MK#73- Small Business- Downturn

MK#73- Small Business- Downturn

In this episode of our small business series, we break down exactly how to prepare your company for economic downturns, slow seasons, or unexpected setbacks. Here are the 5 practical strategies we cover: Limit Your Liabilities — Avoid overextending with monthly payments on equipment, vehicles, or office space. The businesses that survived 2008 had controlled debt they could actually handle when revenue dropped. Own what you can and be extremely careful with new credit. Build a Real Rainy Day Fund — Aim for 3–6 months of operating expenses if possible. At minimum, keep enough cash to pay off your debts and walk away cleanly if you ever need to. Peace of mind is worth more than you think. Build a Reliable, High-Performing Team — A small team of well-paid, efficient, and loyal people will carry you through hard times far better than a large group of low performers. Be honest with them early and treat them like partners. Diversify Your Revenue Streams — Don’t rely on one single source of income. Add complementary services, different client types, or new offerings within your expertise so one slowdown doesn’t take down the whole business. Lock In Your Clientele — Build real relationships and loyalty. Repeat customers and subscribers who know and trust you will stick around when times get tough, while chasing only new leads every month leaves you exposed. Watch until the end for real stories and hard lessons that could save your business when the next rough patch hits.

MK#72- Small Business- Burnout

In this episode of our small business series, we break down exactly what burnout looks like for owners, the top reasons it happens, and how to stop it before it destroys your business, health, and family. We cover the warning signs and then walk through practical, repeatable steps you can start using immediately. Here’s the practical framework we recommend for preventing burnout: -Build real systems and SOPs early so your business can actually run without you constantly in the trenches` -Delegate ruthlessly — hand off tasks to others who can do them 80-90% as well as you instead of trying to wear every hat forever -Set non-negotiable boundaries and protect your time — create clear unplug periods and treat them as seriously as any client meeting -Quickly fire bad clients and employees instead of holding on out of guilt or desperation -Get outside perspective regularly — whether through a coach, mentor, or simply stepping away to think and re-evaluate what you actually want Apply these steps consistently and you’ll build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

MK#71- Small Business- Hiring

This episode we break down the clear signs it’s time to hire, W2 vs 1099 differences, and practical steps to hire right while building strong culture. When to Hire – 3 Signs: Turning down profitable work you can’t handle. Consistent gross revenue 3–4× the employee’s monthly cost. Feeling overwhelmed as the owner. W2 vs 1099: Start with 1099 for simplicity — easy setup and termination. Switch to W2 when you need set schedules and more control. Begin with 1099 and move to W2 later. Hiring & Culture Tips: Set clear expectations on pay, schedule, and duties upfront. Pay fair wages, use 90-day reviews, and cut fast if needed. Lead with positive energy and pay top performers what they’re worth. Recruit actively and trust your gut on fit.

MK#70- Small Business- Money Mastery

In this episode of the Modern Kingsman business series, we tackle the #1 most hated task for small business owners—managing the books—and break it down into four practical, easy-to-follow steps you can start using immediately. Know your numbers — Track gross revenue, gross profit, net profit, and overhead every month so you always understand exactly where your money is coming from and going. Prioritize cash flow over paper profit — Time money coming in versus going out, plan ahead for delayed payments like net-30/60 contracts, and build reserves so you never run out of operating cash. Price for healthy profit — Research market rates, stop underpricing, test smart price increases, and attract ideal clients instead of chasing low-margin work that drains you. Build simple financial systems — Use tools like QuickBooks, open a separate business bank account and credit card, and maintain retained earnings so you can focus on the work you love without the bookkeeping stress. These four steps turn the most dreaded part of business into a smooth, repeatable process.

MK#69- Small Business- Marketing

**Due to video errors that were definitely in my control, this Monday's video will be audio only. My deepest apologies to everyone who only watches our podcasts to see our amazing faces.** In this third episode about small business ownership, we tackle marketing. Master marketing for your new business with this practical breakdown. We cover exactly how to: * Define your ideal customer so every effort hits the right audience * Build simple, repeatable low-cost systems for consistent customer acquisition * Leverage social media to create authentic trust and free visibility * Implement referral and review programs that turn happy clients into your best salespeople * Track every metric and double down on what actually works while cutting what doesn’t Adopt the relentless Bob Vance energy and become omnipresent in your market.