Grace and Grit: The Heart of Small Business

Defining and Measuring Success

Defining and Measuring Success Episode Summary Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® talk about defining success in a way that actually fits your business, your values, and your season of life. They discuss comparison, realistic goal setting, measuring progress, knowing your numbers, and remembering that success is not always found in someone else's scoreboard. Episode Highlights * This episode's God Wink: Ginger shares a story from a women's retreat, where God placed her at the right table with the right people as she prayed about becoming more intentional in praying for others. * Ginger and Will Flip the Script on comparison and talk about why business owners should not define success by measuring themselves against someone else's goals, pace, or platform. * Ginger and Will discuss setting realistic goals, focusing on client experience, honoring rest, and remembering that productivity is not the same thing as identity. * The conversation touches on measuring progress, knowing your numbers, tracking what matters, and using goals as a guide instead of a source of pressure. * Rank It or Roast It: Dewey's Tito Santana pizza gets ranked in today's Rank It or Roast It segment! Links * Tracking Metrics - Live Plan [https://www.liveplan.com/blog/planning/tracking-metrics-makes-you-2x-more-likely-to-reach-your-goals] * Grace & Grit Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572089705654] Credits Hosts: Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® Produced by: Jeremiah Isley — Crooked Path Productions

Gratitude

Gratitude Episode Summary Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® talk about gratitude in business, faith, and life. They discuss celebrating wins and failures, looking back with perspective, and thanking the people who have helped, supported, encouraged, and walked alongside them throughout the journey. Episode Highlights * This episode's God Wink: Will shares a story about a client recognizing the cardinal in the Hope Financial Group logo as the same cardinal stamped into their concrete patio — a small but meaningful reminder that God is in the details. * Ginger and Will Flip the Script on celebrating success by talking about why failures are worth celebrating too, especially when they become moments of growth. * Ginger and Will talk about zooming out, giving yourself grace, staying patient, and recognizing the progress that can be hard to see when you're in the middle of it. * The conversation includes giving their "Grammy acceptance speech" and thanking all the people who have helped shape their faith, businesses, relationships, and communities. * Rank It or Roast It: Jolly Ranchers are up for debate in today's Rank It or Roast It segment! Links * The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins [https://amzn.to/4vfinCJ] * Grace & Grit Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572089705654] Credits Hosts: Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® Produced by: Jeremiah Isley — Crooked Path Productions

Saying No!

Episode 5 Saying No Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® talk about why saying no is an important part of business ownership, relationships, and protecting your time. They discuss boundaries, expectations, people-pleasing, communication, and how learning to say no can actually create healthier relationships and a healthier business. Episode Highlights * This episode's God Wink: Ginger shares a story from her Bowling Green graduation weekend, where a perfectly placed sign reminded her that her Aunt Deb and loved ones in heaven were with her. * Ginger and Will Flip the Script on saying no and talk about why "no" is not rude — sometimes it is necessary, healthy, and wise. * Ginger and Will discuss setting boundaries around time, communication, client expectations, and the difference between being available and being constantly accessible. * Rank It or Roast It: Road trip snacks are up for debate in today's Rank It or Roast It segment! Links * Redemption Chapel Sermon [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__redemptionchapel.com_sermon-2Dseries_-3Fvidset-3D_groups_864037_videos-26series-3DGenesis&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=jT4GEo0f2Q6lqMI_FmBt76KCbKNoFSQ4VKuIuoCYs0geJuryOaLvPCLG6HShLE-6&m=HDMOG8M1Je8EWe8LX6Ej1RGTH1HcM3aOll3vgCG4wInR5P9ZjNbdAKlTEigRuhPs&s=8TftUOA6dRmZlyvMoKJprF0zIgOiLK2WG_LXUe_5zXs&e=] * Therapy and Theology Podcast [https://therapyandtheology.transistor.fm/episodes/s8-e3-better-reactions-lead-to-better-relationships] * Grace & Grit Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572089705654] Credits Hosts: Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® Produced by: Jeremiah Isley — Crooked Path Productions

Working With Friends and Family

Episode 4 Working with Friends and Family Episode Summary Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® talk about the rewards and risks of working with friends and family in business. They discuss expectations, personal relationships, asking for help, and how the people closest to you may not always become your clients, but can still be some of your biggest cheerleaders. Episode Highlights * This episode's God Wink: Will shares a story about a client's "God winks" email address, a book recommendation, and a perfectly timed reminder that God is always in the details. * Ginger and Will Flip the Script on working with friends and family by talking about how loved ones may not always be your biggest clients, but they can still be your biggest supporters. * Ginger and Will discuss the importance of personal relationships, counseling, community, collaboration, and having people you can be honest with in business and life. * The conversation touches on risk versus reward, boundaries, communication, and what it takes to protect both the relationship and the business. * Rank It or Roast It: Scalloped potatoes are up for debate in today's Rank It or Roast It segment! Links * God Winks book [https://godwinks.com/products/when-god-winks-at-you?srsltid=AfmBOoo7TIV_qPtPY2xZUNnRubgMZo1sco03M6A4Lpu0xLpt-Nswm9Gu] * Grace & Grit Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572089705654] Credits Hosts: Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® Produced by: Jeremiah Isley — Crooked Path Productions

Difficult Conversations: Asking for Help with Grace

Episode 3 - Difficult Conversations: Asking for Help with Grace Episode Summary Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® talk about having difficult conversations in business, faith, and life. They discuss why asking for help is not a weakness, how to handle sensitive moments with grace, and how inviting Jesus into the conversation can bring peace, clarity, and direction. Episode Highlights * This episode's God Wink: Ginger shares a powerful story about her husband Jay, John 16:33, and how God showed up in real time through prayer, scripture, and community. * Ginger and Will Flip the Script on asking for help and talk about why reaching out sooner can be a sign of strength, not weakness. * Ginger and Will talk about handling sensitive conversations with grace, including the importance of listening well and meeting people where they are. * Rank It or Roast It: Monthly car wash memberships are up for scrutiny in today's Rank It or Roast It segment! Links * Abide App [https://abide.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23274789581&gbraid=0AAAAApSFv41qWaP_NP6yoKnc_yPkXSGYX&gclid=CjwKCAjw5s_QBhAdEiwADD_gBpdFrbftiWoe8bOXCebw5IfPp5rQhRUpyfhCGf4Bp785YWrDAFdrLxoCvA8QAvD_BwE] * Bible App [https://www.youversion.com/bible-app] * Redemption Chapel [https://redemptionchapel.com/] Credits Hosts: Ginger Cook and Will Sumser, CFP® Produced by: Jeremiah Isley — Crooked Path Productions