Are you missing the peace of mind from knowing your small business finances are being managed smartly?
Do you want to spend less time in the accounting weeds and more time concentrating on growth?
Are you an SMB owner or accountant wanting a better handle on financial operations?
Then Greater than the Sum is the show for you.
Each week, we sit down with a guest who has worked through some of the big challenges of managing small business finances. We ask them to demystify how they took command of their cash flow, giving them the time and space to focus on the bigger business picture.
Together with host and small business tech expert Mark Assini, they break down the practical next steps; from wins you should replicate to pitfalls to avoid.
Small business owners, operators, accountants: join us every two weeks to remove the guesswork from your business finances and gain back the time you need to focus on what really matters.
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From Accountant to Owner: What to know when starting your own firm with Ryan Lazanis
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 • Duration 28:16
“Get the pricing wrong, and you’re going to see all those other things cascade.”
In this episode of Greater than the Sum, Mark welcomes Ryan Lazanis, who successfully scaled and sold a seven-figure accounting firm and is now providing support to fellow accountants through his work as a CEO of Future Firm.
As an experienced accountant, Ryan knows firsthand the tradeoffs that come with the risk-averse training of the profession. But if you want to run a business, you must be open to growing, learning, and innovating. And that often requires thinking outside of the box and taking calculated risks.
Ryan breaks down all the lessons learned from his entrepreneurship journey, from an accountant-specific point of view. He highlights the importance of pricing your offerings smartly and avoiding the pitfalls of undervaluing yourself.
He also shares some tried-and-true strategies for negotiating strong business deals, recognizing the areas where you need to grow, and continuously educating and bettering yourself as a firm owner.
This episode focuses on:
Common mistakes that accounting firm owners make
The essential tips for overcoming the knowledge gap as a business owner
The importance of getting pricing right – and how it can impact everything else
Ryan’s proven three-tier pricing approach to make discussions with clients straightforward and tension-free
Greater than the Sum helps small business owners and the accountants who serve them remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
You can check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to get control over your cash flow.
(01:01) Introduction: Ryan’s business mission and purpose
(01:46) Advice for my past self: Reverse-engineer your business
(03:20) Lessons from entrepreneurship: Starting a business as an accountant
(05:40) Challenges of starting a business: The importance of a pricing strategy
(08:30) Cloud accounting then vs. now: Winning customers’ trust
(11:42) Common mistakes SMBs make: Pricing, marketing, talent acquisition
(13:43) Tactics for negotiating pricing: A three-tier framework
(17:42) Resources for improving your skills as a business owner
(19:22) The critical role of your pricing strategy on business
(22:21) How to find tools to transform your business
The opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs, with Tim Lynn and Jonah Tetz from Startup TNT
Season 1 · Episode 7
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 • Duration 31:22
In this episode of Greater than the Sum, we’re joined by Tim Lynn and Jonah Tetz, co-founder and operations lead at Startup TNT.
Startup TNT – named after the company’s “Thursday Night Tradition” happy hours – is a non-profit that connects investors with Canadian startups.
The pair join our host Mark to talk about the company’s mission, history, and future, as well as venture capital funding and investment opportunities for local startups. They talk about
the importance of retaining talent in Canada, the unique ways they connect local investors with local startups and entrepreneurs, and how they support Canadian startups with both community and capital.
Startup TNT has just closed its first venture capital fund, and Tim and Jonah tell us about their approach to raising investment and how they plan to distribute it across their network of startups.
Finally, the conversation turns to the future of Startup TNT and how new technologies like Plooto maximize efficiencies in a scalable way.
This episode focuses on:
The challenges of running a startup in Canada
How Startup TNT stands out from other similar angel investors
The opportunities for entrepreneurs in Canada, now and in the future
The importance of culture and community, and how it can help avoid burnout
Greater than the Sum helps businesses and the accountants who serve them remove the guesswork from their finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
You can check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to get control over your cash flow.
Links from the episode
Check out the resources mentioned in the interview with Tim and Jonah:
Technology and services: The right mix to attract bookkeeping clients, with Omar Visram
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 • Duration 30:15
“As we automate: the cost of delivering our service decreases, and that’s passed on to the [end] client.’”
In this episode of Greater than the Sum, Omar Visram, co-founder of bookkeeping firm Enkel, and Mark explore the unique challenges facing Enkel’s SMB and NPO clients. With the longstanding approvals and manual check-signing protocols that some still use, there’s an opportunity to inject efficiency into this payment process.
Omar talks us through some common mistakes NPOs are making and how new technologies are helping to drive efficiency, better cash control, and growth. Omar also discusses some of the success stories he has seen from businesses implementing new technologies and provides advice for those looking to take the first steps.
This episode focuses on:
The challenges facing the financial health of SMBs and NPOs
How new technologies are improving efficiencies for NPOs and SMBs
How Omar is continuing to drive the evolution of NPO processes
The benefits of consolidating your tech stack
Greater than the Sum helps small businesses – and the accountants and bookkeepers who serve them – remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
Check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to support your clients in getting better control over their cash flow.
“It's the fear of, ‘What if I actually am not making money? Does that mean this is not a viable business?!’”
On this episode of Greater than the Sum, we sit down with Jami Monte, a self-employed CPA and founder of Chillbooks.
During this episode, Jami discusses the common misconceptions and mistakes that SMBs can make when they first start out in business. As an entrepreneur, she provides first-hand experience and advice on a smart approach to bookkeeping and financial planning.
Host Mark Assini talks with Jami about the role accountants and bookkeepers play with entrepreneurs, both professionally and personally. Jami shares recommendations for how accountants can rebrand themselves to attract clients, and she also goes on to provide practical advice on those early-day financial plans, including controlling one’s cash flow and overcoming the fear of failure.
Zero profits does not mean your business isn’t viable when you’re first starting out!
This episode focuses on:
Actionable financial advice for early-stage SMBs
Why bookkeeping should be seen as a skill rather than admin
How to categorize your outgoings to keep track of your financial movements
The best resources Jami uses to keep her business flowing
Greater than the Sum helps small business owners and operators remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
You can check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to get control over your cash flow.
Links from the episode
Check out the resources mentioned in the interview with Jami:
How intentional growth leads to a sustainable business with Sean Freedman
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 • Duration 27:52
“You need to have an unwavering belief in yourself and what you're doing that doesn't come from outside sources or validation.”
In this installment of Greater than the Sum, we were joined by Sean Freedman, Founder and President of logistics company Freightzy. Host Mark Assini digs into his business journey as a disruptor in the space, with Canada’s first carbon-neutral program for shippers, as well as his original approach to customer experience that you might not expect in logistics.
With the company’s launch coinciding with a major global pandemic, Sean discusses the need to think smarter for success. He gives his insight into the importance of scalable payment processes and cash flow as the cornerstones of expanding the business.
We get Sean’s perspective on technology adoption as he explains why strong integration with Freightzy’s existing Transportation Management System (TMS) is a prerequisite and why people and partners play a crucial part in successful adoption.
The interview is packed with advice for businesses targeting growth, as Sean shines a light on Freightzy’s intentional approach. A unique mix of conservative and quirky, it certainly gives those looking to disrupt mature markets food for thought.
This episode focuses on:
Taking control of cash flow and payments
Maintaining business as usual when integrating new technology
How automation can transform operations
Advice on sustainable business growth
The value of strong partners and a professional network
Greater than the Sum is the interview series from Plooto that helps small business owners and operators – and the accountants who serve them – remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
You can check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to better understand and get control over your cash flow.
The value of a strong small business network with Noah Maislin
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 • Duration 25:59
“The biggest lesson I've learned is don't plan for tomorrow; plan for next year and the year after that.”
In this episode of Greater than the Sum, we’re joined by Noah Maislin, President and CEO of Minutes Solutions. He sits down with host Mark Assini to walk through his entrepreneurial journey: the successes and challenges he faced building the organization from the ground up.
Around 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome in their lives. Noah talks about dealing with this head-on and focusing on building expertise in his field to overcome it.
We explore the key steps on Noah’s journey from start-up to established business: from starting to think long-term to gaining better control of financial operations.
Noah outlines the importance of networks for him as an entrepreneur as a way to temperature-check ideas, partners, and technologies.
We discuss the importance of finding the right banking and accounting providers and why being seen as a partner, not just a customer, makes a big difference.
Finally, in our pursuit to extract as many actionable insights as possible from our guests, we put Noah in the hot seat for some quick-fire questions on everything from integrating financial technologies to avoiding burnout.
This episode focuses on:
Starting an entrepreneur journey and becoming an expert
Using financial technology to streamline and claw back time
Finding the right banking and accounting partners to support small business growth
Thinking long term and being ready for the unforeseen
Tapping into networks to stay across new financial technologies
Greater than the Sum is the interview series from Plooto that helps small business owners and operators – and the accountants who serve them – remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
Choosing the right fintech solutions with Tal Schwartz | Greater than the Sum | Plooto
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 • Duration 30:58
“It is important to make decisions early that do scale, even when that point of scaling seems incredibly far off in the future.”
In this episode of Greater than the Sum, we are joined by Canadian fintech expert and writer of the Canadian Fintech newsletter, Tal Schwartz.
Tal gives his perspective on the innovative financial technologies that are reshaping the landscape for small businesses. Together with Plooto’s Mark Assini, he explores the challenges SMBs face when it comes to financial management. They look at the importance of embracing technology and why all small businesses, from ambitious start-ups to “Mom and Pop entrepreneurs,” should prioritize choosing fintech solutions that will allow them to scale when the time comes.
Tal also gives recommendations on the best fintech solutions for SMBs and the considerations when selecting and implementing them. We gaze a little into the future and the market disruptors coming down the pipeline, like AI and open banking, and the impact they will have on both the ecosystem and small businesses.
This episode focuses on:
The innovation coming from the Canadian fintech sector
Why SMBs need to consider scaling from day one
How better financial controls result in better outcomes
Choosing the right fintech solutions for your SMB
Emerging trends like AI, open banking, and automation
Greater than the Sum is the interview series from Plooto that helps small business owners and operators – and the accountants who serve them – remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
You can check out Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to get control over your cash flow.
Links from the episode
Check out the resources mentioned in the interview with Tal:
Starting smart: Christine Pilkington on financial foundations for start-ups
Season 1 · Episode 1
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 • Duration 30:40
“If you don't have good finances and financial management, you actually don't have a business.”
Welcome to the first episode of Greater than the Sum. We were honored to have Christine Pilkington, serial entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Crisp, as our first guest.
During this episode, Christine reflects on the early days of Crisp – a business helping entrepreneurs thrive with the support of fractional marketing services – plus how the company has evolved and the lessons she has learned along the way. Our host, Mark Assini from Plooto’s marketing team, quizzes Christine on the financial aspects of running your own business and how that has changed as the company has expanded. Christine reflects on the early misconceptions she had about financial operations and how addressing them catapulted the success of her business. Finally, Christine and Mark discuss the lightbulb moment for achieving financial control of the business and what was needed to get there.
This episode focuses on:
How Crisp is helping start-ups scale
The early pitfalls of financial management as an entrepreneur
The importance of taking financial management seriously
How technology can take the weight off a founder’s shoulders
The biggest entrepreneurial lessons Christine has picked up during her career
Greater than the Sum helps small business owners and operators remove the guesswork from their business finances and gain back the time to focus on what really matters.
Chapter Markers
(01:01) Introduction to Crisp: Scaling start-ups with fractional marketing leadership
(02:54) Advice for My Past Self: The importance of acquiring financial business acumen
(04:05) Biggest Marketing Misconceptions: Cutting through noise to do what is best for your business
(06:21) The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur: How Crisp has evolved
(10:01) Approaches to Start-up Financial management: Finding your footing as a start-up
Trailer
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, July 8, 2024 • Duration 01:15
Welcome to Greater than the Sum, the series where we demystify what it takes for small business owners in Canada – and the accountants that support them – to get control of their finances.
Every day, thousands of small business owners in Canada struggle to keep their finances on track. They worry about cash flow and stress out about making payroll. But what if you had what you need to take control of your cash flow and breathe a sigh of relief? What if you could focus on growing your business instead of worrying about where your business stands?
That's what Greater than the Sum is all about. Every two weeks, I’ll sit down with small business owners and finance experts from Canada, exploring the strategies and tactics they've used to get control of their cash. We'll be talking about everything from budgeting and forecasting to invoicing and payment terms.
Our guests will share their real-life experiences, their successes and setbacks, and the lessons they've learned along the way. We'll also be diving into the latest trends and best practices in finance management, so you can stay up-to-date with the latest insights and advice.
If you're a small business owner in Canada who's ready to take control of your finances, or an accountant looking to spend less time on manual tasks and more time as an advisor, then you're in the right place.
Join me as we uncover the secret to making your business greater than the sum of its parts.
(01:13) Uncovering Canadian fintech: Tal’s mission to showcase Canada's thriving financial services technology industry.
(02:56) Banking oligopoly disruption: How new players are challenging the dominance of six major banks.
(04:15) SMB financial challenges: Common pitfalls faced by Canadian small businesses and overcoming them.
(06:26) Fintech tools for success: The technologies empowering SMBs to take control of their finances.
(11:16) Fewer mistakes and better decisions: The benefits of implementing strong financial controls.
(12:33) Navigating the ecosystem: Considerations and misconceptions when selecting fintech tools for your SMB.
(20:02) AI revolution in accounting: The impact of Artificial Intelligence on financial management for SMBs.
(23:34) The rise of open banking: How small businesses can capitalize on the opportunities.
(28:03) Automation in payment operations: Streamlining processes to drive business growth.
(28:48) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: What it takes to build a business in the Fintech space.
(12:55) Technology Adoption: Selecting software that serves your business needs
(15:11) Achieving Financial Control: The turning points for the business
(18:25) Learning from Business Failures: The difficulty of being undercapitalized
(22:41) It takes a (financial) village: The importance of hiring the right people
(25:44) Quickfire Advice: Streamlining payment support processes
About Plooto
You can check out more about Plooto on Plooto.com for resources, tips, and advice on how to get control over your cash flow.
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