Getting to the Bottom Line: Helping business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow

In this eye-opening Cash Flow Confessions segment of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith sits down with Ian Noble, former dry cleaning business owner turned passive real estate investment strategist, for a candid conversation about one financial moment that changed everything.

Ian shares how witnessing his father burn out and cover payroll from personal funds taught him a hard lesson early in business ownership. That experience led him to build one simple but powerful habit: automating profit daily. Without realizing it, Ian was already applying Profit First principles, building reserves that eventually saved his company during COVID when revenue dropped 85%.

Now the founder of Run Steady Investments, Ian helps time-strapped business owners build long-term wealth through passive real estate investing with due diligence, shared vetting, and aligned incentives.

Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable advice on:
• How to structure daily savings to weather cash flow storms
• Why not paying yourself first can sabotage your entire business
• Building real wealth outside your business without extra time or stress

Whether you're trying to stabilize your business finances or expand into new investment opportunities, this episode is packed with practical insight you can apply immediately.

Connect with Ian and grab his cheat sheet:
• Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/cash-flow-confessions-podcast
• Join My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/  
• Instagram: @ian_invests  

Listen to more cash flow confessions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5WTE9D35Qv1gYiuESlCg96Qc0DbodMzJ

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

If you feel like your business is profitable on paper but your bank account says otherwise, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, Stephanie and Kris Smith from New Light Financial Solutions unpack the real reason cash can be tight even when sales and profit look great.

We dig into why profit ≠ cash, how cash actually moves through your business, and the common blind spots - like accounts receivable, inventory, and debt payments - that trap cash and create stress. 

You’ll learn:
✓ The difference between profit and cash flow
✓ What slows cash down in your business
✓ Practical steps you can take today to get clarity and start fixing cash flow gaps

If you’ve ever asked, “Where did the money go?” this episode will help you follow the money, spot where it’s stuck, and take concrete actions to improve your cash position. 

Get the CFO Worksheet to start tracking the drivers in your business: https://newlightfs.com/cfoworksheet/

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

In this eye-opening episode of Cash Flow Confessions on Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith sits down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift360, a digital agency specializing in “Search Everywhere Optimization” for the trades and construction industry. Wes shares a deeply personal financial moment: getting his business professionally valued—only to find out the number was far lower than expected.

What caused the dip? A fear in the industry about AI's rapid evolution and its potential to replace traditional digital marketing services. Wes candidly reflects on the challenges of adapting, the dangers of mismatched cash flow terms, and the strategic pivots required to future-proof a business.

You’ll walk away with real-world insights on:
• Why strong SOPs and recurring revenue streams matter more than ever
• How to handle the emotional gut-punch of a low valuation
• Navigating the evolving digital landscape with AI as both a threat and tool
• What makes a business truly valuable beyond just revenue

Whether you're planning to sell your business or just trying to improve your financial structure, this is a must-listen for any entrepreneur building with the long game in mind.

Learn more about Wes: https://uplift360.com.au/

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

In this episode of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith sits down with sales expert Jonny Holsten, founder of Bridge Selling, to unpack how business owners and sales leaders can dramatically improve their conversion rates without spending a dime more on leads.

Jonny shares how most organizations lack a defined sales call strategy, causing inconsistent results and lost revenue. He introduces Bridge Selling’s powerful “Bridge Score” model — a repeatable, structured framework that helps sales teams diagnose call effectiveness and create predictable outcomes.

Whether you’re a growing company with a sales team of 10+ or a solopreneur closing your first deals, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stop treating your sales process like a slot machine and start running it like an assembly line.

🎧 Listen in as Stephanie and Jonny cover:
• The #1 mistake sales teams make on calls
• How to score your sales conversations for success
• Real results: Tripling revenue without new lead generation
• How to build a repeatable sales process your team can follow
• Where to start if you want to fix broken sales calls today

Perfect for business owners, sales leaders, and coaches ready to keep more of what they make and close more deals with confidence.

Learn more about Jonny and Bridge Selling at https://www.bridgeselling.com/

Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyholsten/

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

Welcome to the first episode of Cash Flow Confessions, a new segment on Getting to the Bottom Line with your host, outsourced CFO Stephanie Smith. In this real-talk mini-series, we spotlight raw and relatable financial challenges that business owners are quietly facing—and how they’re solving them.

In this kickoff conversation, Stephanie sits down with action-oriented business coach Kate Gilbert, who shares her eye-opening realization: she was bleeding money through unused subscriptions and unfinished online courses. Kate walks us through how she’s reclaiming her cash flow by tracking her expenses, prioritizing resources, and leveraging her own organizational tools—like a brilliant course tracker spreadsheet she created to bring order to the chaos.

This episode is your behind-the-scenes look at a real business owner tackling the not-so-glamorous parts of entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever looked at your monthly expenses and wondered where all your money is going, this episode will give you practical next steps and serious motivation.

Whether you're a coach, creative, or CEO, you’ll walk away with clear ideas for improving your bottom line—starting today.

Learn more about Kate: https://kategilbert.com/

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

Start 2026 with purpose, clarity, and a solid plan for your business success. In this solo kickoff episode of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith, CFO and founder of New Light Financial Solutions, shares her expert process for setting realistic and impactful financial goals. Whether you're aiming to increase revenue, streamline expenses, or improve cash flow, this episode walks you through the exact steps to reflect on last year's performance and create a data-driven roadmap for the year ahead.

Stephanie explains why business owners must go beyond vague resolutions and instead focus on measurable targets using real financial data. She covers 16 key drivers of revenue, profit, and cash flow—and introduces a practical worksheet you can use to visualize your goals and track progress throughout the year. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by planning or unsure where to start with your numbers, this episode will bring clarity and motivation.

You’ll also get a preview of an exciting new segment coming next week: Cash Flow Confessions, featuring real stories from business owners facing and overcoming financial challenges.

Ready to stop guessing and start winning with your finances? Tune in now and take control of your 2026 goals.

Get my Think Like a CFO Worksheet: https://newlightfs.com/cfoworksheet/

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

In this revealing episode of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith sits down with entrepreneur Glenn Bostock, a former cabinet‑maker, elevator‑interior innovator, and now a passionate advocate for what he calls “Human Business.” Glenn shares his unlikely journey from working in a barn to engineering patented elevator‑remodel kits used nationwide, and ultimately building a thriving business focused on people, purpose, and continuous improvement.

Together, they unpack why many business owners underestimate the true cost of disengaged employees, and how reframing “mistakes” as opportunities can transform both workplace culture and profit margins. Glenn walks listeners through practical systems he’s put in place — from post‑it improvement boards and daily “one‑hour fixes,” to a philosophy that rewards transparency and collaboration over fear and punishment.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a team that’s motivated, aligned, and driven — or why the most successful companies are often the most human — this episode offers a breakthrough mindset. Expect real‑world stories, actionable strategies, and powerful inspiration for creating a business that not only makes money, but makes meaning.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

In this episode of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith sits down with Billy Sammons, real estate professional and founder of Live Local Warm Marketing, to talk about the powerful impact of warm marketing on small business growth. Tired of paying thousands for cold leads that go nowhere? Billy shares how entrepreneurs can ditch outdated tactics and build real, sustainable communities around their businesses.

Billy walks us through his journey from high school teacher to real estate connector, revealing how shooting simple local business videos skyrocketed his CRM and transformed his marketing approach. He shares the exact strategy that helped one boutique owner grow her foot traffic through local collaborations—and how others can replicate her success.

If you're looking to grow your audience, stay top-of-mind, and make a real difference in your community (without breaking the bank), this episode is packed with actionable advice. Whether you're a solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, you’ll learn how warm marketing can be your best tool to drive engagement, referrals, and long-term loyalty.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

Struggling with cash flow in your business—even though you're making sales? In Episode 33 of Getting to the Bottom Line, host Stephanie Smith is joined by co-owner and guest Kris Smith to break down the 6 essential cash flow drivers every business owner needs to monitor to stay profitable and sustainable.

Whether you're sending invoices, managing inventory, buying assets, or figuring out when to pay bills, this episode dives into how to strategically manage your cash so you're not constantly scrambling to make ends meet. With practical insights and real-life examples, Stephanie and Kris cover:

• How to reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and get paid faster
• Managing Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) to avoid tying up cash
• Smart asset purchases and sales to boost liquidity
• How to time your vendor payments for maximum cash control
• Strategic use of debt and aligning payment schedules
• Balancing owner distributions and contributions to avoid cash strain

If you're ready to take control of your business finances and keep more of what you earn, this episode is packed with CFO-level advice delivered in a clear, non-jargony style.

👉 Subscribe for more weekly episodes focused on real-world financial strategy for entrepreneurs.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs

Welcome to Getting to the Bottom Line, where I’m your host Stephanie Smith (New Light Financial Solutions). In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Szynkowski of S Squared Ledger to dig deep into one of the foundational pillars of any scaling business: bookkeeping and payroll.

If you’ve ever felt uneasy looking at your profit & loss, questioned whether your revenue really supports growth, or wondered whether AI can “just handle” your finances — this conversation is for you. Stacey and I talk about:

• Common bookkeeping mistakes that sabotage clarity
• Why clean books are essential for hiring, investing, and decision making
• The limits of AI in financial management
• The cost savings you unlock when your books are organized
• When you should bring in a bookkeeper (or upgrade your current one)
• How she helps her clients with both bookkeeping and payroll systems

By the end of this episode, you’ll see why bookkeeping is not just about being “up to date” — it’s a strategic advantage.

Tune in if you want to move from “I hope my books are okay” to “I know exactly where my money is going.”

🔗 Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssquaredledger/

We want to hear from you! Send us a message.

---

My name is Stephanie Smith, owner of New Light Financial Solutions, and we help business owners walk the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. To learn more, visit us online at https://newlightfs.com/

Sign up for our newsletter for more great tips on how to keep the cash flowing in your business: https://newlightfs.com/newsletter/

Need help generating more cash in your business? Book a right fit call with us today: https://newlightfs.com/rightfit

---

Want to be a guest on Getting to the Bottom Line: Conversations to help business owners maximize revenue, profit, and cash flow? Send Stephanie Smith a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/newlightfs

Looking to be on more podcasts this year? Check out PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/newlightfs