Podcasts about sops

Send Jackie A Message!AI is changing the fitness, wellness, yoga, and Pilates industries fast — but most studio owners are unsure how to actually use it without hurting their business.In this episode of the Studio CEO Podcast, Jackie Murphy breaks down how to use AI in your yoga or Pilates studio the right way — and where automation can quietly cost you revenue, retention, and trust. Jackie explains why AI should be treated like a team member with a specific role, not a replacement for leadership, coaching, or human connection.You'll learn where AI saves time, where it becomes risky, and why misusing AI in cancellations, sales conversations, and brand voice can damage long-term growth. This episode also covers how AI fits into studio software, marketing, admin systems, and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) — and why human judgment still matters more than ever.If you're a studio owner wondering how to stay relevant, profitable, and human in 2026 and beyond, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.Timestamped Outline[00:00] Why this episode exists + industry fear around AI[03:00] Will AI replace coaches and studio owners?[06:00] Thinking about AI as a team member[08:00] Where AI goes wrong in marketing and brand voice[11:30] Why AI should edit, not write your content[15:30] Speed-to-lead and automated responses (done right)[18:30] Why AI should NOT handle cancellations or refunds[21:30] Objections, retention, and human conversations[24:00] Using AI for SOPs, systems, and organization[27:30] The rule studio owners must remember about AI[28:45] Final thoughts on humanity, leadership, and growthWork with Jackie Murphy Say Hi on Instagram @studioceoofficial Level up your Marketing Skills in the Free Marketing Training:https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/3-marketing-mistakes Learn more about The Studio CEO Program: https://www.jackiegmurphy.com/studioceo

We reveal the real cost of running a home service business in 2025. In this full debrief, we open our books to show why plumbing business growth exploded while HVAC stalled, and exactly how we navigated the hardest summer in years.If you run a contractor business, you know 2025 was volatile. HVAC shipments cratered 49% YoY, forcing operators to face a brutal reality. In this episode, we break down the massive gap between our plumbing wins and HVAC headwinds, why "Always Be Recruiting" became our #1 survival rule, and how total financial transparency saved our bottom line.In this episode, we cover:The Industry Reality: Why mild weather and refrigerant transitions crushed HVAC demand.The Recruiting Crisis: Why we lost key techs mid-summer and how we fixed our hiring pipeline.P&L Transparency: The actual impact of overhead, margins, and "fixed" costs on a trades business.2026 Strategy: Our plan for a "Lean & Lethal" operation and new acquisitions.

After purchasing a small print shop on a whim, Brooke spent the next 20 years living, breathing, and growing All American Screen Printing. After two decades, she has since sold her shop, and has stepped down to a production manager role. Brooke is here to provide insight into the nagging question that plagues shop owners around the globe- What if I just sell it? Topics of discussion include: getting consumed by your work, the dynamics of working with your spouse, first hires, misprints, life after selling your business, knowing the value of your business, implementing SOPs, and conveyor belt rides.

It's the last week of December of 2025!  And while many of us are resting, traveling, or spending time with family, our minds are quietly turning toward what's next.In this short and practical solo episode, I'm sharing a few important reminders and tools to help brick-and-mortar business owners step into 2026 with clarity instead of overwhelm.We cover:A timely Google Business Profile PSA (and why it matters more than you think)Why most business owners can't see the visibility gaps costing them customersMy $39 Website + Social Media Audit and how it helps you see your business through a customer's eyesAnd the One-Sheet Planning Tool I use every year to map quarterly goals, build systems, and stay focusedI also walk you through how I use this one-page plan with my team, how it supports SOPs, reviews, and leadership decisions — and why small, intentional changes compound over time.If you're looking for a calm, clear way to plan for 2026 without pressure, this episode is for you.DM me “ONE SHEET” on Instagram or LinkedIn and I'll send you the template I use or click here! Your GO-TO LINK for all things Brick and Mortar Visibility-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Melissa, Newsletter, & Referral Partners.Love today's podcast?

Ever wonder which tools and services you actually need as a solopreneur, and which ones are just shiny distractions?In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe revisit one of the most debated sections of their book, Solopreneur Business For Dummies: setting up your company's tools and services.From creating rock-solid SOPs to knowing when to outsource, to avoiding the dreaded “tool overload,” they break down how to make smarter choices that actually save you time. Plus, they share how AI can help today (and where it still falls short). If you've ever felt stuck between doing it all yourself, hiring help, or buying yet another app, you won't want to miss this conversation.Episode FAQsShould I outsource tasks as a solopreneur or keep doing everything myself?You don't need employees to be a solopreneur, but you also don't have to do everything alone. Outsourcing to contractors or companies for specific tasks can save time and prevent burnout. The key is to outsource before you're desperate. This way, you have time to properly train someone and set up processes that work.How do I know which tools are worth paying for?Start by identifying the specific problem you want to solve, then choose tools that are simple, affordable, and easy to integrate with your current setup. Avoid chasing “shiny objects” that solve problems you don't even have yet. Use free trials strategically and actually test them on a real task during the trial period, and start with monthly payments until you're confident it's a good fit.What should come first: documenting processes or finding tools and services?Always start with documenting your processes in the form of standard operating procedures (SOPs). If you try to outsource or automate a broken process, you'll only make the problems bigger. SOPs give you a clear, repeatable checklist that works whether you do it yourself, hand it off to someone else, or use a tool to automate it.

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives into one of the most common yet damaging habits of leaders: micromanagement. While founders and leaders often express the desire for team members who “act like owners,” their own behavior can stifle that very ownership. Ross explores the concept of the "Ownership Window," offering a strategic framework for when leaders should be hands-on and when to step back. He breaks down the fine line between leadership and control, examines the stages of team empowerment, and provides actionable insights for creating a company culture rooted in autonomy, accountability, and trust. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Ownership Paradox - Leaders say they want ownership but often undermine it with controlling behaviors. - A lack of delegation leads to decision bottlenecks and ruins team morale. 2. The Downside of Micromanagement - Suck energy out of teams. - Kill trust, decision-making, and momentum. - Be mistaken for productivity from the leader's perspective. 3. The “Ownership Window” Framework - New Hire or New System (High Support Needed): Provide clarity, oversight, and a tight feedback loop. Avoid guesswork by implementing SOPs, training, and checkpoints. - New Initiative (Strategic Oversight Needed): Leaders act more as advisors than operators. Maintain checkpoints without hovering. - Proven Leader (High Trust & Autonomy): Align on outcomes, then step back. Focus on results, not the method of execution. 4. Coaching vs. Controlling - Coaching is intentional and supportive. - Controlling is reactive and born out of ego or fear. - Leadership requires adjusting engagement based on team maturity and context. 5. Redefining Ownership in Leadership - Clear expectations of what great looks like. - Accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. - Autonomy to decide how work gets done. —

If the idea of delegating in your practice immediately brings up fear about HIPAA, confidentiality, or losing control, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down exactly what you can delegate right now (and what you shouldn't) so you can protect your license while still getting critical tasks off your plate.I walk through real-world examples of delegation, from marketing tasks and intake calls to inbox management and follow-ups, and I clear up a lot of the myths therapists carry around about HIPAA. I explain how HIPAA actually works in practice, why delegating the wrong things first can waste time and money, and how proper training—not avoidance—is what keeps your practice safe as you grow.If your practice feels like you're “building the plane while flying it,” or you know an uptick in clients is coming and your systems aren't ready yet, this episode will help you get grounded and move forward with confidence instead of fear.In this episode, you'll learn:What I recommend delegating first in a therapy practice, like intake calls, follow-ups, basic marketing workflows, and inbox management, without violating HIPAAHow I think about training and onboarding VAs, including HIPAA education, clear boundaries, and realistic expectationsWhy I stopped using long written SOPs and switched to short screen-recorded workflows, and how that reduced mistakesHow to tell the difference between tasks that actually move you toward revenue and ones that just keep you busyIf you're ready to stop doing everything yourself and start building systems that support your growth, this episode gives you a practical, HIPAA-aware place to start.If you're ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You're not just building a practice, you're building a legacy.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

In this episode of the STR Investing Podcast, Taylor sits down with Nate Klatt — CPA, former startup operator, and co-founder of HomeHop — to break down how he went from flipping houses with thin margins to building a short-term rental portfolio, launching a property management company, and raising STR investment funds.Nate shares the real behind-the-scenes of scaling: why conservative underwriting matters when you're taking friends-and-family money, how they structured investor returns, what changed once they brought in real design, and why they're shifting toward bigger homes and higher-end amenities in their next fund.In this episode, you'll learn:Nate's path from Michigan State football + CPA to real estate entrepreneurThe biggest mistakes (and lessons) from their first flipsWhy they stopped chasing cheap renovations and started building properties people fall in love withHow promissory notes helped them scale early — and why they eventually launched a fundThe exact structure they used: preferred return, margins, and staying conservative on projectionsWhat it takes to build a real property management operation (tools, SOPs, and hiring VAs)Why larger homes and “hero amenities” are becoming the clearest path to outperforming in today's marketWhere HomeHop is headed next: expansion decisions, fund strategy, and growth over the next 12–24 monthsConnect with Nate: LinkedIn: Nate Klatt Website: homehop.com__Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 325+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com

What if 2026 wasn't just "busy"… but actually healthy, profitable, and calm? In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with coach and business owner Ryan Hindmarsh to talk about how real contractors are building better lives and better businesses at the same time. You'll hear real stories from cabinet shops, millwork shops, and trades businesses who: • Delegated low-value work and finally had time to look after their health • Planned vacations first so the year doesn't disappear on them • Grew revenue by ~30% with a simple builder-outreach plan • Booked the biggest jobs in company history because systems and SOPs were ready • Used weekly rhythms (money, sales, planning) to keep every part of the business moving • Chose a "word of the year" like THRIVING to guide decisions • Joined in a water project that turns likes/comments into clean drinking water in Nicaragua

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Paulina Riedler, CEO and co-founder of Spakinect, to talk about one of the biggest threats facing the fast-growing med spa industry: compliance gaps. The med spa industry is booming ,  adding over $1 billion each year ,  but many businesses are scaling faster than the rules can keep up. Paulina shares real stories from the field, including how skipping important steps like Good Faith Exams can cost a practice everything. You'll learn why cutting corners might feel easier in the short term but ends up being costly in the long run. Paulina also explains how a virtual compliance model can unlock real profits, why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are key to safe scaling, and how private equity firms view compliance during acquisitions.If you're growing a practice or planning an exit, this episode is a must-listen. Don't just scale fast, scale smart and safe.

Host Susan Diaz sits down with Jennifer Hufnagel (Hufnagel Consulting), an AI educator and AI readiness consultant who's trained 4K+ people. They break down what "AI readiness" actually means (spoiler: it's not buying Copilot), why AI doesn't fix broken processes or dirty data, and how leaders can build real capability through training programs, communities of practice, and properly resourced AI champions. Episode summary Susan Diaz and Jennifer Hufnagel met in "the most elite way possible": both were quoted in The Globe and Mail about women and AI. Jennifer shares her background as a business analyst and digital adoption / L&D consultant, and how she pivoted when clients began asking for AI workshops right after ChatGPT's release. Together, they map a simple but powerful framework: AI awareness (practice + play, foundational learning, early change management) AI readiness (software stack, data quality, workflows, current state, and - quietly - the "people audit") AI adoption (implementation, strategy, and ongoing integration) Jennifer explains why "audit" language scares people, but the work is essential - especially talking to humans about what's frustrating, what takes time, and where fear is showing up. She shares what she's seeing after training thousands: AI fluency is still low, people obsess over tools, and many assume AI will solve problems that are actually process or data issues. The second half gets practical: what "workflows" really mean (step-by-step checklists), how AI now makes documenting processes easier than ever (voice → SOPs), why prompt engineering isn't dead but "100 prompts for your bookkeeping business" is mostly snake oil, and why one-off training sessions don't create real fluency. They close with how to build sustainable AI capability: proper training programs, leadership-led culture, communities of practice, and protecting champions from becoming unpaid help desks. Key takeaways AI readiness is the middle of the journey. Jennifer frames AI maturity as: awareness → readiness → adoption. Most organisations skip readiness and wonder why adoption stalls. Readiness includes software, data, process… and people. You can call it a software/data/process audit, but you still have to talk to humans about their day-to-day work, pain points, and fears. That's where the truth lives. AI fluency is still lower than the headlines suggest. Jennifer questions rosy "90% adoption" stats because many rooms she's in still show low real-world usage beyond basic experimentation. Stop obsessing over tools. Companies are writing AI policy around tools and forcing everyone into a single platform. Jennifer argues the real goal is discernment, critical thinking, and clarity - not "pick one tool and pray". AI doesn't fix broken processes or dirty data. If your workflows aren't documented, AI will scale the chaos. If your data is messy, the analysis will be messy too. Readiness comes first. A workflow is just a checklist. Jennifer demystifies "workflow" as step-by-step instructions and ownership: who does what, when. Sticky notes on a wall is a valid start. Process documentation is easier than ever. You can dictate steps into a model (without passwords) and ask it to produce an SOP/checklist - getting knowledge out of people's heads and into a shareable format. Prompting isn't dead, but promise-all prompt packs are mostly hype. Prompting differs by model, and the best move is often to ask the model how to prompt it - and how to troubleshoot when output is wrong. One-off AI workshops don't create fluency. AI changes too fast. Real capability requires programs, practice, communities of practice, office hours, and change management - plus leadership modelling and culture. Don't burn out your AI champions. Champions need dedicated time, resources, and leadership sponsorship. Otherwise they become unpaid AI help desks and the entire initiative becomes fragile. Community of practice is the unlock. Jennifer shares her in-person "AI Chats & Bites" group and encourages finding online + in-person + internal communities to keep learning alive. Episode highlights 00:01 — The 30-day podcast-to-book sprint and why people are saying yes in December 00:40 — Susan + Jennifer meet via The Globe and Mail "women and AI" feature 01:21 — Jennifer's origin story: business analyst → digital adoption/L&D → AI readiness 04:09 — The three-part framework: awareness → readiness → adoption 05:03 — Readiness: software stack, data quality ("dirty data"), and mapping current state 06:13 — "People audit" without calling it that: interview humans about pain + fear 08:02 — What Jennifer sees after ~4,000 trainees: fluency still low + stats don't match reality 09:38 — AI doesn't fix broken processes; it scales whatever is there 10:55 — Workflows explained as checklists; "won the lottery" handoff test 12:18 — Dictate your process into AI → generate SOPs/checklists 14:24 — Prompting isn't dead; ask the model to help you prompt + troubleshoot 17:50 — Why one-off training doesn't work; AI fluency requires a program + practice 22:15 — Burning out champions and why AI culture must be top-down 27:49 — Communities of practice: online + local + internal 31:00 — Common mistakes: vending-machine mindset, believing output, not defining the problem 35:31 — Women and AI: opportunity, fear, resilience, and "be in the grey" 39:51 — Where to find Jennifer: hufnagelconsulting.ca + LinkedIn Guest info Jennifer Hufnagel Website: hufnagelconsulting.ca Email: hello@hufnagelconsulting.ca Best place to connect: LinkedIn - Jennifer Hufnagel If AI adoption feels stuck in your organization, don't buy another tool first. Start with readiness: Map one workflow end-to-end. Talk to the humans doing it daily. Clean up the process and data enough that AI can actually help. Then build fluency through a program - not a one-off workshop - and protect your champions with real time and resources.   Connect with Susan Diaz on LinkedIn to get a conversation started. Agile teams move fast. Grab our 10 AI Deep Research Prompts to see how proven frameworks can unlock clarity in hours, not months. Find the prompt pack here.

In this episode, Libby welcomes back Jeremy Keil to unpack how financial advisors can turn an intangible service into a clear, compelling, and repeatable client experience. Jeremy shares the evolution of his five-step Retirement Master Plan, how defining and naming a process transformed both his client outcomes and his business efficiency, and why creating a standardized framework is one of the most powerful growth levers advisors can implement. This conversation is rich with actionable insights, real-world scenarios, and practical guidance for building a more scalable practice.

Most shop owners open their doors because they want to fix what was broken in the last place they worked. But once the dust settles, many realize they built themselves a job, not a business. According to Brian Hammond, one of ATI's newest coaches and a lifelong entrepreneur, real success begins when you stop thinking like a shop owner and start operating like a business owner.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel talk with Brian about the truth behind entrepreneurship, the sacrifices it demands, and the mindset shifts required to build something that lasts. Brian shares how losing his corporate job at Goodyear pushed him into business ownership, how his childhood paper route became the foundation for his work ethic, and why processes and profitability are the pillars of any stable company.The conversation dives deep into the realities most shop owners avoid such as setting aside true cash reserves, delaying gratification, refining standard operating procedures, and building a team so strong that the business can thrive whether you are there or not. Kim and Jason also tackle the common excuse of being “just a shop owner” and explain why that thinking traps talented people in survival mode.Tune in to episode 133 of Maximum Octane if you want a clear look at what it really takes to grow, protect, and sustain your business beyond day-to-day chaos.Episode Takeaways:4:10 The real meaning of entrepreneurship and why the market decides what succeeds6:55 Why most shop owners start strong but stall without a bigger mission9:58 How Brian's job loss pushed him into his first business12:10 Why learning on the fly is not enough without the right mentors15:40 The mistake of building a job instead of building a business16:50 Why breaking even is not a business strategy18:00 Why processes and SOPs are the foundation of stability20:30 How cash reserves change decision-making and open opportunities23:40 Why sacrifice and delayed gratification are nonnegotiable for growth31:20 The mindset shift from shop owner to business ownerConnect with Brian Hammond:WebsiteLinkedInBLE TrainingLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever wondered why some child care businesses keep strong teams, even in a tough hiring market, while others feel like they're constantly starting over, this episode is for you. Tune in as Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, fills in for Brian and Carol and sits down with Robin Harris, owner of Exceptional Scholars Leadership Academy and a longtime Child Care Genius University member who has officially joined the Child Care Genius team as a coach.   Listen in as Robin shares her journey from public school education into opening her own center in 2018, and why she believes early childhood is the true foundation of everything that comes next for children. She gets real about what she wishes she knew sooner, including the value of having a mentor or coach to help bridge the gap between being an excellent educator and running a thriving business.   Join us for a practical, culture focused conversation about supporting and retaining teachers: training with clarity (down to the smallest SOPs), giving specific recognition that builds morale, and creating an environment where staff feel seen, safe, and empowered. Robin also shares hiring strategies that include being transparent in interviews, showing your school culture online to attract applicants, and building an onboarding process that truly sets people up for success.   You'll also hear a helpful discussion on balancing heart and business, including why understanding finances and the "numbers" matters if you want your mission to last. If you're ready to strengthen your team, improve retention, and lead with purpose and strategy, you'll walk away with clear takeaways you can implement right away.     Mentioned in this episode: GET TICKETS to the Child Care Genius LEGACY Conference:  https://childcaregenius.com/legacyconference/   Need help with your child care marketing? Reach out! At Child Care Genius Marketing we offer website development, hosting, and security, Google Ads creation and management, done for you social media content and ads management. If you'd rather do it yourself, we also have the Genius Box, which is a monthly subscription chock full of social media & blog content, as well as a new monthly lead magnet every month! Learn more at Child Care Genius Marketing. https://childcaregenius.com/marketing-solutions/  Schedule a no obligation call to learn more about how we can partner together to ignite your marketing efforts.   If you need help in your child care business, consider joining our coaching programs at Child Care Genius University. Learn More Here. https://childcaregenius.com/university Connect with us:  Child Care Genius Website Like us on Facebook Join our Owners Only Private Mastermind Group on Facebook    Join our Child Care Mindset Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Buy our Books Check out our Free Resources

Before the ball drops on 2025, let's eliminate the clutter that's holding your business and workspace back. In this solo episode, I walk you through five essential organizing tasks to refresh your office, simplify your digital world, upgrade your business systems, and reflect intentionally as you prepare for a focused, organized 2026. Whether you're a solopreneur, side hustler, or small business owner, this episode delivers the clarity and structure you need to enter the new year with confidence. Organizing With Janet Segment: You'll also hear a powerful story about how I helped an empty nester transform her cluttered dining room office into a calm, functional workspace by repurposing a spare bedroom. What You'll Learn: How to refresh your physical and digital workspace The business tools you might need to unsubscribe from Why updating systems and SOPs now saves time in 2026 A real-life client success story: from cluttered corner to calm office How to reflect on 2025 to build a smarter business strategy Special Offer: Book a virtual organizing session at JanetMTaylor.com, and for a limited time, receive a second session FREE. This 2-for-1 offer is perfect for tackling your workspace or business clutter before the new year. Listen Now:https://gotcluttergetorganized.com Support This Podcast: Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gcgowithjanet Janet's Organizing Resources: 15-Minute Free Consultation: https://linkly.link/2FBkK Organizing Services: https://janetmtaylor.trafft.com eBook – Prepared and Organized: https://linkly.link/2Eikc eBook – Affairs in Order: https://linkly.link/2FBnw eBook – 7 Affirmations to Organize Your Life: https://linkly.link/2Eikt Product Pick – Nok Box (Next of Kin Box): https://linkly.link/2FBkO Let's Stay Connected: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/livinglifetotallyorganized YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/janetmtaylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janettheorganizer Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janetmtaylor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janettheorganizer?lang=en Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who's ready to start 2026 with clarity and confidence! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flower farmers everywhere are dreaming of a calmer, more profitable season, and this episode breaks down what actually creates that kind of business. Jenny walks through the real reasons farms feel dramatic, from unpredictable profits to chaotic customers to never ending to do lists, and shares simple shifts that bring clarity, confidence, and more time back in your life. You'll hear why knowing your numbers, choosing one clear focus, and tightening your systems can turn 2026 into your most sustainable year yet. We also dig into crop profitability, customer education, boundary setting, SOPs, and building a farm that fits the season of life you're in. If you're craving a business that supports you, not the other way around, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and step into winter planning with purpose. Get your Free End of Year Audit Workbook: www.trademarkfarmer.com/auditTour our Asana Task Management System: www.trademarkfarmer.com/asanasystemtour Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Follow Jenny on Instagram: @trademarkfarmer Find free flower business resources: www.trademarkfarmer.com ​

On this week's episode of  the Venue RX Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Sam Jacobson, Co-Founder of DUET and Owner of Ideaction Consulting, to talk about what it really takes to start or refine a business with a strong digital presence in today's ever-changing industry.Sam explores why business owners can't afford to operate on autopilot, how the wedding and creative industries have evolved over the years, and why regularly reassessing your goals, services, and direction is essential for long-term growth. Sam breaks down the foundational steps of building a business, from defining your ideal client and structuring your services to deciding whether to remain owner-operated or build a team.He also dives into how to transition from saying “yes” to every client to intentionally targeting the right ones, using real-world client examples and case studies. Sam shares practical ways to gather and analyze client feedback through surveys, reviews, CRMs, and AI-powered tools, plus he explains how to use AI responsibly to enhance strategy, systems, SOPs, and operations without relying on it as a shortcut.He highlights the importance of business structure, naming, branding, and the importance of taking imperfect action, knowing when to refine, pivot, or double down on what's already working, so you can keep moving forward without getting overwhelmed.About Our Guest: Sam Jacobson is a Co-Founder of DUET and the Owner of Ideaction Consulting, where he has spent nearly two decades helping wedding professionals elevate their businesses and stay ahead in a competitive market. Through Ideaction Consulting, Sam has guided hundreds of creative entrepreneurs by sharpening their marketing messages, understanding buyer psychology, and building sales systems that convert interest into booked clients.Known for his ability to activate audience interest, Sam specializes in clear, persuasive communication that attracts ideal clients directly to the inbox. As social-led marketing emerged as the primary driver of visibility and inquiries for creative brands, Sam became deeply focused on the strategies that turn attention into trust—and trust into results.At DUET, Sam leads client strategy and trains the team on how to use storytelling to spark connection, build credibility, and drive measurable growth for wedding venues and creative businesses alike.Find Him Here: Website: https://ideactionconsulting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideactionconsulting/?hl=e Website: https://duetsocialmedia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duetsocialmedia/?hl=en

Sponsors:◦ Visit Buildertrend to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account◦ Marvin Windows and Doors◦ Sub-Zero Wolf Cove Showroom PhoenixConnect with Jen Davidson:◦ https://www.interiorsbyjendavidson.com ◦ https://www.instagram.com/interiorsbyjendavidson ◦ https://www.youtube.com/@InteriorsbyJenDavidson-Videos/featured Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website | Instagram | Facebook | Houzz | Pinterest | YouTube

Using AI and automation isn't just a trend—it's the secret to scaling your business without burning out. In this episode of Walk In Victory, host NaRon Tillman sits down with Dr. Bradford Carlton, business coach and automation expert, to reveal the blueprint for future-proofing your operations.Discover the critical difference between simple automation and true AI agents, and learn how to build an "Executive Assistant Suite" that runs your business for you. Whether you're a solopreneur or running a growing team, this conversation breaks down exactly how to reduce operational costs and reclaim your time. 

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode of the Growing Green Podcast, Jeremiah shares a full keynote from January 2025 featuring Mark Bradley from the Roadmap to $1M online event. Mark explains why most contractors never reach $1M in revenue, starting with a lack of true financial awareness and control of the numbers. He walks through the importance of budgeting, estimating correctly, and job costing so business owners know exactly where profit is made or lost. Mark also breaks down why systems and SOPs are a continuous process and how documenting what success looks like makes hiring, training, and scaling far more manageable. The conversation highlights the importance of focusing on high margin services and revenue per hour rather than chasing all revenue. The keynote wraps with practical guidance on sales pipelines, key performance indicators, and what fundamentally changes when a business grows from $1M to $3M.Support the show 10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcast Signup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signup Book A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcast Lawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/ The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/ Email-ggreenlandscapes@gmail.com Growing Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Send us a textMarketing is louder, clients are pickier, and AI is making it easier to create content—but harder to build trust. In this episode, Maggie shares the key shifts she sees for 2026: scaling won't be about doing more. It'll be about building a business that runs better and feels more human.In This EpisodeWhy your personality/personal brand becomes the differentiator in a world of AI contentWhy customer loyalty + lifetime value beats constantly chasing new clientsWhy short-form video still wins—and how series content builds depth and trustHow personal touch becomes a premium advantage againHow to use AI as operational leverage (SOPs, proposals, follow-ups, meeting notes) without sounding roboticWhy community + strategic partnerships become your most reliable pipelineQuick Action StepsPick 3 words you want to be known for (check testimonials for clues).Ask: “What's the next problem my best clients have after I solve the first one?”Create a 3-4-part content series addressing a single core client problem.Add 1–2 personal touchpoints to your customer journey—and systemize them.Identify 10–15 strategic partners and activate one relationship per month.Connect With MaggieWebsite: https://stairwaytoleadership.com/

If the idea of hiring help in your practice immediately brings up fear about HIPAA, confidentiality, or losing control, this episode will bring a lot of clarity. Dr. Kate Walker breaks down exactly what therapists can delegate right now, what you should never hand off blindly, and how to protect your license while still getting critical tasks off your plate.Kate walks through real-world examples of delegation—from marketing and intake calls to email management and SOP creation—while explaining how HIPAA actually works in practice (not the scary myths most of us carry around). You'll hear why delegating the wrong things first can waste time and money, how to train VAs responsibly, and why systems—not hustle—are what allow practices to grow without chaos.If you've been trying to “build the plane while flying it,” or you know your systems need to be in place before your caseload spikes, this episode will help you delegate with confidence instead of fear.In this episode, you'll learn:What therapists can safely delegate to a VA, including marketing tasks, intake calls, email workflows, and follow-ups—without violating HIPAA.How to train and onboard virtual assistants using HIPAA education, clear boundaries, and simple SOPs that actually prevent mistakes.Why screen-recorded SOPs, Trello boards, and structured workflows work better than long written instructions—and how to set them up efficiently.If you're ready to stop doing everything yourself and start building systems that support your growth, this episode gives you a practical, HIPAA-safe place to start.If you're ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You're not just building a practice, you're building a legacy.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson and Jack break down what “smart investing” actually looks like for home service operators—starting with the truth most owners miss: if you run a business, you're already an investor. You're investing money, attention, and people every day.They start with a practical framework for P&L investing (software, headcount, SG&A): if your business sells for a multiple, then any new expense should produce a return that justifies that multiple—otherwise, you may be quietly reducing enterprise value.From there, they unpack the difference between balance sheet investments (trucks, equipment, inventory) vs P&L investments, why banks and buyers mostly care about EBITDA, and how focusing on fewer initiatives can drive more profitable growth.Then they shift into the “outside the business” conversation: when diversification helps, when it's a distraction, and how operators can think in two buckets—cash-flow assets that fund life, and enterprise-value assets that build wealth.If you're adding software, hiring leaders, buying equipment, or debating real estate vs reinvesting in the core business—this episode gives you a clean way to think about ROI, focus, and capital allocation.What You'll LearnWhy every operator is an investor (capital, people, and attention allocation)A simple rule for P&L expenses: should this generate a 3x+ return based on your business multiple?The difference between investing on the balance sheet vs the P&L

Exit planning is often talked about in terms of numbers, valuation, and deal structure, but what happens when the real work starts with people, emotions, and a clear sense of what comes next?In this episode, Matt Di Francesco sits down with Hannah Chalker, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Certified Growth Value Advisor, to explore what truly drives successful business transitions. Hannah shares how her journey into the Exit Planning space began, why the discovery process is the foundation of every strong plan, and how she learned to see transition planning as both a strategic and deeply human process.Matt and Hannah also talk about:(04:13) Why increasing business value is a long-term process, not a short-term decision(05:06) How documenting SOPs ahead of time protects value in any transition(06:43) Why exit planning becomes emotional and requires a true leap of faith(09:43) How acting as a trusted partner helps owners gain confidence in their transition(11:00) Why helping owners grow value over time is the most rewarding part of the workConnect With Hannah ChalkerLinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-chalker/Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Hannah Chalker helps business owners build stronger, more valuable companies through strategic financial and exit planning. As Director of Business Development and an Exit Planning Advisor at HighLift Financial, she works alongside Matt DiFrancesco to guide owners through value growth, transition planning, and long-term decision making. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA), Hannah brings clarity, structure, and a steady hand to every stage of the journey, helping owners protect their legacy and confidently plan what comes next.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As AI reshapes the workplace, employees and leaders face questions about meaningful work, automation, and human impact. In this episode, Jason Beutler, CEO of RoboSource, shares how companies can rethink workflows, integrate AI in accessible ways, and empower employees without fear. The discussion covers leveraging AI to handle routine tasks (SOPs or "plays") and reimagining work for smarter, more human-centered outcomes.Featuring:Jason Beutler – LinkedInChris Benson – Website, LinkedIn, Bluesky, GitHub, XDaniel Whitenack – Website, GitHub, XSponsor:Framer – Design and publish without limits with Framer, the free all-in-one design platform. Unlimited projects, no tool switching, and professional sites—no Figma imports or HTML hassles required. Start creating for free at framer.com/design with code `PRACTICALAI` for a free month of Framer Pro.Upcoming Events: Register for upcoming webinars here!

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledMost shop owners avoid tough conversations until it's too late. But what happens when life throws you something completely unexpected, like the sudden loss of a loved one or a health scare that takes you out of your business?In this powerful, heartfelt conversation between Darrin and Ginger Barney (Elite), and Brian and Kim Walker (Shop Marketing Pros), these industry leaders open up about the real-life wake-up calls that forced them to prepare for the unthinkable. From losing parents to near-miss tragedies, they share the emotional and logistical side of what happens when you're not ready, personally or professionally.They talk about wills, SOPs, key person insurance, and yes, those “if I die” videos nobody wants to think about but everyone needs. More importantly, they cover what it means to love your team, your clients, and your family enough to take action before the worst happens.This isn't about fear. It's about leadership. It's about responsibility. And it's about love.

This episode introduces the new NBAA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual and why it's a big deal for business aviation. Dylan and Max are joined by Brian Small of FlightSafety International and Tim Schoenauer of CAE to explain how the manual was developed, who it's for, and how operators can actually use it—not just shelf it. They break down the regulatory intent, training implications, and where this fits into real-world Part 91 and 135 operations. If you've ever wondered what "good SOPs" are supposed to look like, this is the starting point. Download the New NBAA SOP Manual Manual (no login required, just share contact information) Connect with Tim Schoenauer in LinkedIn Connect with Brian Small on LinkedIn Show Notes 0:00 Intro 1:46 The Start of Standardization 14:59 What's an SOP Guide? 19:08 Benefits of Standardization 32:04 Already Have an SOP? 34:36 Phasing into Training 43:19 Recommendations Going Forward Our Sponsors Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast. Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more. Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more. The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more. Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program. Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more. VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more. ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.   Feedback & Contact Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at info@21fivepodcast.com. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates). The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Most indoor playground and play café owners don't need more ideas going into a new year — they need better execution on the ones they already have.In this episode, I break down exactly how I'm using AI right now to help my indoor playground business owner clients review numbers, tighten systems, and remove the operational friction that quietly drains time and profit.This isn't about trends or tech overwhelm. It's a step-by-step, practical walkthrough of how I recommend using AI as an analyst, operations assistant, and planning tool so you can head into 2026 with clearer priorities, stronger systems, and far less on your plate.BLOG for this episode05:00–11:00 Strategy 1: Revenue analysis to find 2026 opportunities11:00–15:10 Strategy 2: Fix party systems before busy season15:10–17:10 Strategy 3: SOPs that don't depend on the owner17:10–19:00 Strategy 4: Floor-plan-based cleaning and safety19:00–23:10 Strategy 5: Prevent membership churn with AI23:10–25:35 Strategy 6: Pricing and add-on cleanup25:35–27:55 Strategy 7: Customer message scripts and decision trees27:55–29:50 Strategy 8: Policies and incident reporting systems29:50–31:40 Strategy 9: Repurpose marketing content fast31:40–34:15 Strategy 10: Website clarity, conversion, and SEO34:15–38:35 Strategy 11: Partner and sponsor generation for 2026OTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele's InstagramMichele's WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademyActive Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG

You know that moment when someone sees something in you long before you're ready to claim it? For many leaders, that moment becomes the spark that changes everything. For Vicky Brown, it was the gentle (yet persistent) nudge that pushed her from devoted "number two" to founder of a thriving HR firm that's been supporting high-performance companies for more than two decades. Too often, business owners think of HR as paperwork, policies, or "the stuff you deal with when something goes wrong." But Vicky's story—and her expertise—reveal a very different truth: HR is leadership. HR is vision. HR is the people strategy that creates growth, retention, and long-term success. With 20+ years of corporate leadership behind her, Vicky stepped into entrepreneurship almost by accident. But what she built—Idomeneo Enterprises and the Leaders Journey Experience—now helps business owners streamline their operations, strengthen their culture, and lead with confidence. And yes, her unexpected background as an opera singer plays a surprising role in how she shows up as a leader today. In this episode, Vicky breaks down how to hire well, retain top talent, lead remote teams, and embrace the mindset required to grow—and how you can do the same. Finding & Keeping the Right People Hiring high performers doesn't start with a job post—it starts the moment you recognize a gap on your team. Vicky explains that clarity is everything: when leaders don't define what they truly need, they end up hiring "whoever sticks" instead of hiring strategically. Onboarding goes beyond SOPs. High performers want context—why their work matters, where it fits in the bigger picture, and what success actually looks like. When people feel informed and empowered, they stay engaged and contribute at a higher level. And retention? It comes down to vision. Vicky shares that great leaders build a vision big enough to hold their team's dreams. Some people will eventually pursue their own path—and that's a win. But the right culture gives ambitious, talented people room to grow with you. Leading With Vision—And Letting Your Team Shine With decades of HR leadership behind her, Vicky reminds us that great CEOs don't know everything—they know enough to hire the right experts. She encourages leaders to stay curious, keep learning, and stay connected to every part of the business, even the parts outside their natural strengths. Culture is equally essential, especially for remote teams. Vicky shares how her company maintains connection through weekly team touchpoints—tactical meetings, kudos and wins, shared learning, and a beloved "Wednesday Water Cooler" that mixes fun with genuine relationship building. These small rituals create trust and make work feel human. And then there's her opera background. Her teacher's advice—"Sing with your opera voice all the time"—became a leadership mantra about confidence, presence, and stepping fully into your role. It's the mindset that helped Vicky evolve from a reluctant founder to a visionary leader. Enjoy this episode with Vicky Brown… Soundbytes 08:53 - 09:10 "You're good at what you're good at, but now you're responsible for a whole world of other tasks. I had never sold anything—now suddenly I'm responsible for sales, marketing, accounting, all of it." 14:14 - 14:25 "Your vision needs to be large enough to hold their dream. If your vision is big enough, there's infinite opportunity for them with you." Quotes "You just have to step into that suit and wear it." "High performers don't just want to make widgets—they want to know how their work fits into the bigger picture." "Recruiting is a marketing function. You're selling the opportunity to the right people." "You need to know enough to be dangerous, but not enough to do it all. Hire experts." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://idomeneoinc.com/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-brown-4160061/ The Ultimate HR Workflow Guide: http://vickybrownhr.com/podcastgift Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Aizik Zimerman of Jay Blanton Plumbing (Chicago) to break down the remote staffing playbook that most home service operators still aren't using.John and Aizik start with a real-world story from a contractor event—how one company allegedly went from $0 to $6M using yard signs, and how Aizik tested it immediately (including the “don't put them on every corner” lesson).Then they go deep on what actually drives scale: building a remote-first, offshore-heavy team that works in the real world. Aizik shares how his business grew to 140 employees with 50+ overseas team members, and how he structures offshore hiring across accounting, install coordination, marketing, recruiting, dispatch, and fleet coordination.They break down the “hub and spoke” model: keep your US leaders focused on thinking and decision-making, then build specialized offshore roles to handle execution—so your business moves faster without bloating payroll.If you're trying to expand coverage, build specialization early, or you've wondered whether recruiting + dispatch + ops coordination can really be offshored, this episode is the blueprint.What You'll LearnWhy “if it can be done remote, it can be done from anywhere”The hub & spoke model: US leaders + offshore execution podsHow Aizik offshores technician recruiting (and why it's a massive unlock)Which roles are easiest vs hardest to offshore (CSR vs dispatch/install coordination)How to reduce “overemployment” risk with real systems (Zoom rooms, accountability layers)Why you should default to remote-first hiring at any size—even at $500K/year

Strong systems can work wonders for your business—turning daily chaos into calm, improving consistency, and freeing up time for growth. In this episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, CCG COO Sindye Alexander steps in as guest host for a powerful conversation with Faith Yocum, owner of Six Little Ducks Childcare Centers in Buffalo, NY, and Vice President of Coaching and Business Development at Child Care Genius. Together, they dive deep into how smart systems, solid processes, and clear expectations can help your center run more efficiently and operate smoothly—even when you're not there.   Listen in as Faith shares her journey from manufacturing management to child care owner, and how discovering the right coaching support helped her scale her centers and build a business that practically runs itself. She and Sindye explore how to create SOPs that actually work—where to start, what to include, and simple ways to make them part of your everyday operations.   You'll also hear how to use staff input to refine processes, stay inspection-ready with a compliance calendar, and set brand standards families can rely on. The discussion goes beyond theory, with real-life examples, time-saving ideas, and creative ways to use AI to draft procedures while keeping that all-important human touch.   If SOPs and compliance have ever felt overwhelming, this episode will help you get started with clarity and confidence. Tune in for practical steps, plenty of encouragement, and an open invitation to connect with the Child Care Genius team for a free discovery call to explore how coaching can help your center thrive.   To Contact Faith Yocum: Faith@childcaregenius.com   Mentioned in this episode: GET TICKETS to the Child Care Genius LEGACY Conference:  https://childcaregenius.com/legacyconference/   Need help with your child care marketing? Reach out! At Child Care Genius Marketing we offer website development, hosting, and security, Google Ads creation and management, done for you social media content and ads management. If you'd rather do it yourself, we also have the Genius Box, which is a monthly subscription chock full of social media & blog content, as well as a new monthly lead magnet every month! Learn more at Child Care Genius Marketing. https://childcaregenius.com/marketing-solutions/  Schedule a no obligation call to learn more about how we can partner together to ignite your marketing efforts.   If you need help in your child care business, consider joining our coaching programs at Child Care Genius University. Learn More Here. https://childcaregenius.com/university     Connect with us:  Child Care Genius Website Like us on Facebook Join our Owners Only Private Mastermind Group on Facebook    Join our Child Care Mindset Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Buy our Books Check out our Free Resources

Growth rarely stalls because the team isn't smart enough; it stalls because everyone is running a different playbook. We sit down with Eric Pfeiffer to explore a leadership operating system that replaces drama with trust and equips people to think clearly under pressure. Instead of chasing a new tactic for every fire drill, Eric shows how a compact set of tools can align how your team communicates, decides, and learns—so talent compounds and execution speeds up.We start with the hard truth about complacency and the “law of the lid”: organizations cap out where leaders stop growing. From there, we dig into symptom versus system thinking. Missed handoffs, slow decisions, and tense meetings are signals of deeper root causes—unspoken norms, conflicting assumptions, and inconsistent accountability. Eric lays out why a shared operating system acts like SOPs for humans, giving teams a common language for conflict, feedback, and ownership. His sports analogy hits home: elite players still lose without a shared playbook; companies do too.The highlight is a high-stakes story. After a confidential pricing file was sent to every vendor, the exec team veered into blame until someone paused and drew the “Kairos” framework on the board. In minutes, the mood shifted from fear to focus. They owned the mistake, aligned the response, and not one vendor defected. More important than the outcome was the reflex they rewired: under pressure, they chose a shared process over old habits. That's the promise of a real operating system—fewer fire drills, faster learning loops, and a culture where leaders train capacity instead of renting fixes.If you lead a growing team, this conversation is a field guide for the moments that matter. You'll hear how to diagnose root issues, codify a simple playbook, and train weekly so the right habits stick when the game speeds up. 

professorjrod@gmail.comWhat if your help desk could solve recurring IT problems in minutes, not hours? In this episode, we explore the backbone of reliable IT support, focusing on clear SOPs that remove guesswork, SLAs that align technical work with business risk, and an effective ticketing flow that transforms scattered fixes into measurable outcomes. Whether you're preparing for a CompTIA exam or seeking practical IT skills development, you'll find valuable insights here. We share real-world examples—from login failures to VPN drops—that demonstrate how documentation, escalation tiers, and knowledge bases reduce time-to-resolution and prevent repeat incidents, making technology education and effective IT support attainable goals.We also get candid about the human side of support. Professionalism is not a soft skill; it is operational. We talk punctuality, clean language, and the kind of active listening that clarifies issues without talking down to users. De-escalation matters, but so do boundaries; you can stay calm without tolerating abuse. And yes, social media can cost you your job—one vague post is all it takes. These habits shape trust with customers and credibility inside the org.To round it out, we map the OS landscape you actually support: Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS on the desktop, plus iOS and Android in the field. We cover MDM realities with JAMF and Google Workspace, why file systems like NTFS and ReFS or APFS and ext4 affect security and performance, and how hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0 should drive upgrade planning. You will leave with a sharper playbook and four cert-style practice questions to test your knowledge.If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Got a help desk win or a hard lesson learned? Send it our way and join the conversation.Support the showArt By Sarah/DesmondMusic by Joakim KarudLittle chacha ProductionsJuan Rodriguez can be reached atTikTok @ProfessorJrodProfessorJRod@gmail.com@Prof_JRodInstagram ProfessorJRod

In this episode, Molly sits down with Natasha Vontracek, Firm Director, Atticus Family Law, to unpack what it really takes to run a high-performing remote law firm. Natasha shares how trust, communication, and the right tools strengthen virtual teams; why a legal administrator is essential; how "nice" leadership builds accountability; how simple SOPs and EOS tools create clarity; and how daily challenges become learning moments that improve systems and teamwork. Key Takeaways: Natasha shares the benefits and challenges of leading remote teams and highlights why the right tools and structure are essential for success. Establishing trust and ensuring open communication within teams is vital. Regular check-ins and updates help maintain productivity and morale. A professional legal administrator plays a crucial role in managing operations, aligning team efforts with the visionary goals of attorneys, and handling dynamic firm strategies. She stresses the importance of curiosity, detail orientation, and staying adaptable as technology and the legal landscape evolve. Natasha shows how leading with honesty, openness, and support creates a strong, collaborative, and accountable firm culture. Quote for the Show: "The biggest part is making sure everyone is productive, trusting your team, and watching the numbers grow" - Natasha Vontracek   Connect with Natasha: Website: https://atticusfamilylaw.com/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-excellence-transforming-your-firms-approach/id1328574213?i=1000685188029 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-vondracek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.vondracek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atticusfamilylaw/  Links: Website: https://hiringandempowering.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiringandempowering Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiringandempowering LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiring&empoweringsolutions/ The Law Firm Admin Bootcamp + Academy™ : https://www.lawfirmadminbootcamp.com/ Get Fix My Boss Book: https://amzn.to/3PCeEhk   Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-and-Empowering-Solutions/dp/B08JJSLJ7N Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiring-and-empowering-solutions/id1460184599 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3oIfsDDnEDDkcumTCygHDH Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/hiring-and-empowering-solutions YouTube - https://youtu.be/UPHVX5PDs9M 

Tired of choosing between a great personality and plug-and-play experience? Richard and Caitlin show how real-world SOPs let you hire for attitude, train the skills, and stop feeling held hostage by turnover. Plus: easy ways to draft manuals with AI and keep a steady pipeline of candidates.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Have you ever felt like enterprise clients were running your agency instead of the other way around? Buried in endless proposals no one reads, forced into rushed timelines, or watching your margins shrink every time a project drags out? Today's featured guest opens up about how he broke out of that exhausting cycle. Instead of over-delivering just to keep big clients happy, and seeing little return, he made the bold decision to focus on smaller, more committed clients who were ultimately more profitable and easier to build long-term relationships with. He'll share what he learned about sustainable growth, including why productizing your services sounds great in theory but can actually become counterproductive when it only happens externally. He'll also explain the sales shift that changed everything: offering a low-risk, "foot-in-the-door" engagement that qualifies prospects, builds trust, and creates a smooth path into deeper service offerings. Charlie Clark is the founder of Minty Digital, a boutique SEO agency focused on travel and lifestyle brands that originally launched in Barcelona and now operates from London. In this conversation, he'll break down the mindset, systems, and strategy needed to stop chasing validation from big brands and instead build a business where profitability, alignment, and respect come first. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why mid-market clients deliver higher profits than enterprise. How internal productization increases efficiency by 3X. How clear pricing transforms the sales cycle. How AI forced a new level of adaptability in SEO agencies. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. From Struggling Freelancer to Sustainable Agency Growth After a short stint in an agency at age 22, Charlie tried to go solo before realizing he didn't yet know how to grow a business. He assumed he could do it on his own and quickly learned he wasn't ready yet. Instead of quitting, he got a job as a Digital Marketing Manager, where he could make mistakes, learn operations, and understand what actually works inside a business. Moving to Barcelona created the perfect environment for momentum. His one-month stay turned into ten years after he landed several clients within weeks. His first retainer was €500 a month, which he laughs about now, but he admits it took years before he learned how to price correctly and move away from low-margin retainers. Those early years were full of trial and error, but the big breakthrough was realizing that charging more wasn't always the key to profit. Charging smarter was. Real Profit Lives in the Middle, Not the Top One of the strongest lessons Charlie learned was that bigger retainers did not equal bigger profit. Working with enterprise clients, he saw they could easily squeeze margins, the team would end up over-delivering, and on top of it all, payment terms were a nightmare. After years, he realized these clients often cost the agency money when the team over-delivered just to keep them happy. By contrast, the clients who had been with him since the early days, the ones paying between three and six thousand per month, were the most profitable and the most loyal. They bought the same deliverables. They stayed for years. And they matched the agency's internal processes beautifully. Once he realized this, he moved to intentionally pursuing that sweet spot. Not the five figure monthly retainers or the cut rate ones. The predictable, operationally aligned middle where the team can deliver consistently and profitably. For Charlie, this changed everything from sales cycle speed to team alignment to lifetime value. Internal Productization: The System that 3X Efficiency Many agencies think productization means selling rigid packages that make you look less strategic. Charlie took the opposite approach. Internally, his team adopted highly productized systems, templates, and SOPs. They knew exactly what to do for a three thousand dollar client versus a six thousand dollar one, and how much effort each one required. Externally, the offer still looked consultative and customized. Clients saw a broad range of what could be included, but the delivery stayed tight behind the scenes. This improved profitability, gave the team clarity, and dramatically sped up onboarding. The biggest win? It eliminated the "start from scratch every time" problem that slows agencies down and kills margins. How Clear Pricing Transforms the Sales Cycle Before productization, Charlie would spend hours on proposals that often got ghosted. Once he added transparent pricing, clear expectations, and prequalification to the website, the right clients were self-selecting before the call even happened. By the time he spoke with them, they understood the price and the structure. Now he closes clients on the call or even through a single WhatsApp message. This is the power of clarity. It shortens cycles, reduces friction, and saves enormous amounts of time for a lean team. However, transparent pricing attracts budget mismatches, so Jason recommends removing pricing from agency's websites and switching to triage calls and the Foot-In-The-Door model. At the end of the day, there are a thousand ways to create a better sales process. What matters is that it filters, qualifies, and positions you as the advisor. Why a Paid Discovery Offer Builds Trust and Prevents Ghosting Both Charlie and Jason agree that a small, paid upfront engagement solves the biggest challenge in agency sales. Trust. SEO agencies in particular fight an uphill battle here. The barrier to entry is low. There are thousands of one-person shops. Many prospects have been burned before. A small paid engagement builds confidence, shows value quickly, and prevents ghosting. The Foot-in-the-Door offer should be simple, done live with the client, and designed to build the relationship. Not overloaded with deliverables that overwhelm the client and make them feel uneducated. When done right, it leads naturally into a larger project and then a retainer. Charlie's Kickstart product functions the same way. For eight hundred dollars, clients get quick wins and clarity. It works because it gives prospects a safe way to test the relationship and because it positions the agency as a trusted advisor instead of a vendor chasing a proposal. How AI Forced a New Level of Adaptability in SEO Agencies Charlie admitted that two years ago he felt bored with SEO. Then AI exploded. Search interfaces changed. Clicks shifted. And suddenly the industry was moving faster than ever. For many agencies, this uncertainty created fear. For Charlie, it sparked energy. He leaned back in, started speaking at events, ran experiments on AI search, and brought a fresh curiosity back to himself and his team. He described the past year as a sink-or-swim moment for agencies. The ones who coasted struggled. The ones who adapted thrived. Lean teams with solid systems could move faster and deliver more value. In his words, being nimble is now a competitive advantage. Figuring out AI reignited his passion in the business but it was far too much to tackle alone. This is why agency owners should have a community to lean on to try to figure out changes in the industry. Your network will determine your speed of growth. Agency owners who surround themselves with peers sharing what works and what fails will survive the next wave of industry change. The ones who go alone will struggle. 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

If your practice feels like it's running on chaos, Post-its, and crossed fingers, this episode is going to be a breath of relief. I'm walking you through the first five SOPs I believe every therapist should have, because these are the systems that gave me my evenings back, lowered my stress, and stopped my practice from falling apart every time I hired someone new.I'm sharing the real mistakes I made when I first started working with VAs, like assuming they could read my mind, or handing over tasks without any structure, and how simple, foundational SOPs completely changed my workflow. From weekly check-ins and shared agendas to onboarding rhythms, accountability systems, and clear “when you're stuck” instructions, I'll show you exactly how I keep projects moving without micromanaging or constantly feeling behind.If you've ever hired a VA and felt disappointed, or if you're just trying to organize your practice so it doesn't drain the life out of you, these are the steps I wish someone had handed me years ago.In this episode, you'll learn:The five SOPs that transformed my practice, including communication rhythms, shared spaces, clear action items, and a visual workflow your VA can follow.How I delegate tasks without miscommunication, using Trello, AI notes, Loom walk-throughs, WhatsApp updates, and first-attempt feedback loops that set everyone up for success.Why onboarding takes time—and what that actually looks like, including starter projects, daily accountability check-ins, and the “when you're stuck” SOP that keeps work from stalling out.If you're ready to stop running your practice on stress and start running it on systems, this is the episode you've been waiting for.If you're ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You're not just building a practice, you're building a legacy.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

How do you take a niche SaaS product from zero to $150k MRR in under two years — without venture capital?In this episode of Founder Views, Kosta Panagoulias sits down with Nadav Boaz, co-founder of VoiceDrop, to break down exactly how they scaled fast by combining cold email mastery, SEO execution, and ruthless operational discipline.This isn't theory. Nadav shares what actually worked — and what didn't — across dozens of past businesses before VoiceDrop finally clicked.We cover:How VoiceDrop reached $150k MRR with a lean, remote teamThe exact 3 growth channels they double down on (and why)How cold email is used strategically — not spammySEO tactics that helped them rank #1 and show up in AI searchWhy pre-authorizing trial users increased conversions from 12% → 50%Managing churn in a high-ticket SaaSWhy “usage” matters more than loginsLessons from running (and failing) dozens of businesses before successIf you're a SaaS founder focused on execution, leverage, and real growth, this episode delivers.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Why VoiceDrop caught Kosta's attention02:00 – What VoiceDrop does (ringless voicemail explained)04:00 – Team size, remote setup, and founder roles07:00 – Using past businesses as leverage for new SaaS launches10:20 – The 3 growth pillars: SEO, cold email, Google Ads13:30 – SEO execution: keywords, authority, and SOPs with VAs16:00 – Ranking in AI search (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.)18:10 – Cold email infrastructure that actually works22:00 – Targeting, segmentation, and ARPU strategy26:00 – When SEO overtook outbound as the #1 channel27:00 – Boosting trial-to-paid conversion to 50%30:00 – Pre-authorization: filtering tire-kickers32:00 – Human vs product-led conversions36:00 – Using AI inside the product (voice cloning, scripts)39:00 – AI for outbound replies and internal leverage41:30 – Scaling fast without burning out as a founder45:30 – Customer support, tooling, and cost control50:00 – Managing churn in a high-ticket SaaS53:30 – The single metric Nadav watches daily54:20 – Favorite business book & lifestyle choices56:20 – One billboard lesson for SaaS founders 

Alan Franks reveals why so many business owners stay broke, how to build wealth outside your company, and why financial planning must include real estate.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Alan Franks, founder of Empowered Money and Business Planning Institute, to discuss why so many entrepreneurs stay broke — despite high revenue, long hours, and endless sacrifice.Alan explains why entrepreneurs often treat their business like a “baby,” reinvesting everything back in and starving their personal finances. He lays out the framework he uses to help business owners build real wealth, diversify across real estate, capital markets, and business equity, and structure operations so the company can run without the owner.He shares lessons from the 2008 crisis, why comprehensive financial planning matters more than ever, the truth about generational wealth (it's NOT the money), how to balance liquidity and long-term growth, and why today's economy demands a plan that includes real estate, investing, AND a sellable business.This is one of your most actionable “business + finance + real estate” episodes.What You'll LearnWhy so many business owners stay broke despite big revenueHow to split revenue into operating, owner comp, taxes & wealth-buildingWhy financial planning must include real estateThe power of fee-based planning vs financial product salesThe “Ready → Aim → Fire” framework for new investorsWhy liquidity risk is the real danger in real estateHow to evaluate today's economy (rates, tariffs, inflation)Why owning a sellable business = real generational wealthHow to avoid over-reinvesting in your companyHow SOPs, documentation & AI-driven systems free the ownerHow to build personal wealth outside the business

What did AI actually do for the pet industry in 2025 and what's the real risk if you don't adapt going into 2026? This episode is a passionate, real-talk reflection on how AI revolutionized the pet industry in 2025 and why pet business owners can't afford to ignore it in 2026. I share real examples from inside the mastermind, my personal experiences, and exactly how AI helped us become faster, smarter, and more aligned across every area of our businesses and lives. From hiring to headshots, route planning to recruiting, I break down how AI isn't just a tool, it's a way of thinking. If you're still treating it like a copy machine, you're already behind. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The mindset shift from “Is AI safe?” to “How do I use AI authentically?” Why AI is not just about automating tasks, it's about creating freedom How I used AI to write training, create SOPs, and plan goals for my mastermind members The difference between using AI as a thought partner vs. outsourcing your brain Why even your pet sitters and dog walkers need to know AI basics What “wrapped” reports and Elf on the Shelf have to do with your next level of growth My warnings (and tough love) for those still stuck in 2023 thinking Timestamps: 00:00 — Why ignoring AI in 2026 will cost you everything02:21 — Using AI to analyze dating data (and why it matters for your business)05:00 — 30+ ways we used AI in the mastermind this year07:12 — Rewiring your brain with AI-powered goal setting13:00 — Thought partner vs. outsourced brain: which one are you?23:30 — Why even your dog walkers need to understand AI28:15 — The AI tech stack I swear by (and how to access it all for $20) Notable Quotes: “If you refuse to use AI in 2026, you're going to look like the sitter still using pen and paper.” “Most of you aren't using AI wrong—you're just not using it deep enough.” “Stop acting like ChatGPT is the entire universe. That's like insisting skinny jeans are still in when the world's moved to wide leg.” “The winners in 2026 are the ones who use AI as a co-strategist—not just a copy machine.” Resources & Links: Try Magai AI Hub: Get access to ALL the major AI models in one place (and 30% off your first 3 months) Book a 20-minute strategy call with me. Need website copy help? Get in before the rates go up. Follow me on Facebook for real-time AI examples Transcript: Welcome to another episode of Bella in Your Business. My name is Bella Vasta, and this may be one of the last episodes of 2025. As such, we're going to talk a lot today about just how far we've come and what is actually possible. I hope that this episode excites you, delights you, and lets your brain start thinking about all the things that are possible this year because of AI. I'm not exaggerating. There has never been a better time to own a business than right now. The things that we have access to and the things that we are able to do without having to go out and try to hire somebody are impeccable. If you ignore AI in 2026, and this is my warning as we look forward, you're going to look like the sitter who's using pen and paper, not online scheduling. At the start of this year, back in January 2025, I was trying to convince people that AI was not a fad and that it was actually here to stay. By the end of the year, now, most of you are no longer asking if it's safe to use. You're asking how to use it and still be authentic. That's what I've been here for every step of the way, pacing alongside you. At the same time, I have a lot happening behind the scenes where we are far ahead. I want to keep being your filter. I want to show you exactly what you need to know for your specific pet business so you don't get overwhelmed or distracted by shiny objects. AI is a spectrum. You can show up at a mediocre surface level, or you can go deep. The breadth of what you can do with it is enormous.

Send us a textStill doing your team's job for them?If your team still needs you to weigh in on every little thing, you don't have a performance problem. You have a leadership bottleneck. And if you don't fix it before January, you're setting yourself up for another year of burnout.This week on She's That Founder, Dawn lays down the leadership law on why your team still treats you like human Google. Spoiler: It's not because they're incompetent. It's because you haven't transferred ownership—just tasks. And that stops now.You'll walk away with a 4-stage framework to stop bottlenecking your business, a script for the accountability convo you've been avoiding, and an AI-powered way to document the magic in your head so your team can finally lead without you.Listen if you're ready to finally step into your CEO seat and stay there.Join the AI for Founders Community on LinkedIn, the free space for leaders to test AI tools, troubleshoot delegation, and scale smarter together.Key TakeawaysTasks ≠ Ownership: Telling your team to “handle it” doesn't work if you haven't shared your thinking process.Why AI is your delegation secret weapon: Use tools like ChatGPT to turn your brain into SOPs—fast.The 4-Stage Ownership Transfer Model: From documenting your decisions to full delegation with strategic check-ins.“Done properly when…” statements: How to define success clearly so your team stops guessing.The exact phrase to say when someone drops the ball—without being a jerk.Resources & LinksAI for Founders CommunityTry this AI Prompt: “I make decisions about [X] all the time. Help me identify the factors I consider, the frameworks I use, and the criteria that matter most.”10 Ways AI Will Make You a Better LeaderRelated Episodes:110 | 3 Custom GPTs That Save Female Founders 16 Hours a Week Learn how to build your own "What Would You Do?" GPT to stop being your team's human Google and reclaim your time.098 | The AI Content System That Sounds Like You (In 10 Minutes) Discover how to turn your brain into a scalable, AI-powered content engine—no burnout required.Want to increase revenue and impact? Listen to “She's That Founder” for insights on business strategy and female leadership to scale your business. Each episode offers advice on effective communication, team building, and management. Learn to master routines and systems to boost productivity and prevent burnout. Our delegation tips and business consulting will advance your executive leadership skills and presence.

"I just want to focus on what I love doing, what lights me up, what brings me joy."  Buying back your time begins with understanding the true value of your hours. When you separate high-value strategic work from low-value administrative tasks, it becomes clear how much freedom can be reclaimed by eliminating, automating, or delegating what weighs you down. The core principle is simple: focus on the activities that move the needle, and build systems for everything else so time becomes an asset—not a burden.  George Rivera & Michael Santonato explore how real transformation happens when you stop being the hero of your business and start becoming its architect. George shows how documenting tasks, creating SOPs, and hiring smartly allows founders to spend more time in their genius. Michael shares how clearing administrative clutter elevates his ability to educate clients and close high-value opportunities. Together, they show that buying back your time is a mindset long before it becomes a system.  George is an entrepreneur with over $400M in career sales who now teaches founders how to reclaim their hours and reconnect with what matters most. Michael is a financial advisor and thought leader who helps people become financially indestructible. Both bring decades of mastery into a practical conversation for entrepreneurs ready to level up their time, income, and lifestyle.   Expert action steps:  Eliminate  Remove tasks that don't genuinely matter. If a task doesn't move the business forward or support your highest-value work, cut it completely.  Automate  Create systems or use tools that handle repetitive work for you. Anything predictable, rule-based, or formula-driven should run on autopilot instead of consuming your mental bandwidth.  Delegate  Hand off everything that someone else can do at a fraction of your value. Document the process, give clear instructions, and assign ownership so you never have to touch that task again.  Learn more & connect:  You can find more info about Geroge's book Buy Back Time Formula at https://buybacktimeformula.com/.  Learn more about Michael as a financial coach and educator at https://michaelsantonato.com/.  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

From Chaos to Cash Flow: How Business Owners Can Scale with Less Stress with David Forster   "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."   If you're stuck reacting all day, this episode with David Forster hands you the blueprint: clarify roles, codify the 80%, install scorecards that measure what matters, and make Profit First automatic so cash is where you need it—when you need it.   In This Episode, You'll Learn:  Why "boring, repeatable systems" beat heroics—and how to build them for people who crave structure. The clarity–consistency–accountability trio: what each really means in day-to-day ops. The 90–180 day "adoption dip" and how to push through it. Scorecards: tie activity → ratios → results (and stop tracking vanity metrics). Onboarding that sets the fence lines (and uses QR'd micro-videos for field teams). The "Think Like Me" cheat sheet so crews can make good calls without you. Profit First with Relay: reducing "move-the-money" friction to near zero.   Key Takeaways:  Build for the 80%. Don't rewrite SOPs for one-off edge cases; keep them simple and usable. Adoption is a habit curve. Expect drop-off at 90–180 days; consistency wins. Scorecards must link effort to outcomes (e.g., calls → close ratio → sales). If it doesn't predict success, drop it. "Fence lines" create safety. Reward following process; improve the process when outcomes miss. Systemize onboarding. Use bite-size clips + QR codes; new hires set the tone for the rest. Cash discipline ≠ harder work. Automate allocations (Relay) so Profit First happens without willpower.   Bio: David Forster is the founder of Systems Over Sweat and a strategic expert in business operations for home service businesses scaling past $1M - $5M in revenue. With over 20 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting service companies, David helps owners escape the chaos by fixing the processes that are quietly draining their time, profit, and energy. He's not a theorist—he's a tactician. David works with business owners to eliminate inefficiencies, simplify operations, and build scalable systems that allow the business to grow without the owner needing to be involved in every little decision. He's the guy that makes sure your operations actually operate.   Links: Website: https://www.systemsoversweat.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdavidforster LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdavidforster/   Conclusion: Scale doesn't come from working harder—it comes from designing clarity, codifying the 80%, and reviewing scorecards with courage. Pair that with automated Profit First allocations and you'll stop firefighting and start compounding profit.   #ProfitFirst #CashFlow #SmallBusiness #Trades #EOS #SOPs #Scorecard #OwnerPay #RelayBanking #Operations #Accountability #CFO   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page  Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Get email-exclusive insights and subscriber-only episodes - absolutely free: https://realestateteamos.com/subscribeAfter earning two degrees in architecture and starting your career with a design firm, you get into real estate operations.Your first task: turn a real estate team into an independent brokerage. Overnight, if possible.Your second task: expand and renovate the office to prepare for growth.Meanwhile: you need to get the systems and processes out of people's heads, merge them together, get it documented, redesign onboarding, and teach it to agents.That's just some of what you'll get in this conversation with Matteo Zingales, Director of Operations at Team Zingales Realty, a family-owned, independent teamerage.How to create the role from scratch.Why to put observation before innovation.How to set up the tech stack for scale.Which three questions to ask to get constructive criticism from your business partners.Four years into his journey, Matteo shares these details and more!Watch or listen for insights into:The balance of clarity, alignment, and accountabilityThe path from a degree and career in architecture to a Director of Operations roleTransitioning from real estate team to independent, family-owned brokerageHow the Director of Operations role was shaped from scratch and what it brought to the teamA prioritized list of projects and SOPs to set up the business to scale successfullyThe vital role of constructive criticism and three questions to ask every staff member and agent to help draw it outThe specific pieces of their tech stackHow they carved out distinct, aligned roles between Director of Operations, Team Founder and Partner, and Broker Owner and PartnerSpecific recruiting tactics as they look to double agent count in the year aheadHow to find your own Director of OperationsAt the end, learn how Gillette Group, Wemert Group Realty, and SERHANT. Real Estate fuse brand, systems and performance, how luxury items can commemorate milestones, and which books have helped this Director of Operations.Mentioned in this episode:→ Camila Rivera https://www.realestateteamos.com/episode/team-leader-guide-making-your-first-operations-hire-camila-rivera→ Jenny Wemert https://www.realestateteamos.com/episode/jenny-wemert-group-realty-independent→ Emily Smith https://www.realestateteamos.com/episode/emily-smith-intrapreneur-entrepreneur-teamerage→ 10X is Easier Than 2X https://10xeasierbook.com/→ Rocket Fuel https://rocketfueluniversity.com/rocket-fuel-book/Connect with Matteo Zingales:→ https://www.instagram.com/matteoonops/→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzingales/→ https://www.tiktok.com/@team.zingales.realty→ https://teamzingales.com/team-zingales-difference/meet-our-team/Connect with Real Estate Team OS:→ https://www.realestateteamos.com→ https://linktr.ee/realestateteamos→ https://www.instagram.com/realestateteamos/

What does it really take to build a multi-six-figure author business with no advertising? Is running your own warehouse really necessary for direct sales success — or is there a simpler path using print-on-demand that works just as well? In this conversation, Sacha Black and I compare our very different approaches to selling direct, from print on demand to pallets of books, and explore why the right model depends entirely on who you are and what your goals are for your author business. In the intro, Memoir Examples and interviews [Reedsy, The Creative Penn memoir tips]; Written Word Media annual indie author survey results; Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition; Business for Authors webinars; Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant; Camino Portuguese Coastal on My Camino Podcast; Creating while Caring Community with Donn King; The Buried and the Drowned by J.F. Penn Today's show is sponsored by Bookfunnel, the essential tool for your author business. Whether it's delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all. Check it out at bookfunnel.com/thecreativepenn This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Sacha Black is the author of YA and non-fiction for authors and previously hosted The Rebel Author Podcast. As Ruby Roe, she is a multi-six-figure author of sapphic romantasy. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights, and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Two models for selling direct: print on demand vs running your own warehouse. Plus, check out Sacha's solo Rebel Author episode about the details of the warehouse. Cashflow management Kickstarter lessons: pre-launch followers, fulfillment time, and realistic timelines How Sacha built a multi-six-figure business through TikTok with zero ad spend Matching your business model to your personality and skill set Building resilience: staff salaries, SOPs, and planning for when things change You can find Ruby at RubyRoe.co.uk and on TikTok @rubyroeauthor and on Instagram @sachablackauthor Transcript of the interview Joanna: Sacha Black is the author of YA and nonfiction for authors, and previously hosted the Rebel Author podcast. As Ruby Roe, she is a multi-six-figure author of sapphic romance. So welcome back to the show, Sacha. Sacha: Hello. Thank you for having me. It's always a pleasure to be here. Joanna: I'm excited to talk to you today. Now, just for context, for everybody listening, Sacha has a solo episode on her Rebel Author podcast, last week as we record this, which goes into specific lessons around the warehouse in more detail, including financials. So we are going to come at this from a slightly different angle in our discussion today, which is really about two different ways of doing selling direct. I want us to start though, Sacha, in case people don't know your background, in case they've missed out. Can you just give us a quick recap of your indie author journey, because you haven't just come out of nowhere and jumped into this business and done incredibly well? Sacha's Indie Author Journey Sacha: No, I really haven't. Okay. So 2013, I started writing. So 12 years ago I started writing with the intention to publish, because I was writing before, but not with the intention. 2017 I first self-published and then two years after that, in 2019, I quit the day job. But let me be clear, it wasn't because I was rolling in self-published royalties or commissions or whatever you want to call them. I was barely scraping by. And so those are what I like to call my hustle years because I mean, I still hustle, but it was a different kind. It was grind and hustle. So I did a lot of freelance work. I did a lot of VA work for other authors. I did speaking, I was podcasting, teaching courses, and so on and so forth. 2022, in the summer, I made a realisation that I'd created another job for myself rather than a business that I wanted to grow and thrive in and was loving life and all of that stuff. And so I took a huge risk and I slowed down everything, and I do mean everything. I slowed down the speaking, I slowed down the courses, I slowed down the nonfiction, and — I poured everything into writing what became the first Ruby Roe book. I published that in February 2023. In August/September 2023, I stopped all freelance work. And to be clear, at that point, I also wasn't entirely sure if I was going to be able to pay my bills with Ruby, but I could see that she had the potential there and I was making enough to scrape by. And there's nothing if not a little bit of pressure to make you work hard. So that is when I stopped the freelance. And then in November 2023, so two months later, I started TikTok in earnest. And then a month after that, December the eighth, I went viral. And then what's relevant to this is that two days after that, on December the 10th, I had whipped up my minimum viable Shopify, and that went live. Then roll on, I did more of the same, published more Ruby Roe books. I made a big change to my Shopify. So at that point it was still print on demand Shopify, and then February 2025, I took control and took the reins and rented a warehouse and started fulfilling distribution myself. The Ten-Year Overnight Success Joanna: So great. So really good for people to realise that 2013, you started writing with the intention, like, seriously, I want this to be what I do. And it was 2019 when you quit the day job, but really it was 2023 when you actually started making decent money, right? Sacha: Almost like we all need 10 years. Joanna: Yeah. I mean, it definitely takes time. So I wanted just to set that scene there. And also that you did at least a year of print on demand Shopify before getting your own warehouse. Sacha: Yeah, maybe 14 months. Joanna: Yeah, 14 months. Okay. So we are going to revisit some of these, but I also just want as context, what was your day job so people know? Sacha: So I was a project manager in a local government, quite corporate, quite conservative place. And I played the villain. It was great. I would helicopter into departments and fix them up and look at processes that were failing and restructure things and bring in new software and bits and bobs like that. The Importance of Business Skills Joanna: Yeah. So I think that's important too, because your job was fixing things and looking at processes, and I feel like that is a lot of what you've done and we'll revisit that. Sacha: How did I not realise that?! Joanna: I thought you did know that. No. Well, oh my goodness. And let's just put my business background in context. I'm sure most people have heard it before, but I was an IT consultant for about 13 years, but much of my job was going into businesses and doing process mapping and then doing software to fix that. And also I worked, I'm not an accountant, but I worked in financial accounting departments. So I think this is really important context for people to realise that learning the craft is one thing, but learning business is a completely different game, right? Sacha: Oh, it is. I have learnt — it's wild because I always feel like there's no way you can learn more than in your first year of publishing because everything is brand new. But I genuinely feel like this past 18 months I have learnt as much, if not more, because of the business, because of money, because of all of the other legal regulation type changes in the last 18 months. It's just been exhausting in terms of learning. It's great, but also it is a lot to learn. There is just so much to business. Joanna's Attempts to Talk Sacha Out of the Warehouse Joanna: So that's one thing. Now, I also want to say for context, when you decided to start a warehouse, how much effort did I put into trying to persuade you not to do this? Sacha: Oh my goodness, me. I mean a lot. There were probably two dinners, several coffees, a Zoom. It was like, don't do it. Don't do it. You got me halfway there. So for everybody listening, I went big and I was like, oh, I'm going to buy shipping containers and convert them and put them on a plot of land and all of this stuff. And Joanna very sensibly turned around and was like, hmm, why don't you rent somewhere that you can bail out of if it doesn't work? And I was like, oh yeah, that does sound like a good idea. Joanna: Try it, try it before you really commit. Okay. So let's just again take a step back because the whole point of doing this discussion for me is because you are doing really well and it is amazing what you are doing and what some other people are doing with warehouses. But I also sell direct and in the same way as you used to, which is I use Bookfunnel for ebooks and audiobooks and I use BookVault for print on demand books, and people can also use Lulu. That's another option for people. So you don't have to do direct sales in the way that you've done it. And part of the reason to do this episode was to show people that there are gradations of selling direct. Why Sell Direct? Joanna: But I wanted to go back to the basics around this. Why might people consider selling direct, even in a really simple way, for example, just ebooks from their website, or what might be reasons to sell direct rather than just sending everything to Amazon or other stores? Sacha: I think, well, first of all, it depends on what you want as a business model. For me, I have a similar background to you in that I was very vulnerable when I was in corporate because of redundancies, and so that bred a bit of control freakness inside me. And having control of my customers was really important to me. We don't get any data from Amazon or Kobo really, or anywhere, even though all of these distributors are incredible for us in our careers. We don't actually have direct access to readers, and you do with Shopify. You know everything about your reader, and that is priceless. Because once you have that data and you have delivered a product, a book, merchandise, something that that reader values and appreciates, you can then sell to them again and again and again. I have some readers who have been on my website who have spent almost four figures now. I mean, that is just — one person's done that and I have thousands of people who are coming to the website on a regular basis. So definitely that control and access to readers is a huge reason for doing it. Customising the Reader Relationship Sacha: And also I think that you can, depending on how you do this model, there are ways to do some of the things I'm going to talk about digitally as well. But for me, I really like the physical aspect of it. We are able to customise the relationship with our customers. We can give them more because we are in control of delivery. And so by that I mean we could give art prints, which lots of my readers really value. We can do — you could send those digitally if you wanted to, but we can add in extra freebies like our romance pop sockets, that makes them feel like they are part of my reader group. They're part of a community. It creates this belonging. So I think there is just so much more that you can do when you are in control of that relationship and in control of the access to it. Joanna: Yeah. And on that, I mean, one of the reasons we can do really cool print books — and again, we're going to come back to print on demand, but I use print on demand. You don't have to buy pallets of books as Sacha does. You can just do print on demand. Obviously the financials are different, but I can still do foiling and custom end papers and ribbons and all this with print on demand through BookVault custom printing and bespoke printing. The Speed of Money Joanna: But also, I think the other thing with the money — I don't know if you even remember this, because it's very different when you are selling direct — you can set up your system so you get paid like every single day, right? Or every week? Sacha: Yes. Joanna: So the money is faster because with Amazon, with any of these other systems, it can take 30, 60, 90 days for the money to get to you. So faster money, you are in more control of the money. And you can also do a lot more things like bundling and like you mentioned, much higher value that you could offer, but you can also make higher income. Average order value per customer because you have so many things, right? So that speed of money is very different. Sacha: It is, but it's also very dangerous. I know we might talk about cashflow more later, but— Joanna: Let's talk about it now. Managing Cashflow With Multiple Bank Accounts Sacha: Okay, cool. So one of the things that I think is the most valuable thing that I've ever done is, someone who is really clever told me that you're allowed more than one business account. Joanna: Just to be clear, bank accounts? Sacha: Yes, sorry. Yeah. Bank accounts. And one of my banks in particular enables you to have mini banks inside it, mini pots they call it. And what I do with pre-orders is I treat it a bit like Amazon. So that money will come in — you know, I do get paid daily pretty much — but I then siphon it off every week into a pot. So let's just say I've got one book on pre-order. Every week the team tells me how much we've got in pre-orders for that one product and all the shipping money, and I put it into an account and I leave it there. And I do not touch it unless it is to pay for the print run of that book or to pay for the shipping. Because one of the benefits of coming direct to me is that I promise to ship all pre-orders early, so we have to pay the shipping costs before necessarily Amazon might pay for its shipping costs because they only release on the actual release day. But that has enabled me to have a little savings scheme, but also guarantee that I can pay for the print run in advance because I haven't accidentally spent that money on something else or invested it. I've kept it aside and it also helps you track numbers as well, so you know how well that pre-order is doing financially. Understanding Cashflow as an Author Joanna: Yeah. And this cashflow, if people don't really know it, is the difference between when money comes in and when it goes out. So another example, common to many authors, is paying for advertising. So for example, if you run some ads one month, you're going to have to pay, let's say Facebook or BookBub or whoever, that month. You might not get the money from the sale of those books if it's from a store until two months later. In that case, the cash flows the other way. The money is sitting with the store, sitting on Amazon until they pay you later. This idea of cashflow is so important for authors to think about. Another, I guess even more basic example is you are writing your first book and you pay for an editor. Money goes out of your bank account and then hopefully you're going to sell some books, but that might take, let's say six months, and then some money will come back into your bank account. I think this understanding cashflow is so important at a small level because as it gets bigger and bigger — and you are doing these very big print runs now, aren't you? Talk a bit about that. The Risks of Print Runs Sacha: Yeah. So one of the things I was going to say, one of the benefits of your sell direct model is that you don't have to deal with mistakes like this one. So in my recent book, Architecti, that we launched at the end of September, we did a print run of a thousand books, maybe about 3,000 pounds, something like that, 2,000 pounds. And basically we ended up selling all thousand and more. So the pre-orders breached a thousand and we didn't have enough books. But what made that worse is that 20% of the books that arrived were damaged because there had been massive rain. So we then had to do a second print run, which is bad for two reasons. The first reason is that one, that space, two, the time it's going to take to get to you — it's not instant, it's not printed on demand. But also three, I then had to spend the same amount of money again. And actually if we had ordered 2,000 originally, we would've saved a bit more money on it per book. So you don't — if you are doing selling direct with a print on demand model, the number of pre-orders you get is irrelevant because they'll just keep printing, and you just get charged per copy. So there are benefits and disadvantages to doing it each way. Obviously, I'm getting a cheaper price per copy printed, but not if I mess up the order numbers. Is Running a Warehouse Just Another Job? Joanna: So I'm going to come back on something you said earlier, which was in 2022 you said, “I realised I made a job for myself.” Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: And I mean, I've been to your store. You obviously have people to help you. But one of my reservations about this kind of model is that even if you have people to help you, taking on physical book — even though you are not printing them yourself, you're still shipping them all and you're signing them all. And to me it feels like a job. So maybe talk about why you have continued — you have pretty much decided to continue with your warehouse. So why is this not a job? What makes this fun for you? The Joy of Physical Product Creation Sacha: I wish that listeners could see my face because I'm literally glittering. I love it. I literally love it. I love us being able to create cool and wacky things. We can make a decision and we can create that physical product really quickly. We can do all of these quirky things. We can experiment. We can do book boxes. So first of all, it's the creativity in the physical product creation. I had no idea how much I love physical product creation, but there is something extremely satisfying about us coming up with an idea that's so integrated in the book. So for example, one of my characters uses, has a coin, a yes/no coin. She's an assassin and she flips it to decide whether or not she's going to assassinate somebody. We've actually designed and had that coin made, and it's my favourite item in the warehouse. It's such a small little thing, but I love it. And so there is a lot of joy that I derive from us being able to create these items. Sending Book Mail and Building Community Sacha: I think the second thing is I really love book mail. There is no better gift somebody can give me than a book. And so I do get a lot of satisfaction from knowing we're sending out lots and lots of book presents to people and we get to add more to it. So some of the promises that we make are: I sign every book and we give gifts. We have character art and, like I've mentioned before, pop sockets and all these kinds of things. And I get tagged daily in unboxings and stories and things like this where people are like, oh my gosh, I didn't realise I was going to get this, this, and this. And I just — it's like crack to me. I get high off of it. So I can't — this is not for everybody. This is a logistical nightmare. There are so many problems inherent in this business model. I love it. Discovering a Love of Team Building Sacha: And I think the other thing, which is very much not for a lot of authors — I did not realise that I actually really like having a team. And that has been a recent realisation. I really was told that I'm not a team player when I was in corporate, that I work alone, all of this nonsense. And I believed that and taken it on. But finding the right team, the right people who love the jobs that they do inside your business and they're all as passionate as you, is just life changing. And so that also helps me continue because I have a really great team. Joanna: I do have to ask you, what is a pop socket? Sacha: It's a little round disc that has a mechanism that you can pull out and then you — and it has a sticky command strip back and you can pop it on the back of your phone or on the back of a Kindle and it helps you to hold it. I don't know how else to describe it. It just helps you to hold the device easier. Joanna: Okay. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was confused. I'm like, why are you doing electrical socket products? Know What Kind of Person You Are Joanna: But I think this actually does demonstrate another point, and I hope people listening — I hope you can sort of — why we are doing this partly is to help you figure out what kind of person you are as well. Because I can't think of anything worse than having lots of little boxes! And I've been in Sacha's thing and there's all these little stickers and there's lots of boxes of little things that they put in people's packages, which make people happy. And I'm like, oh, I just don't like packages of things. And I mean, you geek out on packaging, don't you as well? Sacha: Oh my goodness. Yeah. One of the first things I did when we got the warehouse was I actually went to a packaging expo in Birmingham. It was like this giant conference place and I just nerded out there. It was so fun. And one of the things that I'm booked to do is an advent calendar. And that was what drove me there in the first place. I was looking for a manufacturer that could create an advent calendar for us. I have two. I'm not — I have two advent calendars this year because I love them so much. But yeah, the other thing that I was going to say to you is I often think that as adults, we can find what we're supposed to do rooted in our childhood. And I was talking the other day and someone said to me, what toy do you remember from your youth? And I was like, oh yeah. The only one that I can remember is that I had a sticker maker. I like — that makes sense. You do like stickers. And I do. Yeah. Digital Minimalism vs Physical Products Joanna: Yeah, I do. And I think this is so important because I love books. I buy a lot of books. I love books, but I also get rid of a lot of books. I know people hate this, but I will just get rid of bags and bags of books. So I value books more for what's inside them than the physical product as such. I mean, I have some big expensive, beautiful books, but mostly I want what's in them. So it's really interesting to me. And I think there's a big difference between us is just how much you like all that stuff. So if you are listening, if you are like a digital minimalist and you don't want to have stuff around your house, you definitely don't want a warehouse. You don't want all the shipping bits and bobs. You are not interested in all that. Or even if you are, you can still do a lot of this print on demand. Then I think that's just so important, isn't it? I mean, did you look at the print on demand merch? Did you find anything you liked? The Draw of Customisation Sacha: Yeah, we did, but I think for me it was that customisation. We are now moving towards — I've just put an order in this morning for 10,000 customised boxes. We've got our own branding on them. We've got a little naughty, cheeky message when they flip up the flap. And it's little things like that that you can't — you know, we wouldn't have control over what was sent. So much of what I wanted, and some of the reasons for me doing it, is that I wanted to be able to sign the books. I was being asked on a daily basis if people could buy signed books from me, and it was driving me bonkers not being able to say yes. But also being able to send a website mailing list sign-up in the box, or being able to give them a discount in the box. I mean, I know you do that, but yeah, there was just a lot more customisation and things that we could do if we were controlling the shipping. Also, I wanted to pack the boxes, the books better. So we wanted to be able to bubble wrap things or we wanted to be able to waterproof things because we had various different issues with deliveries and so we wanted a bit more control over that. So yeah, there were just so many reasons for us to do it. Print on Demand Is Still Fantastic Sacha: Look, don't get me wrong, if I suddenly wanted to go off travelling for a year, then maybe I would shut down the warehouse and go back to print on demand. I think print on demand is fantastic. I did it for 14 months before I decided to open a warehouse. It is the foundation of most authors' models. So it's fantastic. I just want to do more. Joanna: Yeah. You want to do more of it. Life Stage Matters Joanna: We should also, I also wanted to mention your life stage. Because when we did talk about it, your son is just going to secondary school, so we knew that you would be in the same area, right? Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: Because I said to you, you can't just do this and — well, you can, you could ditch it all. But the better decision is to do this for a certain number of years. If you're going to do it, it needs time, right? So you are at that point in your life. Sacha: Yeah, absolutely. We — I mean, we are going to move house, I think, but not that far away. We'll still be in reachable distance of the warehouse. And yeah, the staying power is so important because it's also about raising awareness. You have to train readers to come to you. You have to show them why it's beneficial for them to order directly from you. Growing the Business Year Over Year Sacha: And then you also have to be able to iterate and add more products. Like you were talking earlier about increasing that average order value. And that does come from having more products, but more products does create other issues like space, which may or may not be suffering issues with now. But yeah, so for example, 2024, which was the first real year, I did about 73 and a half thousand British pounds. And then this year, where — as we record this, it's actually the 1st of December — and I'm on 232,000. So from year one to year two, it's a huge difference. And that I do think is about the number of products and the number of things that we have on there. Joanna: And the number of customers. I guess you've also grown your customer base as well. And one of the rules, I guess, in inverted commas, of publishing is that the money is in the backlist. And every time you add to your backlist and every launch, you are selling a lot more of your backlist as well. So I think as time goes on, yeah, you get more books. Kickstarter as an Alternative Joanna: But let's also talk about Kickstarter because I do signed books for my Kickstarters and to me the Kickstarter is like a short-term ability to do the things you are doing regularly. So for example, if you want to do book boxes, you could just do them for a Kickstarter. You don't have to run a warehouse and do it every single day. For example, your last Kickstarter for Ruby Roe made around 150,000 US dollars, which is amazing. Like really fantastic. So just maybe talk about that, any lessons from the Kickstarter specifically, because I feel like most people, for most people listening, they are far more likely to do a Kickstarter than they are to start a warehouse. Pre-Launch Followers Are Critical Sacha: Yeah, so the first thing is even before you start your Kickstarter, the pre-launch follow accounts are critical. So a lot of people think — well, I guess there's a lot of loud noise about all these big numbers about how much people can make on Kickstarter, but actually a lot of it is driven by you, the author, pushing your audience to Kickstarter. So we actually have a formula now. Somebody more intelligent gave this to me, but essentially, based on my own personal campaign data — so this wouldn't necessarily be the same for other people — but based on my campaign data, each pre-launch follower is worth 75 pounds. And then we add on seven grand, for example. So on campaign three, which was the most recent one, I had 1,501 pre-launch followers. And when you times that by 75 and you add on seven grand, it makes more or less exactly what we made on the campaign. And the same formula can be applied to the others. So you need more pre-launch followers than you think you do. And lots of people don't put enough impetus on the marketing beforehand. Almost all of our Kickstarter marketing is beforehand because we drive so many people to that follow button. Early Bird Pricing and Fulfillment Time Sacha: And then the other thing that we do is that we do early bird pricing. So we get the majority of our income on a campaign on day one. I think it was something wild, like 80% this time was on day one, so that's really important. The second thing is it takes so, so very much longer than you think it does to fulfil a campaign, and you must factor in that cost. Because if it's not you fulfilling, you are paying somebody else to fulfil it. And if it is you fulfilling it, you must account for your own time in the pricing of your campaign. And the other thing is that the amount of time it takes to fulfil is directly proportionate to the size of the campaign. That's one thing I did not even compute — the fact that we went from about 56,000 British pounds up to double that, and the time was exponentially more than double. So you do have to think about that. Overseas Printing and Timelines Sacha: The other lesson that we have learned is that overseas printing will drag your timelines out far longer than you think it does. So whatever you think it's going to take you to fulfil, add several months more onto that and put that information in your campaign. And thankfully, we are now only going to be a month delayed, whereas lots of campaigns get up to a year delayed because they don't consider that. Reinvesting Kickstarter Profits Sacha: And then the last thing I think, which was really key for us, is that if you have some profit in the Kickstarter — because not all Kickstarters are actually massively profitable because they either don't account enough for shipping or they don't account enough in the pricing. Thankfully, ours have been profitable, but we've actually reinvested that profit back into buying more stock and more merchandise, which not everybody would want to do if they don't have a warehouse. However, we are stockpiling merchandise and books so that we can do mystery boxes later on down the line. It's probably a year away, but we are buying extra of everything so that we have that in the warehouse. So yeah, depending on what you want to do with your profit, for us it was all about buying more books, basically. Offering Something Exclusive Sacha: I think the other thing to think about is what is it that you are doing that's exclusive to Kickstarter? Because you will get backers on Kickstarter who want that quirky, unique thing that they're not going to be able to get anywhere else. But what about you? Because you've done more Kickstarters than me. What do you think is the biggest lesson you've learned? Reward Tiers and Bundling Joanna: Oh, well I think all of mine together add up to the one you just did. Although I will comment on — you said something like 75 pounds per pre-launch backer. That is obviously dependent on your tiers for the rewards, so most authors won't have that amount. So my average order value, which I know is slightly different, but I don't offer things like book boxes like you have. So a lot of it will depend on the tiers. Some people will do a Kickstarter just with an ebook, just with one ebook and maybe a bundle of ebooks. So you are never going to make it up to that kind of value. So I think this is important too, is have a look at what people offer on their different levels of Kickstarter. And in fact, here's my AI tip for the day. What you can do — what I did with my Buried and the Drowned campaign recently — is I uploaded my book to ChatGPT and said, tell me, what are some ideas for the different reward tiers that I can do on Kickstarter? And it will give you some ideas for what you can do, what kind of bundles you might want to do. So I think bundling your backlist is another thing you can do as upsells, or you can just, for example, for me, when I did Blood Vintage, I did a horror bundle when it was four standalone horror books in one of the upper tiers. So I think bundling is a good way. Also upselling your backlist is a really good way to up things. And also if you do it digitally, so for ebooks and audiobooks, there's a lot less time in fulfillment. Focus on Digital Products Too Joanna: So again, yours — well, you make things hard, but also more fun according to you, because most of it's physical, right? In fact, this is one of the things you haven't done so well, really, is concentrate on the digital side of things. Is that something you are thinking about now? Sacha: Yeah, it is. I mean, we do have our books digitally on the website. So the last — I only had one series in Kindle Unlimited, and I took those out in January. But so we do have all of the digital products on the website, and the novellas that we do, we have in all formats because I narrate the audio for them. So that is something that we're looking at. And since somebody very smart told me to have upsell apps on my website, we now have a full “get the everything bundle” in physical and digital and we are now selling them as well. Surprising. Definitely not you. So yeah, we are looking at it and that's something that we could look at next year as well for advertising because I haven't really done any advertising. I think I've spent about 200 pounds in ads in the last four months or something. It's very, very low level. So that is a way to make a huge amount of profit because the cost is so low. So your return, if you're doing a 40 or 50 pound bundle of ebooks and you are spending, I don't know, four pounds in advertising to get that sale, your return on that investment is enormous for ads. So that is something that we are looking at for next year, but it just hasn't been something that we've done a huge amount of. A Multi-Six-Figure Author With No Ads Joanna: Yeah. Well, just quoting from your solo episode where you say, “I don't have any advertising costs, customers are from my mailing list, TikTok and Instagram.” Now, being as you are a multi-six-figure author with no ads, this is mostly unthinkable for many authors. And so I wonder if, maybe talk about that. How do you think you have done that and can other people potentially emulate it, or do you think it's luck? It's Not Luck, It's Skill Set Sacha: Do you know, this is okay. So I don't think it's luck. I don't believe in luck. I get quite aggressive about people flinging luck around. I know some people are huge supporters of luck. I'm like, no. Do I think anybody can do it? Do you know, I swing so hard on this. Sometimes I say yes, and sometimes I think no. And I think the brutal truth of it is that I know where my skill set lies and I lean extremely heavily into it. So what do I mean by that? TikTok and Instagram are both very visual mediums. It is video footage. It is static images. I am extremely comfortable on camera. I am an ex-theatre kid. I was on TV as a kid. I did voiceover work when I was younger. This is my wheelhouse. So acting a bit like a tit on TikTok on a video, I am very comfortable at doing that, and I think that is reflected in the results. Consistency Without Burnout Sacha: And the other part of it is because I am comfortable at doing it, I enjoy it. It makes me laugh. And therefore it feels easy. And I think because it feels easy, I can do it over and over and over again without burning out. I started posting on TikTok on November the 19th, 2023, and I have posted three times a day every day since. Every single day without stopping, and I do not feel burnt out. And I definitely feel like that is because it's easy for me because I am good at it. Reading the Algorithm Sacha: The other thing that I think goes in here is that I'm very good at reading what's working. So sorry to talk Clifton Strengths, but my number one Clifton Strength is competition. And one of the skills that has is understanding the market. We're very good at having a wide view. So not only do I read the market on Amazon or in bookstores or wherever I can, it's the same skill set but applied to the algorithm. So I am very good at dissecting viral videos and understanding what made it work, in the same way somebody that spends 20,000 pounds a month on Facebook advertising is very good at doing analytics and looking at those numbers. I am useless at that. I just can't do it. I just get complete shutdown. My brain just says no, and I'm incapable of running ads. That's why I don't do it. Not Everyone Can Do This Sacha: So can anybody do this? Maybe. If you are comfortable on camera, if you enjoy it. It's like we've got a mutual friend, Adam Beswick. We call him the QVC Book Bitch because he is a phenomenon on live videos on TikTok and Instagram and wherever he can sell. Anything on those lives. It is astonishing to watch the sales pop in as he's on these lives. I can't think of anything worse. I will do a live, but I'll be signing books and having a good old chitchat. Not like it's — like that hand selling. Another author, Willow Winters, has done like 18 in-person events this year. I literally die on the inside hearing that. But that's what works for them and that's what's helping grow their business models. So ah, honestly, no. I actually don't think anybody can do what I've done. I think if you have a similar skill set to me, then yes you can. But no, and I know that I don't want to crush anybody listening. Do you like social media? I like social media. Do you like being on camera? Then yeah, you can do it. But if you don't, then I just think it's a waste of your time. Find out what you are good at, find out where your skill set is, and then lean in very, very hard. Writing to Your Strengths and Passion Joanna: I also think, because let's be brutal, you had books before and they didn't sell like this. Sacha: Yep. Joanna: So I also think that you leaned into — yes, of course, sapphic romance is a big sub-genre, but you love it. And also it's your lived experience with the sapphic sub-genre. This is not you chasing a trend, right? I think that's important too because too many people are like, oh, well maybe this is the latest trend. And is TikTok a trend? And then try and force them together, whereas I feel like you haven't done that. Sacha: No, and actually I spoke to lots of people who were very knowledgeable on the market and they all said, don't do it. And the reason for this is that there were no adult lesbian sapphic romance books that were selling when I looked at the market and decided that this was what I wanted to write. And I was like, cool, I'm going to do it then. And rightly so, everyone was like, well, there's no evidence to suggest that this is going to make any money. You are taking a huge risk. And I was like, yeah, but I will. I knew from the outset before I even put a word to the page how I was going to market it. And I think that feeling of coming home is what I — I created a home for myself in my books and that is why it's just felt so easy to market. Lean Into What You're Good At Sacha: It's like you, with your podcasting. Nobody can get anywhere near your podcast because you are so good at it. You've got such a history. You are so natural with your podcasting that you are just unbeatable, you know? So it's a natural way for you to market it. Joanna: Many have tried, but no, you're right. It's because I like this. And what's so funny — I'm sure I've mentioned it on the show — but I did call you one day and say, okay, all right, show me how to do this TikTok thing. And you spent like two hours on the phone with me and then I basically said no. Okay. I almost tried and then I just went, no, this is definitely not for me. And I think that this has to be one of the most important things as an author. Maybe some people listening are just geeking out over packaging like you are, and maybe they're the people who might look at this potential business model. Whereas some people are like me and don't want to go anywhere near it. And then other people like you want to do video and maybe other people like me want to do audio. So yeah, it's so important to find, well, like you said, what does not work for you? What is fun for you and when are you having a good time? Because otherwise you would have a job. Like to me, it looks like a job, you having a warehouse. But to you, it's not the same as when you were grinding it out back in 2022. Packing Videos Are Peak Content Sacha: Completely. And I think if you look at my social media feeds, they are disproportionately full of packing videos, which I think tells you something. Joanna: Oh dear. I just literally — I'm just like, oh my, if I never see any more packaging, I'll be happy. Sacha: Yeah. That's good. The One Time Sacha Nearly Burnt It All Down Sacha: I have to say, there was one moment where I doubted everything. And that was at the end — but basically, in about, of really poor timing. I ended up having to fulfil every single pre-order of my latest release and hand packing about a thousand books in two weeks. And I nearly burnt it all to the ground. Joanna: Because you didn't have enough staffing, right? And your mum was sick or something? Sacha: Yeah, exactly that. And I had to do it all by myself, and I was alone in the warehouse and it was just horrendous. So never again. But hey, I learned the lessons and now I'm like, yay, let's do it again. Things Change: Building Resilience Into Your Business Joanna: Yeah. And make sure there's more staffing. Yes, I've talked a lot on this show — things change, right? Things change. And in fact, the episode that just went out today as we record this with Jennifer Probst, which she talked about hitting massive bestseller lists and doing just incredibly well, and then it just dropped off and she had to pivot and change things. And I'm not like Debbie Downer, but I do say things will change. So what are you putting in place to make sure, for example, TikTok finally does disappear or get banned, or that sapphic romance suddenly drops off a cliff? What are you doing to make sure that you can keep going in the future? Managing Cash Flow and Salaries Sacha: Yeah, so I think there's a few things. The first big one is managing cash flow and ensuring that I have three to six months' worth of staff salaries, for want of a better word, in an account. So if the worst thing happens and sales drop off — because I am responsible for other people's income now — that I'm not about to shaft a load of people. So that really helps give you that risk reassurance. Mailing Lists and Marketing Funnels Sacha: The second thing is making sure that we are cultivating our mailing lists, making sure that we are putting in infrastructure, like things like upsell apps. And, okay, so here's a ridiculous lesson that I learned in 2025: an automation sequence, an onboarding automation sequence, is not what people mean when they say you need a marketing funnel. I learned this in Vegas. A marketing funnel will sell your products to your existing readers. So when a customer signs up to your mailing list because they've purchased something, they will be tagged and then your email flow system will then send them a 5% discount on this, or “did you know you could bundle up and get blah?” So putting that kind of stuff in place will mean that we can take more advantage of the customers that we've already got. Standard Operating Procedures Sacha: It's also things like organisational knowledge. My team is big enough now that there are things in my business I don't know how to do. That's quite daunting for somebody who is a control freak. So I visited Vegas in 2025 and I sat in a session all on — this sounds so sexy — but standard operating procedures. And now I've given my team the job of creating a process instruction manual on how they do each of their tasks so that if anybody's sick, somebody else can pick it up. If somebody leaves, we've got that infrastructure in place. And even things down to things like passwords — who, if I unfortunately got hit by a car, who can access my Amazon account? Stuff like that, unfortunately. Joanna: Yeah, I know. Well, I mean, that would be tragic, wouldn't it? Sacha: But it's stuff like that. Building Longer Timelines Sacha: But then also more day-to-day things is putting in infrastructure that pulls me out. So looking more at staffing responsibilities for staffing so that I don't always have to be there, and creating longer timelines. That is probably the most important thing that we can do because we've got a book box launching next summer. And we both had the realisation — I say we, me and my operations manager — had the realisation that actually we ought to be commissioning the cover and the artwork now because of how long those processes take. So I'm a little bit shortsighted on timelines, I think. So putting a bit more rigour in what we do and when. We now have a team-wide heat map where we know when the warehouse is going to be really, really full, when staff are off, when deliveries are coming, and that's projected out a year in advance. So lots and lots of things that are changing. And then I guess also eventually we will do advertising as well. But that is a few months down the line. Personal Financial Resilience Sacha: And then on the more personal side, it's looking at things like not just how you keep the business running, but how do you keep yourself running? How do you make sure that, let's say you have a bad sales month, but you still have to pay your team? How are you going to get paid? So I, as well as having put staff salaries away, I also have my own salary. I've got a few months of my own salary put away. And then investing as well. I know, I am not a financial advisor, but I do invest money. I serve money that I pay myself. You can also do things like having investment vehicles inside your business if you want to deal with extra cash. And then I am taking advice from my accountant and my financial advisor on do I put more money into my pension — because did I say that I also have a pension? So I invest in my future as well. Or do I set up another company and have a property portfolio? Or how do I essentially make the money that is inside the business make more money rather than reinvesting it, spending it, and reinvesting it on things that don't become assets or don't become money generating? What can I do with the cash that's inside the company in order to then make it make more for the long term? Because then if you do have a down six months or worse, a down year, for example, you've got enough cash and equity inside the business to cover you during those lower months or years or weeks — or hopefully just a day. Different Business Models for Different Authors Joanna: Yes, of course. And we all hope it just carries on up and to the right, but sometimes it doesn't work that way. So it's really great that you are doing all those things. And I think what's lovely and why we started off with you giving us that potted history was it hasn't always been this way. So if you are listening to this and you are like, well, I've only got one ebook for sale on Amazon, well that might be all you ever want to do, which is fine. Or you can come to where my business model is, which is mostly even — I use print on demand, but it's mostly digital. It's mostly online. It's got no packaging that I deal with. Or you can go even further like Sacha and Adam Beswick and Willow Winters. But because that is being talked about a lot in the community, that's why we wanted to do this — to really show you that there's different people doing different things and you need to choose what's best for you. What Are You Excited About for 2026? Joanna: But just as we finish, just tell us what are you excited about for 2026? Sacha: Oh my goodness me. I am excited to iterate my craft. And this is completely not related to the warehouse, but I have gotten myself into a position where I get to play with words again. So I'm really excited for the things that I'm going to write. But also in terms of the warehouse, we've got the new packaging, so getting to see those on social media. We are also looking at things like book boxes. So we are doing a set of three book boxes and these are going to be new and bigger and better than anything that we've done before. And custom tailored. Oh, without giving too much away, but items that go inside and also the artwork. I love working with artists and commissioning different art projects. But yeah, basically more of the same, hopefully world domination. Joanna: World domination. Fantastic. So basically more creativity. Sacha: Yeah. Joanna: And also a bigger business. Because I know you are ambitious and I love that. I think it's really good for people to be ambitious. Joanna: Oh, I do have another question. Do you have more sympathy for traditional publishing at this point? Sacha: How dare you? Unfortunately, yeah. I really have learnt the hard way why traditional publishers need the timelines that they need. This latest release was probably the biggest that — so this latest release, which was called Architecting, is the reason that I did the podcast episode, because I learned so many lessons. And in particular about timelines and how tight things get, and it's just not realistic when you are doing this physical business. So that's another thing if you are listening and you are like, oh no, no, no, I like the immediacy of being able to finish, get it back from the editor and hit publish — this ain't for you, honey. This is not for you. Joanna: Yeah. No, that's fantastic. Where to Find Sacha and Ruby Roe Joanna: So where can people find you and your books online? Sacha: For the Ruby Empire, it's RubyRoe.co.uk and RubyRoeAuthor on TikTok if you'd like to see me dancing like a wally. And then Instagram, I'm back as @SachaBlackAuthor on Instagram. Joanna: Brilliant. Thanks so much for your time, Sacha. That was great. Sacha: Thank you for having me.The post Two Different Approaches To Selling Books Direct With Sacha Black And Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Tired of saying it's faster if I do it myself? We dive into a practical, human way to break the bottleneck and build a business that runs with you, not because of you. Our guest, Brittany Bettini of I Need a VA, lays out a straightforward blueprint: start with a life audit, delegate low-joy work, and capture your “pie recipe” in clear SOPs so results stay consistent even when hands change.We get honest about control, especially the hyper-independence many women entrepreneurs carry into their businesses. Brittany shares how she moved from doing everything to doing only what lights her up—coaching, teaching, creating—while VAs handle operations, inboxes, research, scheduling, design assets, and home tasks like groceries and laundry. The key isn't just offloading tasks; it's choosing what to keep based on joy, genius, and revenue impact, then backing the rest with documentation that a new hire can follow on day one.You'll hear how to use Loom and AI to turn screen recordings into step-by-step SOPs, why in-house virtual assistants (especially experienced Filipino VAs) protect your IP and culture, and how to structure training so your team writes and updates the manuals as they work. We cover mistakes to avoid—like over-relying on agencies for core functions—and the management rhythms that keep quality high without micromanaging: clear outcomes, visible dashboards, and monthly SOP reviews. Think of delegation like a pendulum: initial training takes time and money, then the swing returns with compounding freedom, focus, and revenue.If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck and start being the leader, this conversation gives you the tools and the nudge to move. Read more HERESupport the show

#706 In part two of our masterclass with Dave Menz, the Laundromat Millionaire, we shift from customer experience to the operational engine that drives a truly scalable business. Dave reveals how documented systems, strong SOPs, and empowered employees are the foundation of long-term success — not just in laundromats, but in any service-based business. From unclogging drains before they flood your store to building a business that thrives while you're on vacation, this episode is packed with tactical wisdom and real-world examples. We also explore innovative revenue streams, the truth about passive income, and how digital marketing is reshaping this traditionally overlooked industry. If you're serious about building a business that runs without you, class is in session again with Dave Menz! (Original Air Date - 4/29/25) What we discuss with Dave: + Systems create true scalability + SOPs prevent costly emergencies + Maintenance must be proactive + Full-service laundromats win loyalty + Attended stores attract premium clients + Marketing works if product stands out + Revenue varies by market density + Partnerships can boost utilization + Always improve processes and systems + Humility and curiosity drive growth Thank you, Dave! Check out Laundromat Millionaire at ⁠LaundromatMillionaire.com⁠. Check out Queen City Laundry at ⁠QueenCityLaundry.com⁠. Follow Dave on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Watch the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠video podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textFrom lasers to leadership, this IT Nation Connect 2025 conversation with Lawrence Cruciana, founder of Corporate Information Technologies, reveals how discipline, curiosity, and science fuel cybersecurity innovation.A former Disney audio engineer and laser physicist, Lawrence shares how attention to detail and standardization shaped his approach to business, how a case of industrial espionage inspired his cybersecurity mission, and why CMMC and frameworks like the CIS Controls are essential to protecting American ingenuity.You'll hear lessons from his time presenting at NASA, insights into the evolution of AI-fueled cyber threats, and how MSPs can raise the bar for security maturity while staying human in a world of automation.This episode blends STEM roots, cybersecurity expertise, and personal discipline into one inspiring conversation about what it means to build, protect, and lead with purpose.