Explore every episode of the podcast Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Money Rules Every Successful CEO Follows to Build Profit and Wealth – Ep. 225 | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:16:06 | |
Let’s set the record straight: Revenue is not the goal. Profit is. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything—chasing more sales, more clients, more offers—but still coming up short on cash and clarity, this episode is your permission slip to pause, stop worrying about sales numbers alone and start focusing on what generates profit. In today’s episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., dives into the 12 money truths that successful CEOs live by to grow smarter, more sustainable businesses not just bigger ones. Key Takeaways:
⭐Bonus Rule: When things get uncomfortable, lean in further. Successful CEOs step outside their comfort zones, because they know that’s where the real growth happens.
Resources: Kickstart Accounting’s CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Kickstart Accounting’s Tax Services | https://ksataxpartners.com/
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| 5 CFO Secrets to Grow Your Business (Without Losing Your Mind) – Ep. 224 | 27 May 2025 | 00:09:50 | |
Are you chasing growth in your business but worried it might cost you your profits, sanity, or both? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., pulls back the curtain on the real strategies CFOs use to grow companies intentionally and profitably. These are the 5 CFO secrets you can and should start using today! Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: Intro: The Risk of Growing on Hustle and Intuition Alone (00:00 – 02:00) CFO Secret 1: How to Use Your Financial Reports to Make Better Decisions (02:06 – 03:59) CFO Secret 2: Forecasting Strategies That Work (04:00 - 05:41) CFO Secret 3: Budgeting with Purpose - Aligning Your Spending & Goals (05:42 - 06:23) CFO Secret 4: Smart Savings Habits That Protect Profits (06:23 - 07:16) CFO Secret 5: Who You Need on Your Money Team (07:17 - 09:08)
Resources: Kickstart Accounting’s CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| Can’t Pay Your Tax Bill? Don’t Ignore It! Here’s a Step-by-Step Plan to Tackle It – Ep. 215 | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:12:44 | |
Taxes. They’re not the most exciting part of running a business, but they’re unavoidable. If tax season snuck up on you and you’re staring down a bill you can’t pay, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through what to do when you can’t pay your IRS tax bill. From filing your return (even if you can’t pay right away) to exploring payment plan options, Danielle breaks it down with practical strategies to take control of your finances and stay out of trouble with the IRS. Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Tax Bill (00:02:08 – 00:03:06) Filing Your Tax Return vs. Waiting Until You Can Pay (00:02:36 – 00:06:43) IRS Payment Plans and Evaluating All Financing Options (00:07:36 - 00:08:04) Smart Strategies to Avoid This Situation in the Future (00:08:04 – 00:11:17) The Importance of a "Money Team" (aka a bookkeeper and tax accountant) (00:11:17 – 00:12:15)
Resources: All Our Episodes & Articles on Taxes | Tackle Your Taxes with Kickstart Accounting, Inc. KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/ Free Gift | ‘How Much to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner’ Calculator
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| Small Business Budgets Simplified: Find Your Budgeting Style - Ep 124 | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:32:03 | |
Are you falling into the same financial pitfalls as many business owners? In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle Hayden shares her wisdom on fine-tuning budgeting practices for optimal business efficiency. Explore the importance of approaching budgeting in a way that matches your individual money personality and the four different budgeting approaches.
Topics Discussed: Intro (0:00) Money Personality Type Quiz (2:39) What exactly is a budget? (3:07) Style #1 - Budgeting for Free-spenders: The Allocation Method (4:57) Money Mindset Mastery Framework (12:41) Style #2 - Budgeting for Perfectionists: Expense Grading Worksheet (13:43) Style #3 - Budgeting for Keepers: The Back-In Method (17:46) Understanding which budget style suits you (29:24) Book your budget session with our team (30:00)
For help with finances while growing your business, visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
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| Stop Making These Legal Mistakes NOW: An Easy Step by Step Guide For Small Business Owners with The Legal Paige - Ep 123 | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:36:46 | |
Are you making the most common legal mistakes business owners do? In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle and Paige discuss essential legal and tax strategies for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Join us for this conversation with a legal expert dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate these topics and avoid legal pitfalls.
Topics Discussed:
Intro (0:00) Common Mistake #1: Registering the business. (4:00) Common Mistake #2: business insurance, and professional contracts. (5:24) Common Mistake #3: professional contracts (8:30) Top contracts to have: Master Service Agreements, Terms & Conditions, and more (11:41) Explaining Worker Agreements, 1099 Contracts, and Legal Safeguards (13:28) Understanding the legal and tax aspects of LLCs and S Corps (23:03) For help, reach out to Paige and her team (35:35)
For help with finances while growing your business, visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Legal Paige: Website | thelegalpaige.com Instagram | @thelegalpaige LinkedIn | The Legal Paige YouTube | The Legal Paige Podcast | The Legal Paige Podcast
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| How To Pay Yourself as an LLC: 3 Effective Methods For Getting Paid! - Ep 122 | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:19:12 | |
Paying yourself as a business owner can be tricky; it can be difficult to know which approach to take and what would work best for your specific situation. In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle shares three methods you can use to manage your personal income from the business and keep your finances in order. Listen in and find the right method for you. Topics Discussed: Intro (0:00) Understanding S Corps: Their Pros and Cons, Episode 115 (01:26) Lisa's S Corp journey in Episode 117: Dream Home Achieved (2:09) Avoid using your business account as a personal piggy bank. (4:50) Cindy's eCom Store and her financial wake-up call: separating business and personal (05:42) Money Personality Type Quiz (08:05) Method 1: Percent of Revenue Approach (09:38) Method 2: Profit Distribution (12:26) Method 3: Personal Budget (15:35)
For help choosing the best method for you, visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| Mastering Organic Marketing Partnerships: A Guide to Boosting Business Growth with Lindsay Pinchuck - Ep 121 | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:46:23 | |
In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle and Lindsay delve into community-driven business growth, partnerships, starting and growing a business without funding, and Lindsay's journey of selling her business. Discover insights on organic marketing, business development, challenges, key lessons, and cost-effective marketing strategies.
Topics Discussed: Intro (0:00) Lindsay’s current mission and focus (2:47) Lindsay as an “accidental” entrepreneur and how to grow your business with no funding (4:04) Balancing full-time work and building a business (6:48) Attracting brand partnerships: luck or skill? (10:23) Money Mindset Mastery Framework (20:50) The journey of selling your company: navigating due diligence inquiries (21:51) Leaving your business behind and pivoting to a new business (28:46) Lindsay’s most important lesson learned and strategies for success (37:00) Connect with us for help (45:20)
For help with finances while growing your business, visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Lindsay Pinchuk: Website | www.lindsaypinchuk.com Instagram | @lindsaypinchuk LinkedIn | Lindsay Pinchuk
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| The Employee Expansion Blueprint: When It's Time to Convert 1099 Contractors - Ep 120 | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:20:40 | |
When should a contractor become an employee? What is a W9 or 1099 contract? How should you collect them? In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle is joined by Kelsey to answer those questions and explain their complete blueprint for business owners on how to expand their teams.
Intro (0:00) What are W9 and 1099 contracts? (1:33) The best practices for collecting the W9s and who you need to collect them from (2:48) What is the difference between a contractor and an employee? (8:12) Money Mindset Mastery Framework (10:11) When to turn a contractor into an employee and the benefits of each (11:14) The most important reminders (17:20) Connect with us for help (19:00)
For more help regarding employees, contractors, W9 or 1099 contracts, visit: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| Tanessa Shears: Becoming a Limitless Entrepreneur Through Heightened Focus and Energy – Ep 119 | 21 Sep 2023 | 00:44:06 | |
In this episode of “Entrepreneur Money Stories”, Danielle is joined by Tanessa, a health consultant for 7-figure earners, to discuss how entrepreneurs are prone to overwork, lack of concentration or energy, and even burnout, because they neglect the greatest asset of their business, has—their mind. Together they talk about sleep, diet, tools, and routines to increase productivity.
Topics discussed: Intro (0:00)
Connect with Tanessa Shears: Website | tanessashears.com Instagram | @tanessashears YouTube | Tanessa Shears LinkedIn | Tanessa Shears
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| How to Pay Yourself as an LLC - Ep 118 | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:19:28 | |
In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, Danielle is joined by Kelsey to discuss a frequent question among listeners: How do I get paid as an LLC or sole proprietor? There can be a lot of confusion among business owners when it comes to being an LLC, such as what exactly is an LLC, the cost of becoming one, "Should I pay my mortgage from my business account?", and more. Together, Danielle and Kelsey, answer all these questions and more, so that you and your business can thrive while being legally protected.
Topics Discussed: Intro (0:00)
For help becoming an LLC or calculating owner draws, visit https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| Money and Happiness: The Top 5 Things You Need to Stop Now - Ep 117 | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:28:24 | |
In this episode, Danielle delves into the five essential actions you must cease immediately to uncover joy, happiness, and fulfillment in your financial life, whether in business or your personal affairs. She begins by addressing a notable study from 2010, which observed that day-to-day happiness increased with rising income up to a certain threshold. However, an opposing study conducted in 2021 revealed that happiness continued to climb with income levels well beyond that initial limit. This apparent contradiction underscores the intricate relationship between money and our intrinsic needs, all interwoven with our money mindset.
The Hierarchy of Needs
Danielle draws inspiration from Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a concept suggesting that humans possess a structured hierarchy of needs, motivated to fulfill them in a hierarchical manner. The foundational needs start at the bottom, encompassing physiological essentials like food, water, shelter, and sleep. These basic necessities are intricately linked to one's financial situation, with a clear correlation between meeting these needs and financial stability. Progressing upward, safety needs include personal and financial security, health, and protection from harm. Financial security serves as a prerequisite for ascending the hierarchy and reaching one's fullest potential. Following that, a sense of belonging emerges, with ties to money as it relates to the community and connections within one's business.
The upper tiers of the hierarchy—esteem needs and self-actualization—are areas where significant attention is often focused. Esteem needs center around earning respect from others, cultivating self-confidence, and achieving a sense of accomplishment. Money plays a pivotal role here, influencing how we are perceived and impacting self-esteem. At the apex of the pyramid lies self-actualization, encompassing personal growth, creativity, and a sense of purpose. This is an arena where business owners frequently invest substantial time and effort as they strive to attain their full potential in their unique entrepreneurial pursuits.
Understanding these needs at their deepest level is crucial for comprehending their intricate connections with our money mindset.
The Five Things You Need to Stop Doing
1. Stop Saying You're Not Enough: Reframe negative self-talk that undermines self-esteem and self-confidence.
2. Stop Ignoring Your Personal Budget: Establish a personal budget to meet the basic needs of yourself and your family, providing the essential foundation for financial security.
3. Stop Ignoring Your Money Mindset: Recognize the fundamental role of mindset in your entrepreneurial journey. Understand and heal your money mindset, utilizing it in conjunction with financial tools to pave the path toward self-actualization.
4. Stop Trading Short-Term Happiness for Long-Term Fulfillment: Resist the allure of immediate gratification in favor of long-term goals that promise sustained security and happiness. Avoid trading short-term dopamine rushes for enduring contentment.
5. Stop Living the YOLO Lifestyle: Shift your mindset away from a "You Only Live Once" approach, maintaining focus on your long-term objectives and avoiding distractions.
What Can You Do About These Five Things?
So what can you do to step away from these bad habits? When we stop saying I’m not enough, wonderful things can happen so start reframing those negative thoughts. Episode 110 of Entrepreneur Money Stories does a deep dive into this topic. Secondly, stop ignoring your personal budget and plan out a budget so that you know what you need to survive and thrive. If you haven’t set a personal budget before, click here for a template. A personal budget is also going to help you in your business too- it takes the guesswork out of how much you should pay yourself in your business. Healing your money mindset is a common thread through all of the above action steps. Understanding and healing your money mindset gives you as an entrepreneur the tools you need to ramp up your business to meet your self-actualization journey.
Key Points [03:20] The hierarchy of needs [10:42] The five things you need to stop doing right now [15:54] What can you do about these five things?
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| S Corp Owners: How to Calculate Your Payroll as a Business Owner and Stay IRS Compliant | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:16:02 | |
For help calculating your reasonable compensation, visit https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/comp Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| Unleashing Your Potential: Is a Partnership Your Ultimate Business Advantage? Ep -116 | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:38:47 | |
Show Notes
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of building successful co-founder partnerships with the guidance of Tanis Jorge, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and a leading advisor in the field. With over two decades of experience and the co-founding of four companies with the same partner, Tanis is the author of the Co-Founders Handbook and the Co-Founders Hub, on a mission to empower entrepreneurs in nurturing their most crucial asset—their co-founding partnerships.
Keys to Success in Partnerships
One key insight shared by Tanis is that roles within a co-founder partnership can evolve over time. While in the early stages of a business, founders often wear multiple hats, the most successful partnerships thrive on having clear and specific expectations for each partner. This adaptability, tailored to the unique needs of the business, ensures that as the business and partners grow, they remain aligned.
Intentionality is a cornerstone of prosperous partnerships. Tanis emphasizes that co-founders should not merely "set and forget" their collaboration, as both partners are human, and emotional support is vital. Unlike in marriage, where partners primarily serve each other, in a business partnership, the focus centers on the business itself, often requiring non-emotional decision-making.
How Do You Find a Business Partner?
Finding the right business partner can be a challenge, and Tanis advises individuals to start by self-assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding what you bring to the table allows you to identify the gaps that require a complementary partner. This introspection is valuable not only for those actively seeking partnerships but for all, as effective communication is essential.
Tanis introduces the P.I.K.E. framework—Passion, Interest, Knowledge, and Excitement—as a tool for evaluating potential partners. Ensuring alignment in these areas prevents the need to drag partners along, ensuring their full commitment to the projects at hand.
The episode explores the top reasons people enter partnerships, with moral support and validation being among the most common. However, Tanis cautions that feeling obligated or rushing into a partnership without careful consideration can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Aligning your self-assessment with potential partners is crucial.
What Happens If Life Changes?
Life inevitably brings changes, and the episode underscores the importance of having a well-defined partnership agreement. This agreement acts as a safety net, ensuring that the business won't collapse if a partner needs to exit. Seeking legal counsel to draft such an agreement is recommended, promoting peace of mind for both partners.
Effective communication is a central theme, with regular meetings at varying intervals—daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly—being essential to partnership success. These meetings ensure continuous dialogue, preventing catastrophic surprises.
What If My Business Partner Isn’t Cooperating?
For a partnership to thrive, both partners must share the same end goal, fostering a unique kind of intimacy. Honest discussions about roles and operations are crucial, and maturely addressing issues can lead to a successful partnership, whether it involves dissolving the company, splitting the partnership, or finding a new direction.
The episode acknowledges that sometimes dissolving a partnership isn't as simple as it seems, often entailing substantial costs. Therefore, careful evaluation of the situation and seeking advice from legal and financial experts is vital.
Tanis’ Biggest Lesson Learned
Tanis shares a sobering reality: the dissolution of a partnership often marks the end of the friendship. She advises keeping business and friendship separate, cautioning that the statistics on maintaining friendships after a partnership ends are low. However, the bonds formed in successful partnerships can be profound and among life's greatest gifts.
In Tanis' extensive experience, she aims to help people elevate their partnerships from good to great. Tune in to gain valuable insights into building, maintaining, and thriving in co-founder partnerships.
Key Points [02:44] Keys to success in a partnership [08:51] How do you find a business partner? [15:33] Why do people look for partnerships? [18:15] What happens if life changes? [29:04] A piece of advice for the business partner hanging on [31:41] Tanis’ biggest lesson learned
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| Maximizing Tax Deductions: The Smart Owner’s Guide to Business Expenses – Ep. 214 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:31:39 | |
When it comes to tax deductions and business expenses, business owners can often fall into two extreme mindsets, either trying to deduct everything under the sun or being too conservative and missing out on legitimate tax savings. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., and Kelsey Chester, Kickstart’s Lead Account Manager, break down tax deductions in a way that’s clear and strategic. They’ll walk you through what truly qualifies as a business expense, how to avoid common tax mistakes, and why smart financial planning is about more than just lowering your tax bill, while still claiming the savings you deserve. Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: What Qualifies as a Business Expense? (00:00:06 – 00:02:14) Finding the Right Balance with Business Expense Deductions (00:02:14 – 00:05:37) The Importance of Paying Yourself a Reasonable Compensation (00:05:37 - 00:07:45) Common Business Expenses & What You Should Be Deducting (00:07:45 – 00:12:55) Operating & Personal Expenses: What’s Deductible? (00:12:55 – 00:20:52) Travel Expenses: What’s Legitimate vs. What’s Risky (00:20:52 – 00:22:54) Tax Strategy & Planning with Your Money Team (00:23:39 – 00:29:25)
Resources: Episode 211 | The Smart Way to File Taxes: Why Tax Extensions Are Better Than Last-Minute Filings Episode 212 | How to Pay Yourself as an S Corp Owner: Reasonable Compensation & Payroll Setup Episode 213 | The Tax Write-Offs You’re Missing as a Business Owner Episode 126 | Small Business Gift Giving: A Holiday Tax Guide Episode 136 | Health Care Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners Explained Episode 137 | Can You Legally Hire Your Children?: How to Pay Your Kids, Get Tax Advantages, & Create Generational Wealth Episode 188 | Beyond the Business: Preparing for a Secure Retirement
KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| Elevate Your Business with Patience: Say Goodbye to Start/Stop Struggles - Bonus Episode 115 | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:28:13 | |
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| Entrepreneurs: Should You Go S-Corp? Pros & Cons + Expert Insight - Ep 115 | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:26:12 | |
Show Notes
Tune in to the latest episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories as Kelsey and Danielle from Kickstart Accounting unveil the ins and outs of transitioning your business to an S-corporation. If you've been pondering the concept of an S-corp, this episode is your comprehensive guide to understanding its intricacies. In a phase of rapid business growth? Then this could be a game-changer.
What’s an S-Corp and What are the Advantages?
Delve into the essence of an S-corp and its role in taxation strategy. Should you be an incorporated S-corp or an LLC S-corp? The distinction lies in a specialized tax election that can unlock significant tax savings. With a keen focus on businesses with net income exceeding $50,000 for two years, the hosts highlight the pivotal role of accurate bookkeeping. Your profit and loss statement serves as the cornerstone for this crucial decision-making process.
Discover the advantages that an S-corp status brings—opportunities for retirement plans, potential to engage a board of directors, and more. But it's essential to recognize that there are specific revenue thresholds and increased financial responsibility. Keeping business and personal expenses separate is paramount, particularly under the S-corp structure, where improper handling could lead to complications during audits.
Drawbacks and Requirements for Becoming an S-Corp
Becoming an S-corp when your business meets the requirements above doesn’t have many drawbacks, but there are some things that become a bit tedious when you are setting it up. Uncover the intricacies of reasonable compensation—what should an owner's role fetch in terms of payment within your region? Seeking guidance from tax accountants or online benchmarks can aid in this determination. Navigating payroll intricacies is another vital aspect. Even if you're a one-person operation, being on payroll is mandatory. Federal and state payroll system registration and tools like Gusto streamline this process.
Meticulous bookkeeping takes center stage. Understanding where your funds flow is critical. While a degree of separation between personal and business expenses is mandatory, it doesn't demand perfection—communication with your bookkeeper can rectify occasional overlaps.
Conclusion
Kelsey shares anecdotes of clients who missed out on substantial tax benefits due to misconceptions about S-corp advantages. Remember, you don't have to navigate this decision alone. Seeking help and guidance is a smart move, enabling you to capitalize on potential tax savings. Transitioning to an S-corp isn't just about altering business structure—it's about harnessing its potential to drive financial efficiency and growth.
Key Points [02:54] What’s an S-corp and why do I want to be one? [10:49] Drawbacks to becoming an S-corp [16:38] Requirements for an S-corp [21:56] Conclusion
Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| Rewrite Your Money Story - Renegotiating With Loss to Maximize Profit & Success for Female Entrepreneurs - Ep 114 | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:25:21 | |
Show Notes
What Does Operating in the Read Mean?
When your operating income reflects a loss, you're officially operating in the red. Danielle kicks off by emphasizing the importance of accurate bookkeeping and monthly profit and loss analysis. Unveiling the root causes of such losses is pivotal, as they could stem from isolated incidents like annual subscriptions or project revenue dips. In some cases, seasonal patterns might be the culprit, as seen during vacation-heavy periods. Identifying whether your business follows such a seasonal trend is crucial.
Should the loss extend for more than three consecutive months, it's time to widen the lens. Danielle advises considering broader market shifts that might be affecting your business. Understanding your finances is paramount. She highlights the impact of becoming an S-corp, where your previous draws now translate into expenses, potentially altering your business's profitability. Collaborating with your financial team becomes essential to grasp the implications and make any necessary operational adjustments.
Taking Action
After exhausting these considerations, it's time for action. Swift decisions are crucial, with a focus on non-personnel cuts initially. Using the expense grading worksheet, Danielle demonstrates how to trim expenses without compromising your valuable team members. While cuts might be tough, remember that you can reintroduce these elements later. Survival is the key objective at this moment.
As you navigate this challenging phase, building a cash reserve is imperative to adapt to the evolving market landscape. Luxury expenses take a backseat as you build a financial cushion. Danielle then suggests pinpointing your business's primary problem without succumbing to fear. Resist the urge to panic and concentrate on addressing one issue at a time. If it's a revenue decrease, is it a marketing or market-related challenge? A deep dive analysis can offer insights into the underlying causes.
Questions for Reflection
Danielle encourages introspection amidst this period of financial challenge. Each valley holds valuable lessons, whether it's a brief setback or a more extended struggle. Revisit your money mindset stories that might be exacerbating the situation. Kickstart's money mindset mastery program can aid in reframing your perspective for positive change.
Are you putting in the extra effort? Revisit the strategies that yielded success before. Examine your schedule, habits, and interactions. Rekindling those practices can rejuvenate your momentum and passion. Consistency reigns supreme; avoid distractions that divert your attention from your business objectives.
Fuel your business with renewed energy and surround yourself with those who uplift you. Danielle underscores the importance of leadership during challenging times. Visualization and focus on success are potent tools for steering your business out of fear's grasp. Remember, succumbing to fear isn't an option, even when uncertainty ripples through the entrepreneurial community.
As we conclude this insightful episode, Danielle's guidance echoes in our minds: face challenges head-on, adapt strategically, and lead your ship through the storm. Thank you for joining us today on Entrepreneur Money Stories, where wisdom meets action. Key Points [02:32] What does operating in the red mean? [11:08] Taking action [17:05] Questions for reflection
Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| GUEST - Shelli Warren: Builidng a team you love - Ep 113 | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:40:45 | |
Show Notes
In this episode, we're joined by the talented Shelli Warren, a seasoned expert in helping service-based business owners cultivate exceptional leadership teams. Shelli's deep-rooted connection with Danielle is evident as they share a mutual commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs. Their insightful conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of forming a robust leadership team in the world of business.
Things to Keep In Mind as a Leader
Entrepreneurship often springs from a passion for one's craft, but the broader aspects of running a business require acquired skills. Shelli reassures us that it's absolutely normal not to adore every facet of being a business owner – a sentiment many can relate to. Acknowledging that you can't excel in all domains is crucial. Just as it's acceptable to seek financial advice, it's perfectly fine to seek help in the realm of team leadership.
Shelli emphasizes that the pursuit of perfection in every role is an unrealistic expectation. Instead, the focus should be on building a leadership team that complements your strengths. Drawing parallels to the corporate world, she highlights that in service-based businesses, a leadership team comprises dedicated individuals who align with the mission and vision. These professionals are skilled in their anchor areas, forming a cohesive unit that drives growth.
Creating a Leadership Team
The journey to creating such a team starts with recognizing potential leaders within your existing ranks. Shelli advises to identify those who think like business owners, exhibit core values, and uphold high standards. Transparent communication is paramount: openly express your intent to develop leadership roles within the company. This not only fosters internal growth but also sets the stage for a smoother transition if external hires become necessary.
Building Your Culture
When conversations with potential leaders fall short, maintaining transparency is key. While it can be disheartening, the team should understand that changes are vital for progress. Shelli stresses that leadership transformation begins with the founder's vision for the team experience. Reflecting on personal team experiences helps define desired workplace dynamics, which should be communicated openly. Recognizing and commending behaviors that embody core values further nurtures a positive atmosphere.
The Tough Conversations
Tackling challenging conversations requires clear intention. Shelli advises a focused approach, highlighting the desired outcome and encouraging the individual to actively resolve issues. Avoid overwhelming the recipient by addressing incidents individually, offering constructive feedback that paves the way for improvement.
Why Do I Want a Leadership Team?
The significance of a leadership team's role in business expansion is undeniable. Shelli explains that this team acts as a bridge between the founder and the extended team, managing day-to-day operations and reporting back. As the founder concentrates on high-value tasks, a sense of self-sufficiency grows within the leadership team. This cascades into a culture where direct leaders guide their teams, leading to quality interactions and fewer interruptions for the founder.
In conclusion, Shelli Warren's insights illuminate the path to creating a leadership team that complements your strengths, propelling your business to new heights. By embracing the idea that you can't excel in every aspect and fostering transparent communication, you empower your team to take ownership and drive success. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a leadership team that propels your business growth while allowing you to focus on your core passions.
Key Points [03:56] Things to keep in mind as a leader [07:09] Creating a leadership team [21:25] Building your culture [28:40] The tough conversations [32:53] Why do I want a leadership team?
Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: | |||
| High Five Habit - Ep 112 | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:22:27 | |
Show Notes
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories! In today's episode, we delve into a powerful technique that can transform your money mindset and overall outlook on life – the High Five Habit. Our guest, Danielle, a devoted follower of Mel Robbins' pioneering work, introduces us to this innovative practice and explores how it can rewire and reframe our approach to money.
What Does a High Five Mean to You?
Think back to that impactful high five you received. Imagine the emotions coursing through you, the context of the moment, and the person behind that uplifting gesture. Danielle takes us on a journey through her own experience, where a high five during a grueling Spartan race shifted the course of her race, metaphorically and literally.
What is the High FIve Habit?
At the heart of the High Five Habit is the concept of starting your day with a mirror-side high five. Originating from Mel Robbins' personal experience of combating negative self-talk during a rushed morning, this simple practice triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, providing a much-needed boost. Scientists have also revealed that the act of raising your arm creates additional energy, highlighting the significance of seemingly small actions in shaping our days.
Why Does It Work?
But why does the high five work wonders in dispelling negativity and ushering positivity? Just as we internalize negative self-talk through experiences, the habit of celebrating ourselves through high fives can also be etched into our subconscious. This transformation is facilitated by linking the practice with new neural pathways, interrupting the cycle of self-doubt and welcoming fresh energy. If you find yourself resisting this notion, it could be a sign that you're not accustomed to celebrating your own accomplishments. By extending a high five to yourself, you're declaring "I see you" and "I hear you," momentarily halting the tide of negativity and embracing a newfound vitality.
How to Use the High Five Habit
Mel recommends incorporating this habit into your daily morning routine. As you set intentions for the day and envision your future self, choose a trigger like brushing your teeth or sipping your morning coffee. Lift your arm, give yourself a high five in the mirror, and if you're a fan of mantras and affirmations, this is a perfect moment to recite them.
Recognizing the challenges business owners face as their harshest critics, Danielle highlights how this practice can be a catalyst for self-celebration. The inner turmoil of being an entrepreneur can be met head-on with the high five habits, celebrating achievements and milestones along the way. This practice isn't confined to personal triumphs; it can be harnessed to confront financial insecurities too. Whether it's looking at your financial reports or engaging with your money team, incorporating high fives amplifies your self-affirmation and rewires negative thought patterns.
In conclusion, the High Five Habit offers a simple yet transformative approach to shifting our money mindset and daily outlook. With the guidance of our insightful guest Danielle, we've explored how the act of celebrating ourselves through high fives can override ingrained negativity, setting us on a path of self-discovery, positivity, and achievement. So join us on this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories as we uncover the power of the high five and its profound impact on our relationship with money and self-worth.
Key Points [01:44] What does a high five mean to you? [05:20] What is the high five habit? [08:55] Why does this work? [13:18] How to use the high five habit
Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: | |||
| Brandee Gaar - Growing in a Recession - Ep 111 | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:39:54 | |
Show Notes
In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, we revisit Brandee Gaar, the founder of a thriving wedding planning business based in Orlando, Florida. With an impressive track record spanning sixteen years in the industry, Brandee has not only built a profitable business but has also become a dedicated coach to other wedding professionals. Her mission is clear: she wants to help others succeed while challenging the pervasive burnout culture that often plagues the wedding industry.
The Summit
The conversation takes place just after Brandee's annual Summit, an event she meticulously plans with thoughtfulness and intention. Initially starting her coaching online, Brandee found her true calling in in-person events, allowing participants to experience a sense of empowerment and embrace their roles as CEOs. Every aspect of the Summit is crafted to provide authenticity and realness to attendees, both during the sessions and outside of them. Brandee believes that gathering the right individuals in one room can spark transformative changes in their professional lives.
Tracking the Financial Side of Things
Brandee astutely manages her business, ensuring clear financial segregation among its various branches, such as wedding planning, the Summit, and coaching, all under the same LLC. This approach enables her to closely track the profitability of each segment individually. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the finer details, especially during less profitable years, and setting expense goals to complement sales targets, driving steady growth.
Looking into the Future
Despite the fear surrounding a possible recession, Brandee adamantly refuses to plan from a place of fear, dismissing it as an excuse for mediocrity. Instead, she advises professionals to focus on excellence, redouble their marketing efforts, and invest in personal and business growth. Even post-pandemic, when her company seemed to be coasting, Brandee recognized the opportune moment to push for growth and made concerted efforts to expand the business.
A strong advocate for investing in her team, Brandee believes in providing her employees with opportunities for growth. For instance, she invested in her social media manager by purchasing an SEO course, which will remain available to future team members in that role, enhancing their skills and contributing to the overall growth of the business. Money Mindset and the Financial Aspect
A major decision Brandee made recently was moving the Summit from Orlando to Austin, TX. This shift was a strategic one, calculated to foster a 20% growth in that region by centralizing the event. Drawing from past attendance data and comprehensive planning for best and worst-case scenarios, Brandee confidently took the leap, recognizing the potential for success in this bold move.
Advice for the Fearful Business Owner
Brandee's insights resonate deeply with entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness in managing one's business, resisting conformity, and identifying and addressing the gaps that hinder growth. Her approach exemplifies how investing in essential areas and shedding weaknesses can lead to business expansion and overall success.
In conclusion, this enlightening episode with Brandee Gaar is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the wedding planning industry or seeking entrepreneurial inspiration. Her remarkable journey, coupled with her passion for uplifting others, serves as a guiding beacon for entrepreneurs striving to thrive in competitive markets while avoiding burnout. Listeners are left with invaluable takeaways on building profitable businesses, fostering authenticity, and nurturing a strong team to achieve their goals.
Key Points [04:48] The Summit [09:28] Tracking the financial side of things [17:18] Looking into the future [24:34] Money mindset and the financial aspects [32:43] Advice for the fearful business owner
Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Brandee: Website | https://brandeegaar.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brandeegaar/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwii0TlcCz7Cfy5Han-RPYg?view_as=subscriber | |||
| Strategies for Breaking Through Negative Thoughts - Ep 110 | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:19:47 | |
Show Notes
Welcome to Entrepreneur Money Stories, where we explore the challenges and triumphs of running a business. In this episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of negative thinking and its impact on business owners. Negative thinking involves having thoughts that perceive oneself, others, and the world in a negative light. Left unchecked, these thought patterns can hinder progress and success. Join us as we delve into various types of negative thinking and provide strategies to break free from its grip.
Types of Negative Thinking and Thought Patterns
Negative thinking can manifest in different forms, such as filtering, personalizing, catastrophizing, and polarizing. Filtering involves focusing solely on the negative aspects of situations, while personalizing leads to self-blame for negative events. Catastrophizing is the tendency to anticipate the worst outcomes, and polarizing involves viewing circumstances as either entirely good or bad.
To counter negative thinking, our host, Danielle, shares a powerful strategy: positive affirmations. Rather than superficially repeating positive statements, she suggests delving deeper and reframing negative thoughts with evidence-based counterarguments. By examining concrete evidence such as business growth numbers and data, entrepreneurs can challenge their negative perceptions and gain a more accurate perspective on their progress.
Strategies to Break Negative Thinking Cycles
Examining the evidence objectively is crucial in breaking the cycle of negative thinking. By looking at the actual numbers and data related to business growth, entrepreneurs can often find that their negative thoughts do not align with the reality reflected in the data. Playing out different scenarios, including worst-case outcomes, enables them to develop strategies to address potential challenges and safeguard their business.
Shifting perspectives is another powerful tool. Imagine offering advice to a colleague or friend who shares similar negative thoughts. How would you encourage and uplift them? Applying this compassionate perspective to oneself can help reframe negative thinking and inspire self-belief. Additionally, seeking support from a money team or a supportive network provides an outlet to voice concerns and gain encouragement from fellow entrepreneurs.
The power of asking empowering questions cannot be underestimated. By reframing inquiries, entrepreneurs can unlock valuable insights, discover lessons from failures, build rapport, and mitigate business risks. It is essential to ask open-ended questions that foster growth and exploration, rather than limiting ones that reinforce negative thinking. Actively listening to one's inner dialogue and redirecting it towards more empowering thoughts is key.
Embracing curiosity and personal growth is vital in overcoming negative thinking patterns. Approaching negative thoughts with curiosity allows entrepreneurs to question the likelihood of worst-case scenarios and explore alternative perspectives. Reflecting on past experiences where adversity was overcome helps cultivate resilience. Focusing on lessons learned and the strength already demonstrated can help build confidence.
Wrapping It Up
In this episode of "Entrepreneur Money Stories," we delve into the world of negative thinking and provide actionable strategies to break free from its grip. By harnessing the power of positive affirmations, examining evidence objectively, shifting perspectives, and asking empowering questions, business owners can overcome negative thinking patterns and cultivate a resilient mindset. Join us as we explore the transformative power of reframing and discover how it can propel your business forward.
Key Points [02:40] Types of negative thinking [03:50] Types of thought patterns [07:28] Strategies to break negative thinking cycles
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| Embracing Your Role - Carol Cox on Owning Your Identity as a Business Owner & Leader - Ep 109 | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:32:54 | |
Show Notes On today’s episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories we have the pleasure of welcoming Carol Cox, an esteemed entrepreneur, thought leader, and Democratic political analyst, who has been making waves in the speaking industry. In this episode, we explore Carol's transformative work with women who have been in business for several years and are seeking to take their ventures to the next level. Whether their expertise lies in psychology, STEM, leadership, or other domains, Carol guides these women in crafting signature talks that fuse personal mission and storytelling, creating an authentic and resonant connection with their audiences.
Building to Paid Speaking Engagements One common dilemma among aspiring speakers is the uncertainty surrounding the value and significance of their stories. Carol highlights the importance of speaking from the heart, focusing on what truly matters to you, and weaving a thread that aligns with your business. By enabling the audience to feel and believe in their potential, a speaker can truly make a lasting impact. While lead generation often serves as the initial motivation for many people entering the speaking arena, Carol emphasizes the power of speaking at conferences and local groups that genuinely resonate with one's audience. As a speaker's reputation grows, opportunities for speaking engagements will arise, providing the chance to negotiate fees and establish a solid financial foundation.
Why Add Public Speaking to Your Repertoire? While podcasting offers an excellent platform for honing speaking skills, Carol reminds us that speaking in front of a live audience brings a distinct set of challenges. Public speaking, often cited as a common fear, can profoundly enhance personal growth and self-confidence. Carol herself identifies as a speaker rather than a writer, encouraging individuals to verbalize their thoughts to facilitate problem-solving and self-discovery. Through sharing a personal story of her own journey, Carol reveals the transformative power of speaking and how it led to the creation of Speaking Your Brand®, her groundbreaking venture.
Can You Be a Writer and Speaker? Carol firmly believes that one can excel as both a speaker and a writer. She recalls working with a client who beautifully transposed their jointly created signature talk into a written format. However, she cautions that writing and speaking require different approaches, as the spoken word possesses a unique cadence and rhythm. Transferring written content into a speech demands careful consideration and adaptation.
Considering Pricing Another critical aspect Carol addresses is the money mindset associated with speaking engagements. Many women tend to undervalue their services, charging less than they should. While speaking fees may vary depending on the audience, event, and organizers, Carol suggests keynote speakers should consider a minimum fee ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, with experienced speakers able to command up to $10,000. For workshops and training, a minimum fee of $2,500 is recommended, which can increase to $15,000 and beyond. It is crucial to recognize that speaking engagements are a value exchange, where the speaker's expertise and experience deliver tangible benefits to the audience.
To ensure fair compensation, Carol advises speakers to list their pricing on their websites, promoting transparency and allowing potential clients to make informed decisions based on their budgets. Additionally, when considering speaking engagements for exposure, it is important to assess whether the audience aligns with your target clientele, if you will have access to valuable photos and videos, and whether the event host advocates for you. By tracking the speaking engagements and measuring client conversions, speakers can identify the events that yield the best results and tailor their future choices accordingly.
Carol’s Money Mindset In the closing segment of this episode, Carol shares her personal experiences and the ups and downs of her money mindset as a long-term business owner. She highlights the significance of valuing the services she provides and pricing her business accordingly. With the advent of the pandemic, Carol's company swiftly adapted to virtual speaking and thought leadership, emphasizing the importance of becoming a thought leader in one's industry. Taking permission for oneself to be a thought leader and pushing boundaries to advance conversations and ask profound questions are vital aspects of establishing oneself as a true catalyst for change.
Join us for this captivating conversation with Carol Cox, as she empowers women to find their voices, embrace their stories, and activate ideas for change. Discover the transformative potential of public speaking, gain insights into pricing your services, and uncover the path to becoming a thought leader in your industry. Get ready to embark on a journey of personal growth, professional empowerment, and impactful storytelling.
Key Points [03:15] Building to paid speaking engagements [10:25] Why would someone want to add public speaking to their repertoire? [14:44] Can you be a speaker and a writer? [17:28] Speaking as revenue: considering pricing [21:47] Starting the conversation of being paid for a speaking engagement [26:59] Carol’s money mindset
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @DanielleHayden__OH Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Carol: linkedin.com/in/carolcox/ Discover your speaker archetype: quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6293ca2d37a5df0018ea1642
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| Stop Letting Confirmation Bias Stifle Your Entrepreneurial Success -Steps to get out of the way- 108 | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:19:25 | |
Show Notes Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the first step of our money mindset mastery framework: awareness. In this episode, we explore the impact of confirmation bias on our financial decisions, memories, and self-perception as business owners. By becoming aware of our unconscious thoughts and biases, we can gain a better understanding of our current money mindset.
Confirmation bias, our tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms our existing beliefs, plays a significant role in our financial choices. It influences everything from our buying decisions and budgeting to how we run our businesses and spend money. Often operating beneath our conscious awareness, confirmation bias reinforces negative stories we tell ourselves and fosters unhelpful comparisons with others.
Emotional Spending and Confirmation Bias One common manifestation of confirmation bias is emotional spending, which can affect many business owners. Driven by our biases, we may make impulsive purchases, believing they will solve our business problems. However, taking a step back and allowing 48 hours before making a significant purchase can help counteract this bias. By doing so, we create space to critically evaluate the positive and negative aspects of the decision, rather than solely focusing on the positives. This intentional pause helps break the cycle of biased research and encourages more balanced and informed financial choices.
Unfortunately, even when we take time for research, confirmation bias can still influence our perceptions. We may overlook negative aspects and only see the positives, reinforcing the belief that such purchases are beneficial. This process triggers dopamine spikes that reinforce our emotional spending habits, making them challenging to break.
Steps to Break the Cycle To break free from this cycle, we must approach our financial mindset with curiosity rather than unwavering conviction. Embracing a mindset of curiosity allows us to be open to new perspectives and experiences, as well as acknowledge the possibility of being wrong. By adopting this approach, we can reframe negative thoughts and challenge them with a more curious and open mindset.
Another crucial step is to think about your thinking! Evaluating our instinctive reactions and searching for ways to prove ourselves wrong can help us break free from the constraints of confirmation bias. It's essential to consider multiple perspectives and be open to changing our minds. We must remind ourselves that change is not a bad thing; it signifies growth and development.
Join us in this episode as we explore the power of awareness in overcoming confirmation bias and transforming our money mindset. By understanding how biases shape our financial decisions, we can make more informed choices and create a healthier relationship with money.
Key Points [09:37] Emotional spending and confirmation bias [14:05] Steps to break the cycle
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| Productivity Hacks For Women Entrepreneurs: Uncover the Keys to Accomplishment with Amber De La Garza! 107 | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:35:21 | |
Show Notes In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, we have a special guest, Amber De La Garza, a productivity specialist who focuses on helping small business owners achieve more joy in their lives and businesses. Amber understands the challenges entrepreneurs face, including burnout and the urge to step away from their businesses. She believes that by optimizing productivity, entrepreneurs can create a fulfilling and sustainable entrepreneurial journey.
Amber begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding where your time is being spent and how you are tracking it. Rather than striving for a perfectly structured schedule, she advises entrepreneurs to observe their time and identify patterns. This self-awareness enables quick adjustments and allows for the creation of an ideal schedule that aligns with personal goals.
What is Productivity? Productivity, according to Amber, goes beyond mere busyness, organization, or color coding. It involves investing our best time in our most important activities—the tasks that propel us towards our goals. While organization can support productivity, it is not the sole determinant of success. A cluttered desk does not necessarily impede progress, just as a meticulously color-coded system does not guarantee achievement.
Amber emphasizes that the primary goal of any business should be profitability. By focusing on this overarching objective, entrepreneurs can alleviate stress and free themselves from concerns about keeping the business afloat. Often, entrepreneurs become overwhelmed by various goals, diverting their attention from the main objective. Reflecting on past patterns and behaviors can help identify areas for improvement and initiate positive change. Identifying one's best activities—such as marketing, sales, servicing clients, and leadership—becomes crucial for productivity and profitability.
The Four Buckets of Productivity Marketing and visibility play a pivotal role in every business. Whether it involves traditional methods like newspaper or Google ads, or modern strategies like podcasting and networking, the consistency of marketing efforts is paramount. Amber advises entrepreneurs to find marketing methods they enjoy, enabling them to show up consistently and improve over time. Distractions and fires can easily derail progress, but entrepreneurs can differentiate between genuine problems and self-inflicted disruptions by analyzing their own inaction in the past. Tracking time and identifying patterns can help pinpoint areas that require change.
Sales activities, which include discovery calls or initial consultations, are high-value tasks that contribute to business growth. Amber suggests batching such activities to optimize productivity, dedicating specific days to specific tasks.
Servicing clients is the third important bucket. For product-based businesses, this may involve customer service and product improvements, while service-based businesses focus on delivering their services. Entrepreneurs must strike a balance between dedicating time to clients and managing other aspects of their business.
Lastly, leadership is essential for achieving business goals and profitability. By investing time in training, coaching, and running team meetings, entrepreneurs can multiply their productivity by leveraging their team's efforts.
Accidental Business Owners Amber addresses the issue of "accidental" business owners—those who ventured into entrepreneurship due to their passion for a craft but feel unequipped to handle the business side. She assures listeners that running a business is a teachable skill, and formal business education is not a prerequisite for success. Ignoring the financial aspect of a business can hinder its smooth operation, so entrepreneurs should prioritize financial management.
In this episode, Amber LaGarza shares valuable insights and actionable strategies for becoming more productive and achieving business success. Whether you are an accidental business owner or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode will help you develop the skills needed to optimize your time, focus on the right activities, and ultimately create a profitable and fulfilling business.
Key Points
[02:04] What is productivity? [06:32] Where do you start in becoming more productive? [13:02] What is marketing and visibility? [19:14] Sales [22:40] Servicing your clients [24:55] Leadership [27:17] Accidental business owners [30:34] What does all this look like in practice?
Click here to check out Amber’s media kit
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
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| The Tax Write-Offs You’re Missing as a Business Owner – Ep. 213 | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:25:47 | |
Are you leaving money on the table when it comes to your taxes? If you're a small business owner, the answer is probably yes! In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., covers the essential tax deductions you should be using but might be missing or ignoring. From turning charitable donations into advertising dollars to maximizing deductions on equipment, training, and even paying your children, Danielle breaks down tax strategies that can save you money while still maintaining a healthy business in line with your goals. Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Spending (00:0:52 – 00:04:26) Charitable Donations as a Tax-Deductible Marketing Expense (00:06:51 – 00:07:39) Clothing & Equipment Deductions (00:08:10 – 00:08:57) Gift Giving as a Business Expense (00:10:22 – 00:11:25) Conferences, Training, & Learning Write-Offs (00:11:25 – 00:12:26) Retirement, HSA, and Healthcare Deductions (00:12:51 – 00:15:06) Paying Your Children (00:15:06 – 00:16:25) Capitalization Policy (00:16:26 – 00:17:53) Business Travel Write-Offs & The Augusta Rule (00:17:53 – 00:23:50) Striking the Balance between Deductions and Business Goals (00:20:02 – 00:24:27)
Resources: Episode 126 | Small Business Gift Giving: A Holiday Tax Guide Episode 136 | Health Care Tax Deductions for Small Business Owners Explained Episode 137 | Can You Legally Hire Your Children?: How to Pay Your Kids, Get Tax Advantages, & Create Generational Wealth Episode 188 | Beyond the Business: Preparing for a Secure Retirement Free Gift | ‘How Much to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner’ Calculator KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| BONUS EPISODE: Boutique Fitness Studio Breakthroughs: Unleashing Success with Seran Glanfield's Expertise - 106 | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:42:41 | |
Show Notes Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Seran Glanfield, a former banker from Wales who discovered her true passion in the realm of movement and pilates. Initially drawn to pilates as a dedicated runner, Seran quickly realized its profound impact on her well-being and decided to become a pilates instructor. However, her growing fascination with the business side of the industry led her to shift her focus to helping other pilates instructors thrive and expand their studios.
How Seran Guides Clients to Differentiate With the boutique fitness world experiencing exponential growth over the past decade, many studio owners find themselves faced with a saturated market. So, how can you set your business apart from the crowd? While pricing is a commonly used strategy, Seran emphasizes that long-term differentiation lies in uncovering the unique qualities of your fitness studio. From providing exceptional customer experiences to helping clients achieve their goals, understanding your strengths is crucial in setting yourself apart.
One common pitfall for business owners is falling into the comparison trap when discovering their business's core values. Seran advises putting on blinders and resisting the urge to focus on what neighboring studios are doing. Often, owners underestimate the special aspects of their own business, overlooking their unique offerings. By prioritizing core values and allocating resources accordingly, you can retain clients who genuinely appreciate the exceptional service you provide.
Getting Someone in the Door vs. Retention Marketing can be divided into two main aspects: attracting clients to your studio and fostering loyalty. To engage potential clients who haven't yet interacted with your business, it's important to identify any obstacles that may be holding them back. By effectively communicating your core values and clarifying the type of environment you provide, you can pre qualify clients and invite them to take the next step. Once a client walks through your door, shift your focus from addressing hesitations to showcasing the potential they can achieve by working with you. Successful marketing creates visibility, while a seamless sales strategy acts as a natural next step in their fitness journey.
Seran’s View on Pricing and Discounts Aligning your pricing model with your values and desired client interaction is vital. Each business is unique in how it wants to engage with clients, and this extends to pricing services. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it's essential to choose a model that aligns with your brand values. Whether you believe in offering drop-in classes for flexibility or prefer subscription-based options for better results, select a pricing structure that resonates with your studio's identity. Additionally, consider the expenses associated with running your business, such as rent and utilities, and ensure that your pricing sustains these costs.
What Does it Mean to Run a Business Like Clockwork? When all the pieces of your business puzzle fit together, your studio runs like clockwork. Your business should not be a constant source of headaches, and implementing systems that allow you to work on your business, rather than just in it, is crucial. While it's natural to gravitate toward areas where you feel comfortable, it's important to continually seek ways to elevate all aspects of your studio. Obtaining an outside perspective can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement that may have been overlooked.
How Seran Keeps Her Money Mindset Strong As a coach, Seran sees money and business as tools rather than measures of personal worth. She encourages clients to adopt a similar mindset, focusing on the number of people they can support and the impact they can make through their work. While optimizing profitability is important, expanding your goals beyond financial metrics will enhance your satisfaction as a business owner.
Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights on standing out in the competitive boutique fitness industry, uncovering your studio's unique strengths, and nurturing long-term business growth. Discover how focusing on core values, effective marketing, strategic pricing, and a healthy money mindset can lead to success and fulfillment as a studio owner.
Key Points 00:17 What most people don’t know about Seran 02:44 How Seran fell in love with boutique fitness studios 06:51 How Seran guides clients to differentiate 16:54 Getting someone in the door vs. retention 21:49 Seran’s view on pricing and discounts 30:01 What does it mean to run a business like clock work 36:09 How Seran keeps her money mindset strong
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| Revisiting Your Intentions: A Guide for Women-Owned Businesses Mid-Year Check-in - 105 | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:33:48 | |
Show Notes In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, we dive into the specific steps needed to conduct a quarterly financial review for your business. Join us as Danielle from Kickstart Accounting shares their proven process, empowering you to minimize tax liabilities and finish the year strong.
Why Should I Do a Mid-Year Check In? Setting clear intentions at the beginning of the year allows for hyperfocus on what truly matters to your business. However, a mid-year check-in is essential to ensure you're on track or need to recalibrate your goals. Successful business owners are willing to pivot and adapt when necessary, especially if unexpected growth occurs. If you don't have a CPA offering mid-year check-ins, consider finding one to help optimize your tax strategy for the second half of the year.
Starting the Process: Prep Work and First Steps To start the process, block out uninterrupted time in your calendar and create a quiet space for reflection. Gather important documents, including your monthly snapshot, income statements, balance sheet, cash flow statement, written goals, and a notebook. Arrive on time and treat this meeting with respect, dedicating the full allotted time to focus solely on your business.
Begin the review by expressing gratitude for what has gone well in your business so far. Then, revisit the intention you set at the beginning of the year to ensure it still aligns with your current situation. Analyzing your income statement, focus on three key numbers: gross profit, monthly net income, and monthly cash flow.
Income statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement Next, examine your balance sheet to assess the assets and liabilities of your business. Aim for a healthy debt-to-income ratio and ensure you have sufficient assets or cash to cover your business's debt. The cash flow statement provides insight into where your money goes, clarifying if it's being used to repay previous debts or accumulate in your personal account. Consider setting an intention for the latter half of the year, such as saving 6-12 months of operating expenses for increased financial security.
What Happens When I Get Back to the Office? Returning to the office, utilize your new intention as a filter for decision-making. When faced with business choices, ask yourself if they are necessary, align with your goals, and identify the best approach. Avoid letting FOMO dictate your decisions and understand the cost of both action and inaction. To maintain momentum, use monthly snapshots to reflect on your financial direction. Take the time to analyze and evaluate your spending habits and leverage your bookkeeping team's expertise to gain further insights.
In conclusion, this episode equips you with the knowledge and tools to conduct a powerful mid-year financial review. By implementing this process, you can make informed decisions, optimize your financial strategy, and confidently steer your business towards success.
Key Points [02:55] Why do I need to do a mid-year check in? [08:28] Starting the process: prep work and first steps [20:08] Looking at your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements [27:16] What happens when you get back to the office? [30:34] Tools and systems to keep yourself aligned
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ | |||
| The Power of Radical Ownership in Business Success with Women in Wealth's Bernadette Girvin and Michelle Taylor Ep - 104 | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:36:46 | |
Show Notes In today's business landscape, many individuals stumble upon entrepreneurship unexpectedly. Learn how radical ownership empowers business owners to take charge of their decisions and encourages their employees to do the same. In service-based industries, where customer experiences can be challenging due to unpredictability, embracing radical ownership becomes even more crucial. Explore the idea of doing what you can, not just what you should do, to ensure exceptional customer service and business growth.
Women In Wealth Initiative The Women In Wealth initiative was born out of Bernadette and Michelle's shared experiences as main income earners in their households. They wanted to create a safe community dedicated to supporting women who find themselves in similar roles. As the dynamics of wealth shift more and more often into the hands of women, it is essential to change the way we approach money. Gain valuable insights into financial planning, investment strategies, account management, and savings, all while being guided by female financial advisors and like-minded women seeking smart money choices.
Action Steps to Take Now Take action now by understanding where you stand financially and where you want to be. Whether you and your partner are excelling in business or facing challenges, setting financial goals together is crucial. Even if one person handles the day-to-day budget, it's essential for both partners to have a comprehensive understanding of their family's financial situation. Building a strong money team, including a tax strategist, bookkeeper, and financial advisor, ensures you stay on track and avoid future missteps. Learn how viewing your family's income from a business perspective can increase its effectiveness.
Keeping a Strong Money Mindset Maintaining a healthy money mindset is like embarking on a fitness journey. Rather than diving in headfirst, take the time to gradually develop good money habits. Accept that you can't excel in everything at once and focus on what matters most. Building a healthy money mindset requires ongoing exercise and accountability. Discover the benefits of sharing your goals with a trusted friend to keep you motivated and on track. Together, we can nurture a positive relationship with money and strive for financial well-being.
Unlock the potential of compound investing and witness how small, consistent efforts can yield significant results. Banish the fear of starting with too little, as compounding money is a proven mathematical equation that can profoundly impact your net worth over time. Don't let any confidence gaps hold you back. Start today, and with perseverance and discipline, watch your confidence and wealth grow. Remember, it's never too late to embark on your financial journey.
Join us for an episode filled with practical advice, inspirational stories, and actionable steps to empower entrepreneurs and women in wealth. Embrace the concept of radical ownership, explore the Women In Wealth initiative, understand the importance of a strong money mindset, and witness the transformative power of compound investing. Tune in now to take control of your business, finances, and future.
Key Points [02:55] Radical ownership: what it means and where it came from [09:36] The Women In Wealth Initiative [16:14] What action steps can you take right now? [24:40] Improving and keeping a strong money mindset [28:49] The power of compound investing
Connect with Bernadette Girvin and Michelle Taylor: ➡️ How to Find the Right Financial Advice
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook | |||
| Unlock Your Core Values to Make Better Financial Decisions as an Entrepreneur - Ep 103 | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:20:05 | |
Show Notes
Welcome to the latest episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories with Danielle. In this episode, Danielle explores the importance of core values and how they can guide your financial decisions to build a sustainable and purpose-driven business.
What are core values and why do I need them?
Core values are the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that shape the culture of your business. They go beyond marketing strategies and represent the ethical and moral standards you uphold. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners often overlook the need for a set of core values, but they play a crucial role in establishing a strong identity and creating a specific set of standards for your business.
Danielle highlights five key reasons why having core values is essential. Firstly, core values provide a clear understanding of your business's identity, not just for marketing purposes, but as a stand-alone entity. Secondly, they serve as a framework for decision-making, enabling you and your employees to make aligned choices, even in challenging situations. By empowering your team to make confident decisions based on shared core values, you can free yourself from being the sole decision-maker.
Furthermore, when employees share the same core values as their boss, they feel a sense of belonging and are motivated to go above and beyond. This leads to a stronger emotional connection with your brand, resulting in greater customer satisfaction. By displaying your core values, you attract customers who resonate with your beliefs, fostering long-lasting relationships.
How do I create my business’s core values?
To create your business's core values, Danielle suggests stepping out of your normal work environment and taking a moment to center yourself. Try the box breathing technique to really clear your mind. Reflect on how your business deeply impacts clients and write down five to seven words that are integral to your culture and mission. It's important to align your business practices with these values and use them as a decision-making framework. If you find that you're not aligning with your core values, it's an opportunity to either reassess them or make necessary behavioral changes.
Putting your core values into practice.
By prioritizing your core values, your spending habits will naturally shift to reflect those values. It doesn't necessarily mean cutting your spending, but rather reallocating funds to support your values. When your financial decisions are value-focused, people will connect with your business on a deeper level. Your business will not only become profitable but also meaningful and impactful.
Danielle emphasizes the importance of regularly refining your core values over time. As you cultivate a company that upholds its values in every aspect, you'll see opportunities for improvement month by month. By consistently aligning your financial snapshot with your core values, you create a business that not only thrives financially but also leaves a positive and lasting impact on the world.
Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into using core values to guide your financial decisions and discover how aligning your spending habits with your beliefs can create a purpose-driven and successful business.
Key Points
[02:07] What are core values and why do I need them? [09:37] How to discover your business’ core values [14:23] Putting core values into practice
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook
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| The Burnout Battle: Strategies for Women Business Owners to Tap into Their Energy with Dr. Lara Salyer - Ep 102 | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:30:57 | |
Show Notes Dr. Lara Salyer's personal experience with burnout in the medical field drives her mission to help individuals worldwide find their flow and rediscover joy in their work. On the Entrepreneur Money Stories podcast, she shares practical tips for business owners to identify burnout, redefine success beyond numbers, and empower medical professionals to tap into the flow. Understanding the four phases of the flow cycle, implementing strategies to clear mental space, and prioritizing meaningful work can lead to sustained flow and prevent burnout. Dr. Lara emphasizes the importance of connecting with intuition and inner signals to enhance the flow experience. By recognizing the contrast between flow and burnout, individuals can take steps to prevent burnout, regain control over their time, and improve overall well-being.
What is flow? A flow state, in contrast to burnout, is characterized by a sense of mindfulness, fun, and being fully engaged with one's senses during a task. It is a state of optimal performance that can last from 5 to 90 minutes, boosting self-efficacy while reducing stress and cortisol levels.
Understanding the four phases of a flow cycle is crucial: starting with struggle, followed by release, where setting conditions for mental relaxation is essential, then entering the flow state itself, rich with serotonin and endorphins, and finally experiencing recovery, allowing the brain to pause and synthesize experiences without electronic stimulation.
Finding flow Finding an easy flow state can be challenging, especially when stress overwhelms us. Clearing mental space and identifying peak productivity hours are effective strategies for inviting flow into our workdays. Dr. Lara highlights the tendency of entrepreneurs to seek easy dopamine bursts by tackling simple tasks first, but warns that this approach wastes valuable time. Instead, prioritizing meaningful work can lead to a more sustained and fulfilling flow state.
In certain professions, intuition and inner signals are often ignored, yet connecting with our inner selves is crucial for experiencing flow. Dr. Lara suggests using tools such as a feelings wheel to identify emotions and their physical manifestations, as this simple practice can have a profound impact.
The Intersection of Flow and Burnout Recognizing the stark contrast between flow and burnout, Dr. Lara provides practical tips for preventing burnout. Acknowledging the need for help is the first step, followed by taking deep breaths and utilizing her free restoration plan to improve well-being. Regaining control over one's time by learning to say no and setting boundaries is also essential.
Key Ideas
[03:01] Dr. Lara’s mission in the world [05:54] What a flow state is and why it’s important [10:08] How business owners can use a flow state [12:27] A few ways to use or find flow states [15:48] How do you know if you’ve hit a flow state? [21:29] The four cycles of flow [24:19] How flow intersects with burnout [26:21] Practical burnout prevention tips
About Dr. Lara Salyer
Dr. Lara Salyer, a rural family medicine physician, experienced burnout after 15 years in her career. She found solace in painting, drawing, and running, leading her to study the effects of stress on physiology and become certified with the Institute for Functional Medicine. She opened a holistic membership practice, leveraging technology for cohesive wellness in her community.
With training from the Flow Research Collective, she coaches flow acquisition and high-flow leadership in her Catalyst™ Studio Mentorship program. Dr. Lara aims to teach one million health professionals how to tap into creative flow, eradicate burnout, and enhance happiness. Her memoir, "Right Brain Rescue: One Physician's Journey from Burnout to Bliss," explores the creative muse within all of us. She resides in Monroe, Wisconsin, with her family, a lively dog, and endless piles of laundry.
Dr. Lara’s Free Restoration Plan Instagram | @DanielleHayden__OH Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Click here and get Started TODAY with our sponsor
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| The Top Women-Owned Small Business Growth Tips - Ep 101 | 30 May 2023 | 00:37:30 | |
Today is a special episode where we are celebrating 100 episodes of Entrepreneur Money Stories! We are so thankful for your support in our journey to this point and have no plans of STOPPING any time soon! We are taking a look back with Danielle Hayden at key lessons from the first 100 episodes. These insights and tips are the top recurring growth tips our expert guests shared, specifically for women-owned small businesses. We cherry-picked the best of our favorite top episodes in four categories, that are going to help you accelerate your business in the last half of 2023. These episodes cover essential topics such as reframing your perspective on sales, transforming yourself into an effective CEO, understanding the profound influence of your money mindset on your business and learning how to address it, as well as discovering valuable strategies and best practices for optimizing systems and operations to regain precious time.
In this episode, I also discuss:
Connect with Danielle: | |||
| From Surviving to Thriving: Action Steps for Escaping the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle in your Women Owned Business - Ep 100 | 23 May 2023 | 00:20:49 | |
Are you an entrepreneur who’s been living paycheck to paycheck in your business?
Living paycheck to paycheck makes it hard for entrepreneurs to weather any unexpected changes or invest in new opportunities.
Today, I’m sharing some strategies that will help you manage your debt, know your numbers and start building a cash reserve so you can stop living paycheck to paycheck and create some breathing room in your business.
In this episode, I also discuss:
Other episodes mentioned: The Four Forces of Cash Flow – episode 44 Intention Setting – episode 79
Prefer to read this? Check out the blog here
Connect with Danielle:
Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook
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| Diversifying your Revenue Streams as a Female Entrepreneur with Cathi Nelson - Ep 99 | 16 May 2023 | 00:38:56 | |
Cathi Nelson is the CEO of The Photo Managers and has a passion for photos and storytelling. She helps small business owners become professional photo managers and also educates consumers on the importance of saving and organizing their photos and videos. Today, Cathi joins me to talk about her journey as an accidental entrepreneur and how she got her start with her unique business. She’s also chatting about how she’s been able to evolve her money mindset as she’s shifted her business model and increased her revenue streams. Join Cathi and me in this information-packed episode to learn why it’s so important to have multiple streams of revenue as a female entrepreneur and how you can start diversifying your income today. Other key takeaways you can expect in today's episode:
Prefer to read this? Check out the blog here
Connect with Cathi: Visit her website | Visit The Photo Managers Connect with Danielle: Like our sponsor’s page on Facebook
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| EP 98 - Debt-Free or Bust: The True Cost of Financial Freedom for Your Business | 09 May 2023 | 00:23:23 | |
Debt can be a controversial subject for many including business owners.
Today, I’m deep diving into the topic of debt and explaining why living debt-free can be beneficial. I’m also explaining some of the major costs associated with being debt-free and how it can affect you as an entrepreneur.
Join me in this episode, to hear both sides of debt including how you can use debt to benefit your small business.
In this episode, I also discuss:
Prefer to read this? Check out the blog: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/debunking-the-myth-of-debt-free-success-why-borrowing-can-be-beneficial-for-small-businesses
Connect with Danielle:
Instagram | @DanielleHayden__OH Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Get Started Today: | |||
| EP 97- Debt-Positive Entrepreneurship: How Changing Your Relationship with Debt Can Transform Your Business with Financial Coach Audrey Faust | 02 May 2023 | 00:28:51 | |
Today, Financial Coach Audrey Faust joins me to talk about how entrepreneurs can take control of their finances, diversify their income and take their businesses to new heights. Audrey Faust is a financial coach who specializes in empowering female entrepreneurs to become financially literate and understand their finances so they have all of the financial tools they need to succeed. Join Audrey and I in this episode as we discuss how you can make a bigger impact on your income, grow your business and understand your finances as an entrepreneur.
In this episode Audrey and I also discuss:
Prefer to read this? Check out the blog:
Connect with Audrey:
Website | https://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyfaust/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/greatwithmoney/
Connect with Danielle:
Instagram | @DanielleHayden__OH Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Get Started: | |||
| How to Pay Yourself as an S Corp Owner: Reasonable Compensation & Payroll Setup – Ep. 212 | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:15:59 | |
So you’ve made the leap and elected to become an S Corp—congratulations! Now what? One of the most crucial (and often confusing) steps is figuring out how much to pay yourself through payroll. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is joined by Kickstart’s Lead Account Manager, Kelsey Chester, to break it all down for you, from finding a payroll provider to understanding "reasonable compensation" and how to stay compliant with the IRS. They also dive into the common missteps business owners make as S Corps, seasonality in your income, and why treating yourself like the CEO of your business is instrumental to its success. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance paying yourself and taxes as an owner, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: Payroll Setup and Payroll Providers (00:0:48 – 00:04:49) How to Determine “Reasonable Compensation” (00:05:13 – 00:07:39) Paying Yourself a Stable Salary and Planning for Taxes (00:09:26 – 00:12:37) CEO Mindset and Paying Yourself What You Deserve (00:12:37 – 00:14:57)
Resources: Episode 189 | LLC vs. S Corp: Which Is Right for Your Business? KSA Tax Partners | Reasonable Compensation Analysis Free Gift | ‘How Much to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner’ Calculator KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/ Preferred Payroll Provider | Gusto *This content is not sponsored by Gusto
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc
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| EP 96- Important Tax Deductions for Business Owners | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:37:14 | |
Have you been wondering if you’re deducting enough on your taxes each year?
Today, our Lead Account Manager, Kelsey, joins me to talk about some of the most common business deductions you can take on your taxes as an entrepreneur.
Join Kelsey and me for this informative episode to learn what you can deduct as a business expense so you can get the most out of your tax return.
In this episode, Kelsey and I also discuss:
Mentioned in this Episode:
50+ Tax Write-Offs | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/Taxwriteoffs
Get Started Ad: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| EP 95- Expanding your Business while Keeping a Healthy Work-Life Balance with Christa Gurka | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:52:21 | |
Christa Gurka is a fitness and wellness business coach and an Orthopedic Physical Therapist specializing in Pilates-based rehabilitation. Christa owns, operates, and teaches at Pilates in the Grove, located in South Florida.
In this episode, Christa joins me to share the details on how she grew her business to seven figures and expanded her team while keeping the freedom and flexibility of a healthy work-life balance.
Join us in this episode to learn more about the importance of forming your businesses core values and why improving your mindset can make a big difference in the expansion of your business.
In this episode Christa and I also discuss:
Connect with Christa:
Podcast | https://www.christagurka.com/podcast Website | https://www.christagurka.com/
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Get Started: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 94- Setting Boundaries as a Small Business Owner | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:36:34 | |
Today, Victoria joins me to talk about why it’s so important to set clear boundaries as an entrepreneur and why you should get better at saying “no.” We’re also explaining the five types of boundaries that someone can have in their business.
Join us in this episode to learn more about how you can set your own boundaries within your business, team and finances.
In this episode Victoria and I also discuss:
Mentioned in this Episode:
EP 85 – Recognizing the 5 Categories of Emotional Spending
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| EP 93 - Teaching Financial Independence to your Kids with Rob Phelan | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:32:21 | |
Are you a parent and an entrepreneur who’s wondering how you can set your children up for success when it comes to money and entrepreneurship?
Today, Rob Phelan joins me to share how you can help your kids get a healthy money mindset and how you can lead by example as an entrepreneur. Rob Phelan is a high school personal finance teacher, certified financial education instructor, a small business owner and the author of 2 money books for kids.
Listen to this episode to gain some insight on how you can encourage your kids to embrace entrepreneurship and prepare them for adulthood by giving them a healthy relationship with finances from the start.
In this episode Rob and I also discuss:
Connect with Rob:
Webinar | https://bit.ly/taxesforteens Website | https://www.choosefi.com/ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/robphelan/
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| EP 92 -Setting Your Kids Up for Financial Success with David Chudyk | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:35:13 | |
This week, David Chudyk, a financial advisor and the host of the Weekly Wealth Podcast joins me again to talk about how you can overcome the fear of talking to your children about money and set your kids up for financial success.
In this episode, David shares with us the action steps you can take today to get started so your children have the foundation for being financially successful in their future.
In this episode David and I also discuss:
Connect with David:
Podcast | https://www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/ Website | https://www.allofmyassets.com/
Mentioned in today’s episode:
EP 69- Creating a Sellable Business with David Chudyk
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| EP 91 - Modeling Strong Money Mindset for your Children | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:31:56 | |
As entrepreneurs, we want to make sure our children have the resources they need to have a strong financial mindset. But how do we inspire that next generation of entrepreneurs and give them the education they need when it comes to money?
In this episode, I’m sharing with you how to talk to your kids about money, model a healthy money mindset and motivate your children to take action when it comes to earning and saving money.
In this episode I also discuss:
Mentioned in today’s episode:
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour
EP 85- Recognizing the Five Categories of Emotional Spending
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 90- Cultivating a Thriving Team Culture with Nicole Salceda | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:31:12 | |
Nicole Salceda is an interior designer, decorator and the owner of Eye for Pretty, a California design firm that focuses on creating cohesive and inspiring spaces for clients. Nicole is also a client of Kickstart Accounting.
Nicole spent 12 years as a teacher before making the leap to business owner and following her passion for interior design.
In this episode, Nicole talks about making the transition from teacher to design entrepreneur, managing a large team and how she’s been able to improve her cash management and money mindset within her thriving design business.
In this episode Nicole and I also discuss:
Connect with Nicole:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/eyeforpretty/?hl=en Website | https://www.eyeforpretty.com/
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 89- Is Your Payroll Breaking Your Biz? An Analysis for Service-Based Business Owners | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:24:51 | |
Payroll costs are one major issue I’ve seen with my clients that can affect service-based entrepreneurs when they are growing their business and trying to expand their profits.
In today's episode, I’m talking about payroll costs, how to tell if your payroll costs are too high and what you can do when your payroll starts to eat into your profits.
Join me in this episode as I share six specific action steps you can take to reduce your payroll costs, so you can focus on expanding your profits and improving your team.
In this episode I also discuss:
Episodes mentioned:
Episode 67 | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/ep-67-preparing-for-tax-season-with-1099-contractors/
Episode 46 | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/ep-46-s-corp-webinar-with-sarah-fox/
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 88- Improving your Financial Self-Care with AJ Schneider | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:41:38 | |
AJ Schneider is a Financial Freedom Coach and the founder of Beyond the Green Coaching. AJ helps her clients improve their relationship with money, build wealth, get out of debt and become financially free so they can take control of their future.
AJ was inspired to start Beyond the Green after pulling herself out of debt and transforming her own money mindset.
In this episode, AJ joins me to talk about how you can heal your relationship with money, shift your money mindset and create your dream life without worrying about debt.
In this episode AJ and I also discuss:
Connect with AJ:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/beyondthegreencoaching/?hl=en Website | https://www.beyondthegreencoaching.com/ Podcast | https://www.beyondthegreencoaching.com/podcast Debt & Savings Bundle | https://www.beyondthegreencoaching.com/debt-and-savings-bundle Use Code KICKSTART34 for 34% off plus one 34 minute 1:1 session
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 87- How to create productive dashboards YOU want to use in your business | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:27:52 | |
This week our Operations Coordinator, Victoria, joins me again as I talk about dashboards in your business including why you need one and how you as an entrepreneur can use your dashboard to feel empowered.
Join us for this informative episode to learn the details about dashboards and how having one can help you reframe your business and stop being scared of your finances.
In this episode Victoria and I also discuss:
Mentioned in this Episode:
EP 85 – Recognizing the 5 Categories of Emotional Spending
Need help understanding your numbers to track metrics? Join our Finance Framework Program and be a part of a community for business owners who want to take control of their financials! Enroll today!
The Finance Framework | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/framework
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| The Smart Way to File Taxes: Why Tax Extensions Are Better Than Last-Minute Filings – Ep. 211 | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:08:57 | |
Feeling stressed about the April 15th tax deadline? You don’t need to be! Here’s the good news, filing a tax extension isn’t just okay; it’s often the smartest financial move to make if you’re in a position of rushing to file your taxes by the deadline. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. and KSA Tax Partners, breaks down everything you need to know about tax extensions, both the common misconceptions and benefits surrounding them as well as how they factor into tax prep. Key Takeaways:
Topics Discussed: What Is a Tax Extension (00:00:31 – 00:01:27) Tax Extension Common Misconceptions and Benefits (00:01:27 – 00:04:47) Tax Prep and KSA Tax Partners’ Approach (00:05:01 – 00:08:18)
Resources: KSA Tax Partners | https://ksataxpartners.com/
Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book
Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting | |||
| EP 86- How to Grow as a Consultant with Michael Zipursky | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:48:24 | |
Michael Zipursky is the co-founder and CEO of Consulting Success® where they specialize in helping entrepreneurial consultants grow profitable, scalable and strategic consulting businesses. He is also the author of the Amazon Best Sellers ACT NOW: How successful consultants thrive during chaos and uncertainty, The Elite Consulting Mind and Consulting Success® the book.
Today, Michael joins me to share some useful resources and tips for consultants as they grow their business, the importance of having a supportive team and how you can keep your money mindset sharp.
In this episode Michael and I also discuss:
Connect with Michael:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/zipursky/ Website | https://www.consultingsuccess.com/
Need help understanding your numbers to track metrics? Join our Finance Framework Program and be a part of a community for business owners who want to take control of their financials! Enroll today!
The Finance Framework | https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/framework
Connect with Danielle:
Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. - Home | Facebook Instagram | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. (@kickstartaccounting) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter | Kickstart Accounting Inc. (@KickstartAcct) / Twitter
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/
Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO - https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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| EP 85 – Recognizing the 5 Categories of Emotional Spending | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:28:34 | |
Today, Victoria joins me again in tackling a personal subject. We talk about emotional spending, what it means, and how it presents itself in your personal life, as well as in your business. There are ways to recognize when you may be emotionally spending through looking at your numbers, and learning to recognize when you’re doing it is the first step in scaling down on it. In this episode Victoria and I also discuss:
Things mentioned in the episode:
Need help understanding your numbers to track metrics? Join our Finance Framework Program and be a part of a community for business owners who want to take control of their financials! Enroll today! The Finance Framework | https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/framework
Connect with Danielle: Website | https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.net/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting Twitter | https://twitter.com/KickstartAcct
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/ Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO – https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid | |||
| EP 84 – The 3 Numbers Every Business Owner Needs to Know | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:28:55 | |
Today, Kelsey joins me to chat about metrics, specifically the three key numbers every business owner should know and track. There are tons of KPIs (key performance indicators) to gauge your business’s performance, but sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. The three KPIs you absolutely need to know are gross profit, net profit, and average monthly cash output. Listen as we break down these basic metrics and explain why it’s important to understand them. In this episode, Kelsey and I also discuss:
Things mentioned in the episode:
Need help understanding your numbers to track metrics? Join our Finance Framework Program and be a part of a community for business owners who want to take control of their financials! Enroll today! The Finance Framework | https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/framework
Connect with Danielle: Website | https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.net/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting Twitter | https://twitter.com/KickstartAcct
Book your FREE Discovery call: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Test your Financial Health: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/checkmyfinancialhealth/ Learn how to pay yourself as a CEO – https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/getpaid
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