Financial Snickens Podcast

From streamlining processes to scaling your company, welcome to the spot where you get bite-sized financial information for entrepreneurs to help you succeed in your business! With over ten years of experience owning her own accounting and bookkeeping firm and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, she’s here to break down these questions in easy-to-understand language and actionable items. Tune in every Thursday for five to ten minutes of invaluable information. If you have questions about businesses or bookkeeping, head to firststepsfinancial.com and hit the “Let’s Talk” button to continue the conversation.

Episodes

The Pareto Principle, commonly known as the 80/20 rule, basically implies 80% of results come from 20% of causes. When applied to business, this principle analyzes client and sales data to understand where business owners should invest their time, money, and energy. 
 
In this episode, I delve into the 80/20 rule and how it allows business owners to better define which clients, services, and employees provide the best return on investment.
 
In this episode, you’ll also hear:
 
  • Identifying high profit customers and services 
  • Analyzing employee and task productivity
  • Knowing where your sales come from
 
For any business to be profitable, services must be priced appropriately. Business owners need to regularly set profit margin goals and adjust pricing accordingly.
 
In this episode, I break down cost-based and value-based pricing, and tips for competitive prices that keep clients happy and revenue goals on target.
 
In this episode, you’ll also hear:
  • Covering costs and profit margin
  • Advantages of value-based pricing
  • When to change your pricing strategy
 
Just like we visit the doctor and dentist for regular check-ups, business owners must routinely review expenses and decide when cuts are necessary. Monitoring the financial health of your business is key to its long-term success.  
 
The success of any business can be linked directly to organized financial reporting. Knowing exactly what profits are coming in, what expenses are going out, where business is coming from, and how to maximize finances is the best way to keep a business growing and ready for the long haul.
The only way a business survives is with profitability, and to maintain profitability business owners must routinely examine finances with specific indicators to ensure they are on the path to success.
Understanding the financial health of your business is vital to its long-term success and sustainability.
Some believe you must spend money to make money, but that doesn’t give business owners free reign to rack up debt for business expenses and still expect to turn a profit.
Just as forecasts for daily weather help us prepare for ever-changing temperatures, financial forecasts allow small business owners to make informed decisions in an ever-changing market.
In order to maintain a profitable business, small business owners must properly manage their cash with organized systems that provide an accurate outlook on potential gains and losses.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to get clear on your goals for your business and create a budget that supports the growth you plan to achieve. 
Although starting your own business sounds like a surefire way to make money, earning a profit rarely happens overnight. Entrepreneurship requires ceaseless amounts of perseverance, determination, and motivation to keep going.  
   
Being an effective leader means knowing how to motivate a team, but also requires self-reflection and understanding when to make adjustments to create more cohesion.  
 
    
Building a team centered on trust, collaboration, and growth is vital to the success of any business. Both leaders and managers carry equally important responsibilities of ensuring all employees understand the end goal and how to achieve it together. 
 
    
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different forms necessary to run a business. However, knowing which forms you need for specific types of employees is essential to keep all your accounts and tax information organized and updated.  
 
    
Businesses are at higher risk of falling victim to cybercrime than ever before. It is crucial to not only train your employees how to spot suspicious emails and avoid clicking spam links, but to know the tools available to develop solid cyber security practices and minimize the risk of attack.   
 
    
Companies can’t reach their goals without hardworking employees. Business owners must recognize and reward employees for their fantastic work and dedication.   
 
    
Instead of letting your money languish in your checking account, consider opening a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) since interest rates are higher than in years past.  
 
    
Taking time off work is crucial to creating a work/life balance.
 
However, some business owners need help unplugging and letting the team take the reins.  
In this episode, I recap what worked and what didn’t while I was out of the office in Japan for two weeks and what lessons our team learned from my absence.    
 
Whether you’re celebrating a recent achievement or sending holiday wishes, meaningful gestures can help strengthen your relationship with clients. Gifts don’t need to break the bank, but they should be thoughtful and something that will leave a lasting impression.
 
    
If a top performing employee left your business, would it send your team into a frenzy or into a united front? At some point every business owner experiences losing a key team member, but it doesn’t have to create panic.  
Ever consider hosting a podcast? Podcasts continue to gain popularity and bring in new listeners daily, which can translate to new customers for savvy business owners. 

Spooky times are best for Halloween, not your financial journey! Learning to navigate different accounting terms can help fortify your financial future and avoid frightful surprises along the way. 

Don’t wait until April to prepare your taxes! If you do, chances are you’re not getting all the tax breaks you deserve or saving as much money as if you planned in advance. 

In this episode, I outline why it’s beneficial to plan for tax season months before Tax Day and different approaches to tax planning for your business.  

Having your financial records in order is crucial to keeping your business on track for success. 


In this episode, I focus on tips for cleaning up your QuickBooks Online and ensuring your account is free of errors and duplicate transactions.   

Taking a vacation can create unnecessary stress if you don’t prepare your team to properly plan for your absence. 

In this episode, I offer helpful ways to ensure your business runs smoothly when you are out of the office. 

As a leader, are you doing what’s always worked for you or are you asking for feedback and embracing change? Recognizing the need to improve your leadership style is a skill in itself. 

In this episode, I highlight three transformative stages called “departure, voyage, and return” from a recent Harvard Business Review article focused on taking your leadership journey to the next level. 

Some kids start lemonade stands while others sell chocolate bars for different school fundraisers, and these experiences might just launch the next big business owner.   

In this episode, I recall my own entrepreneurial journey and how permission to think outside the box planted a seed that’s still influencing my professional career. 

Finding joy in your work is a lot easier when you have leaders that create a positive and supportive culture. 

In this episode, I dial in on what keeps employees happy and ready to come to work, and game-changing advice to incorporate the “4 G’s” into your work life. 

Networking can be intimidating but events held by your local Chamber of Commerce can make connecting with other professionals easier. 
In this episode, I shed light on my experience with my Chamber of Commerce and why you should consider joining yours to better serve your community while growing your  business.  

Time is money so it’s always important to enhance efficiency when you’re trying to run a business. 
In this episode, I share our current favorite online tools that can help streamline your business operations and save you time and money.   

Remember when checks were the standard form of payment for businesses? Thankfully, Automated Clearing House, or ACH payments, offer a more convenient option for businesses to receive payments from clients.
In this episode, I explain what ACH payments are and how they ensure a steady cash flow while enhancing your client’s overall buying experience. 

Do you have folders full of financial documents from 5,10, 20 years ago? It’s common to think you should keep every document but it’s not always necessary.  

In this episode, I review different financial documents and how to know which ones to keep and how long to wait before shredding them. 

The more we know about ChatGPT, the more we can use it to our advantage instead of being
afraid of it.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. Your business budget can be a simple spreadsheet or it can come with all the bells and whistles from the latest accounting software.   

It’s no secret raising a kid, much less raising multiple children, takes a ton of hard work. And yet, many people still don’t realize that motherhood is the perfect training ground for being a rockstar entrepreneur or employee.   
In this episode, I dial in on what gives moms and caregivers a natural advantage when it comes to running a business.  

Recruiting employees who easily mesh with your team, align with your values, and have the skills you’re looking for can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

If you want to increase your profitability, you must know your numbers, especially the expenses of your direct and indirect costs.

Summer means hot days and long nights, and hopefully some time to slow down and take a much needed break.

How much should a business owner draw as their take-home pay? Too much, and you’re draining the business, but too little and your personal financial struggles will take the business down with them.

So, how can entrepreneurs calculate their own fair wages? And how do they account for taxes and health insurance in their paycheck?
Learn guidelines for how business owners can accurately determine their take-home pay, 5 things an entrepreneur’s compensation should cover, and when it’s time for them to reexamine the finances of their business.

Who’s the administrator on the software accounts you use to run your business? Think about your website, your bookkeeping and payroll software, and even your social media? In this episode, I explain why you should always be the master admin of any software your business uses, 4 rules to prevent fraudulent access, and tips for when it’s necessary to share access with your team.

Did you know there are free tools that can help you find unclaimed money or boost your savings? Find out my top 3 favorite money-saving tools that are absolutely free and easy to use so you can stash more cash!

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

Details about Utah State University’s Power Pay

How to find money using Unclaimed.org

Why you should track your credit with Credit Karma

Firing a client is never easy, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to protect your business and your core values.

In this episode, I highlight things to consider before cutting ties with a client, and why it’s crucial to salvage as much of your professional relationship as possible when it’s time to say goodbye.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

Steps to take before firing a client

My recommendations for documentation and formal disagreement letters

Why you should avoid burning bridges with clients

Understanding the numbers of your business is key to its growth and success. But what should be measured to truly know how a business is performing?  

In this episode, I cover 8 KPIs, which key performance indicators are most useful to tracking your business’ progress, and how to know when to change what you’re measuring.
In this episode, you’ll also hear:

8 Common key performance indicators (KPIs) 
Benefits of measuring your Net Promoter Score (NPS)
Understanding when to change KPIs

Are you ready to unlock the secrets hidden within your profit and loss statement? Get ready to discover the power of this document as we dive deep into its significance. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of your profit and loss statement and explore how it can revolutionize your business decisions. From setting prices and forecasting growth to obtaining loans and attracting investors, this report holds the key to your success. We’ll also reveal how your profit and loss statement plays a crucial role in effective tax planning, ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned money. Don’t miss out on this episode packed with invaluable insights. Tune in now and learn how to unleash the full potential of your profit and loss statement!

Attention all entrepreneurs! Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your business finances? Do you struggle to keep track of your accounts? Then join us for a conversation on how to manage your finances better! In this episode, we’ll cover the different types of accounts available to entrepreneurs, including the benefits of having a business checking account, money market accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. We’ll delve into the features of each account, such as interest rates, minimum deposits, and monthly fees, as well as special offers from banks that you won’t want to miss. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to meet minimum balance requirements and identify other institutions that offer higher interest rates. Don’t miss out on this valuable information – tune in now to start managing your business finances like a pro!

Are you a business owner struggling to make sense of your finances? Do tax time and loan repayments leave you feeling confused? Fear not, as we have got you covered in this podcast episode! Join us as we unravel the top five questions that entrepreneurs commonly have around financial misunderstandings and provide you with actionable tips to navigate them. From demystifying loan repayments and owners’ draw to understanding how to record funds properly, we’ve got everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your finances. Alisa will guide you through managing cash flow, tracking expenses, and comprehending profit margins. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take charge of your finances and make informed decisions for the growth of your business!

Are you a small business owner struggling to keep your finances in order? In this episode of the Financial Snickens Podcast, we’ve got you covered with six key strategies to avoid accounting errors and maintain best practices for your company’s financials. From hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to controlling expenses and keeping personal/professional expenses separate, we’ll cover everything you need to know to stay on track financially. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of choosing the right accounting method and working with a tax planner to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights – tune in now!

How do we get the most out of conferences? Conferences are a great way to learn about new industry trends, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights into running a business. However, attending a conference can be overwhelming without proper planning. Listen to today’s episode for practical tips on having a pre- and post-conference plan.

Are you an entrepreneur struggling to retain customers and grow your business? Look no further because today we’re discussing the importance of having a client success manager. Without satisfied customers, your business cannot thrive, which is why a client success manager is crucial. They act as an advocate for both the customer and the company, ensuring a smooth customer journey and providing valuable insights into improving customer service. In this episode of Financial Snickens, we’ll explore the many roles and responsibilities of a client success manager and why they’re essential for building long-lasting relationships with customers. So, tune in to learn more about growing your business!

Are you a business owner looking to improve workplace productivity and wellbeing? Then this episode is for you. Today, we’re discussing the importance of workplace self-care, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of business management. From sending out employee surveys to offering personalized care packages, we’ll explore actionable ways to prioritize employee wellbeing and prevent burnout, all while improving productivity. Tune in to discover how to create a healthy work culture that benefits both your team and your business.

In a world where being busy is often seen as a badge of honor, it’s easy to overlook the importance of slowing down. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we have deadlines to meet, goals to achieve, and customers to please, but what happens when we push ourselves too hard? Burnout and exhaustion can quickly set in, leading to decreased productivity and poor health. In today’s episode of Financial Snickens, we’re going to explore the benefits of slowing down and offer some practical tips for improving your performance and well-being. From eliminating unnecessary tasks and limiting social media use to prioritizing sleep and taking breaks from screens, we’ll show you how taking a step back can actually help you move forward. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

Do you want to scale your business but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Alisa discusses the process of delegating and outsourcing tasks, as well as providing step-by-step instructions on how to match the right task with the right person. Shel also discusses how to provide training, check that all instructions are done correctly, and focus on the results rather than controlling the process. Plus, she gives tips on setting up a project management system and communicating constraints and boundaries to team members. Finally, she provides a link to a podcast with more information on carving out time in your firm. Tune in now for invaluable tips and tricks on scaling your business through effective delegation!

Are you curious about how companies are responding to economic uncertainty? In this episode, Alisa discusses how companies are bringing in outside contractors and shifting existing employees into different roles to take advantage of new opportunities without needing to hire additional personnel. She also highlights the importance of having a flexible workforce that can quickly adapt to changing conditions, and examine the potential benefits for both employers and employees. Plus, get insider tips and advice on how to develop new skill sets that will increase your value to the company and benefit you in the long term. Don’t miss this informative and insightful conversation on Quiet Hiring!

Are you feeling a bit unenthused by your business lately? In this episode, Alisa talks about going back to basics by connecting with the mission, vision and core values of your company. She shares examples of good mission statements, such as “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainability” and “connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful”. She also looks at Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk on how great leaders inspire action, and suggests core values such as authenticity, achievement, curiosity and determination when creating a company’s core values. Finally, she stresses the importance of taking time to remind oneself of why you started the business and how far you have come. Tune in now for tips on how to fall back in love with your entrepreneurial journey!

Are you struggling to set yourself up for success? In this episode, Alisa talks about how to set meaningful business goals for the year and achieve them. She suggests understanding what resonates with you and breaking down your goals into actionable steps. By understanding the SMART format (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Timebound) and using action words to help track progress, individuals can stay motivated and reach their goals. She also offers advice on creating habits and systems to reach your goals, recommending Atomic Habits by James Clear. Tune in to get the best advice on setting SMART goals, taking actionable steps to reach them and establishing habits and systems that will ensure success by the end of the year.

Are you an entrepreneur struggling to stay motivated? In this episode, Alisa dive into Mel Robbins’ approach to motivation and how it can help entrepreneurs take action and achieve success. We’ll learn what science says about the 5-second countdown, how successful people throughout history have used it, and how creating an action plan ahead of time can make it easier to follow. Plus, we’ll get tips on forming rituals around the countdown for more lasting results. Tune in to this episode for practical advice that will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals!

Are you ready to get your taxes done? In this episode, Alisa discusses the essentials of getting your business tax return done, including what documents to gather, how to store them securely, and tips for talking to your CPA. Learn why it’s important to be prepared for tax season with an organized system of records, which includes entity type, tax form to file, tax deadline, and all necessary documents. Hear about the advantages of using QuickBooks Online to store e i n numbers, profit and loss reports, balance sheets, receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, payroll records and sales tax payments. Find out about estimated tax payments, deductions and credits, filing an extension and paying your tax liability. Get advice on alternatives if you cannot afford to pay your taxes.

Are you an entrepreneur looking for advice on how to choose the right payroll company for your business? In this episode, Alisa will be discussing the importance of understanding the big picture when it comes to setting up payroll, from how the system will work with other systems and be easy to navigate, to considering customer service, job costing abilities, and time tracking. She’ll also be offering an overview of two popular services: QuickBooks Online Payroll and Gusto. QuickBooks Online has just launched a feature that allows employees to onboard themselves by setting up their direct deposit, filling out their W4, and other documents if necessary. Although the I9 is not filled out at this time, it is expected to be added in January 2023. Plus, get tips on talking to an accountant or bookkeeper about what payroll company they recommend and what they would use. Tune in now for all of this advice and more!

Are you looking for ways to create big changes in your life without having to put in too much effort? In this episode, Alisa discusses the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and how it can help you achieve your goals. We’ll explore the four laws of behavior change and look at how small changes can have a huge impact. We’ll also discuss stacking habits so they become more ingrained in our lives. Plus, we’ll explore how combining two of your goals into one task can make them easier to accomplish and help you be more productive. We’ll then take a look at Adam Grant’s book What You Don’t Know and his three mindsets: preachers, prosecutors, and politicians. How can adopting humility and skill like a scientist help us reach our goals? So join us as we redefine our relationship with money and strive for a life full of experiences, travel, and financial freedom!

Are you going deep and becoming an expert in one specific industry? In this episode, Alisa highlights the importance of narrowing your focus in business and how this can help you save time and make more money. She digs deep into how people will choose you and pay more for your service or product when you educate yourself and become an expert in your field. Tune in and explore the benefits of being hyper-focused on what you do!

In this trailer episode, Alisa discusses the topics that all entrepreneurs want to talk about. From streamlining processes to scaling your company. With over 10 years of experience owning her own accounting and bookkeeping firm and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, she’s here to break down these questions in easy-to-understand language and actionable items. Tune in every Thursday for five to ten minutes of invaluable information. If you have specific questions about businesses or bookkeeping, head on over to this website at firststepsfinancial.com and hit the “Let’s Talk” button so we can continue the conversation. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook at First Steps Financial for weekly updates on how to get your business organized and running smoothly. Don’t miss out – make Financial Snickens a part of your routine! See you soon!

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