Think Like A CFO Podcast

"What if the real issue in your business isn't about money, but sales?"— Melissa HoustonIn this episode of She Means Profit, I dive into the biggest misconception many of my clients have: they think they have a money problem, but the truth is, it's a sales issue. After working with 90% of my clients, I've seen this pattern emerge time and time again. In this reintroduction episode, I'm excited to get back into helping women build profitable businesses.I've been through my own challenges this past year, including battling severe anemia and depression during perimenopause. It hit me like a Mack truck, and for the first time in my life, I was forced to take a step back from my business to focus on my health. But now, I'm feeling stronger and more determined than ever to help you grow your business and build your wealth.Only 1.9% of women-owned businesses make over a million dollars annually. That statistic has to change. Women face both systemic barriers, like access to capital, and internal struggles, such as a lack of confidence, which holds us back from pricing our services correctly or pitching our ideas with authority.But I believe that when women succeed in business, the impact ripples through communities. This episode is all about building confidence, mastering sales, and creating a supportive community of women entrepreneurs. Let's talk about how we can overcome these challenges and help each other thrive, both financially and personally.Listen to learn:Perimenopause can deeply affect entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for support systems in business and health.Only 1.9% of women-owned businesses surpass $1 million in annual revenue, a statistic that must change.Building a financially thriving business requires more than managing money; it requires mastering sales and overcoming limiting beliefs.Communities of like-minded women can provide invaluable support, resources, and emotional backing for business success.Confidence in pricing, pitching, and selling is crucial for breaking into higher revenue brackets.Links:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessJoin our She Means Profit Facebook groupCourses:Cash Confident Mindset: Transform Your Mindset into a Money-Making MachineFrom Office to Entrepreneur: What You Need to Know to Build a Successful BusinessPath to Profit With Sales: Insights into Marketing and SalesCash Confident Framework: Smart Money Management for Small Business OwnersFrom Expert to Thought Leader: Amplify Your Influence, Elevate Your Brand, and Lead Your IndustryCash Catalyst: Mastering Personal Finances for Successful Business OwnersWork with me: Book a 90-minute Strategy Call Follow me on: IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“A thought leader is defined as an individual or firm recognized as an authority in their specialized field whose expertise are sought after and often rewarded. ”— Melissa HoustonIn an ever-growing industry, what sets you apart from the crowd of thousands proclaiming they're the best and the greatest at what they do?The answer to this question gets harder every day. There will always be startups popping out of nowhere, small businesses that go viral, and established conglomerates that control half the industry. You might think the safest bet is to just do well and see how it goes.But here's something tried and true for you. This is a solution that's been honed over time and proven effective: let yourself be the face of your business. Give the public someone to listen to, someone to root for, someone to lean on. Don't just be the boss of your business; let yourself become a thought leader.In this episode, we will be discussing everything there is to know about thought leadership. From what it takes to get started to establishing yourself as one, whether through traditional media appearances or creating content for Tiktok, we will explore the steps you can undertake to become a respected thought leader in your industry. Listen to learn:Why there is a difference between influencers and thought leaders How to make informative and compelling content as a thought leaderHow an online presence cultivates your reputationWhy it is important to go on public speaking eventsHow networking is essential in building your brandWhy appearances on traditional media is essential Highlights:‌2:59 The definition of a thought leader8:33 Benefits of being a thought leader to your business9:19 Good and strategic content creation10:21 Means of increasing your online visibility11:50 Attending talks and publishing your own articles12:57 Importance of networking on events14:20 Writing a book and its impact on your brand reputation14:58 Hiring PR coverage and what it can do for you15:30 Appearances on varied media

"As you're starting your business, you're going to come across so many interesting and sometimes real challenges, really exciting problems to solve, areas of compliance and requirements that probably seem daunting, and I would say really seek out resources, seek out mentors.” — Dina SegalContracts will always be an essential part of a business. Whether it's a business deal with your supplier or establishing a new agreement with your client, this piece of paper plays a vital role in protecting not only your business's best interests but also the rights of the other party.Writing down agreements and signing them may seem simple, but contracts are significantly more complex. They leave no stone unturned, explore every point thoroughly, and allow for no exceptions—except when both parties agreed to do so.This episode will explore the ins and outs of the beginning of every business journey: the contracts. Beyond the lengthy paragraphs and complicated words, we will learn the factors to consider in contract negotiations, stress the importance of thoroughly reading the written word before signing, and discuss ways to ensure that your contract attracts only the best and the most suitable partners for your business.Listen to learn:‌How to classify workersHow organizations can help with your resources and mentoring needsHow to negotiate your contract wellWhy it's important to know your business core for contract negotiationsWhy flexibility is essential in your contractHow to avoid ambiguity in contractsWhy attorney's fees can't be overlooked in business negotiationsHighlights:‌4:28      Services Third-Party companies can do for you7:56      Contracting people from all around the world10:21   Organizations that help in mentoring start-up businesses12:28   Importance of contracting14:50   Payment terms in contracts16:49   A Business' Liability Issues19:01   Proper Process of Contract Termination22:06   Importance of reading Terms and Conditions22:58   Creating a form for your business23:49   Attorney's fees in Contract Provisions24:03   Seeking Guidance and MentorsLinks:‌ ‌Dina SegalGusto WebsiteCash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“With the right mindset and dedication, successful debt management is within your reach.”—Melissa HoustonMany aspire to start their own business, but a common obstacle preventing them from doing so is financial constraints. People who do not have enough funding often resort to taking out loans to build their first business. But what's the deal with businesses that end up sinking rather than soaring?The culprit is often debt. Some businesses fall into the trap of having massive loans without a solid plan. Business owners tend to choose the short-term solution of gearing up, taking debts, instead of focusing on the long-term ones. Let's be real, when those loans start piling up, it's not just your business that is affected, but your personal life too. Whether you're in it for business or dealing with personal finances, taking on debt is a big responsibility. You have to ensure that you can deal with it and properly resolve it in order to avoid the chances of it overtaking your business or life.Listen to learn:‌Why most businesses resort to taking up debtsWhy  entrepreneurs should focus on  long-term solutions for their businessHow can business owners manage their debts in businessHow the pressure of debt can affect one's mental healthHow business owners or even individuals can avoid taking too much financial debtHighlights:‌03:39  Having personal debt to run the business 04:39  What too much debt can do to your business06:22  Impact of debt on our mental health08:17  Knowing your business numbers11:18  Tip 1: Analyze Debt and Financial Situation11:59  Debt Repayment Calculator Mini Course12:28  Tip 2: Prioritize Your Debts13:02  Tip 3: Negotiate with Creditors13:49  Tip 4: Consider Debt Consolidation15:20  Tip 5: Seek Professional AdviceLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessUnlock Your Profit Potential With This Smart Pricing StrategyCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“The bottom line is that tracking your sales conversion is an essential step towards driving your business profit and ensuring that your business profit continues to grow and thrive, and not just your profit, but your sales and your whole business.”—Melissa HoustonWhat sets a business up for success? It should have the capacity for profitability and scale. Making a profit in your business can be tough, especially in a challenging economy. In this episode, we emphasize that tracking sales conversions is not just about boosting profit but about fostering a holistic and thriving business.Smart business owners take into consideration their marketing and sales performance indicators. Why? Because when you are critical about your marketing and sales, you learn what's working and what needs to improve to achieve sustainability. Success in business does not happen in an instant. It truly takes time and effort, no doubt about it. But here's the secret: investing your time and effort to wholeheartedly grasp your business's financial data and sales will provide you with the necessary foundation for your business to thrive. Listen to learn:‌Why tracking sales conversions improves business profitWhy business owners must understand the marketing and sales KPIs in their businessWhy determining the customer needs is beneficial in improving your salesHow to reach the right people to help meet your business goals How tracking your sales helps improve the return on investment for your businessHighlights:‌01:12: The root cause of money problems in business 02:47: Three profit drivers in business02:53: Path Profitability Masterclass and Unlock Your Pricing Strategies Podcast04:21: Marketing and Sales KPIs05:40: Proper outsourcing and hiring of people for your business06:19: Importance of tracking sales conversions to increase profit in business07:02: Understanding your return on investment10:12: Knowing what your customer needs11:30: Identifying the potential for improvement13:36: The key step in improving your business profitLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessUnlock Your Profit Potential With This Smart Pricing StrategyCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“There's never gonna be a perfect time to start a business. There's never gonna be a perfect time to start calling yourself an entrepreneur until you actually start doing it.”— Dianne WelshHere's the deal: success isn't some kind of magic trick. It starts when you decide to go on an adventure and grab opportunities offered to you. When it comes to building a business, you turn these opportunities into action-packed episodes that coincide with the difference you want to leave. As entrepreneurs, your top-notch priority should be making sure you've got all your bases covered. You want to ensure that you examine every bits and pieces that are essential in making these opportunities successful. Once you grasp these insights, you plan out your strategy and get into action mode. Business is not a simple game where you just join and see how it goes. You go through your business, prepare a succession plan, and actually critique how the opportunity will work its way to success. Listen to this episode to learn:‌Why having an entrepreneurial mindset leads to successWhy the key to creating a successful business is having a business financial managementHow successful entrepreneurs put opportunities into actionHow an entrepreneur deals with challenges of generational wealthHow global opportunities for entrepreneurs contribute to keeping a sustainable businessHighlights:‌01:29: The Entrepreneurial Mindset03:32: Qualities possessed by successful Entrepreneurs06:02: Business Finance as key to Creating Successful Business07:18: The Entrepreneurial Family Business book11:11: Problems faced by Family-Based Businesses13:32: Dealing with challenges of Generational Wealth15:58: Awareness on Global Entrepreneurship OpportunitiesLinks:‌ ‌ Dianne Welshhttps://diannewelsh.wp.uncg.edu/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-welsh-9755989/The Entrepreneurial Family Business: From Survival to Success: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/entrepreneurial-family-business-survival-successCash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Cash is queen and with the right strategies, you can manage it wisely and achieve long-term prosperity.”—Melissa HoustonWhen running a business, cash flow is absolutely critical. As business owners, we are responsible for making sure that the cash moving in and out of business is managed properly. Why is it crucial to avoid running out of cash? Cash is the lifeblood of your financial obligations. And let me tell you, it's not just about keeping cash at hand; it's about fueling your business's success. When you've got a healthy cash flow while your business profits, that's when you can really invest in driving your business toward success. And as most businesses gear up with their business financial planning for 2024, take into consideration strategies that can help you manage to stay and have a positive cash flow that can earn your chance to invest more in your business.Listen to learn:‌Why business owners need to have their business financial plan ready for 2024Why having a cash management system is essential for every businessWhy do businesses need to set up a cash reserveHow does closely monitoring the inflow and outflow of funds impact the overall performance of a businessHow can business owners keep track of their accounts receivableHow automating bill payment keeps business expenses under controlHow can business owners improve and gain positive cash flow in businessHighlights:‌03:07: Gearing Up the Business Financial Planning for 2024 05:32: Business Cash Management06:33: Profitability and Positive Cash Flow07:17: Key Cash Management Strategies: Managing Cash Flow08:23: Key Cash Management Strategies: Set Up a Cash Reserve10:06: Key Cash Management Strategies: Tracking your Accounts Receivable11:10: Key Cash Management Strategies: Automate BIll Paying12:10: Key Cash Management Strategies: Improve Cash Flow in Business13:35: Evaluate inventory management practices14:42: Done in a Day Service ProgramLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessUnlock Your Profit Potential With This Smart Pricing StrategyCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Every business owner has made mistakes along the way, but the secret to success is learning from each mistake.”—Melissa HoustonWhat makes a business successful? It's how you turn mistakes into opportunities to improve and grow your way to success. Mistakes are not to be seen as weaknesses if you are a business owner. These must be seen as valuable lessons that can help you on your way to success. No successful business earned their way up without failing along the way and learning from the mistakes they made. But just because mistakes are part of a successful business does not mean that it is right to commit them repeatedly. This episode talks about five tips on how business owners can learn from common mistakes in growing a business. Listen to learn:‌Why making mistakes is absolutely normal for every business ownerWhy most business owners need to have a business financial planWhy tracking expenses is important in every businessHow must business owners price their products or services profitablyHow business owners should separate emotion from smart-making decisionsHow to use data to help business owners improve their businessHighlights:‌03:51: Common mistakes by Small Business Owners06:21: First tip - How to build a business financial plan09:24: Second tip - How to avoid failing to track expenses in business11:11: Third tip - How to price products or services profitably11:27: Unlock Your Profit Potential with These Smart Pricing Strategies podcast12:58: Fourth tip - How emotions get in the way of smart making decisions14:47: Fifth tip - How data improves one's business15:45: The Cash Confident Framework courseLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessUnlock Your Profit Potential With This Smart Pricing StrategyCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“As you prepare for your sales, be sure to prepare as well for your profit. Do not let the busyness of the season be an excuse for you not to create profit in your business.”—Melissa HoustonIt's almost the end of 2023, and you know what that means - the busiest season is just right around the corner! So, what's in the card for businesses this time? Well, it's about finishing this year with a bang and gearing up for a more profitable new one. As we celebrate our third-year anniversary, our commitment remains steadfast. We are all about giving the goods - valuable insights and rock-solid guidance for our fellow business owners. Our mission? Ensure that your business welcomes more customers and ends the year on a high note. We're also here to pump up our business owners with enthusiasm as we dive into 2024 with an opportunistic mindset!Listen to learn:‌Why getting ready for the Q4 2023 matters for every businessWhy you need a solid financial foundation in business for the year-endWhy prioritizing customer service is beneficial for your businessHow to make your business more profitable during the busiest season of the yearHow to spot your ideal holiday shoppers this busy seasonHow every business owner should monitor their business progress and measure successHighlights:01:47: Gearing up for the busiest season of the year02:23: SMP's third-year anniversary giveaway04:23: What to look and expect in your business for the Q4 of 202304:57: Focusing on the strong financial foundation of your business06:14: Tip to make Q4 your most profitable year: Plan Ahead07:19: Tip to make Q4 your most profitable year: Target Holiday Shoppers08:31: Tip to make Q4 your most profitable year: Prioritize Customer Service09:29: Tip to make Q4 your most profitable year: Monitor Progress and Measure Success11:04: Tip to make Q4 your most profitable year: Stay Focused12:26: Preparing the 2024 business plan readyLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteCash Clarity CourseApply to Work With MeMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Finances and marketing numbers are a game as well. So understanding how those numbers overlap can be a game changer.”—Melissa Houston2023 has not been a great year for business owners. It's been a rough year, really, with a lot of things happening around us and the economy affecting many different sectors. Experts are debating whether we're experiencing a recession or not, and the thing is, we'll only know we are in recession around six to eight months into it. Even though we're not “officially” in a recession, some businesses' revenue and sales fall, others go bankrupt. And so a lot of my clients go to me and ask, “Where is the money going?”But we shouldn't wallow in pity for the difficulty brought to us by this challenging year. Instead, we should analyze the root cause of our problem. Is it an issue brought by money management or a sales problem?In this episode, we will talk about how sales and money management are critical parts of growing your business.Listen to learn:‌What your numbers look like at the end of Q32023 is a tough year for businessesWhy finances and marketing are a numbers gameWhy sales without profit is a red flagIs it a sales problem or a money management problem?Steps to take to explore the root cause of your problemHighlights:‌01:16  What your numbers look like at the end of Q301:46  2023 has been a tough year03:02  Why marketing is crucial for sales05:21  Is it sales or money management problems?07:09  How to identify the root cause of your problems?07:46  Tip 1: Analyze your finances09:39  Tip 2: Assess your sales strategy10:50  Tip 3: Identify the external factors12:45  Tip 4: Find a balance13:17  Tip 5: Seek professional help when you're strugglingLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessCash Confident Framework™️ CourseMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“No matter what stage of business you are at, it's really knowing that sales absolutely is, can, and should be beautiful.”—Jamie Gulino DavisThere's always a negative connotation about sales. People have this idea that we should never listen to salespeople because they only have one agenda: they make you lose control, urging you into buying their product or service and lose control of your money. So, it has always been a daunting and overwhelming experience for business owners to close sales.And I confess—I used to struggle with sales too. Because like a typical person, I grew up with a mindset that salespeople are ‘evil'. It took a mindset shift to finally understand that you're not playing the bad guy if you want to have sales. Because remember: sales drive revenue. Your business' success is driven by your sales. It's a part we can never run away from. So just like how our guest, sales leader, and strategist Jamie Gulino Davis puts it, we need to embrace the beauty of sales, identify it against marketing, and cross the bridge where these two intersect.In this episode, Jamie talks us through the beauty of sales that would help us shift our money mindset. It's not about making people lose control of their money; it's actually offering them solutions to their problems.Listen to this episode to learn:‌The difference between marketing and salesJamie's own sales framework: The LEAD frameworkIs the nurture sequence still a part of marketing?What typical problems in sales areJamie's ‘aha' moment that changed her mindset and lifeHow to handle clients that are analytical decision-makersHighlights:‌03:41  The difference between marketing and sales04:57  Jamie's sales framework: The LEAD framework07:55  Is the nurture sequence still part of marketing?10:24  The problem with sales15:32  Jamie's 'aha' moment that changed her mindset and life16:52  How to handle clients that are analytical decision-makers20:13  Why knowing your clients' characteristics is importantLinks:Jamie Gulino Davishttps://jamiegulinodavis.simplero.com/page/290836LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiegulinodavis/Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Raising capital can be a critical component of your success. So, with the right financial strategy, you can take your business to the next level.”—Melissa HoustonThis is why starting or expanding a business can be daunting and overwhelming. It's hard to answer the question ‘Where do we get our funding?'Anyone could easily get confused—scared even—when raising capital for their businesses. And the thing is, it's such a crucial component as no business would be able to start operating without enough capital.Fret not!In this episode, I'll walk you through the different options that are available to you to help you make informed decisions when raising money for your business. You don't have to worry about securing your capital. You just have to scrutinize which one fits your business.Listen to learn:‌Your funding options when raising capital for your businessBootstrapping and its pros and consWhat crowdfunding isWhat angel investing meansBank loans as a traditional method of securing fundsWhy venture capital is a hot topicHighlights:‌02:03  Some life updates05:11  Why bootstrapping is my favorite07:04  Crowdfunding and its pros and cons09:27  What is angel investing?10:57  Bank loans as a traditional method of funding12:07  Don't make this big mistake!12:25  Why venture capital is a hot topicLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessCash Confident Framework™️ CourseMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“A common mistake that entrepreneurs make is checking their bank balance at the end of the month and assuming that what is left is their profit.”—Melissa HoustonHeads up: your bank balance does not equate to your true profitability. Doesn't mean that you have all those money in your bank account, you're free to spend them all you want. No—that's not your profit yet!As business owners, we need to get our money management system tied up so that our profitability is optimized. And one way to do that is to keep an eye on your bank account.My personal tip: I look at my bank account—both business and personal—every. single. day.I'm not kidding. I'm not exaggerating either. In this episode of She Means Profit, I discuss why I find monitoring my accounts on a daily basis an essential powerful way to manage my money and optimize my business. I also break down the reasons why you should never think what's in your bank account is your profit.Listen to learn:‌Planning your goals for 2024Why keeping an eye on your bank account is essentialCash flow vs profitMistake 1: Assuming what remains in your bank balance is your profitMistake 2: Not paying yourselfMistake 3: Unpaid debtsMistake 4: Overleveraging your businessMistake 5: Accounting methodsThree ways to work with meHighlights:‌01:37  Little catch-up from the season break02:18  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business02:50  Cash management system05:50  2023 Q4 planning and getting ready for 2024 planning06:44  Checking my bank balance every day08:37  Mistake 1: Assuming what remains in your bank account is your profit09:00  Mistake 2: Not paying yourself10:11  Cash flow vs profit11:43  Unpaid debts12:42  Overleveraging your business kills your cash flow13:36  Accounting methods15:37  Three ways to work with meLinks:‌ ‌Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“You need to have a solid understanding of what's going on in your business.”—Melissa HoustonIt's a no-brainer that anyone who owns a business must have a solid understanding of what's going on in the business—everything, including the ins and outs and the future plans. It's simply the bedrock of success. And while it is a no-brainer, actually committing yourself to doing so isn't as simple as it seems. But when you have a firm grasp on your business, it's like having a compass that guides you through a maze of potential and obstacles.So, dear entrepreneurs and dream chasers, remember that success is built on the foundation of deep comprehension. Dare to dream big, define your vision, craft your mission, and set goals that propel you toward greatness. With a solid understanding of what's going on within your business, the possibilities are boundless, and success becomes an inevitable destination. Listen to learn:‌Managing your decisions with your financesGenerating revenue is importantMonitoring your numbersLearning approaches for your business goalHighlights:‌ 04:03  Control of your financial destination04:56  Revenue without profit is a red flag05:25  Have the courage to claim your financial dreams05:40  Read your financial reports07:42  Monitor your numbers08:55  Cash is queenLinks:‌ ‌Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

"There's an interconnection between mental health and financial health." —Joyce MarterAt first glance, it may appear that there is no correlation between mental health and financial health, but the truth is that they affect one another.Existing mental health issues can make it difficult to manage finances effectively, just as having financial issues can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. That is why it is essential to recognize the interrelation between financial and mental health and take steps to address them. Break the cycle and cultivate an abundance mindset. We need to look past the problems and work towards problem-solving. Open your eyes and begin to take your first step toward your highest vision.  But what does it mean to step towards your highest vision for yourself?It simply means that you should know your worth, do the work, and prioritize self-care. By recognizing the relationship between mental and financial health, we can improve and prosper our overall quality of life and achieve greater happiness and fulfillment.Listen to learn:‌The interrelationship of mental health and financial healthHow negative beliefs about money blocks prosperityHow to recover from financial traumasMoney mindset is rooted in early childhood experiencesImportance of creating a high vision for planning career contextScarcity vs abundance mindsetHow financial issues can trigger anxiety Highlights:‌02:49  Joyce as a Financial Therapist and Money Coach03:30  Impact of money story and traumas to mental health04:19  Importance of Money Mindset14:54  The distinction of scarcity and abundance16:19  How working collaboratively can solve problems20:11  Establishing a high vision for personal and career growthLinks:‌ ‌  Joyce Marterhttps://www.joyce-marter.comInstagram: @joyce.marterFacebook: Joyce Marter Twitter: @Joyce_MarterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycemarter/Youtube: @joycemarterlicensedtherapi7961Main website

“Finding new and innovative ways to increase the amount and frequency of sales should be one of your top priorities if you want long-term success.”—Melissa HoustonSales volume is essential; it is the heart of your business.Without sales, businesses cannot drive revenue, gain profits, and eventually grow. In simple words, there is no business if you don't have sales.But increasing your sales volume is not easy. You need to put in effort, dedication, sweat, time, and willingness to take risks. And to become a successful business owner with a lot of sales, you need to be constantly innovating, trying new things, and adapting to changing market conditions.In this episode, we'll break down the key points on how you can increase your sales volume so that you can finally pay close attention to your sales volume, keep track of it, set goals for improvement, and take action to make it grow!Listen to learn:‌Importance of increasing salesUnderstanding the breakeven sales pointMaking a suitable business modelEssentials of real-time dataBeing the top on sales as a business ownerSignificance of dedicating time and effort for salesTracking the numbers at all timesHighlights:‌02:25  Enter Cash Confident reviews04:12  Monitoring sales volume05:04  Breakeven point in sales07:19  Making a financial plan10:58  Monitoring progress throughout the month11:53  Having a detailed real-time data 13:12  Tracking your numbersCash Confident BookCash Confident Course --> sign up hereApply to work with me --> Apply hereLinks:‌ ‌Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

"When running a product-based business, profitability should be top of mind."—Melissa HoustonCreating and operating a product-based business demands a significant amount of courage and drive to bring your product to the market. Thus, it's a must that entrepreneurs possess a deep understanding of their intended audience, their competitors, and the industry in which they operate. It is not easy to build a product-based business. There are several things that you should consider, and a bucket of sweat and tears will be required in order to build it successfully.So in this episode, we will delve into how we can make our product-based business profitable and on top despite hindrances and challenges!Keep learning, adapting, and growing your business, and you'll make significant strides towards business success.Listen to learn about:‌The importance of courage in product-based businessesPrice strategies in product-based businessesEffective marketing plan that is crucial for visibility and successBuilding a strong brand identityEssential of quality controlWhen to consider investing in equipment and manufacturingPrioritizing the profit in your businessHighlights:‌04:19  Product-based businesses built on a solid financial foundation06:00  Things to consider if you have a product-based business06:20  Setting your prices08:19  Packaging of the product09:50  Marketing for your product11:19  Considering manufacturing cost12:42  Distribution of your products15:42  Providing excellent service17:10  Return policyLinks:‌ ‌  Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderAre You On Track For Millionaire Status QuizFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

"The key to succeeding in business isn't just having a strong idea, but also knowing how to manage your business correctly."—Melissa HoustonWhat motivated you to start your business? Each of us has unique reasons why we started to take the journey of entrepreneurship. For some, it's their passion, while for others, it's the desire to have another source of income.But running a thriving business requires a good grasp and understanding of financial management. You have to consider everything that builds your business: numbers, profit, data, operations, and marketing. Have the courage to take the bold step towards a successful business through cultivating knowledge, vision, and dedication about finances. You can reach levels you never thought were possible—if you do the work to get there. This episode talks about the things you need to prioritize to make your business successful.Listen to learn about:‌How to manage your business correctlyImportance of getting Cash ConfidentHow to make your business more profitableThings to consider in businessMaking a financial planHighlights:‌03:27  Intro04:03  Running and developing a successful business05:02  Looking at your business data08:53  Unique opportunity to construct own business model10:35  Poor money management10:57  Ultimate responsibility for financial future16:32  Set financial goals17:28  Pre-order Cash ConfidentLinks:‌ ‌Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpaLinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Your brand is everything in your business that people have a touchpoint with.”—Tiffany NeumanYour brand is your signature.But it is not just about the colors, logos, or other visuals you provide.Building a brand is all about creating a foundation for your business that includes your vision, voice, story, and goals. It should be like a conversation, a dialogue between you and your customers. Developing a unique brand is a step toward establishing a thriving and profitable business.Tune in to the latest episode of She Means Profit, where our special guest, Tiffany Neuman, is going to drop some major knowledge bombs on branding!Listen to learn:‌Brand is not just about logos, colors, and fontsBuilding the foundations in creating your brandClarity and consistency in creating your brand legacyEnsuring the offers are congruent with the brandWays to create a cohesive brandGuest Bio: Tiffany Neuman is a visionary branding strategist who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs uplevel their businesses. After 15 years in the corporate world as a creative director, she left to found Your Legacy Brand to help clients across the globe increase their income, impact, and influence.Highlights:‌00:26  Intro01:46  Tiffany helps women step into their power by creating legacy brand02:35  Creating a brand for your business 04:18  Brands paint a picture of who you are07:09  What is Brand Legacy14:36  How Tiffany expands her audiences through networking group18:17  You should make a quantum leapLinks:‌ ‌  Tiffany Neumanhttps://yourlegacybrand.com/Instagram:@tiffanyneumancreativeFacebook: @tiffanyneumancreativeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyneuman/Main website

"Money serves as a tool to help you create positive things in the world and support your values."—Melissa HoustonContrary to the common notion, money is NOT just a number. We all know how this number in our banks and our wallets has a huge influence on our quality of life.  So, it is not surprising that many of us tie our worth and happiness to the amount of money that we have. We stress about chasing it and work hard to attain it.And while money has the power to make us feel secure, it should never be linked to how we identify and value ourselves. Our worth isn't dependent on how much money we make.Don't let money have the power over you; instead, allow yourself to control your finances and embody the right money mindset. Equip yourself with financial strategies and plans that align with your values. That way, you allow yourself to be empowered by money in many positive ways.Listen to learn:‌Why we should look at money as a toolAcknowledging your beliefs around money is importantWhat financial literacy isWhy you should diversify your investmentsInvesting in financial education is a mustHow to develop positive money mindsetHighlights:‌00:12  Intro03:23  Cash Confident pre-order04:04  Definition of money09:32  The right money mindset11:06  Develop money habits12:04  Transforming money mindset into a positive one18:25 Invest in yourselfLinks:‌ ‌  Cash ConfidentMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderAre You On Track For Millionaire Status QuizFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpa LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Create what you consume.” - Kelsey ReidlIn a competitive environment like the business industry, having the right strategies is the tool to success. While it is a fact that marketing should reflect a brand's personality and be fun, brands should focus on "self-expressed" marketing strategies as well. A good way to start creating a social media strategy for your brand is to create content that you would enjoy consuming.By creating content that aligns with your own preferences, you're more likely to be successful with your marketing efforts. This is because you'll have a deeper understanding of your target audience and what kind of content they enjoy consuming. In this way, you can develop a more efficient and effective marketing strategy.Whether you are an entrepreneur just starting out or a small business owner looking to revamp your marketing strategy, this episode offers practical tips and insights for building a successful marketing strategy that is aligned with your mission and values.Tune in to learn how to create a positive, exciting, and high-energy vibe around your products, experiment with different strategies, and see real results.Listen to learn:‌Identifying the mission behind a marketing strategyThe three key elements of a marketing strategy: mission, mindset, and main ingredientsWhy energy in marketing matters and its impact on brand loyaltyDirect response marketing drives engagement and building communityFostering connections with your audience through conversation and engagementHighlights:‌01:09  Intro03:28  Struggles of Entrepreneurs04:04  Understanding marketing from a Venn diagram perspective09:20  Create what you consume14:26  Self-expressed content as the most powerful piece of marketing17:19  Marketing is all about energy21:44  Marketing is a two-way conversationLinks:‌ ‌  Kelsey Reidlhttps://www.kelseyreidl.com/Instagram:@kelseyreidlMain website

"Every risk taken has something to teach us, and with each failure comes an opportunity to grow, learn, and move forward."—Melissa HoustonIt's scary to take risks, but it's more daunting not to take one. Taking risks also means taking a leap into our growth. It allows us to move beyond our comfort zones, confront our fears, and ultimately achieve our goals. In the realm of business and entrepreneurship, people are known to be risk-takers. Because the truth is, there's more to risk and more to lose if you don't dare jump into an opportunity.Though we all know that risks can result in disappointments, failures, and setbacks, it is important to remember that these experiences are valuable opportunities for growth and development. It's a better option than not taking a risk at all because choosing the latter could mean that we may never reach our full potential and achieve our eventual success.So if you hesitate to embrace uncertainty, always remember that there could be a positive outcome and valuable lessons waiting on the other end of the line.Listen to learn:‌Why taking risks is essential for entrepreneursSetbacks are a normal part of a successful journeyFailures can be an opportunity for growthGrowth requires living outside of our comfort zonesHighlights:‌00:11: Intro00:56: Announcement of the expansion of She Means Profit Services 04:08: My seven-figure profitable business04:42: Core message of She Means Profit06:33: Taking risk as entrepreneur10:29: Not giving up after failures13:51: Pitch as part of the game15:09: Setbacks on the road towards successLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessApplication to work 1:1 with MelissaMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpa   LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Businesses need proper information to make informed business decisions. And key to that is the accounting information that the accounting professional should be offering to their clients.”—Roger KnechtIn the ever-evolving business world, we are met with strict competition, different challenges and obstacles, and exciting opportunities to help us maximize our profits and scale our businesses. However, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It requires different approaches as what worked for you yesterday may not work for you today and in the future.It can be difficult to survive in business without professional help - and this is especially crucial for your finances. You need someone who is multi-skilled and has vast knowledge about the industry. That's where an accounting professional comes in. With the guidance of a skilled accounting professional, your business can smoothly sail the storm and rough sea of finance and maximize your profits to ensure your business is sustainable in the long run. By having an accountant, you can set up your business for success and concentrate on what you do best: creating and providing high-value products and quality service to your customer.Listen to this episode to learn:‌The essence of accounting information to your businessesHow accounting correlates to your business operationsThe impact of poor cash flow managementTypes of financial information provided by accounting professionalsStrategies and plans backed by accounting information for business success and profitabilityGuest Bio: For more than 20 years Roger has personally helped thousands of accounting professionals start & build their businesses. In that time they've created programs to address each aspect of running an accounting business & he has helped author "Red to BLACK", the how-to-guide for accountants to help clients with the most common challenges faced in business - cash flow, AND "in the BLACK - 9 principles to make your business profitable".Highlights:‌00:29  Intro02:45  Appreciate the numbers03:57  Why most businesses fail in the first to fifth year04:18  What can be done to address the cash flow situation to help you stay in business05:20  How accountants can help business owners08:31  Tax Preparation15:38  Importance to have a good working relationship with your finance professional21:25  Color AccountingLinks:‌ ‌Roger Knechthttps://www.uacourses.com/courses/joy-caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerknecht/Melissa HoustonCash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteMini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderIG: @melissahoustoncpa LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“Money dates are so helpful, and when you get into a regular routine of having maybe weekly or monthly money dates with your business, it's going to help your business in so many ways, and mostly by increasing profit.”—Melissa HoustonLike it or not, any business's lifeblood is money; without it, it will be hard for the enterprise to thrive.There are many reasons why talking about money and finances is essential, yet many people, let alone business owners, still find it boring and uninteresting. Or perhaps they don't want to go down into the trenches and talking about financial details is not worth their time. Reviewing your financial performance and focusing on understanding the numbers can present many opportunities for growth, success, connection, and surprisingly, even fun! Having these money dates will help you make profitable decisions that will absolutely help the growth of the business in the future.Having regular money dates with your business may seem like an extra task that you have to do on top of everything else on your list. But by exerting that extra time and effort, you can make sure your business is on track to achieve financial success.So let's start talking about money! Listen to learn:‌Money dates help keep you organized and plan for the futureSetting budgets is a key task during money datesManaging your money is key to building wealthEvaluating expenses is a key task during money datesMaximizing output with minimal input is essential for increasing profitKnowing your numbers is crucial to creating profit in your businessHighlights:‌00:21  Intro00:43  Why money dates is helpful with your partner 01:47  Cash Confident pre-order bonus bundle05:24  Benefits of having money dates with your business06:39  Reviewing financial performance is essential08:57  Planning your finances10:02  Managing your money is how you build the wealth10:45  Having regular money dates helps you to stay organized11:39  Money dates allow you to set goals12:57  Having regular money datesLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteCalendar link Mini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpa   LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“The biggest thing that I noticed in me after starting to work with you is just a boost in confidence. I certainly went into it having major imposter syndrome.”—  Sarah Beth DavisAs entrepreneurs, we know how valuable our financial resources are and want to make sure we put every cent of it to good use. Unfortunately, the most common mistake young businesses make is not hiring a professional to do their financial and business accounting. And this error could cost your young business thousands of dollars because of unforeseen expenses, wrong inventory projections, high attrition due to not having a standardized salary scale, or even inadequate capitalization because of inequitable business partnerships.My guest this week speaks most about the latter and how she was able to traverse that difficult time in her business due to a dissolved business partnership. Sarah Beth Davis runs a brick-and-mortar store selling curated children's clothing. She witnessed firsthand how a small business can suffer from curve balls such as restructuring the organizational design early on in the business. Since working with me, she has seen financial stability, increased confidence, and overall peace of mind knowing that things are finally in place. Sarah Beth emphasizes essential lessons from her experience: Being a business owner can be extremely overwhelmingGetting thrown a curveball in your small business can be distracting and ultimately damagingChoosing a business partner is like choosing someone to marrySimulating and visualizing your business by thinking through all of the hypothetical situations and how you would handle themInvesting in hiring professional help to straighten out the financials of your businessHighlights:‌01:13  The joy of dressing up a baby led her to starting a business02:46  Finding helpful financial data and information when you're starting out is difficult06:30  Started Wynnie's with two partners08:08  Things started to shift and the partnership was no longer equitable09:55  Important parallels of business and marriage 11:04  Honeymoon and divorce stage of a business partnership12:37  Protecting your personal assets early on14:22  The curse of the Impostor Syndrome15:27  Changing your financial habits17:20  Simplifying things makes a world of difference17:49  Working with a CPA for your business is a practical and valuable investmentLinks:‌ ‌  Sarah Beth Davishttps://wynniesboutique.com/Facebook: @wynniesboutiqueInstagram: @wynniesboutiqueMain website

“It's not enough to have a good business idea. You need to have the financial structure in place.”—Melissa HoustonWhen you hear the word “rich”, what emotion or feeling do you attach to it? Is it a positive notion? Are you proud, excited, and inspired to act? Or are you left feeling bothered, guilty, or even repulsed by it? At the heart of being rich as a business owner is correcting that negative money mindset that being rich is bad. Getting rich is, first and foremost, more about financial confidence than it is about obscene luxury or vulgarity. In fact, it's a good thing to get rich because you can help others with money.And while “rich” can mean different things to different people, this episode talks about three things you can do to build your wealth as a business owner.Listen to learn:‌Why getting rich is all about financial confidenceWhy achieving financial freedom is a lot quicker through owning a business than traditional employmentHow owning a business offers you a lot of flexibility How to have a plan in place for financial successHow getting rich as a business owner requires self-disciplineWhy being a successful business owner requires resiliencyHighlights:‌00:50: Intro02:10: “Get rich” evokes a visceral reaction among most people 02:53: Correcting the negative connotation with having money and being rich04:10: Cash Confident pre-order bonus bundle07:37: Reinvest profit to your business to flourish and thrive08:54: Being a business owner affords you flexibility09:44: Cash is the lifeline of a business10:06: Having a financial plan for success12:18: Self-discipline is the key13:39: Manage the money coming in and out and live within the means                of your business14:57: Being a successful business owner requires resiliency16:00: Building a successful business is not for the faintheartedAs a business owner, you have a tremendous opportunity to change your life by building wealth properly using available tools and resources.Links:Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessMain websiteCalendar link Mini-course: The Debt Repayment CalculatorMini-course: Pay YourselfMini-course: Personal Net Worth CalculatorMini-course: The Ultimate Budget BinderFollow me on:IG: @melissahoustoncpa   LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“We are lending across one end of Canada to the next, on a microloan basis.”—  Wendy CurtisAre you taking advantage of all of the resources available to you as a business owner? Based in Cobourg, Ontario, the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, known as the NCFDC, provides financing and strategy for entrepreneurs. In this episode, I sit down with two of the NCFDC's incredible leaders, Devon Girard and Wendy Curtis.Devon is the Program Lead for Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, and is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs to advance economic recovery, while Wendy is the Director of CF Ontario East and is described by the Government of Canada's Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario as “Northumberland's Woman of Influence”!In this conversation, we dive into the amazing initiatives and programs developed by the NCFDC to help women entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses with more ease.Listen now to discover:‌ ‌The risks that women are willing — or unwilling — to take when it comes to securing funding for their businesses How you can use the NCFDC's DELIA platform to access microloans Why you need to check out the StrikeUP Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs!Guest bios: Formerly Director of Trade Marketing, Pillsbury Canada Ltd, Wendy Curtis is a recognized multi-award-winning leader in our regional innovation ecosystem. Devon Girard is an accomplished strategic communications professional with more than fifteen years of experience in government, community, and media relations.  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro02:14  Meet Devon Girard & Wendy Curtis04:05  Women, loans & risk-taking05:14  Bias & access to capital08:28  Applying for NCFDC loans10:00  StrikeUP13:17  Future of women in business18:26  Final takeaways ‌Links:‌ ‌  NCFDChttps://ncfdc.cahttps://ncfdc.ca/delia https://ca.linkedin.com/company/northumberland-cfdchttps://www.facebook.com/NorthumberlandCFDCTwitter: @NrthmbrlndCFDC  StrikeUPhttps://strikeup.ca Main website

“There was a noticeable difference in the barriers that women were facing, being women entrepreneurs. They were different from what men were facing.”—Chris McMartinGet ready for an inspiring episode! My guest Chris McMartin is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to empowering women and nonbinary entrepreneurs and business owners. Chris leads the Scotiabank Women Initiative Small Business Strategy across Canada. This is a powerful program that helps women and nonbinary people overcome the many challenges that they face along their path to success when starting, sustaining, and growing a business.Chris has gained a wealth of absolutely incredible insight through her experience helping her program's participants access the funding, education, and support they need to achieve their business goals.In this episode, Chris and I discuss the need for women-focused support and networking, the women-led partnerships and sponsorships that the Scotiabank Women Initiative undertakes, and the unbeatable joy of entrepreneurship. Listen now!You'll discover:‌The three pillars that The Scotiabank Women Initiative focuses on in terms of helping women entrepreneursThe free events, support, and resources that are available through the programWho is able to access to the program — and why YOU want to sign up right now!Guest bio: Chris McMartin leads The Scotiabank Women Initiative Small Business Strategy across Canada, leading many national events and partnerships such as the Master Class Series, The IWD: She Shoots She Scores, StrikeUP Virtual Conference, and the mentorship program. Chris has a passion for people which has led her to champion equity initiatives through many diversity, equity, and inclusion roles within the bank. She currently sits as the Co-Chair for the National Allyship Council, a Stream Lead for the Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group and a participant on the Employee Pulse Committee. Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro01:57  Meet Chris McMartin03:20  Why focus on women entrepreneurs?04:24  The 3 pillars08:54  Program cost10:01  Joys of entrepreneurship11:43  Scotiabank Women Initiative events13:56  Spreading the word15:06  Who can access the program?17:09  Scotiabank19:40  Takeaway ‌Links:‌ ‌  Chris McMartinhttps://www.scotiabank.com/women-initiative/ca/en.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianne-mcmartin Main website

“It's often difficult to stay on track and focus, especially when life throws you unexpected situations and surprises, but having that personal CFO can help alleviate some of that stress — this can be a gamechanger for your business.”—  Melissa HoustonHow would it feel to have a personal CFO who could coach you through building a successful and profitable business? Who could help you pinpoint your biggest revenue opportunities and effectively plug the money leaks in your business? Who could provide you with expert mentorship and advice, based on years of experience helping other business owners grow?Sounds good, doesn't it?A personal CFO can provide insight into financial and market trends, narrow in on the business strategies most suited to help you thrive, keep you accountable to your goals, and help you feel more confident and prepared as a business owner. But what does it really mean to have your own personal CFO? And does your business truly need one?In this episode, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about working with a part-time, fractional, or virtual CFO — but were too afraid to ask!Tune in now and ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How fractional CFOs work with businesses and why they are great for smaller organizationsThe key benefits of having your business finances organized, monitored, and analyzed by an expert Special bonus: learn how to get five amazing free bonuses when pre-ordering my new book, Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business (out on May 16th, 2023)!Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro03:09  Canadian winter04:49  Cash Confident pre-order bonus bundle08:32  Why have a personal CFO?09:57  Plan ahead12:30  Make better decisions15:26  Spot potential opportunities17:16  Uplevel your business18:14  RecapLinks:‌ ‌  Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-book Looking for a fractional CFO? Book a call and let's talk! https://calendly.com/shemeansprofit/30minMain website

“The rhetoric out there at the moment is people aren't buying—‘if you launch something at the moment, it's really difficult.' It isn't. It's just that our audiences have grown smarter.” —Lisa JohnsonIf you're tired of trading time for money, and want to learn how to work smarter instead of harder in order to build your wealth, this is an episode for you.My guest Lisa Johnson is a multi-seven- figure global business strategist who makes 90% of her money through passive or semi-passive income streams, while working less than 30 hours per month. Yes, you read that correctly!In a single launch during the pandemic, she made $3 million dollars. In just ONE WEEK. (Nearly half of that in just the first hour of sales.)Lisa is known as a Passive Income Queen, and in this episode, she and I dive into the massive effect that money mindset can have on your business, how to make new earnings work for you in order to make more, and why you should read her book, Make Money Online: Halve Your Hours, Double Your Earnings & Love Your Life.Listen now to discover:‌The difference between passive and semi-passive income—and how to benefit from bothHow to adapt to shifting consumer tastes (and what modern buyers need from you!)How Lisa's podcast attracted the attention of two different publishing houses and led to a book dealBonus: learn Lisa's #1 tip for growing an engaged audience online!Lisa Johnson is a UK-based is a multi-seven- figure global business strategist who helps ambitious people create passive and semi-passive income streams. She is the host of the Making Money Online with Lisa Johnson podcast and an ambassador for the anti-bullying charity Bullies Out.Highlights:‌00:50  Intro01:54  Meet Lisa Johnson02:56  “Semi-passive income”05:34  From DIY course to live07:15  From podcast to book10:24  Money mindset matters13:08  Dealing with new wealth15:28  Self worth & making money18:59  Shifting consumer tastes21:16  Growing an engaged audience23:52  Takeaway ‌Links:‌Lisa Johnsonhttps://www.lisajohnson.comhttps://bulliesout.comFacebookInstagram: @lisajohnsonstrategist Make Money Online BookMake Money Online Audible BookMain website

“The biggest thing that will separate you from the crowd in your journey to wealth-building is believing that you are WORTH IT.”—  Melissa HoustonInterviewing Suze Orman for She Means Profit is one of the top highlights of my career (right up there with publishing my first book, Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business)! As I was starting my own career, Suze was an absolute inspiration as both a female finance expert and as a role model devoted to empowering other women. One of the top insights that came out of our incredible interview is the importance of self worth when it comes to building and growing your wealth. Believing that you deserve wealth is essential to helping you achieve it — when it comes to making money, mindset makes ALL the difference (it's why money mindset plays such an important role in my Cash Confident framework!).In this episode, I share some compelling research about the power of positive thinking, and dive into the importance of cultivating a problem-solving mentality and learning how to “risk forward.”Listen now — and if you haven't yet heard my interview with Suze Orman, do check out She Means Profit #130: The Key To Feeling Financially Successful with Suze Orman!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How to heal your mindset and vanquish the demons that are holding you back from becoming wealthyHow to train your brain to be more open to reasonable risk-taking (a key factor in financial success!)Why moving out of your comfort zone is going to be the needle-mover in your business— and what I did to successfully break out of my own!Highlights:‌00:50  My interview with Suze Orman03:35  Mindset & building wealth05:10  The power of positive thinking06:01  Money mindset, risk-taking & problem-solving08:27  Getting out of my comfort zone09:47  Changing your mindset13:15  Mistakes v. learning experiences14:20  ConclusionLinks:‌She Means Profit #130: The Key To Feeling Financially Successful with Suze OrmanCash Confident programhttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cash-confident-sales-pageCash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-bookRisk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius by Victoria Labalmehttps://www.victorialabalme.com/book-risk-forwardMain website

“Good copy always connects before it converts.”—  Megan SmythMany entrepreneurs would say that making sales is the trickiest part of their business — but having the right copy on your website can help you sell your offers while you sleep!After realizing three years into her pre-med degree that she was chasing someone else's idea of success, my guest Megan Smyth decided to start her own business, one that allowed her to make her own roles, empower other women, and (most importantly) required zero knowledge of organic chemistry. Now, she helps female coaches make more sales through personality-filled website and email copy that converts!In this conversation, we chat about everything from money-making copy to market research to mindset shifts. Tune in to learn Megan's top tips for improving your sales skills, the biggest copywriting mistakes that business owners make, and how effectively to create urgency in your copy. You won't want to miss it!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How the new trend toward empathy-driven marketing will help you better connect with your ideal customersThe low-key ways that you are already gathering powerful market research — and how to benefit from itThe 3 questions that your copy MUST answer to drive conversations (and more sales)!Guest bio: Megan Smyth is a sales copywriter for trailblazing female entrepreneurs. Through her in-depth research process, personality-filled copy, and pull-no-punches consulting, she helps mission-driven founders distill their vision for change into a powerful message, uniquely crafted with equal parts art and science.  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro01:38  Meet Megan Smyth02:41  Sales & women entrepreneurs04:29  Mindset challenges05:22  Shift in sales methods & new marketing trends07:00  Market research09:06  3 questions copy must answer 10:10  Creating urgency11:27  Biggest copywriting mistake 12:32  Overcoming objections14:08  Building a sales funnel16:54  Sales strategy for introverts & extroverts18:25  Takeaway & ideal client avatar20:57  Conclusion ‌Links:‌ ‌  Megan Smythhttps://megansmyth.com Instagram: @copybymeg Main website

“Variance reports are essential for any business that wants to stay on top of their finances.”—  Melissa HoustonHaving a business financial plan is essential — but you also have to monitor your results against that plan, each and every month, in order to understand how to create profit in your business. This is the reality: if you're NOT monitoring those results, then you are out of the loop when it comes to the financial health of your business… and you won't be able to make the informed course corrections that will get you back on track when you begin to fall behind your goals.A variance report is an analysis tool that allows you to compare your actual business results with your budgeted figures or standard performance levels for specific periods, such as months or quarters. Listen now to learn why completing monthly variance reports is VITAL to running your most successful and profitable business!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How to create a variance report for your own business — and how to analyze the results A real-life example of how I use variance reports in my own business My #1 recommendation for accounting software that will scale alongside your business  Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Intro02:34  Business plans & forecasting04:59  QuickBooks06:31  What is a variance report?07:36  Variance report example #110:43  Variance report example #211:28  Why use variance reports?13:15  How to create a variance report15:31  Money mindset16:24  Conclusion18:09  Cash Confident ‌Links:‌ ‌  Cash Confident programhttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/cash-confident-sales-page Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-book QuickBookshttps://quickbooks.intuit.com/global Main website

“When you say No out of love for yourself, that is when you start to be a truly profitable, strong, smart, and secure woman.”—  Suze OrmanMy guest for this episode of She Means Profit is none other than Suze Orman! Suze is one of North America's foremost experts on personal finance, a New York Times bestselling author, a magazine and online columnist, former contributing editor to “O” The Oprah Magazine, the host of the Suze Orman's Women & Money podcast, and a co-founder of the employer-sponsored emergency savings solution SecureSave. For over a decade, she hosted the award-winning Suze Orman Show, where she helped people make the connection between self-worth and net worth.Tune in to hear Suze's amazing stories about her fascinating career — from sharing the key to life during her first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to co-founding her latest business venture — and her deep insights regarding women, money, and mindset!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Why women need to learn how to say No out of love for themselves and never undervalue what they doThe major role that personal financial literacy plays in successful entrepreneurship How Suze's SecureSave solution is a game-changer for emergency savingsGuest bio: Suze Orman is a #1 New York Times bestselling author on personal finance, with over 25 million books in circulation available in 12 languages worldwide. A magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, host of Suze Orman's Women & Money podcast, and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, Orman is undeniably America's most recognized expert on personal finance.Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro01:44  Suze Orman & The Oprah Winfrey Show08:03  Helping others & saying No out of love10:53  Living on an island11:40  Luck v. hard work13:52  Women & money mindset18:18  Power of women19:45  Emergency savings crisis & SecureSave28:43  SecureSave & small business30:22  Returning to speaking32:57  Retirement?35:03  Own your assets & your powerLinks:‌ ‌  Suze Ormanhttps://www.suzeorman.com https://www.facebook.com/suzeorman https://www.youtube.com/suzeorman Twitter: http://twitter.com/suzeormanshow SecureSavehttps://www.securesave.com Main website

“I believed that I was going to succeed right out of the gate because I had such a strong business acumen… however, I did not know a lot about being an entrepreneur.”—  Melissa HoustonWhen I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I had a basic idea of what I wanted to do, but my vision grew clearer and more defined through working with clients. If you've been a long-time listener of this podcast, then you'll know that the show has also gone through a few different iterations, from Think Like a CFO to The Business Society to She Means Profit™️.It's crucial to feel fully in alignment with your business, and landing on this new branding has really helped me to crystallize my goals, values, and approach — and in this episode, I'd love to properly introduce you to She Means Profit and what led to the brand's creation!In this solo episode, I share my business journey, my true passion and purpose in life, how I've worked to set myself apart in my industry, and how you can work with me to become Cash Confident!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌The lessons that I've learned throughout my entrepreneurial successes and mistakesWhat you can expect from She Means Profit in 2023 — and how to pre-order Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable BusinessA timely episode recommendation to help you with your financial planning for the new year  Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Intro & episode recommendation03:27  Money offers opportunity04:30  Meet She Means Profit05:03  Learning from my experiences06:43  My goals 10:21  What to expect in 202313:29  Second book & focusing on profit ‌Links:‌ ‌  She Means Profit #128 She Means Profit YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMTwsblmZApAJNoRG_k9JjQ Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-book Programshttps://shemeansprofit.com/offers Main website

“You don't want any negative money mindset issues holding you back from being the best and most profitable business owner that you can be.”—  Melissa HoustonThe end of the year means holiday get-togethers, warm mugs of cider or hot chocolate, some well-earned downtime… and planning. Setting goals and clearly planning out your next power moves is absolutely essential to growing your business, no matter which stage you are in. If you're not setting out new goals, your business will become stagnant — or even start to decline.As I like to say, a goal without a plan is just a wish. So if you want the next year to be your best year ever, it's time to sit down and start working out how you're going to move forward with your business over the next 12 months.In this episode, you'll discover a range of different goals that you can set in your business, from marketing to customer service to employee productivity, and a simple road map to help you hit your milestones!Listen now to learn:‌ ‌Why it's so important to set goals in your business (no matter whether you set them January 1st or June 22nd!) Why setting a goal is only the first step — and what you must do next in order to begin turning it into reality 4 steps that will help you achieve your long-term vision with more ease!  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro03:23  Look back at the past year(s)04:15  Why set goals?05:04  Plan for achieving06:43  Look at your current situation & goals07:33  Set realistic goals & create your plan of action08:17  Stay accountable 09:21  Short-term v. long-term goals11:08  Financial goals12:39  Marketing goals14:08  Sales goals15:01  Customer service goals16:13  Employee productivity goals18:32  Need assistance? ‌Links:‌ ‌She Means Profit - How to Get the Mindset of a Millionairehttps://shemeansprofit.com/podcast/how-to-get-the-mindset-of-a-millionaire She Means Profit - Misconceptions, Manifestation & Money Mindsethttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/misconceptions-manifestation-money-mindset/id1533130323?i=1000574612552 She Means Profit - Why Money Mindset Really Matters For Profit And Life Goalshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/why-money-mindset-really-matters-for-profit-and-life-goals/id1533130323?i=1000569499715 5-Step Roadmaphttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-book Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“Planning can help you avoid being blindsided by a large tax bill and can also help you take advantage of opportunities to lower the taxes that are owed.”—  Melissa HoustonTax season. Did those words just send a chill down your spine? Did you get a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach? Tax season is rarely pleasant for anyone, but business owners in particular often live in fear of being surprised by a large and unexpected tax bill… especially when they don't have the savings to cover it (yikes!).In fact, the tax season surprise is one of the most common complaints that I hear from the entrepreneurs and business owners who reach out to work with me.If you're currently dreading tax season, this episode is for you — I share my top tips for avoiding massive tax bills, bust the most common tax myths currently floating around, and pull back the curtain on some of the worst tax advice you may have heard!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌What you can do to stay on the government's good side — and reduce your chances of triggering an audit! How to ensure that you're taking advantage of all of the deductions that you are entitled to How to plan ahead and prepare yourself (and your business) for tax season   Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro01:56  Bad tax advice07:03  Understanding tax obligations09:35  Keep good records10:38  Know your filing requirements11:18  Claim your deductions11:42  Stay up-to-date on the tax code12:49  Plan ahead16:34  Be mindful & proactive18:09  Conclusion ‌Links:‌ ‌5-Step Roadmaphttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“Your business finances are the backbone of your business.”—  Melissa HoustonQuick question: when was the last time that you evaluated your business's financial practices? If the answer is “I can't remember” or “never,” then this episode is for you.Every business should periodically review its financial practices in order to ensure that it's operating as efficiently as possible. If your business isn't humming along like a (profitable) well-oiled machine, it may just need a money makeover!A money makeover can help you save money, make more profit, and feel more financially confident in your business through blocking money leaks, optimizing your pricing, creating the right revenue targets, budgeting effectively, and better managing your cash flow.Remember: 82% of businesses fail due to financial mismanagement — I want you to beat those odds, so let's make sure that your financial practices are serving you and your business goals!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌8 expert tips that will help you give your business a full money makeover A powerful tool to help you manage your credit card debt repayments with more ease How to pre-order my upcoming book, Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business!  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro & Cash Confident pre-orders05:22  Time for a money makeover?07:46  Credit card debt09:59  Feedback, focus & goal-setting10:40  Cut back on expenses12:15  Set goals & hire a financial planner or coach14:07  Make a budget15:00  Invest in yourself & cut down spending16:25  Start a retirement plan17:22  Get organized ‌Links:‌ ‌Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Businesshttps://melissahoustoncpa.com/cash-confident-book The Debt Repayment Calculatorhttps://melissa-houston.thinkific.com/courses/the-debt-repayment-calculator5-Step Roadmaphttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“Making a lot of money doesn't make you a bad person… it simply means that you have goals and ambition.”—  Melissa HoustonSociety tends to side-eye the idea of women building wealth. Although women are starting businesses in record numbers — and generating billions of dollars in revenue — men continue to dominate when it comes to achieving millionaire status, making up two-thirds of the seven-figure-plus club. Ambitious women entrepreneurs often worry that they'll be seen as greedy or money-grubbing if they prioritize profits, and this can lead to undervaluing their offers or letting juicy contracts pass them by.Repeat after me: it is okay to want to make money. It is okay to want to make LOTS of money!Far from being selfish, millionaire women are actually far more likely to re-invest in their communities and businesses, boosting the local economy and driving major impact for those around them.In this episode, I bust the myth that women are only in business to build community, not make money, and share why women business owners are in a unique position to achieve millionaire status!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Why we need to normalize women's wealth-building — and kick the fear of being seen as “greedy” 5 reasons why the world NEEDS more female millionaires (and how your business can help you hit that goal)The effect of gender diversity on a company's profitability  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro & puppy update02:47  Normalize women making money04:48  Achieving millionaire status07:46  Economic impact08:36  Why we need female millionaires11:51  Diversifying the pool13:33  Role models & mentors15:12  Right thing to do ‌Links:‌ ‌5-Step Roadmaphttps://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap Transparency Internationalhttps://www.transparency.org Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“By closely examining your spending habits, you can ensure that you're living within your means — and staying on track with your financial goals!”—  Melissa HoustonWhat's the most subtle, quiet, and insidious threat to your personal wealth? Lifestyle creep.Lifestyle creep (also known as creeping consumption) refers to a gradual increase in your standard of living. It doesn't have to be as drastic as moving to a larger house or condo! Lifestyle creep can include going on shopping sprees, eating out more frequently, indulging in more expensive brands, travelling more often, and more. These “small” regular expenses add up over time, and can sabotage your long-term financial goals.People often fall into lifestyle creep after receiving a promotion, scaling up their business, or receiving an inheritance, but just as often it is fuelled by credit. As our income and credit limits grow, it can feel easy to justify these additional expenses — but if you're spending your money (or, worse, creating more debt) on things that aren't investments, you're not building your wealth.There's nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labour, as long as you're smart and mindful about it!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌The financial and psychological effects of lifestyle creep — and how it can become a self-fuelling cycleProven strategies that will help to reduce your risk of lifestyle creepMy personal lifestyle creep story — and what I learned from it  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro01:40  Welcome Daisy!02:47  Effects of lifestyle creep & my story04:52  Revenue & expenses06:35  Reinvesting v. eroding your savings08:01  Credit card fees & spoiled retirement plans10:07  Strategies for avoiding lifestyle creep11:10  Monitor your spending habits12:03  Save money automatically 12:43  Create a realistic budget13:18  Mindfulness & money mindset15:45  Cash reserves & downturnsLinks:‌5-STEP PROFIT ROADMAP-https://melissahoustoncpa.lpages.co/5-step-biz-finance-roadmap/She Means Profit - How to Get the Mindset of a MillionaireShe Means Profit - Misconceptions, Manifestation & Money MindsetShe Means Profit - Why Money Mindset Really Matters For Profit And Life GoalsLink to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“When you rely on one stream of income, you are revolving your entire business around that ONE way of earning revenue.”—  Melissa HoustonIf you've been scratching your head trying to figure out how to diversify the income streams in your business — or wondering if it's worth the effort — then you'll definitely want to listen to this episode!Here's the reality: even if your business is currently profitable, relying on a single source of income puts you in a very risky position. Income diversification not only allows you to increase your revenue, it offers you protection against market fluctuations, supply chain bottlenecks, changing customer preferences, or other unforeseen circumstances that can affect your bottom line. The trick? Figuring out which types of income stream are the best fit for your business.In this episode, I demystify income diversification for your business, share real-life examples of how I've diversified the income streams in my own business, and bust the #1 myth about passive income!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌9 different income sources that you can use to build wealth in your business (both active and passive) How sponsorship can enhance the ROI you receive from your content creationBONUS: my top tips for getting your money to work for you in your personal finances, too!  Highlights:‌ ‌00:50  Intro & holiday thoughts03:15  Why diversify?04:08  Diversification example05:13  Overview of income sources09:02  My diversified streams12:24  Personal finance strategies16:01  Final thoughts & the bottom line ‌Links:‌ ‌Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“YOU get to define what being financially successful means to you.”—Melissa HoustonSpoiler: this episode reveals 6 proven ways that your small business will make you wealthy (don't worry, no get-rich-quick schemes are included)!If you've been building your business without a full understanding of how your businesses finances impact the success (or failure) of your business, then you've been lucky so far… and that luck will run out eventually. In order to consistently make the most profitable decisions for your business, you must understand — and feel comfortable with — your finances.Good news: you don't need to be trained as an accountant in order to think like a CFO! In fact, honing your money management skills makes up only 20% of the work that you must do in order to create your wealth. The other 80% is healing your money mindset, and this episode offers a blend of both! You'll learn how to embrace your own definition of financial success, how to set revenue goals optimized to complement your lifestyle goals, and how tax-saving strategies can double as wealth-enhancing tools.Listen now and discover:‌Why your business is more than just an income-generator — it is also a financial asset to nurture and protectHow to create a business that is better protected against instability in the marketplaceWhy you should NOT feel any shame or guilt when it comes to building your wealth and upgrading your lifestyleHighlights:‌00:51  Intro01:36  Financial plan reminder & shout-out02:59  Why money management skills matter04:30  You define your own success!05:18  Money mindset06:33  Your business is a financial asset08:05  Controlling your revenue & profitability10:12  Creating multiple income streams12:19  Selling your business14:18  Tax-saving strategies & wealthLinks:‌The Ultimate Creative-Podcast ProductionCopy Magic Creative Agency-Show NotesShe Means Profit #107-Misconceptions, Manifestation & Money MindsetDon't Miss These Essential Tips When Planning Your Business Exit StrategyHow to Sell Your Business Using a Thoughtfully Planned Exit StrategyLink to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“The best day in my 9-5 job is still not even close to the worst day as an entrepreneur.”—  Amy PorterfieldAmy Porterfield helps women business owners around the world find professional autonomy, independence, achievement, and success that is FAR beyond what a corporate glass ceiling would traditionally allow — so you already know that I am a big fan of her mission! Through her bestselling courses and top-ranked podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy, she's helped hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs turn in their two weeks notice and trade burnout for freedom, income, and impact. During this conversation, she not only shares some fantastic tips for building your business with more ease, she also spills the juicy details about her latest project (and yes, you'll hear it here first)!Tune in to hear how she gained the confidence to build an amazing personal brand, her foolproof technique for avoiding social-media-fuelled professional envy, and why she gave herself grace for a $100k mistake.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Two things you should focus on first when you're in the early stages of launching or growing your businessWhy taking action is the most important thing — even if the action is imperfect or you don't feel “ready” yet  The importance of building your own supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs (even if it's just through texting!)Guest bio: Amy Porterfield is an ex-corporate girl turned online marketing expert, and CEO of a multi-million-dollar business teaching business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs profitable action steps for building highly engaged email lists, creating online courses, and using online marketing strategies to sell with ease. Amy's action-by-action teaching style provides aspiring business owners with the tools they need to bypass the overwhelm and build a business they love.  Highlights:‌ ‌0:50  Intro01:47  Meet Amy Porterfield04:24  About the book06:50  Taking action & making mistakes10:41  Connecting with female entrepreneurs11:52  Winning the comparison game14:18  9-to-5 v. entrepreneurship15:21  What start-ups should focus on first18:19  Personal brand & content creation21:50  Final takeawayLinks:‌ ‌Amy Porterfieldhttps://www.amyporterfield.com https://www.facebook.com/AmyPorterfield Twitter: @AmyPorterfield Instagram: @amyporterfield  Two Weeks Noticehttps://twoweeksnoticebook.com Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“You need to remain diligent to remain profitable in your business.”—  Melissa HoustonIs your pricing strategy leaving money on the table? Pricing is a practical piece of your business — but it's also highly psychological. The purpose of choosing a good pricing strategy is to maximize your profit margins, so that your business can maintain a healthy profit as you grow and as your expenses increase. Your relationship with money WILL shape your relationship with your business, so developing a healthy money mindset is a key piece of having a profitable pricing strategy.Product- and service-based businesses have a few different considerations to keep in mind when coming up with their pricing, but it all boils down to the same thing: your pricing needs to reflect your real value, it needs to create profit for your business, and you need to believe that your offers are worth every single penny!Hit play for my top tips for keeping your business profitable and your pricing on point!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌How to price for profit as a product-based business — and what to do when the cost of manufacturing or shipping increasesThe psychology of pricing and what you need to consider as a service-based businessThe importance of differentiation and identifying your specific niche in your market Highlights:‌00:48  Intro04:40  Pricing for profit05:32  Pricing strategies06:26  Psychology of pricing07:27  Money mindset & competitor pricing09:36  Product differentiation11:19  Reducing costs14:35  Renegotiating pricing with vendors15:00  RecapLinks:‌Misconceptions, Manifestation & Money Mindsethttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/misconceptions-manifestation-money-mindset/id1533130323?i=1000574612552Why Money Mindset Really Matters For Profit And Life Goalshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/why-money-mindset-really-matters-for-profit-and-life-goals/id1533130323?i=1000569499715Rewriting Stories To Change Our Money Relationshipshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rewriting-stories-to-change-our-money-relationships/id1533130323?i=1000557878090We Need To Talk About Fearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/we-need-to-talk-about-fear/id1533130323?i=1000541912894Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“Investment fees, for most Canadians, really cause great damage to their ultimate retirement savings.”—  Larry BatesLarry Bates is a name that my clients and long-time listeners know well — I recommend his book to them regularly!Larry is an independent investor advocate, former investment banker, and author of Beat the Bank: The Canadian Guide to Simply Successful Investing. So, it's safe to say that Larry knows a thing or two about how the investment industry works — and how to minimize your risk and get higher returns. In fact, full disclosure: Larry's book is what helped me feel more comfortable about starting to invest!Larry believes that the average investor is not well-served by the investment industry.“Most Canadians are losing, believe it or not, 50% or more of their lifetime investment returns to fees they don't even see or understand,” Larry explains.The investment advisors at your bank do not act in your best interest. It's important to make informed decisions about your investments!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌How sneaky investment fees seriously hinder your investment returns and retirement plans — and why so few people know about them How fee disclosure laws work (and don't work) to reveal the true costs of investing The low-cost, alternative investment products you should considerAbout Larry Bates: Larry Bates is an independent investor advocate, author, consultant and speaker. Larry enjoyed a 35 year banking career with several major financial institutions in both Canada and the U.K. He is currently an investment advisor with Aligned Capital Partners Inc. Larry is on the board of FAIR Canada and is an Ambassador of the Transparency Task Force.  Highlights:‌ ‌00:44  Introduction01:45  Meet Larry Bates02:55  Beat the Bank06:01  Fee disclosure law09:01  Importance of learning the basics10:16  Investment firm v. ScotiaBank story12:04  Trust deficit v. trust surplus14:03  Index ETFs & robo-advisors 16:38  How to use the market20:08  T-Rex Score & FAIR22:58  Takeaway ‌Links:‌ ‌Larry Bateshttps://larrybates.ca https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014692831838 Twitter: @LarryBatesBTBLinks:‌ ‌Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“Money does not make you happy, but the reality is when you do have money, it does provide a lot of opportunity. Having money does buy financial security and financial peace.”—  Melissa HoustonFrom “old money” to self-made millionaires, wealthy people share a few things in common when it comes to the way that they use their wealth, their money mindset, and their beliefs around finances. From their lifestyle choices to their investment strategies, understanding how the wealthy approach spending and saving can help you begin to build your own wealth and work toward the lifestyle and financial security that you deserve!In this episode, I reveal the top 6 money secrets that you need to know right now, and the strategic formula that will help you create wealth for yourself through your business — and protect it as it grows and works for you!Grab your pen and your notebook, and hit play to get started!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌The #1 most  effective way to build wealth from nothing — and why becoming a millionaire is no longer a boy's clubKey investment strategies to help you grow and protect your wealth Why trying to keep up with the Joneses (or the Kardashians) will actually reduce your chances of being able to enjoy their lifestyle    Highlights:‌ ‌00:48  Intro01:34  Women & money03:32  Business ownership04:34  Money & emotions06:16  Investment strategy09:07  Reinvesting capital10:55  Don't look rich11:29  Gratitude11:53  Healthy lifestyle12:17  Kindness12:54  Don't carry debt13:25  Invest in yourself14:06  Hidden millionaires14:49  Your net worthLinks:‌ ‌Your Personal Net Worth Calculator

“When you're investing in yourself, be sure that you're making the right investment that will get you the specific return that you're looking for.”—  Melissa HoustonYou know that I love to talk about profit, but you can't fully understand your profit potential without understanding your expenses. The fact is that sometimes you need to spend money to make money.The money that you spend to build your business is an investment in your future earnings, whether you're spending it on advertising your offers, hiring a key team member, or working with a business or financial coach. Growing and scaling your business inevitably means increasing your expenses, but the real skill lies in using it for the right things while maximizing your earning potential!In this episode, you'll discover the ins and outs of cost-cutting effectively in your business, including recognizing when ROI promises may be manipulative, choosing the investments that are most likely to contribute to growth, and knowing which expenses your business cannot afford to reduce.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌The value of cultivating an investment mindset and considering the ROI of your business-related expenses In-depth examples of direct and indirect business investments and real-life small business case studiesAn update on my upcoming book and information on how to get access to pre-order bonuses and exclusive promotions!  Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Intro01:18  Happy Thanksgiving & book update02:51  Spending to earn05:36  Investing in yourself & your business06:51  Case study: Diane09:28  Growth, higher expenses & ROI11:36  Podcasting example12:43  Indirect investments13:49  Case study: Skye18:13  Understand HOW you create profit21:53  Strategic cost-cutting ‌Links:‌ ‌Join the mailing list to get book updates!Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“It's one thing to want to grow your business. It's a smarter choice to have a plan for that growth, because not all growth is considered good.”—  Melissa HoustonIt's October, and you know what that means: it's time to close your books for Q3 and do your financial analysis. Taking a look at your business finances each quarter gives you the opportunity to reflect on what you've done, how you've performed, whether you've met your objectives, and what you can do to improve next quarter. As this quarter comes to a close, you have three months left to reach your financial goals for the year — get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into your numbers, so that you can hit the ground running and make the right moves!In this episode, you'll learn how to ensure that you stay on track to meet your goals and grow your business more strategically, and you'll discover powerful resources that will help you to become Cash Confident!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌What you should be doing now to prepare for your next quarter end What to include in your business financial plan for the next fiscal year — and when you should have it ready to go!Why it's important to analyze your monthly financial reports (and how they can help you plug money leaks in your business)  Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Intro02:49  Listener shout-out04:22  Variance analysis & check-in scheduling06:47  Importance of business financial plans08:00  Half-day 1:1 coaching08:47  How to build a business financial plan10:50  Monitoring your results12:50  Smarter growth13:37  Who needs a plan?16:01  Cash Confident17:38  Homework ‌Links:‌ ‌Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)Main website

“If you think you should be measuring the success of your business through revenue numbers, think again!”—  Melissa HoustonWould you rather have higher revenue or higher profit? What if I told you that many businesses with high five-figure revenues are more profitable than many businesses with six-, or even seven-figure revenues? The key ingredient to a successful business is not revenue — it's profit. Revenue and profit are both important, of course, but profit is the key to growth. Profit is what is left of your revenue after you've taken care of all of your expenses, and it's absolutely essential to growing your business and building your wealth. If you own your business, your profit is the money that you get to keep and use as you see fit, whether that means investing in your business or in yourself.In this episode, I share my top tips for strategically maximizing the profit in your business, and you can start putting many of these tips in place right now. Remember, profit should not be taken lightly — THAT'S where the money is!Ready to start optimizing your profits? Just press play!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Why growth can actually be risky for many businesses if they aren't ready for it 3 simple things you can do to start optimizing your profits this quarterHow financial forecasting will help you maximize your profits  Highlights:‌ ‌00:48  Intro02:00  Why profit optimization?03:43  What is profit optimization?05:23  Risks of growth06:39  Control your costs07:21  Increase your revenue & pricing08:36  Combined approach11:08  Forecasting & optimization12:37  Financial plan13:22  Monitor your progress14:30  Conclusion ‌Links:‌ ‌Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)

“Even if you're just starting out, you really are building a financial asset in building a business.”—  Stephanie BurnsYou know that you have the potential to be your niche's next great thought leader. So, how do you claim your share of the spotlight? And what happens when your name becomes known for reasons you never expected?My guest, Stephanie Burns travelled an unusual road to entrepreneurship — she used the money she won as a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune to launch her first business, Chic CEO! Now, she's the founder of The Wyld Agency, an amplification and visibility agency that helps company founders become thought leaders.  During our conversation, we cover your best first steps for getting your name out there, what a million-dollar email list looks like…  and why Stephanie wound up as the defendant in a lawsuit filed by three men's rights activists! Stephanie's incredible story is filled with some extremely valuable business lessons. You won't want to miss it.In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Where you should share your content and the type of PR you should seek out firstWhy social media is a double-edged sword when it comes to thought leadership — and how to leverage it without spending hours each day  The #1 most expensive mistake that Stephanie made in her first business — and how you can avoid itGuest bio: Stephanie Burns is the founder of The Wyld Agency, an amplification and visibility agency focused on building the legacy and personal brands of company founders. With a background in brand building, media buying, strategy, and entrepreneurship, Stephanie has wide experience with an eclectic portfolio of industries.  Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Meet Stephanie Burns02:44  Thought leadership & social media05:10  Public relations07:56  Chic CEO story16:00  Lessons learned18:48  Advisory boards20:57  Final thoughts ‌Links:‌ ‌Stephanie Burnshttps://www.stephanie-burns.com https://thewyldagency.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieburns Twitter: @stephanieaburns Instagram: @heystephanieburns LegalShieldhttps://www.legalshield.com Link to calendar (free 30 min consult call)

“Carrying debt erodes your wealth because you have to pay to borrow money… When you do borrow money, you HAVE to have a plan to pay it back.”—  Melissa HoustonThis is an episode that the credit card companies DON'T want you to hear!Whether it's personal or professional, debt can be an enormous source of stress… and it can also be a source of shame, fear, or guilt. Credit card debt is one of the most common types of debt. According to moneygeek.com, the average card holder in Q1 2022 is carrying $5,769 in credit card debt — and for many, that amount can be a real hardship!Today's episode is all about getting out of credit card debt and into financial freedom through creating and following a debt repayment plan.From minimum payments to compound interest rates to third-party debt, I dig into the secrets and strategies that will help you to avoid and get out of debt, so that you can keep growing and protecting your wealth!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you'll discover:‌ ‌Why your credit card company's “minimum payments” are a scam — and how to keep them from eroding your wealth Hidden fees and interest that you may be involuntarily paying (and how to avoid them)What you can do to reduce your total loan cost, so that you can pay it off more quickly   Highlights:‌ ‌00:49  Intro01:58  What are your business questions?03:06  Interest rates06:22  Third-party debt08:34  Reducing your total loan cost10:12  Refinance your debt11:27  Accelerate your payments12:29  Pay off higher-interest debt13:26  Make extra money14:19  Stop using credit cards15:29  Debt Repayment Mini-Course ‌Links:‌ ‌Debt Repayment Calculatorhttps://shemeansprofit.com/offersLink to calendar (free 30 min consult call) Main website