The Business You Really Want

Do you know the difference between being reliable and being accountable?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo break down the concept of true accountability and why it’s crucial for achieving sustainable success in business. Learn the key differences between tracking, reliability, and accountability, and how fostering a culture of non-judgmental accountability can transform your business operations and outcomes.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Understanding what true accountability is (and isn't)
• 6:02 - Accountability is about more than acknowledgement
• 8:36 - When does accountability become micro-management?
• 12:35 - The weekly course of action
• 15:28 - Creating feedback loops to make sure things get done
• 19:13 - Common accountability mistakes that many business owners make
• 25:21 - How to foster a culture of accountability without micromanaging
• 28:40 - Important questions to consider for effective accountability

Key Takeaways:

• Accountability vs. Reliability: Being reliable is about completing tasks, while true accountability involves a relationship where someone else is invested in your results.
• Non-Judgmental Accountability: Create a culture where feedback is given without judgment, encouraging open communication and continuous improvement.
• Avoid Micromanagement: True accountability isn’t about checking every step but understanding the results and reflecting on the process to improve.
• Ask the Right Questions: Effective accountability involves asking questions that encourage reflection, such as "What did we learn?" and "What can we do differently?"
• The Power of Feedback: Regular check-ins and constructive feedback can help keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Ready to build a culture of true accountability in your business? Try this:

1. Differentiate between tracking, reliability, and accountability: Understand the unique role each plays in your business.
2. Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where feedback is welcome, and judgment is minimized.
3. Focus on results, not just tasks: Regularly review what’s been achieved and what could be improved, rather than just ticking boxes.
4. Get a partner in accountability: Find a mentor, peer, or coach who can provide objective feedback and support.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Everyday Effectiveness team practices true accountability internally and in partnership with their clients. If you’d like to experience the Weekly Course of Action for yourself, join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/eqSzk6oktYdoCUaM9

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 10, where we discuss building a resilient business strategy that can adapt to any challenge.

Do you find yourself solving the wrong problems in your business? Or maybe solving the right problems, but in the wrong order?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of identifying and solving the right problems in the right order. This episode dives into the common pitfalls business owners face when trying to fix issues, the difference between symptoms and root causes, and how solving problems in the wrong order can lead to wasted time, resources, and frustration.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Why the order in which you solve problems matters
• 6:02 - Finding someone who can own the problem - and the solution
• 9:12 - Identifying root causes versus treating symptoms
• 13:17 - The impact of solving problems in the wrong order
• 16:21 - How to prioritize problems as a business owner
• 21:25 - Mindset shift and asking the right questions 
• 25:11 - Look outside the “vertical path” of the problem

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid rework by solving problems in the right order: Understand that solving issues out of sequence can lead to more work and wasted resources.
• Identify root causes, not just symptoms: Go beyond the surface to understand what is really causing your business challenges.
• Get outside perspective: Sometimes, having someone from outside your organization or a new team member can provide the clarity needed to identify the real issue.
• Ask better questions: Instead of just asking "what" or "why," ask "does it have to be this way?" to open up new possibilities and solutions.
• Prioritize effectively: Use a checklist or a set of criteria to help prioritize which problems to solve first for maximum impact.

Ready to tackle your business problems more effectively? Try this:

1. Name the problem clearly: Define the issue you’re facing in a specific and concise manner.
2. Assess the impact: Detail the impact of  the problem on your business operations, including costs and lost opportunities.
3. Identify root causes: Look beyond the obvious symptoms to find the underlying causes of the problem.
4. Seek external feedback: Engage with a mentor, coach, or peer to gain an outside perspective on the problem and potential solutions.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Gwen’s Small Business Book Club recently discussed A Beautiful Constraint by Adam Morgan and Mark Barden: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Constraint-Transform-Limitations-Advantages-ebook/dp/B00QL30Q90

Wonder which experts Gwen and Tonya leaned on for the rebrand of Everyday Effectiveness and the branding of The Business You Really Want? Here are the service providers who have contributed to the project:

• Logos and primary brand - https://www.boumadesignco.com/
• Assets and brand expansion - https://authenticvisionmedia.com/
• Podcast assets - https://www.evokemedialabs.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 9, where we delve into building a resilient business model that can weather any storm.

Are you in control of your systems, or are your systems controlling you?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo invite you into the world of systems and how the behaviors within your business shape the results you see. Whether you're running a solo operation or managing a growing team, understanding and optimizing your systems can lead to more efficiency, less stress, and greater success.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Systems are actually just behaviors
• 6:32 - Learn your behaviors by consciously observing them
• 10:00 - How to document your systems once you know they work
• 12:35 - How to identify the behaviors that make up your systems.
• 17:28 - Why being too flexible might be sabotaging your business success
• 20:28 - Creating intentional systems that align with your goals and values
• 22:58 - The time it takes to standardize behaviors into effective systems
• 27:54 - Free yourself by standardizing behaviors for recurring decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Systems are not software: Understand that systems are the consistent behaviors and processes that happen in your business every day.
• Observe your behaviors: Start noticing the automatic decisions you make daily; these are your true systems.
• Document only when necessary: Don’t waste time writing down processes until you know they are effective and repeatable.
• Balance flexibility with structure: Too much flexibility can lead to chaos; find the right balance to keep things running smoothly.
• Leverage outside perspectives: Sometimes, you need an external observer to point out unconscious behaviors that could be impacting your success.

Ready to optimize your business systems? Try this:

1. Start by observing: Take a week to note down every step you take in completing your daily tasks. What patterns do you see?
2. Ask why: For every action, ask yourself why you are doing it that way. Is there a better or more efficient way? 
3. Streamline your processes: Identify areas where you can reduce steps or make things more straightforward.
4. Get feedback: Consider working with a coach or a trusted colleague to gain insights into your habits and how they could be improved.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 8, where we explore solving the right problems in the right order.

Wondering how to get the most out of your team? 

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo explore the critical role that people play in your business. Whether you're managing a small team or you're a solopreneur navigating how to leverage contractors and vendors, this episode offers insights into maximizing your human resources effectively.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - The resource that is most expensive and most valuable in every business
• 6:02 - Why solopreneurs don't get a pass here 
• 10:00 - The importance of placing the right people in the right roles.
• 13:17 - How to figure out what tasks or responsibilities belong to which roles.
• 21:58 - Why the people who got you "here" may not be able to get you "there"
• 25:31 - What is a business owner's primary role (this one might surprise you)?
• 28:58 - How to bring up role changes and potential transitions with your team

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to define roles based on the tasks your business needs, rather than the people you currently have.
• Understand the importance of setting and communicating evolving expectations as your business grows.
• Recognize when it’s time to part ways with team members who are no longer the right fit for your business’s next phase.
• Get actionable tips on creating a culture of accountability and reducing friction within your team.

Ready to build a high-performing team? Try this:

• Start by clearly defining roles and responsibilities in your business, even if you’re the only one currently wearing all the hats.
• Set clear expectations for each role and communicate them regularly as your business evolves.
• Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions when it comes to letting go of team members who are no longer the right fit.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Also, be sure to check out Episode 7, where we break down how to identify and optimize the behaviors that shape your business operations.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

Feeling overwhelmed by financial reports? Wondering how to use numbers to truly drive your business forward?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo break down the often dreaded world of accounting. They tackle the myths that hold business owners back from understanding their finances and explain why knowing your numbers is crucial for sustainable success.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:12 - How accounting functions as your business' scorecard
• 3:12 - Discover the 3 key pillars of a successful business
• 5:45 - Why you need to look at your financial reports yourself (even if you have a bookkeeper or accountant)
• 9:18 - Which reports matter most (based on business model)
• 16:44 - What most CEOs fear when it comes to finances
• 21:77 - How to use financial data to inform business decisions
• 28:05 - What to do if you're ready to face your finances

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why understanding your financial reports doesn’t require advanced math skills.
• Discover which reports you should be paying attention to based on your business model.
• Understand how to spot patterns in your financial data to predict future business performance.
• Learn how to use financial data to make better business decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Ready to make sense of your numbers? Try this:

• Start by reviewing your profit & loss and balance sheet reports monthly.
• Look for patterns and trends that can inform your business decisions.
• If you’re struggling to understand your numbers, seek help from a professional who can explain them in a way that makes sense to you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Also, be sure to check out Episode 6, where we explore how to make the most of your most expensive and valuable resource - your people. 

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Profit First by Mike Michaelowicz - https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

Are you ready to delegate effectively without sacrificing quality?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the essential skill of delegation—a crucial but often misunderstood aspect of leadership. Learn what true delegation looks like and how mastering it can transform your business.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 3:11 : Why true delegation is harder than you think
• 5:13: The phases of effective delegation
• 12:15: The difference between delegating tasks and delegating responsibility
• 19:49: How to handle delegation gone wrong
• 25:00: Why it's important to stay curious when mistakes are made
• 29:29: Which mistakes to avoid when delegating

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the multi-phase process of delegation and why it’s more than just handing off tasks.
• Learn why empowering your team with full responsibility is crucial for growth.
• Discover how to hold your team accountable without micromanaging, ensuring they own their successes and failures.
• Get actionable advice on how to delegate effectively and overcome common challenges.

Ready to delegate like a pro? Try this:

• Break down the delegation process into manageable phases, starting with clear communication and training.
• Gradually transfer responsibility while maintaining oversight until your team is fully self-sufficient.
• Focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging the process, and allow your team to learn from their mistakes.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your approach to delegation as your business grows.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Also, be sure to check out Episode 5, where we talk about accounting and making sense of the numbers that matter most.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

Are you setting goals that actually align with your values?

Or are you chasing someone else's definition of success? In this episode, Gwen and Tonya share how to create meaningful, achievable goals that propel your business forward without burning you out.

Here’s the breakdown of this episode:

- 1:00 - Why understanding the "why" behind your goals is crucial

- 3:30 - The dangers of pursuing goals that don’t align with your true desires

- 6:00 - Shifting from a misaligned goal to one that brings fulfillment

- 10:00 - How to identify signs that your goals might not be aligned with your values

- 14:00 - The impact of misaligned goals on your business and personal well-being

- 18:00 - How to set achievable goals without compromising ambition

- 22:00 - The power of "Good/Better/Best" goals in maintaining motivation

- 27:00 - Why setting realistic growth metrics matters more than you think

- 31:00 - The worst-case scenario: What happens when you ignore misalignment

Key Takeaways:

- Understand why it's so crucial to set goals that align with your true desires and values.

- Learn how to spot the signs that your goals might be leading you in the wrong direction.

- Create balance between ambition and achievability with the "Good/Better/Best" framework.

- Recognize when it's time to reassess and adjust your goals for better alignment with your life and business.

Want to make sure your goals align with the business you really want? Try this:

- Reflect on the "why" behind each of your goals. Are they truly yours, or are they influenced by some external pressure?

- Ask yourself, really, whether or not you are on a path that will bring you fulfillment if you achieve what you say you want.

- Use the "Good/Better/Best" framework to set goals that challenge you without leaving you frazzled.

- Regularly revisit and adjust your goals as your business and life evolve.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Also, be sure to check out Episode 4, where we discuss the importance of effectiveness and delegation in achieving your business goals.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the five key functions of business operations and how to identify the bottlenecks within each. 

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

1:00 - Understanding symptoms vs. root causes in business issues

2:29 - What really causes cash-flow problems

5:45 - Why root-cause discovery is a challenge

8:12 - Introducing to the GEARS framework

16:00 - How business functions intersect

20:58 - Why quick fixes often fail to solve the real problems

26:12 - What happens when you ignore underlying issues

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how key business functions interconnect and affect your operations.
• Discover why it's crucial to dig deeper into business problems rather than just treating the symptoms.
•  Explore common operational issues and practical solutions that can be applied to your business.

Want to shift GEARS in your business? Try this:

• Assess each area of your business to identify potential bottlenecks (listen to the episode for the full breakdown).
• Focus on one area at a time to make meaningful improvements.
• Avoid quick fixes and invest time in uncovering the root causes of your business issues.
• Implement changes gradually and monitor their impact on your overall operations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Also be sure to check out Episode 3, where we dig deeper into setting goals that you’ll actually want to achieve.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

Feeling burned out or stuck in a business that no longer brings you joy? 

Ready to grow without sacrificing what matters most?

In this inaugural episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo tackle the emerging trend of entrepreneurs "burning down" their businesses to start over (or call it quits). Drawing from Gwen's 40 years of cross-industry experience, they offer a fresh perspective on building sustainable success without sacrificing your values or sanity.

Listen for these juicy nuggets:

• 2:41 - The genesis of the podcast and why it's needed now
• 5:45 - The problem with the "burn it down" approach
• 9:45 - Marketing's limitations in solving systemic issues
• 13:36 - The importance of defining success on your own terms
• 18:21 - Real-life examples of misaligned business growth
• 24:32 - The courage required to redefine success
• 27:34 - The value of outside perspective in solving critical business problems

Does this episode hit a little too close to home? Try this:

1. Before making drastic changes, identify what success really means for you
2. Look beyond your product and marketing to find the root cause of your problems
3. Seek outside perspectives, if necessary, to discover alternatives you might not have considered
4. Focus on aligning your business with your values and goals

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Check out Episode 2, where Gwen and Tonya cover practical steps to assess and transform your business model.

Have questions? Email Tonya at [email protected] to potentially have your question featured in a future episode.

💡GET NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES: www.thebusinessyoureallywant.com

💡 Subscribe to our GEARshift newsletter: pages.everydayeffectiveness.com/gearshift

__________

Connect with Gwen:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-bortner/

Connect with Tonya:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyakubo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTonyaKubo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyakubo

Twitter/X: https://x.com/tonyakubo

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tonyakubo

#podcast #entrepreneurship #businessadvice

Gwen Bortner is an operational strategist and business advisor with four decades of experience spanning more than 40 industries.

As the host of The Business You Really Want podcast, Gwen shows female entrepreneurs how to design sustainable, fulfilling businesses aligned with their values.

Each week, Gwen and co-host Tonya Kubo share practical strategies, real-life examples, and keen insights to help listeners navigate the challenges of running an impact-driven business.

Feeling burned out, stuck, or unsure about how to grow your business without sacrificing what matters most? This podcast offers the guidance and perspective needed to build the business you really want.