrificing the small luxuries we work so hard to earn.  The thing about tools is that they only work well when they're in mint condition. Granted, they all get bent out of shape eventually, but that doesn't mean they can't be fixed. All they need is a little anti-rust treatment to keep them looking shinier than freshly-minted silver coins... And you'll find just the thing in my latest podcast!  In this solo edition, I share my views on capitalism in business, and how you can have too much of a good thing. (Even if that good thing is as delicious as a combination of peanut butter and chocolate.)  Tune in to hear all about… The positive side of capitalismThe difference between constructive capitalism and greed The value in taking care of people My ultimate guilty pleasure  Why you should listen:  This topic is evergreen, and it's especially relevant right now. With the right attitude, we can carry on building (and rebuilding) a system that works for generations to come. If you're keen to be part of the shift towards compassionate capitalism, you'll find a few interesting insights in this episode.  Links  www.nevharris.com  You can quote me on that:  “When we're helping other businesses, and we're helping ourselves make more money and our employees make more money, that allows us to be bettering the community.” Like what you hear?  Please leave me a review - I'm accepting payment in stars!

Despite appearances on social media, we all feel low sometimes. Whether it's just a result of the occasional bad hair day or a sign of something deeper, handling those lows can sap your energy and leave you feeling seriously drained.  If you've ever found yourself in a dark place, you'll know that there's no ladder inside a Pit of Despair. In fact, at the time, clawing your way out can seem impossible. Maybe you've struggled with careers, finances, maintaining positive relationships, or just plain keeping your head above water. Whatever your personal mountains look like, one universal truth resounds: talking about the hard times can be CHALLENGING - almost as challenging as the hard times themselves. The good news is that you CAN make peace with the murky waters that threaten to swallow you up. All you need is a little inspiration, and my interview with Cory Miller is full of it.  As the founder of iThemes, the home of premium WordPress plugins, Cory is no stranger to Instagrammable moments, but his journey has been about much more than joyrides and bankrolls.  He credits his success to a unique idea, an effective pricing model, and starting again - without starting over. Naturally, that's only the surface of Cory's recipe, but it goes very nicely with a healthy dose of introspection and a new perspective on fear.  In this episode of Profit and Impact, Cory shares the intimate details of his battle with mental health, the value of a sturdy relationship with a counselor, and the turning points that came from taking ownership of his work, his happiness, and his desire to do right by others.  So what's this conversation REALLY about? The value of good advice The power that lies in a community of like-minded peopleHow to start again without starting overWhy you should take ownership of your work and protect your own happiness Why you should listen Cory is a great reminder that great things can happen, even when the world seems stacked against you. Need a little push to swap your warm bed for the embrace of the outside world? This interview will do the trick.  Links  www.corymiller.com  Digital Marketing Kitchen You can quote me on that...  “I think we've all had our fair share of luck in life, but the key is what we do with that luck.” - Cory Miller  Like what you hear?  Help me reach more ears by leaving a review (and a hefty handful of stars!) here.