Episodes

  • How do you scale your business from six figures to seven figures?
    Jun 11 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we're tackling a vital question for entrepreneurs: What are the key areas to focus on to scale your business from hundreds of thousands in revenue to over a million dollars?

    CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Angi Semler Welch, the Director of the 3X Program at Cultivate Advisors. Angi has a rich background in journalism and the automotive industry and ran a successful marketing agency for over a decade before joining Cultivate. Now, she helps business owners in the $200K-$500K revenue range break through to the million-dollar mark.

    In this episode, Angi dives into five crucial areas you need to focus on for growth:

    1. Vision: It's essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why. This isn't about a corporate vision statement but understanding your personal goals and how they align with your business.
    2. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to ensure you're focusing on activities that drive results rather than getting lost in the noise. Angie emphasized the importance of setting up your days for success.
    3. Financial Acumen: Knowing your numbers is key. From understanding profit and loss statements to managing cash flow and setting the right pricing, financial literacy is vital for making informed decisions.
    4. Sales Process: Developing a consistent and systematic approach to sales can significantly improve conversion rates and free up your time for other growth activities.
    5. Marketing: Creating a strategic marketing plan that aligns with your target audience and business goals is crucial. Angie highlighted the importance of tracking ROI to ensure your marketing efforts are effective.

    Angi also shares the importance of understanding your financials and sales process before making marketing decisions. She shared practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring your business is set up for sustainable growth.

    If you're feeling stuck or unsure about how to reach your business goals, consider reaching out -- Angie's 3X program might be the solution you need to transition from a business owner to a CEO with a data-driven approach.

    Tune in to learn more.

    --
    Learn more about our guest, Angi Semler Welch, the Director of the 3X Program at Cultivate Advisors

    Learn more about the 3x Program at Cultivate Advisors.

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com

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    34 mins
  • Are core values just an absolute waste of time?
    May 28 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we discuss Core Values and answer the question, "Are core values just an absolute total waste of time?"

    It's a question many of us have pondered at least once.

    CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Senior Business Advisor Jessica Osborne to explore this topic. Jessica brings a wealth of experience from the fashion and supply chain management world and is passionate about fostering growth within the business community.

    In this episode, Jessica highlights the importance of authentic and actionable core values in driving company culture and decision-making. They explore why core values matter internally and in attracting the right employees, customers, and vendors.

    During this episode, Jessica shares practical and actionable approaches to defining and implementing core values within your organization. From conducting interviews to uncover common attributes among top performers to using core values as a guiding framework for decision-making, they provide strategies that you can readily apply to ensure these values truly resonate and drive behavior across all levels of the company.

    Furthermore, Jessica underlines the proactive nature of establishing core values, urging businesses to invest in this foundational aspect early on. By aligning decisions and behaviors with core values, companies can navigate challenges more effectively, foster a culture of trust and alignment, and set the stage for long-term success.

    So, if you're ready to explore the power of core values in shaping your company's trajectory, you don't want to miss this episode of Catapult Your Business.



    Learn more about our guest, Jessica Osborn, Senior Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/jessica-osborn/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com

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    23 mins
  • How does your mental health affect your ability to be a successful entrepreneur?
    May 14 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, we're tackling a biggie: how your mental health affects your success as a business owner.

    CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Business Advisor Jason Infinger to hash out this topic. They get real about the struggles entrepreneurs face and how taking care of your mental well-being can make or break your business journey.

    Jason shares his own experiences and those of his clients, highlighting how something as simple as getting enough sleep or finding time for exercise can impact your performance as an entrepreneur. Casey chimes in with his own insights, emphasizing the need for balance and self-care in the entrepreneurial grind.

    Together, they explore how burnout and the pressure to hustle constantly can damage mental health. They also offer practical tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset, from setting boundaries to establishing a solid morning routine.

    Throughout the conversation, Casey and Jason stress the importance of communication and support networks, both in business and in life. They remind listeners that it's okay to ask for help and that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for success.

    So if you're an entrepreneur feeling the strain of running your own business, this episode is for you. Tune in to Catapult Your Business and learn how to prioritize your mental health while crushing your goals. Because when your mind is in the right place, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

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    Learn more about our guest, Jason Infinger, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/jason-infinger

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com

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    25 mins
  • How do you wrap your head around financials?
    Apr 30 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Cultivate Business Advisor Stephanie Magurno to unpack a crucial topic: how to get your head wrapped around financials.

    Financials can be daunting, but understanding them is critical to making informed decisions and driving business success. With a background in accounting and years of running her own companies, Stephanie is here to help you navigate your business's financial landscape.

    When it comes to financials, mindset is critical. It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about adopting a CFO mindset, where financial data inform every decision.

    So why do so many business owners need help with financials? Stephanie breaks it down into two main challenges: lack of understanding and accuracy of data. Many entrepreneurs dive into business fueled by passion without the financial know-how to interpret statements or make informed decisions.

    But fear not. Stephanie outlines a practical methodology for mastering financials:

    1. Start with the Basics: Get a handle on your financial statements, like profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
    2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Look ahead and create a roadmap for your finances, comparing projections with actuals to stay on track.
    3. Cost Management: Dive deep into your expenses, identifying areas for optimization and cost-cutting.
    4. Investment and Funding Decisions: Explore different options for financing your business, whether through debt, equity, or alternative sources.
    5. ROI Analysis: Evaluate the return on investment for various decisions, considering both financial returns and risk mitigation.
    6. Performance Metrics and KPIs: Focus on leading indicators to track the health of your business and spot potential issues before they arise.

    By following these steps, you can gain control over your financials and make informed decisions that drive your business forward. Remember, financials are not just about taxes or historical reporting—they're your roadmap to success.

    So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level, it's time to embrace financial literacy. Tune in to hear the full episode and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes of Catapult Your Business.



    Learn more about our guest, Stephanie Magurno, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/stephanie-magurno/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com

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    24 mins
  • Why does messaging help your company stand out?
    Apr 16 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, host Casey Clark is joined by Nancy, a senior Business Advisor at Cultivate, to explore the importance of messaging in making your company stand out.

    Drawing from her extensive background in entrepreneurship and marketing, Nancy highlights the critical role messaging plays in today's crowded marketplace. Effective messaging goes beyond merely stating who you are; it's about articulating what benefits you offer to your audience and how you uniquely solve their problems.

    The conversation delves into various aspects of messaging, including the distinction between awareness, consideration, and decision stages in the buyer's journey. Nancy stresses the importance of aligning messaging with the audience's needs at each stage, employing storytelling, and using customers' language to enhance engagement.

    Casey and Nancy underscore the broader applicability of messaging beyond marketing, emphasizing its significance in internal communications, sales strategies, and change management within organizations.

    Tune in to learn how to start viewing messaging as a conversation with your audience, grounded in common sense and customer insights.

    Learn more about our guest, Nancy Benjamin, Senior Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors
    https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/nancy-benjamin/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:
    cultivateadvisors.com

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    16 mins
  • Why do I have inconsistency when it comes to performers on my team?
    Apr 2 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this episode, we dive deep to understand why organizations experience inconsistency in team performance. To help us explore the root causes of inconsistency and strategies to address them, Casey Clark is joined by special guest Simone Ashkar, Senior Vice President of Advisory at Cultivate.

    Simone brings extensive experience to the table, having started in franchising before joining Cultivate in 2017. The episode begins with Simone emphasizing the necessity of continual evolution in leadership to adapt to the dynamic nature of human behavior within teams.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Alignment and Buy-In: Simone stresses the importance of aligning team members' goals and fostering a shared sense of purpose. Leaders must continuously assess and maintain alignment to promote consistency in performance.
    • Confidence Building: The conversation shifts to the role of confidence in driving consistent performance. Simone highlights the need for leaders to proactively recognize and address confidence issues, particularly during periods of change or challenge.
    • Understanding Learning Styles: Casey and Simone discuss the significance of recognizing individual learning styles to optimize training and support efforts. Leaders can enhance performance and confidence levels by tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences.
    • Empowering Through Leadership: The episode concludes by focusing on empowering team members to carve their paths to success. Casey underscores the importance of leaders providing support and guidance while allowing autonomy and flexibility in decision-making.

    Tune in to hear more valuable insights into overcoming challenges related to inconsistent performance within organizations.

    Learn more about our guest, Simone Ashkar, Senior Vice President of Advisory at Cultivate Advisors
    https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/simone-ashkar/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:
    cultivateadvisors.com

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    20 mins
  • What is the value of strategic partnerships?
    Mar 19 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help business owners one question at a time. In this episode, CEO and Co-founder Casey Clark is joined by Deborah Snyder, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Cultivate, to discuss the value strategic partners bring to your business.

    Throughout the discussion, alignment emerges as a central theme. They stress the importance of finding partners who share your business goals and resonate with your ideal client personas (ICPs). Deb emphasizes the need for intentional approaches to finding partners, recommending platforms like LinkedIn and leveraging personal networks to identify potential partners who align with your business objectives.

    But it's not just about finding partners but nurturing those relationships. Deb's passion for building connections is palpable as she advocates investing time and effort to cultivate strong bonds. She paints a vivid picture of a vibrant ecosystem where partners thrive individually and elevate each other through mutual support and collaboration.

    While building strategic partnerships may require time and effort, the potential rewards for business growth and success are substantial. Tune in to Catapult Your Business for more.


    Learn more about our guest, Deborah Snyder, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Cultivate Advisors
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-snyder-78765435/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to:
    cultivateadvisors.com

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    22 mins
  • How do you scale a sales process?
    Mar 5 2024

    On Catapult Your Business, we help catapult business owners one question at a time. In this week's episode, CEO and Co-Founder Casey Clark is joined by Dan Smythe, a highly skilled advisor at Cultivate, to discuss scaling your sales process.

    In this episode, they delve into the significance of a scalable sales process, emphasizing that having one is not enough; it needs to be meticulously structured and adaptable, highlighting the following key points:

    • Identify Your Ideal Client Persona: Understand your target audience, their needs, and how your product or service aligns with their requirements. This sets the foundation for a tailored sales process.
    • Define Clear Stages: Map out the stages of your sales process, considering factors like the length of the process, conversion rates, and the nature of your business. This provides a roadmap for effective sales progression.
    • Set Clear Objectives for Each Stage: Clearly define what you aim to achieve at each stage of the sales process. Don't solely focus on closing the deal; break it down into smaller, achievable objectives, ensuring a more strategic approach.
    • Identify Key Activities: Drill down into the specific activities within each stage, assigning responsibilities to team members. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency and preventing details from slipping through the cracks.
    • Utilize the Right Tools and Technology: From Google Sheets to sophisticated CRMs, choose tools that support and enhance your sales process. Implementing technology ensures efficiency, provides reminders, and streamlines tasks, contributing to overall scalability.
    • Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and document SOPs for your sales process. This step is vital for transferring knowledge and skills, enabling scalability, and reducing dependency on individual team members.

    It's important to continue to evaluate and optimize the sales process. Dan and Casey stress the importance of adaptability, considering changes in business size, industry dynamics, and evolving client needs.

    As you reflect on your own sales process, remember that seeking an external perspective and staying open to improvements can lead to substantial growth. Tune in for more tips.


    Learn more about our guest, Dan Smythe, Business Advisor at Cultivate Advisors cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/dan-smythe/

    Want a free 2-hour strategic session to delve deeply into the most important question you're currently facing? Go to: cultivateadvisors.com

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    27 mins