The Accelerator podcast is designed to help business owners stop "coasting" and start actively growing their businesses. It empowers entrepreneurs to move beyond survival mode, reclaim their time, and build a business that supports their personal and professional goals. By providing practical strategies, actionable resources, and accountability tools, this podcast helps business owners create a business that works for them—not the other way around. Hosted by Lera Kooper, an award-winning entrepreneur and co-owner of the "Firm of the Year" and the Seattle Time's 2024 Best Accounting Firm in the PNW, Accountability Services, this podcast is your go-to resource for strategic insights and practical advice to drive your business forward.
Lera Kooper discusses the challenges of balancing stress and anxiety with the responsibilities of leadership. She shares her personal experiences and strategies for managing emotional well-being while maintaining productivity. Key themes include the importance of self-discipline in self-care, practical strategies for managing stress, and the necessity of consistency and resilience in leadership roles.
Chapters
00:00Navigating Stress and Anxiety as a Leader
02:59The Importance of Self-Discipline in Self-Care
05:44Practical Strategies for Managing Stress
08:53Consistency and Resilience in Leadership
Watch with video on youtube: https://youtu.be/pHy_guixJ-Y
20 Feb 2025
The Scorecard: From Analysis Paralysis to Action
In this episode Lera emphasizes the dangers of coasting in business, the need for clear goals, and the value of tools like SWOT analysis and KPIs. Lera introduces a Business Health Scorecard to help owners assess their performance and identify areas for growth, encouraging a proactive approach to business management.
Link to Free Business Health Scorecard: https://www.accountabilityservices.com/business-scorecard/
Link to YouTube with Full Video: https://youtu.be/rmaeLBsiuK0
3 Jan 2025
What's Next? A Year in Review and 2025 Teasers
In this episode, host Lera Kooper reflects on the past year of the podcast, discussing the various topics covered and insights gained from industry experts. She shares her journey of merging firms, the challenges and successes faced, and personal growth experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, Lera emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and execution for business owners and outlines what's next in the coming season.
takeaways
Mindset and strategic thinking are crucial for entrepreneurs.
Profits are more important than just top-line revenue.
Self-assessment is key to understanding business health.
Merging firms can lead to unexpected positive cultural outcomes.
Business owners should focus on making their business an asset.
Execution is as important as having good ideas.
Continuous improvement and accountability are essential for growth.
Setting clear goals and a vision is vital for business success.
27 Nov 2024
Stepping Back to Predict the Future with Bill Flynn
Business leader Bill Flynn shares insights on predicting the future, innovation, and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of a clear vision, strategy, and growth mindset for business success.
14 Oct 2024
Scaling Green: with 'Moss Boss' Lindsay Scher Burgess
Summary In this episode, Lera Kooper interviews Lindsay Scherr Burgess, the owner of Green Wallscapes, also known as the Moss Boss. Lindsay shares her journey of starting the business, the challenges of scaling, and the importance of teamwork and process in delivering custom moss wall designs. The conversation also touches on market adaptations, client collaboration, and valuable advice for aspiring business owners. Lindsay emphasizes the significance of persistence and the excitement of future opportunities in her niche industry.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to the Moss Boss
03:10The Journey of Green Wallscapes
05:58Scaling Challenges and Team Dynamics
09:11Design Process and Client Collaboration
12:02Adapting to Market Changes
14:51Advice for Business Owners
18:03Future Plans and Opportunities
20:54The Importance of Teamwork
23:59Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Contact
https://greenwallscapes.com/
Looking to gain financial clarity and control with a proactive CPA partner? Visit https://www.accountabilityservices.com/
17 Sept 2024
Gone Phishing with Cyberhoot Founder Craig Taylor
Craig Taylor, co-founder of Cyber Hoot, shares his journey in cybersecurity and the importance of cyber literacy. He emphasizes that cybersecurity is not just an IT problem but a business owner's responsibility. Craig discusses the need for training and testing to create a strong human firewall within organizations. He also highlights the significance of risk assessments and the importance of freezing credit to protect against identity theft. Craig provides valuable advice for individuals and businesses to enhance their cybersecurity practices.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Craig Taylor's Background
02:19The Maturation of the Cybersecurity Industry
04:08Identifying Quacks and Ensuring Security Literacy
06:26The Impact of Cybercrime on the Global Economy
09:52The Importance of Strategic Incident Management
11:45The Significance of Cybersecurity in the Financial Industry
16:06The Positive Reinforcement Approach to Phishing Tests
19:05The Importance of Strategic Cybersecurity Measures
21:22Getting Started with Cybersecurity: Free Resources and Risk Assessments
27:01The Need for Credit Freezes and Multi-Factor Authentication
Resources:
For more information on this week's guest, visit https://cyberhoot.com/category/training/
Looking to gain financial clarity and control with a proactive CPA partner? Visit https://www.accountabilityservices.com/
2 Sept 2024
5 Frustrations Business Owners Face & How to Overcome Them with Matt Hansen
Host Lera Kooper interviews Matt Hansen, an EOS implementer, about the five most common frustrations that business owners face. The frustrations discussed include feeling like the business runs you instead of the other way around, not having enough cash flow, struggling with people management, lacking clarity and focus, and feeling like you're stuck and unable to grow. Matt provides practical strategies to address these frustrations and provides insights on how to overcome them.
19 Aug 2024
Beyond the Numbers: Succession Planning With Heart
Host Lera Kooper interviews Laurie Nichols, a trusted guide and confidant to business owners seeking a successful ownership transition, discusses the importance of tapping into what matters most to business owners when planning for an exit. She emphasizes the need to consider factors beyond financial rewards, such as legacy and building a great business with great people. Nichols highlights the emotional aspect of the transition process and the importance of preparing both business owners and potential successors or buyers for the journey. She also discusses the surprises and challenges that can arise during the exit process, including the need for open and candid communication between business partners.
Takeaways
When planning for an ownership transition, it's important to consider factors beyond financial rewards, such as legacy and building a great business with great people.
The exit process can be emotional and challenging, especially for business owners who have invested significant time and energy into their businesses.
Open and candid communication between business partners is crucial during the exit process to ensure alignment of goals and to build trust.
Business owners should invest in their own leadership abilities and carve out time for strategic thinking and planning.
Delegation and engaging with key employees are essential for scalability and continuity in the business.
Transparency and involving key stakeholders, including spouses, in the planning process can foster buy-in and create a shared vision for the future of the business.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and the Importance of Ownership Transition
02:32The Emotional Aspect of Exiting a Business
07:37The Challenges of Communication Between Business Partners
15:25Investing in Leadership and Strategic Thinking
19:32Delegation and Engaging Key Employees
27:06Transparency and Involving Key Stakeholders
29 Jul 2024
Resilience: Lessons from Forbes 200 CPA Ernie Villany
Lera Kooper interviews Ernie Villany, her business partner at Accountability Services and 2024 Forbes Top 200 CPA. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, the importance of understanding what motivates people, and the power of having a plan and a prescriptive mindset. Ernie shares personal stories of resilience and growth, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and overcoming the loss of key team members. They emphasize the need for business owners, regardless of size, to have a plan and be proactive in their approach to achieve success.
15 Jul 2024
Money Isn't The Answer.. Profits Are. with Steve Gelley CEO of Blueprint Ventures
Host Lera Kooper sits down with Steve Gelley, CEO of Blueprint Ventures, to uncover the secrets behind his successful exits from two major ventures. Steve shares game-changing insights on why pivoting is essential for business growth, the power of workflow automation, and the surprising importance of transparency in building a winning team culture. He also dives into the often-misunderstood world of venture capital, revealing key strategies for navigating investor relationships and maximizing your business's potential.
Tune in to learn how Steve transformed challenges into opportunities, the critical metrics every business owner should track, and the vital steps for setting up a business for a lucrative exit. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, Steve's advice will provide you with the tools and inspiration needed to view your business through the lens of an investor and achieve remarkable success.
bpv.io (https://www.bpv.io/)
8 Jul 2024
Niche Down and Scale Up with Alex Ratynski
Alex Ratynski from Searchable is interviewed on the power of niching down, the challenges of identifying a niche, and the benefits of serving a specific audience. They also explore strategies for finding a viable niche and the potential risks of niching down. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding your target demographic and leveraging that knowledge in your marketing and sales efforts.
Takeaways
Niching down in your business can provide more power and leverage in the marketplace, especially from a marketing perspective.
Having a niche allows you to build a strong brand and become an industry leader in a specific area.
Start by looking at your top clients or customers and identify the ones that are most profitable or that you do the best work for.
Research the market and industry trends to ensure that your niche is financially stable and has potential for growth.
Use audience research tools and have conversations with your customers to gain insights and tailor your marketing efforts to their needs and preferences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Questions
01:13 The Power of Niching Down
03:19 The Importance of Having a Niche
05:29 Challenges of Niching Down and Getting Started
08:38 Strategies for Identifying a Niche
14:05 Risks and Downsides of Niching Down
19:43 Ensuring Viability and Financial Stability of Your Niche
23:35 Leveraging Audience Insights in Marketing
26:50 Final Tips for Business Owners
29:18 Closing and Contact Information
Resources and Tools Mentioned:
SparkToro (https://sparktoro.com)
Vertical IQ (https://verticaliq.com)
Visit staysearchable.com (https://staysearchable.com) for a free marketing audit.
1 Jul 2024
From Operator to Visionary: Unlocking Growth Potential with Lera Kooper
In this episode, host Lera Kooper discusses the value of working on your business and provides insights on how to effectively transition from working in the business to working on it. She emphasizes the importance of setting aside dedicated time to be a visionary and think big for your business. Lera also highlights the significance of having confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. She advises setting clear, measurable goals and metrics to track progress and avoid getting discouraged. Lera shares challenges that business owners often face, such as time management and fear of change, and provides strategies for overcoming them. She emphasizes the role of leadership in aligning the organization and creating efficient systems. Lera concludes by encouraging listeners to start setting aside time to define their vision and take small steps towards achieving it.
Takeaways
Set aside dedicated time to be a visionary and think big for your business.
Have confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals.
Set clear, measurable goals and metrics to track progress.
Overcome challenges such as time management and fear of change.
Align the organization and create efficient systems through leadership.
Start setting aside time to define your vision and take small steps towards achieving it.
Chapters
Set aside dedicated time to be a visionary and think big for your business.
Have confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals.
Set clear, measurable goals and metrics to track progress.
Overcome challenges such as time management and fear of change.
Align the organization and create efficient systems through leadership.
Start setting aside time to define your vision and take small steps towards achieving it.
Measure What Matters
Atomic Habits
24 Jun 2024
From SWAT to SWOT: A Lesson in Leadership with Ryan Conn
In this conversation, Lera Kooper interviews Ryan Conn, owner of CS Business Consulting and President of Shelton Associates, about his unique background and how it has benefited his tax and accounting business. Ryan shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a leader in the private sector. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong foundation for your business, including a clear mission, vision, core values, and leadership philosophy. Ryan also discusses the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in becoming an effective leader. In this conversation, Ryan and Lera discuss the characteristics of effective leaders and the importance of self-awareness and influence. Ryan emphasizes the need to overcome fear and take action, and encourages listeners to set specific leadership goals and hold themselves accountable. Ryan also shares resources, including an ebook on the 7 principles of leadership.
CSbizcon.com Free Resources (https://csbizcon.com/tools-ebooks)
17 Jun 2024
Plan, Pivot, Succeed with CEO Dave Fischer
Lera and long-time business partner Dave Fischer discuss the essentials of business planning and knowing when to pivot. They explore the difference between a business plan and business planning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing adjustments. Dave shares practical tips and highlights the importance of collaboration, recognizing red flags, and being proactive in both business and life. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable advice to help craft your business and personal goals.
Watch on YouTube (https://youtu.be/6cTuj7Jc7vI)
Goal Setting Worksheet (https://support.accountabilityservices.com/gsfbo)
10 Jun 2024
Elevating Brand Value through Strategic Marketing with Janel Sykora
In this engaging conversation, we sit down with Janel to discuss the pivotal role marketing plays in creating a higher value brand. Janel underscores the necessity for businesses to distinguish themselves in a crowded market by finding and swimming in a 'blue ocean' with less competition. She elaborates on the power of storytelling in marketing, stressing the importance of focusing on the results and solutions a business provides rather than just its features.
Janel also highlights three key pillars for effective marketing: consistency, clarity, and building trust equity with customers. She explains how compelling content and nurturing relationships can significantly enhance a brand's value. Additionally, Janel advises businesses to start with a robust messaging strategy and consider outsourcing marketing tasks to professionals for optimal results.
Join us for this insightful episode to learn how to elevate your brand and stand out in today's competitive landscape.
Links:
Schedule a Free Discovery Meeting
Lera's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerakooper/)
Janel's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelsykora/)
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
3 Jun 2024
Financial Strategy for Business Owners: A Masterclass
EVERYONE EXITS - for better or worse. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) isn't just for large corporations—it's a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Your host, Lera Kooper, and guest Ernie Villany, Forbes Top 200 CPA, delve into how FP&A can be your roadmap to strategic growth and tax efficiency today, and an optimized exit later.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how FP&A can transform your business strategy.
27 May 2024
10 Tax Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Their CPA
Your tax return shouldn't be the conversation starter with your CPA. Tune in for 10 questions every business owner should ask their CPA now to ensure their business is tax-efficient and strategically sound.
These questions can help you build a solid tax strategy, save time, and maximize your business's potential. This episode provides a foundational guide for proactive business management and strategic financial planning.
20 May 2024
Think Like an Investor: Transform Your Business Approach
Host Lera Kooper sets the stage for a journey focused on helping entrepreneurs view their business from an investor's perspective. Lera highlights the dangers of neglecting strategic planning and becoming too entangled in daily operations.
Listeners will learn about:
The importance of maintaining a big-picture perspective.
The critical need for strategic planning and long-term vision.
How to define personal and business success.
The value of good financial data for informed decision-making.
The necessity of consistent, strategic efforts to drive business growth.
Lera also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional advice when needed and provides actionable steps for entrepreneurs to start working on their business rather than just in it. Tune in to gain insights on transforming your approach to business and setting a clear path toward achieving your goals.
20 May 2024
The Launch: Setting the Stage for Entrepreneurial Success
In this inaugural episode of The Accelerator, host Lera Kooper introduces the show's mission to help entrepreneurs and business owners maximize their business potential. Lera delves into the daunting statistics of startup failures and emphasizes the importance of resilience and a strong mindset.
Listeners will discover the variety of segments offered in the podcast, including:
Mindset Mastery: Tips on bouncing back, working on your business rather than in it, and cultivating the grit needed for entrepreneurial success.
Peer Insights: Interviews with fellow entrepreneurs who share their journeys of overcoming challenges and pivoting their businesses.
Expert Advice: Valuable guidance from the experts - CPAs, business valuation specialists, bankers, and more.
Join Lera in The Accelerator as she extends a wealth of resources and expertise to empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in every week to gain a well-rounded view of what it takes to thrive as a business owner.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
63
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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