Keep What You Earn

In this episode I dive into the often overlooked topic of founder-led sales. I discuss the common struggle many business owners face in handling various roles, especially holding onto the sales process for too long. I highlight the importance of delegating parts of the sales process, such as discovery calls and lead generation, to create a more scalable and efficient sales machine. I emphasize the need for documented, repeatable processes, clear client qualification guidelines, and the use of enablement materials. Additionally, I provide actionable insights on setting achievable sales goals, tracking key metrics through a CRM, and gradually transitioning to a role of sales coach while hiring sales reps. This episode is filled with practical advice to help you refine your sales strategy and overcome the bottlenecks that hinder your business growth. What You'll hear in this episode: [00:45] The Importance of Sales in Business [01:20] Challenges of Founder-Led Sales [02:10] Outsourcing and Delegating Sales Processes [04:45] Creating a Scalable Sales Machine [07:00] Setting Sales Goals and Metrics [08:45] Transitioning Out of the Sales Process [11:05] Leveraging Technology and Personal Touch in Sales [12:55] Incentives and Forecasting for Sales Teams If you like this episode, check out: Increase Your Earnings Without the Sales Struggle Sales Conversations That Convert with Nikki Rausch Stop Waiting and Start Scaling with Sam Vander Wielen Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode I discuss the significance of aligning employee compensation with desired behaviors and business outcomes. Learn practical tips on implementing incentive-based compensation plans, such as cash bonuses, periodic performance reviews, and the concept of phantom equity. Understand why giving away equity isn't always the best solution for fostering an ownership mindset and explore alternative methods to motivate and reward your team. Tune in to discover how to create a compensation plan that truly drives performance and enhances employee satisfaction. What You'll hear in this episode: [00:45] The Importance of Incentive-Based Compensation [02:00] Real-Time Rewards and Spot Bonuses [03:30] Flexible Performance Reviews and Bonuses [05:35] Creative Bonus Structures [06:58] The Misconception of Equity as Incentive [09:40] Phantom Equity: A Smart Alternative [10:45] Optimizing Compensation Plans If you like this episode, check out: Creative Benefits You Can Offer Employees Crafting a Profit Plan That Drives Your Business Forward Unlocking Business Success: Mastering the Art of the Accountable Plan Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, we expand on the $5 million bottleneck and discuss how to multiply your strategic capacity as a CEO to catalyze your business growth. Tune in as I share tactical insights into delegating decision-making, auditing your calendar, and prioritizing high-impact activities. Discover how to empower your team to make strong decisions, allowing you to focus on strategic vision, relationship building, and your zone of genius. Get ready to transform your business operations and elevate your strategic thinking! What You'll hear in this episode: [00:45] Expanding Beyond the $5 Million Bottleneck [02:50] Empowering Your Team for Strategic Growth [04:05] Delegating Decisions, Not Tasks [06:50] Prioritizing Impact Over Effort If you like this episode, check out: What Do Fractional Officers Do? with Jill Simonds Building Value in Your Business While Growing with Jill Simonds The 5 Financial Building Blocks of a Business Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode I discuss a common hurdle many business owners face: the $5 million bottleneck. Drawing from my experience as a CFO, I outline how business growth often stalls around this revenue point due to the founder's over-involvement in day-to-day operations. I highlight the importance of developing systems, delegating responsibilities, and creating clear organizational structures to overcome this challenge. Join me as I share actionable strategies to help you scale your business, empower your leadership team, and transition from a reactive to a proactive management style. What You'll hear in this episode: [00:50] Symptoms of the Bottleneck [03:10] The Importance of Systems and Processes [04:05] Risks of Inconsistent Decision Making [05:05] Breaking Free from the Bottleneck [08:12] Creating Functional Accountability [10:00] Empowering Your Team [12:35] Mindset Shifts for Effective Delegation [14:50] Taking Ownership as a Leader If you like this episode, check out: Harness the Benefits of an Accountable Plan in Your Business Use This Hack to Hire Financial Experts in Your Business How to Scale Without Losing Margin Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, I share personal reflections as I navigate selling our Connecticut home and how this experience paralleled with business advice I received from a visit to the headquarters of acquisition.com. I discuss the value of decluttering and aligning our possessions and business operations with our current phase of life. By stripping down to essentials, I've rediscovered joy and calm in my environment, inspiring me to apply the same principle to my business. Whether you're planning to sell your business or not, building it as if you will sell can reignite your passion and make it more enjoyable to manage. Drawing from my dad's wisdom about creating choices for the future, I emphasize the importance of setting up your business for adaptability and success. Tune in to learn how intentional budgeting, regular financial assessments, and a sellable mindset can set you up for a prosperous future.

What You'll hear in this episode:

[00:50] Personal Reflections and Moving

[01:40] Lessons from Selling a House

[03:40] Applying House Selling Lessons to Business

[05:15] The Importance of Choices in Business

[06:10] Personal Anecdotes and Career Advice

[07:50] Building a Business with Future Choices in Mind

If you like this episode, check out:

If I Started Over, Here's What I Would Do First

Mapping Your Own Journey to Financial Freedom with Justin Buonomo

How Do You Build a Business with an Exit Strategy in Mind?

Want to learn more so you can earn more?

Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes

Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team

Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ

Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/

The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, I demystify the often complex process of preparing your business for sale. From unexpected offers to due diligence, I provide actionable steps to ensure you're ready for any opportunity that comes your way. Learn how to clean up your financials, document operational procedures, and mitigate risks to build buyer confidence. Discover why it's crucial to have GAAP-compliant financial statements, a well-documented corporate structure, and key contracts at your fingertips. Whether you're ready to sell or just want to be prepared, this episode is your go-to guide for making your business a more attractive asset. Tune in now to start taking proactive steps toward a profitable exit strategy! What You'll hear in this episode: [00:50] Unexpected Offers: The Start of a Business Sale [01:50] Understanding the Letter of Intent (LOI) [02:15] Preparing for Due Diligence [03:20] Importance of Clean Financials [04:20] Key Documents and Metrics for Buyers [11:50] Avoiding Deal Killers [14:50] Final Thoughts and Next Steps If you like this episode, check out: The Five Steps to Selling Your Business How to Value a Business What Are the 3 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Business? Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, we tackle the concept of margin erosion and how it impacts scaling businesses. I share insights on how growing your sales doesn't necessarily equate to growing your profits. We dive into common culprits like hiring rates, customer acquisition costs, and overhead, providing practical solutions to maintain healthy margins. You'll learn the importance of knowing your fixed vs. variable costs, adjusting your pricing structure, and implementing standardized processes without compromising customization. I'll also emphasize the necessity of regularly reviewing your finances to ensure sustainable profitability. Tune in to gain actionable strategies to improve your margins, ensuring that your business growth translates into increased profitability. What You'll hear in this episode: [00:50] Understanding Lifestyle Creep in Business [01:15] The Concept of Margin Erosion [02:50] Warning Signs of Margin Erosion [03:40] Customer Acquisition Costs [06:45] Diagnosing Margin Erosion [09:00] Improving Margins and Scaling [10:05] Standardization and Customization [13:10] Financial Oversight and Cash Flow Management If you like this episode, check out: Smart Cash Management for Business Owner Start with This Financial Metric (Financial Priority Formula Part 1) Early Warning Signs of a Cash Flow Crisis Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, I dive into the crucial topic of building trust online, especially in the digital marketing landscape. You've probably heard about the phrase 'know, like, and trust,' but I believe there's a missing piece in this equation. I argue that trust is not just a byproduct of likability; it also hinges on reliability. Trust is formed through the relationship plus the consistency of behavior that demonstrates a commitment. Through real-world examples and expert insights, I discuss how being reliable—such as consistently answering DMs or providing valuable content—can dramatically enhance trustworthiness. Plus, I share tips on how to analyze and improve your current strategies to build a more robust trust framework with your audience. Tune in to this episode and learn how to create a business that earns and retains the trust of your clients.

What You'll hear in this episode:

[00:45] Understanding Know, Like, and Trust

[01:50] The Equation of Trust: Relationship + Reliability

[03:05] Building Trust Through Consistency

[03:50] The Importance of Responsiveness

[04:25] Trust in Client Relationships

[06:40] Consistency and Commitment in Business

If you like this episode, check out:

The Key to Building Authentic Relationships and Network with Cassandra Thompson

What Drives You Beyond the Numbers?

Boosting Business with Better Client Care

Want to learn more so you can earn more?

Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes

Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team

Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ

Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/

The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

In this episode, I discuss some of the challenges and triumphs of evolving a business, sharing personal experiences from my journey as a CPA and business owner. I explore the idea that what got you here won't necessarily get you there, and how this constant need for evolution can feel like starting over at each new business level. I also discuss the concept of sunk cost bias and how difficult it can be to let go of past efforts to redirect focus toward new goals. Join me as I highlight the importance of being selective with opportunities, using the analogy of my adopted puppy, Lola, to illustrate the scarcity mindset entrepreneurs often face. Tune in for insights on making strategic decisions, saying no to past desires, and committing to your future self and business growth. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons that can help you maneuver through your own entrepreneurial journey.

What You'll hear in this episode:

[00:50 The Evolution of Business

[02:05] Challenges of Constant Change

[03:55] Opportunities and Shifting Desires

[06:25] The Importance of Saying No

If you like this episode, check out:

When to Persist or Pivot with Lori Harder

The Little Things That Unlocked Growth in My Business and Life

3 Voices You Need to Silence to Succeed

Want to learn more so you can earn more?

Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes

Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team

Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ

Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/

The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

A solid expense reimbursement policy is a must and today I'm sharing effective strategies and platforms. As your business scales, you'll need to trust your employees with your money. We'll dive into how to set clear expense policies, leverage expense management platforms, and foster a money-conscious culture. Learn why sharing budget transparency and setting expectations are essential to prevent financial abuse and ensure your team respects company funds. Whether you have a small or large team, these strategies will help you maintain control and grow your wealth. Tune in to find out how you can create a sustainable and profitable business by effectively managing expense policies and building a financially responsible culture. What You'll hear in this episode: [0:50] Trusting Employees with Company Money [1:50] Expense Management Platforms [2:40] Setting Expense Policies [4:15] Building a Money-Conscious Culture [8:15] Handling Policy Violations If you like this episode, check out: Managing Business Travel Expenses Made Easy Best Practices to Control Employee Spending Building a Strong Company Culture with Caroline Pennington Want to learn more so you can earn more? Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/ The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.