Balance Your Books

WNBA Power Play: Small Business Lessons from the WNBA Contract Negotiations

When women athletes and league owners unite behind a common goal, incredible transformations happen—raising salaries, securing new teams, and expanding reach. This episode dives into the groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement in the WNBA, where players now participate directly in league revenue, ensuring their growth mirrors the league’s success. It’s a game-changer that highlights the importance of collective power, strategic alliances, and financial transparency—lessons every small business owner needs to thrive.

Slutty Secrets: Pinky Cole's Financial Reality

In this episode, we dive into the real-world lessons behind major business expansions, including the rise of Pinky Cole’s Slutty Vegan and Uncle Nearest’s whiskey empire. Learn why rapid growth often leads to financial storm clouds and how to navigate funding with clarity — whether through debt, equity, or franchising. We break down the importance of forecasting, the dangers of personal guarantees, and how to evaluate valuation versus actual cash value before making major moves.

Beyond the Barrel - Uncle Nearest & the Cost of Building a Legacy Brand

The podcast episode "explores the journey and challenges faced by Uncle Nearest, a luxury liquor brand founded by Fawn Weaver. The hosts, Kina and Kimberly, discuss the brand's growth, its historical significance, and the financial hurdles it encountered, including issues with debt financing and receivership. They emphasize the importance of financial transparency and accountability in business, sharing insights on how small businesses can learn from Uncle Nearest's experience. The episode also touches on the significance of external audits and the need for business owners to stay informed about their financials to avoid potential pitfalls.

See? Oprah Gets It!

Most entrepreneurs overlook the crucial steps that can make or break their business growth — but what if mastering cash flow, strategic hiring, and solid systems was simpler than you think? This episode uncovers the game-changing insights from a podcast pick that perfectly echoes our advice for taking your business to the next level.You’ll discover:The importance of weekly cash flow tracking and how simple tools can prevent financial surprises.Why having the right team aligned with your vision is essential — and when to hire.How foundational operational, financial, and HR systems prepare you for scalable success.The dangers of over-hiring before your cash flow supports it, and the risks of self-funding until you’re ready.Real-world tactics for managing online sales tax in multiple states, and why infrastructure is non-negotiable for growth.

Tariffs & Trends for Small Business in 2026

Kina and Kimberly discuss small business optimism for 2026, based on a Bank of America survey. They cover topics like tariffs, labor, AI, inflation, cash flow, and actionable programs for small business owners.