The Boutique Workshop Podcast

Today we're digging into a topic you might not have considered before: the importance of clean financial data. We talk about numbers constantly—how to focus on them, why they matter, and what you should be looking at. But we haven't truly discussed why having clean information is the absolute backbone of successful decision-making in a product-based business. The Danger of Dirty Data I recently spoke with two clients who were using a financial analysis tool to guide their buying. The tool kept telling them to buy more, buy more. They followed the data, thinking they were being efficient, only to end up buried in inventory that didn't move. That wasn't a supply chain problem or a marketing problem—it was a data problem. Dirty data is dangerous because it doesn't come with a warning label; it looks like fact, but it's actually fiction dressed as finance. What Does Dirty Data Look Like? If you want to avoid making wrong decisions confidently, watch out for these five common red flags: Miscategorized Transactions: Expenses floating in no man's land or assigned to the wrong revenue streams. COGS vs. OPEX Confusion: When your inventory purchases are blurred with operating expenses, you can't see your true margin. Timing Errors: Recognizing revenue when cash hits rather than when it's earned (Cash vs. Accrual). Inventory Valuation Gaps: Your books say you have 800 units, but your warehouse only has 500. Un-netted Discounts: Refunds and chargebacks that aren't properly subtracted from your top-line revenue. The Three Cs of Clean Data To run a genius inventory system, your data must be: Consistent: Applying the same rules and categories every single month. Connected: Your POS, bank account, and accounting software should all tell the same story. Current: Books should be reconciled and in your hands by the 15th–20th of every month—not just at tax time! 8 Key Data Points You Need to Track I want you to look at your dashboard and ask: “Do I actually have this number, and can I trust it?” Gross Margin by SKU: Not just overall, but by category and brand. Inventory Valuation: Real-time wholesale and retail value. 12–13 Week Cash Flow: A forward-looking projection of your bank balance. Net Revenue: Gross sales minus returns, fees, and discounts. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): What it actually costs to get a buyer through the door. Inventory Turn: How fast your product is moving by department. All-in Cost Per Unit: The landed cost including shipping and handling. Contribution Margin: Revenue minus all variable costs to see what truly goes toward profit. Your 3-Step Data Audit Don't just listen—take action today with these three simple steps: Step 1: Pull your P&L and go line-by-line. Ensure every expense is correctly categorized. Step 2: Confirm your bookkeeper is reconciling accounts monthly and delivering reports on time. Step 3: Check your POS. Ensure every SKU has an accurate cost associated with it. Final Thought: Stop treating your books like a tax document and start treating them like a GPS. Clean data leads to better decisions, which leads to stronger margins, which leads to cash. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

I am so excited to dive into today's topic because it is the heartbeat of everything we do here. We're talking about the Inventory Genius Operating System (IGOS). As a podcast listener, save $500 when you click here and enter code PODCAST2IGOS at checkout. I believe—no, I know—that every single product-based business owner needs this system. Why? Because I built it out of the ashes of my own failure. I'm sharing my story, not because it's easy to tell, but because it's the proof that business can be done differently. You don't have to play store anymore; it's time to build a business that actually serves you. My Journey: From Total Loss to Total Clarity In 2006, I opened my first brick-and-mortar retail store. I was chasing the entrepreneurial dream—expanding, franchising, and hitting top-line revenue goals. On the outside, I looked successful. I had a warehouse, a team of 12, and millions in sales. But behind the scenes, I was drowning. The Reality: I never took a consistent paycheck while my employees got raises. The Debt: I kept taking on more debt because I didn't understand that profit matters more than revenue. The Crash: Eventually, I lost it all—my business and my home. That pain gave me a burning desire to ensure no other business owner felt that way. When I started my next business (a subscription box), I did it differently. I built for profit from Day 1, took a paycheck from Day 1, and developed the system that became IGOS. Within 18 months, I sold that business for a profit. Why IGOS Works for Every Product Business Whether you are a $4 million brand with a decade of history or a six-figure e-commerce side hustle, the problem is usually the same: Inventory is eating your cash. The $4M Success Story: I worked with a client drowning in debt and guilt. In just one year of using IGOS, we paid off $500,000 in debt and turned her business into a cash-flowing machine. The E-comm Success Story: Another client, Megan, was infusing her own 9-to-5 salary just to keep her online shop afloat. Within six months of implementing IGOS, she was profitable enough to take her family on a six-month trip around the world while the business ran itself. The Core Framework: The Three Layers of IGOS We build your business back up using three interconnected layers: 1. The Relationship: Cash Flow + Inventory This is the foundational truth: Cash and inventory are directly connected. * If you buy too much, your cash is stuck on a shelf. If you buy too little, you lose sales. IGOS moves you away from gut feeling and emotion and moves you toward data-driven decisions. 2. Financial Structure & Rhythms Once you understand the connection, we build a system to maintain it. Most owners are reactive—panic buying or holding "fire sales" out of anxiety. We create a predictable rhythm. Note: You don't need to be a math whiz! I'm not an accountant or a CPA. I've made this simple, bite-sized, and accessible for everyone, even if you hate numbers. 3. Sustainable Operations This is where you move from surviving to thriving. We build operational systems that your team can follow and that can scale with you. We replace your daily chaos with absolute clarity. Stop Playing Store IGOS isn't a magic wand or a trendy strategy; it's a system that addresses the root cause of your financial stress. If you have inventory—whether it's clothing, dog food, or handmade goods—this will work for you. Ready to change your story? Stop frantically chasing money and start building with strategy. Visit: www.ciarastockeland.com Action: Click on "Work With Me" and get the Inventory Genius Operating System today - save $500 with the code PODCAST2IGOS I want to hear your success story next. Let's stop playing store and start building a business that pays you back! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Get $300 off your first month of Pie, and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Claim the offer here: https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer

I have been looking for someone like Cassidy for years. Seriously. I can't even count how many times you all have asked me, "Ciara, who do you recommend for Shopify help?" and I never had a name I felt 100% comfortable sharing—until now. Today, I'm sitting down with Cassidy from Simply Lynn's Creative. What makes her different? She isn't just a tech person. She grew up in the retail world, helping run her family's 4,500-square-foot kitchen store that's been around since the '80s. She understands the heartbeat of a retailer because she lives it every day. We talk about how she takes the mess out of the backend and turns your website and email marketing into a streamlined, profit-generating machine. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Mom Test: Cassidy shares how she moved her mom's entire business—thousands of SKUs, bulk coffee, and oil-on-tap—from a manual system into a seamless Shopify POS setup. Stop the App Overload: We discuss Cassidy's less is more philosophy. Before you buy another $30/month app to fix a problem, listen to her advice on using native Shopify features first. Email Marketing That Actually Works: If you have 25,000 emails and haven't sent a message in months because you're overwhelmed, Cassidy explains how she audits, cleans, and automates Klaviyo to drive real sales. The Employee Factor: It's one thing to have a system; it's another to have your staff know how to use it. Cassidy dives into the importance of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and training. Driving Foot Traffic: Why your website is your best window display and how it influences customers to walk through your physical doors. Key Insights The Integration Advantage: Why having your Point of Sale (POS) and E-commerce on the same platform is the only way to truly have one source of truth for your inventory. Quality Over Quantity: Why Cassidy would rather see you have a small, healthy email list of 5,000 engaged fans than 25,000 people who never open your mail. Empowerment: Cassidy's goal isn't to make you dependent on an agency; it's to build a system so solid that you (and your team) feel empowered to run it yourselves. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Simply Lynn's CreativeIf you've been struggling with a wonky website or feel like your branding doesn't match the beautiful experience you provide in-store, you need to connect with Cassidy. Visit the Website: simplylynnscreative.com Follow on Instagram: @simply.lynns.creative The Resource Shop: Check out her DIY Canva templates and Klaviyo workshops to help you get consistent without the overwhelm. Use code CS15 at checkout, and save 15% off anything in the Resource Shop!

Are you selling more but keeping less? If you've ever found yourself asking, "Is this actually worth it?" or "Why is my line of credit maxed out when my sales are growing?", you aren't alone. In this episode of The Inventory Genius Podcast, I'm sitting down with special guest Susan Bradley, founder of The Social Sales Girls. We're pulling back the curtain on the financial battle scars we've both earned over 20+ years in the product-based industry. We're discussing why product-based business owners consistently struggle with math, why "just selling more" is the biggest trap in the industry, and how to finally stop hiding from your P&L. If you are ready to move from guessing to knowing, this conversation is the wake-up call you need. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Not Yet" Mindset: Why saying "I'm just not good at numbers" keeps you stuck—and the simple one-word shift that changes your entire financial trajectory. The Cost to Wake Up: A critical exercise in understanding your daily operating expenses. You can't reach profitability until you know exactly what it costs just to open your doors every morning. Margin vs. Markup: Why pride in a 3x markup is a trap if you don't understand your actual gross margin. The Growth Trap: Why doubling your sales often leads to less cash flow if you aren't strategic about your inventory investment. The Power of Community: Why you need to surround yourself with problem-solvers, not just complainer peers, to level up your business. Key Takeaways for Product-Based Business Owners 1. You Have a Cost to Wake Up Most business owners look at their expenses as a lump sum. To find clarity, divide your fixed monthly operating expenses by 30. That is your daily nut. If you aren't hitting that number before profit, you aren't in business—you're a charity. 2. Stop Growing Before You're Profitable Growth is expensive. Every new sale requires investment in inventory, ads, and time. If you aren't profitable at your current level, doubling your sales will only double your problems. Fix the fundamental math first. 3. Define Your Profit Goals, Not Sales Goals Stop focusing solely on top-line revenue. Start with your target net profit and work backward: Sales Target - Cost of Goods = Gross Margin Gross Margin - Operating Expenses = Net Profit If the math doesn't work, don't just sell more. Adjust the input variables. 4. The Yet Power-Up When you say, "I'm bad at math," you are giving yourself permission to stay stuck. When you say, "I don't understand my P&L yet," you open the door to learning, hiring help, and taking ownership of your future. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Susan Bradley:Website: https://www.thesocialsalesgirls.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Simply Lynn's Creative (https://simplylynnscreative.com/) - With real retail roots and 225+ brands served since 2018, Simply Lynn's Creative partners with retailers and product-based businesses on branding, Shopify website design, and Klaviyo email marketing. They build the strategy, the systems, and the confidence to help you grow a brand that looks the part and sells to match! Use code CS15 at checkout, and save 15% off anything in the Resources Shop!

We often obsess over our personal credit scores, but how much thought do we give to our business credit? In this episode, I'm joined by Gerri Detweiler from Nav to demystify the world of business credit. We explore why most of us are in the dark about our business scores, how these scores impact our ability to secure supplier terms and loans, and the simple steps we can take to monitor and build a healthy financial profile for our businesses. Key Takeaways The Business Credit Gap: Unlike personal credit, there are no federal requirements for free annual business credit reports. Most of us don't even know our score exists until a loan application is denied. The Big Three Bureaus: We look at the major players Gerri mentions: Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), Equifax Commercial, and Experian Commercial. The Power of Terms: Paying our Net 30 supplier invoices on time isn't just good for the relationship—it's a primary way to build a positive credit history, as many suppliers report to the bureaus. Separating Personal from Business: While our personal credit often remains a factor for small businesses, establishing an LLC and obtaining an EIN and DUNS number are critical steps toward our financial independence. Hidden Use Cases: It's not just for loans! Business credit can affect our insurance premiums and our ability to land large commercial partnerships or retail distributions. The Debt Trap: Gerri explains the hidden cost of fast capital and provides resources to help us calculate the true APR of financing offers that might seem cheap on the surface. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Nav:Website: https://www.nav.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

In this episode, I'm diving into a platform that many of us love as consumers but find totally intimidating as business owners: Pinterest. I'll be honest—I've personally dipped in and out of Pinterest for years, but it always felt like a heavy lift. However, for my clients with visually stunning products—like jewelry, home decor, or design services—it is a goldmine. Joining me today is Julia Renee, an SEO and Pinterest expert, to explain why we need to stop thinking of Pinterest as social media and start treating it like the powerful search engine it actually is. Key Takeaways It's Not Social Media: Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest isn't about showing up daily or dancing on camera. It's a visual search engine where users go with a specific intent to find, plan, and buy. The Power of Keywords: Because it's a search engine, your success depends on keywords. I learned that putting keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and even as text overlays on your images is what helps Pinterest read your content and show it to the right people. Play the Long Game: Pinterest is evergreen. A pin you post today can drive traffic to your site for months or even years. While it takes about 3–6 months to see significant momentum, that traffic compounds over time. The One-a-Day Rhythm: You don't need to be on the platform 24/7. Julia suggests starting with just one pin per day. The best part? You can use a scheduler like Tailwind to batch a whole month of content in a few hours and then walk away. Shopify Integration: If you're on Shopify, you can connect your store directly to Pinterest. This automatically updates your prices and product details, making it a seamless experience for shoppers. Strategic Tips for Product Owners "Think about what people are searching for around your product, not just the product itself." Julia shared a brilliant tip for those of us with unique items: Use blog posts. If you sell a specific jewelry line or a niche skincare product, write a blog post like "10 Great Gifts for Mother's Day" or "How to Style Layered Gold Chains." Pin those blog graphics to catch people who are looking for inspiration, then lead them straight to your shop. Connect with Julia: Website: https://juliareneeconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bocchese/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliareneeconsulting/ Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

I'm sitting down with subscription box expert Sarah Williams (founder of Launch Your Box) to debunk the myth that subscription models are dead. We're diving into why recurring revenue is the ultimate safety net for retail owners and how to transition from a struggling local shop to a thriving national brand. Key Takeaways The Introvert's Growth Strategy: Sarah shares her journey of hitting a growth ceiling in her small-town retail store. To scale without needing more foot traffic, she turned to the subscription model to reach customers nationwide. Data-Driven Curation: Don't guess what should go in your box. Look at your best-selling categories (e.g., graphic tees, tumblers, accessories) and your average order value to determine your box contents and price point. The Power of 75%: Imagine having 75% of your monthly revenue hit your bank account on the 1st of the month. This predictability allows you to hire, scale, and pay off debt without the stress of slow days in the shop. The Analog Movement: In a digital-heavy world, customers are craving tangible, grandma-style activities (crafting, yarn, physical products). Subscription boxes provide a gift-to-self experience that screens can't replicate. Overcoming the "Is it Still Relevant?" Fear: Sarah reveals her subscription sales are up 22% this year alone. People still value convenience, exclusivity, and the surprise and delight of a curated mystery box. Action Steps for You Analyze Your Data: Identify your top 3 selling categories. Collect Emails at the Register: Especially if you are in a touristy area, get those one-time visitors onto a list so you can sell them the experience of your store year-round. Start Small: You don't need a massive 10-item box. Sarah suggests starting with a One Thing of the Month box (like a T-shirt club) as the lowest-hanging fruit. Find an Accountability Partner: Send this episode to a fellow business owner and commit to planning your first 6 months together. Connect with SarahFree Workshop: https://www.launchyourboxwithsarah.com/sarahs-method-for-curating-6-boxes-in-60-minutes-e Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Get $300 off your first month of Pie, and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Claim the offer here: https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer

Are you tired of feeling like your marketing budget is just a black hole? In this episode, I'm sitting down with the team from Pie to talk about a game-changing tool that actually drives foot traffic into your brick-and-mortar store without breaking the bank. If you've ever been burned by an ad agency or felt overwhelmed by keywords and algorithms, you need to listen to this. We're breaking down how to use AI and Google Maps to find customers who are literally standing around the corner looking for exactly what you sell. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Power of High Intent: Why someone searching "boutique near me" on Google Maps is 10x more valuable than someone just scrolling social media. The "Anti-Agency" Approach: Why Syed actually recommends capping your ad spend at $15/day to avoid diminishing returns. AI for the Non-Techy: How you can link your Google Business Profile and let an AI agent handle your creative, keywords, and competitor targeting. Risk-Free Growth: How to get your first $300 in ad spend for free to prove it works before you spend a dime of your own money. Get $300 off your first month of Pie and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Click here to claim the offer (https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer) Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Simply Lynn's Creative (https://simplylynnscreative.com/) - With real retail roots and 225+ brands served since 2018, Simply Lynn's Creative partners with retailers and product-based businesses on branding, Shopify website design, and Klaviyo email marketing. They build the strategy, the systems, and the confidence to help you grow a brand that looks the part and sells to match!

In this final episode of our series on debt, I'm chatting with executive mindset coach, Jennifer Vollmann. Jennifer is the newest resident coach in the Inventory Genius Mastermind, and today she breaks down why the "stories" we tell ourselves about our finances are often the only thing standing between us and a zero balance. Episode Highlights Numbers are Neutral: A $50,000 debt is just a digit on a screen. Jennifer explains how 12 different people can look at the same number and feel 12 different emotions—from pride to paralyzing shame—based entirely on their internal narrative. The Thought-Action Loop: Understand the cognitive chain reaction: Thought → Feeling → Action → Result. If your debt isn't moving, it's likely because your "story" is creating a feeling (like dread) that leads to inaction. Primitive vs. Prefrontal: Why your brain is wired to keep you "safe" (and stuck). Jennifer explains how to move from the fearful primitive brain to the logical prefrontal cortex to set and achieve bigger goals. The Power of Neutrality: You don't have to be "positive" or "happy" about your debt to fix it. Jennifer shares how shifting to a neutral perspective—treating debt as simple information—can unlock the ability to take "messy action." A Story of Transformation: Sierra shares a powerful example of a Mastermind student who went from the brink of bankruptcy to success by changing her narrative from "survival" to "investment." Key Takeaways Identify Your Story: If your results aren't changing, your current story isn't working. Challenge the "Yeah, But": Your brain uses "yeah, but" as a safety mechanism. Counter it by asking, "What if it was possible?" Take Messy Action: Don't wait for the perfect plan. Any small action breaks the cycle of shame and builds self-trust. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer Vollmann:Website: https://www.findingyoursuccess.com/Email: jennifer@findingendurance.com More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Are your cash flow problems actually just "thinking" problems? In this episode, I'm exploring the connection between mindset, leadership, and the bottom line. Learn how to stop making frantic, scarcity-based decisions and start leading your business with the intention required to thrive. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The Decision-Numbers Link: How every financial result in your business—from debt to profit—is simply the downstream effect of a previous decision. Scarcity vs. Leadership Mindset: Why a scarcity mindset speeds up decision-making but decreases clarity, leading to over-purchasing and "emotional" discounting. Rebuilding Self-Trust: How to overcome the "paralysis" of past financial mistakes by using data and small, disciplined actions to regain confidence in your gut instincts. The Power of Structure: Why the first 45 days of any turnaround must focus on bite-sized, actionable steps that create immediate stability. Mindset Reframing: Practical shifts in internal dialogue (e.g., moving from "My sales will fix everything" to "My margin fuels everything"). Key Takeaways: Your numbers reflect your leadership. If you want different numbers, you have to become a different kind of leader. Discipline is not restriction. A budget or profit plan is a tool for alignment, helping you focus on what actually moves the needle. Slow down to speed up. Leadership mindset requires slowing down enough to make strategic decisions instead of reacting to the "loudest" problems. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

When your business is bogged down by debt, every bill feels like an emergency and every slow sales day feels catastrophic. This creates "noise"—a cycle of anxiety, reactive decision-making, and overwhelm that keeps you stuck. In this episode, I'm breaking down why debt is almost never a sales problem and revealing the single most important metric you need to track to climb out of the hole and regain control of your business. Key Takeaways The Debt-Noise Cycle: Debt creates mental noise (guilt, shame, fear), which leads to overwhelm. Overwhelm leads to paralysis, keeping you stuck in the same financial patterns. The "Sales" Myth: Most business owners try to out-earn their debt. However, debt is usually a result of issues below the sales line: cost of goods, low margins, overspending, or poor purchasing discipline. The Golden Metric: If you focus on only one number to fix your debt, let it be your Gross Margin. This is your real margin after discounts, shipping, shrinkage, and fees—not just your initial markup. Operations & Margin: Margin isn't just about pricing; it's tied to operational efficiency. How you run your business daily directly impacts your profitability. Restructuring vs. Bankruptcy: You don't always need a massive, dramatic action (like filing for bankruptcy) to fix a massive debt. Incremental, disciplined changes to your margin can pay off hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. The Five Categories of a P&L Debt hides in the gaps between these five lines: Sales (The top line) Cost of Goods (Where the problem often starts) Gross Margin (The number to focus on) Expenses (Operational efficiency) Net Profit (The freedom fund) Actionable Steps for This Week Don't let the "noise" paralyze you. Choose one bite-sized action to take today: Get Honest: List out exactly what you owe. No more hiding from the total balance. Calculate Your Real Margin: Look at your numbers after all the "leaks" (discounts, fees, etc.) are taken out. Commit to Strategy: Move from "living sale-to-sale" to making disciplined, strategic financial decisions. Memorable Quotes "Debt creates noise... the noise creates overwhelm... and the overwhelm keeps you stuck." "Debt is almost never a sales problem. It's a cash flow structure problem. It's a margin problem." "Restructuring isn't dramatic. It's disciplined. Discipline builds profit, profit builds freedom, and freedom eliminates debt." Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Is your debt a strategic tool or a heavy burden? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a topic many entrepreneurs avoid: Debt Management. Debt isn't inherently "bad," but for inventory-based businesses, the wrong type of debt can quietly choke your cash flow and restrict your freedom. Let's break down the six common types of business debt—from traditional SBA loans to the predatory nature of Merchant Cash Advances—and learn how each impacts your balance sheet. Whether you are navigating high-interest credit cards or utilizing vendor terms (Accounts Payable), this episode provides the roadmap you need to move from "servant to the lender" to a confident, profit-focused CEO. Key Takeaways: The Debt Spectrum: Why predictable debt (like traditional loans) is power, while unpredictable debt (like capital loans) is a danger to your daily operations. The "Inventory Gap": How to strategically use Lines of Credit to fund long lead times without falling into a debt trap. Family & Personal Loans: Why documentation and amortization schedules are non-negotiable, even when the lender is "Mom and Dad." The Debt Payoff Plan: How to prioritize your repayments to regain control of your cash flow. Actionable Steps You Can Take Now: Audit Your Debt: List every balance, interest rate, and payment term you currently hold. Identify the "Predators": Prioritize paying off Merchant Cash Advances and high-interest credit cards first. Formalize Agreements: Ensure all informal family loans have written terms and a clear payoff schedule. Seek Expertise: If your books are a mess, consider hiring professional services to clean up your records so you can make data-driven decisions. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Debt is a heavy word, and for many business owners, it's a source of silent shame. If you feel like your "debt mess" is too big to fix, this episode is your invitation to breathe again. We're stripping away the complexity and the guilt to look at the cold, hard truth of how debt works—and how you can escape it. In this episode, we explore: The Debt Trap: Why we've been told debt is a "solution" when it's actually a drain on cash flow. The Psychological Toll: How carrying a balance sucks your creative energy and steals your freedom. The Path Out: Practical steps to stop the cycle and reclaim your business's future. You aren't alone in this. Let's stop managing the mess and start cleaning it up. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

What does it mean to truly steward your wealth? This week, CFP Mark Willis shares his unconventional approach to financial planning. Tune in to discover why Mark's philosophy stands apart from the crowd and how you can apply his unique insights to your own financial journey. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Mark: Website: https://lakegrowth.com/

What does it actually look like to outsource your inventory fulfillment? Today, 3PL founder Alia Oneal joins us to navigate this new territory for the podcast. Tune in as we break down the benefits of 3PL and how it can help your business grow. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Alia: Website: https://www.loudergroup.co/contact

Today we're talking about why complexity is the enemy of profitability and what the hidden costs of complexity actually are. I'm going to give you some real life examples and break down what this idea really means. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Today, a guest is returning who's been so popular on this show. Jennifer Allwood is talking about women getting stuck in their business, feeling like they can't gain traction, and how to break through this tricky spot. You don't want to miss this conversation. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://jenniferallwood.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferallwood More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

I'm chatting with two incredible women from the Inventory Genius C-Suite Program about the financial side of employees and marketing. We dive into how these key areas affect business growth and talk through ways to spot and fix issues early—before they become bigger problems. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Today's episode is a conversation with my client Cat Fischer from the Inventory Genius Mastermind. Cat's been putting in serious work around her business finances, and we're talking about what she's learned, the strategies she's using, and the mindset behind stepping into full financial ownership as a business owner. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

What if your sales goals are doing more harm than good? In this episode, I'm unpacking why the constant focus on sales targets might be sabotaging your business. Sales matter—but not in the way you've been taught. Tune in to hear my take. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

It's the final episode of 2025, and we're wrapping up the year with something special: how to plan for your best year yet! January 1st is right around the corner, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. In this episode, we're diving into actionable tips and strategies to help you set yourself up for success in the new year. Grab a notebook and pen—you'll want to take notes on this one! This episode is all about setting the tone for an incredible 2026. Don't miss it! Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

Today I'm sitting down with one of my clients. Stacy is currently in the messy middle and is bravely sharing her story. Tune in to hear Stacy's story and to learn what she's currently doing to get to the other side of the mess. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

In this episode, I'm sharing the unexpected epiphany I had on a Michigan highway that completely changed how I view my business—and success itself. After years of trying to follow the industry's push to “scale,” I realized I didn't actually want a scalable offer. What I truly wanted was impact, freedom, and a business built on my terms. Let's dive into why becoming a true business genius starts with defining success for yourself—not based on what coaches, consultants, or the online space say you “should” want. Whether success for you means multiple locations, a three-day-a-week schedule, a seven-figure business, or simply a steady paycheck that supports your life, I want to help you get clear on what your end goal really is. If you're ready to let go of vanity metrics, reduce the stress, and start building a business that genuinely serves you, this episode is your invitation. Let's rise, repeat, and aim for genius status together! Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

I'm sharing a powerful, eye-opening moment from a therapy session that totally flipped how I saw myself as a leader and a business owner. Spoiler: People-pleasing isn't a virtue—it's actually selfish.

I'm revealing the surprising truth behind why so many entrepreneurs struggle with their finances—and how a simple weekly routine can completely transform their bottom line. In this episode, I break down my Money Mondays framework and explain why true money management actually begins with time management. You'll hear how one client, Cat, turned around a do-or-die financial situation, reconsolidated her debt, and freed up $10,000 a month—all by committing to consistent systems and disciplined time habits. If you've been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or frustrated with your cash flow, this episode will show you the foundational rhythm that can help you regain clarity, control, and profit. Tune in and discover why managing your time is the first step to managing your money. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

In today's episode, I'm showcasing the third chapter of my newest book, Business Genius. Let's talk about one of the biggest differences I see in entrepreneurs: the gap between learning and executing. Most people who come to me genuinely love learning—they've read my books, listened to my podcast, and they're hungry for growth. But loving to learn isn't enough. Real transformation happens when we take what we learn and actually do something with it. To show you what that looks like, I share the story of my friend Dianuh, a talented entrepreneur I met in a mastermind group. She built an incredible live-art business from the ground up. Every time she came to our group, she brought thoughtful questions, soaked up the feedback, and—most importantly—went home and implemented it. At our next meeting, she always had results to share. Her willingness to act on what she learned is exactly why her business took off. And that's the key difference: some people learn to create change, and others learn simply to feel productive. The first group asks, implements, evaluates, and repeats. The second jumps from expert to expert, gathering information but never putting in the real work. They stay stuck, even though they feel busy. I've been there myself. A coach once told me, “It's time to stop asking questions and start executing on what you already know.” And they were right—I needed an information diet. No more new content until I took action. So if you're constantly consuming but not progressing, it might be time for your own information diet too. Because if you want to be a business genius, you can't just learn—you have to do. The winners in business aren't just listeners. They're doers. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Let's dive into the second chapter of my newest book, Business Genius! In the chapter, I share how I went from refusing workouts longer than 45 minutes to crossing the finish line of my first Ironman in 12:47:16. My transformation wasn't about suddenly becoming interested in endurance sports—it was about commitment, surrounding myself with the right coach, investing in the right equipment, and showing up even when it was uncomfortable. I connect that journey to entrepreneurship. So many business owners pour everything into their business—money, time, energy—yet stop short of success by cutting corners: DIY bookkeeping, avoiding experts, skipping hard conversations, and chasing vanity metrics. It's like training for an Ironman but only doing 90% of the workouts: enough to be miserable, not enough to finish. My message is simple: stop playing business and fully commit. Go all in, invest in what matters, face the hard stuff, and set yourself up to succeed. If you're ready to commit, I'm ready to walk you through the steps that lead to real results. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

My newest book, Business Genius, is now available! And today, I'm sharing the first chapter with you. Building a business is hard work, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Let's get started with some bite-sized, actionable steps that will you help you understand, complete and implement what you need to in order to become a true business genius. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

You've probably never thought about it quite like this before: cash flow problems don't just affect your finances—they affect your people. When money gets tight, it puts strain on the relationships and dynamics within your business. And when your people start to struggle, your whole business can suffer. Let's unpack this idea together… Get started now with the Inventory Genus Course. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

I'm chatting with Dianuh from Chasing Linen about simplifying your business for profitability. Dianuh is an incredibly successful business woman who has great insights into how cutting revenue streams can actually help your business Get started now with the Inventory Genus Course. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Dianuhhttps://www.instagram.com/dianuhaerin https://www.instagram.com/chasinglinen www.chasinglinen.com

Your inventory isn't just a number on a spreadsheet—it's part of the bigger financial heartbeat of your business. In this episode, we break down why product-based businesses can't afford to look at inventory in isolation and how connecting the dots across your numbers gives you the full picture of what's really happening. Tune in to learn how every metric works together to tell your business story. Get started now with the Quickstart to Inventory Genus. Click here to use the coupon code. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

I'm chatting with Tracy Hoth about simplifying things. I talk about this topic a lot, but today, we're coming at simplification from a different angle. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Tracy:Website https://simplysquaredaway.com/Free 15 Minute Declutter Challenge http://simplysquaredaway.com/declutterFree Digital Files Training https://simplysquaredaway.com/5filesThe Organized Coach Podcast https://simplysquaredaway.com/podcast/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyhoth/Instagram https://instagram.com/tracyhoth More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

We're talking about benchmarking. Why is it important? What's the purpose? And how do you use benchmarking results to create more profit in your business? Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

I've never shared this on the podcast before, but it's long overdue. I work with so many small business owners who've been burned by consultants and coaches—promised the world and left with disappointment. And honestly? It fires me up. No consultant should ever take advantage of a client's trust, especially when that client is trying to grow something meaningful. As business owners, we often hire help when we're stretched thin or searching for answers. We want to believe someone can step in and deliver results. But how do you know if you're hiring the right person? In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you should expect when working with a consultant: The red flags to watch for What a healthy consultant-client relationship looks like And how to track real progress once they're on board If you've ever hired a consultant—or you're thinking about it—this episode will give you the clarity you need to make smart, confident decisions. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Let's talk about the common denominators amongst winners. We all want to be winners in business - that's why we're business owners. But what does it really take to be a winner? What do the winners all share? Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Here's a Q4 planning session - we're covering numbers, budgeting and planning for the coming year. Let's talk about some things we should all think about in Q4 and how those considerations impact how we shift and approach things in the year ahead. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

We just wrapped up the latest Inventory Genius Masterclass, and I'm excited to share the replay from Day 4 with you. This session is always one of my favorites because a few of my amazing clients join me to share their real-life experiences and transformations. After their inspiring stories, we dive into a powerful live-coaching Q&A. In this episode, you'll get to experience it all—raw, insightful, and full of value. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

If you're in the place where you've been doing your books on your own or you had a bookkeeper or accountant that didn't serve you well, you may be feeling like you're in a mess. This episode is for you! During this conversation with Sarah from T&O Strategic Advisory, you'll get actionable steps that you can take to get your books caught up. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the T&O Advisory:Website: https://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/

Meggan Wehmeyer is a former client who has an organic skincare line. Meggan has had the most amazing journey over the past 6 months. She's sharing about that journey and about how her business allowed her to do something that so often we all dream about. Learn about the decisions she had to make and about the hard choices it took for Meggan to reach this amazing point. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Meggan:Website: https://farmersbody.com/

I recently received an email that blew my mind. Today, I'm talking to the author of that email. Tune in to discover what the email said and to learn why the author decided to write to me. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Krystina:Website: https://adropintheoceanshop.com/ - Discount code (15% off): INVENTORYGENIUSSubscribe to weekly sustainability email series: https://adropintheoceanshop.com/pages/makewaves More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Nikki Rausch is the Sales Maven! Today, she's chatting with us about how to have effective sales conversations and about creating a sales strategy that connects without pressuring potential clients. How can we sell better and sell more? Listen as Nikki shares about her background and work. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Sales Maven:Website: https://yoursalesmaven.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

I've watched Allison Dupre's business change and grow over the past few years. Sometimes in business, we feel like we're the only ones struggling or having growing pains. Today, Allison and I are talking about her experience and about how she made it through the hard moments. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Megan Schmitke is a bookkeeping expert who works specifically with inventory-based businesses. Today, Megan and I are talking about what you should do if your business is a mess and you know you need a bookkeeper. How do you clean things up so you can move forward? Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Megan:Take Megan's Bookkeeping Basics Course (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/bookkeeping-basics-course/) Book a consultation: https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/work-with-me/ Instagram: @findingfreedomfinancial Free Training: https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/masterclass/

I've got great news for you: YOU can manage your Open to Buy without spending thousands of dollars on a program, without having an accountant on your team, without having a designated specific buyer - I'm talking you through the why and the how on today's episode! There's a simple formula and some really easy-to-use tools that you can start implementing today to create your Buying Budget. Let's go! Click here to try the Inventory Genius Calculator for FREE! (https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator) Click here to take the FREE Open to Buy Workshop. (https://www.ciarastockeland.com/open-to-buy-workshop-evergreen) Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Jennifer Kok is a small business consultant. Today, Jennifer and I are chatting about what happens in our minds when we get to the point where we need to grow, scale and expand our businesses. How do our minds sometimes get in the way of business, and what can we do to change up our way of thinking? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer:Website: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/Free Masterclass 3 Keys to Growing a Profitable Business: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/webinar More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

I get questions about today's topic all the time. Shannon Wilburn and I are talking about using franchising to scale. How do you know when you're ready to scale? If you're not ready, what do you get in order? And once you're ready, how do you scale efficiently? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Shannon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonwilburn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shineexecutivecoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/Website: https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-franchise-leaders-forum-podcast/id1755397643

Audrey Faust is a financial coach for business owners. We're digging into the mindset behind making money and keeping it. You don't want to miss this conversation! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Audrey:Unlock your path to profit with the free profit accelerator workbook 12 Secrets from an Expert CFO for Women Entrepreneurs In the Profit Accelerator Workbook, Audrey's sharing the exact secrets that have worked for her clients—women just like you—who have seen their profits skyrocket by 20-200% annually. These are actionable strategies that you can apply to your business, no matter its size or industryhttps://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/12-secrets Website: http://audreyfaustconsulting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manifestingcfo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifesting_cfo/

Jamie Van Cuyk and I are chatting about building a strong team. At the end of the day, we can't build our businesses by ourselves, we need good people working with us. Jamie's sharing her insights about how we can make the people part of our business more efficient. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jamie:Website – https://growingyourteam.comPodcast - https://growingyourteam.com/podcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingyourteam/Free Determine What to Delegate Worksheet - https://growingyourteam.com/delegate/

Bethny Ricks is a CPO - a Chief People Officer. Today, I'm sharing a conversation I recently had with her about how to deal with and lead people well. During the episode, you'll hear about why it's important to be proactive instead of reactionary, learn how we move from being reactionary to proactive, and discover some of the tools we all need to have if we have people on our team. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Bethny:Website - https://www.bethnyricks.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Brandakin Social Media (https://www.brandakinsocialmedia.com/) - Maximize your social media presence and reach.

Tracy Panase owns the Just Between Friends franchise brand. We're talking about her brand, what it's like to lead a multi-chain, multi-location company, and what it was like to buy the franchise system. Tune into a great conversation! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Tracy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

Today, we're talking about two things I get asked about all the time: franchising and SBA financing. Beau Eckstein has been in lending for nearly three decades. He's sharing his expertise and insight. Get ready to have all your questions answered! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Beau: Website: https://beaueckstein.com/