In the Black

Sarah Burgess
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Most business owners aren't bad with money. They've just never been shown where to look. I'm Sarah Burgess. I run a bookkeeping firm in New Zealand, which means I spend my days inside other people's numbers, the good months, the terrifying months, and the ones where everything looked fine right up until it didn't. In the Black is the conversation I have with those owners every week. Every episode is short, practical, and about one thing: What your numbers are actually telling you. Here's the promise: you'll leave each episode knowing one more thing about your business than you did twenty minutes ago, and you won't feel stupid getting there.

  1. Aug 21

    You can't manage profit, you can only manage what makes it

    Most owners try to fix profit directly. You can't. Profit is a result, it's what's left over after a handful of other things go right or wrong. Which means if you want a better number at the bottom, you have to go and work on the drivers above it. In this episode I walk through three of them: What each customer spends with you. Packages, add-ons, the extra service you already do for free. Same customer, bigger job. How long each customer stays. Regular follow-ups and maintenance programs. The cheapest sale you'll ever make is to someone who already trusts you. How you price. Value-based pricing instead of charging by the hour. Because charging for time punishes you for getting faster at your job. Here's what I want you to notice: not one of those asks you to work longer hours or go and find more customers. They're all improvements to the work you're already doing. And if your profit is thinner than you'd like, that's not a sign you're not trying hard enough. It usually just means nobody has ever shown you where profit actually comes from. There are nine profit drivers in total. These are three of them.

  2. 05/06/2025

    S2E17 - Wendy's Last Episode: A New 'Season'

    In this special episode, Wendy shares a personal update as she wraps up her time on the Growth Curves Podcast. She opens up about what led to her decision, the excitement of a new direction, and both Sarah and Wendy share their thoughts on 37 episodes of honest conversations together on the Growth Curves Podcast.  ***Stay tuned for SEASON 3 of the podcast hosted by Sarah Burgess!!***

  3. 04/09/2025

    S2E16 – Personal, Not Pushy: How to Follow Up To Make More Sales

    Do you hate following up with leads or past clients because it feels too pushy? You're not alone. In this episode, Sarah and Wendy unpack authentic, practical ways to follow up that feel natural and effective — not salesy or awkward. You'll learn: ✨ A mindset shift that makes following up feel more helpful than hustle ✨ Simple systems (from notebooks to tech tools) to keep track of leads and clients ✨ How to personalize your approach based on client preferences ✨ Why post-purchase communication is just as important as the initial sale Whether you're re-engaging past customers or checking in on warm leads, this episode will help you follow up with purpose — and confidence.   Growth Curves Podcast on Instagram   Work with Sarah Burgess: Click HERE to book a call Learn how to understand your Balance Sheet and the key areas to focus on with this FREE masterclass: Get instant access Connect with Little Black Books NZ: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Marketing Essentials Checklist for Small Business HERE Connect with Zigzag Marketing: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

  4. 03/26/2025

    S2E15 - Simplify Your Bookkeeping: How Hubdoc Saves Time & Reduces Stress

    Managing receipts, invoices, and bookkeeping can be a nightmare for small business owners—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Sarah and Wendy talk into Hubdoc, a game-changing tool that helps streamline accounting processes, reduce admin time, and keep your financials in order. 🎧 Listen in to learn: ✅ How Hubdoc automates receipt and invoice management ✅ Why keeping financial documentation (even for small transactions) is crucial ✅ How to integrate Hubdoc with Xero for seamless bookkeeping ✅ The benefits of reducing manual data entry and improving tax compliance If you've ever struggled with financial admin, this episode is for you!   Growth Curves Instagram   Work with Sarah Burgess: Click HERE to book a call Learn how to understand your Balance Sheet and the key areas to focus on with this FREE masterclass: Get instant access Connect with Little Black Books NZ: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Marketing Essentials Checklist for Small Business HERE Connect with Zigzag Marketing: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

  5. 03/11/2025

    S2E14 - SEO & Google Ads: From Clicks to Conversions with Samantha Vandergoot from Daily Digital

    Are you getting the results you need from SEO and Google ads? Wendy and Sarah chat with Samantha Vandergoot from Daily Digital about the power of SEO and Google Ads for business growth. They cover: 🔹 The key differences between SEO and Google Ads—and when to use each. 🔹 Why auditing your website is crucial before launching a digital marketing strategy. 🔹 Common mistakes businesses make with digital marketing (and how to avoid them). 🔹 The challenges of starting and scaling a digital marketing agency. If you're looking to improve your online presence and get the most out of digital marketing, this episode is packed with insights!   Growth Curves Podcast on Instagram   Work with Sarah Burgess: Click HERE to book a call Learn how to understand your Balance Sheet and the key areas to focus on with this FREE masterclass: Get instant access Connect with Little Black Books NZ: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Marketing Essentials Checklist for Small Business HERE Connect with Zigzag Marketing: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

  6. 02/25/2025

    S2E13 - Social Media Has Changed: What Works Now with Social Smarty Jodine McIntyre

    An informative and vulnerable chat with social media trainer Jodine McIntyre about the major shifts happening in social media marketing right now, as well as the challenges she's faced in business. From the move from an opted-in follower model to an interest-based content algorithm, the impact of dissatisfaction with Meta platforms, to the growing potential of platforms like YouTube, Jodine shares practical strategies for creating content that attracts the right audience and converts that interest into business growth. Jodine also shares insights from her own business journey, including how she overcame imposter syndrome and why she didn't want to follow the same coaching model as everyone else. What You'll Learn: Why follower count matters less and content engagement matters more. How TikTok's success has influenced Instagram and Facebook's algorithms. The importance of top-of-funnel brand awareness in social media strategy. When and how to use reels, carousels, and social media ads effectively. Why YouTube is becoming a strong alternative for business marketing. About start-up web platform Ivory and why Jodine is switching over to it.  You'll love this episode with social media guru Jodine - it's jam-packed with actionable advice and #realtalk!

  7. 02/11/2025

    S2E12 - Mastering Business Cash Flow: Strategies to Stay Financially Strong

    Cash flow can make or break a business, especially in uncertain economic times. In this episode, Sarah Burgess and Wendy Tibbotts dive into the importance of cash flow management, offering practical strategies to help business owners navigate seasonal slowdowns, unexpected expenses, and financial pitfalls. They share insights on forecasting, managing payments, and avoiding common mistakes that can drain your resources. What You'll Learn: How to prepare for seasonal downturns and unexpected expenses. The biggest cash flow mistakes business owners make—and how to avoid them. Practical tools for tracking and forecasting cash flow effectively. Strategies for ensuring faster payments and maintaining financial stability. Why understanding your break-even point is crucial for long-term success. Get Sarah's guide 'The 7 Key Causes of Poor Cashflow' This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you take control of your business finances. Listen now!   Growth Curves Instagram   Work with Sarah Burgess: Click HERE to book a call Learn how to understand your Balance Sheet and the key areas to focus on with this FREE masterclass: Get instant access Connect with Little Black Books NZ: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Marketing Essentials Checklist for Small Business HERE Connect with Zigzag Marketing: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

  8. 01/29/2025

    S2E11 - Email Marketing: 5 Ways to Grow Your List with Purpose

    In this episode, Sarah and Wendy dive into the strategies you need to grow a thriving email list. They share practical tips and ideas to help you connect with your audience, add value, and build trust—without overwhelming your customers. What You'll Learn: Creative ways to encourage customers to sign up for your email list. Growth strategies that work for small businesses. How to promote your list in a way that drives results. The dos and don'ts of email marketing compliance. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you turn email marketing into one of your business's most valuable tools—don't miss it!   Growth Curves Instagram   Work with Wendy Tibbotts: Click HERE to book a free 30 min call Get the Marketing Essentials Checklist for Small Business HERE Connect with Zigzag Marketing: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   Work with Sarah Burgess: Click HERE to book a call Learn how to understand your Balance Sheet and the key areas to focus on with this FREE masterclass: Get instant access Connect with Little Black Books NZ: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn |

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Most business owners aren't bad with money. They've just never been shown where to look. I'm Sarah Burgess. I run a bookkeeping firm in New Zealand, which means I spend my days inside other people's numbers, the good months, the terrifying months, and the ones where everything looked fine right up until it didn't. In the Black is the conversation I have with those owners every week. Every episode is short, practical, and about one thing: What your numbers are actually telling you. Here's the promise: you'll leave each episode knowing one more thing about your business than you did twenty minutes ago, and you won't feel stupid getting there.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Burgess
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    In the Black