Breaking Even Better

23. Scarcity Mindset Is Costing You More Than You Think

Scarcity mindset doesn’t always look like panic. Sometimes it looks like over-discounting, hiring the wrong people, micromanaging instead of delegating, or putting off investments that would actually move the needle. In this episode, we’re calling it out. We’re breaking down how fear-based decisions sneak into your business - from your pricing and hiring to your marketing and time management - and how to reframe them using facts instead of fear. If you’ve ever said “I can’t afford it right now” and then paid double to clean up the mess later… this one’s for you. 🛼 Looking for an unforgettable event? Screamin' Wheels & Blades brings the ultimate mobile roller skating experience straight to YOU! Perfect for corporate events, city festivals, universities, and HOAs, we combine high-energy skating with lots of excitement. It's a VIBE you don't want to miss! Visit our website to book now [https://www.screaminwheelsblades.com] and let's roll into your next great event! Resources mentioned: * Get More Clients You Love: Mastering the Alignment Attraction Framework by Trish Saemann [https://www.amazon.com/Get-More-Clients-You-Love-ebook/dp/B0DN7MHS93] In this episode, we cover: * What scarcity mindset actually sounds like in business — and why it’s not always obvious * How “saving money” can sabotage your growth (and cost you more in the long run) * The red flags of fear-based decisions like discounting out of panic or micromanaging underperformers * How to shift your focus from fear to facts with a simple mindset check-in * Why time is the real non-renewable resource you should be budgeting for For years, our group of business besties have been meeting up for dinner and drinks to talk about the ins, outs, wins, and struggles of running a business. Now, we’d love for you to pull up a seat at the table and join us at Breaking Even Better, the podcast where we share the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and how you can apply them to your own business.  Meet Your Co-Hosts: * Brenda Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-harris-9abb042b/], Founder & CEO of BPN Staffing Solutions [https://www.bpnstaffing.com/], a premier healthcare staffing agency; and The Lab Look [https://thelablookllc.com/], a medical apparel company * Carolina Aponte [https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/], Fractional CFO, Founder & CEO of Caja Holdings [https://www.cajaholdings.com/], an accounting and fractional CFO firm * Trish Saemann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsaemann/], Marketing Consultant, Fractional CMO, and Owner of GoBeyond SEO [https://gobeyondseo.com/], a boutique digital marketing agency Connect with Breaking Even Better:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_better/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakingevenbetter/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdIyumxI9QL3sTF0iq56Xg] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BreakingevenBetterPodcast]  * Website [http://www.breakingevenbetter.com]

22. The Champion’s Mindset | Grit, Leadership, and Getting Back Up After Failure with Olympian Cierra Burdick

What do Olympic medals and entrepreneurship have in common? Way more than you think. This week, we’re sitting down with Cierra Burdick, professional athlete and mindset powerhouse, to talk about the mental game behind success. From training for the WNBA to pushing through moments of failure, Cierra shares what it takes to show up when no one’s watching, stay grounded under pressure, and bounce back like a pro. This one is for the business owner who’s in it for the long haul, who’s tired, and who needs a reminder that your reps matter, your mindset is a muscle, and your story isn’t over yet. Cierra Burdick is a professional athlete, Olympic bronze medalist, and seven-time gold medalist who brings the mindset of a champion to everything she does. From the WNBA to the world stage, she’s passionate about discipline, preparation, and helping others tap into their potential through resilience and intentional action.  Connect with Cierra: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/c_burdick11/?hl=en] * Website [https://www.ccburdick.com/] 📚 Looking for bonus resources to help you grow your business? Join our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/BreakingEvenBetter] for exclusive guides and workbooks, business book club discussions, and more! Resources mentioned: * Cierra’s go-to pregame (and pre-meeting) pump-up artist: Forrest Frank [https://www.youtube.com/@hiforrest] In this episode we cover: * The difference between motivation and discipline, and why one will outlast the other * What to do when you feel like you’ve failed in front of everyone  * How to build confidence through consistency, even on your worst days * The power of preparation, presence, and perspective — in sports and in business * What Cierra learned about leadership, grace, and showing up when it’s hard * How to intentionally lead and manage the chemistry in your team by leveraging your team members’ strengths. For years, our group of business besties have been meeting up for dinner and drinks to talk about the ins, outs, wins, and struggles of running a business. Now, we’d love for you to pull up a seat at the table and join us at Breaking Even Better, the podcast where we share the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and how you can apply them to your own business.  Meet Your Co-Hosts: * Carolina Aponte [https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/], Fractional CFO, Founder & CEO of Caja Holdings [https://www.cajaholdings.com/], an accounting and fractional CFO firm * Brenda Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-harris-9abb042b/], Founder & CEO of BPN Staffing Solutions [https://www.bpnstaffing.com/], a premier healthcare staffing agency; and The Lab Look [https://thelablookllc.com/], a medical apparel company * Trish Saemann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsaemann/], Marketing Consultant, Fractional CMO, and Owner of GoBeyond SEO [https://gobeyondseo.com/], a boutique digital marketing agency Connect with Breaking Even Better:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_better/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakingevenbetter/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdIyumxI9QL3sTF0iq56Xg] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BreakingevenBetterPodcast]  * Website [http://www.breakingevenbetter.com]

21. Not Your Business, Babe (The Truth About MLMs)

We’re saying it out loud: MLMs are not the same thing as owning a business — and if you’ve ever been told otherwise, you deserve the full story. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on multilevel marketing (a.k.a. network marketing). We’re not here to hate — we’re here to clarify the differences between being a business owner and being a sales rep for someone else’s company. You’ll hear our breakdown of the risks, realities, and reasons people fall into the MLM dream. We want you to walk in with eyes wide open. The model matters. Ownership matters. And knowing what you’re getting into? That really matters. If you're craving flexibility and dreaming of business ownership, you’re already showing signs of an entrepreneurial mindset — and we’ve got better ways to get you there.  🛼 Looking for an unforgettable event? Screamin' Wheels & Blades brings the ultimate mobile roller skating experience straight to YOU! Perfect for corporate events, city festivals, universities, and HOAs, we combine high-energy skating with lots of excitement. It's a VIBE you don't want to miss! Visit our website to book now [https://www.screaminwheelsblades.com] and let's roll into your next great event! In this episode, we cover: * What it really means when you’re selling under someone else’s brand * Why control is the biggest difference between owning a business and selling for one you don’t run * Why and how keeping your downline motivated turns into unpaid people management and an HR role you didn’t sign up for For years, our group of business besties have been meeting up for dinner and drinks to talk about the ins, outs, wins, and struggles of running a business. Now, we’d love for you to pull up a seat at the table and join us at Breaking Even Better, the podcast where we share the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and how you can apply them to your own business.  Meet Your Co-Hosts: * Brenda Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-harris-9abb042b/], Founder & CEO of BPN Staffing Solutions [https://www.bpnstaffing.com/], a premier healthcare staffing agency; and The Lab Look [https://thelablookllc.com/], a medical apparel company * Carolina Aponte [https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/], Fractional CFO, Founder & CEO of Caja Holdings [https://www.cajaholdings.com/], an accounting and fractional CFO firm * Trish Saemann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsaemann/], Marketing Consultant, Fractional CMO, and Owner of GoBeyond SEO [https://gobeyondseo.com/], a boutique digital marketing agency Connect with Breaking Even Better:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_better/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakingevenbetter/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdIyumxI9QL3sTF0iq56Xg] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BreakingevenBetterPodcast]  * Website [http://www.breakingevenbetter.com]

20. SOPs Made Sexy | Creating Standard Operating Procedures That Make Your Business Easier to Run

Our favorite romance novel is the one where a business owner crafts SOPs that allow them to vacation in Europe all summer long stress-free. That could be your sexy story, IF you have clearly documented standard operating procedures - AKA SOPs. In this episode, we share how SOPs transformed our businesses, the exact things to include in your SOPs, and using them to make more revenue instead of collecting digital dust. 📚 Download your FREE SOP Starter Template Here! [https://breaking-even-better.kit.com/b4486b3d87] 📚 Looking for bonus resources to help you grow your business? Join our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/BreakingEvenBetter] for exclusive guides and workbooks, business book club discussions, and more! Resources mentioned: * Luis Miranda | Making it Different [https://www.makingitdifferent.com/] | Optimize Your Business with Seamless Automation Partner In this episode, we cover: * Debunking common myths about SOPs * Everything that should be included in a SOP * Why it’s crucial to test out your SOPs * The revenue results Carolina got from improving her processes * Our challenge to help you start small with documentation * Looking at your processes as an investment, not an expense For years, our group of business besties have been meeting up for dinner and drinks to talk about the ins, outs, wins, and struggles of running a business. Now, we’d love for you to pull up a seat at the table and join us at Breaking Even Better, the podcast where we share the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and how you can apply them to your own business.  Meet Your Co-Hosts: * Carolina Aponte [https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/], Fractional CFO, Founder & CEO of Caja Holdings [https://www.cajaholdings.com/], an accounting and fractional CFO firm * Brenda Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-harris-9abb042b/], Founder & CEO of BPN Staffing Solutions [https://www.bpnstaffing.com/], a premier healthcare staffing agency; and The Lab Look [https://thelablookllc.com/], a medical apparel company * Trish Saemann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsaemann/], Marketing Consultant, Fractional CMO, and Owner of GoBeyond SEO [https://gobeyondseo.com/], a boutique digital marketing agency Connect with Breaking Even Better:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_better/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakingevenbetter/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdIyumxI9QL3sTF0iq56Xg] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BreakingevenBetterPodcast]  * Website [http://www.breakingevenbetter.com]

19. Top Business Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read (Even If You Don’t Have Time!)

Today we’re coming for that dusty stack of books on your nightstand, the well-intentioned Kindle downloads, and the Audible credits you forgot you had. Whether you’re a certified bookworm or haven’t cracked a spine since college, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the business books that have shaped how we lead, market, grow, and rest — and the ones we still come back to again and again. From marketing must-reads to mindset shifts, we’re sharing the ones that slapped us with the truth, made us highlight every page, and even helped us say “no” more often. Bonus? You don’t even have to flip a page. Audiobooks, e-readers, and good old library cards have all the goods you need right now. Links mentioned: * Relay Financial [http://relayfi.com] * Blinkist [https://www.blinkist.com/?utm_source=gsn&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=6728014506&utm_content=78881840349&utm_term=blinkist_b_681914317651_c_kwd-84176098337_CjwKCAjwvO7CBhAqEiwA9q2YJcw0DRCjs4A2McumukP3Hce9Uro_VpkP_HkqoG3BbspcZyExRkMrxRoCKYQQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6728014506&gbraid=0AAAAADSZRinGPJfBCpmwEmg9wf_oKkMG-&gclid=CjwKCAjwvO7CBhAqEiwA9q2YJcw0DRCjs4A2McumukP3Hce9Uro_VpkP_HkqoG3BbspcZyExRkMrxRoCKYQQAvD_BwE] * Audible [https://www.audible.com/] * Libby [https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard] * Listen to Ep. 15: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-burnout-boundaries-and-the-business-owners/id1800804747?i=1000710997335] Burnout, Boundaries, and the Business Owner’s Breaking Point with Julie Bee, Author of Burned Books mentioned: * Profit First [https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/] by Michael Michalowicz * The E-Myth Revisited [https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280] by Michael E. Gerber * Mindset Matters [https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Matters-Developing-Resilience-Uncertainty/dp/1398604844/ref=asc_df_1398604844?mcid=502ae2c1d3b13d0d812ca7d5c028b948&hvocijid=12506307091550458547-1398604844-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12506307091550458547&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010619&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1] by Gemma Leigh Roberts * Pave Your Own Way: 13 Skills to Create Your Professional Success [https://www.amazon.com/Pave-Your-Own-Way-Success/dp/1943070962] by Carolina Aponte * Get More Clients You Love [https://www.amazon.com/Get-More-Clients-You-Love/dp/B0DNBKQ6J8/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0] by Trish Saemann * The Big Leap [https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361] by Gay Hendricks * Atomic Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299] by James Clear * Essentialism [https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382] by Greg McKeown * Traction [https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837] by Gino Wickman * We Should All Be Millionaires [https://www.amazon.com/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625] by Rachel Rodgers * Building a StoryBrand [https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329] by Donald Miller * Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637744900?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_FT424JPWETNEZCYPBM17&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_FT424JPWETNEZCYPBM17&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_FT424JPWETNEZCYPBM17&bestFormat=true] by Julie Bee * Never Split the Difference [https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805] by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz For years, our group of business besties have been meeting up for dinner and drinks to talk about the ins, outs, wins, and struggles of running a business. Now, we’d love for you to pull up a seat at the table and join us at Breaking Even Better, the podcast where we share the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) and how you can apply them to your own business.  Meet Your Co-Hosts: * Carolina Aponte [https://www.linkedin.com/in/araponte/], Fractional CFO, Founder & CEO of Caja Holdings [https://www.cajaholdings.com/], an accounting and fractional CFO firm * Brenda Harris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-harris-9abb042b/], Founder & CEO of BPN Staffing Solutions [https://www.bpnstaffing.com/], a premier healthcare staffing agency; and The Lab Look [https://thelablookllc.com/], a medical apparel company * Trish Saemann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishsaemann/], Marketing Consultant, Fractional CMO, and Owner of GoBeyond SEO [https://gobeyondseo.com/], a boutique digital marketing agency Connect with Breaking Even Better:  * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/breakingeven_better/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/breakingevenbetter/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdIyumxI9QL3sTF0iq56Xg] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BreakingevenBetterPodcast]  * Website [http://www.breakingevenbetter.com]