The Ops Authority

As you lead your business, do you experience mental blocks, time challenges, or the desire to bring in more revenue? Every entrepreneur experiences these issues while battling feelings of overwhelm because she’s trying to do it all. 

In this episode, I talk with two-time A-Team alum Veronica Staudt, owner of Vintage Meet Modern, about what the A-Team is, how it works, and what you’ll get out of it. 

If you’re ready to take care of the backside of your business, the A-Team is the way to get it done. Veronica is a great example of how A-Team can help a business transform and increase revenue by focusing on the operations side of business.

  Veronica’s Business Before A-Team

Veronica started selling jewelry through eBay in 2009 after 20 years of working in the personal shopping and jewelry business. She realized she was bringing home increasing revenue, but she wanted to provide a more personalized experience for her shoppers, so she launched her own site. 

Before A-Team, Veronica:

• Felt overwhelmed, tired, and heavy because she knew leaner times were ahead.
• Had a business that wasn’t growing how she wanted.
• Was trying to do everything at once.

“We cannibalize some of our own energy with negative thinking.” - Natalie Gingrich

The A-Team gives you practical strategies to personalize what works for you and your business.

  Veronica’s Business After A-Team

As a result of going through A-Team, Veronica stopped getting up every day trying to do it all with a mega-long to-do list. 

Through the program, Veronica: 

• Discovered what she’s more passionate about so she could focus on those areas.
• Gained confidence in knowing what roles needed to be filled in her business.
• Learned that “efficiency is everything.”
• Completed homework and exercises that allowed her to measure results. 

 

“If you’ve got an idea, if you’ve got a product, I can help you be successful.” - Natalie Gingrich

When you do the work in A-Team, you realize all you do in your business and how you spend your time. Veronica found the group component very helpful because it provided both accountability and motivation. 

“Putting the processes into place, and doing the work, and going through A-Team is what has made our business move forward.” - Veronica Staudt

  A-Team Content

We walk through the seven pillars of business and spend one month on a strategic objective.

“The more you get into A-Team, the less overwhelmed you feel.” - Veronica Staudt

The A-Team is a safe place where you talk about real struggles and how to grow your business right now. 

  A-Team Time Commitment

We meet for one hour every single week. Here’s the weekly breakdown:

• Week 1: Live training with Natalie
• Week 2: Implement
• Week 3: Mastermind
• Week 4: Get It Done Day

 

A-Team Investment 

You’ll recoup your investment because you get your time back and once you learn the system, you can continually implement it over time.

 

Veronica went from her business revenue being down by 20% to being up by 46% six months later. This came as a result of implementing what she learned in A-Team.

 

“We don’t do things that we know could easily move us forward in our business… so when you’re doing it in a group, and when you’re holding yourself accountable… it becomes a lot less scary.” - Veronica Staudt

 

Ready to sign up on the waitlist for the A-Team? Go here.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

 

Connect with Veronica Staudt:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

 

Veronica Staudt is a Jewelry Stylist, Speaker, Entrepreneur and thought leader based in Chicago, IL. Veronica’s passion is helping women look and feel their best by dressing in details and setting themselves apart from the rest.  Veronica learned at a young age the power jewelry has to help a woman feel transformed without having to step foot into a dressing. 

 

In 2009, Veronica founded Vintage Meet Modern, and online and in-person pop-up vintage jewelry and styling boutique. She uses her 20 years of styling expertise to show women and even retailers how easy it was to mix vintage jewelry with modern clothes, with great support from both clients and brand partnerships, Vintage Meet Modern is exactly that “vintage meet modern.” 

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast16.

 

Have you ever wondered where to invest in your business? Do you ask yourself who's trustworthy? What makes a business investment smart? There are countless ways to invest in your business. Which one is right for you?

In this episode, you'll learn the types of investments available, what to consider before you make a financial investment to grow your business, and what paid options are best for each phase of business growth. If you've ever wondered where to invest in your business, this episode is for you.

"I fully believe you should invest in programs and people to grow your business."

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. As business owners, we're never satiated. Let's dig into your available investment options so you can grow your business.

Types of Growth and Development Investments Free + Small Investments

• Webinars
• Summits
• Templates
• Opt-ins
• YouTube tutorials
• Podcasts
• Books

Paid Investments

• Courses
• Coaches
• Group Programs
• Masterminds
• Specialty Coaches

How to Determine Where to Invest in Your Business

To help you decide the right investments for your business, you can ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is your current business stage?
2. • Building phase: You're unsure what to do but have a passion. You may have lots of offers to see what works.
   • Growing phase: This stage is both exhausting and exciting, and it's where you'll spend the bulk of your time. You have income coming in, but want to make business easier.
   • Scaling phase: In this phase, you're ready to bring in teammates, resources, and systems. Your revenue is over six figures. You're ready to step away from your business or multiply yourself through offering programs or certificates.
3. How many years have you been in business? Or how many years have you sold what you're currently offering?
4. What are your available funds?
5. What problem will this investment solve for you? What gap will this investment fill?

What Paid Options are Best for Business Growth Courses

• For those in Building or Growing phases.
• Good decision for those who want to learn or add to their skillset.
• Steer clear of courses if you lack the time or follow-through.
• Ask yourself if you need this training right now.

Coaches

• For those in between the Growing and Scaling phases.
• Good decision for those who feel stuck.
• Don't invest in a coach until your idea has been validated.
• Can be expensive.
• Find someone who complements your gaps, has figured out how to solve your specific problem, and understands your business model.
• Make sure your personalities match by interviewing the coach and talking with someone she's coached before. Confirm your compatibility and her ability to deliver on her promises.

Group Programs

• Good for those who don't have the money to hire a one-on-one coach
• Are cost-effective, offer robust support, and allow you to connect with others
• Think about joining the A-Team Accelerator waitlist. The A-Team is perfect for those who:
• • Have revenue coming in,
  • Want operational support,
  • Need to streamline what's working,
  • And desire a cost-effective way to get coaching and mentoring.

Mastermind Groups

• Are collections of people who support each others' struggles and celebrate their successes.
• Allow you to bring a problem and let others help you solve them.
• Perfect for those looking for support, guidance, and accountability.

Specialty Coaches

• Best for those in the Scaling phase.
• Examples are mindset coaches, money coaches or service providers (like me!).
• For those who seek specialized education or innovation, extra hands, or decision-making support.

Remember that investing in your business shouldn't come from fear. If you're unsure where to start, make a dream list of investment opportunities. When the time comes to invest, you'll know when you've answered those four earlier questions.

Weekly Ops Activity

Tell us your next investment step in our private Facebook group. Join in the fun right here!

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/15

Have you ever wondered where to invest in your business? Do you ask yourself who’s trustworthy? What makes a business investment smart? There are countless ways to invest in your business. Which one is right for you?

In this episode, you’ll learn the types of investments available, what to consider before you make a financial investment to grow your business, and what paid options are best for each phase of business growth. If you’ve ever wondered where to invest in your business, this episode is for you. 

“I fully believe you should invest in programs and people to grow your business.”

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. As business owners, we’re never satiated. Let’s dig into your available investment options so you can grow your business. 

Types of Growth and Development Investments Free + Small Investments

• Webinars
• Summits
• Templates
• Opt-ins
• YouTube tutorials
• Podcasts
• Books

 

Paid Investments

• Courses
• Coaches
• Group Programs
• Masterminds
• Specialty Coaches

 

How to Determine Where to Invest in Your Business

To help you decide the right investments for your business, you can ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. What is your current business stage?
2. • Building phase: You’re unsure what to do but have a passion. You may have lots of offers to see what works.
   • Growing phase: This stage is both exhausting and exciting, and it’s where you’ll spend the bulk of your time. You have income coming in, but want to make business easier.
   • Scaling phase: In this phase, you’re ready to bring in teammates, resources, and systems. Your revenue is over six figures. You’re ready to step away from your business or multiply yourself through offering programs or certificates. 
3. How many years have you been in business? Or how many years have you sold what you’re currently offering?
4. What are your available funds?
5. What problem will this investment solve for you? What gap will this investment fill? 

 

What Paid Options are Best for Business Growth Courses

• For those in Building or Growing phases. 
• Good decision for those who want to learn or add to their skillset.
• Steer clear of courses if you lack the time or follow-through.
• Ask yourself if you need this training right now.

 

Coaches

• For those in between the Growing and Scaling phases.
• Good decision for those who feel stuck.
• Don’t invest in a coach until your idea has been validated.
• Can be expensive.
• Find someone who complements your gaps, has figured out how to solve your specific problem, and understands your business model.
• Make sure your personalities match by interviewing the coach and talking with someone she’s coached before. Confirm your compatibility and her ability to deliver on her promises.

 

Group Programs

• Good for those who don’t have the money to hire a one-on-one coach
• Are cost-effective, offer robust support, and allow you to connect with others
• Think about joining the A-Team Accelerator waitlist. The A-Team is perfect for those who:
• • Have revenue coming in,
  • Want operational support,
  • Need to streamline what’s working,
  • And desire a cost-effective way to get coaching and mentoring.

 

Mastermind Groups

• Are collections of people who support each others’ struggles and celebrate their successes.
• Allow you to bring a problem and let others help you solve them.
• Perfect for those looking for support, guidance, and accountability.

 

Specialty Coaches

• Best for those in the Scaling phase.
• Examples are mindset coaches, money coaches or service providers (like me!).
• For those who seek specialized education or innovation, extra hands, or decision-making support.

Remember that investing in your business shouldn’t come from fear. If you’re unsure where to start, make a dream list of investment opportunities. When the time comes to invest, you’ll know when you’ve answered those four earlier questions. 

 

Weekly Ops Activity

Tell us your next investment step in our private Facebook group. Join in the fun right here!

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/15

Visibility is a key aspect of any business, but how can you stand out in a crowded digital space? And what will work for you at your current stage of business?

In this episode, I break down what I've done the past three years in my own business, what I'm doing now, and how you can create a strategy that works for you. Whether you want free visibility or you're ready to invest, this episode will help you learn how to increase your visibility online.

How I Stood Out Online

In my first two years of business, I promised myself a zero-debt business so I offered a one-to-one service.

"Persistence is the name of business."

My free visibility strategy for those two years looked like:

• Networking in Facebook groups
• Going live on Facebook weekly
• Hosting online coffee chats

The results of that free visibility strategy were that I:

• Incurred no cost!
• Spent my time networking
• Learned about other business structures
• Understood pain points of potential clients
• Created solutions
• Grew my opportunities like participating in online events and conferences
• Generated $10k/month

In year three of business, I was a guest on 21 podcasts, I spoke on three stages, and traveled to business events. I was super intentional about every event and courageously connected with influencers who introduced me to their contacts and mastermind groups. I also got serious about my content strategy, e.g. posting blogs weekly and emailing my list.

Here's My Visibility Plan Today

Now in year four of my business, visibility looks like:

• Paid speaking engagements
• Participating in higher-level masterminds
• Growing my email list
• Podcasting

How You Can Increase Your Visibility Online

I strongly encourage you to do what I did to grow my business online:

• Connect with integrity
• Serve
• Listen
• Save money
• Make sacrifices
• Test lots of things
• Optimize and automate what works

"Visibility is a key component to a successful and thriving business."

If You're Still Stuck on How to Get Visible, Do This

If you're feeling really stumped about visibility, I encourage you to join the A-Team waitlist. We spend one full month on creating your visibility plan and optimizing your current one. Sounds good right? The A-Team is designed to help you take action, become accountable, and accelerate your business growth.

Weekly Ops Activity

1. Look at where Visibility ranks among your seven Strategic Objectives.
2. If it's in the top three, create a list of where you're currently visible, e.g. social media, Facebook groups, opt-ins, podcast appearances, your email list.
3. Evaluate if these current channels are doing you good. Look at your metrics to see if your Visibility is paying off.
4. Post your plan (or questions!) in our private Facebook group.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority's Systems with Esther Littlefield

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

• Website
• Private Facebook Community
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/14.

Visibility is a key aspect of any business, but how can you stand out in a crowded digital space? And what will work for you at your current stage of business? 

 

In this episode, I break down what I’ve done the past three years in my own business, what I’m doing now, and how you can create a strategy that works for you. Whether you want free visibility or you’re ready to invest, this episode will help you learn how to increase your visibility online.

How I Stood Out Online

In my first two years of business, I promised myself a zero-debt business so I offered a one-to-one service.

 

“Persistence is the name of business.”

 

My free visibility strategy for those two years looked like:

• Networking in Facebook groups
• Going live on Facebook weekly
• Hosting online coffee chats

 

The results of that free visibility strategy were that I:

• Incurred no cost!
• Spent my time networking
• Learned about other business structures
• Understood pain points of potential clients
• Created solutions
• Grew my opportunities like participating in online events and conferences
• Generated $10k/month

 

In year three of business, I was a guest on 21 podcasts, I spoke on three stages, and traveled to business events. I was super intentional about every event and courageously connected with influencers who introduced me to their contacts and mastermind groups. I also got serious about my content strategy, e.g. posting blogs weekly and emailing my list.

 

Here’s My Visibility Plan Today

Now in year four of my business, visibility looks like:

• Paid speaking engagements
• Participating in higher-level masterminds
• Growing my email list
• Podcasting

 

How You Can Increase Your Visibility Online

I strongly encourage you to do what I did to grow my business online:

• Connect with integrity
• Serve
• Listen
• Save money
• Make sacrifices
• Test lots of things
• Optimize and automate what works

 

“Visibility is a key component to a successful and thriving business.”

 

If You’re Still Stuck on How to Get Visible, Do This

If you’re feeling really stumped about visibility, I encourage you to join the A-Team waitlist. We spend one full month on creating your visibility plan and optimizing your current one. Sounds good right? The A-Team is designed to help you take action, become accountable, and accelerate your business growth. 

 

Weekly Ops Activity

1. Look at where Visibility ranks among your seven Strategic Objectives.
2. If it’s in the top three, create a list of where you’re currently visible, e.g. social media, Facebook groups, opt-ins, podcast appearances, your email list.
3. Evaluate if these current channels are doing you good. Look at your metrics to see if your Visibility is paying off. 
4. Post your plan (or questions!) in our private Facebook group. 

 

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems with Esther Littlefield

 

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

• Website
• Private Facebook Community
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/14.

You have a passion and gifts that you want to share with others so you decided to start your own business. Your passion comes with 1 million ideas and you're putting in the time and energy to bring your passion to the marketplace. Then you grow.

Now you feel paralyzed by too many tasks. You feel tired and pulled in so many directions. You start second-guessing being an entrepreneur -- or at least starting this business. Sound familiar?

Is there a way to grow your business without burning out? In this episode, certified DOO and business owner Jen Grayeb and I talk about the difference between growing and scaling, what burnout looks like, the biggest contributors to burnout and what you can do about it. Are you ready to put the burnout behind you? Listen in!

The Difference Between Growing and Scaling

There are three phases in your business:

1. Building - Your business just launched and you are so excited. This is the honeymoon phase.
2. Growing - You're all about expanding your visibility and revenue in this phase. You're adding products, sales funnels, and people.
3. Scaling - You're all about multiplying and protecting your profit margin. This phase prompts innovation and has you asking, "How do I replace myself?"

What Burnout Looks Like

You feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the CEO role. You have 1 million things you can be doing, but you're unsure what you should be doing or how to do it. You feel certain you should make more but aren't sure why you're not bringing in more revenue. You may also feel unsure where to reinvest money in your business so you'll see a return.

The Biggest Contributors to Burnout

• You're spread too thin. You're putting time and energy into areas that aren't growing your business.
• You're financially stressed.
• You're failing to break down your vision, idea, or strategy into an actionable plan.
• You're not leveraging data to make decisions.

"When you're approaching burnout, one of the most actionable things you can do today is to create a dashboard of metrics." - Natalie Gingrich

What We Recommend When You Feel Like Quitting

• Get really clear on what you're trying to accomplish, your strategy for how you'll accomplish it, and the tasks that need to get done in order to execute your strategy.
• Break your big idea down into smaller actionable projects. Break down those projects into specific tasks.
• Get ideas out of your head and onto paper.
• Establish KPIs.
• Focus on building the operations side of your business through systems and processes.
• Hire a team so you can get back to your zone of genius.
• Find accountability partners through the A-Team, a business coach or another system of support.

"We've seen the backend of a lot of businesses… they have all experienced what you are feeling right now. They have all experienced overwhelm and burnout." - Jennifer Grayeb

What I Did When I Felt Burnout: Created a Framework

I had a severe case of overwhelm but wanted to help as many small business owners one-on-one. I suffered from "special snowflake theory," believing that I was the only one out there who could help clients with the operational side of their business. Then I realized I wasn't the only one!

For six months, I took notes on what I did with my one-on-one clients that made them happy and their businesses effective. I created a framework that became the licensed Strategic Mapping Model. This became a course, which turned into the certified Director of Operations program over time.

How I Multiplied My Efforts: A-Team

I created the A-Team so I could multiply my one-on-one efforts with clients and increase the number of people thinking strategically about the backside of their businesses. The program was created for the small business owner who is still operating the day-to-day of her business. Through this program, you'll learn operational systems so you can step back from your business.

Jen's Experience with the A-Team

She found the program super productive and fun. Jen loved the dedicated time she had to work on the strategy of her own business. Through the monthly themes, she set goals and was held accountable for doing the work.

Join the A-Team Waitlist

The doors open in November so you want to get on the waitlist now! Just head here if you're ready to turn your burnout into productivity.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority's Systems with Esther Littlefield

Episode 12: Why $100K in Revenue is the Wrong Financial Goal for Your Business

Connect with Jennifer Grayeb:

Instagram

Website

Jennifer Grayeb is the CEO of The Nimble Co., a consulting group specializing in growth strategy for online business owners to make sure they are focused on the right things, in the right order, the right way. She recently left her senior HR strategy role at a Fortune 10 company and has been mentioned in books "Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One" by Jenny Blake (2016) and "Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation" by Dan Schawbel (2018). In addition to being named one of the Millennial 100 in 2017, she's attended events at the White House and rang the NASDAQ bell with a group of entrepreneurs while she was with the Young Entrepreneur Council.

While working full time, she started a blog and with just a few hours per week, grew it to reach 2 million people per year. She ultimately sold that blog within just 2 years of starting it. In every role she's had, every company she's owned, or client she's worked with, one thing has been consistent: she delivers results without working 80 hour weeks.

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at https://theopsauthority.com/podcast/13

You have a passion and gifts that you want to share with others so you decided to start your own business. Your passion comes with 1 million ideas and you’re putting in the time and energy to bring your passion to the marketplace. Then you grow.

Now you feel paralyzed by too many tasks. You feel tired and pulled in so many directions. You start second-guessing being an entrepreneur -- or at least starting this business. Sound familiar?

Is there a way to grow your business without burning out? In this episode, certified DOO and business owner Jen Grayeb and I talk about the difference between growing and scaling, what burnout looks like, the biggest contributors to burnout and what you can do about it. Are you ready to put the burnout behind you? Listen in!

 

The Difference Between Growing and Scaling

There are three phases in your business:

1. Building - Your business just launched and you are so excited. This is the honeymoon phase.
2. Growing - You’re all about expanding your visibility and revenue in this phase. You’re adding products, sales funnels, and people.
3. Scaling - You’re all about multiplying and protecting your profit margin. This phase prompts innovation and has you asking, “How do I replace myself?”

 

What Burnout Looks Like

You feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the CEO role. You have 1 million things you can be doing, but you’re unsure what you should be doing or how to do it. You feel certain you should make more but aren’t sure why you’re not bringing in more revenue. You may also feel unsure where to reinvest money in your business so you’ll see a return.

The Biggest Contributors to Burnout

• You’re spread too thin. You’re putting time and energy into areas that aren’t growing your business.
• You’re financially stressed.
• You’re failing to break down your vision, idea, or strategy into an actionable plan. 
• You’re not leveraging data to make decisions.

 

“When you’re approaching burnout, one of the most actionable things you can do today is to create a dashboard of metrics.” - Natalie Gingrich

 

What We Recommend When You Feel Like Quitting

• Get really clear on what you’re trying to accomplish, your strategy for how you’ll accomplish it, and the tasks that need to get done in order to execute your strategy. 
• Break your big idea down into smaller actionable projects. Break down those projects into specific tasks. 
• Get ideas out of your head and onto paper.
• Establish KPIs.
• Focus on building the operations side of your business through systems and processes.
• Hire a team so you can get back to your zone of genius. 
• Find accountability partners through the A-Team, a business coach or another system of support. 

 

“We’ve seen the backend of a lot of businesses… they have all experienced what you are feeling right now. They have all experienced overwhelm and burnout.” - Jennifer Grayeb

What I Did When I Felt Burnout: Created a Framework

I had a severe case of overwhelm but wanted to help as many small business owners one-on-one. I suffered from “special snowflake theory,” believing that I was the only one out there who could help clients with the operational side of their business. Then I realized I wasn’t the only one!

For six months, I took notes on what I did with my one-on-one clients that made them happy and their businesses effective. I created a framework that became the licensed Strategic Mapping Model. This became a course, which turned into the certified Director of Operations program over time. 

 

How I Multiplied My Efforts: A-Team

I created the A-Team so I could multiply my one-on-one efforts with clients and increase the number of people thinking strategically about the backside of their businesses. The program was created for the small business owner who is still operating the day-to-day of her business. Through this program, you’ll learn operational systems so you can step back from your business. 

 

Jen’s Experience with the A-Team

She found the program super productive and fun. Jen loved the dedicated time she had to work on the strategy of her own business. Through the monthly themes, she set goals and was held accountable for doing the work. 

 

Join the A-Team Waitlist

The doors open in November so you want to get on the waitlist now! Just head here if you’re ready to turn your burnout into productivity.

 

Previous Episodes Mentioned

Episode 5: The Seven Pillars to Your Business Strategy with Andrea Layne

Episode 11: Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority’s Systems with Esther Littlefield

Episode 12: Why $100K in Revenue is the Wrong Financial Goal for Your Business

Connect with Jennifer Grayeb:

Instagram

Website

Jennifer Grayeb is the CEO of The Nimble Co., a consulting group specializing in growth strategy for online business owners to make sure they are focused on the right things, in the right order, the right way. She recently left her senior HR strategy role at a Fortune 10 company and has been mentioned in books “Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One” by Jenny Blake (2016) and “Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation” by Dan Schawbel (2018). In addition to being named one of the Millennial 100 in 2017, she's attended events at the White House and rang the NASDAQ bell with a group of entrepreneurs while she was with the Young Entrepreneur Council.

While working full time, she started a blog and with just a few hours per week, grew it to reach 2 million people per year. She ultimately sold that blog within just 2 years of starting it. In every role she's had, every company she's owned, or client she's worked with, one thing has been consistent: she delivers results without working 80 hour weeks. 

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

 

This episode was first published at https://theopsauthority.com/podcast/13

Money equals business. You got started in business because you wanted to make a profit. Yet money is not just business; it's emotional too. Money can cause disagreements, make us feel amazing, or frustrated. So what's a practical way to view money in your business?

In this episode, you'll learn how to set real, practical, and beneficial financial goals for your business. We'll look at how else business success can be defined, and the one question I answered that changed my life.

Success in Business Doesn't Always Look Like Revenue

"As a business owner, money is messy."

Let's break down a practical approach to set realistic financial goals. For so many of us, we've heard that business success looks like making $100k in our first year so we feel frustrated when we don't hit this magic number.

"How do you measure success in your business?"

True business success can be measured in several different ways:

1. Amount of impact you want to have
2. Title
3. Time freedom
4. Happiness
5. Ability to volunteer or give back
6. Take-home pay
7. Savings

My Financial Goal Journey

In my first two years as an entrepreneur, success to me looked like profit and time freedom. These past two years, I've reframed success to look like profits and impact. I want to help equip, empower, and mentor women to be successful with the skills they already have.

However, in my first two years, I was only striving to reach $100k in revenue. Because of this drive, I lost out on family dinners, time with my kids, date nights, health, and happiness. I thought the magic number of $100k would do it for me.

"There is no magic number in revenue. The only magic is in how you define success."

"The more profit, the more we save, share, and invest. Revenue can't do any of that. "

"The most impactful number we need to feel success is profit; what you actually take home and contribute to your family. "

Three Steps to Help You Define Your Financial Goals

1. Start by understanding what the business's contribution to your personal or household finances should be.
2. Set your real business goals by using the Good-Better-Best framework.
3. Update your business plan.

But let's say that you're not meeting your Good goal. You can correct it in three ways:

1. launching a new product/service or a current product/service more often,
2. increase your pricing, and
3. find efficiencies to minimize expenses.

A Great Next Step as You Plan Your Financial Goals

If you have clients and your current product or service is selling AND you're ready for your business to run with more ease, get on the waitlist for the A-Team Accelerator. You'll set up systems just like the one we talked about today with finances, goals, and pricing. And many more. Plus you'll get a solid community of people who are just like you.

Real Talk about Financial Goals

In my first two years of business, I worked hard but wasn't living the legacy kind of life I hoped for. Then my husband and I sat down and talked about the question that changed my life:

"What monetarily do I need to bring home?"

This one question reframed how I organized my days, my offers, and my pricing. I encourage you to ask yourself if you are in alignment with what you need to bring home as well?

Weekly Ops Activity

Determine your Good-Better-Best Goals

Stay Connected:

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

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This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/12

Money equals business. You got started in business because you wanted to make a profit. Yet money is not just business; it’s emotional too. Money can cause disagreements, make us feel amazing, or frustrated. So what’s a practical way to view money in your business? 

 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to set real, practical, and beneficial financial goals for your business. We’ll look at how else business success can be defined, and the one question I answered that changed my life. 

 

Success in Business Doesn’t Always Look Like Revenue

“As a business owner, money is messy.”

Let’s break down a practical approach to set realistic financial goals. For so many of us, we’ve heard that business success looks like making $100k in our first year so we feel frustrated when we don’t hit this magic number. 

“How do you measure success in your business?” 

True business success can be measured in several different ways: 

1. Amount of impact you want to have
2. Title
3. Time freedom
4. Happiness
5. Ability to volunteer or give back
6. Take-home pay
7. Savings

 

My Financial Goal Journey

In my first two years as an entrepreneur, success to me looked like profit and time freedom. These past two years, I’ve reframed success to look like profits and impact. I want to help equip, empower, and mentor women to be successful with the skills they already have. 

However, in my first two years, I was only striving to reach $100k in revenue. Because of this drive, I lost out on family dinners, time with my kids, date nights, health, and happiness. I thought the magic number of $100k would do it for me.

“There is no magic number in revenue. The only magic is in how you define success.”

“The more profit, the more we save, share, and invest. Revenue can’t do any of that. “

“The most impactful number we need to feel success is profit; what you actually take home and contribute to your family. “

 

Three Steps to Help You Define Your Financial Goals

1. Start by understanding what the business's contribution to your personal or household finances should be.
2. Set your real business goals by using the Good-Better-Best framework. 
3. Update your business plan. 

But let’s say that you’re not meeting your Good goal. You can correct it in three ways:

1. launching a new product/service or a current product/service more often, 
2. increase your pricing, and 
3. find efficiencies to minimize expenses.

 

A Great Next Step as You Plan Your Financial Goals

If you have clients and your current product or service is selling AND you’re ready for your business to run with more ease, get on the waitlist for the A-Team Accelerator. You’ll set up systems just like the one we talked about today with finances, goals, and pricing. And many more. Plus you’ll get a solid community of people who are just like you. 

Real Talk about Financial Goals

In my first two years of business, I worked hard but wasn’t living the legacy kind of life I hoped for. Then my husband and I sat down and talked about the question that changed my life:

“What monetarily do I need to bring home?” 

This one question reframed how I organized my days, my offers, and my pricing. I encourage you to ask yourself if you are in alignment with what you need to bring home as well?

Weekly Ops Activity

Determine your Good-Better-Best Goals 

 

Stay Connected:

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app

Other Ways to Connect with Me:

Website

Private Facebook Community

Facebook Page

Instagram

This episode was first published at theopsauthority.com/podcast/12

It's difficult to thrive when you feel inefficient and overwhelmed. That's where systems come in. But what does a system look like? How can it help you grow and scale your business?

In this episode, we're going behind the scenes of my business. My right-hand operations superstar Esther Littlefield shares what systems we have in place, what steps make up those systems, and how systems can fail.

If you consistently perform the same tasks over and over, it's time to get those tasks into a system. Let's get started in systemizing your business so you can grow your business and increase your profits.

Esther's Role within The Ops Authority Business

Esther and I have worked together for several years, and she manages and implements many things in my business. She leads Morningstar Media Services, a business that focuses on launching and maintaining podcasts. However, she started as my VA. Esther is my person and is truly an extension of me.

All About Systems What a System Is

A system is a group of things that are all working together to accomplish one particular outcome. A system involves multiple people, steps, and processes to get one objective accomplished.

We're not talking about tech tools here; we're talking about step-by-step workflows, procedures, and processes.

Why You Need Business Systems In Order to Scale

Your business started with a passion, and you were likely doing everything. Over time, you may start to feel tired, and you need systems for the repeatable tasks in your business. This also allows you to start delegating some of your processes and focusing on what you do best.

Systems allow you to step out of the day-to-day operations and into a leadership role, where you can pursue your vision.

Why CEOs Delay Creating Systems

The big drawback is that creating systems takes extra time on the front end. You also may think, "No one can take this over. I'll always do this thing." So you don't create a system.

CEOs also fear outsourcing. Handing tasks over to someone else takes trust.

Behind the Scenes of The Ops Authority's Systems

Esther and I chat about the systems that we have within my business. Here are some of the things we have systems for inside The Ops Authority:

• Content (blog, podcast, social media, sending weekly emails)
• Lead generation
• Growing my email list
• Launch Plans
• SOPs

If your business has an online presence, your business is dependent on content and marketing. Help yourself by creating a system about the way you deliver content.

One of Our Systems: Blog Posts

1. I have a writer, Abby from Write Solutions, who writes my blog posts.
   • She gathers information, writes the content, then attaches the written blog post to our Trello card.
2. Esther creates + uploads.
   • Esther's team creates the graphics and also uploads, formats, and schedules the post in WordPress.
   • Esther's team schedules the social media posts.
3. Abby writes the corresponding email about the blog post and gets that content to Esther, who distributes it to my email list.

This process seems like a few short steps, but it takes up considerable time.

We use Trello, which tracks the entire workflow for every blog post. The blogpost card has a checklist for every phase. We also use Voxer to ask and answer questions and to communicate changes.

Remember that we can create systems, but sometimes people run late or miss a deadline. It's very important to have a good project manager who you know and trust who can keep the system moving.

Weaknesses in the Process

If one early step falls behind, the rest of the process is at risk for missing the pre-established deadlines. People also go on vacation or get sick. One person missing out on their work can cause a breakdown in the plan. The solution? Work ahead by batching the work you do.

Next, we talk about another system that we have in place inside The Ops Authority: this podcast! Esther's team manages this process, so she shares

Esther's Podcast Production System

This is a high-level overview of the 7-8 phases of a podcast production process. This example is for someone who wants to make podcasting their primary content marketing arm of their business.

1. Create audio (scheduled, prepped, recorded, edited)
2. Write copy (show notes, blog post or summary, social media)
3. Create graphics
4. Upload recording to the podcast host (example: Libsyn)
5. Upload recording to WordPress
6. Schedule and promote social media content
7. Follow-up with guests (if you have an interview show)
8. Optional: If you have an interview show, you may need an admin to handle a lot of the scheduling pre-interview and to deal with the communication with the guests.

Each of these phases in the system have multiple steps within them. Most of Esther's podcasts that she manages have 60-70 items on the Trello checklist for each episode.

How to Create Your System if You Don't Have a Team

Not everyone has a team, but you can still create a system for the repeatable processes in your business. Spend time writing down what you want your systems to look like.

Also, you can grab this free podcast workflow checklist Esther created for you if you need help getting your podcast process organized.

Start with a checklist of what is involved, and then save up so you can have people support you.

You can do hard things, but doing repeatable tasks prevents you from leading your business and reaching your vision.

Esther reminded us that if you don't have someone to manage a process for you, you are the manager of that process. Keep in mind that you need to set aside time to manage whatever systems you have in place.

Another System: Launch Plans

I have two programs I launch: A-Team Accelerator and the Director of Operations Certification Program. Instead of re-inventing the wheel every time, Esther and I have a repeatable launch plan process.

Esther sets up a Trello board outlining what is included in each launch. Then she makes a copy of that board for future launches. After a launch, Esther and I reflect on what worked and what didn't. Esther has the Trello boards organized by what tasks must happen four weeks out, three weeks out, etc.

Are You Ready to Scale Your Business?

Join the waitlist for the A-Team program, which is perfect for female entrepreneurs who are ready to work with more ease and get systems in place in their own businesses.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• "When you're ready to have a true partner in business, they will feel like family." - Natalie Gingrich
• "A 'system' in business has multiple steps, multiple people, multiple deadlines that come together to create the final outcome." - Natalie Gingrich
• "When you start to see repeatable tasks in your business, that's the perfect time to start putting systems in place." - Natalie Gingrich
• "For any process in your business, it's important to take the time to sit down and document the process as you would like it to take place." - Esther Littlefield
• "The theme for creating a system is that it's repeatable and you're going to outsource pieces of it." - Natalie Gingrich
• "We can dream of a complete book of SOPs but start with the tasks you repetitively do in your business and the processes that have multiple hands in them." - Natalie Gingrich

Weekly Ops Activity

Take a content process and make an itemized system. Bonus points if you put your new system into your favorite project management tool.

Previous Episodes Mentioned

• Episode 7: Behind the Scenes with Boss Mom with Dana Malstaff and Amy Lockrin
• Episode 8: Three Productivity Hacks You Haven't Thought Of
• Episode 9: How to Find the Right Project Management Tool with Cadri Cunningham

Connect with Esther Littlefield

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Esther Littlefield is the founder and CEO of Morningstar Media Services. At Morningstar Media, she serves business owners with their content management and marketing, specializing in podcast management. In addition, Esther is also a writer at EstherLittlefield.com and host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast.

Never satisfied to do just ONE thing, she stays busy as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. Esther uses her passion for details to help her clients reach their goals and shine online.

Esther combines her background as a social worker, network marketer, and blogger to help others achieve their goals in their business. As a task-oriented perfectionist, she's able to break down all the little details to accomplish a project. Most importantly, her desire is to help others achieve their dreams, and she will work hard to help make that happen.

Connect with Me:

• Website
• Private Facebook Community
• Facebook Page
• Instagram

This episode was originally published on theopsauthority.com/podcast/11