The Real Bottom Line Wendy Brookhouse

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with the fabulous Kim Skermer, who transitioned from a high-ranking corporate position to the world of entrepreneurship. Kim shares her unique story of being laid off during a Zoom call at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how she turned that experience into a powerful journey of growth and learning.
Join us as we discuss:
The importance of gratitude and accountability in navigating career changesHow to determine if someone is coachableThe concept of finding calm in the chaos of entrepreneurshipThe mindset shifts necessary for leaving corporate life and starting your own businessKim's insights are invaluable for anyone considering a move to self-employment or looking to enhance their entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation!
For more information on Kim Skermer and her coaching methods, visit The Approach Coaching Method.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more content on wealth management, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.
#Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #BusinessCoaching #CorporateToEntrepreneur #MindsetMatters #FindingCalm #KimSkermer

Join us for the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge, designed specifically for ambitious and growth-oriented business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and hitting revenue plateaus. In just 60 minutes a day, over the course of 5 days, we will provide you with the blueprint to go from bottleneck to breakthrough by reframing your relationship with time. This challenge will help you break through revenue plateaus, spend more time in your zone of genius, and build a more valuable business – even if you feel like you've tried everything and are time-starved. 

Join the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge. Here's what you'll learn each day: Day 1: Design Your Ideal Day
Explore what your ideal day looks like as an entrepreneur and how to allocate your time based on entrepreneurial time rulesDay 2: Unlock Your Genius
Shed tasks outside your zone of genius and focus on activities that energize and fulfill youDay 3: Master Letting Go
Analyze tasks and activities, determine their fit in your zone of genius, and understand the cost of holding onto themDay 4: Leverage Your Time Blueprint
Build a step-by-step process to shed undesired or time-consuming activities, explore delegation in a new way, and escape business jailDay 5: Build Momentum
Learn how to execute your ideal day by chunking down activities, overcoming forces of perfection, procrastination, fear, and ego, and amplifying growth drivers for your business.Register at https://bottlenecktobreakthrough.com/

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy Brookhouse welcomes back Michael Devenney for an in-depth discussion on a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the mental health of entrepreneurs. Michael shares insights from his groundbreaking 2017 Mindset Project survey, which revealed that 68.3% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues, with a depression rate nearly four times higher than the general population.
Michael get into his personal journey with depression, which motivated him to conduct the survey, aiming to uncover whether his struggles were unique or shared by others in the entrepreneurial community. The conversation highlights the deep connection entrepreneurs have with their businesses and how this impacts their mental well-being.
As they discuss the results of the initial survey and the ongoing second survey, Michael and Wendy explore the increased isolation and pressure entrepreneurs face today. They talk about the limited action taken despite growing awareness and the continuous challenges of financial health, growth expectations, and the impact of external factors like the pandemic and geopolitical events.
Michael emphasizes the importance of seeking help through therapy and leveraging online resources, sharing his positive experiences with therapy over the years. Wendy and Michael also touch on practical strategies for entrepreneurs to manage stress, improve mental health, and foster better work environments.
Join us as we break the silence on this vital issue and provide actionable insights to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of mental health. Visit mindsetproject.ca to participate in Michael's survey and contribute to this essential conversation.

Join us for the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge, designed specifically for ambitious and growth-oriented business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and hitting revenue plateaus. In just 60 minutes a day, over the course of 5 days, we will provide you with the blueprint to go from bottleneck to breakthrough by reframing your relationship with time. This challenge will help you break through revenue plateaus, spend more time in your zone of genius, and build a more valuable business – even if you feel like you've tried everything and are time-starved. 

Join the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge. Here's what you'll learn each day: Day 1: Design Your Ideal Day
Explore what your ideal day looks like as an entrepreneur and how to allocate your time based on entrepreneurial time rulesDay 2: Unlock Your Genius
Shed tasks outside your zone of genius and focus on activities that energize and fulfill youDay 3: Master Letting Go
Analyze tasks and activities, determine their fit in your zone of genius, and understand the cost of holding onto themDay 4: Leverage Your Time Blueprint
Build a step-by-step process to shed undesired or time-consuming activities, explore delegation in a new way, and escape business jailDay 5: Build Momentum
Learn how to execute your ideal day by chunking down activities, overcoming forces of perfection, procrastination, fear, and ego, and amplifying growth drivers for your business.Register at https://bottlenecktobreakthrough.com/

Building Effective Teams: Insights from Erin Long Moon, CEO of Zephyr Connects
In this episode of The Real Bottom Line podcast, Wendy interviews Erin Longmoon, the founder and CEO of Zephyr Connects, a company that helps businesses build effective teams. Erin shares her journey into entrepreneurship and the importance of building a valuable company that is not dependent on the founder. She also discusses the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring and provides valuable tips for onboarding new team members. Erin emphasizes the need for a partnership approach when working with a recruiter and highlights the importance of understanding your company's unique culture and core values when hiring. She also shares insights on the recruiting process and the importance of creating a positive and engaging interview experience for candidates. If you're a small business owner looking to build a strong and effective team, this episode is a must-listen!

Erin shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship and how she became the founder of Zephyr Connects. She discusses the importance of mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs as an entrepreneur. Erin also highlights the need for intentional and tactical hiring decisions, emphasizing the importance of hiring for culture fit and diversity of skills and experiences. She provides valuable insights on the onboarding process and the importance of integrating new team members into the company's culture and dynamics. Erin also discusses the role of recruiters and provides guidance on when and how to use their services. She dispels common misconceptions about recruiters and emphasizes the importance of a partnership approach when working with them. Erin concludes by sharing tips for effective interviewing and the importance of creating a positive and engaging interview experience for candidates.
Design a recruiting process that aligns with your company's needs and cultureFocus on culture fit and core values when hiringCreate a positive and engaging interview experience for candidatesConsider partnering with a recruiter for expert assistanceMitigate expectations and be flexible in the hiring process

Join us for the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge, designed specifically for ambitious and growth-oriented business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and hitting revenue plateaus. In just 60 minutes a day, over the course of 5 days, we will provide you with the blueprint to go from bottleneck to breakthrough by reframing your relationship with time. This challenge will help you break through revenue plateaus, spend more time in your zone of genius, and build a more valuable business – even if you feel like you've tried everything and are time-starved. 

Join the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge. Here's what you'll learn each day: Day 1: Design Your Ideal Day
Explore what your ideal day looks like as an entrepreneur and how to allocate your time based on entrepreneurial time rulesDay 2: Unlock Your Genius
Shed tasks outside your zone of genius and focus on activities that energize and fulfill youDay 3: Master Letting Go
Analyze tasks and activities, determine their fit in your zone of genius, and understand the cost of holding onto themDay 4: Leverage Your Time Blueprint
Build a step-by-step process to shed undesired or time-consuming activities, explore delegation in a new way, and escape business jailDay 5: Build Momentum
Learn how to execute your ideal day by chunking down activities, overcoming forces of perfection, procrastination, fear, and ego, and amplifying growth drivers for your business.Register at https://bottlenecktobreakthrough.com/

Welcome to "The Real Bottom Line," the essential podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs gearing up for a future business transition. In this unique episode, we take a tongue-in-cheek approach to explore the pitfalls that can make a business unsellable. Drawing inspiration from Rob Normandeau's engaging presentation at the Business Transitions Forum, we dive into the top 11 missteps that could lock the doors on your business's marketability. From the perils of dictatorial leadership to the financial haziness of flying blind, each point is a playful yet poignant reminder of what not to do. Join us as we dissect these cautionary tales with humor and insight, providing you with an unconventional perspective on enhancing your business's value. Whether you're planning to sell soon or just aiming for growth, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to steer clear of these common traps.

Join us for the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge, designed specifically for ambitious and growth-oriented business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and hitting revenue plateaus. In just 60 minutes a day, over the course of 5 days, we will provide you with the blueprint to go from bottleneck to breakthrough by reframing your relationship with time. This challenge will help you break through revenue plateaus, spend more time in your zone of genius, and build a more valuable business – even if you feel like you've tried everything and are time-starved. 

Join the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge. Here's what you'll learn each day: Day 1: Design Your Ideal Day
Explore what your ideal day looks like as an entrepreneur and how to allocate your time based on entrepreneurial time rulesDay 2: Unlock Your Genius
Shed tasks outside your zone of genius and focus on activities that energize and fulfill youDay 3: Master Letting Go
Analyze tasks and activities, determine their fit in your zone of genius, and understand the cost of holding onto themDay 4: Leverage Your Time Blueprint
Build a step-by-step process to shed undesired or time-consuming activities, explore delegation in a new way, and escape business jailDay 5: Build Momentum
Learn how to execute your ideal day by chunking down activities, overcoming forces of perfection, procrastination, fear, and ego, and amplifying growth drivers for your business.Register at https://bottlenecktobreakthrough.com/

In this inspiring episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy Brookhouse is joined by serial entrepreneur Cathy Bennett, whose extensive career ranges from successfully running the largest female joint venture in Canada within the McDonald's franchise system to serving as the Finance Minister of Newfoundland. Cathy shares invaluable insights into the lessons learned from her time in the fast-food industry and how these experiences propelled her into a diverse array of business ventures, including construction, real estate, and even venture capital through Sandpiper Ventures, focusing on empowering female entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, Cathy emphasizes the critical importance of strategic exit planning, the power of mentorship, and the necessity of fostering a supportive team. Her journey not only highlights the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship but also sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the business world.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
The Value of Franchise Experience: Cathy attributes much of her success to the foundational skills and disciplines learned from the McDonald's franchise system. "You get to refine your problem-solving and your strategic thinking very significantly with that type of intensity."Diversification and Opportunity Seizure: From owning McDonald's franchises to launching a venture capital firm for women, Cathy's journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and diversification. "Where I saw an opportunity that financially made sense, and where our team had the capacity to expand, we expanded."Strategic Exit Planning: Cathy advises entrepreneurs to start planning for the sale of their business from day one. "The day you buy a business, you should really be thinking about it... because at some point, that time is inevitable."The Importance of Team Building: Highlighting the role of her team in her success, Cathy stresses the importance of hiring people who complement your skills and weaknesses. "Just because you see it quick doesn't mean you see it right."Challenges for Female Entrepreneurs: Cathy discusses the bias in venture capital and the challenges women face in accessing capital. "Only 2 percent of venture capital money actually ends up with women... there is bias in decision making."Mentorship and Empowerment: Cathy shares stories of mentorship and its impact, emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation. "It was a similar path that I walked when I didn't have the capital, but ultimately a partnership was an opportunity for me."Quotes from Cathy:
On making decisions: "It's really difficult not to make really quick decisions when every lunch hour... is a make-it or break-it type of experience."On the importance of a supportive team: "If we became stagnant, then the opportunities for [the team] became stagnant."On entrepreneurial mindset: "I got really aggressive on opportunity... it provided more opportunities for that team."On diversity in venture capital: "We investing in companies that are trying to solve very, the biggest problems of the world today."
Join us for the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge, designed specifically for ambitious and growth-oriented business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and hitting revenue plateaus. In just 60 minutes a day, over the course of 5 days, we will provide you with the blueprint to go from bottleneck to breakthrough by reframing your relationship with time. This challenge will help you break through revenue plateaus, spend more time in your zone of genius, and build a more valuable business – even if you feel like you've tried everything and are time-starved. 

Join the Bottleneck to Breakthrough 5-Day Challenge. Here's what you'll learn each day: Day 1: Design Your Ideal Day
Explore what your ideal day looks like as an entrepreneur and how to allocate your time based on entrepreneurial time rulesDay 2: Unlock Your Genius
Shed tasks outside your zone

In this episode of "The Real Bottom Line," host Wendy welcomes Sandra Reimer, an experienced entrepreneur and founder of CoLabourNation. The discussion delves into the nuances of entrepreneurship, storytelling in marketing, and the burgeoning world of freelance talent.  
Key Points:
The Evolution of Storytelling: Sandra discusses how storytelling in marketing has evolved with new tools, stressing the need for authenticity and considering the audience's perspective.Launching CoLabourNation: Sandra explains her motivation for starting CoLabourNation in 2020, driven by her desire to help others leverage their strengths in entrepreneurship. The platform focuses on connecting freelancers with business owners.Challenges in Hiring Freelancers: The conversation shifts to the challenges business owners face in hiring freelancers, such as finding trustworthy talent and understanding their own needs.Vetting Freelancers: Sandra details her process for vetting freelancers, looking for continuous learners with aligned personal and professional interests to ensure a perfect match with business owners.The Rise of Freelancing: The discussion touches on the increasing trend of freelancing, attributed to individual desires for meaningful work and the challenges businesses face in hiring full-time employees.Final Advice: Sandra advises entrepreneurs to understand their strengths, identify energy-draining tasks, and consider hiring freelancers to focus on high-value activities.
About Sandra Reimer:
Bio:Sandra Reimer is a dynamic Marketing Matchmaker, adept at connecting overwhelmed business owners with top-tier Canadian freelancers. Her venture, CoLabourNation, is pivotal in accelerating success for entrepreneurs by facilitating outsourcing in marketing and administration. With a rich experience spanning two decades, Sandra has carved a niche in helping world-changers articulate their narratives as a freelance communication strategist. Her influence extends to her roles in co-organizing Communitech’s Future of Work & Learning Peer-to-Peer Group and serving on the Conestoga College Entrepreneurship Collective Advisory Board as a Freelancer Evangelist. Her work with startup founders through Boundless Accelerator and Innovate Niagara showcases her commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Her Story:Sandra's entrepreneurial journey began 20 years ago as a writer, editor, and communication strategist. Initially handling both content creation and design, she soon realized that her strength lay in storytelling, not design. This epiphany led her to collaborate with a graphic designer, enhancing the quality of her services, client satisfaction, and her ability to sell these services. This experience was Sandra's first lesson in identifying and focusing on her highest value activities - tasks where passion, performance, and pay intersect.
As she honed her skills, Sandra expanded her collaboration with professionals like website designers and other writers, embodying the essence of technicians collaborating to boost revenue. Gradually, she shifted towards higher-value work, embracing the roles of manager and CEO by hiring virtual assistants for administrative tasks. This evolution in her professional identity was crucial in freeing her to focus on areas where she excelled.
Three years ago, Sandra embarked on a new venture with CoLabourNation, leveraging her expertise to match business owners with freelancers skilled in marketing and administration. She understands the challenges entrepreneurs face, such as being trapped in technician roles or needing skills outside their expertise, particularly in the increasingly complex field of marketing.
Topics of Interest:Sandra is keen to discuss several key areas:
Owner Identities: Understanding the different roles an entrepreneur plays - Technician, Manager, and CEO - and what it takes to transition between these identities.Levels of Delegation: She emphasizes the importance of delegation, outlining level