Financial Snickens

Although starting your own business sounds like a surefire way to make money, earning a profit rarely happens overnight. Entrepreneurship requires ceaseless amounts of perseverance, determination, and motivation to keep going.  

In this episode, I delve into seven crucial questions to consider before launching your business.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:01:39] If you have people who depend on you for your salary, you may not be able to ditch your full-time job, but can you start it as a side hustle? 

[00:04:47] People often forget that starting a business is not easy. It's fun, exciting, and there's lots of motivation, and there's so much creativity that you can do, but there's also a serious business side to it. 

[00:05:58] It is one of the most rewarding things you can do, and things are going to go horribly wrong, but they can also go really well. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Small Business Administration - https://www.sba.gov/ 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services

Being an effective leader means knowing how to motivate a team, but also requires self-reflection and understanding when to make adjustments to create more cohesion.  

In this episode, I cover how Colonel Glover Johns’ 13 leadership principles translate to running a successful small business.    

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:24] It's so important as a small business owner to realize that you are not just running a business; you are a leader. And you're a leader to your team, and you're a leader to your clients. You are exemplifying everything about your company through your leadership skills. 

[00:04:49] If you continue to self-evaluate and learn, and learn how to do things better, it helps you to be a better leader. 

[00:17:51] Knowing when to advocate for a cause and when to accept a collective decision ensures that you are going to get buy-in from your team and you're going to have a cohesive team dynamic. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services

Building a team centered on trust, collaboration, and growth is vital to the success of any business. Both leaders and managers carry equally important responsibilities of ensuring all employees understand the end goal and how to achieve it together. 

In this episode, I explain how leaders and managers can use Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to create a stronger culture of growth and success.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:53] Managers are task-centered. They are the ‘get her done’ people you need in your company. And the leaders inspire people to all row in the same direction. 

[00:05:55] Leaders are in charge of culture, so they need to develop a win-win culture where they're fostering an environment where everyone can succeed. 

[00:09:05] Managers are all about ensuring the well-being and development of members of the team and maintaining productivity. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different forms necessary to run a business. However, knowing which forms you need for specific types of employees is essential to keep all your accounts and tax information organized and updated.  

In this episode, I walk through the most common forms required to keep your business on track.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:01:27] The W4 is the form that employees fill out, and a W2 is what you get when you are an employee, and you get a record of your work. 

[00:03:31] If you hire somebody to do a service, if you hire someone to build a website for you, provide bookkeeping services, provide advice on something, you hire a marketing firm, anyone that's providing you a service–you need to get a W9 from them 

[00:06:08] 1099 NEC, these are for independent contractors, and it is for contractors and freelancers. You are required to file this form if you have paid anyone over $600 and they are an LLC or a sole proprietor. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services

Businesses are at higher risk of falling victim to cybercrime than ever before. It is crucial to not only train your employees how to spot suspicious emails and avoid clicking spam links, but to know the tools available to develop solid cyber security practices and minimize the risk of attack.  

In this episode, I break down why the best line of defense against cybercrimes is proper training for your employees.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:39] If you store any kind of digital information, you can become a victim of cybercrime. 

[00:04:43] Another tool you can use for safeguarding information delivery and using encrypted email is highly suggested. 

[00:07:52] Sometimes, we forget that the software we use has upgrades, and these upgrades patch vulnerabilities so that you are safer with every new upgrade you install.  

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services

Companies can’t reach their goals without hardworking employees. Business owners must recognize and reward employees for their fantastic work and dedication.   

In this episode, I share different ways to invest in your employees so they know they are valued and appreciated.  

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:02:04] [Profit sharing] can be done quarterly, it can be done annually, or it can be done as a part of your contribution as the employer contribution to the 401k. 

[00:03:20] It depends on what your employee values as the best compensation. Do they want the money, or do they want time off? 

[00:07:14] The effectiveness of each approach varies depending on the culture of your company…you might want to do a system where you combine these strategies, and that will help you meet your workforce's needs. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services

Instead of letting your money languish in your checking account, consider opening a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) since interest rates are higher than in years past.  

In this episode, I expand upon the many advantages of High-Yield Savings Accounts and why this low-risk investment option is worth pursuing.    

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:35] When you go and start searching for these high-yield savings accounts, make sure that they're a member of the FDIC, and don't forget that they are only insured up to $250,000 per account. 

[00:02:31] If you invest it in one of these savings accounts, the risk is very low, yet you still get a guaranteed return. It is really good, and it protects your business’ capital. 

[00:02:53] You could have short-term goals and projects that you know you need to put money aside for, this is a great place to hold that capital until you need it. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Taking time off work is crucial to creating a work/life balance. However, some business owners need help unplugging and letting the team take the reins.  

In this episode, I recap what worked and what didn’t while I was out of the office in Japan for two weeks and what lessons our team learned from my absence.    

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:40] I took a lot of time before I left to allow my team to see what I do, record different things, and then provide them with an outline and a formula to follow. 

[00:02:42] It was telling for me, that this is someone they trust, but we may also need to rework our accountability chart and share it with the team to show them that they can actually go to both people.  

[00:04:48]  Take that time away. It is incredibly valuable to your team because you figure out what falls through the cracks, and it recharges your battery. 

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Whether you’re celebrating a recent achievement or sending holiday wishes, meaningful gestures can help strengthen your relationship with clients. Gifts don’t need to break the bank, but they should be thoughtful and something that will leave a lasting impression.    

In this episode, I outline various types of gifts your clients will love and that will make them want to work with you for years to come.   

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:01:22] We love to celebrate our clients when our clients hit a particular milestone that we know that they've been going for. 

[00:01:51]  Always make sure it includes their logo because there's nothing like looking at your own company's logo on something that's given to you. 

[00:05:48]  Remember, it's not about the monetary value of the gift, but it's really about the sentiment and the effort you've put behind it.  

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

If a top performing employee left your business, would it send your team into a frenzy or into a united front? At some point every business owner experiences losing a key team member, but it doesn’t have to create panic.  

In this episode, I explore the impact of employee departures, why it’s crucial to foster a strong team and culture, and how empowered teams step up when it matters most. 

In this episode, you’ll also hear: 

Must-listen moments:  

[00:00:22] Whether it's due to retirement or a career transition, or even a personal decision, the exit of a pivotal team member can create a void that demands immediate attention and causes craziness in your company. 

[00:02:48] The team's diverse skill sets were combined and then new leaders emerged, and they ended up having this organic evolution that enabled the company to not only weather the storm, but they also emerged more resilient and adaptable than ever before.   

[00:04:30] This shared commitment not only keeps the ship afloat during tumultuous times, because those are going to happen, but it also guides the transformation towards success.  

Visit our website and click on the Let’s Talk button: http://www.firststepsfinancial.com 

Reach out to Alisa: [email protected] 

Connect with us on social media! 

FB - https://www.facebook.com/FirstStepsFinancial 

IG- https://www.instagram.com/firststepsfinancial/ 

LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-steps-financial/ 

Podcast audio/video editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services