<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/fierce-females-in-franchising/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[Fierce Females in Franchising]]></title><podcast:guid>a5d87896-046c-5512-a1d0-187854fbc63b</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:27:42 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2026 Phyllis Pieri]]></copyright><managingEditor>Phyllis Pieri</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[What if the next chapter of your life included owning a business you love?

Fierce Females in Franchising is a podcast for professional women who are ready to explore business ownership, financial independence, and a more flexible lifestyle.

Hosted by franchise freedom strategist Phyllis Pieri, the show features conversations with female franchise founders, successful franchise owners, and industry experts who share the real stories behind building thriving businesses.

With more than 40 years in the franchise industry, Phyllis helps women discover opportunities they may never have considered. Each episode explores leadership, entrepreneurship, confidence, and the powerful role franchising can play in creating a new future.

If you are an empty nester, a woman in career transition, or simply wondering what comes next, this podcast will introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets in business.

Because sometimes the smartest way to start a business…
is not to start from scratch.]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/0fe51ede-9a1f-4699-9633-567bf5285d9a/Podcast-Cover-Phyllis-Pieri-FINAL.jpg</url><title>Fierce Females in Franchising</title><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/0fe51ede-9a1f-4699-9633-567bf5285d9a/Podcast-Cover-Phyllis-Pieri-FINAL.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Phyllis Pieri</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Phyllis Pieri</itunes:author><description>What if the next chapter of your life included owning a business you love?

Fierce Females in Franchising is a podcast for professional women who are ready to explore business ownership, financial independence, and a more flexible lifestyle.

Hosted by franchise freedom strategist Phyllis Pieri, the show features conversations with female franchise founders, successful franchise owners, and industry experts who share the real stories behind building thriving businesses.

With more than 40 years in the franchise industry, Phyllis helps women discover opportunities they may never have considered. Each episode explores leadership, entrepreneurship, confidence, and the powerful role franchising can play in creating a new future.

If you are an empty nester, a woman in career transition, or simply wondering what comes next, this podcast will introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets in business.

Because sometimes the smartest way to start a business…
is not to start from scratch.</description><link>https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:subtitle><![CDATA[Set yourself FREE and find your perfect match franchise]]></itunes:subtitle><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Entrepreneurship"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Investing"/></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>Stop Spinning. Start Coaching. How Women Turn Life Experience into a Business</title><itunes:title>Stop Spinning. Start Coaching. How Women Turn Life Experience into a Business</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<h1><span class="ql-size-small">Focal Point Coaching with Teresa Hartsfield</span></h1><p><strong>Contact my guest</strong> - Teresa Hartsfield on Linkedin at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresahartsfield/</p><h3>Podcast: Fierce Females in Franchising</h3><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Are you an accomplished woman wondering, <em>what’s next for me?</em></p><p>Maybe you’ve built a successful career, but you’re tired of working for someone else and feeling a little invisible.</p><p>I want you to know one thing: everything you’ve done up to this point has prepared you for what’s next.</p><p>Welcome to <strong>Fierce Females in Franchising</strong>, the podcast where we spill the beans on one of the best-kept secrets in business. Forget what you think you know about franchising. Here we share inspiring stories from bold female founders and savvy franchisees who have designed powerful second acts in their lives.</p><p>If you’re ready to build a business where you can thrive while living life on your terms, you’re in the right place.</p><p>Let’s get started.</p><h2>Introducing Teresa Hartsfield</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Hi Teresa. I’m so excited to have you on the podcast today.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for having me.</p><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Today’s guest is <strong>Teresa Hartsfield</strong>, a seasoned business and executive coach known for helping leaders break through overwhelm, scale with intention, and build high-performance teams.</p><p>With more than 15 years of real-world experience building, operating, advising, and successfully exiting businesses, Teresa brings a rare mix of operator grit and strategic clarity to every conversation.</p><p>She has founded and led multiple companies, scaled teams, led turnarounds, and built and sold a top-performing franchise. Today she coaches executives, founders, and leadership teams to align vision with execution.</p><p>Her work helps leaders move from friction and burnout to clarity, confidence, and sustained momentum.</p><p>As an executive leadership coach, Teresa focuses on:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Strategic leadership development</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Executive planning</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Founder and leadership alignment</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Building cohesive teams and scalable operations</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Helping owners work <strong>on</strong> their business, not just <strong>in</strong> it</li></ol><br/><p>Teresa partners with entrepreneurs and small-business leaders who want to grow with purpose and resilience.</p><p>Wow, I’m impressed.</p><h2>Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Family</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>I always like to start at the beginning. Tell us about your upbringing and what shaped your entrepreneurial journey.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’m a first-generation American. My parents immigrated from Vietnam. Their options were limited when they came here, so they worked incredibly hard in the restaurant industry.</p><p>I’m one of <strong>seven girls</strong>, and my parents worked multiple jobs just to provide for our family.</p><p>All of my sisters pursued higher education and built meaningful careers. Watching that journey was powerful.</p><p>My parents also opened several restaurants, so growing up I witnessed firsthand the dedication required to build something from nothing.</p><p>That’s really where my love for entrepreneurship came from.</p><h2>The Reality of the Restaurant Industry</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>When people think about franchising, they often think about restaurants. Can you share what that life was really like?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Honestly, we rarely saw our parents.</p><p>They worked every single day. There were no vacations. When they came home they were exhausted, and the next day they started all over again.</p><p>The upside was that I saw their work ethic and dedication. That example shaped how I approach business today.</p><h2>Why Teresa Became a Focal Point Coach</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Why has becoming a Focal Point business coach been so rewarding for you?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>For me it comes down to <strong>servant leadership</strong>.</p><p>I love business. I love rolling up my sleeves and getting into the details. But I also love helping people gain clarity.</p><p>Many leaders are so deep in their work that they lose perspective. My job is to help them step back, refocus, and get the best out of themselves.</p><p>What’s especially powerful about the Focal Point model is the flexibility. I can choose my schedule, my clients, and how I run my day.</p><p>When I owned brick-and-mortar businesses, I was constantly tied to a location. There was very little balance with family.</p><p>Now I have the freedom to build a business that fits my life.</p><h2>Women in Entrepreneurship</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>We’re living in a world where women are growing rapidly as entrepreneurs.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Absolutely.</p><p>According to recent studies, women make up <strong>over 40% of entrepreneurs in the United States</strong>, and the gap between men and women in earnings has become much smaller.</p><p>Women bring incredible strengths to business:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>empathy</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>collaboration</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>resilience</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>curiosity</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>pattern recognition</li></ol><br/><p>We also bring grit. And we’re used to juggling multiple responsibilities.</p><p>The key is doing it unapologetically.</p><h2>Coaching Women Through Imposter Syndrome</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What are some common challenges the women you coach face?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>The biggest one is <strong>imposter syndrome</strong>.</p><p>Many women question whether they deserve a seat at the table. They worry about being perceived as too aggressive or too ambitious.</p><p>They also struggle with balancing family responsibilities with leadership roles.</p><p>One of the most rewarding moments in coaching is when someone realizes:</p><p>“I can do this.”</p><p>Watching that transformation is powerful.</p><h2>Why Franchising Can Be a Smart Business Path</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What do you wish someone had told you before buying your first franchise?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>The importance of <strong>culture</strong>.</p><p>Understanding the culture of the franchisor is critical.</p><p>When evaluating a franchise, one of the best questions you can ask is:</p><p><strong>“What business are you really in?”</strong></p><p>The answer reveals how leadership thinks and what truly drives the company.</p><h2>The Power of the Franchise Community</h2><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>One of the things I love about franchising is the community.</p><p>You immediately gain access to:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>mentorship</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>systems</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>training</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>other franchise owners</li></ol><br/><p>When you’re struggling, you can call someone in the network who has already solved that problem.</p><p>That level of support is rare in independent business ownership.</p><h2>A Day in the Life of a Focal Point Coach</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What does a typical day look like for you?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’ll be honest. I’m not a morning person.</p><p>But I love that I can start my day slowly.</p><p>I get my kids ready for school, enjoy my coffee, and spend time in devotion and reflection. That helps me get grounded before working with clients.</p><p>Then I review my schedule, prepare for coaching sessions, and meet with clients throughout the day.</p><p>By mid-afternoon, I shift into mom mode. I pick up my kids, help with homework, and spend time with my family.</p><p>That balance is something I never had with my previous businesses.</p><h2>Advice for Stay-at-Home Moms Considering Business</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Many women listening are coming out of years spent raising children. They may be wondering if they have what it takes to start a business.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>First, what you’re feeling is completely normal.</p><p>But here’s the truth: if you’ve raised children, you’ve already been coaching for years.</p><p>You’ve been:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>guiding</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>mentoring</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>teaching</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>encouraging</li></ol><br/><p>Those skills translate directly into leadership and business ownership.</p><p>You’re far more prepared than you realize.</p><h2>Entrepreneurship Requires Commitment</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Many people think franchising will be easy.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Entrepreneurship is not easy. It’s not for the faint of heart.</p><p>But women are incredibly resilient.</p><p>You’ve already spent years...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span class="ql-size-small">Focal Point Coaching with Teresa Hartsfield</span></h1><p><strong>Contact my guest</strong> - Teresa Hartsfield on Linkedin at - https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresahartsfield/</p><h3>Podcast: Fierce Females in Franchising</h3><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Are you an accomplished woman wondering, <em>what’s next for me?</em></p><p>Maybe you’ve built a successful career, but you’re tired of working for someone else and feeling a little invisible.</p><p>I want you to know one thing: everything you’ve done up to this point has prepared you for what’s next.</p><p>Welcome to <strong>Fierce Females in Franchising</strong>, the podcast where we spill the beans on one of the best-kept secrets in business. Forget what you think you know about franchising. Here we share inspiring stories from bold female founders and savvy franchisees who have designed powerful second acts in their lives.</p><p>If you’re ready to build a business where you can thrive while living life on your terms, you’re in the right place.</p><p>Let’s get started.</p><h2>Introducing Teresa Hartsfield</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Hi Teresa. I’m so excited to have you on the podcast today.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’m so excited to be here. Thank you for having me.</p><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Today’s guest is <strong>Teresa Hartsfield</strong>, a seasoned business and executive coach known for helping leaders break through overwhelm, scale with intention, and build high-performance teams.</p><p>With more than 15 years of real-world experience building, operating, advising, and successfully exiting businesses, Teresa brings a rare mix of operator grit and strategic clarity to every conversation.</p><p>She has founded and led multiple companies, scaled teams, led turnarounds, and built and sold a top-performing franchise. Today she coaches executives, founders, and leadership teams to align vision with execution.</p><p>Her work helps leaders move from friction and burnout to clarity, confidence, and sustained momentum.</p><p>As an executive leadership coach, Teresa focuses on:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Strategic leadership development</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Executive planning</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Founder and leadership alignment</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Building cohesive teams and scalable operations</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Helping owners work <strong>on</strong> their business, not just <strong>in</strong> it</li></ol><br/><p>Teresa partners with entrepreneurs and small-business leaders who want to grow with purpose and resilience.</p><p>Wow, I’m impressed.</p><h2>Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Family</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>I always like to start at the beginning. Tell us about your upbringing and what shaped your entrepreneurial journey.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’m a first-generation American. My parents immigrated from Vietnam. Their options were limited when they came here, so they worked incredibly hard in the restaurant industry.</p><p>I’m one of <strong>seven girls</strong>, and my parents worked multiple jobs just to provide for our family.</p><p>All of my sisters pursued higher education and built meaningful careers. Watching that journey was powerful.</p><p>My parents also opened several restaurants, so growing up I witnessed firsthand the dedication required to build something from nothing.</p><p>That’s really where my love for entrepreneurship came from.</p><h2>The Reality of the Restaurant Industry</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>When people think about franchising, they often think about restaurants. Can you share what that life was really like?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Honestly, we rarely saw our parents.</p><p>They worked every single day. There were no vacations. When they came home they were exhausted, and the next day they started all over again.</p><p>The upside was that I saw their work ethic and dedication. That example shaped how I approach business today.</p><h2>Why Teresa Became a Focal Point Coach</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Why has becoming a Focal Point business coach been so rewarding for you?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>For me it comes down to <strong>servant leadership</strong>.</p><p>I love business. I love rolling up my sleeves and getting into the details. But I also love helping people gain clarity.</p><p>Many leaders are so deep in their work that they lose perspective. My job is to help them step back, refocus, and get the best out of themselves.</p><p>What’s especially powerful about the Focal Point model is the flexibility. I can choose my schedule, my clients, and how I run my day.</p><p>When I owned brick-and-mortar businesses, I was constantly tied to a location. There was very little balance with family.</p><p>Now I have the freedom to build a business that fits my life.</p><h2>Women in Entrepreneurship</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>We’re living in a world where women are growing rapidly as entrepreneurs.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Absolutely.</p><p>According to recent studies, women make up <strong>over 40% of entrepreneurs in the United States</strong>, and the gap between men and women in earnings has become much smaller.</p><p>Women bring incredible strengths to business:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>empathy</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>collaboration</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>resilience</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>curiosity</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>pattern recognition</li></ol><br/><p>We also bring grit. And we’re used to juggling multiple responsibilities.</p><p>The key is doing it unapologetically.</p><h2>Coaching Women Through Imposter Syndrome</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What are some common challenges the women you coach face?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>The biggest one is <strong>imposter syndrome</strong>.</p><p>Many women question whether they deserve a seat at the table. They worry about being perceived as too aggressive or too ambitious.</p><p>They also struggle with balancing family responsibilities with leadership roles.</p><p>One of the most rewarding moments in coaching is when someone realizes:</p><p>“I can do this.”</p><p>Watching that transformation is powerful.</p><h2>Why Franchising Can Be a Smart Business Path</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What do you wish someone had told you before buying your first franchise?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>The importance of <strong>culture</strong>.</p><p>Understanding the culture of the franchisor is critical.</p><p>When evaluating a franchise, one of the best questions you can ask is:</p><p><strong>“What business are you really in?”</strong></p><p>The answer reveals how leadership thinks and what truly drives the company.</p><h2>The Power of the Franchise Community</h2><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>One of the things I love about franchising is the community.</p><p>You immediately gain access to:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>mentorship</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>systems</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>training</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>other franchise owners</li></ol><br/><p>When you’re struggling, you can call someone in the network who has already solved that problem.</p><p>That level of support is rare in independent business ownership.</p><h2>A Day in the Life of a Focal Point Coach</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>What does a typical day look like for you?</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>I’ll be honest. I’m not a morning person.</p><p>But I love that I can start my day slowly.</p><p>I get my kids ready for school, enjoy my coffee, and spend time in devotion and reflection. That helps me get grounded before working with clients.</p><p>Then I review my schedule, prepare for coaching sessions, and meet with clients throughout the day.</p><p>By mid-afternoon, I shift into mom mode. I pick up my kids, help with homework, and spend time with my family.</p><p>That balance is something I never had with my previous businesses.</p><h2>Advice for Stay-at-Home Moms Considering Business</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Many women listening are coming out of years spent raising children. They may be wondering if they have what it takes to start a business.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>First, what you’re feeling is completely normal.</p><p>But here’s the truth: if you’ve raised children, you’ve already been coaching for years.</p><p>You’ve been:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>guiding</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>mentoring</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>teaching</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>encouraging</li></ol><br/><p>Those skills translate directly into leadership and business ownership.</p><p>You’re far more prepared than you realize.</p><h2>Entrepreneurship Requires Commitment</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Many people think franchising will be easy.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Entrepreneurship is not easy. It’s not for the faint of heart.</p><p>But women are incredibly resilient.</p><p>You’ve already spent years investing in everyone else. Now it’s time to invest in yourself.</p><h2>Final Thoughts</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Teresa, this has been such a wonderful conversation. Thank you for being here.</p><p><strong>Teresa:</strong></p><p>Thank you for having me. My hope is that at least one person listening walks away feeling empowered to take the next step.</p><h2>Closing Message</h2><p><strong>Phyllis:</strong></p><p>Before we go, remember this:</p><p>You don’t need to have all the answers. You simply need the willingness to follow a proven system.</p><p>If you’re tired of working for someone else and ready to explore building something of your own, the first step is simple.</p><p>Visit <strong>YourFranchiseCoach.com</strong> to learn about the <strong>Freedom Franchise Blueprint</strong>, the process I use to help women discover their perfect-match franchise.</p><p>Franchising is one of the best-kept secrets in business.</p><p>And you deserve to be in on it.</p><p>Until next time:</p><p>Stay fierce.</p><p>Stay curious.</p><p>And keep building the life you want.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/teresahartsfield]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">894b0d27-07e8-4c74-9502-58effb28626d</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/b2b736ba-a185-451f-a335-8e98e464ba92/2.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/894b0d27-07e8-4c74-9502-58effb28626d.mp3" length="35541695" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>37:01</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:alternateEnclosure type="video/youtube" title="Stop Spinning. Start Coaching. How Women Turn Life Experience into a Business"><podcast:source uri="https://youtu.be/BXsxyGPYjoQ"/></podcast:alternateEnclosure></item><item><title>&quot;Timber Trailblazer: Cindy Stewart&apos;s Monster Tree Franchise&quot;</title><itunes:title>&quot;Timber Trailblazer: Cindy Stewart&apos;s Monster Tree Franchise&quot;</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This podcast is about a couple's experience of investing in a business opportunity with Monster Tree Service. Initially, the couple worked with a franchise consultant like myself to find their potential match for a business. They rejected the idea of a food business, as their families had previously been involved in food and they were familiar with its demanding schedule.</p><p>The consultant suggested five potential businesses, with Monster Tree Service being the top match. Despite not having previous knowledge or interest in trees, they were advised to seriously consider each option without immediate dismissal. They followed this advice and embarked on a thorough exploration of each potential business.</p><p>Eventually, they decided that Monster Tree Service was the best fit for them. They had to move quickly due to the seasonal nature of the business and an incentive during COVID-19 that offered to cover the first six months of an SBA loan if they opened by a certain date. Their readiness to leave their previous jobs also played a role in their decision.</p><p>While they did not have much initial knowledge about the tree business, they found that the model of Monster Tree Service appealed to them. They appreciated that it filled a gap in the market between large corporations and small, unprofessional operations. The company's model is designed for people with a background in sales and business, which they had. The investment was large, requiring a significant amount of capital for equipment, but they saw it as a valuable asset and used their savings to cover the cost. The couple noted that the resale value of the equipment remained high, reducing their financial risk.</p><p>They have both been very active in their church and have hired and trained young men to work in their franchise. They feel like they are doing God’s work by making a difference in their local community. </p><p>Text Me: 425-922-4126</p><p>Email Me: Phyllis@yourfranchisecoach.com</p><p>My New Book:</p><p>Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise Paperback – January 27, 2023 </p><p>https://a.co/d/9XWsxi8</p><p>My Website: https://yourfranchisecoach.com</p><p>LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phyllispieri/</p><p>Book a call with me:</p><p>https://franchise4u.com/calendar</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This podcast is about a couple's experience of investing in a business opportunity with Monster Tree Service. Initially, the couple worked with a franchise consultant like myself to find their potential match for a business. They rejected the idea of a food business, as their families had previously been involved in food and they were familiar with its demanding schedule.</p><p>The consultant suggested five potential businesses, with Monster Tree Service being the top match. Despite not having previous knowledge or interest in trees, they were advised to seriously consider each option without immediate dismissal. They followed this advice and embarked on a thorough exploration of each potential business.</p><p>Eventually, they decided that Monster Tree Service was the best fit for them. They had to move quickly due to the seasonal nature of the business and an incentive during COVID-19 that offered to cover the first six months of an SBA loan if they opened by a certain date. Their readiness to leave their previous jobs also played a role in their decision.</p><p>While they did not have much initial knowledge about the tree business, they found that the model of Monster Tree Service appealed to them. They appreciated that it filled a gap in the market between large corporations and small, unprofessional operations. The company's model is designed for people with a background in sales and business, which they had. The investment was large, requiring a significant amount of capital for equipment, but they saw it as a valuable asset and used their savings to cover the cost. The couple noted that the resale value of the equipment remained high, reducing their financial risk.</p><p>They have both been very active in their church and have hired and trained young men to work in their franchise. They feel like they are doing God’s work by making a difference in their local community. </p><p>Text Me: 425-922-4126</p><p>Email Me: Phyllis@yourfranchisecoach.com</p><p>My New Book:</p><p>Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise Paperback – January 27, 2023 </p><p>https://a.co/d/9XWsxi8</p><p>My Website: https://yourfranchisecoach.com</p><p>LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phyllispieri/</p><p>Book a call with me:</p><p>https://franchise4u.com/calendar</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/timber-trailblazer-cindy-stewarts-monster-tree-franchise]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">d499bc67-1b5f-4606-a38f-7cfc9d8045fb</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/a0632fe2-1be9-4845-98fe-66d2b84f4e89/10fg4n_5Wv_tC6jxP-irHjK1.png"/><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/0661ac7d-fb3d-4c1c-acd4-a2aa75a9cdc7/Trailblazing-in-Timber-Unveiling-the-Success-Story-of-Cindy-Ste.mp3" length="49406471" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>51:28</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season></item><item><title>“The Profit Puzzle_ Putting Together the Pieces for Financial Success”</title><itunes:title>“The Profit Puzzle_ Putting Together the Pieces for Financial Success”</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Get your FREE Gift from Agent O by <a href="   https://www.agentoconsulting.com/phyllis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clicking this link</a></p><p>All righty. Hello everybody. Welcome to my podcast today, and [00:01:00] I'm so excited to introduce Olivia. And the first thing I would like to do is I want to read her bio for you because I wanna make sure she gets all the credit she is due. So Olivia. Has over 22 years of experience as a small business owner and profitability specialist.</p><p>The reason she is here, and she is also a huge fan of the book Profit First by Michael Malowitz. She is the go-to gal for all things profitability. She is passionate about helping fellow small business owners achieve their financial goals, and she loves nothing more than driving into spreadsheets to figure out how to make it happen.</p><p>I don't understand that, Olivia, but God bless you. We need you. One thing that sets her apart from the rest is that she is very approachable. She is not some stuffy consultant who talks over people's heads, Nope. She is down to earth, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in helping her clients [00:02:00] succeed.</p><p>Her customized strategies are tailor made to fit your specific situation, ensuring you get the support you need to achieve sustainable profitability and long-term success. And the best part, she has a proven track record of delivering real measurable results for your clients. If you are ready to improve your business's profitability, she would love to chat with you.</p><p>I know she is excited to get to know you and your business and help you achieve your financial goals. Welcome. Thank you very much, Phyllis. Thanks for having me. I am excellent. Excited to be here. Wonderful. All right. So I have to start out by asking you what's up with Agent O? How did that come about? Well, so one of my clients gave me that as a nickname.</p><p>So my first name's Olivia and I. I guess the way it started was you know, anything they asked of me, a special project [00:03:00] they wanted to hand off or question they were trying to, to decide, you know, how are we gonna tackle this? You know, for me, I think in spreadsheets, I think I even dream in spreadsheets.</p><p>So, you know, I would be like, there's a spreadsheet for that. And so they chuckled and said, you know what? You're like our secret. You're our agent O So it became a running joke. And then when I decided to brand this, I couldn't choose anything but that. Right? So I'm everybody's, you know, small business secret weapon.</p><p>&nbsp;I love that. So tell me accounting and numbers is something that's not my gift, right? So I would love to, you know, we all have gifts, right? And absolutely. Yours happens to be numbers, which. God knows we all need them. So tell me, how did you first get into doing this business? Well for most of those 22 years as a business owner, I had a retail store, a high-end luxury store, and I found that you know, much [00:04:00] to the chagrin of my business partner rather than selling.</p><p>Our products and services. I was like, so what's your story? How did you get in business? What is it that you do? And then, you know, they were, oh, I have a problem with this employee. Oh, well tell me about it. Or, you know, I need to do this ad campaign. Well bring it in. I'll look at it with you. And I started realizing that I was consulting and helping people with their profitability rather than selling the products I was supposed to sell.</p><p>But like you said, we all have gifts, right? And mine is not in. Product retail. . And, but it definitely is in numbers and not just numbers, but helping people be able to see and understand their numbers. Without having to, you know, dive into something they hate, like accounting spreadsheet.</p><p>My job. Absolutely. You know, it's interesting, so, so many times I belong to a couple local networking groups here at Mission Viejo, and I am amazed at the number [00:05:00] of people, small business owners that are not a franchise, that don't know their numbers. It it is amazing to me and or they don't write down their goals.</p><p>And all of those things. I know in this business that I'm in with my franchising and consulting and coaching, I mean, we know, we know the number of people we have talked to, to be able to find someone who's actually interested and then to talk to that. So, you know, it is, it's a, it's a numbers situation and, and people need to know that.</p><p>Let's talk a little bit about his book and how did that segue you into what you're doing today? Well, what I'm doing today came first, but Profit first. The book kind of opened my eyes to understanding that I wasn't going to convert non spreadsheet people into spreadsheet people.</p><p>So, you know, like you said, everybody has gifts and. Almost every single business owner I talk to, if [00:06:00] they started the business, they did it because they had a passion. So they had a passion for woodworking. Now they're a carpenter. They had a passion for helping people. Now they run an at home nursing.</p><p>Center. You know, most people don't say, I love sales tax reports and QuickBooks and I just can't wait to run a business so I can file those every month, you know, and so my first part of my consulting years was to explain why those things were really important and to help people learn how to do it.</p><p>But then after Profit first I realized There was a reason that wasn't as successful, right? Because you aren't going to change those folks. Yeah. So what is great about Profit First is even if you never talk to and hire somebody like myself, you can read that book and understand those principles and apply it to your business because there's no getting around it.</p><p>You do have to know your numbers. There is a very real reason [00:07:00] why the SBA still says that one of every two businesses fails in five years. And almost all of that comes down to not putting emphasis on profit. You do have to have it. You are not gonna have it year one. You can if you follow profit first, I should say.</p><p>But it is normal for people to experience a couple years without it. But of course you can't do that long term. No. You have to know your numbers at some level. And so I think that's the secret sauce of my passion and the expertise that I have plus incorporating Mikes wisdom from the book.</p><p>And saying, okay, now, now it makes sense and there's a sustainable way to help business owners that doesn't require them. To ever become a love of spreadsheets. But I know for myself numbers have been something that I have over the years, I got more and more understanding of why it was important to look at my numbers.</p><p>But [00:08:00] I don't think people realize how much anxiety and stress. Happens with them when they don't know the numbers, when they're trying to not look, I'm very much a non looker and I finally hired a bookkeeper. I had to because I drove, I mean, I spent, I can't even tell you how many days I spent preparing to get my taxes done.</p><p>And hiring a bookkeeper was, you know, one of the best things I ever did. Cuz that's not my gift. Right? I'd rather have somebody that it's their gift and they love to do it than for me to do it because a hundred percent, yeah. Yeah. Well, it's just like anything else. I don't really love to clean my house.</p><p>And when I do it, it takes me all day and I don't really have the right tools and I've never been trained. But I like the end result, right? I like a clean house, but if I hire a housekeeper, yes, I have to pay that person some money. But they come in with the right tools. Yep. They come in with the right training and I get that result that I wanted, but it didn't [00:09:00] take me all day.</p><p>You know, None of us, I think probably like going to the dentist, but we like the long-term result that we get of having a healthy dental care. Right. Keeping your teeth right. Yes. Right. You know, so there's this short-term pain called I have to go to the dentist. I have to maybe, you know, undergo some pain there and a little bit of anxiety.</p><p>Kind of like what you were talking about. And you have to pay them for their expertise, but you like the end result of having teeth that don't hurt and being able to keep them is a good example. Exactly. So that those life lessons that we learn as adults are no different than those business lessons.</p><p>You have to hire someone like a bookkeeper if you hate doing your own numbers, because you need to know those, those are important. Yeah, you do. You know, it's interesting in the maid business that's there's a lot of franchise brands that are Yes. Cleaning services. And the reason that they are so successful is because, one, they have repeat customers.</p><p>Who doesn't wanna have [00:10:00] reoccurring customers? You don't always have to keep looking for the next one. Right? Actually, their biggest challenges you can only imagine is hiring people, of course, and it's getting them to consider it. But what's interesting about that brand is, and one of the reasons I love franchising and you'll appreciate this, is that they not only give them systems to be able to know how to clean the house.</p><p>Quickly and efficiently and get it all done. Some of them do a rotation where they do certain things each week, but the other thing that they do, which is really key, is they have incentive programs. So someone comes in and they have an escalation of, they start out as just a housekeeper and then they graduate to being maybe, you know, a team leader.</p><p>And so they have ways for them to elevate themselves. You know, I remember years ago cleaning authority. One of his things was they would all meet like at a. Industrial park, you know, where they have those offices in front [00:11:00] and warehouse in the back. And that would be an office for a typical made franchise business.</p><p>And because...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Get your FREE Gift from Agent O by <a href="   https://www.agentoconsulting.com/phyllis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clicking this link</a></p><p>All righty. Hello everybody. Welcome to my podcast today, and [00:01:00] I'm so excited to introduce Olivia. And the first thing I would like to do is I want to read her bio for you because I wanna make sure she gets all the credit she is due. So Olivia. Has over 22 years of experience as a small business owner and profitability specialist.</p><p>The reason she is here, and she is also a huge fan of the book Profit First by Michael Malowitz. She is the go-to gal for all things profitability. She is passionate about helping fellow small business owners achieve their financial goals, and she loves nothing more than driving into spreadsheets to figure out how to make it happen.</p><p>I don't understand that, Olivia, but God bless you. We need you. One thing that sets her apart from the rest is that she is very approachable. She is not some stuffy consultant who talks over people's heads, Nope. She is down to earth, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in helping her clients [00:02:00] succeed.</p><p>Her customized strategies are tailor made to fit your specific situation, ensuring you get the support you need to achieve sustainable profitability and long-term success. And the best part, she has a proven track record of delivering real measurable results for your clients. If you are ready to improve your business's profitability, she would love to chat with you.</p><p>I know she is excited to get to know you and your business and help you achieve your financial goals. Welcome. Thank you very much, Phyllis. Thanks for having me. I am excellent. Excited to be here. Wonderful. All right. So I have to start out by asking you what's up with Agent O? How did that come about? Well, so one of my clients gave me that as a nickname.</p><p>So my first name's Olivia and I. I guess the way it started was you know, anything they asked of me, a special project [00:03:00] they wanted to hand off or question they were trying to, to decide, you know, how are we gonna tackle this? You know, for me, I think in spreadsheets, I think I even dream in spreadsheets.</p><p>So, you know, I would be like, there's a spreadsheet for that. And so they chuckled and said, you know what? You're like our secret. You're our agent O So it became a running joke. And then when I decided to brand this, I couldn't choose anything but that. Right? So I'm everybody's, you know, small business secret weapon.</p><p>&nbsp;I love that. So tell me accounting and numbers is something that's not my gift, right? So I would love to, you know, we all have gifts, right? And absolutely. Yours happens to be numbers, which. God knows we all need them. So tell me, how did you first get into doing this business? Well for most of those 22 years as a business owner, I had a retail store, a high-end luxury store, and I found that you know, much [00:04:00] to the chagrin of my business partner rather than selling.</p><p>Our products and services. I was like, so what's your story? How did you get in business? What is it that you do? And then, you know, they were, oh, I have a problem with this employee. Oh, well tell me about it. Or, you know, I need to do this ad campaign. Well bring it in. I'll look at it with you. And I started realizing that I was consulting and helping people with their profitability rather than selling the products I was supposed to sell.</p><p>But like you said, we all have gifts, right? And mine is not in. Product retail. . And, but it definitely is in numbers and not just numbers, but helping people be able to see and understand their numbers. Without having to, you know, dive into something they hate, like accounting spreadsheet.</p><p>My job. Absolutely. You know, it's interesting, so, so many times I belong to a couple local networking groups here at Mission Viejo, and I am amazed at the number [00:05:00] of people, small business owners that are not a franchise, that don't know their numbers. It it is amazing to me and or they don't write down their goals.</p><p>And all of those things. I know in this business that I'm in with my franchising and consulting and coaching, I mean, we know, we know the number of people we have talked to, to be able to find someone who's actually interested and then to talk to that. So, you know, it is, it's a, it's a numbers situation and, and people need to know that.</p><p>Let's talk a little bit about his book and how did that segue you into what you're doing today? Well, what I'm doing today came first, but Profit first. The book kind of opened my eyes to understanding that I wasn't going to convert non spreadsheet people into spreadsheet people.</p><p>So, you know, like you said, everybody has gifts and. Almost every single business owner I talk to, if [00:06:00] they started the business, they did it because they had a passion. So they had a passion for woodworking. Now they're a carpenter. They had a passion for helping people. Now they run an at home nursing.</p><p>Center. You know, most people don't say, I love sales tax reports and QuickBooks and I just can't wait to run a business so I can file those every month, you know, and so my first part of my consulting years was to explain why those things were really important and to help people learn how to do it.</p><p>But then after Profit first I realized There was a reason that wasn't as successful, right? Because you aren't going to change those folks. Yeah. So what is great about Profit First is even if you never talk to and hire somebody like myself, you can read that book and understand those principles and apply it to your business because there's no getting around it.</p><p>You do have to know your numbers. There is a very real reason [00:07:00] why the SBA still says that one of every two businesses fails in five years. And almost all of that comes down to not putting emphasis on profit. You do have to have it. You are not gonna have it year one. You can if you follow profit first, I should say.</p><p>But it is normal for people to experience a couple years without it. But of course you can't do that long term. No. You have to know your numbers at some level. And so I think that's the secret sauce of my passion and the expertise that I have plus incorporating Mikes wisdom from the book.</p><p>And saying, okay, now, now it makes sense and there's a sustainable way to help business owners that doesn't require them. To ever become a love of spreadsheets. But I know for myself numbers have been something that I have over the years, I got more and more understanding of why it was important to look at my numbers.</p><p>But [00:08:00] I don't think people realize how much anxiety and stress. Happens with them when they don't know the numbers, when they're trying to not look, I'm very much a non looker and I finally hired a bookkeeper. I had to because I drove, I mean, I spent, I can't even tell you how many days I spent preparing to get my taxes done.</p><p>And hiring a bookkeeper was, you know, one of the best things I ever did. Cuz that's not my gift. Right? I'd rather have somebody that it's their gift and they love to do it than for me to do it because a hundred percent, yeah. Yeah. Well, it's just like anything else. I don't really love to clean my house.</p><p>And when I do it, it takes me all day and I don't really have the right tools and I've never been trained. But I like the end result, right? I like a clean house, but if I hire a housekeeper, yes, I have to pay that person some money. But they come in with the right tools. Yep. They come in with the right training and I get that result that I wanted, but it didn't [00:09:00] take me all day.</p><p>You know, None of us, I think probably like going to the dentist, but we like the long-term result that we get of having a healthy dental care. Right. Keeping your teeth right. Yes. Right. You know, so there's this short-term pain called I have to go to the dentist. I have to maybe, you know, undergo some pain there and a little bit of anxiety.</p><p>Kind of like what you were talking about. And you have to pay them for their expertise, but you like the end result of having teeth that don't hurt and being able to keep them is a good example. Exactly. So that those life lessons that we learn as adults are no different than those business lessons.</p><p>You have to hire someone like a bookkeeper if you hate doing your own numbers, because you need to know those, those are important. Yeah, you do. You know, it's interesting in the maid business that's there's a lot of franchise brands that are Yes. Cleaning services. And the reason that they are so successful is because, one, they have repeat customers.</p><p>Who doesn't wanna have [00:10:00] reoccurring customers? You don't always have to keep looking for the next one. Right? Actually, their biggest challenges you can only imagine is hiring people, of course, and it's getting them to consider it. But what's interesting about that brand is, and one of the reasons I love franchising and you'll appreciate this, is that they not only give them systems to be able to know how to clean the house.</p><p>Quickly and efficiently and get it all done. Some of them do a rotation where they do certain things each week, but the other thing that they do, which is really key, is they have incentive programs. So someone comes in and they have an escalation of, they start out as just a housekeeper and then they graduate to being maybe, you know, a team leader.</p><p>And so they have ways for them to elevate themselves. You know, I remember years ago cleaning authority. One of his things was they would all meet like at a. Industrial park, you know, where they have those offices in front [00:11:00] and warehouse in the back. And that would be an office for a typical made franchise business.</p><p>And because they don't have people that drop by, it's really just. Get the team going and so forth. But like he put in a kitchen, so he would have se send 'em off with a hot breakfast. Thanks. Well, you know, thanks. Those little things that they do that make a huge difference in whether somebody is gonna stay or not.</p><p>Having been a business owner myself, several different ways but we just treated our employees like family because if you treat 'em like family, they're not gonna go anywhere. They're gonna wanna stay if you appreciate them and do all of that. Absolutely. Yeah. And that that trajectory of first hiring somebody and then giving them milestones that is something that independent businesses can benefit from, but they struggle with how to structure that. And that is definitely one of the benefits that a franchise brings is some of that group knowledge. [00:12:00] And saying, Hey, this is what's worked. In a lot of different places and, and giving you those ready made steps along the way. Yeah. Absolutely. So tell me about the dashboard. How did you get into doing the dashboards? How did that evolve? Well, in some way, form or fashion, I've always used data. So it's not just reconciling your bank account and getting ready for tax season. But for me, the. The rest of your numbers, they do tell a story and it's actually a little too late if you're waiting to look at your numbers for when it's time to file taxes.</p><p>You know, for a lot of business owners, a whole year's gone by. Whereas if they are looking at their Metrics on a weekly basis or a monthly basis. Then they have, you know, if it's a weekly basis, you have 51 other opportunities before the end of the year. If it's a monthly basis, well then you get 12 chances to improve your business before the end of the year.</p><p>So [00:13:00] when you start looking at that, it does make a tremendous difference. But the. The extra benefit of doing a dashboard is to bring those spreadsheets and that data and numbers to life to where it's really easy to see whether or not a trend is going in the right direction. So it is not just simply hey, you cleaned 14 houses this week and last week you cleaned.</p><p>I don't know, 10 in the same amount of time. But you're actually seeing that with numbers that, that come alive with color and graphs. And it just makes it a little easier. But just like our housekeeping example. For some folks that could take all day to find the numbers, to figure out how to put 'em on a page.</p><p>And then to study that. And so that's where someone like myself comes in. I can do that part for you. I can collect all those numbers. I can think about what's the best way to put that on a page. And then, We would meet once a month and I would say, okay, here's your numbers and here's what I [00:14:00] see and here's the things that immediately pop out.</p><p>Tell me more about this. You know, since the last time we met you were gonna work on this particular issue in your business. How did that go? What, what did you try? Let's see if the numbers showed that it improved. And when you do that, then you get to learn as a business owner, little by little what's actually gonna move the needle.</p><p>And you know, I will say even in a franchise, you could have three different franchise owners of the same type of business. Yes. And they could still have issues that are unique to them. Yep. And solutions that are unique to them. So that's why I always drive home that these dashboards are not cookie cutter.</p><p>I don't show up and say, oh, you're a plumber, so let me pull out my plumbing dashboard. You know, it's more what is it like in your business, your plumbing business? That is not working the way you want it to right now. So what are some of the things that the dashboard, are there any common threads that you find that [00:15:00] people typically mistakes, that people make that, oh yes, of course.</p><p>Yeah. What are the typical things that people are doing? Big one is things that are bringing in revenue but are not actually Improving the bottom line. So you could be cleaning a, you know, I don't know, let's, let's say you get a 6,000 square foot house and you're cleaning it once a week and you know, since we're on this maid example, so let's say you're doing that and it's bringing in a lot of money.</p><p>But it also takes a lot of time. Whereas what if you had three office buildings? Well, people don't eat in office buildings as much. You know, they might have lunch or breakfast, but they're not cooking full meals. Nobody's showering in office buildings. For the most part. So they take a lot less time.</p><p>And so it's looking at, in your business, are there things that are driving your revenue really high but are not delivering profit? And that is a good analysis to do. And it's not always easy to do because what happens is [00:16:00] if you're in a business where you're doing a lot of things to drive revenue, But not profit, then you tend to be firefighting, right?</p><p>You tend to be going from one crisis to the next especially on the cash side. And so you don't have enough time and you're not used to taking on this data. So that's where, again, someone like myself can come in and come in with a fresh set of eyes and say, why, why do you do these $6,000 or 6,000 square foot mansions?</p><p>You know, these condos over here, you can do 10 because you don't have to drive anywhere or whatever. You know, I mean, just to use that as an example. So that is the number one mistake is, is mistaking that busyness for profit. And they're not always the same thing. And then I would say the other is, Spending money on advertising without really knowing if that's coming back in the door.</p><p>And there's, there's a, I mean, we could spend a whole podcast talking about all the ways to make sure you do that Right. But in general, if you're putting a [00:17:00] dollar out there how much are, are, how much of that are you getting back? And are you putting it in the right spots? And that can be different.</p><p>Market to market. Well, and isn't that also, I mean, when we're thinking social media, direct mail, all those kind of things it is kind of hard to track some of it, right? Yes. Yes. And I can remember when social media first came on the scene in the world of franchising, and the franchise companies would go crazy because they couldn't understand they're spending all this money and they couldn't see any results.</p><p>And you know, it's a thing, it's a process, right? It takes time and,of that. So howt. So how do you help people to recognize whether or not what they're doing is paying off? What are sometimes it's a simple tweak inside of how they're collecting the data. So when they're getting a new customer you know, obviously the first one would be, how did you hear about us? Right? But there's a difference between writing [00:18:00] that on a form and capturing that in an electronic way. That can then be analyzed. So sometimes you're tweaking their accounting software so that you can see that happen because you know, yes, you can run a billboard and yes, you can put an ad on TV and you can have eyeballs staring at those things.</p><p>But those are not translating into bank account deposits and bank account deposits are what are gonna matter. Click do not make you rich. Right. Yeah, exactly. So there, there's you know, there's pencil and paper ways, right? And then there's accounting software ways and sometimes we just use a simple data spreadsheet, you know, a Google sheet.</p><p>The idea is to track what matters. Not what I think matters. So the first piece of any of those dashboard builds is to see what's. Actually not working. Cuz that's where we wanna start those items that we need [00:19:00] to tweak. So I, when I I have a metric course, and the first thing I ask is, what's keeping you up at night?</p><p>Right? Because those are the things, right? That, whether it's staff retention or cashflow problems, or, you know, customer service problems, I mean, there's always something that is. In the back of your head, as a business owner that's making it hard to sleep. So let's start with those. Let's get you sleeping again.</p><p>Yeah. So give me a success story of someone that came to you that was really struggling and how did you turn them around, get the ship going in the right direction? Well, so, you know, this is a pretty common one. And it could apply to a lot of industries, but this particular industry was a cabinet maker.</p><p>And they You know, they were a successful cabinet maker, had lots of employees, and they, they made certain lines of cabinets and then they got this excitement around [00:20:00] doing a custom line. So the, the struggle that they were having is after putting in the custom line, they were struggling with cash flow issues and employee retention issues and customer service.</p><p>Issues that were leading to rework. Right? So having to do the work again or come out again and fix it. And when they really started to look at their numbers, it was. Centered around this custom line. It was taking longer than expected, and the rework and customer service problems were on the custom side of the business, not on the stock side of the business.</p><p>And so while it did make you know Outside looking in, the revenue looked great, right? Because these custom jobs were expensive, but it was causing stress in the manufacturing line because this custom work was very different than, you know, today we're making this line of cabinets, which they'd been making for 20 years.</p><p>So you were [00:21:00] stressing the, the shop out. You were stressing customer service out because they were having to go out and, you know. Address these issues. And then there was the rework, right? Which is always free cuz you wanna make your customer happy, of course. So of course revenue was great, but it was creating a, a cascade of issues that ultimately...]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/the-profit-puzzle-putting-together-the-pieces-for-financial-success]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">3573718d-86c5-4bd0-8098-804da9cd9b12</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e1c8f682-631e-4001-89be-1de78ab5123a/m5qouKvFpQ5OSW0oV5Tzch2q.png"/><pubDate>Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/17f71d36-6fa4-46b9-8cf9-1b39ef6f83eb/The-Profit-Puzzle-Putting-Together-the-Pieces-for-Financial-Suc.mp3" length="37840082" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>31:32</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season></item><item><title>Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Shelly Sun&apos;s Story of Innovation and Growth</title><itunes:title>Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Shelly Sun&apos;s Story of Innovation and Growth</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Shelly Sun</strong> - CEO/Founder of Brightstar Care - visit here website - https://www.brightstarfranchising.com/</p><p>Buy Shelly's Book - <strong>Grow Smart, Risk Less: A Low-Capital Path to Multiplying Your Business Through Franchising</strong></p><p>https://a.co/d/8ZxFCIP</p><p><strong>Want to explore franchising?</strong> Schedule a coffee with me: <a href="https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224</a></p><p>Purchase my book, <strong>Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise</strong></p><p>Click the link: https://a.co/d/c5nXsof</p><p>It's the Cliff Notes of franchising. Enjoy</p><p>Fri, Apr 14, 2023 8:45AM • 39:57</p><p><strong>SUMMARY KEYWORDS</strong></p><p>#franchisees, #franchise, #franchising, #brand, #care, #homes, scale, #franchisor, #franchising #franchisebusiness #senior, #caregivers, lead, shelly sun, company</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Shelly Sun</strong> - CEO/Founder of Brightstar Care - visit here website - https://www.brightstarfranchising.com/</p><p>Buy Shelly's Book - <strong>Grow Smart, Risk Less: A Low-Capital Path to Multiplying Your Business Through Franchising</strong></p><p>https://a.co/d/8ZxFCIP</p><p><strong>Want to explore franchising?</strong> Schedule a coffee with me: <a href="https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224</a></p><p>Purchase my book, <strong>Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise</strong></p><p>Click the link: https://a.co/d/c5nXsof</p><p>It's the Cliff Notes of franchising. Enjoy</p><p>Fri, Apr 14, 2023 8:45AM • 39:57</p><p><strong>SUMMARY KEYWORDS</strong></p><p>#franchisees, #franchise, #franchising, #brand, #care, #homes, scale, #franchisor, #franchising #franchisebusiness #senior, #caregivers, lead, shelly sun, company</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/breaking-barriers-in-healthcare-shelly-suns-story-of-innovation-and-growth]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">ac76e3b6-a031-45dc-8ce2-a0ad0655e825</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/e01fca77-3ea6-4788-96a8-24f09f11ddf4/tDDmvZHEENKZkh5P65O6s33K.png"/><pubDate>Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f1edaea8-30b4-490a-929e-9f0780ca6699/trimmed-audio.mp3" length="38348111" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>39:57</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/44c63b6c-4252-42dd-9715-c57879f83757/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Safely Chic: Vanity Fur&apos;s Mobile Pet Salon Takes Grooming to the Next Level!</title><itunes:title>Safely Chic: Vanity Fur&apos;s Mobile Pet Salon Takes Grooming to the Next Level!</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<h2 class="ql-align-center">Providing the safest and most comfortable groom at your home or office.</h2><p>It's not just a "tagline" - it's our philosophy.</p><p>Vanity Fur Mobile Pet Salons is dedicated to your pet's safety &amp; comfort. Our state-of-the-art mobile salons have all the amenities of a grooming shop and are specifically equipped to accommodate extra-large breeds and senior dogs. Once our groomer arrives, your pet’s specific needs will be discussed. Once your pet steps in the salon, our groomer will take a few minutes to get familiar with and help your pet relax.</p><p>Vanity Fur's mobile groomer puts your pet's safety and comfort first. Always.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="ql-align-center">Providing the safest and most comfortable groom at your home or office.</h2><p>It's not just a "tagline" - it's our philosophy.</p><p>Vanity Fur Mobile Pet Salons is dedicated to your pet's safety &amp; comfort. Our state-of-the-art mobile salons have all the amenities of a grooming shop and are specifically equipped to accommodate extra-large breeds and senior dogs. Once our groomer arrives, your pet’s specific needs will be discussed. Once your pet steps in the salon, our groomer will take a few minutes to get familiar with and help your pet relax.</p><p>Vanity Fur's mobile groomer puts your pet's safety and comfort first. Always.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/safely-chic-vanity-furs-mobile-pet-salon-takes-grooming-to-the-next-level]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">e28854ba-0726-4d74-8649-aa7862b0bbf4</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/ae983b5c-9131-4583-9c3a-dcd7f642f26c/E7670WBgxLxzIEJIjs4ki2VE.png"/><pubDate>Sun, 09 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/aa90d951-c152-4f67-8eeb-081faa313dbb/Safely-Chic-Vanity-Fur-s-Mobile-Pet-Salon-Takes-Grooming-the-Ne.mp3" length="28023700" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>29:11</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/4c7557d9-90eb-4f0b-b769-575abf542ad2/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/4c7557d9-90eb-4f0b-b769-575abf542ad2/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Igniting Your Passion and Purpose_ A Love-Fueled Business Journey with Carolyn Cooper-McOuatt</title><itunes:title>Igniting Your Passion and Purpose_ A Love-Fueled Business Journey with Carolyn Cooper-McOuatt</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Today we will be talking about the importance of loving what you do and why getting up every day excited about the day is so good for your well being and your long term health. Enjoy the show!</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today we will be talking about the importance of loving what you do and why getting up every day excited about the day is so good for your well being and your long term health. Enjoy the show!</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/igniting-your-passion-and-purpose-a-love-fueled-business-journey-with-carolyn-cooper-mcouatt]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">a409b1ce-7fbc-429f-bfdf-0ac10db9f438</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/ae53d4bc-dafb-415a-9236-ee0efddae36a/4frjTX8UYrPh7Xg7LsZqE4Lf.png"/><pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/de9f2808-672f-40ba-90ad-bbb51c862808/Igniting-Your-Passion-and-Purpose-A-Love-Fueled-Business-Journe.mp3" length="39192625" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>40:50</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/03d819a7-0728-4222-8f3f-3b95e0ba98cc/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Kitchen Tune Up and Beyond: Lessons in Entrepreneurship Meet President Heidi Morrissey</title><itunes:title>Kitchen Tune Up and Beyond: Lessons in Entrepreneurship Meet President Heidi Morrissey</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Connect with Heidi Morrissey on Linkedin - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112</a></p><p>Company Website: <a href="Https://kitchentuneup.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Https://kitchentuneup.com</a></p><p>Curious? Schedule a coffee with me: <a href="https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224</a></p><p><strong>Purchase my book, Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise</strong></p><p>Click the link: https://a.co/d/c5nXsof</p><p>It's the Cliff Notes of franchising. Enjoy</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Connect with Heidi Morrissey on Linkedin - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/heidi-morrissey-b10a112</a></p><p>Company Website: <a href="Https://kitchentuneup.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Https://kitchentuneup.com</a></p><p>Curious? Schedule a coffee with me: <a href="https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://yourfranchisecoach.com/book-with-me-page893224</a></p><p><strong>Purchase my book, Your Amazing Itty Bitty™ Considering a Franchise Book: 15 Key Steps to Find Your Perfect-Match Franchise</strong></p><p>Click the link: https://a.co/d/c5nXsof</p><p>It's the Cliff Notes of franchising. Enjoy</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://fierce-females-in-franchising.captivate.fm/episode/kitchen-tune-up-and-beyond-lessons-in-entrepreneurship-meet-president-heidi-morrissey]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">464390b9-d934-4885-a53e-ae2b3411757d</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/d5fbf062-37e6-4ed5-b8a8-9a065d4979f9/ULxAgyYEHdqh-tfOcRWQu7sP.png"/><pubDate>Sat, 18 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/849caa1e-4fc8-4400-b290-7a5b63872738/Edited-Heidi-Podcast.mp3" length="54288845" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>37:42</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f42a4e9f-7917-40ba-9414-c58661c275e9/index.html" type="text/html"/></item></channel></rss>