Profit by Design

388: The Hardest Boundary I Ever Set in My Business

Do you ever say yes in your business when every part of you wants to say no? Boundaries are easy to discuss, but incredibly difficult to live out, especially when payroll, clients, and team expectations are on the line. In this episode, we get real about the hardest boundaries we’ve ever set in our businesses and why setting them changed everything. Dr. Sabrina Starling and Melissa Kay share personal stories of boundaries they resisted, feared, and finally enforced, ranging from client expectations to time, availability, and scope of work. You’ll learn why business owners struggle so much with boundaries; the hidden cost of not setting them; the ripple effect boundaries create for your team, clients, and leadership; and the surprising benefits that come after you hold the line. If you’re feeling stretched thin, resentful, or as if your business is running your life, this episode will give you permission and practical insights to reclaim your time and energy. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights: 1. The hardest thing about setting boundaries 2. Highlights of Dr. Sabrina’s most effective boundaries over the years 3. Melissa’s perspective on setting boundaries 4. Boundaries increase clarity, focus, and production for you AND your team. 5. The difficulties that come with setting boundaries at home and with family members 6. The challenges with setting hard boundaries with clients around payment plans 7. Understanding the far-reaching ramifications of today’s decisions 8. Setting boundaries (and giving grace) around accomplishing your lofty goals 9. Immutable laws are key in establishing boundaries in your business. 10. Need help establishing your immutable laws? We can help! Take the Better Business Better Life Assessment [https://www.tapthepotential.com/assessment]today! (It only takes a few minutes.) Resources: Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life https://tapthepotential.com/assessmentAssessment [https://tapthepotential.com/assessment], and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]®️.

387: Loneliness, Leadership, and Retaining Your Best People for Small Business Owners with Dov Baron

Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a leadership and culture issue. In this episode, Dr. Sabrina Starling sits down with repeat guest and leadership expert Dov Baron to explore the growing epidemic of loneliness within organizations, and why it’s quietly eroding trust, engagement, and A-player retention. You’ll learn why high performers often feel the most disconnected, how loneliness shows up at work, leadership behaviors that create real belonging, and what business owners must do now to protect culture and retain their best people. If you’re leading a team and wondering why motivation, loyalty, or connection feels harder than it should, this conversation is a must-listen for you! Dov Baron has been twice named as one of the world’s Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus in Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He has presented to companies and organizations worldwide, including the United Nations, the Department of State, the World Management Forum in Iran, the US Air Force, and the Famed Servant Leadership Institute. His focus on human behavior and neuroscience has made him the world’s leading authority on Emotional Source Code and the Anatomy of Meaning. Dov is the bestselling author of https://www.amazon.com/One-Red-Thread-Discovering-Purpose/dp/1983289620One Red Thread [https://www.amazon.com/One-Red-Thread-Discovering-Purpose/dp/1983289620]: How to Find the Purpose Already Woven Into Your Life and https://www.amazon.com/Fiercely-Loyal-Dov-Baron/dp/1926768043Fiercely Loyal [https://www.amazon.com/Fiercely-Loyal-Dov-Baron/dp/1926768043]: How High-Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. He is the creator and host of https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dov-baron-show/id272512829The Dov Baron Show Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dov-baron-show/id272512829], previously known as Leadership and Loyalty. It was named the #1 podcast for Fortune 500 executives by Apple Podcasts. The Dov Baron Show has featured hundreds of hours of interviews with top leaders, scientists, theologians, military intelligence officers, and artists. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights: 1. The loneliness epidemic, “The Great Pause” of 2020, our unhealthy “normal,” and the $7 trillion impact on the global GDP 2. Being isolated vs. being lonely 3. The hidden costs of the loneliness epidemic to businesses and organizations in innovation, creativity, and community 4. In 2015, Dov said, “Starting a business requires building a community.” Now, he says, “Start by building a community, and then put a business in it.” 5. A culture of belonging is different from feeling like you “fit in.” 6. Protecting your business from an AI takeover happens with relationships and emotional connections. 7. Your humanity is your best tool. 8. Understanding the Emotional Source Code (what drives an individual or organization) and how it relates to immutable laws, core values, behaviors, and identity 9. Understanding the Anatomy of Meaning (“We tell ourselves ‘rational lies’ about our emotional responses.”) 10. Dov’s free gift for listeners: The Loneliness Tax Report (Click https://dovbaron.ebforms.com/6053040015802368here.) [https://dovbaron.ebforms.com/6053040015802368] Resources: Connect with Dov Baron Website [https://www.dovbaron.com], https://dovbaron.ebforms.com/6053040015802368The Loneliness Tax Report [https://dovbaron.ebforms.com/6053040015802368], https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovbaron/], https://x.com/TheDovBaronX [https://x.com/TheDovBaron], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dovbaronleadership/], https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dov-baron-show/id272512829The Dov Baron Show Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dov-baron-show/id272512829], https://www.amazon.com/One-Red-Thread-Discovering-Purpose/dp/1983289620One Red Thread [https://www.amazon.com/One-Red-Thread-Discovering-Purpose/dp/1983289620], and https://www.amazon.com/Fiercely-Loyal-Dov-Baron/dp/1926768043Fiercely Loyal: How High-Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent [https://www.amazon.com/Fiercely-Loyal-Dov-Baron/dp/1926768043] Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life https://tapthepotential.com/assessmentAssessment [https://tapthepotential.com/assessment], and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]®️ [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]. [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]

386: The Real Reason Most Business Owners Don’t Have a Life Outside Work

Do you know the real reason most business owners don’t have a life outside work? It’s because of the survival trap. This is what happens when you take on clients, projects, or work outside your sweet spot, just to cover payroll, patch cash flow gaps, or respond to immediate crises. There is a better way! In this episode, you’ll discover how the survival trap subtly steals your time, energy, and freedom; why working in your sweet spot is the only way to grow and enjoy your business truly; and practical steps to move from survival mode to strategic, high-value leadership. If you’re a business owner ready to reclaim your time, refocus on what should be on your plate, and finally build a business that supports your life (instead of owning it), this episode is for you. Join Melissa Kay and Dr. Sabrina Starling now! Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights: 1. The ONE essential piece of strategy that is missing if you don’t have a life outside your work: a vision 2. If you, the business owner, don’t know where you’re going, your team members have no idea where they are going. 3. Melissa’s perspective on a business owner’s vision being the guiding light for every team member 4. Make your team members the hero of your story; this creates maximum engagement. 5. Melissa’s fulfilling work with clients in helping them create their visions 6. Using your clear vision to help drive decisions in your business (instead of “survival trap” thinking) 7. Working from your vision offers sustainable solutions to current challenges AND the future. 8. Focus on the wins. (What we focus on, grows!) 9. Your vision gets you out of reactive mode. 10. Need Melissa’s help in creating your vision? We can help with a Vision Creation Session! https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Or email Melissa: melissa@tapthepotential.com. [melissa@tapthepotential.com] Resources: Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life https://tapthepotential.com/assessmentAssessment [https://tapthepotential.com/assessment], and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]®️ [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]. [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]

385: How to Handle Employee Raises When Revenue is Low (Business Owner Strategies)

If you’re worried about giving employee raises when revenue is tight, you’re not alone. In this episode, we explore ways to reward your team without putting your business at risk. You’ll discover smart ways to structure raises when cash flow is limited, how to communicate compensation changes without hurting morale, and strategies to retain top talent even when money is tight. If you’re a business owner trying to balance people and profits, this episode will give you practical steps you can implement now. Join Melissa Kay and Dr. Sabrina Starling to learn smart, sustainable strategies for handling raises without jeopardizing your business. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights: 1. Balancing an uncertain economy with the need to take care of your A-players 2. The problem when a business owner isn’t cashing their paychecks in order to give employee raises 3. Take an honest look at your team, identify your A-players, and give raises accordingly. (Underperforming “warm bodies” do not deserve a raise.) 4. Strategies for protecting you, the business owner. These are a priority for a sustainable business. 5. Maintaining profitability is the #1 priority; all other decisions flow from that foundation. 6. More money is NOT the goal for many A-players; time flexibility and freedom often matter more. 7. Learn to structure an A-player’s work schedule around the delivery of their key result. 8. A team member’s perspective from Melissa: time flexibility and freedom matter most! 9. Considerations for a growing business (Don’t grow your payroll across the board!) 10. Have conversations with your A-players to find out what matters most to each of them. 11. An action step to take today: prioritize systemization for each A-player’s role (Guard against being hostage to any A-player.) 12. Need more support to confidently grow your business? We can help! https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Resources: Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life https://tapthepotential.com/assessmentAssessment [https://tapthepotential.com/assessment], and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]®️ [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]. [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge] Join the Tap the Potential Community on Mighty Networks: https://tapthepotential.com/groupwww.tapthepotential.com/group [https://tapthepotential.com/group]

384: What to Look for in an Accounting Firm with Tammy Little

Most business owners wait way too long to get financial support, not because they don’t need it, but because they think their books are too messy, too far behind, or too embarrassing to hand over to a professional. In this episode, Tap the Potential’s Lead Strategist, Melissa Kay, talks with Tammy Little about precisely what you should look for in an accounting firm, and why you’re more ready for help than you think! We cover the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant, controller, and CFO (and who you actually need; the essential systems and processes to make your finances easier, more efficient, and more organized; why waiting until the end of the year to prepare for taxes is the fastest way to lose money and add stress; and how the proper accounting support creates clarity, confidence, and real profit. If you want to stop feeling behind, stop guessing, and finally get your financial house in order, this episode is your roadmap to a better future. Join us! Tammy Little is the owner of FTC Group and Summit Accounting Partners, a full-service accounting firm for small, medium, and large businesses. All of their services are virtual, making their top-notch services accessible to companies nationwide. Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights: 1. Understand the terminology: CFO, accountant, bookkeeper, controller, etc. (“What do I really need?”) 2. Common reasons that business owners don’t have financial support 3. The process when Tammy’s firm comes in to help clean up the financial mess 4. You will feel safe and relieved when a qualified financial professional takes the reins! 5. Think you can’t afford an accountant? You can’t afford NOT to have one! 6. Tammy’s philosophy of systems and operations is to know each client and their business as a true partner 7. Considerations in looking for an accountant: your comfort level, their range of offerings/services, communication, and the level of trust you have with them 8. Signs that you need accounting help NOW! 9. Tammy’s one thing she gives to every client: peace of mind Resources: Connect with Tammy Little: Summit https://www.trysummitaccounting.comWebsite [https://www.trysummitaccounting.com], My Ghost Crew https://www.myghostcrew.com Website [https://www.myghostcrew.com], https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568554926135Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568554926135], and https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-d-little-403804185/LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-d-little-403804185/]. Download your free, updated copy of the https://www.tapthepotential.com/10kChart of $10,000 an Hour Activities [https://www.tapthepotential.com/10k] today! Our https://www.tapthepotential.com/coach-approachCoach Approach [https://www.tapthepotential.com/coach-approach] program can be life-changing for your business, team, and personal life. Find out more today! Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? https://tapthepotential.com/Book a call [https://tapthepotential.com/] with us today! Master your time and profit! Give us 20 minutes of your time, take the Better Business Better Life https://tapthepotential.com/assessmentAssessment [https://tapthepotential.com/assessment], and receive a free paperback copy of my book, The 4 Week Vacation [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]®️ [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge]. [https://www.tapthepotential.com/pledge] Join the Tap the Potential Community on Mighty Networks: https://tapthepotential.com/groupwww.tapthepotential.com/group [https://tapthepotential.com/group]