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While regret anchors you to past failures, reflection acts as a catalyst for future sales growth. This article and Sales Gravy Money Monday Podcast episode explores how to break the "if-only" loop and provides a step-by-step year-end debrief to help you extract lessons from your wins and losses, ensuring you start the new year with clarity and a proven system for success. Explore: How to get out of your regret loop The power of reflection How reflection creates awareness A system for achieving your sales goals 7 Steps to year-end sales reflection Ways to Look Back at Your Sales Year For me, the last two weeks of the year have always been the chance to pause, take a break from the grind of selling, and really think about what happened over the past year—the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you are anything like me and do the same, there are two ways to look back on your last twelve months. You can do so with regret or reflection. These two opposing lenses are vastly different in the way they affect your view of where you've been and where you are going. The Trouble With Regret Let's start by unpacking regret. Some of you are already feeling regret about goals you missed, deals you lost, opportunities that slipped through your fingers, or the people in your life you may have let down. Regret is that feeling you get when you look back on something you did (or didn't do) and wish you could change it. In many ways, regret is similar to worry, except it's focused on the past instead of the future. Worry is about what might happen; regret is about what already happened. That's a big distinction. Although you can turn worry into action and change the future, you cannot rewrite the past. No amount of regret changes history. All it does is create a feedback loop in your mind where you keep reliving your mistakes, misses, and failures over and over again. Why Sales Professionals Get Stuck in a Regret Loop I've observed so many people get stuck in this endless loop of regret. They keep lamenting, "If only I had . . ." "made that call.” “handled that prospect differently.” “taken that chance.” “been there or done that.” Those “if onlys” can paralyze you. They sap your energy, crush your confidence, and keep you from moving forward. On one hand, regret can push you to change—you don't want to feel that kind of pain again, so you work hard to avoid repeating the same mistakes. On the other hand, regret can become a debilitating emotion that drags you into an exhausting and useless mental loop of “would've, could've, should've.” But no matter how many times you complete that loop, it doesn't change the outcome. It becomes an emotional anchor that weighs you down as you start the new year. The Power of Reflection Reflection, on the other hand, is entirely different—and far more productive. When you reflect, you detach from your emotions with objectivity to look at your entire body of work from the past year. You're asking the questions, “What went well? What didn't go so well? What did I learn?” You consider the wins that made you proud and the moments you'd rather forget. You figure out why you won so you can repeat those winning behaviors. You extract value from the lessons of failure. Reflection isn't about punishing yourself for what went wrong. It's about gaining clarity on why it went wrong—and what you can do about it next time. How Reflection Creates Awareness Reflection also helps you find gratitude in unexpected places. Maybe there's a hidden lesson in overcoming an obstacle, or perhaps you gained a new perspective because a challenging person came into your life. It's important to realize that each decision you made over the past year shaped your present circumstances. But you are not defined by these circumstances, only by how you respond to them. Reflection creates awareness. Where there is awareness, there is the potential for change. Awareness is like the sun; anything it touches has a tendency to transform. The bottom line is that reflection is about learning, growing, and transforming. Regret is stagnation. Why Reflection Matters at Year-End The reason I'm talking about the impact of reflection as we close out this year is because, for most of us, the slate really does feel clean come January 1st. In the sales world, we get a brand-new quota and brand-new targets. There's an air of possibility as we think: “This year is going to be different. “This year, I'm going to crush my numbers.” “Hit my income targets.” “Make it to President's club.” “Get a promotion.” “Finally, close that dream account I've been chasing.” But if you don't take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn't, you're likely to find yourself repeating the same missteps. Reflection is like an internal debrief—a chance to say, “Here's what happened, here's why, and here's how I'm going to fix it.” Why Clarity Arises From Reflection Let me give you a personal example. A the beginning of last year, I set a goal for my sales training company, Sales Gravy. This was a big, bold, visionary goal that would transform our organization and ultimately double our sales. I proudly and confidently told my team that it was going to happen. And then, in an embarrassing crash and burn, I failed miserably. Certainly, I could have stewed in regret, beating myself up and allowing my self-talk to run wild about how I fell short. But that would have been a waste of time and energy. Instead, I chose reflection. I asked myself, “What happened and why didn't I achieve this goal?” As I mulled over those questions, the answers came more clearly than I expected. One of the biggest insights I gained was that I'd set this big goal, but didn't establish a system or plan to make it happen. You see, a goal without a system is basically just a wish—as they say, “hope is not a strategy.” Build a System that Supports Your Goals If, for example, you set a goal to prospect a hundred potential customers per week, but you haven't built a disciplined daily routine, built targeted lists, set aside specific times for calls, and created accountability checkpoints, it's not going to stick. Life will get in the way. Sooner or later, your big, bold goal gets overshadowed by a million other tasks. Without a system for achieving the goal, you quickly succumb to discipline fatigue. This is exactly why reflection can be your best friend at year's end. It allows you to own your failures without letting them define you, and it helps you leverage your successes by pinpointing what you did right. Regret says: “You messed up. You'll never fix this. It's too late.” Reflection says: “You messed up. Now let's find out why, learn from it, and do better next time.” How to Conduct a Year-End Sales Reflection To turn past performance into future growth, follow this 7-step systematic reflection process: Seek Silence: Carve out 30 minutes in a quiet environment without digital distractions to ensure deep focus. Audit the Timeline: Mentally journey through the year, month-by-month, starting from January, to recall specific goals and market conditions. Celebrate Wins: Identify specific deals and relationships that succeeded. Recognize the personal milestones that boosted your confidence. Isolate Winning Behaviors: Determine the exact habits and mindsets that led to your successes so you can turn them into repeatable systems. Analyze Failures Objectively: Pinpoint the goals that stayed out of reach. Ask "Why?" to uncover the root cause of the miss without self-judgment. Build Systems, Not Just Goals: Replace "hope-based" strategies with disciplined routines, targeted lists, and accountability checkpoints. Practice Gratitude: Identify the "silver linings" and lessons learned from challenges to maintain an optimistic outlook for the new sales season. Here's the big takeaway: Regret is the enemy of progress; Reflection is the catalyst for growth. Get your New Year off to a winning start with Jeb Blount's popular on-demand course: The Essentials of Setting Winning Goals
In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Dr. Sean Brady, a forensic engineer, safety expert, and founder of Brady Heywood Consulting. Known for leading the landmark Brady Review into fatal mining accidents, Sean breaks down why our current approach to safety is fundamentally flawed and how the way we design systems, reward behavior, and report incidents can quietly create the very risks we think we are preventing.Sean shares what he discovered while investigating major failures across mining, aviation, health, and engineering, and why so many organizations unknowingly encourage silence, hide near misses, and measure the wrong things entirely. From normalization of deviance to the dangers of chasing zero-harm metrics, this episode challenges leaders to rethink how they view systems, human behavior, and organizational learning.Whether you lead teams, manage major projects, or simply want to understand what true safety looks like, Sean's insights will shift how you think about risk, leadership, and culture.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Rethinking Safety and System Design:Why most companies mistake the absence of incidents for the presence of safety.The real reason safety statistics often hide, not reveal, fatal risks.How normalization of deviance creeps into everyday work and leads to catastrophic failures.Why high-reliability organizations like aviation do not rely on compliance alone.Leadership, Reporting, and Culture:Why bad news rarely flows upward and how leaders can change that.How to create a culture where people report near misses instead of hiding them.Why learning beats blaming and how organizations unintentionally punish honesty.What senior leaders must do to build genuine psychological safety.Building Systems That Actually Keep People Alive:Why effective controls, not hazards, determine whether people survive high-risk work.How to design critical controls and verify their effectiveness continuously.The powerful difference between set-and-forget systems versus systems that learn.How dropped object reports and near misses can reveal deep system weaknesses.Key Quotes from Dr. Sean Brady:"It is not hazards that kill people, it is ineffective controls.""Zero harm sounds good, but what your people hear is: do not report anything.""When you cannot measure what is important, you make what you can measure important.""High-reliability organizations do not expect perfection. They expect things to go wrong.""Our companies are built for good news to flow up, not bad news."About Our Guest:Dr. Sean Brady is a forensic engineer, consultant, and internationally recognized expert in safety and organizational failure. Through his company, Brady Heywood Consulting, Sean investigates complex failures across high-risk industries and helps leaders understand how systems break and how to design organizations that learn, adapt, and prevent catastrophic events. His work on the Brady Review reshaped how Australia views mining fatalities and organizational risk.About Your Host:Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.How You Can Support the Podcast:Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Share this episode with anyone interested in sustainability and leadership.Connect with Dr. Sean Brady on LinkedIn to learn more about his work.Stay Connected:Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.Let's Connect:Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.Thank you for listening! It's time to stop waiting and start building.
Today on the Soap Box, I'm talking to Jacki Hayes, a systems geek for creative service businesses and someone who's quietly building a very different kind of company. Jacki helps creative service providers stop duct-taping their systems together and build businesses that actually work, with more ease, clarity and flexibility.In our conversation, Jacki makes a simple, slightly spicy point, the kind I like. Running a business is political, not party political, but human political. The way we pay people, the policies we set, who we hire and how we hire them all send a message about the world we're trying to build.Jacki shares the story of how a single job ad – one that offered a real living wage, proper time off and care-led policies that most founders are told are “impossible”, especially at the early stages – completely shifted what success looked like for her. And how that moment went on to shape the way she now helps others build their businesses in a totally different way.All that advice about maximising profit, reducing payroll and the whole “hire the cheapest VA you can find” vibe is the complete antithesis of the businesses Jacki helps people create. She lays out why that model doesn't sit right with her and how you can build business systems that genuinely match your ethics. This is very much her real talk approach to values-aligned business, the kind she also explores on her podcast Here's What I Learned.If you've ever wondered how to grow without losing your values, or how to let your values help you grow, this one is going to land. Jacki's a joy, so I'd invite you to grab a notebook for this one and listen to Jacki get on her soapbox.Jacki's Links:Jacki's upcoming shop, "The Toolshed", a pay-what-you-choose shop filled with tools she's actually used to run her own business. In addition to being full of accessibly-priced tools you'll actually use, 25% of what comes in (revenue not profit) is donated to organisations supporting Black reparations, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive justice.Jacki's website: www.jackihayes.co Looking for more?Follow Peta on InstagramFind Peta on LinkedInHire Peta to work on your copywriting and brand messaging
Most freelance designers waste 10 or more hours each week doing tasks that could be automated or simplified. In this episode, I am showing you exactly how to build systems that save you time, help you attract more clients, and make your design business easier to manage.Whether you are a brand and web designer, a design business owner, or a creative CEO who is ready to scale, you will learn how to create structure, simplify your offers, and finally stop reinventing the wheel for every client.You will learn:How to simplify your services into one signature offer that sellsWhich systems save the most time in a freelance design businessHow to organize your client process using Notion and client portalsWhy systems create freedom, not restriction, for creative business ownersGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to organize your design business like a pro.Aventive Academy's Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
Charles Gaudet is the Founder and CEO of Predictable Profits and creator of the Predictable Profits Operating System™, a proven framework helping 7- and 8-figure businesses achieve consistent, predictable growth. He is the author of The Predictable Profits Playbook (voted #1 Sales & Marketing Book by Indie Excellence) and host of The Beyond 7-Figures Podcast. Yahoo Finance calls him "The CEO Whisperer," and the International Business Times names him "The Go-To Business Coach for 7- and 8-Figure Businesses." An entrepreneur since age four, Gaudet built his first multi-million-dollar company at 24 and has helped countless CEOs generate millions more through his expertise in revenue architecture, growth systems, and sales process engineering. His work has been featured in Inc., Forbes, Salesforce, Success, and Fox Business, and he has been recognized as one of American Geniuses' Top 50 Industry Influencers and one of CEO Weekly's "Top 10 Innovative CEOs to Follow." Gaudet is also a two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gold medalist and three-time wrestling state champion.He lives in Florida with his wife, their three "kid-preneurs," and their loyal dog, balancing entrepreneurship with family and personal growth. During the show we discuss: Signs your agency has outgrown hustle and referrals and needs a growth system What marketing really is and how to use it for consistent growth How to create, capture, and nurture demand The OSI Method and how it accelerates growth How to turn random wins into predictable, month-over-month profits The three growth phases—Setup, Sales, and Scale—and why they matter How to generate consistent, qualified leads without founder dependency The mistakes keeping CEOs stuck in daily operations instead of scaling Why tactics fail without a complete operating system The frameworks that remove the CEO from day-to-day firefighting How agencies build resilience and scale past revenue plateaus The mindset shift required to scale from 7 to 8 figures How the system adapts for companies under $1M to $10M+ Proven results, including 90-day record-breaking revenue stories Resources: https://www.PredictableProfits.com
Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show, and today, I'm tackling something a lot of us feel on the wealth-building journey: it sucks at first, but it's the secret to skyrocketing your net worth. If you're saving and investing and it still seems like your numbers aren't moving, you're not failing—you're experiencing what I call the “wealth flatline.” That frustration has tripped up thousands, but if you stick it out, compounding will flip the switch and your money will start working harder for you than you ever worked for it.In this episode, I pull back the curtain on why building wealth feels painfully slow in the beginning, especially when you see friends celebrating big purchases and living it up while you're keeping it simple and disciplined. We dig into delayed gratification, the real-life grind of managing money, sticking to boring (but proven!) investing strategies, avoiding destructive debt, and fighting the urge for instant gratification.I even cover the phases you'll experience, from the grind, to acceleration, to the explosion zone where your portfolio returns outpace your contributions and you reach true financial freedom.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the wealth-building journey feels frustrating at firstHow compounding works in practiceThe phases of wealth buildingReal-life examples showing what happens if you quit early versus stick with itPractical steps to get through the suckWhen your money hustles harder than you do and you live life by choiceRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/It's Happening Again and What EVERYONE is MissingAccountant Explains: How to Invest Your First $10,000The 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change EverythingIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get RichHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial GoalsRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:It's Happening Again and What EVERYONE is Missing: https://youtu.be/sGaGRH396msAccountant Explains: How to Invest Your First $10,000: https://youtu.be/8spO7HPBvDQThe 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change Everything: https://youtu.be/M4PRKP092UkIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get Rich: https://youtu.be/HoEktNaPq5EORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
Welcome to a crucial episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really happening in our economy, and more importantly, the hidden financial risks that almost everyone is missing. While the headlines scream about AI and the stock market's record highs, there's a dangerous gap between perception and reality.As someone who's analyzed these cycles for over 30 years as a CPA, advisor, and investor, I'm here to help you see through the noise. In this episode, I decode the “debt spiral,” uncover consumer stress no one's talking about, expose the concentration risk lurking in your index funds, and dive into why today's signals eerily echo the moments before past market breakdowns.This isn't fear-mongering — it's about preparation, discipline, and clarity when everyone else is distracted by hype. I'll walk you through the five “hidden forces” shaping the next decade: the growing debt crisis, the productivity mirage of AI, the fragile state of consumer finances, and the shrinking lifespan of today's corporate giants.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the U.S. government will soon spend more on interest than on national defenseHow AI is powerful but dangerously overhypedThe risks of extreme market concentration in just a handful of companiesThe myth of a “strong consumer” and the real data behind record debtHow corporate earnings are often an Instagram filter for underlying weaknessThe shrinking corporate lifespan and why betting on today's winners can be riskyRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Accountant Explains: How to Invest Your First $10,000The 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change EverythingIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get RichHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial GoalsThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People UseRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Accountant Explains: How to Invest Your First $10,000: https://youtu.be/8spO7HPBvDQThe 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change Everything: https://youtu.be/M4PRKP092UkIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get Rich: https://youtu.be/HoEktNaPq5EHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial Goals: https://youtu.be/PmCa9qORQygORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
SummaryDo you feel like you're doing everything right but still not seeing the results you want? In this episode, Chase and Chris talk about why working hard isn't always enough — especially if you're only focusing on part of the picture. They explain how your results come from stacking multiple habits like sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition — not just one or two.They give real-life examples from clients, show how to spot what's holding you back, and share ways to build better systems so you're not relying on willpower alone. You'll also hear how tracking your consistency and focusing on one change at a time can help you move forward faster — even if it feels slow at first. This episode is all about getting real, removing guilt, and putting the puzzle pieces together to make lasting change.Chapters(00:00) Why You're Working So Hard... But Not Seeing Results(01:59) When Partial Consistency Isn't Enough Anymore(03:51) How Your Lifestyle Impacts Progress(04:09) The Synergy Effect: Why It All Works Together(06:28) Don't Crank the Knobs Too High(06:43) Seasons of Life & Meeting You Where You're At(08:32) Sleep & Stress: The Glue That Holds It All Together(10:13) Managing Expectations During Slower Seasons(11:25) Find Your Weakest Link & Start There(13:21) How Coaches Use Biofeedback to Adjust the Plan(15:55) Maintenance vs Momentum: Why Eating More Might Be the Answer(17:50) Your Body's Check Engine Light(19:51) Build Systems, Not Just Willpower(21:25) The Problem with White-Knuckling Your Way Through Diets(23:40) If Your System Feels Hard, It's Probably Broken(25:09) Slow Progress Is Still Progress(27:32) Tracking Your Puzzle Piece Consistency(30:43) Be Good at Many, Not Perfect at One(32:12) Your Consistency Will Need to Improve Over Time(33:21) It's Not Just How Often You're Off — It's How Badly(34:03) Why You Can Still See Results Through the Holidays(35:07) Final Thoughts + How to Support the PodcastSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS to be answered on the show: https://forms.gle/B6bpTBDYnDcbUkeD7How to Connect with Us:Chase's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changing_chase/Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conquer_fitness2021/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/665770984678334/Interested in 1:1 Coaching: https://conquerfitnessandnutrition.com/1on1-coachingJoin The Fit Fam Collective: https://conquerfitnessandnutrition.com/fit-fam-collective
Welcome to another transformative episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to do if $10,000 suddenly shows up in your bank account—and how that first five-digit sum can be the key to unlocking your financial freedom.Here's the truth: most people freeze, flex, or fumble when they get their hands on their first real chunk of cash. But as I explain in this episode, investing your first $10,000 isn't just about picking the hottest stock or crypto your cousin can't stop talking about. It's about building a rock-solid financial foundation and developing the habits and systems that allow your money to work harder for you than you ever worked for it.I dive deep into my Wealth Priority Ladder—a proven, step-by-step approach to eliminating destructive debt, building your liquidity base, and earning the right to invest with confidence. I'll walk you through the right order of operations so you can avoid expensive mistakes, reduce financial stress, and actually build lasting wealth.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I COVER:Why your first $10,000 is about building confidenceThe Wealth Priority LadderWhy you should tackle debt payoff and wealth creation togetherActionable strategies for getting rid of high-interest “destructive debt” using debt avalanche or snowball methodsThe exact hierarchy of accounts to invest inSimple, low-cost two-, three-, and four-fund portfolios that make wealth building automaticHow to avoid the top five mistakes that derail most new investorsRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/The 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change EverythingIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get RichHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial GoalsThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People UseIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand MoneyRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:The 3 Net Worth Milestones That Change Everything: https://youtu.be/M4PRKP092UkIf You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get Rich: https://youtu.be/HoEktNaPq5EHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial Goals: https://youtu.be/PmCa9qORQygThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People Use: https://youtu.be/njBdSToP6OYORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm sharing a game-changing roadmap that truly transformed my own financial journey — the 3 Net Worth Milestones that can change everything for you, especially when life throws unexpected curveballs.We dive into the three essential net worth milestones—$100K, $500K, and $1M—that mark your progress from discipline, to momentum, to true financial freedom. I break down what each milestone means, why it matters so much, what to expect along the way, and, crucially, what steps to take whether you're just beginning or already making traction.I share my own experiences: the golden-hamster-wheel days when I believed more income was the answer, the reality check that upended that belief, and the behavioral shifts that really move the needle. We debunk the income trap, talk about the exponential power of compounding and time, and reveal why so many quit right before compounding really kicks in.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I COVER:Why true financial freedom is about what happens when you can't earn, not just how much you makeThe “Income Trap” and why earning more alone doesn't set you freeThe 3 Net Worth MilestonesWhy your first $100K is the hardest, but builds belief and essential habits for lifeThe exponential magic of compoundingSmart strategies for optimizing your investmentsAvoiding lifestyle creep and risky bets when growth acceleratesWhy you shouldn't wait for a crisis to startRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/If You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get RichHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial GoalsThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People UseIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money7 Popular Finance Tips That Are Quietly Keeping You BrokeRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:If You Don't Understand The K-Shaped Economy, You'll Never Get Rich: https://youtu.be/HoEktNaPq5EHow to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial Goals: https://youtu.be/PmCa9qORQygThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People Use: https://youtu.be/njBdSToP6OYIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/d55yWZI6sbQORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
Are you making success harder than it needs to be? In this episode, I break down the systems that make discipline automatic—so you no longer rely on memory, motivation, or mood. You'll learn how automation, environment design, habit stacking, friction, default decisions, and accountability can make the right choices effortless and success easier. Feeling stuck? It's time to take back control. If you're ready to master your mind and create real, lasting change, click the link below and start transforming your life today.
Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this session, I tackle a topic that could redefine your financial future: the K-Shaped Economy. We're not all playing on the same economic field—and if you don't understand the rules, you could end up on the wrong side of the gap.In this episode, I break down what the K-shaped economy really means, why the gap between the haves and have-nots is growing faster than ever, and, most importantly, how you can take control so you end up on the right side of that divide. I use real-life examples and actionable strategies to show you why waiting for things to “go back to normal” isn't a plan—it's a slow leak to your finances.I share the five critical decisions that separate financial climbers from those who quietly slip behind. From how you spend and invest, to the information you consume, your sources of income, the assets you prioritize, and the community that surrounds you—these choices are setting your trajectory today, whether you realize it or not.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:What the K-shaped economy is and why it matters to your wealth journeyHow the wealth gap is accelerating—and why averages can be misleadingThe five key decisions that determine which side of the K you end up onReal life examples of Alex and Jamie—how small, consistent choices lead to dramatically different outcomesAction steps to shift your trajectory todayWhy nobody is coming to rescue you—and why you don't need them to if you get proactiveRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/How to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial GoalsThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People UseIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money7 Popular Finance Tips That Are Quietly Keeping You Broke12 Things I Don't Waste Money On (As a 64 Yr Old Millionaire)RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:How to Build Systems to Actually Achieve Your Financial Goals: https://youtu.be/PmCa9qORQygThe ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People Use: https://youtu.be/njBdSToP6OYIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/d55yWZI6sbQ7 Popular Finance Tips That Are Quietly Keeping You Broke: https://youtu.be/ctwclEvqOygORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
Join systems-specialist and travel industry veteran Erin Faith Erdos to demystify how travel advisors and travel business owners can stop relying on hustle and start building support, systems, and automations that actually work. Erin shares her journey of moving from being a full-service travel planner to designing streamlined workflows that free up your time and scale your impact. Plus, she covers where advisors typically get stuck, how to bring in smart automation (without sacrificing personal touch), and how to set up your team and tech so everything fits together instead of fighting each other.
Welcome to another game-changing episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on the secret sauce to actually achieving your financial goals — and let me tell you, it's not just about dreaming bigger or scribbling bold predictions into your journal. If you've ever set a money goal that fizzled faster than those New Year's resolutions, you're not alone. I've been there, too.In this episode, I walk you through my three powerful money systems that will take you from overwhelmed and paycheck-dependent to peaceful, confident, and wealthy.You'll hear the personal story that changed everything for me (spoiler: it involves a blue felt-tip pen, a stick figure, and my son Jeremy), and the curveball that forced me to test my financial systems when life threw cancer my way. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to dial things up, I share actionable systems that move you from just hustle to lasting financial security and choice.I dive into the Money Flow System, the Investing System, and the Protection & Legacy System — plus a Financial Freedom Zone Quiz so you know exactly where to start.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why bold financial goals aren't enough if you don't have systemsThe Money Flow SystemThe Investing SystemThe Protection & Legacy SystemFinancial Freedom Zone Quiz to customize action steps for your journeyReal, relatable stories about the cost of poor systemsSimple, step-by-step actions you can start todayRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/The ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People UseIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money7 Popular Finance Tips That Are Quietly Keeping You Broke12 Things I Don't Waste Money On (As a 64 Yr Old Millionaire)When You Get RICH, Tell NO ONE (Act Like You're Poor)RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:The ONLY Money Rule ALL Rich People Use: https://youtu.be/njBdSToP6OYIf You Don't Understand Fiat Currency, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/d55yWZI6sbQ7 Popular Finance Tips That Are Quietly Keeping You Broke: https://youtu.be/ctwclEvqOyg12 Things I Don't Waste Money On (As a 64 Yr Old Millionaire): https://youtu.be/quh1Hdz7Wb8ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that's no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you'll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by CORE Learning.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Training alone doesn't shift classroom practice. Lasting change depends on how leaders design systems for pacing, coaching, and role-specific support. In this third edWeb podcast of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week, district partners share what sustainable implementation looks like in practice—and how leaders can build conditions where new learning sticks.This edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Structured Literacy for Every Learner Week.CORE LearningTransform teaching and learning so that every student thrives.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
In this episode, I argue why you should skip a traditional business plan, and instead implement 30-day sprints on focused objectives that improve your business. By solving one problem monthly instead of chasing vague yearly goals, you build dummy-proofed systems that actually get completed, which will transform your business entirely. To sign up for live events and coaching, visit: www.iamryanwiley.com What is Strategy Hub? Visit here>>> https://get.mystrategyhub.ca
John Sampogna co-founded his digital agency, Wondersauce, at just 26, with the ambition to take on the giants of Madison Avenue. He spent five years grinding, building a stellar reputation, and scaling his team from two to 100 employees. But as the operational weight of payroll, HR, and collections threatened to pull him under, he made a decision that shocks most founders: he sold the company he bled for.For most founders, that's the end of the story. For John, it was just the beginning. He stayed on to run Wondersauce, proving that selling your business doesn't mean selling your soul. Now, 15 years in and still at the helm post-acquisition, John is having his best year ever, redefining success by mastering the shift from entrepreneur to "intrapreneur."In this interview, John sits down with Ryan Atkinson to share his playbook for competing against giants, even when you're the underdog. He reveals his "ruthlessly raw" pitching strategy, the keys to scaling from 2 to 100 employees, and how to build systems and redundancy (SOPs) so you can stop being the bottleneck in your own company. John also gets transparent about the process of business acquisition, what buyers really look for, and how to structure a deal that lets you keep building. Whether you're a service business owner or a founder planning your exit strategy, this episode provides a masterclass in building a business based on reputation, discipline, and relentless growth.Takeaways:- A "ruthlessly raw" and direct pitching style, focused on ideas rather than a polished script, can be a refreshing way to win over clients who are tired of "buttoned-up" agency presentations.- The two biggest levers for scaling a service business from 2 to 100 employees are the quality of your work and the reputation it builds through word-of-mouth.- When planning an exit, you must build redundancy and systems (SOPs) so the business is not dependent on you. This makes it a much more attractive and stable asset for a buyer.- Founders who are "hands-on" in everything are often a bottleneck.1 You should hire people to fill your weaknesses (like project management) so you can focus on your strengths (like sales).- When clients repeatedly ask for a service you don't offer, see it as an opportunity. Be transparent, learn alongside them, and offer it at a discount to prove your capability.- Stop selling services (e.g., "email marketing") and start selling results (e.g., "client retention"). This communicates your true value and avoids commoditization.- Only start a business you are genuinely interested in. If you're not passionate, you'll be beaten by competitors who absorb industry knowledge organically simply because they love it.- Be a broken record with your marketing. No one listens or remembers after one time; you must relentlessly drill your unique message into people's heads.- The toughest, unseen part of being a CEO is the emotional tax of managing and protecting your team, all while having to find your own ways to cope and "keep it together."- There is power in being "blissfully naive." The lack of experience in the early days allows for purer and less conservative decision-making, which can be a powerful advantage.Tags: Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Business Acquisition, Systems and Procedures, Digital AgencyResources:Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast Connect with John: https://www.instagram.com/wondersauce/?hl=en
Welcome back to the Empower Her Business Accelerator podcast! I'm your host, Philippa Channer, and I'm so glad you're here. As we turn the calendar to November, we're also turning a powerful new page in your business journey. This month kicks off a transformative four-part series all about strategic goal setting for 2026. And today, we're diving into something that can make or break your long-term success—strategic planning. This isn't just about making a to-do list. This is about creating a vision, a roadmap, and a system that supports your mission and protects your energy. In this episode, I'm breaking down why strategic planning is essential for long-term business success—especially for small business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers who are serious about building sustainable momentum. I share how strategy reduces overwhelm, helps you say no with confidence, and builds a system that grows your business (without burning you out). We'll also explore what real strategy looks like with practical examples and how you can start aligning your daily actions with your bigger goals. Plus, I introduce you to The Entrepreneur Incubator, my done-with-you experience designed to walk you through building a custom content strategy with expert support and accountability. Let's get intentional together. ⏱️ Timestamps + Segment Breakdown: (00:00) Welcome & Series Introduction (01:30) What Strategic Planning Really Means (03:00) Strategy Helps You Say "No" with Purpose (05:30) Build Systems for Growth, Not Just Hustle (07:15) SMART Goals with Real Strategy (08:30) Strategic Planning Builds Confidence & Reduces Overwhelm
Content Marketing 101 | All Things Content Marketing, Social Media & Personal Branding
Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102 See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/
Got an topic you want us to discuss? Send us a message!Life has a habit of getting in the way of your best fitness intentions. Willpower is a limited resource for even the most disciplined person. So what makes one person stick to healthy habits and another person cave to distraction? It comes down to setting up systems and creating an environment that sets you up for success.Greg is in fine form on the latest episode! Take a listen.Are you in the Dunnville, Ontario area? Curious about what Grand River CrossFit is all about? Check out our social links and website:https://www.facebook.com/grandrivercrossfit/@grandrivercrossfithttps://grandrivercrossfit.ca/Book your Free "No Sweat Intro" here: https://www.wodboard.com/locations/94/services/253/5da6dd0a/calendar?instructor_id=18677
Systems are what make success repeatable. Unlike talent or personality, a system works for anyone when it's built right. I talk about how I design, test, and install systems that help you get consistent results in business and life. If you want real progress, you need systems. Show Notes: [02:07]#1 We start with outcomes, not activities. [07:28]#2 Keep track of and document everything that works and discard everything that does not work. [19:45]#3 Systems are boring on purpose. [23:21]Recap Next Steps ---
If your balloon business feels chaotic, it might be because you're missing one key ingredient: systems. In this episode, I sit down with balloon artist and business coach Danielle, aka Coach Danni D, to talk about how to simplify your business with smart, repeatable processes that save time, reduce stress, and create freedom. We discuss: The PACE framework for building systems that actually work Why you need systems before you hire help How to document your process (even if it's messy at first) The core systems every balloon pro should have Why syncing your business calendar with your personal life is non-negotiable How personal growth impacts business success Danielle's insights are exactly what balloon professionals need to shift from burnout to balance. In the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's great tip for tracking and ordering balloon inventory. Unlock three free bonus episodes! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year) @nolapartyboutique coachdannid.com Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co. UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST) DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit - - - - On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon) 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list @thebrightballoon The Bright Balloon on YouTube
Today's guest is Jana Franklin, a serial entrepreneur, franchise expert and business efficiency strategist based in St. Louis, Missouri, this is my first time in this part of the world so I'm excited to explore. Jana is the founder and CEO of CEO Concierge, a premium virtual assistant agency that connects fast-moving entrepreneurs and executives with highly trained virtual assistants enabling them to delegate effectively and lead with clarity. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in intentional delegation, team alignment and creating space for visionary thinking. Jana's entrepreneurial journey began in the world of franchising where she successfully launched scaled and sold several Fantastic Sams and Jimmy John's locations under her Strange Allegro and more recently selling her hair salon franchise. Visit the C4C website to gain full access to the transcript, show notes, and guest links. Coaching 4 Companies
Are your goals holding you back? In this episode, I'll show you why focusing on big, long-term results can actually demotivate you—and how shifting to daily, action-based goals can change everything. The Mindset Mentor™ podcast is designed for anyone desiring motivation, direction, and focus in life. Past guests of The Mindset Mentor include Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey, Jay Shetty, Andrew Huberman, Lewis Howes, Gregg Braden, Rich Roll, and Dr. Steven Gundry Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Get The 3-3-3 Method here: https://fos.now/yt-gd-discover-the-3-3-3-methodWant to SCALE your business and join Founder OS? Go here: https://fos.now/yt-apply-546In this whiteboard session, I sit down with my friend Igor, a founder who was staying up until 2 AM shooting YouTube videos, dreading every piece of content he created, and questioning if any of it was actually worth the burnout.Together, we break down his entire content approach using 3 frameworks that transform founders from exhausted content laborers into strategic content CEOs - creating a clear pathway to consistent content that builds your business without destroying your sanity.Want to LEARN proven systems to grow your personal brand? Go here: https://fos.now/yt-newsletter-546Subscribe to Igor's YouTube channel, "The AI Advantage", here: https://www.youtube.com/@aiadvantageVideo title ideas (for the algo):The CEO Approach to Content CreationContent is Hard Until You Build Systems Like ThisWhy Content Feels Like a Chore (And How to Fix It)From Content Labor to Content CEO (3 Frameworks)Stop Being a Content Laborer (Start Being a Content CEO)Connect with me: Website: https://fos.now/yt-founder-os-546 Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_gray_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgray1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmattgray Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthgray00:00 - Intro03:03 - The Intentional Content Framework07:59 - The 3-3-3 Method16:10 - Personal Media Company Structure#onepersonbusiness #creatoreconomy #entrepreneurship
In this solo episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, Michael LeJeune dismantles the “invincible leader” myth and makes the case for sustainable leadership. Your real job isn't doing everything, it's setting the temperature (be a thermostat, not a thermometer), building systems that work without you, and modeling healthy boundaries. Hear a candid client story: after years of 70–100-hour weeks and late-night emails, a CEO learned to delegate, stop after-hours calls, and actually take vacation, sparking a healthier culture and lower turnover. Practical takeaways: delegate earlier, define response windows, reward rest, and coach leaders to own outcomes. Take off the cape; build a company that thrives without it. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession
Looking 4 Healing Radio with Dr. Benjamin Benulis – In this episode, Coach Ramsina and I break down five essential keys that make the difference between falling off track… and finally reaching the results you've been after. A simple framework (AAA: Aware, Acknowledge, Accept) to stop emotional eating in its tracks - Why community is the ultimate accelerator for success...
Looking 4 Healing Radio with Dr. Benjamin Benulis – In this episode, Coach Ramsina and I break down five essential keys that make the difference between falling off track… and finally reaching the results you've been after. A simple framework (AAA: Aware, Acknowledge, Accept) to stop emotional eating in its tracks - Why community is the ultimate accelerator for success...
Get The 30-Day CEO Transformation: https://fos.now/yt-gddiscover-the-30-day-ceo-transformationWant to SCALE your business and audience? Go here: https://fos.now/yt-apply-513In this breakdown, I walk through the 8 systems I built that helped me reduce my involvement in daily operations — without losing momentum. These systems played a key role in helping me transition from 70+ hour weeks to a more flexible schedule, all while the business continued to grow.Want to LEARN proven systems to grow your personal brand? Go here: https://fos.now/yt-newsletter-513Video title ideas (for the algo):How To Build A Business That Runs ItselfHow I Built a Business That Runs Without MeFrom 70 Hour Weeks to 4 Hour Days (My Framework)How to Remove Yourself From Operations (Without Everything Falling Apart)Connect with me:My website: https://fos.now/yt-founder-os-513Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_gray_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgray1TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmattgrayInstagram: https://instagram.com/matthgray00:00 - Intro00:31 - System 1: Decision Architecture02:24 - System 2: Communication Firewall 05:00 - System 3: Delegation Framework07:01 - System 4: Approval Matrix08:39 - System 5: Information Dashboard10:06 - System 6: Escalation Protocol11:30 - System 7: Automation Stack13:02 - System 8: The Replacement Test#onepersonbusiness #creatoreconomy #entrepreneurship
Message me "COACH" on Instagram if you want help to grow your biz: https://bit.ly/4jcjD4s
On the last Podcast episode, I shared the 6 key systems you need to build a business - and the 2 you need to build freedom.On today's Podcast, I share how to do it.Most importantly, how to ensure that they actually work.So they're not just a cute PDF on your website.But something people can come in and follow to success.
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 640, And It's About How To Build Systems That Support Your Construction Business Turning the 3 Pillars—Marketing, Accounting, and Production—Into Repeatable Routines(without adding more work) You've done the hard part—you're running a construction business, getting jobs, and turning out quality work. Perhaps you've even begun to refine your marketing, job costing, and project delivery strategies, thanks to the three pillars we've discussed: Attracting the Right Jobs, Controlling the Money, and Delivering Projects Profitably. But here's the next step that will take your business from reactive to reliable, from "just getting by" to scaling sustainably: You need systems. Not paperwork piles. Not more apps. Just smart, repeatable steps that make your business more efficient—even if you're still a one-person show. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we help contractors every day who are great at swinging hammers but are overwhelmed by admin. This post will show you how to build simple systems around your existing workflow, so you can run your business more smoothly, make better decisions, and free up your time. What Is a "System" Anyway? A system is simply a repeatable process that occurs consistently without requiring you to reinvent the wheel each time. It could be: A checklist An automation A template A recurring habit Or a combination of all of the above The goal is predictability—so your business can function smoothly whether you're at a job site or taking a day off (yes, that's allowed!). Why Small Construction Businesses Need Systems You might be thinking, "I'm not a big company—I don't need systems." But the truth is, you need them even more. Why? Because without systems: Every invoice is different Every client interaction takes extra effort You forgot to track your hours or materials You lose receipts or miss billing for change orders You're constantly reacting instead of planning The right systems save you time, reduce stress, and increase your profitability. And they don't have to be complicated. System #1: A Simple Lead-to-Job Process The Problem: You get an inquiry, scribble notes on paper, forget to follow up, or lose track of what was discussed. Sound familiar? The System: Create a basic lead intake form (Google Form, CRM tool, or paper checklist) Pre-qualify leads with a few standard questions: Project type, location, timeline, budget Save all client information in one place (e.g., Google Sheet, Notion, Trello). Use a standard estimate template so every quote includes: Scope Pricing Timeline Payment terms Send a welcome email template after a job is accepted (include next steps, policies, and what to expect) Bookkeeper's Tip: Keeping track of leads and estimates helps you compare projected vs. actual profits, so you can learn which jobs are truly worth your time. System #2: A Weekly Money Routine The Problem: You're too busy to check the books, so you don't know if you're making or losing money until tax time. The System: Set aside 30–60 minutes each week to review your finances: Reconcile transactions (or send to your bookkeeper) Check outstanding invoices Follow up on late payments Log hours worked and materials used (by job) Review your cash flow forecast for the next two weeks Even if you outsource the bookkeeping, your weekly check-in keeps you in control. Make it part of your Friday routine, just like packing up your tools. Bookkeeper's Tip: We can set up automated reports to send you a cash flow summary, job costing update, or overdue invoice list via email each week—no extra work on your end. System #3: Job Costing and Change Order Tracking The Problem: You think you're making money on jobs, but in the end, you can't say for sure, and you might've given away work for free. The System: Use a spreadsheet or job costing software (like QuickBooks Projects or Buildertrend) Track: Labor (hours × rate) Materials (receipts, delivery invoices) Subcontractors Permits, rentals, and other direct costs Add a simple change order log to each job file Description, date, price, status (pending/approved) Get approval before starting extra work Bookkeeper's Tip: When you track jobs this way, we can help you compare estimated vs. actual costs and margins—so your future quotes get sharper and more profitable. System #4: Project Timeline & Client Communication The Problem: Clients get anxious when they don't hear from you, and scope creep happens when there's no clear plan. The System: Break each project into 3–5 major phases (demo, framing, finish work, etc.) Assign rough start/end dates Use a whiteboard, app, or calendar to stay on track Send weekly updates to clients (template email or quick text summary) "Here's what we completed this week… Here's what's next…" Bookkeeper's Tip: When jobs stay on schedule, you're more likely to invoice on time and get paid faster, which improves your cash flow. System #5: Receipts, Invoices, and Tax Readiness The Problem: You have a shoebox full of receipts and scramble to find documents when tax season rolls around. The System: Use a digital system like Dext, Hubdoc, or even a shared Dropbox folder Snap photos of receipts as you go—tag them with the project name Save estimates, signed contracts, and change orders in organized folders Send invoices promptly at milestones (use progress billing templates) Review reports monthly with your bookkeeper (Profit & Loss, Job Profitability, etc.) Bookkeeper's Tip: With clean books and digital records, tax time is painless—and you'll never miss a deduction. The Myth of "More Work" The biggest myth about systems is that they add more to your plate. In reality, they save you time and stress by preventing confusion, wasted effort, and missed revenue. Stop rewriting the same emails Stop digging for info buried in texts Stop guessing at prices or costs Stop forgetting to bill for work you did With systems in place, your business becomes predictable, profitable, and easier to manage—even as you grow. Ready to Systemize Your Construction Business? You don't have to figure this all out on your own. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we help small contractors establish and maintain systems that align with their workflow. Whether it's: Automating job costing Simplifying invoicing Organizing digital receipts Reviewing job margins Or building custom templates We'll help you take the guesswork out of your money—and give you back control of your time. Let's identify one or two areas in your business where a system could save you hours (and dollars) every week. You build homes. We'll help you build the business behind them. About The Author: Norhalma Verzosa is a Certified Construction Marketing Professional and serves as the Web Administrator of Fast Easy Accounting, located in Lynnwood, WA. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Internet Web Professional, with certifications in Site Development Associate, Google AdWords Search Advertising, and HubSpot Academy. She manages the entire web presence of Fast Easy Accounting using a variety of SaaS tools, including HubSpot, Teachable, Shopify, and WordPress.
LEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!!Let's Connect On Social Media!youtube.com/anthonyvicinotwitter.com/anthonyvicinoinstagram.com/theanthonyvicinohttps://anthonyvicino.comJoin an exclusive community of peak performers at Beyond the Apex University learning how to build a business, invest in real estate, and develop hyperfocus.www.beyondtheapex.com
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Running an agency can feel like chaos on repeat—clients, team stress, and no clear direction. You're not alone. Today's featured guest has built and sold a $3M+ agency, kept employee turnover under 5%, and is now launching a focused, values-driven agency built to thrive in today's market. He shares some hard-won lessons on building a culture your team will never want to leave, attracting clients who respect your expertise, and creating the clarity and focus you need to scale without burning out. If you're an agency owner who's tired of the chaos and wants a clearer, saner path forward, this conversation will give you a roadmap worth following. Colin Hetherington is the founder of the newly minted Common Good in Dublin, but he's no rookie. Before that, he co-founded Zoo Digital, growing it past $3M a year before it was acquired, and even earlier, he pitched and built agency.com's Dublin presence when Ireland barely had broadband. After building and scaling agency.com Ireland, Colin and two colleagues grabbed coffee after a client meeting and decided, “There's a better way to do this.” It wasn't a grand plan with a 50-slide deck. It was a hunch—and a leap of faith. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why he believes in taking the leap before you're ready. Build systems or burn out. How to keep turnover at less than 5%. Why focus is the ultimate power move. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Look for the Venn Diagram Sweet Spot Colin's first experience in digital marketing came when he worked for an agency in San Francisco back in 1999. At iTraffic, subsequently taken over by Agency.com, he learned about what was called at the time ‘internet advertising', and five years later he pitched the idea of setting up Agency.com in Dublin. Their developing edge was putting strategy, creative, and technology under one roof at a time when agencies treated digital as an afterthought. That unique combination allowed them to win big clients like the National Lottery and the Irish Tourism Board with a tiny seven-person team. In just two years, they went from zero to driving 12% of the group's revenue and Colin and his partners felt ready to grow their own business. Hitting Their Stride with Innovation Zoo launched in 2008, right before the Great Recession and right as businesses started pulling back and budgets evaporated. However, they were able to adapt by winning some solid clients and partnering quietly behind the scenes with agencies that couldn't handle digital in-house. They found scrappy ways to deliver big ideas on smaller budgets, often using student illustrators or leaner production. By 2015, they'd grown the team to fourteen people and were hitting their stride with their original formula of combining strategy, creative, and technology under one roof that led them to work with big names like Redbull. After bringing innovation to countless brand events, Colin's agency started focusing on UX and got an important partnership with one of the largest banks in Ireland. While not every flashy innovation won new business immediately, it got them on pitch lists and made their team proud. Hiring Before You're Ready Colin's hiring strategy has always been taking leaps of faith. Instead of hiring one by one, they'd hire in threes or fours—betting on themselves to fill the pipeline. This was even back when they couldn't forecast beyond five months. For Colin, there was no use in debating and agonizing over these leaps for weeks when the team was already stretched for 1–2 months straight. Playing too small can be riskier than making bold, smart bets and, as they learned over time, taking those leaps of faith paid off every time. Every time they made that leap, the new team members were busy almost immediately. Build Systems or Burn Out On the other hand, Colin was not as quick to scale processes as they grew the team, which resulted in many projects being delayed and clients rightly unhappy about the situation. At one point, Colin was heading to a client meeting with that sick-to-your-stomach feeling that they were about to get fired for missing deadlines. They didn't get fired, but the client laid it out: “We love you, but can you ever deliver on time?” That wake-up call pushed Colin to bring in operations help, implement systems, and build scalable processes so they could grow without chaos. This next step also required them to admit they just weren't great project managers and needed outside help to build the foundations to grow the business. Culture Is What You Live, Not What You Write Colin managed to keep his agency's employee turnover at less than 5% by putting a heavy focus on culture while he was at Zoo. It's easy to slap a “values” page on your agency's website. He understood that reducing churn meant reducing time spent on getting people up to speed, for instance, but he also understood that culture isn't what you write down—it's what you live. For Colin, it all came down to leadership and how the leadership team delivers culture. For starters, they treated people like adults, trusting their team to own their work without micromanagement, and recognizing that work is just one part of life. When hard times hit, like during COVID, Colin and his partners were transparent. They had to temporarily reduce salaries but promised to pay it back when the storm cleared—and they did. That act of integrity built trust in a way no ping-pong table or Slack emoji ever could. Your Values Attract the Right Clients (and Repel the Wrong Ones) If you've ever worked with a nightmare client—the kind who demands everything yesterday, disrespects your team, and thinks paying your invoice is a license to treat you like dirt—yyou know the toll it takes on your team and energy. On this, Jason and Colin agree: it's better to walk away. Colin has learned that sharing the unspoken values you hold as a team don't just keep your culture healthy; they also shape the clients you attract. The best, longest-lasting client relationships he had were with organizations that shared similar values around respect, partnership, and clear communication. As to the nightmare clients? Those relationships were doomed from day one because the values were out of sync. Focus Is the Ultimate Power Move After selling Zoo, Colin is launching his new agency, Common Good, with one big lesson in mind: Focus beats everything. Instead of being a generalist, Colin is zeroing in on serving state and civil service organizations in Ireland. He believes these organizations are doing important work that deserves to be communicated well—and that clear positioning will set them apart in a market where every agency says the same thing about their “process, portfolio, and people.” What's more, Colin isn't trying to build another 60-person agency. He's embracing the shift in the market toward lean, senior teams that can deliver high-quality work without unnecessary bloat. If you're still in the grind of your first agency, it's normal not to have perfect clarity yet. You have to try things, learn what drains your energy, and double down on what gives you energy. The sooner you build reflection time into your schedule, the sooner you'll find your agency's true direction. It may be hard to take the time to really think about these things. The day-to-day of running an agency can drown you in Slack messages, client calls, and fires to put out. But stepping back—even for a few hours each week—to reflect on where you're going and why can be the difference between a business that drifts and one that thrives. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
Watch this podcast with visuals and illustrations here:https://youtu.be/vHVi-EkRyEMLEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!! Let's Connect On Social Media! youtube.com/anthonyvicino twitter.com/anthonyvicino instagram.com/theanthonyvicino https://anthonyvicino.com Join an exclusive community of peak performers at Beyond the Apex University learning how to build a business, invest in real estate, and develop hyperfocus. www.beyondtheapex.com
What happens when you stop trying to be good at everything and instead design your life around what you're naturally brilliant at? Today we dive deep into the revolutionary concept of knowing your genius and strategically organizing your life around it to achieve success that only few can dream of - empowered by AI genius. Breaking coffee plungers might seem like clumsiness, but what if these "flaws" are actually signposts pointing to your natural strengths? The traits that make us "elephants in china shops" in some contexts are often the very same qualities that make us exceptional in others. Those absorbed in deep thinking and pattern recognition might break a few things along the way, but they also see solutions that others miss. This episode walks you through practical steps to identify your natural talents using proven assessment tools like DISC, CliftonStrengths, and the VIA Character Strengths Survey. We show you how to leverage modern AI tools to create personalized systems that both amplify your strengths and protect you from your blind spots. The goal isn't avoiding hard work, it's ensuring your efforts flow in the direction where you naturally excel. Drawing inspiration from Yu-kai Chou's framework in "10 Hours of Play," we explore how extraordinary success comes from following your personal hero's journey. Where are the doors wide open for your particular genius? How can you stop knocking on closed doors and instead find the places where your talents are valued like gold? When you operate in your zone of genius, hard work feels more like play as natural as swimming is for a fish. Ready to transform your approach to success? Take the strength assessments linked in our show notes, explore Cho's book, and use AI to build systems that support your natural brilliance. Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation ConsultantEXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH
In this solo episode of BigDeal, Codie emphasizes the critical role of effective systems in running a successful business. She discusses common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when trying to systematize their operations and provides a structured approach to building a strong vision, defining metrics, and ensuring accountability. Check out BigDeal wherever you get your podcasts: https://contrarianthinking.co/the-bigdeal-podcast/ CHAPTERS 00:00 The Importance of Business Systems 02:51 Common Mistakes in Systematizing Businesses 06:00 Building a Strong Vision for Your Business 08:45 Defining Your Business Metrics and Goals 12:08 Creating Effective Communication and Accountability 14:58 Implementing Systems for Long-Term Success MORE FROM BIGDEAL:
Send us a textIn this episode of Business Growth Talks, Mark Hayward delves into the fundamental difference between motivation and consistency when it comes to business success. With compelling arguments and real-life examples, Mark challenges traditional notions of motivation, underscoring the crucial role that consistency plays over being fired up or inspired. He explains how consistent actions, rather than sporadic bursts of motivation, are what ultimately lead to business growth and success.Mark opens the episode by challenging entrepreneurs to shift their focus from seeking motivation to fostering consistency. He emphasizes that systems and habits, such as publishing regular content or maintaining a steady customer outreach, drive business growth. Citing his personal experience with consistently releasing podcast episodes, Mark illustrates how this practice can establish trust, expand visibility, and lead to unanticipated opportunities. Furthermore, he discusses the importance of reducing decision fatigue by incorporating routine actions that align with business objectives. Building on this, Mark discusses how consistency, while often quiet and unglamorous, serves as the true engine behind successful enterprises.Key Takeaways:Consistency over Motivation: Sustained business success is more reliant on consistent action than on sporadic motivation.Build Systems, Not Just Decisions: Establish systems that incorporate routine actions to reduce decision fatigue and ensure reliability in outputs.Start Now, Perfect Later: Embrace the concept of getting started without waiting for the perfect moment. Regularity can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities.Visibility Through Repetition: Consistent efforts in visibility and outreach yield authority and trust in the market.Habitual Growth: Implement small, non-negotiable weekly habits that progressively drive valuable results in business.Resources:Podcast Introduction: PodcastIntroduction.com - A service by Mark aiding business owners to build consistent habits that enhance visibility and credibility through podcasting.Mark Hayward on LinkedIn: Engage with Mark on professional platforms for insights and more information on business growth strategies.Tune into the full episode to explore these insights in detail and learn how consistency can transform your business trajectory. Stay with Support the showIf you want to watch the full video of this episode go to:https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalksDo you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to:www.podcastintroduction.comFind more details about the podcast and my coaching business on:www.businessgrowthtalks.comFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw...Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
Ever wonder why it's so easy to fall into habits you know aren't good for you? The answer lies in the Law of Least Effort, a fundamental principle governing not just human behavior but systems throughout nature. The Law of Least Effort explains why we naturally choose "the bad thing", even when it doesn't serve our long-term goals. This isn't a character flaw; it's hardwired into our biology. The challenge? We've created a world perfectly designed to exploit our lazy brain. Food companies formulate products that override our satiety signals. Social media platforms engineer features that maximize scrolling time. Streaming services automatically play the next episode. In essence, we've built systems that keep our brain's addicted to the wrong thing. I'll walk you through my 5-question framework for creating systems that work for you rather than against you. You'll learn practical strategies like commitment devices, accountability structures, and habit tracking that can help you overcome these challenges. Whether you're struggling with phone addiction, mindless eating, or self-distracting productivity sabotage, these principles can help you design a life where doing the right thing becomes the path you take. Text Me Your Thoughts and IdeasSupport the showBrought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation ConsultantEXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH
Is your screen printing shop running you… or are you running it? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Richman, certified EOS implementer and Fabric.Ink coach, to talk about why so many shop owners feel stuck—and how the right systems can help them get unstuck. Michael shares lessons from building and selling a custom manufacturing business, the real-world application of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), and how to stop working in your business and start working on it.
What do Toyota, strategy, and real leadership have in common? Mark Reich—former Toyota exec and Lean Enterprise Institute strategist—joins us to drop
As your nonprofit grows, it's easy to overlook the behind-the-scenes systems that keep everything running. In this episode, I unpack why scaling isn't just about doing more—it's about building smarter systems that can support your growth without burning you out. I walk through the three stages of infrastructure evolution (Organic → Intentional → Systematized), and offer real talk on why the first transition is often the hardest. If you're still relying on memory, manual workarounds, or Slack check-ins to keep your programs running, this one's for you.In this episode, you'll learn:The 3 distinct phases of infrastructure evolution—and what they look like in practiceWhy most growing teams hit a wall with systemsHow to begin systematizing without losing the heart of your missionKey takeaways:You can't scale what only lives in your head.Systematizing is a leadership act, not a corporate one.One broken workflow fixed each month can transform your org in a year.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
Episode Title: Is Your Business Trapped in Your Head? How to Build Systems That Set You Free with Eric Williams Released: June 10, 2025 Guest: Eric Williams, Founder & Chief Business Transformation Officer at Willity Host: Marcia Riner, Business Growth Strategist at Infinite Profit®
Let's talk about money—but not in a scary or overwhelming way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of how I went from financially winging it (and praying the numbers would work) to building a microschool with clear, sustainable financial systems. If you're a microschool founder, homeschool hybrid leader, or teacher dreaming of starting your own school—this episode is your financial reset. This is Part 2 of our Summer of Clarity series, and we're diving deep into: What my financial systems used to look like in Years 1–2 (hint: disorganized, reactive, and stressful) The exact tools and habits that changed everything—like weekly finance check-ins, monthly forecasting, tuition dashboards, and hiring a bookkeeper How creating financial clarity gave me the freedom to grow, hire, rest, and lead with confidence What I'm focusing on this summer (and what you should be looking at too): compensation structure, tuition tiering, forecasting for a second location, and more
Most high-achieving women don't struggle with sales because they lack strategy.They struggle because their sales systems don't match their power—or their lifestyle.In this episode, Laura unpacks how to build sales systems that don't just support your business—they feel like a natural extension of you. Systems that amplify your feminine energy, your leadership, and your next-level vision—so you're not just selling, you're leading with conviction.If you're a multi-6-figure coach, course creator, or visionary woman scaling to 7 figures while balancing motherhood, personal evolution, and the life you've built—it's time to create sales systems that feel like a second skin.Inside, you'll learn:- Why most sales systems feel clunky and disconnected for high-achieving women- The four reasons your offers aren't scaling (and how to fix them)- How to build systems that don't just work—they work because they feel like you- Why selling from your truth is the secret to building a 7-figure legacyIf you're scaling your coaching business, growing your online authority, or ready to lead like the CEO you are—this episode will shift how you see sales forever.Resources & Links:Join SoftSavage Sales — My signature program to build sales systems that sell because they're built around youDM “SAVAGE” on Instagram — For direct access to details and bonusesLaura's Amazon Favorites — My daily essentials for soft, savage leadershipConnect with Laura:Instagram: @itslaurapatriciamartinYouTube: @softxsavageSupport the Show:Love the episode? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more feminine leaders build 6-figure businesses with sales systems that feel like them.
Episode 247 Pool Nation Podcast: Feeling buried in day-to-day chaos? In this jam-packed episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zach the Pool Boy reveal Habit #3 of Highly Successful Pool Pros: Build Systems, Not Just Skills. Discover why documented processes—not the owner's memory—unlock profit, freedom, and sustainable growth for service, repair, and retail companies. Edgar and Zach break down a step-by-step blueprint for creating a repeatable training system, preview the business-first course lineup at the 2025 Pool Nation Conference, and share upcoming dates for the Pool Nation Awards and Women's Summit. Whether you run 20 pools or 2,000, you'll learn practical ways to: Reduce chemical costs, labor, and burnout with simple checklists Onboard new techs in days instead of weeks with video-based SOPs Turn financial metrics into money by knowing your numbers Boost team performance through accountability and collaborative culture Perfect for pool service entrepreneurs, route owners, retail managers, and anyone ready to scale smarter. Episode Timeline 00:00 High-energy intro & sponsor shout-outs 01:30 Zach's “fine-tuning year” and why 2025 is all about systems 04:30 Key dates: Pool Nation Awards nominations (June 18) & Women's Summit (Aug 21-22) 05:30 Sneak peek: Business-focused courses at the 2025 Pool Nation Conference 11:00 Talent Life Cycle & leadership tracks with Doreen King 15:00 Habit #3 deep dive—why scalable systems beat heroics every time 25:00 Real-world examples: daily route checklists, inventory par levels, communication logs 33:00 4-Step Training Blueprint: Identify ➜ Create Materials ➜ Schedule ➜ Document & Review 52:00 Final takeaways: freedom through systems & building a machine that runs without you 59:00 Teaser: customer-retention systems coming in the next episode
Your Day Off @Hairdustry; A Podcast about the Hair Industry!
40 Lessons from 40 Years Behind the Chair ✂️✨What if you could skip decades of trial and error and learn 40 game-changing lessons from one of the industry's most successful salon owners?
How to Build Systems So Your Business Runs Without You *** Learn How to Build a Business that Runs Itself and Scales Fast https://welloiledoperations.com/class Many small business owners feel they must be involved in every decision and manage every problem. However, successful businesses operate smoothly even in the owner's absence. In this episode, Build systems that allow businesses to thrive independently. Discover the CEO mindset shift, the essential core systems every business needs, and the delegation formula to ensure high-level team execution. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to transform your business into a self-sustaining enterprise. 0:00 Introduction: The CEO Mindset Shift 01:28 Step 1: From Doer to Delegator 04:22 Step 2: Core Systems for Business Success 04:29 Operations System: The Ultimate Playbook 07:23 Sales and Marketing System: Scaling Your Business 09:47 Financial System: Ensuring Profitability 13:13 Step 3: The Delegation Formula 15:17 Building a Self-Sustaining Business