The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence.com

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to a Psychotherapist and Coach for solo and small business owners, Steve McCready.
Steve McCready is a former psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist who has transitioned to coaching, leveraging his extensive background in mental health. Through his website, stevemccready.com, he offers guidance to individuals navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. 
His coaching emphasizes mental wellness, recognizing the high stress and potential for burnout in the entrepreneurial journey. Steve provides practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining a positive mental environment, focusing on helping entrepreneurs thrive amidst the challenges.
Key Points from the Episode:Steve McCready's transition from psychotherapy to coachingInsights and expertise on coaching and mental wellness for entrepreneursThe impact of mental wellness on entrepreneurshipStrategies for entrepreneurs to maintain mental wellnessThe role of coaching in supporting entrepreneursThe challenges and opportunities in coaching for entrepreneursThe importance of mental wellness for business success
About Steve McCready:Steve McCready leverages his extensive background in psychotherapy and his profound understanding of the human brain to offer specialized coaching for small business owners. With over two decades of experience helping individuals learn, grow, and enhance their performance, he focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to use their businesses as tools for positive impact. His approach is tailored to boost their focus, productivity, and confidence, enabling them to become exemplary leaders in their respective fields.
 Steve aims to transform business owners into exceptional performers, adept at overcoming mental and emotional hurdles that may impede their success. He provides insightful guidance to help them navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve their ambitious goals. Steve's method is particularly effective for those looking to make significant changes or undertake major projects they've previously struggled to accomplish. His support helps clients break through personal barriers and realize their full potential, making what once seemed unattainable a tangible reality.
Coaching Services:Steve McCready leverages his extensive background in psychotherapy and his profound understanding of the human brain to offer specialized coaching for small business owners. With over two decades of experience helping individuals learn, grow, and enhance their performance, he focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to use their businesses as tools for positive impact. His approach is tailored to boost their focus, productivity, and confidence, enabling them to become exemplary leaders in their respective fields.
 Steve aims to transform business owners into exceptional performers, adept at overcoming mental and emotional hurdles that may impede their success. He provides insightful guidance to help them navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve their ambitious goals. Steve's method is particularly effective for those looking to make significant changes or undertake major projects they've previously struggled to accomplish. His support helps clients break through personal barriers and realize their full potential, making what once seemed unattainable a tangible reality.
Tweetable Moments:02:20 - "I know I can help other people become more empowered and bigger, stronger, better versions of themselves, and that's how I'm trying to do my part to help things move forward in the...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the COO of Duct Tape Marketing, Sara Nay.
Sara's expertise in marketing strategies for small businesses is unparalleled, offering valuable insights crucial for entrepreneurs.
She emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid marketing strategy before implementing any tactics. Small businesses often need a clear plan to dive into marketing, resulting in wasted resources and poor outcomes. Sara advises laying a solid strategic foundation to guide marketing tactics and align them with business goals.
Sara highlights the evolving nature of marketing, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. These tools are transforming productivity and content creation. She underscores the importance of research and planning in developing thought leadership content and leveraging AI to repurpose this content across various platforms, maximizing reach and engagement.
Sara stresses the significance of continuous lead generation for sustained business growth. Without a consistent flow of quality leads, even the best marketing strategies can falter. She recommends creating a system that consistently attracts and nurtures potential customers, turning them into loyal brand advocates.
Key Points from the Episode:Services offered by Duct Tape MarketingImportance of strategy before tactics in marketingEvolving landscape of marketing with AI integrationAdvantages of working with a fractional CMO certified through Duct Tape MarketingPotential pitfalls for small businesses in marketing without a clear planContinuous focus on lead generation for sustained business growthIncorporation of AI tools to enhance productivity and content creationTwo sides of Duct Tape Marketing's business: catering to small businesses and marketing professionalsValuable resources available on the Duct Tape Marketing website for business owners and marketing professionals
About Sara Nay:Sara Nay serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Duct Tape Marketing, where she has been instrumental since starting as an intern in December 2010. Over her 13+ years in the small business arena, Sara has held multiple roles within the company, progressing from community manager to account manager, consultant, salesperson, and now to operations. This breadth of experience underpins her expertise in systematically enhancing marketing and operational processes, ensuring that small business owners gain clarity and control to foster growth.
Sara co-founded Spark Lab Consulting in 2021 to address operational challenges faced by small businesses after initial marketing successes. The consultancy aims to streamline operations and scalability, complementing the marketing solutions provided by Duct Tape Marketing. Outside of her career, Sara is deeply committed to an active outdoor lifestyle in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys skiing, biking, and hiking with her husband and two daughters. Her leadership and strategic acumen are further evidenced by her top strengths: Achiever, Focus, Individualization, Strategic, and Futuristic.
About Duct Tape Marketing:Duct Tape Marketing specializes in serving small to medium-sized businesses and marketing agencies by offering a unique marketing system known as the Fractional CMO+ system. This system fosters growth through streamlined marketing operations and emphasizes sustainable, strategic marketing solutions that prevent businesses from falling into the trap of short-lived tactics. With over 30 years of experience, Duct Tape Marketing has proven its approach by implementing its strategies in thousands of...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting, Stephanie Skryzowski.
Stephanie Skryzowski, Chief Financial Officer for nonprofits and founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting, specializes in leveraging financial strategy to amplify impact in the nonprofit sector. Her mission is to help nonprofit organizations harness their financial data to make informed decisions that grow their bottom line and impact. 
100 Degrees Consulting specializes in the nonprofit sector, with a dedicated team of 15 full-time employees. Their remote presence across the United States and beyond allows them to serve a diverse range of organizations with a personal touch. Through Stephanie's CFO financial strategy and bookkeeping services, she confidently empowers nonprofits to navigate their financial landscapes. 
While her expertise is tailored to nonprofits, the financial principles she discusses—covering cash flow management, forecasting, and budgeting—are universally applicable to charitable and for-profit organizations. Her deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, including accounting and tax nuances, makes her a valuable resource for optimizing financial operations.
Key Points from the Episode:Stephanie Skryzowski's work with nonprofit organizationsThe universal principles of financial strategy applicable to both nonprofits and for-profit organizationsUnique accounting nuances for nonprofitsTrends in nonprofit space, including transformational gifts and their financial managementStrategic use of windfall cash in nonprofits and small businessesIncreasing revenue in nonprofits through earned income streams100 Degrees Consulting's team and expertise in serving nonprofitsTrend of fractional CFOs in small businesses and the shortage of nonprofit CFOs
About Stephanie Skryzowski:Stephanie Skryzowski is a dedicated Chief Financial Officer renowned for her global commitment to enhancing nonprofit organizations. Through her company, 100 Degrees Consulting, she offers CFO strategy and bookkeeping services to numerous nonprofits worldwide, aiming to boost their operational success and financial stability. Stephanie holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration focusing on nonprofit finance from New York University, equipping her with the expertise to lead organizations towards prosperous futures.
Stephanie actively contributes to the nonprofit community by sharing her knowledge through speaking engagements and educational content. She has been a featured speaker at prestigious events such as Blackbaud, Grants Professionals Association, and ROI: The Millionaire’s Summit. Stephanie also hosts a podcast, “The Prosperous Nonprofit,” and offers an online course, “Master Your Nonprofit Numbers,” which guides nonprofit leaders in achieving financial health and sustainable growth. Her free time is often spent enjoying lake activities with her husband and two daughters.
About 100 Degrees Consulting:100 Degrees Consulting is a specialized firm that empowers nonprofit leaders to harness the power of their financial data to expand their influence and resources. The organization provides fractional CFO and bookkeeping services tailored to enhance financial understanding and management. Focusing on key areas such as budgeting, cash flow forecasting, financial reporting, analysis, and leadership coaching, 100 Degrees Consulting is committed to helping leaders make informed decisions that foster long-term sustainability and growth.
The belief that enduring change requires financial sustainability is central to 100 Degrees...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder and Business Coach of PRIME Consulting, Matthew Sanjari.
Matthew Sanjari is a seasoned business coach, optimization consultant, and founder of Prime Consulting. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and scale their businesses effectively. He works closely with business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-level leaders to address their challenges, often stemming from overreliance on the owner's constant involvement. 
Matthew's ideal clients are established business owners overwhelmed with operational tasks. He helps them create businesses that can operate independently, freeing them to concentrate on growth and strategy. His mission is to guide them in shifting focus to revenue-generating activities, leadership, and team development.
He frequently addresses concerns around budget constraints for replacing the owner's role with employees by demonstrating how margin can be created through automation, delegation, or eliminating inefficiencies. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the owner's time with their strengths and the business vision.
Key Points from the Episode:Overview of Matthew Sanjari’s work as a business coach and strategic consultantIdentifying reliance on the business owner and transforming it into a sustainable and predictable businessIdeal clients for Matthew's services and the impact he aims to make with themAddressing objections from clients, particularly related to budget constraintsGuiding clients through the process of transformation and delegationThe role of technology and automation in freeing up time and increasing efficiencyA case study or success story from Matthew's work with a clientAddressing the fear of delegating tasks and responsibilities
About Matthew Sanjari:Matthew Sanjari has turned his formidable challenges into a foundation for a thriving entrepreneurship and business consulting career. After a severe accident that significantly impacted his life and career, Matthew spent much of the next decade battling through chronic pain, depression, and disability. His resilience has culminated in his role as a serial entrepreneur and an influential figure in the business world. He founded PRIME Consulting, where he utilizes his extensive experience in business ownership and public speaking to guide and uplift other entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Matthew's approach in consulting is holistic, combining operational strategy with personal development to help clients transition from daily operations to executive roles. His methods have proven successful, with numerous brands exceeding their perceived limits under his mentorship.  He has a commendable track record in business, including negotiating a successful exit from a marketing consulting agency in 2022. He now consults for diverse clients across Canada, the US, and Europe, helping them enhance their organizational culture, clarify their strategy, and achieve sustainable growth and profitability. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Build people, build business."
About PRIME Consulting:PRIME Consulting emerged from a rich background of entrepreneurial experiences, including successful business ventures and an insightful exit. This boutique consulting firm was established to tackle common challenges businesses face: overcoming growth plateaus, escaping survival mode, and optimizing operations for peak efficiency and expansion. PRIME Consulting's dual approach serves businesses and entrepreneurs by coaching them towards profound self-awareness and strategic clarity, fostering a drive...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO & President of Smart Advantage Inc.,Jaynie Smith.
Jaynie Smith, CEO of Smart Advantage and author of Creating Competitive Advantage, shared her expertise on gaining a competitive edge in today's crowded marketplace. She emphasized that differentiation is not merely about being different but strategically different in ways that matter to customers.
Jaynie's approach, foundational to Smart Advantage, focuses on identifying what a company does better than anyone else. It's about having a clear, measurable value proposition that resonates with the target audience.
Through anecdotes and examples, Jaynie illustrated how businesses often overlook their inherent strengths and fail to communicate them effectively. Her insights provided a clear path for identifying and leveraging these unique attributes.
Key Points from the Episode:Importance of creating competitive advantageStrategies for differentiating a business in the marketLeveraging unique selling propositionsThe role of customer value in competitive advantageIdentifying and communicating a company's competitive advantageCase studies and examples of successful competitive advantage implementationThe impact of competitive advantage on business growth and successThe relationship between competitive advantage and customer loyaltyThe connection between competitive advantage and profitabilityThe future of competitive advantage in the business landscape
About Jaynie SmithJaynie L. Smith is a distinguished business consultant and CEO of Smart Advantage, Inc. This consultancy firm focuses on enhancing its clients' sales, marketing, and management strategies, which include mid-sized to Fortune 100 companies. Internationally recognized for her expertise, Jaynie leverages her knowledge to help companies identify and articulate their competitive advantages, thereby boosting their financial performance. Her role as a consultant extends globally, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence in the corporate world.
In addition to her consultancy work, Jaynie Smith is a prolific author and influential speaker. Her book, Creating Competitive Advantage, is particularly noteworthy, having achieved significant success with its 19th printing and securing a place in the top 1% of books sold on Amazon.com. She also authored Relevant Selling. Her thought leadership has earned her features in top publications like The New York Times and Entrepreneur, and she has made numerous appearances on television networks such as ABC and MSNBC. Her contributions to the business community are further highlighted by hosting the radio show Mind Your Biz Today, where she engaged with CEOs and business leaders to discuss key industry insights.
About Smart Advantage Inc.:Smart Advantage, Inc. is a strategic consultancy firm that helps organizations stand out by improving their differentiation strategies. Founded by Jaynie L. Smith, the company has expanded significantly since publishing Smith’s book, Creating Competitive Advantage. This book details the benefits organizations experience when effectively distinguishing themselves from buyers by focusing their messaging and operational efforts on their competitive strengths. Over the years, Smart Advantage has assembled a team of presenters, consultants, and market research experts dedicated to this...

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the President and Founder of Soloquent Inc.,Greg Nutter.
Greg Nutter, a seasoned management consultant and the founder of Soloquent, is also the author of “P3 Selling: The Essentials of B2B Sales Success.” The discussion explored the complexities of B2B sales, common mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies for elevating a business.
Greg’s expertise is in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enhance their revenue performance. He works closely with owners and business leaders, who often need more sales expertise, to improve their sales capabilities and expand their businesses. His approach is hands-on and customized to address each company’s specific challenges.
Greg pointed out a standard error in B2B sales: the tendency to prioritize a sales-centric approach over a buyer-centric one. Many sellers erroneously concentrate on product features and completing the sale instead of solving the client’s problems and seizing opportunities. He stressed the importance of understanding the client’s needs before making a product pitch.
His book, “P3 Selling: The Essentials of B2B Sales Success,” is well-regarded for its practical insights into the B2B sales process. Greg’s consulting experience includes working with industry giants like Microsoft, SAP, and Michelin, as well as smaller, specialized firms. His extensive expertise demonstrates that practical B2B selling skills are crucial, regardless of one’s role in influencing decisions.
Key Points from the Episode:Overview of P3 selling methodologyFundamentals of P3 sellingCommon mistakes in B2B salesGreg's consulting experience and clientsConsulting approach and services offered by SoloquentRecommendations for business owners and entrepreneurs
About Greg Nutter:Greg Nutter is the president and founder of Soloquent, Inc., specializing in assisting business owners and senior sales executives with revenue growth challenges. His company provides targeted solutions that enhance sales performance through strategic consulting and innovative sales training methods. He is also the acclaimed author of "P3 Selling: The Essentials of B2B Sales Success" a comprehensive B2B sales and sales management guide designed to help sales professionals excel in today's complex selling environment.
With over thirty-five years of experience, Greg has coached over 1,000 sales professionals. His expertise is frequently sought for executive briefings, workshops, and global keynote speeches. His approach is centered on practical, real-world applications of sales theories to drive performance improvement across various industries and markets. This experience has enabled him to contribute significantly to the sales strategies of numerous multinational corporations.
About Soloquent Inc.:Soloquent Inc. is a management consulting firm dedicated to helping CEOs and business owners tackle challenges associated with revenue growth. The firm primarily serves small to mid-sized companies engaged in consultative selling through direct, indirect, or multi-channel sales approaches. Soloquent addresses common issues such as anemic growth, market expansion struggles, high staff turnover, and ineffective sales and marketing investment returns.
The company distinguishes itself through a diverse team of highly skilled consultants who bring a wealth of experience from large corporations and start-ups. Soloquent's comprehensive services include situational analysis, refinement of sales strategies, and development of sales tools and processes. The firm offers hands-on execution support to implement strategic plans...