From Chaos to Cash Flow: Jen Fizer’s Financial Awakening for Every Business Owner

Ever feel rich on Stripe and broke at payroll? You’re not alone. Half of U.S. small businesses have had cash flow issues in the last year, and most check cash daily because they’re anxious—not strategic. 🔍 Why cash flow collapses even when sales grow Sales ≠ solvency. Most businesses hold a median of just 27 days of cash buffer—one slow month can cripple operations. Jen explains why “cash is king,” why hiring too fast squeezes margins, and how asset purchases beat subscriptions you can’t resell. 💸 What a fractional CFO actually does (vs. CPA/bookkeeper) Bookkeeping and taxes look backward. Jen forecasts forward: weekly revenue targets to cover payroll, budgeting, and scenario planning. She aims to “pay for herself” by cutting waste and prioritizing high‑profit offers—classic cash flow management and small business finance. 📈 Tactical takeaways you can use this week Build reserves before scaling headcount. Pressure‑test “reinvestments” with profit, time, and resale value. Sell one more job to buy equipment in cash—skip the interest. Start with a 4‑month CFO engagement: month 1 cleanup, months 2‑4 execution. Relevant stats: 48% report cash flow issues; 27 buffer days is the median. If you're interested in booking a call with Jen, you can click the link below: https://calendly.com/jen-mkb/30minclientcall

In this episode: From her start at a Waffle House in Maryland to managing high-end casinos and advising corporate leaders, Carly Kass has seen every side of customer service. Today, she’s reshaping how companies think about hospitality—beyond the restaurant or hotel space—and applying it to law firms, financial planners, and modern business teams.   You’ll discover: 💡 Why “The Customer Is Always Right” might be the most damaging phrase in business. 🧠 How to use empathy as a leadership tool that transforms customer and team relationships. 🎯 The difference between hospitality (what you do for someone) and service (what you do to someone). 🧩 Simple mindset shifts that help your team manage difficult clients without losing energy or authenticity. 💬 Why small, thoughtful gestures—like using someone’s name or offering a genuine smile—matter more than any marketing campaign. ⚙️ How proactive service builds trust and eliminates frustration before it ever happens.   Key Quote from Carly:   “Hospitality isn’t an industry—it’s a mindset. It’s how we make people feel seen, valued, and cared for in every interaction.”   Whether you lead a small team or a multi-location business, this episode will help you elevate the customer experience, strengthen your reputation, and grow your impact faster than ever. If you're interested in this, you can reach Carly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlykass

“You can’t mail too much—if people want to hear from you.” That one quote sums up Ben Settle’s entire email philosophy—and in this episode, he brings the receipts.   This isn’t your typical marketing interview. It’s a no-BS deep dive into why repelling the wrong people is more profitable than attracting everyone… and how negative striplining, daily emails, and zero-refund policies lead to a business that actually feels good to run.   Steve and Ben cover: 🧲 The surprising power of repulsion marketing—and how it filters out bad buyers before they ever hit “purchase” 🛑 Why unsubscribes are a good thing (and what they really tell you about your list) 💣 How to use “negative striplining” to build trust, boost conversions, and eliminate refund drama 📬 What most entrepreneurs get wrong about daily emails—and how Ben built a cult following by doing the opposite of everyone else 🧠 The psychology behind consumption-based marketing (and why giving refunds is the wrong move for premium offers) ✍️ How Ben learned to write bullets that convert like crazy—and why honest copy sells better than clever hype   Whether you write emails, run events, or sell high-ticket offers, this episode will challenge the way you think about marketing—and give you a smarter, saner way to sell.   👉 Join Ben’s list and check out his newsletter at BenSettle.com

What if the most powerful life lessons aren’t taught in school—but hidden in books?   Brandon Hakim has read over 1,000 books and helped more than 360,000 people upgrade their thinking, productivity, and learning through book-based education. But his journey didn’t begin with wisdom—it started with frustration.   In this episode, you’ll hear how Brandon walked into his college dean’s office and boldly told her: “This education is outdated.” Her response lit a fire that led him down the path of self-education, online business, and discovering the three questions that changed everything.   You’ll learn: The 3 “master questions” Brandon uses to cut through overwhelm and focus on what really matters How he launched his first online course using nothing but Apple headphones and hustle A simple tactic to instantly read faster and retain more of what you learn Why perfectionism is killing your productivity—and what to do instead How to build unstoppable confidence by raising your personal standards   If you’re someone who loves learning, feels like you’re wasting time on the wrong things, or needs a wake-up call to reclaim your focus—this episode will speak directly to you.

Think SEO is over? Think again. This episode shows why technical SEO, smart content, and links still drive qualified traffic—even with AI answer engines in the mix. If you want more organic traffic and conversions, start here.   🔍 Why SEO Still Wins in an AI World Nick breaks down three pillars: crawlability, on-page content, and links. He explains how Google Search Console flags indexing issues and why answer engines still rely on well-optimized websites. High-intent keywords like “who to hire for X” still convert, especially when your site architecture is clean and fast.   🧭 The Hidden Block Killing Your Rankings If your primary navigation isn’t crawlable, your technical SEO is broken. That means wasted blog content, weak internal linking, and poor rankings on Google. Make someone responsible (RACI model) so priorities don’t bounce week to week.   📈 Proof: From 85M to 185M Organic Visits At DMV.org, SEO traffic grew from 85M/year (2012) to 185M/year six years later—by focusing on structure, intent-led content, and links. That’s why blogs plus product/service pages still matter.   If you're interested in this, you can visit Nick's website here: https://opticsin.com 

What if you could make work optional—without sacrificing your income, lifestyle, or freedom?   In this powerful episode of Grow Your Impact, Income, and Influence, Steve sits down with Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples and creator of The Work Optional Blueprint, to reveal how he’s helped clients unlock over $300 million in cash flow—and how you can do the same.   Whether you’re a 7-figure entrepreneur tired of reinvesting every dollar back into your business… or you’re just starting to realize that “saving your way to wealth” isn’t cutting it—this episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap.   🔑 Inside This Episode: Why Saving Isn’t Enough: Chris shares how his own father did everything right financially—only to discover he couldn’t retire without dying early. The Real Wealth Equation: Why net worth is a vanity metric, and what to focus on instead if you want freedom, not just finances. The Work Optional Blueprint: Chris’ 3-step system to get lean, get liquid, and get out—so you can create true, passive income streams. What Business Owners Get Wrong: Why reinvesting every dollar back into your business is secretly killing your long-term wealth. How to Start (Even If You’re Late): The step-by-step on how much cash you need, where to store it, and how to make your money start working for you. Where to Invest for Cash Flow: From real estate-backed lending to oil, land, and funds—Chris outlines the options that work today (without creating a second job).   “If you don’t want to work another day in your life—you don’t have to. But it starts with shifting from accumulation to cash flow.” — Chris Miles   Whether you’re making $150K or $5M+, if you don’t have money that makes money, you’re one shift away from burnout. This episode shows you how to build passive income without gambling it all on risky ventures or hustling harder.   Connect with Chris Miles: Website: MoneyRipples.com Podcast: Money Ripples Podcast (1,000+ episodes strong!) New Book: The Work Optional Blueprint (Out September 23) Takeaway: If you’ve ever said, “I’ve made millions—but I have nothing to show for it,” this episode is your answer.   Don’t miss this masterclass in financial freedom—taught by someone who’s built it twice.

Ever wondered if your side hustle could actually replace your full-time job? In this episode, Bart Merrell, known as the Side Hustle Samurai, shares his insights on how to turn part-time gigs into full-time income. He reveals that the key to success is not just about having a great idea but taking action and letting the market decide its viability. 💡 The Power of Taking Action Bart emphasizes that the biggest hurdle is often taking the first step. Many people get stuck in the idea phase, worried about choosing the wrong side hustle. He advises that luck is when opportunity meets preparedness, and action is the missing ingredient. By focusing on what you're already passionate about, you can find a side hustle that fits seamlessly into your life. 📈 Stats and Strategies for Success According to Bart, even in challenging economic times, a well-chosen side hustle can bring in significant income. For example, despite fluctuations in the yen-dollar exchange rate, Bart's side hustle still earns him $20,000 annually with minimal time investment. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples that prove you don't need to quit your day job to start earning more. 🌟 Let the Market Guide You Bart suggests testing your ideas with small investments, like boosting a Facebook post, to gauge interest. This approach not only validates your idea but also helps refine it based on market feedback. By combining passion with strategic action, your side hustle could be your ticket out of the nine-to-five grind.   Here's the link to Bart's free gift, "The Side Hustle Samurai": https://offer1.bartmerrell.com/25for25 If you would like to know more about Bart, you can visit the links below: https://bartmerrell.com/  https://www.facebook.com/bart.merrell

What If 95% of Your Choices Weren’t Really Yours? Have you ever wondered how much of your decision-making process is truly under your control? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sue McCreadie delves into the profound impact of the subconscious mind on our daily choices. She reveals that a staggering majority of our thoughts and behaviors are governed by subconscious beliefs, which often remain hidden from our conscious awareness. This realization prompts the question: Are we truly in control of our lives, or are we simply following a script written by our past experiences?   Unmasking the Subconscious Influence Dr. Sue explains how our subconscious mind shapes our habits and actions. She highlights that the vast majority of our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs are driven by the subconscious. This means that many of the decisions we make daily are influenced by deeply ingrained patterns we might not even be aware of. Understanding these patterns is crucial for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life.   Discovering Your Blind Spots The episode also introduces a unique quiz designed to help listeners identify their subconscious blind spots. Dr. Sue emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, stating that acknowledging our hidden patterns is the first step towards transformation. By bringing these subconscious influences to the surface, we can begin to create new, more empowering patterns that better serve our goals and aspirations.   🚀 Embracing Change for Personal Growth As Dr. Sue shares her insights, she encourages listeners to view personal development as an ongoing journey of self-discovery. By recognizing and addressing the subconscious factors that drive our choices, we can reclaim control over our lives and steer them in a direction that aligns with our true desires. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to break free from old habits and embrace a more intentional way of living.     If you want to take the quiz to find out your Midlife Personality Type or get in touch with Dr. Sue, you can visit her website below: https://www.drsuemccreadie.com

🎲 Unlocking the Secrets of a $4 Million Blackjack Success Ever wondered how a group of savvy card counters could outsmart casinos and walk away with millions? In this episode, Colin Jones shares the intriguing journey of the church blackjack team, which took over $4 million from casinos without any sleight of hand. But what truly sets them apart from the average player?   🧠 The Power of Mental Fortitude and Strategy Colin emphasizes that while card counting isn't more complex than third-grade math, the real challenge lies in maintaining emotional control and discipline. Many players falter not because they lack skills but due to the pressure and mental resilience required in the high-stakes environment of professional blackjack.   📊 The Impact of Professional Training Interestingly, a survey revealed that players who attended boot camps were twice as likely to succeed professionally. These camps provide not only skill testing but also invaluable insights into mental mindset, often the missing link for many aspiring pros.   🌟 Entrepreneurial Spirit Meets Blackjack Colin's story is one of transformation, where blackjack was not just a game but a gateway to entrepreneurship. Transitioning from a $10,000 start to $100,000 in just six months, Colin highlights the importance of working smarter and harder, a principle that resonates across both business and blackjack.   If you're interested in this, feel free to visit Colin's site below: https://www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/ If you want to grab a copy of Colin's books, here they are: The 21st-Century Card Counter: The Pros’ Approach to Beating Blackjack Tales from the Felt: An Illustrated Anthology [DELUXE EDITION] - Featuring the True Stories of 21 Blackjack Professionals And if you're curious about the Holy Rollers movie, you can find out more about it here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1143896/

Building Connections That Matter Ever wondered how some people just seem to have a knack for bringing others together and creating genuine community vibes? Dayna Zola doesn’t just talk about it—she lives it. In this episode, Dayna shares her secrets on crafting events that are more than just gatherings; they’re experiences that foster real connections. With over 25 years of experience, she knows how to turn a simple event into a life-changing moment for attendees. The Power of In-Person Events In a world where we’re overloaded with digital interactions, Dayna highlights the resurgence of in-person events. Post-COVID, these gatherings have exploded in popularity, offering a much-needed break from screen fatigue. Did you know that after attending one of Dayna’s events, attendees are not only more likely to return but also bring friends along, boosting participation by over 60%? This isn’t just networking—it’s community building at its finest. Crafting the Perfect Event Experience From the venue to the vibe, Dayna knows that every detail counts. Her events are a mix of fun, learning, and networking, set in exciting locations like Boston’s Copley Place. With elements like 360 photo booths and interactive workshops, attendees leave with more than just business cards—they gain insights and friendships that last. Curating Exclusive Communities Dayna’s approach to community isn’t just about numbers; it’s about quality. She personally invites members to her groups, ensuring that each person aligns with her vision of growth and empowerment. This selective process means that when you attend a Dayna Zola event, you’re rubbing shoulders with like-minded individuals who are just as driven and passionate as you are. Join us as we dive into the world of event planning with Dayna Zola, where community isn’t just built—it’s crafted with intention and heart.   If you’re interested in this and would like to get in contact with Dayna, visit her website below: http://www.dzeventsllc.com/