Business Infrastructure - Curing Back Office Blues

Alicia Butler Pierre
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Business Infrastructure - Curing Back Office Blues

Growth is not a bad thing. But too much growth, too fast presents a set of challenges often overlooked when discussing small businesses. The emphasis tends to center on the marketing and promotion necessary to grow your business, and not on the operations and business infrastructure needed to scale your business in a sustainable manner. These back office operations can make or break your business. The Business Infrastructure show provides solutions and real life stories to owners and operators of fast growing small businesses seeking practical tips for dealing with growth spurts.

  1. AUG 25

    300: The Grand Finale with Jared Easley

    Jared Easley, the co-founder of Podcast Movement, joined us for the 100th and 200th episodes of the Business Infrastructure podcast. And he’s here again as we celebrate the 300th episode!   But this episode is different. It’s the final episode of the Business Infrastructure podcast.   As long as the internet is around, you will still be able to access this catalogue of 300 episodes! That also means you can still do things like leave reviews and comments.    Saying goodbye is never easy. We appreciate the 236 guests that appeared and contributed valuable resources to this show as well as the amazing people behind the scenes who made this show possible.   The good news is that we have a new podcast launching on September 1, 2024. It’s called 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 and you can find it on places like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. We hope you will join us there.   Remember, stay focused and be encouraged. This entrepreneurial journey is a marathon and not a sprint. Thank you for being in this marathon with us!   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ © 2024. The Business Infrastructure Podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos.

    15 min
  2. 299: Growth Strategies Masterclass Recap - The Big Reveal

    AUG 18

    299: Growth Strategies Masterclass Recap - The Big Reveal

    In our last episode, you heard from our team at Equilibria, Inc. on what it took to produce and promote the episodes for our Season 23: Growth Strategies Masterclass. We also shared important lessons we learned from the guests who participated in this masterclass.   There’s also an important lesson, or conclusion, that producer Alicia Butler Pierre reached as a result. As you and other listeners went along this growth strategies journey, you may recall her hinting at a big revelation. Something that, once revealed, will change everything!   In this episode, Alicia reveals that important discovery.   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ © 2024. The Business Infrastructure Podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Listen to all twelve episodes of the Season 23: Growth Strategies Masterclass.

    12 min
  3. 298: Growth Strategies Masterclass - End of Season Wrap Party

    AUG 4

    298: Growth Strategies Masterclass - End of Season Wrap Party

    Ever wondered what it takes to put on a podcast show? The behind-the-scenes work is much more than what you might expect especially when producing an audio masterclass. But we pulled it off!   In our end of season wrap party, our team at Equilibria shares lessons we learned throughout the Growth Strategies Masterclass. We also discuss how we efficiently manage a remote podcast team that’s spread across four countries – India, Nigeria, Philippines, and the U.S.   Finally, we reveal things that surprised us about this season and some team members even ask producer Alicia Butler Pierre personal questions. You might find her answers interesting, but the only way you’ll know is if you listen!   Thank you to the Black Panda team: Leena Nair, Rujuta Jamgaokar, and Simmi.   The Equilibria, Inc. team: Clarence Levy III, Grant Revilla, Gladys Jimenez, and Erika Revilla. A special shout out to our audio editor, Olanrewaju Adeyemo, who was unable to attend.

    21 min
  4. 297: Using Christina Barsi’s Circle of Ease Tool to Build Personal Infrastructure

    JUL 21

    297: Using Christina Barsi’s Circle of Ease Tool to Build Personal Infrastructure

    This is part two of our interview with Christina Barsi, an entrepreneur with a revolutionary tool to help us align our personal infrastructure with our business infrastructure. That tool is called the Circle of Ease. It’s one of the things she mentioned during the first half of this interview.   As a reminder, she also talked about: The difference between your Zone of Genius and Zone of Excellence,  How to be in alignment with work that gives you energy, Why delegating things that you are good at, but don’t enjoy will free up your time to truly grow and scale your business.   Now, Barsi will describe exactly what her Circle of Ease tool is and how to use it. Similar to previous episodes, podcast host Alicia Butler Pierre shares how she will use this tool to figure out what work to focus on as Equilibria, Inc. transitions from a consulting business model to a training one.   This is the last episode of our Growth Strategies Masterclass.   It’s filled with eye-opening information that will cause you to personally reflect on the intersection of your personal and professional goals in ways you may not have before. Listen now to discover the possibilities that lie ahead for your business’ growth!   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐   © 2024. The Business Infrastructure podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Sign up for the Smooth Operator Course to learn more about building business infrastructure.

    23 min
  5. 296: Christina Barsi Explains Why Your Personal Infrastructure is Key to Sustainable Business Growth

    JUL 14

    296: Christina Barsi Explains Why Your Personal Infrastructure is Key to Sustainable Business Growth

    It’s hard to believe, but we’re at the last topic of our Growth Strategies Masterclass. At this point, we’ve had guests share their expertise on the following:   Vetting and validating growth ideas, Creating a strategic growth plan that includes validated ideas, Developing project plans to implement your company’s growth strategy, Growing your business through strategic partnerships, and Building your business to sell it for maximum value.   With all the planning tools we’ve learned for strategically growing our businesses, there’s still the possibility that our plans may not unfold the way we envisioned. Our ability to handle unforeseen events or challenges that can halt our plans determines whether we’ll stay in the entrepreneurial race.   The real question to ask yourself is, “Are you comfortable with potentially having to pivot?”   This is what our next guest, Christina Barsi, is here to talk to us about. As a former actor turned entrepreneur and owner of a successful podcast production company, she’s a shining example of what can happen when you intentionally integrate decision-making and fulfillment into your  entrepreneurial endeavors.   Barsi’s career transition experiences as a compelling example for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a personal infrastructure that resonates with their passions.   In part 1 of this two-part episode, Barsi explains why: Creating a personal infrastructure that aligns with your company’s business infrastructure is critical for achieving self-fulfillment, Distinguishing between internal data and external data is key to establishing a foundation for business growth strategies, and Calibrating your mindset is necessary for assessing the work that brings you joy and will ultimately enable you to create action plans to bring growth plans to fruition.   Navigating business pivots and transitions effectively requires intentional decision-making and introspection. Join us on this journey of self-discovery as a pathway to lasting business success!   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐   © 2024. The Business Infrastructure podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Sign up for the Smooth Operator Course to learn more about building business infrastructure.

    21 min
  6. 295: Scale to Sell – How I Plan to Exit the Business I Founded and Love

    JUL 7

    295: Scale to Sell – How I Plan to Exit the Business I Founded and Love

    We’re at the next stop on our Growth Strategies Masterclass this season and it involves exit planning. Now, you may be thinking, “I thought we were talking about growing our businesses, not exiting them!”   But the truth is, exiting your business by selling it can in fact be a smart move especially if you are seeking what our last guest, Carl Nicpon, described as “Freedom 2.0.” Building your company to eventually sell it requires significant work in formalizing business infrastructure and strengthening financial health.   In this latest episode, our producer and host, Alicia Butler Pierre, reveals why she wants to sell Equilibria, Inc. (the underwriter of this show) as part of the company’s long-term strategic growth plan. This requires a level of honesty, introspection, and selflessness that few entrepreneurs dare to think about let alone act on.   Along the way, Alicia shares her story in hopes that it will also inspire you to: Focus on specific business infrastructure elements to build or improve, Discover the financial metrics required to attract future investors, partners or buyers, Build a dashboard to track core operational activity, Consider funding as a source for raising capital required to scale operations, and more!   You’ll also gain access to additional resources where you can learn more about how to: 1) sell your business, 2) find the optimal exit planning strategist, and 3) get maximum sale value for the business you’ve worked so hard to build and grow.   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐   © 2024. The Business Infrastructure podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Sign up for the Smooth Operator Course to learn more about building business infrastructure.

    28 min
  7. 294: Carl Nicpon Explains How to Build a Sustainable Business You Can Sell at Maximum Value

    JUN 30

    294: Carl Nicpon Explains How to Build a Sustainable Business You Can Sell at Maximum Value

    Whether your growth idea involves starting a new business, a new product or service, or pivoting altogether, it’s wise to begin with the end in mind. In other words, you need to know your exit strategy.    It might seem strange to think about an exit strategy when you are focusing on starting either something new or doing work in a new way. However, another effective and potentially lucrative growth strategy could involve your exit as a founder or leader, the exit of one of your business partners, acquiring another business, or selling yours.      While there are several myths about how to exit your business successfully, our special guest expert, Carl Nicpon says one thing is certain - “You only have one chance to get it right!”    Carl is a Managing Director at Marsh Creek, a boutique business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. His career journey from school counselor to third-generation business owner to Merger & Acquisition (M&A) advisor brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his clients.   In this episode, Carl debunks several myths about selling a business while also educating us about the selling process. This includes providing a foundation for understanding:  How to increase the value of your business, Why your business needs to be able to operate without you, When to start preparing to sell your business, and What EBITDA is and the pivotal role it plays in determining the value of a business, and   You’ve worked hard to build, grow, and scale your business. Discover how to achieve what Carl describes as “Freedom 2.0” by assembling the right team of experts that will guide you to selling your business at maximum value.   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐   © 2024. The Business Infrastructure podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Sign up for the Smooth Operator Course to learn more about building business infrastructure.

    39 min
  8. 293: How We Leveraged Partnerships to Boost Growth and Revenue

    JUN 23

    293: How We Leveraged Partnerships to Boost Growth and Revenue

    Have you thought about forming partnerships with other people or companies to catalyze growth at your company? Achieving scale, more revenue, and greater profitability at a faster rate are just some of the many benefits that a strategic partnership can offer.   But you must be careful in forming these partnerships. There are legal aspects to consider like profit sharing, intellectual property protection, and even a plan for dissolving the partnership. These aspects should be formalized in a contract and then discussed, negotiated, and signed in writing to protect everyone involved.   In this latest episode of our Growth Strategies Masterclass, our producer and host, Alicia Butler Pierre, shares details about her behind-the-scenes work with Karen Mills. As a reminder, Karen was the lawyer featured in the last episode. She specializes in contract law, in particular teaming agreements.     The information shared in this episode is a bit unique in that Alicia actually sketches out a workflow diagram (or flowchart) as she describes her work with Karen. As a result, you can expect to:   Learn the process for drafting a teaming or partnership agreement, Discover the different ways to construct a partnership agreement, Gain an understanding of the various types of clauses (i.e., first right of refusal and non-disclosure) you may want to include, and Walk away with a foundation required to form a strategic partnership with confidence.   Talk is cheap. Stop relying on verbal agreements 🗣️ or handshakes 🤝 to conduct business deals that make you and your business susceptible to unexpected and costly pitfalls.   Instead, protect your business and its assets through clearly written contracts as you transition from the honeymoon phase of forming a new partnership. It can be one of the best investments you make!!   𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐   © 2024. The Business Infrastructure podcast is sponsored by Equilibria, Inc. – a small business dedicated to providing resources to support fellow fast-growing small businesses in scaling back-office operations without pain and chaos. Sign up for the Smooth Operator Course to learn more about building business infrastructure.

    33 min
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Growth is not a bad thing. But too much growth, too fast presents a set of challenges often overlooked when discussing small businesses. The emphasis tends to center on the marketing and promotion necessary to grow your business, and not on the operations and business infrastructure needed to scale your business in a sustainable manner. These back office operations can make or break your business. The Business Infrastructure show provides solutions and real life stories to owners and operators of fast growing small businesses seeking practical tips for dealing with growth spurts.

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