Wealth Whisper : Silent Strategies for Financial Freedom

Mastering the Trapeze of Business Finances: Essential Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Derek G Episode 79

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Ever thought leaving the corporate grind behind was the hard part of entrepreneurship? Think again. In our latest episode, we promise to transform your understanding of business finances with ten essential lessons that no one teaches in business school. From the critical importance of separating personal and business finances to navigating the choppy waters of cash flow, we're here to shine a light on the common pitfalls many new entrepreneurs face. With a playful yet insightful approach, we liken financial planning to a trapeze act, emphasizing the need for a safety net of savings to provide stability and confidence.

But we're not stopping there. We tackle the myth that revenue is synonymous with profit, highlighting often-ignored expenses that can sneak up on you. We dive into budgeting strategies that align spending with your entrepreneurial vision, laying out why it's crucial to think of expenses not just as costs, but as strategic investments. Plus, we underscore the importance of strategic cash management and planning for taxes, helping you weave through the intricate dance of entrepreneurship with clarity and foresight. Listen in and prepare to see your business finances in a whole new light.

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Speaker 1:

So you're finally living the dream, took that leap, left the corporate world behind and you're building your own empire. It's exhilarating, right, but let's be real. That financial tightrope walk. That can be terrifying.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely. It's a whole new ballgame, like the rulebook you used in the corporate world. Yeah, that's out the window now.

Speaker 1:

Totally. That's why we're diving deep today. We're talking 10 crucial financial lessons every entrepreneur needs to know, and we're not just skimming the surface. We're going deep on the why behind the what, so you can build a rock solid foundation.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. We're talking about the kind of stuff that they don't teach you in business school.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So first up, this source went straight for it. Lesson one separate your personal and business, right Like do I invest in this new equipment, do I hire someone, but you can't even tell if that deposit in your account was that a client payment or was that a refund for those shoes you definitely didn't need?

Speaker 1:

Ooh, yeah, guilty as charged.

Speaker 2:

It's a mess and not just a. You need a new accountant. Mess Like a legal and tax nightmare waiting to happen.

Speaker 1:

Okay, convinced, separate accounts. It is Next up. The source hits hard on cashflow. We hear it everywhere right, cashflow is king. But what does that really mean when you're starting out and every single penny counts?

Speaker 2:

So cashflow isn't just about making money. It's about having the actual cash in hand to pay your bills, to invest in your growth and to handle those surprise expenses that always seem to pop up.

Speaker 1:

Because they always do.

Speaker 2:

Always Think of it like this Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Even if your business model is amazing and you're eventually going to be super profitable, running out of cash before then is like having a restaurant full of hungry customers but your kitchens run out of food.

Speaker 1:

Ouch, yeah, that's game over.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

So it's not enough to just be sending invoices. You've got to make sure that money is actually flowing into your account at the right time, right.

Speaker 2:

And that you're managing it strategically.

Speaker 1:

Which actually leads to the next point Savings. This source recommends having six to 12 months of living expenses saved up. Now, that's a scary number for a lot of people, especially when you're just starting out. Is that really necessary?

Speaker 2:

Okay, imagine this You're a trapeze artist, right, and you're launching yourself into the air. Now would you rather have a safety net below you or just you know, the hope and a prayer.

Speaker 1:

Safety net please.

Speaker 2:

Exactly that's what those savings are. It's your entrepreneurial safety net. It gives you that breathing room to make smart, strategic decisions for your business, not just panic-driven reactions when you have a slow month.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's about having the freedom to play the long game.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Maybe you can take a chance on a marketing campaign that might take a while to pay off, or maybe you can finally invest in that new equipment that will streamline your process.

Speaker 1:

That safety net, that's what gives you the power to make those moves. Got it. But let's be honest building that kind of safety net that requires some serious planning, some budgeting right.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Budgeting isn't just about tracking where your money goes. It's about aligning your spending, both personal and business, with your entrepreneurial vision.

Speaker 1:

It's like you're playing financial chess, thinking several moves ahead.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, it's a mindset shift.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of mindset shifts, there's this I don't know this myth that revenue equals profit, and this source really dug into that. Why do you think that's such an easy trap to fall into, especially for new business owners?

Speaker 2:

It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of those early sales right.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

You see that money coming in and you're like I made it she made it Right. But the thing is, revenue is just one piece of the puzzle. You have to factor in all of your expenses, the cost of the goods, marketing, that software subscription you forgot you had.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

The coffee, the snacks, everything.

Speaker 1:

Oh, and don't even get me started on taxes. Our source was really adamant about this.

Speaker 2:

Entrepreneurs need a complete mindset shift when it comes to taxes. Oh for sure, taxes. They're like that one friend who never RSVPs but then always shows up expecting a full meal.

Speaker 1:

Every time.

Speaker 2:

Every single time, and ignoring them is not going to make them disappear. The key is set aside a percentage of every sale for taxes right off the bat. Keep really good records and honestly talk to a tax professional sooner rather than later.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about doing your taxes, it's about building those good habits from day one. And speaking of investing in yourself, the Source they really stressed financial education. Now, obviously, hiring a good accountant, that's crucial, but what about educating yourself?

Speaker 2:

Think of it like this you have GPS on your phone, right Amazing tool, but it's still useful to be able to read a map yourself, just in case.

Speaker 1:

Love that analogy.

Speaker 2:

So take an online course, go to a workshop, listen to podcasts like this one, whatever works for you. Get comfortable with the basic financial concepts of your business, because when you understand the numbers, you're in control 100%.

Speaker 1:

Now let's talk about something that I know makes a lot of new entrepreneurs really uncomfortable Pricing for profit. Do you have any tips for overcoming that fear and actually setting prices that reflect the value you're providing?

Speaker 2:

I see it all the time Entrepreneurs, especially when they're starting out, they undervalue what they bring to the table. They set the prices way too low because they're afraid of scaring away clients.

Speaker 1:

Right, you want to be competitive.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, but you also need to value your time, your expertise and your worth. Value your time, your expertise and your worth. Remember your pricing needs to cover all of your costs and leave you with a profit margin that actually makes this whole thing worthwhile.

Speaker 1:

So how do you find that sweet spot?

Speaker 2:

Research. Explore different pricing models like cost plus pricing, value-based pricing. Look at your competitors and don't be scared to experiment a little.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so find what works for you.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

And finally, this source made a great point about not being afraid to ask a little. Okay, so find what works for you, yes. And finally, this source made a great point about not being afraid to ask for help. What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to delegate or to bring in professionals?

Speaker 2:

Look, trying to be the superhero who does everything themselves. That's a recipe for burnout and honestly costly mistakes. Don't be afraid to delegate.

Speaker 1:

Build relationships with an accountant a lawyer, a financial advisor, other experts in your field, people you trust. Think of it like building your own personal board of directors.

Speaker 2:

I love that Surround yourself with a team that you trust. This has been such an insightful conversation. Thank you so much for diving deep with us today. My pleasure, my pleasure. Now, before we wrap up, I have one last question for you. If you could go back in time and give your younger self the one who was just starting out on time on your calendar to work on your business, not just in it. Trust me, those investments, they pay off big time in the long run. Building a successful business takes time, it takes effort and it takes a bit of financial savvy.

Speaker 1:

Words to live by. Thanks again, and to everyone listening, remember entrepreneurship is a journey, not a race. No-transcript.