Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden

In this episode, Danielle is joined by Nicole, one-half of the dynamic sister duo behind Fantasy Fangirls Podcast, to talk about her leap from running a professional coaching business to building a wildly successful podcast brand that's taken the book world by storm. This isn't a story about going viral overnight (although that did happen). It's a story of personal growth. It's a story about making intentional, informed decisions and trusting yourself enough to pivot when you find what lights you up. Nicole shares how a chance reading of a fantasy novel sparked an idea, how she and her sister went "all in" on creating a show they loved, and what it took to turn that passion project into a full-time career. Key Takeaways: Pivoting Can Be the Smartest Move You Make: Nicole's shift from coaching to podcasting wasn't a step backward, it was a leap toward something that energized her every day. Strategic Investments Pay Off—If You Actually Implement: The importance of acting on what you learn from courses and mentors, instead of staying in "forever student" mode. Passion and Profit Can Go Hand-in-Hand: The Fantasy Fangirls Podcast proves that you can build a sustainable business around what you genuinely love when you combine your passion with taking an honest look at your numbers. Entrepreneurship Doesn't Have to Be Lonely: Whether you're going it solo or have a team, you don't have to white knuckle it to success. Don't be afraid to create a support system and rely on others along the way. Make Space for Hobbies and Discovering Your Spark: Choosing projects that light you up can be the key to longevity and fulfillment in business. Topics Discussed: (00:00 – 04:32) Intro: Nicole's Mission with Fantasy Fangirls Podcast (04:37 – 10:32) From Professional Coaching to Full-Time Fantasy Podcasting: Nicole's Unexpected Career Shift - How a Single Book Sparked a Whole New Business (10:32 – 14:14) Lessons from Investing in Your Education and Actually Implementing What You Learn (14:15 – 18:41) Making the Emotional and Financial Leap Into a New Industry (18:43 – 18:56) Rate & Review Break (19:01 – 28:42) How Nicole Used Numbers to Build a Team and Grow the Podcast (28:42 – 32:35) The Loneliness Factor in Entrepreneurship and the Importance of Having Support (32:37 – 35:00) What's Next for Nicole and Fantasy Fangirls Podcast in the Future (35:01 – 37:30) Nicole's Piece of Advice for Entrepreneurs Who Are Struggling to Grow or Are In Growth Season Connect with Nicole: Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Website | https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Watch Fantasy Fangirls on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirls Follow Fantasy Fangirls on IG and TikTok | @fantasyfangirlspod Mentioned in the Episode: Built to Sell by John Warrillow | https://builttosell.com/the-books/ Grow the Show with Kevin Chemidlin | https://growtheshow.com/ Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Ever look at your cash flow statement and want to crawl under your desk and hide? You're not alone! Cash flow statements aren't really made for business owners, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. So, how do we read them? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., is here to show you exactly how to understand your cash flow without needing an accounting degree through the Snapshot Cash Overview, Kickstart Accounting's simple, business owner-friendly report that shows you exactly what's coming in, what's going out, and how much cash you really have to work with. Key Takeaways: Traditional Cash Flow Statements Aren't Made for You: They're built for bankers and accountants, not entrepreneurs. That's why Danielle and our team created the Snapshot Cash Overview, a simpler, visual tool built with business owners in mind. Profit Doesn't Mean Cash in the Bank: You can show a $20k profit on your income statement, but if you're paying off debt or taking owner's draws, your bank account can still feel empty. The Snapshot Cash Overview: Green means Money In. Red means money out. The Snapshot uses a color-coded system to help you quickly understand your revenue, expenses, debt payments, and draws. Know Your Free Cash Flow Before You Invest: Before making big decisions like hiring or upgrading tools, check if your business is generating enough cash. Use Net Cash Flow to Guide Your Owner's Draws and Savings: Want to know how much you can pay yourself or set aside for taxes? Your year-to-date net cash flow will give you the clearest answer. The Snapshot Bridges the Gap Between Profit and Cash: It ties together your income statement and balance sheet so you can finally see where your money is really going. Topics Discussed: (00:11 – 01:57) Why Traditional Cash Flow Statements Don't Work for Business Owners (02:27 – 04:30) Introduction to the Snapshot Cash Overview and Its Key Components (04:31 – 07:42) How Balance Sheet Items Affect Your Cash and Why They Matter (07:43 – 10:06) Real Client Case Study: $109k in Income But Only $5k Added to Cash (10:06 – 11:39) How to Use Your Snapshot to Make CEO-Level Decisions with Confidence Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Let's get real, you're not going to build a million-dollar business while spending your time on $10/hour tasks. In this no-fluff, heart-to-heart episode, Danielle breaks down the true cost of doing it all yourself, especially the low-value to-dos that keep you "busy" but not profitable, and shares the action steps you need to buy back your time, start delegating, and finally lead your business like the CEO you are. Key Takeaways: You Can't Scale Doing Everything Yourself: Low-value tasks might feel productive, but they're keeping you stuck and small. You need to step out of the weeds to grow. CEO Work is Strategic, Not Busywork: Your most valuable contributions come from visioning, leading, analyzing financials, and making key decisions, not juggling a constant stream of admin tasks. Delegation Isn't a Luxury—It's a Business Strategy: Even if you start small, outsourcing or automating frees up hours you can reinvest in revenue-generating work. Knowing Your Numbers Helps You Hire Confidently: Understanding your financials lets you forecast, set targets, and build a team even on a smaller budget. Done is Better Than Perfect: Let go of the belief that no one else can do it like you. Delegation is a skill, and progress beats perfection every time. Topics Discussed: (00:30 – 01:22) Why $10/Hour Tasks are Holding You Back from Building a Million-Dollar Business (01:27 – 02:38) What Real CEO Work Looks Like (and What It Doesn't) (02:41 – 03:20) The Actual Cost of Doing Everything Yourself in Time and Revenue (03:21 – 05:31) Small, Realistic Ways to Start Delegating Right Away (05:32 – 07:05) Your Role as a CEO and How to Use Your Numbers Strategically Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

This episode, we're pausing the hustle to take a big-picture look at what really matters in both business and life. Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., sits down with Taylor Thompson, founder of Personal Brand House, bestselling author of More Life, podcast host, and national speaker, to talk about what it means to build a business that gives you more life, not just more work and revenue. Taylor brings a refreshing take on entrepreneurship—less "do more," more "do what matters to you". From overcoming burnout to designing a lifestyle-first business model, Taylor shares personal insights, financial mindset wisdom, and actionable steps to help you avoid deathbed regret and define success on your terms. Key Takeaways: Define Your "Enough": Growth is great, but not if it's at the cost of the things that really matter to you in life. Know what enough looks like for you and structure your business to support that. Start with the Life You Want: Reverse-engineer your business model based on your ideal calendar, energy, and goals—not arbitrary revenue benchmarks. Zone of Genius ≠ Zone of Aliveness: Just because you're good at something doesn't mean it should be your business. Fulfillment matters just as much as skill. Detach Your Worth from Your Numbers: Your financials aren't a report card. Use them as a tool for informed decisions, not as a reflection for your identity. Pause to Notice Meaningful Moments: "More life" isn't only about having more stuff. It's about feeling more joy, presence, and alignment in everyday moments. Topics Discussed: (01:05 – 03:52) Taylor's Mission: Helping others avoid deathbed regrets with tactical strategies to build businesses that prioritize what matters most to them (03:53 – 06:28) Reclaiming Freedom: Monetizing a Personal Brand & Restructuring Your Business Model to Work Smarter, Not Harder (06:29 – 10:14) Trading Time for Money and Why Knowing Your "Enough" is Essential (10:15 – 13:56) Two Exercises: How to Figure Out What You Really Want & How Much Time and Money You Need to Get That (13:58 – 16:10) What a Lifestyle Business Looks Like: Calendar-First, Value-Aligned, Purpose-Driven (16:11 – 18:15) The "More Life" Concept and How You Can Implement It Logistically (18:16 – 21:09) Creating "More Life" for Yourself Even as a Workaholic (21:18 – 25:09) Detaching Self-Worth from Financial Performance and Using Data Over Drama (25:10 – 26:29) How to Explore What Having "More Life" Feels Like (26:33 – 28:47) Where You Can Connect & Find Taylor Thompson's Work Resources: Taylor's Book | More Life Free Resource | Monetization Matrix - Taylor's free spreadsheet of income stream ideas for entrepreneurs and personal brands Work with Taylor | https://www.heytaylorthompson.com/pbm Follow Taylor on IG | @TheTaylorThompson Taylor's Podcast | High Performer Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Ready to stop scrambling come tax time and start planning like the business leader you are? Well, it starts with your mid-year financial game plan. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through the steps you need to take to get your books in shape, plan for tax season (without stress), and build a business that's profitable and sustainable for the long haul. Let's make tax season feel like just another Tuesday. Key Takeaways: Know the Kind of Business You're Building: Are you running a tax deduction-focused business or building long-term sustainability? Defining this upfront will shape your entire financial strategy and mindset. Bookkeeping Is the Foundation of Everything: You can't make smart tax or financial decisions without accurate, up-to-date books. Get caught up and stay caught up. Collect W-9s and Log Expenses Now, Not Later: Save yourself a year-end headache by organizing contractor paperwork and tracking home office, mileage, and reimbursable expenses today. Review Your Entity Type and Compensation: Are you set up as the right business entity? S-Corps, in particular, need to pay close attention to reasonable compensation and accountable plans. Don't Skip Estimated Tax Payments: Avoid penalties and cash flow surprises by paying what you owe and saving for taxes proactively—your future self will thank you. ⭐ Business Hack: Schedule a full "CEO Day" to knock all this off your plate! Topics Discussed: (00:31 – 01:15) Why Mid-Year Is the Best Time for Financial Planning (01:16 – 04:53) Choosing the Kind of Business You Want to Run (04:59 – 06:54) Bookkeeping Updates: What to Check and Why It Matters (06:55 – 11:15) Must-Do Mid-Year Admin: W-9s, Home Expenses, Mileage Tracking (11:24 – 16:00) Reviewing Entity Type, Reasonable Compensation, and Estimated Taxes Resources: Free Downloadable Template | Home Office Log & Accountable Plan Episode Referenced | Entrepreneurs: Should You Go S-Corp? Pros & Cons + Expert Insight – Ep 115 Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

What exactly is bookkeeping and why does it matter so much for your business? In this episode, Danielle Hayden, reformed corporate CFO and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., breaks down the basics of bookkeeping, explains how it supports your growth, and shares the real-life benefits of staying on top of your numbers. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, this is foundational knowledge every business owner needs. Key Takeaways: Bookkeeping Is Your Business's Financial Foundation: It's all about recording and organizing every transaction—sales, expenses, and everything in between—so you can make smart, informed decisions. Cash-Basis Accounting Is Usually the Right Fit for Small Businesses: Unlike big corporations, most small business owners don't need complex systems. Recording transactions when cash hits or leaves your bank account keeps things simple and clear. Timely Bookkeeping Saves You Time, Money, and Stress: When your books are current, you can avoid overpaying in taxes, make better business decisions, and skip the last-minute scramble at tax time. Accurate Books Protect You in Audits and Increase Your Business's Value: Clean records mean you're IRS audit-ready, and if you ever need to sell or get a valuation, your bookkeeping can directly impact your bottom line. As the CEO, You're Still Responsible: Even with a bookkeeper, it's your job to communicate business changes and review your reports regularly. That's how you turn numbers into growth. Special Note for S-Corp Owners: You must have accurate financials to file correctly and stay compliant. That means both income statements and balance sheets—don't skip this step! Topics Discussed: (00:29 – 01:33) What is Bookkeeping and Why Does It Matter? (01:34 – 03:59) The Difference Between Small Business and Corporate Bookkeeping (04:00 – 08:26) The Benefits of Accurate, Up-to-Date Bookkeeping (08:27 – 09:09) Why Cash Balance Is Not the Full Financial Picture (09:09 – 09:43) Special Considerations for S-Corp Owners (10:19 – 12:37) The Importance of Taking Responsibility for Tracking Your Numbers as a Business Owner Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/book-a-call/ Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Remember that shiny budget and those big goals you made in January when the year felt fresh and full of possibilities? If your business (or life) looks different now than it did months ago, you're not failing, you're simply running a real business in the real world. Things shift. You adapt. In this episode, Danielle Hayden, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., walks you through one of her favorite CFO tools: reforecasting. It's not about starting over—it's about realigning your financial strategy with where you are right now. Key Takeaways: Reforecasting = Realignment, Not Failure: Your original budget was based on what you knew at the time. Updating it doesn't mean you failed—it means you're leading with clarity and making strategic decisions based on your current reality. Start with Solid Bookkeeping: Before you can reforecast, your financial foundation needs to be accurate. Without clean, up-to-date books, your forecast is a guess and isn't providing you with proper clarity. Use Actual Data + Updated Insights: Effective reforecasting combines what you know now, your business's year-to-date (YTD), with your revised budget to project the rest of the year. Reforecasting Should Be Routine: Use this tool anytime your business shifts, like if there's a change in revenue, a team adjustment, a new offer, or even a personal life change that impacts your work. Rewire Your Mindset: There's no shame in changing the plan. In fact, there's power in it. Adapting your financial strategy is a sign of leadership, not failure. Topics Discussed: (00:19 – 01:14) Why is Reforecasting Important in Financial Planning? (01:14 – 02:28) What is Reforecasting in Business? (03:32 – 06:12) When Should You Reforecast? (06:12 – 07:49) Real World Client Examples of Reforecasting (07:50 – 08:49) Rewiring Your Mindset Around Changing Your Plans (08:52 – 09:49) How to Reforecast Step-by-Step Your Reforecasting Action Plan: Review your year-to-date and quarterly financials Ask yourself: What's changed? What needs to shift or stay the same? Update your original budget with what you now know Download our free reforecasting template below! Resources: Free Reforecasting Template | KickstartAccountingInc.com/budget Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

We're officially at the halfway point of 2025, and no, it's not too late to make this year your most productive year yet! In this episode, Danielle is joined by one of our numbers experts from our amazing Kickstart Accounting team, Account Manager Becky Teves, to talk through the biggest obstacles she sees small business owners experiencing right now, and how you can finish this year strong and strategic. Key Takeaways: It's Not Too Late to Pivot Your 2025 Goals: You still have time to course-correct and make strategic decisions based on what's working, even if it means setting fresh goals for the second half of the year. Big Changes Take Time to Show Results: Don't be discouraged if you're not seeing immediate profits from decisions made months ago. Practicing patience is a key part of financial growth. Connect with Your Money Team: Email is great, but nothing beats a face-to-face call to dig into your numbers, goals, and strategies. And if you're a Kickstart client, these calls are included in your package—use them! There are No Dumb Questions: Even if you're not sure what to ask your money team, speaking up opens the door to helpful conversations and solutions you didn't even know were available. Prep Now to Avoid the Year-End Scramble: From making sure all accounts and expenses are accounted for to collecting W9s from contractors, taking small steps now will save you major stress come tax season as well as give you more time to focus on your business and its growth. Topics Discussed: (00:11 – 00:38) Why Midyear is Not the Time to Write Off the Rest of the Year (00:39 – 01:56) How to Rework Your Goals and Practice Financial Patience (02:07 – 05:49) The Real Value of Calls with Your Money Team and What Happens on Them (05:49 – 07:09) Midyear Action Steps: What to Send Your Accountant Now for the Future Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

You're reviewing your numbers monthly (go you!), but what about taking a step back to see the big picture? In this episode, Danielle walks you through the power of a quarterly financial review, one of the most practical ways to make smarter decisions, spot real trends, and align your business goals with your personal ones. She breaks down the difference between monthly and quarterly reviews (the micro vs. macro view each provides), what numbers to look at quarterly, and how to analyze those numbers. All you need is 90 minutes every 90 days to use your financials as a tool for success and lead your business with deeper clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews: Monthly reviews help you manage the day-to-day, while quarterly reviews are your roadmap, zooming out to see long-term trends and course correct if needed. Revenue Trends & Profitability: Don't just focus on sales. Understand where your income is coming from and if it's actually making you money. Operating Expenses: Your top five expenses tell the real story of your business priorities. Make sure your spending aligns with your vision. Personal + Business Alignment: Your personal and family goals should be part of your financial strategy. If they're out of sync, tension (and burnout) is bound to follow. Data > Emotion: Reviewing your numbers quarterly helps you strip away the emotional swings of entrepreneurship and make clear-headed decisions based on actual performance. Topics Discussed: (00:53 – 02:05) Monthly vs. Quarterly Reviews (02:05 – 04:16) What to Include in a Quarterly Review (04:16 – 05:48) Growth vs. Profit (05:48 – 07:01) Aligning Business with Personal Goals (07:01 – 08:50) Tracking & Analysis of Revenue Trends (08:50 – 10:15) Reviewing Operating Expenses & Spending Trends (10:15 – 12:19) Understanding Your Net Income & Cash Flow (12:20 – 12:44) Reviewing How Much You're Paying Yourself & Your Team (12:45 – 14:25) Comparing Budget vs. Actual Kickstart's Quarterly Review Checklist: Last quarter compared to year-to-date Growth vs. profit & ROI Personal vs. business financial alignment Profit margin & revenue streams Operating expenses + top 5 spending categories Net income & monthly/quarterly patterns Cash flow health + reserve analysis Owner's pay & team compensation Budget vs. actuals Action Steps: Blockout 90 minutes of CEO time Gather your Snapshot and financial statements Use your quarterly checklist to walk through the process Set 1–3 priority shifts or goals for the next 90 days Schedule your next review (and that call if you're a Kickstart client!) Resources: Past Episode | Healthy Spending Habits: Business Budget Percentages That Fuel Sustainable Growth – Ep. 220 Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc

Just because there's money in the bank doesn't mean your business is truly profitable. In this episode, Danielle lays out the most common (and sneaky) financial mistakes she sees entrepreneurs and small business owners making without even realizing they're doing it. From undercharging to over-relying on your gut, Danielle is not here to shame you—she's here to show you how to avoid them so you have the tools you need to build your business with confidence, clarity, and a financial plan that supports your vision. Key Takeaways: Your Bank Balance is Not the Full Picture: Why real profitability lives beyond what's in your checking account. Profit is not the same as cash flow, and both matter in different ways. You Don't Have to Do It All Yourself: You're not a bookkeeper—and you don't need to be! Delegating your money tasks is one of the most empowering moves you can make. Outsourcing your books (or any task that's not your expertise) isn't giving up control, it's giving yourself the ability to make smarter business decisions. Knowing Your Numbers Puts You In Control: Reviewing your financial statements monthly isn't just "nice", it's necessary. It keeps you from guessing and it's how you grow with intention. Pricing for Profit, Not Panic: Undercharging leads to burnout. You deserve to get paid what your work is worth—and then some. Create a Plan for the Slow Seasons: Feast-or-famine is not a strategy. Use data to build stability and breathe easier year-round. Think In Terms of the Long-Game: Even if you love your work now, it's never too early to plan for the future. Building a business that runs without you means real freedom. Topics Discussed: (00:49 – 01:43) Mistake #1: The Illusion of a Healthy Bank Balance (01:44 – 02:47) Mistake #2: Doing Your Own Bookkeeping and Ignoring Your Financials (02:47 – 03:16) Mistake #3: Not Looking at Your Financials on a Monthly Basis (03:24 – 04:47) Mistake #4 & 5: Not Charging Enough and Not Raising Prices Regularly (04:48 – 05:30) Mistake #6: Not Tracking Return of Investments on Expenses (05:31 – 06:22) Mistake #7: Chasing Revenue Over Profit (06:24 – 08:07) Mistake #8 & 9: Hiring a Team and Asking for Help Too Late (08:07 – 08:53) Mistake #10: Not Planning for Slow Seasons and Creating a Money Buffer (08:53 – 09:59) Mistake #11 & 12: Ignoring Financial Red Flags and Relying on Your Gut Alone (10:00 – 10:34) Mistake #13: Allowing One Client or Revenue Source to Dominate Your Business (10:35 – 11:10) Mistake #14: Not Having Standard Operating Procedures In Order to Delegate (11:11 – 11:42) Mistake #15: Inconsistent Invoicing and Follow Up (13:57 – 14:45) Mistake #16: Not Creating an Exit Plan and Having a Long-Term Vision for the Future Resources: Kickstart Accounting's CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc