Play Your Best Game

Know Your Hand: Forecasting and Data-Driven Decisions with Dan Dollevoet

About Dan: Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business. With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game. In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss: * Play your hand based on data, not gut feeling. * Track your performance like a poker tracker monitors stats. * Flexibility: Adjust your strategy when the table changes. * Know your numbers—regular reviews are key. * Forecasting is about managing risks, not avoiding them. Key Takeaways: * Effective forecasting is like playing poker with your cards face-up—you need to understand the current hand you're holding before making your next move.  * Successful business decisions aren’t based on gut feelings; they’re grounded in data, and just like a poker player calculates odds before betting, business owners should analyze income statements and cash flow regularly to ensure they’re not gambling with their resources. * Flexibility is essential in both poker and business.  * Like a skilled poker player anticipating an opponent’s next move, you need to plan for multiple scenarios and be ready to adjust your strategy as new information emerges. * The best entrepreneurs treat financial forecasting like a poker game—they track performance, know their numbers, and make calculated decisions.  "Forecast is a forward-looking tool that business owners should use to help plan their activities for the rest of the year based on the most current data.” — Dan Dollevoet  Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game.”  Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book [https://playyourbestgame.com/#book]  About the book: High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success. Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today! Connect with Dan Dollevoet: Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/ [https://playyourbestgame.com/]  https://danthecfo.com/ [https://danthecfo.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/ [https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/]  Email: dan@danthecfo.com [dan@danthecfo.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85] https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Bluff Less, Track More: Variance Analysis for Entrepreneurs with Dan Dollevoet

About Dan: Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business. With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game. In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss: * Know Your Opponent: Use Data Like a Poker Tracker * Play the Hand You’re Dealt: Analyze Real vs. Planned Results * Fold or Raise: Adjust Staffing Based on Revenue Fluctuations * Read the Table: Identify Top Variances Monthly * Leave Emotions at the Table: Make Data-Driven Decisions Key Takeaways: * Like a poker player using HUD stats, business owners need real-time visibility into their numbers, and guessing won’t cut it—data reveals the real story behind your performance. * Variance analysis helps you catch shifts early and respond before you're too committed to the wrong strategy. * Dan’s staffing case showed that fixed expenses during slow seasons can cripple your stack, but strategic adjustments, like flex staffing, can be your winning bluff. * Let the data call the shots, not your pride or fear of being wrong. * Poker success comes from adaptability—and so does business growth, but if you’re not evaluating and evolving, you’re just waiting to be outplayed. "Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees, because you're so in it every day.” — Dan Dollevoet  Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game.”  Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book [https://playyourbestgame.com/#book]  About the book: High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success. Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today! Connect with Dan Dollevoet: Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/ [https://playyourbestgame.com/]        https://danthecfo.com/ [https://danthecfo.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/ [https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/]  Email: dan@danthecfo.com [dan@danthecfo.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85] https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Don’t Chase the Pot: When More Revenue Means Less Profit with Dan Dollevoet

About Dan: Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business. With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game. In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss: * Financial transparency for stronger table play * The expense-to-revenue ratio as a chip stack's health * Financial analysis, like reading poker patterns * Revenue growth without profit is a busted flush * Stepping back to play the whole table Key Takeaways: * Revealing the financial cards to your team helps them see the stakes of each move and co-create strategies to keep more chips in play. * Watching your expense-to-revenue ratio is like tracking your stack at the table—if payroll’s too heavy, you’re overbetting without value and risking your bankroll. * Sharp business players dissect their financials the way pros like Phil Ivey break down hand histories—looking for patterns, tells, and long-term edges. * More chips on the table doesn’t mean you’re winning the game, and without analyzing the cost per hand, you might be bleeding value with every deal. * You have to step away from the hand sometimes to study the table, read the players, and plan your next big move with purpose. "The numbers should be telling you where you should be spending your time every day.” — Dan Dollevoet  Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game”  Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book [https://playyourbestgame.com/#book]  About the book: High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success. Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today! Connect with Dan Dollevoet: Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/ [https://playyourbestgame.com/]        https://danthecfo.com/ [https://danthecfo.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/ [https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/]  Email: dan@danthecfo.com [dan@danthecfo.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85] https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

From Bluff to Bankroll: Mastering Financial Planning Like a Poker Pro with Dan Dollevoet

About Dan: Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business. With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game. In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss: * Play the cash game: win through consistent decisions * Use your budget like a table map: guide every move * Financial planning = pot odds + table reads * Start with the win, then build your hand * Pivot your play as the cards change Key Takeaways: * Budgeting is your game plan, a comprehensive roadmap that not only guides you through the early stages but also adapts to changing circumstances, helping you navigate every strategic decision with purpose as you move toward the final payout. * In business, it’s all about consistency—make calculated decisions over time, not just one big gamble. * Financial planning requires precision and intuition—it’s not just about crunching numbers, but also understanding when to take a calculated risk, much like a poker player reading the table. * Your budget should reflect not just the numbers but the deeper motivations behind your goals, steering you toward what matters most. * A financial plan isn’t something you set and forget, and you must adapt to changing circumstances, adjusting your play as the game unfolds. "The financial plan drives everything, it's the most important thing in your business.” — Dan Dollevoet  Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game”  Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book [https://playyourbestgame.com/#book]  About the book: High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success. Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today! Connect with Dan Dollevoet: Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/ [https://playyourbestgame.com/]       https://danthecfo.com/ [https://danthecfo.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/ [https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/]  Email: dan@danthecfo.com [dan@danthecfo.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85] https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Bluff, Fold, or Go All In? Making Bold Poker Player Moves in Business

About Dan: Dan Dollevoet is the #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author of “Play Your Best Game: A Poker Player’s Perspective on Winning in Business.” In the book, he bridges poker strategy and business acumen, offering practical insights on how to read financial reports like a poker table, set meaningful goals, and create strategic budgets that act as playbooks for profitability. It’s a fresh, approachable take on thinking more strategically and making confident moves in business. With over 25 years of experience as a Fractional CFO, Dan has helped companies—from solo entrepreneurs to $300M enterprises—do “whatever they do” better. Backed by a degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, he works with business owners who are great at their craft but need expert financial guidance to grow. Dan brings a passion for numbers, operations, and clarity—empowering entrepreneurs to scale smart, stay profitable, and play their best game. In this episode, guest host Jonathan Miller and Dan Dollevoet discuss: * Play the Odds: Data-Driven Decision Making * Poker Strategies for Smarter Business Moves * Don’t Get Bluffed: Spotting Financial Blind Spots * Know Your Stack: Cash Flow Awareness * Every Dollar Counts: Expenses and Business Value Key Takeaways: * Countless entrepreneurs play their hand without reading the table—flying blind by ignoring their numbers. But just like in poker, tracking revenue, expenses, and cash flow isn’t optional—it’s survival. * Poker and business share a core truth: numbers don’t lie. The best players read the data in front of them, but too many business owners choose to ignore the tells. * Every unnecessary dollar spent is like a bad call—it chips away at your company’s true value. * Winning in both games requires more than guts—it demands constant analysis and discipline. * Successful businesses, like sharp poker players, evaluate their position from every angle. Overlooking shifts in revenue, costs, or operational trends is like missing a read on your opponent—it can cost you the pot. * Making bold moves isn’t about reckless betting—it’s about calculated, strategic play. "To be successful in business, you've got to be good at three things: (1) sales and marketing, (2) operations, and (3) finance.” — Dan Dollevoet  Grab a copy of Dan’s book “Play Your Best Game.”  Link: https://playyourbestgame.com/#book [https://playyourbestgame.com/#book]  About the book: High-stakes decisions. Uncertain environments. Intense competition. Play Your Best Game reveals the parallels between the poker table and the boardroom, equipping you with strategies to make calculated, data-driven moves that lead to financial success. Learn how to make smarter decisions with your numbers to increase profits, improve cash flow, and reduce financial stress. Download your free copy today! Connect with Dan Dollevoet: Website: https://playyourbestgame.com/ [https://playyourbestgame.com/]       https://danthecfo.com/ [https://danthecfo.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandollevoet/overlay/contact-info/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/ [https://www.facebook.com/DantheCFO/]  Email: dan@danthecfo.com [dan@danthecfo.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85] https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.