In this episode, we are going to talk about the next most important book for your reading list and how building a vision of your future life will change everything.

In this episode, Anthea Mumby and I talk about the importance of having a vision statement for your company and your life. And the extra importance this takes if you are an Entrepreneurial Couple.  When Anthea first made a vision statement and howHow it affected her mental healthWhat is in a vision statementHow often to review your vision statementHow to turn your vision into a tool for recruiting staff, ideal clients, and measuring your progressWhy you also need a personal vision statement

In this episode we talk about building wealth as a business owner Discussed in this episode: Is investing all your money in your business a good move?Are you building a business to sell or for personal income or both?Start with the end in mindWhat is your big purpose and how do you balance that with growing your wealth?How wealth helps you fulfill your big purpose in lifeProfit is good, wealth is goodWe may not have a choice about when we stop working in our businessBuild your wealth in your business, in a holding company, or in your hands?Aiming toward your Power NumberYou have professionals help with your business, you need them in your life, tooIt costs more to not do proper planning and set upThe work you do to make your business more saleable, also makes it easier and more profitable for youNo one wants to buy a job that pays $40k/yr

Our first business couple interview!!   Before we got there we talked about some of the ways they have structured their business operations so that they can work well together. Some key points: Saying Yes to Opportunity – even if you aren’t quite readyBalancing perfectionism and getting something out the doorRole fluidity And we talk about Crypto and Blockchain – not as an investment, but rather as a tool in business.  Some of the topics we dug into were The different types of wallets and when to use themWhat is an exchange and why do we need itWe even dug into the FTX implosion/explosion. It’s a great 30 minutes on some pretty interesting topics.

In this episode, we talk about profit and available money in your business and what to do with it. Discussed in this episode: Your profit isn’t all available for you to spend1st pot is for shock proofing - how much is enough?2nd pot is for investing in your businessWe do a deep dive into the 3 areas for investment in your businessHow to measure ROI  3rd pot is for fun, to make life better4th pot is for futureHow to balance debt repayment with filling your pots Replay Link: 3 Key Decisions You Need To Make To Thrive As A Business Owner During A Recession

My guest this week is Diana Lidstone. Diana has been building businesses for over 4 decades. She started with her own and then transitioned into helping women in service based industries as a Strategic Marketing and Growth Catalyst. Her engaging style is captivating – as are the subjects we cover: The advantages of technology and mentorsThe components of an irresistible programWhat is an upsell and down sellWhy it is important to simplify the number of offers you haveThe importance of differentiationWhy you may not need social media in your marketing. www.dianalidstone.com

In this episode you’ll get a technical, yet approachable, lesson in paying yourself, investing, retirement and insurance. Discussed in this episode: Start with the end in mind Think of putting your money into buckets RRSPs and TSFAs explained Best places to keep your money How to pay yourself Corporations and liability We break down life insurance as a strategy for wealth building Protecting and growing your wealth: risk and liquidity This is a very technical, yet approachable discussion  Reach out with your questions and we’ll cover them in future episodes

Laura Simpson is co-founder of the start-up Side Door. And a deal maker on Dragon’s Den! She is powered by the purpose of helping musicians get paid for their worth and providing a platform. We talk about her journey from journalist to CEOHow creative brains workHow to embrace innovative waysThe Covid PivotCreating a corporate culture where asking tough questions is the normDifferent types of investment fundraising

In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose which projects to execute on and the role of project management in getting them done. Discussed in this episode: The challenge is that we have many more ideas than we can ever get done The hard part is to decide and curate which are the best for us One screen or filter we can use is our values to see which projects match most or all of our values Another tool is to create an x,y chart and plot the projects against resources needed and expected return Resources can be time, investment, difficulty,  Recognize that you may be the bottleneck and allocate your time where it makes the most sense Return can be money, reputation, or other outcomes you want to achieve Projects need clear outcomes, high-level strategy, and do-able tactics Plot work on a GANTT with who is responsible and dates required Sometimes it help to work backwards from when you want to project completed Work on one project at a time and defer the rest to later Put important dates and your work in your calendar so you allocate the time for it Set aside time to evaluate every project  Values Exercise to help you discover your values https://www.businessownerssuccessclub.com/2013/01/15/discovering-your-values/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gantt_chart https://www.gantt.com/

Donna Alteen, CEO of Time Space Media will be celebrating 35 years in business in 2023. This interview is just full of great lessons and perspectives from the wisdom she has garnered along the way. Lessons like How to hire for curiosityA new Definition of failureHow to prepare for a recessionThe value of a business coach and communityHow to ensure your products and services always have a marketEnergy managementGiving yourself space to think.

In this episode you’ll learn what numbers are important as you think back over the last year. Discussed in this episode: Get your numbers up to dateHow to keep your values in mind while looking at your numbersThinking about funding the life you chooseEvaluating your sales to know what to focus on next yearHow to audit your costs Costs of acquiring customers and lifetime valueQuantitative and qualitative decision making

Adam Knithila owned a thriving accounting practice doing taxes for entrepreneurs – but it wasn’t what he loved doing. Here is how he sold his accounting practice and became a fraction CEO.   In this episode we will talk about: Carrying a knapsack of rocksTactics for managing a recessionThe importance of cash reservesKnowing when to say knowHaving a growth mindsetCreating partnership.

This week on The Real Bottom Line I interview Business Consultant Anthea Mumby – Founder of Dream Team Consulting We cover a lot of ground including What it is like to work in a business as the daughter of the ownerThe importance of using an expert when doing complex transactionsPreparing for business succession andHow to decide when it is time to sell and transition out of the businessThe importance of working with a coachThe importance of having a customized business visionHow to deal with business squirrels.

In this episode you’ll learn what role to never completely delegate and how it makes all your other roles easier Discussed in this episode: The 4 main business outcomes the CFO makes happen The skills you develop as you learn how to do this How mastering those skills makes your job easier Taking on this role sets up a level of formality in your business The real danger of not doing this What a bookkeeper, an accountant and a financial planner do for you What parts you should delegate  First steps in taking on the CFO role in your business Links: Be Your Own CFO YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSbBrzq_xFJ66lcWQSXRNpw Be Your Own CFO newsletter on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/be-your-own-cfo-6869009567674712064/ FREE Be Your Own CFO course https://damp-paper-4668.ck.page/bto-cfo

We are going to talk about all things PR with Paul Fitzgerald, President of Salt and Pepper Media.   We dig into some meaty topics like: Re-inventing vs. PivotingOops vs What ifWho needs PRThe difference between earned and paid mediaWhat is Crisis PR and why do you need it.

In this episode, you’ll learn why people hesitate to raise their prices and the reasons they should anyway Discussed in this episode: The 4 reasons people use to keep their prices low Who to talk to change your thinking What people really expect based on your price How a higher price makes it easier to make people happier How a higher price helps people more What’s high to some people is low to others The best way to help people is to build a healthy business Links: Be Your Own CFO newsletter on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/be-your-own-cfo-6869009567674712064/ FREE Be Your Own CFO course https://damp-paper-4668.ck.page/bto-cfo

If you have ever wondered if there was free money – grants or funding for different projects or initiatives – this episode is for you. This week on the real bottom line we talked to Dr. Aria Hahn – the Chief Technology Officer of www.hellopocketed.io a company dedicated to making finding and applying for grants easier than ever before. Think of them as your Grant GPS. We also talk about Macro vs. Micro managingBecoming comfortable with being uncomfortableThe language of science.How to get lots of free money It is a great episode that you don’t want to miss.

In this episode you’ll find out why not charging enough can mean you are losing customers and the secret ingredient of choosing the right price. Discussed in this episode: Your price tells your customers if they are for youPeople who like your lower price may not be your best customersValue-based or hourly-based pricing, which is best.Your price is too low if you have plenty of customers, but you aren’t making enoughFixed costs and variable costsCost of Goods Sold (CoGS)The difference between revenue and incomeThree legs of price - the 3rd will surprise you Links: Delight With Price article https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/delight-price-frances-schagen/ Be Your Own CFO newsletter on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/be-your-own-cfo-6869009567674712064/ FREE Be Your Own CFO course https://damp-paper-4668.ck.page/bto-cfo

Every now and then we have a guest that brings a very impactful message to our audience that we feel it's important to bring it to the forefront again. Eleanor Beaton is one of those guests and I wanted to replay her March 22nd episode here in the best of series. Episode Description: How about this boundary? Only pursuing opportunities that offer the potential of adding 7 figures to the top line. Eleanor Beaton is the Founder and CEO of Safi Media. She is on a mission to double the number of 7-figure women business owners by 2030 through business coaching, entrepreneurship education and story telling. We talk about the filters that Eleanor uses when evaluating opportunities, and dig down into niching – how to know when it is time to narrow your focus, and the bliss and pain of executing on this strategy. We'll discuss CEO time and what it is, as learn what a 'Jewel Business' is and why you want one! (HINT: 30% open time for the founder is one of the foundation pieces)

In this episode you’ll learn about the 3 kinds of entrepreneurs and how to approach your business as each one. Discussed in this episode: What it means to have a business that replaces your job and the challenges with that What a lifestyle entrepreneur is Talking about growing a business to scale it Moving from one to another The importance of growing your team Who should you hire first Who should you not hire at the beginning Hire for the level of expertise you need  Answering the question of hiring a VA or full-time support Advisors, mentors, coaches and masterminds, why you need all of these Links: Gillian Selby episode of Real Bottom Line Article about hiring appropriate people for appropriate tasks https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/delegate-like-pro-frances-schagen/ FREE Be Your Own CFO course https://damp-paper-4668.ck.page/bto-cfo

Have you ever had a grand idea for a product or a software?  This episode is for you.\  Suvojit Ghosh is the Founder/CEO of FYE Labs, a product development lab in Hamilton Ontario. Our conversation covers a lot ground including The three levels of product development (and they apply to products and software)The importance of understanding the pain point you are solvingShould you get a technical co-founder on boardThe different ways you can develop your product and the pros and cons of each.

In this episode, you’ll learn why collaborations are critical to success, what makes good collaborations and what makes bad ones. Discussed in this episode: One form is to have the same audience but come from different directionsWomen are natural collaboratorsThe myth of the lone entrepreneur is just that - a mythBehind every success is a teamThe many different forms of collaborationsFinancial Besties are an example of great collaborationThe most important things that have to be in alignment for it to be a successIt’s decision-making that leads to the downfallLeave space to be differentYou need to have collaboration partners who you can talk to without censoringThe real bottom line Links: Be Your Own CFO newsletter on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/be-your-own-cfo-6869009567674712064/ FREE Be Your Own CFO course https://damp-paper-4668.ck.page/bto-cfo

Join me as I sit down with Jodi Daniels of Red Clover Advisors to discuss the differences between data privacy and data security. In this episode, we talk about all the things that make up your data. You may be as surprised as I was at all the data we collect - some of it inadvertently. There's a lot of interesting information surround data privacy and security, and Jodi breaks it down so well! She discusses the standards you need to consider if you sell internationally, especially in the US where different states have different requirements, and what things you do or don't need to have - like a cookie banner, for example. There's a lot of important info in this episode - you don't want to miss it!

On this episode, I interview Scott Patterson - a proper business mogul and entrepreneur in the world of tech and entertainment. Scott discusses opportunities and where to find them, what drives him personally, the kinds of fears he has, and the important lessons learned from his grandmother. This is a true 'rags to riches' story, and I have a feeling you're going to want to listen to this one!

Whether you are thinking about a technology start-up or using more technology in your business, this episode is for you! Maxim Cramer, a technology coach based in the UK with a special focus on female founders, joins me today for an exciting discussion about the value of curiosity and using an agile methodology. Maxim describes how Hollywood has done the tech industry a disservice, and how developers are like musicians in a band. She also answers questions that you may be asking, like... "what does a CTO do?" and "when do I need one?" - we cover a lot of ground in this episode, and I hope you enjoy it!

Are you part of the 11% of people who know they are in sales, or are you one of the 89% of people who are, but don't know it? Join me as I sit down with Gillian Selby, a professional sales coach of Gunn + McQueen, as we discuss the difference between technical and social sales, and how to decide when to hire a professional sales person. She also summarizes what she believes makes phenomenal sales people, and whether or not those people are introverts or extroverts.

Family and business, and the business of getting the next generation involved is Francisco Lombardo’s business. This discussion ranges from parenting, to getting the next generation ready. Is your business the resented sibling? Are you setting your kids up for success, and when should they start working in the business? Francisco answers these questions and more on this episode of The Real Bottom Line!

As a new business owner, Afton has been busting through some of the common myths surrounding entrepreneurship. She has now niched down to teach about brand messaging and content strategy. The way she breaks down how to find your voice and cut through the noise is a must-listen!

As your business grows, the need for building a strong advisory team becomes more and more critical. In this episode, we speak about the benefits of building the right team for your business. Find out your diagnostic score of your business at https://www.totalwealthscore.com

This is one of those interviews that were both a joy to record, and a joy to listen to. Recorded the day before Vasavi turned 40, we head down fascinating roads including who you should look up to, and why talking to yourself out loud can be game-changing. Her confidence and energy are so compelling – enjoy!

Ever been curious about buying or building a franchise? This episode is for you! Lance Graulich is an expert in franchises. Having owned multiple franchises himself, and then becoming a broker, he has seen it all. In this episode, we talk about who should and shouldn't buy a franchises, and what to consider when buying or turning your business into a franchise. Free Assessment: https://www.zorakle.net/assessment/welcome/ionfranchising

Investing in real estate does not come without cost or risk. Abiel Ballesteros is a professional Real Estate Investor in Miami, with properties across multiple states. Join us today as we discuss who real estate investing is for, and how to decide on a segment of real estate to focus on. Abiel will also share his thoughts on syndicate investing and why multi-unit/family buildings can reduce your risks and costs. If you've ever been interested in learning more about real estate investment, here's your chance!

Once I got over my fangirling, I settled in to talk to Ross about his aspirations and his goal of a 150-million-dollar company. I love the ambition, and he is doing it all virtually! We dig into the business and distribution of content, and how content distribution as an investment can produce revenue for years to come. Ross breaks down his KPIs and the lessons he learned from his grandmother, as well as the importance of curiosity, and communication trust when it comes to remote work. You’ll leave this episode knowing what to delegate and what not to delegate, how you can use hiring as a form of asset allocation, and so much more!

Let’s talk about expectations, age, hustle, grind, and what are the numbers that we really need to know.  I want to talk a bit about the fact I went to see Sting in concert, he was so full of life and vibrant, he delivered an amazing performance. He was a master, and he held the audience in the palm of his hands. And yet, he was so chill, he was just so zen-like he was living his best life.  Now, if we were to dig into the numbers around Sting we will find the following,  He is 70 years old.He has a net worth of $550 million. He has sold over 100 million records during his time as a solo artist. He has six kids, numerous graduate kids, two wives a whole bunch of properties.  So why is he still performing? 

IT and technology are becoming more and more important to the efficient separation and scaling of business. In this episode, Gay Hamilton of 'Go Innovation' and I talk about when and how to hire IT personnel vs. contractors. We'll outline the IT resources required as you add staff, as well as the reality of cyber crimes and how it has been whitewashed.

Samantha Dean is a former accountant from Australia who now helps other experts monetize their knowledge. In this episode, Sam provides invaluable advice on how to work through your 'shoulds' and the importance of setting up boundaries. She'll also share her thoughts on how to set up good collaborations, and what she believes are the most important key performance indicators. There's lots to learn in this episode!

André Brisson has ADHD. He has also built two successful companies, and is now working on his third! When he received his ADHD diagnosis a few years ago, it explained EVERYTHING. Since then, he's learned all he can about ADHD and used his knowledge and first-hand experience to build a coaching program to help high-achieving entrepreneurs. On this episode, we'll define what exactly ADHD means, the reason why so many entrepreneurs have ADHD, and the differences between ADHD and other mental health/neurodivergent conditions. André will also explain the common symptoms of ADHD, and how you can turn these symptoms into your superpowers!

Personal Branding expert Monique Bryan has a massive background in global business, fashion, and marketing. She brings the energy and strategies around What is personal brandingWho needs itOnline presenceHow authentic to be onlineRetreats as a business strategy.How to put yourself into a high energy state You will love this advice delivered with panache.

What do you get when you marry energy efficiency, net zero, and block chain? You get Megan McCarthy's Rocarbon Labs! A start-up that helps business owners and their facilities reach net zero, with a faster return of investment thanks to the improvement in carbon offsets sold on the carbon market. How does the carbon market work? How can you develop more income streams for your facilities? What is data collection and the block chain? Listen and find out!

Big ideas, game changers and transformative focus. Real life and business can get in the way of developing and implementing big ideas, but Andrea Ivanka and I talk about how to get them and stay focused! Listen to this episode to learn where big ideas can come from, how to re-engage with ideas you had in the past, the difference between alignment and systems and why they are both SO important.

Katelyn Bourgoin is a trailblazer in the area of customer-focused research. Steeped in the experience of closing down her tech start-up, she is on a mission to teach effective customer research to entrepreneurs and other marketers. Katelyn is engaging, practical, and super knowledgeable on so many things. Join us as Katelyn shares that knowledge, explaining 'Jobs to be Done' and how McDonald's used it to increase their milkshake sales, beach head content, and where true customer clarity comes from. Clay Christensen video we talk about:  Understanding the Job Sign up for Buyer Psychology email:www.katelynbourgoin.com

Profit is a beautiful thing, and opens the door to all sorts of new questions: Where do I stash it? What do I do with it? Should I spend it or save it? Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey, it’s time to plan now what to do with that profit.

In this episode we are going to really define that super nebulous term - leadership. How to get work done through others and the different hats of managing, leading, and coaching. Lisa Haydon has just passed the 5-year anniversary mark of her business, Pivotal Growth. Prior to her own pivotal growth, Lisa worked in finance and banking for large enterprise companies. She helps companies assess and diagnose their people performance with diagnostic, consulting, and implementation services. Join us as we discuss the turning point that launched Lisa into the world of entrepreneurship and how to get past imposter syndrome, her thoughts on what your meeting cadence should be as an entrepreneur, and how to vet potential business partners.

How about this boundary? Only pursuing opportunities that offer the potential of adding 7 figures to the top line. Eleanor Beaton is the Founder and CEO of Safi Media. She is on a mission to double the number of 7-figure women business owners by 2030 through business coaching, entrepreneurship education and story telling. We talk about the filters that Eleanor uses when evaluating opportunities, and dig down into niching – how to know when it is time to narrow your focus, and the bliss and pain of executing on this strategy. We'll discuss CEO time and what it is, as learn what a 'Jewel Business' is and why you want one! (HINT: 30% open time for the founder is one of the foundation pieces)

A communication expert and Founder/CEO of Orisha Creative, Tamika is a specialist at turning leads into buyers. Join us for this fascinating conversation where you will learn the difference between a launch and an active enrolment campaign, and how Lead Generation is just another vanity metric. We'll break down the buyer's journey vs. the customer journey vs. funnels, redefine personal development, and share a unique definition of community.

Did you ever wonder what it takes to scale a company to 50 employees?  What you have to do in the business as a Founder in the beginning and how that role evolves over time. Saeed El Darahali is the CEO of SimplyCast and has been an entrepreneur since his teens and he has many lessons to share. In this episode we discuss How to avoid micromanagingThe two tasks he always wants to participate inThe second question he always asks in an interviewThe evolution of communicationThe triangle of Calculated Risk decisionsHow serving multiple markets and segments can give you an advantage

This is a must-listen episode for all Entrepreneurs who want inspiration.  Tareq came to Canada in 2015 with nothing. He is now a sought-after speaker, running a major chocolate factory and a couple of retail stores. The story of Peace By Chocolate is now available in a book and a soon-to-be-released feature film. This interview is an inspiration and reminds us that we can overcome almost everything and that hope is important.  In this episode, we talk about The importance of Building a family outside of your familyThe interplay between profit and purposeHow Peace is the most important value you can have

Mary Jane Copps aka The Phone Lady is on a mission to make people less anxious and more masterful in their use of the telephone. In an era of texts, DMs, emails and a bijillion social platforms, a lot of people have lost their love of the phone or maybe didn’t ever love it.      As an expert in all things phone, Mary Jane shares some great insights into: Why Customer Service calls are totally different nowHow to make Sales calls more effectiveHow often to follow up and what to do to get maximum resultsWhat to say if you are leaving a voice mail