Entrepreneur Strategies

About Entrepreneur Strategies

Welcome to Entrepreneur Strategies Podcast, where we invite successful business owners to join us to discuss their secrets to creating wealth, maintaining their health, and contributing to their family well-being. This show is presented by host Mike Metzger, an entrepreneur, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and lifelong student of business success.

Publisher

LIFEPOINT FINANCIAL DESIGN

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jul 2023

Latest episode

10 May 2024

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 May 2024

   From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success in E-Commerce; Jonathon Jonas, Decent Startup

   Join us on the Entrepreneur Strategies Podcast as we sit down with the insightful Jonathon Jonas, Founder of Decent Startup. In this episode, Jonathon shares his fascinating journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial success, navigating ups and downs, twists, and turns. Discover how networking and an early dive into e-commerce played pivotal roles in shaping his path to success. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey. You can find out more about Jonathon at his website and LinkedIn: Decent Startup (https://www.decentstartup.com/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-jonas/)

2. 

   7 Mar 2024

   Uncovering Business Owner Tax Secrets; Paul Olsen

   SummaryIn this conversation, Mike Metzger, CFP®, and Paul Olsen discuss the importance of treating staff well and teaching and delegating effectively. They also explore the concept of automating, eliminating, and delegating tasks to improve efficiency. The conversation then shifts to common mistakes in tax planning and the value of proactive tax planning throughout the year. They emphasize the importance of good accounting and its impact on tax and financial planning. The discussion also covers entity structure, payroll strategies, and the benefits of filing for S corporation status. Paul shares insights on the Augusta rule and paying children through the business, highlighting the potential tax savings. The conversation concludes with a discussion on determining the rental price for your home when renting it to your business. Takeaways Treating staff well and teaching them effectively leads to better client service. Automating, eliminating, and delegating tasks can improve efficiency and allow businesses to grow beyond the owner. Proactive tax planning throughout the year is crucial for maximizing deductions and minimizing tax liability. Good accounting is the foundation of effective tax planning and financial management. Filing for S corporation status and paying yourself a reasonable salary can result in significant tax savings. Utilizing the Augusta rule and paying children through the business can provide additional tax benefits. Chapters 00:00The importance of treating staff well 01:11The value of teaching and delegating 03:03Automate, eliminate, delegate 04:23Common mistakes in tax planning 05:11Proactive tax planning 06:00The importance of good accounting 07:15The impact of tax planning on financial planning 08:26Entity structure and payroll strategies 09:19The importance of filing for S corporation status 10:24Paying yourself a reasonable salary 14:42The Augusta rule and paying children through the business 19:13The potential tax savings from implementing these strategies 22:55Determining the rental price for your home

3. 

   16 Feb 2024

   Business Valuation As a Catalyst For Growth; Ken Sanginario

   Summary Ken Sanginario, owner of Corporate Value Metrics, shares insights on creating value within businesses and turning around distressed companies. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on valuations early on and understanding the pitfalls of chasing revenue. Ken also discusses the process of developing a standardized approach to assess companies and create future state visions. He provides examples of scaling and creating value in small businesses, as well as the decision-making process between acquiring competitors or building from scratch. Ken highlights the need for business owners to prioritize valuation and institutionalize their knowledge base for long-term success. In this episode, Ken Sanginario discusses the importance of institutionalizing knowledge and the challenge of delegation for business owners. He emphasizes the need to create a sellable business and the process involved in making a business sellable. Ken also introduces the Certified Value Growth Advisor designation and the Value Opportunity Profile software, which help businesses create value and provide guidance for growth. The Certified Value Growth Advisor certification program offers comprehensive training in business fundamentals and strategic planning. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of helping middle market companies grow on the overall economy. Takeaways Business owners need to institutionalize knowledge to ensure the sustainability and transferability of their businesses. Delegation is essential for business owners to create a sellable business and prepare for retirement. The Certified Value Growth Advisor designation and the Value Opportunity Profile software provide tools for businesses to create value and develop growth strategies. The Certified Value Growth Advisor certification program offers comprehensive training in business fundamentals and strategic planning. Helping middle market companies grow has a positive impact on the overall economy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Creating Value 03:09 The Pitfalls of Chasing Revenue 09:13 Turnaround Experience and Role 12:23 Developing a Standardized Approach 19:42 Turning Around Distressed Companies 22:25 Scaling and Creating Value in Small Businesses 25:45 Building a Future State Vision 27:05 Acquiring Competitors or Building from Scratch 36:57 The Importance of Valuation 42:02 The Importance of Institutionalizing Knowledge 43:27 The Challenge of Delegation 44:17 Creating a Sellable Business 45:39 The Process of Making a Business Sellable 47:37 Getting Stuck in a Routine 49:45 The Certified Value Growth Advisor Designation 54:21 The Value Opportunity Profile Software 56:43 The Certified Value Growth Advisor Certification Program 01:00:22 The Impact on the Middle Market Economy 01:01:14 Key Takeaways

4. 

   16 Jan 2024

   6 Business Owner Financial Strategies to Catapult Your Wealth and Reduce Taxation

   Summary In this episode, Mike Metzger, CFP®, shares six financial strategies for business owners to grow their wealth and reduce taxes. The strategies include choosing the right entity structure, utilizing retirement plans, strategically purchasing large ticket expenses, taking advantage of accelerated depreciation, and implementing installment sales. Each strategy is explained in detail, highlighting the benefits and considerations for business owners. These strategies can help business owners maximize their financial growth and minimize their tax liabilities. Takeaways Choosing the right entity structure is crucial for maximizing financial strategies. Retirement plans can provide tax deductions and help business owners grow their wealth. Strategically timing the purchase of large ticket expenses can reduce taxes and increase the value of the business. Accelerated depreciation allows business owners to depreciate assets in one year, reducing tax liabilities. Implementing installment sales can evenly distribute income over multiple years, reducing tax burdens. These financial strategies can help business owners grow their wealth and reduce taxes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Entity Structure 03:21 Retirement Plans 08:07 Large Ticket Expenses 12:23 Accelerated Depreciation 15:47 Installment Sales 18:40 Summary

5. 

   12 Jan 2024

   Entrepreneur Strategies; Choosing Business Owner Retirement Plans

   Summary In this episode, Mike Metzger discusses the importance of balancing business growth with family and personal health. He introduces the topic of retirement plans for small business owners and provides insights into different options available. The main focus is on SEP IRA, Solo 401k, Safe Harbor 401k, and Traditional 401k plans. Mike explains the eligibility, contribution limits, and benefits of each plan. He also highlights the importance of considering factors like the number of employees and the desire to attract and retain employees when choosing the right retirement plan. Takeaways Balancing business growth with family and personal health is crucial for entrepreneurs. Small business owners have various retirement plan options, including SEP IRA, Solo 401k, Safe Harbor 401k, and Traditional 401k. Factors to consider when choosing a retirement plan include eligibility, contribution limits, and the desire to attract and retain employees. Consulting with a certified financial planner or CPA can help in making an informed decision. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 03:20 Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners 06:34 SEP IRA 10:11 Solo 401k 14:29 Safe Harbor 401k and Traditional 401k 18:22 Choosing the Right Retirement Plan Getting In Contact with Mike Lifepointfd.com (https://www.lifepointfd.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mikemetzger

6. 

   14 Nov 2023

   Develop Strategic Influence and Leave a Legacy - Insights From Gary Laney

   Gary C. Laney is CEO of Success Masters, author, and serial entrepreneur of 20+ businesses. Industries include business networking, online media, e-commerce, and intellectual property. A dynamic speaker, Gary has been recognized as a top presenter, motivating tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, and salespeople. Prior to his entrepreneurial run, Gary spent 25 years as an executive in corporate high-tech and commercial publishing. He is known for his ability to turn around businesses and create dramatic revenue growth. Gary has a triple major MBA from Northwestern Kellogg in finance, marketing, and policy. In this episode of Entrepreneur Strategies, Gary Laney shares his incredible journey of growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and then pursuing various business and leadership roles. He discusses his experiences learning Spanish through full immersion in Spain and how that shaped him. Gary also details his process for developing influence outlined in his bestselling book The Power of Strategic Influence. Throughout the podcast, Gary provides valuable advice and insights from his decades of experience starting, advising, and selling over 20 companies. This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Entrepreneurship, family business, and career path. Career progression and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship, sales, and business growth. Learning Spanish and overcoming language barriers. The power of influence and strategic decision-making. Networking and building relationships with influential people. Leadership, influence, and new book release. Our Favorite Quotes: "Strategic influence is about relationships, it's about getting the right people together. So they can actually do something that's meaningful, and maybe magical." - Gary Laney "You have to listen to your gut. You can call the gut whatever you want. But there's something inside you, that tells you, you're better than you, you're performing, that you have the capacity to give more than you're giving." - Gary Laney Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website: www.lifepointfd.com Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-metzger-cfp%C2%AE-crps%C2%AE-88690227/ And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

7. 

   24 Oct 2023

   Building a Personal Brand for Success in Business with Paul Barnhurst

   Paul Barnhurst is a Finance Professional with 12+ years of finance and FP&A experience. He Earned a bachelor's from BYU, an MBA specializing in finance, and a Master of Information Management from Arizona State University. Paul recently launched his own business called The FP&A Guy providing FP&A consulting services for small and midsized companies, FP&A Training, and FP&A content creation (Webinars, blogs, sponsored LinkedIn Posts). He resides in the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his wife and daughter. On LinkedIn, he goes by the moniker The FP&A Guy. In this episode Paul Barnhurst discusses his journey from studying business at BYU to founding his own successful company as an FP&A consultant. He explains the role of financial planning and analysis in helping businesses budget, forecast, and make strategic investment decisions. Paul also emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand and scaling a business while maintaining a focus on family. Listeners learn practical FP&A strategies and insights from Paul's experience growing as an entrepreneur. "Your FP&A is about forward looking. It's about how do you spend that next dollar best. So FP&A is really what I would call it a strategic advisor for the business that helps with the budgeting helps with ad hoc analysis, and investment decisions."  - Paul Barnhurst This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Introducing Paul Barnhurst Pricing strategy and product rollout. Financial planning and analysis with a specialist. Entrepreneurship journey and building a business. Personal branding and influence marketing for small business owners. Financial planning and analysis for businesses. The role of FPGA in business decision-making. Scaling a business with a virtual assistant. Our Favorite Moments: "I think having that plan, in that ideal where you go isn't about being right, because anyone who's forecasted is wrong. And they're wrong almost all the time." - Paul Barnhurst "I think particularly with small companies, where it usually starts, is helping them actually budget. Many small companies don't build a budget.” - Mike Metzger "I always tell small companies, if you have a bookkeeper that's telling you, they're giving you advisory services and charging you for it. And all you're getting as your financials in a couple sentences about what happened, then you probably need to go back to him and ask for more or find somebody different” - Paul Barnhurst Connect with Paul Barnhurst: Paul Barnhurst on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/ Don’t forget to subscribe, and if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

8. 

   10 Oct 2023

   Growing a Home Inspection Business from the Ground Up with Andrew Jolley

   This episode features home inspector Andrew Jolley and focuses on his career path and day-to-day work in the industry. He discusses how he got started in home inspections by maintaining foreclosed properties, and how he eventually became certified and started his own successful business. Andrew also provides valuable insights into the home inspection process and what buyers and sellers should expect. Additionally, this episode touches on some of the challenges of the job as well as how Andrew prioritizes health, family time, and work-life balance as a busy entrepreneur. "For myself, I think it's more important what I do when I'm busy putting away savings, when I'm very busy, because on the flip side of it, when it slows down, I'm able to enjoy that time, and focus on other projects and giving my attention to other things and just enjoying the little bit of a break when I do have it." - Andrew Jolley This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Managing finances during business ups and downs. Entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal health. Home inspections and their importance. DIY projects, and business ownership. Education, and business challenges. Real estate industry challenges and strategies. Radon testing, and methamphetamine detection. Home inspections, prioritizing fitness, and family bonding. Our Favorite Quotes: “I can do my best at marketing and giving buyers as much value as possible. But if rates go up another percent, and there's less buyers, I have no control over that.” - Andrew Jolley "I would rather have a very, very thorough Home Inspector, I would rather know everything that's on there, and then be able to have a personal discussion with my home inspector of,  okay, so now we've got all of these issues documented, we can present that to the seller." - Mike Metzger Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website: https://www.lifepointfd.com/ Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-metzger-cfp%C2%AE-crps%C2%AE-88690227/ And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

9. 

   19 Sept 2023

   Hustle and Sweat Equity: Sarah McNamara’s Strategies for Success

   Born and raised near Buffalo, New York, Sarah McNamara obtained her Bachelor's degree in Education. Seeking cultural adventure, she opted to complete her final teaching internship on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico. Sarah considers that internship to be the best, most life changing opportunity she’s had to date. Sarah moved to Florida shortly thereafter to begin teaching and obtained a Masters degree in School Counseling. After working in Education for nine years, Sarah ultimately decided that Real Estate was her calling. It was a smooth transition, as her desire to educate her clients on the real estate process pairs perfectly with her ability to be a strong advocate for all. She currently lives with her husband in Cottonwood Heights along with their 2 dogs (Bella and Gaige). When not working she enjoys gardening, hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. In a candid conversation between Sarah McNamara and Mike Metzger, Sarah shares her unlikely journey from pre-pharmacy major to financial planning, and eventually growing into a nine-year career as a teacher and counselor before finally transitioning into real estate. Mike, who was initially a client of Sarah's, reminisces about how they met and bonded while he was scouting for houses in Salt Lake City. Sarah admits that her first couple of years in the industry were emotionally challenging. Trying to find clients and navigate transactions were initial hurdles she had to overcome. Her strategy involved a lot of "sweat equity," such as hosting numerous open houses, to gradually build her client base. Reflecting on her journey, Sarah says her experience in counseling has been invaluable in her real estate career, allowing her to help people in another significant way. “Even pilots have checklists. No matter how good you are, having systems in place makes sure you stay on your game.” - Sarah McNamara This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Introducing Sarah McNamara Transition from teacher to real estate agent. Making the leap into the real estate world. Marketing strategies that work. A typical day in the life of a successful agent. Our Favorite Quotes: “In order to make it, I knew I had to really start getting out there and start hustling and working super hard.” - Sarah McNamara “I think that it is so important for us as entrepreneurs to be mindful of our family lives. And you know, if this is your first time listening, this is really what the show is all about. Because as entrepreneurs we're scaling our businesses and creating success for ourselves. It can just continue to perpetuate, to feed itself and oftentimes, other areas of our lives start to neglect and that causes burnout.” - Mike Metzger “I realized pretty quickly that taking care of your clients will create that kind of word of mouth. And then you'll get some referrals.” - Sarah McNamara Connect with Sarah McNamara: Sarah McNamara on LinkedIn Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website Schedule a Call Mike Metzger on LinkedIn Connect on Instagram Check out Mike on YouTube And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

10. 

    29 Aug 2023

    Beyond the End Zone: Crafting the NFL's Digital Narrative with Michael Wiebler

    Michael Wiebler is a new-media executive with over 15 years of tangible entertainment strategy, marketing and production experience. He currently leads content strategy in the Club Media Group at the NFL as the Director of Content and Media Strategy. In episode 4, we sat down with Michael Wiebler, the director of content and media strategy for the NFL. With a rich professional background in film and marketing, Michael shed light on his unique journey to the NFL and his role in amplifying its digital content for both clubs and the league. He demystified the essence of digital strategy, emphasizing its role in business operations and audience engagement. He touched upon the pivotal challenge of attention and discoverability in the age of constant digital distractions, underscoring the importance of understanding audience motivations to maximize content reach. He provided valuable insights into crafting effective avatars, understanding target markets, and the irreplaceable role of storytelling in marketing. Delving deeper, he highlighted the nuances of personalization in communication, stressing the advantages small business owners possess over large corporations due to their direct engagement with clients. “I've found success by just trying to build relationships. And communicating with authenticity and transparency and intent.” - Michael Wiebler This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Mike’s career path to the NFL. The importance of understanding your audience. How to create an avatar. The importance of storytelling in digital marketing. Understanding your audience and tapping into their personality. The hierarchy of business owners. Do small business owners have an advantage over large corporations? Our Favorite Quotes: "Often business owners can treat two levels below as if they're talking to their managers. And it's really important, I think, for them to be able to delegate and understand the communication really should be just with the executive assistant or the level below the management. And then let the management really have those, those longer term relationships with the employees underneath.” - Mike Metzger "I think the term storytelling can be a bit overused. And it helps to define what it means, it's kind of become like a buzzword a little bit. What they really mean is finding a way to connect with your audience, in an honest and authentic way." - Michael Wiebler Connect with Mike Wiebler: Mike Wiebler on LinkedIn Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com Mike Metzger on LinkedIn And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

11. 

    15 Aug 2023

    Inside the Mind of Mike Metzger | The Importance of Health, Wealth & Family Well-Being

    In this episode we focus on Mike Metzger’s journey as an entrepreneur and the many facets that contributed to his success in the financial planning field. Starting his career in finance in Santa Barbara, Mike faced a nonlinear path, transitioning from working in a large bank to starting his own firm, LifePoint Financial Design – a challenging leap of faith taken without a guaranteed income. With the support of his wife and guidance from mentors and self-development books, such as Tim Ferriss's "The Four-Hour Workweek," he navigated the initial difficulties. The podcast also delves into the importance of building a strong network, balancing personal health and family well-being, and maintaining a daily routine that integrates work, health, and family priorities. Mike’s philosophy emphasizes community, vulnerability, and credibility, and the episode paints a comprehensive picture of his entrepreneurial mindset and practices. "I think business is important. But it's never more important than your family or your health." - Mike Metzger This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Deciding to become an entrepreneur. Taking the leap of faith with no income. Important conversations Mike had with his wife and partner. Mentorship and guidance along the way. The importance of reading books. The importance of building a strong network. Personal health and family well being. Starting your day with a clear mind. How to get started with a workout routine. Our Favorite Quotes: "And at that point, I'd rather be broke than to continue doing a job that I felt like wasn't going in the right direction." - Mike Metzger “My workout time is non negotiable. It's every single day. There may be a new client, a prospective client that I really, really want to start working with. And they can only meet at two o'clock, I just have to be of the mindset that I can't negotiate on my health, because I'm not going to be a good business owner, I'm not going to be a good financial planner for that client, if I don't get my personal health in order.”  - Mike Metzger "As entrepreneurs, you have to bet on yourself, and have the confidence that you can make it work." - Mike Metzger "I'm very blessed that my wife was very supportive through it all, she knew I was very unhappy and she had the confidence in me that I could make it work." - Mike Metzger "It was about making sure this time it was going to work out and how do we both get ourselves in a position where we have a little bit more freedom and control over our lives?" - Mike Metzger Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com Mike Metzger on LinkedIn And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

12. 

    25 Jul 2023

    Creating a Life of Freedom: The Entrepreneur's Path with Kim Nmezi

    Kim is co-founder and co-owner of TidyBooks LLC, an outsourced accounting and bookkeeping firm, alongside her partner and long time friend, Heidi Hansen. Over the span of three years, Kim and Heidi have grown their portfolio of businesses from 3 to over 50 clients across e-commerce, financial, and wellness industries. TidyBooks has grown their average monthly revenue by 40x, exclusively through word-of-mouth referrals In this episode, Mike interviews Kim Nmezi, the co-founder of Tidy Books LLC, an outsourced accounting and bookkeeping firm. Kim shares her journey of starting the business from home while being a stay-at-home mom, the challenges they faced, and the importance of processes and delegation in scaling the business. She emphasizes the significance of word-of-mouth referrals and the need for entrepreneurs to focus on their core business while leaving bookkeeping to professionals. Kim also discusses her long-term vision of working on the business rather than in it, ultimately achieving a balance between entrepreneurship and family life. If you're a small business owner seeking reliable bookkeeping services, Tidy Books might be the right fit for you. "Regardless of how good your people are, if there's not a good process, nobody can do it." - Kim Nmezi This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: How to attract and retain staff. The growth process of an entrepreneur. Balancing work and family. The benefits of owning your own business. What does it take to become an entrepreneur? The importance of having a bookkeeper. Our Favorite Quotes: "You work for yourself for a reason. Because guess what? You can say, 'I'm taking a month off.’” - Mike Metzger "We're still in the process... one day it's like, 'This is amazing,' and the next day it's like, 'Burn it to the ground and run away.'" - Kim Nmezi “Something I've been challenged to me early in my career is building something up, tearing it back down, building it back up, tearing it back down. I think that's the evolution of an entrepreneur, constantly refining, building, and then scaling back, and then building again, but better.” - Mike Metzger "If you don't have a bookkeeper as a small business, I highly highly implore you to do it." - Kim Nmezi "I just caught the vision of being able to have a career and be a mom." - Kim Nmezi Connect with Kim Nmezi: Kim Nmezi on LinkedIn Email Kim: kim@tidybooksllc.com Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com Mike Metzger on LinkedIn And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

13. 

    11 Jul 2023

    Mastering the Art of Delegation with Gina Cotner

    Gina Cotner is the founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual Executive Assistants around the United States with busy business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber Executive Assistants work part-time, from home, taking many administrative tasks and projects off the plate of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are needed most. In this episode Gina Cotner joins Michael to discuss how relinquishing control and embracing a partnership mindset can accelerate growth and productivity. They share valuable insights on the importance of delegation and letting go as a business owner, as well as the benefits of investing time and resources in developing and empowering others. Gina share’s one powerful tool she used to launch her business as they touch on the power of referrals and word-of-mouth marketing in growing their client base. This conversation focuses on freeing up time as a business owner and pursuing personal passions and well-being, emphasizing the need to prioritize health and family. "People want to help their friends and family, but they often struggle with what to say. A referral letter helps them understand and refer us effectively." - Gina Cotner This week on Entrepreneur Strategies: Gina Cotner’s background. The perseverance of an entrepreneur. Getting out of your own way and investing time. The power of one more. The difference between virtual executive assistant and virtual assistant. The importance of being accountable to your employees. The importance of taking care of your health. Our Favorite Quotes: “It's not about dumping tasks on people, it's about empowering people to take ownership.” - Gina Cotner "You're just one referral away, you're one client away, you're one COI (Center of Influence) away." - Mike Metzger "When you're a rockstar executive assistant, you can be dropped into almost any industry and provide valuable support." - Gina Cotner “Focus on providing good service, good product, and it will happen you'll put yourself in a position of luck and I think that's really important.” - Mike Metzger "My job shifted to working for my managers. I help them overcome obstacles and keep pressing them towards bigger goals." - Gina Cotner "The goal is to be able to spend time with your family, to be hyper-focused on those parts of your life." - Mike Metzger Connect with Gina Cotner: Athena Executive Services Website Gina Cotner on LinkedIn Connect with Mike: Lifepoint Financial Design Website Email Mike: mike@lifepointfd.com Mike Metzger on LinkedIn If you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Lifepoint Financial Design, LLC, is registered to conduct investment advisory business in the state of California. Opinions expressed are as of the current date and subject to change without notice. This commentary is for informational purposes only and has not been tailored to suit any individual.Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Entrepreneur Strategies

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.