

Business By The Books with Danielle Hayden
Kickstart Accounting, Inc.
Welcome to Business By The Books, the podcast for women entrepreneurs who want to leverage their financials to grow their business and achieve their goals.
Your host Danielle Hayden, owner of Kickstart Accounting Inc., is a reformed corporate CFO who is on a mission to help empower women entrepreneurs to understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to manage and grow their business.
Your host Danielle Hayden, owner of Kickstart Accounting Inc., is a reformed corporate CFO who is on a mission to help empower women entrepreneurs to understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to manage and grow their business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 7, 2023 • 16min
S Corp Owners: How to Calculate Your Payroll as a Business Owner and Stay IRS Compliant
For help calculating your reasonable compensation, visit https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/comp Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Sep 5, 2023 • 39min
Unleashing Your Potential: Is a Partnership Your Ultimate Business Advantage? Ep -116
Show Notes In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of building successful co-founder partnerships with the guidance of Tanis Jorge, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and a leading advisor in the field. With over two decades of experience and the co-founding of four companies with the same partner, Tanis is the author of the Co-Founders Handbook and the Co-Founders Hub, on a mission to empower entrepreneurs in nurturing their most crucial asset—their co-founding partnerships. Keys to Success in Partnerships One key insight shared by Tanis is that roles within a co-founder partnership can evolve over time. While in the early stages of a business, founders often wear multiple hats, the most successful partnerships thrive on having clear and specific expectations for each partner. This adaptability, tailored to the unique needs of the business, ensures that as the business and partners grow, they remain aligned. Intentionality is a cornerstone of prosperous partnerships. Tanis emphasizes that co-founders should not merely "set and forget" their collaboration, as both partners are human, and emotional support is vital. Unlike in marriage, where partners primarily serve each other, in a business partnership, the focus centers on the business itself, often requiring non-emotional decision-making. How Do You Find a Business Partner? Finding the right business partner can be a challenge, and Tanis advises individuals to start by self-assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding what you bring to the table allows you to identify the gaps that require a complementary partner. This introspection is valuable not only for those actively seeking partnerships but for all, as effective communication is essential. Tanis introduces the P.I.K.E. framework—Passion, Interest, Knowledge, and Excitement—as a tool for evaluating potential partners. Ensuring alignment in these areas prevents the need to drag partners along, ensuring their full commitment to the projects at hand. The episode explores the top reasons people enter partnerships, with moral support and validation being among the most common. However, Tanis cautions that feeling obligated or rushing into a partnership without careful consideration can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Aligning your self-assessment with potential partners is crucial. What Happens If Life Changes? Life inevitably brings changes, and the episode underscores the importance of having a well-defined partnership agreement. This agreement acts as a safety net, ensuring that the business won't collapse if a partner needs to exit. Seeking legal counsel to draft such an agreement is recommended, promoting peace of mind for both partners. Effective communication is a central theme, with regular meetings at varying intervals—daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly—being essential to partnership success. These meetings ensure continuous dialogue, preventing catastrophic surprises. What If My Business Partner Isn't Cooperating? For a partnership to thrive, both partners must share the same end goal, fostering a unique kind of intimacy. Honest discussions about roles and operations are crucial, and maturely addressing issues can lead to a successful partnership, whether it involves dissolving the company, splitting the partnership, or finding a new direction. The episode acknowledges that sometimes dissolving a partnership isn't as simple as it seems, often entailing substantial costs. Therefore, careful evaluation of the situation and seeking advice from legal and financial experts is vital. Tanis' Biggest Lesson Learned Tanis shares a sobering reality: the dissolution of a partnership often marks the end of the friendship. She advises keeping business and friendship separate, cautioning that the statistics on maintaining friendships after a partnership ends are low. However, the bonds formed in successful partnerships can be profound and among life's greatest gifts. In Tanis' extensive experience, she aims to help people elevate their partnerships from good to great. Tune in to gain valuable insights into building, maintaining, and thriving in co-founder partnerships. Key Points [02:44] Keys to success in a partnership [08:51] How do you find a business partner? [15:33] Why do people look for partnerships? [18:15] What happens if life changes? [24:48] What if my business partner isn't cooperating? [29:04] A piece of advice for the business partner hanging on [31:41] Tanis' biggest lesson learned Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 31, 2023 • 28min
Elevate Your Business with Patience: Say Goodbye to Start/Stop Struggles - Bonus Episode 115
Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @Daniellehayden__OH Instagram | @Kickstartaccounting Website | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Facebook | Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 29, 2023 • 26min
Entrepreneurs: Should You Go S-Corp? Pros & Cons + Expert Insight - Ep 115
Show Notes Tune in to the latest episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories as Kelsey and Danielle from Kickstart Accounting unveil the ins and outs of transitioning your business to an S-corporation. If you've been pondering the concept of an S-corp, this episode is your comprehensive guide to understanding its intricacies. In a phase of rapid business growth? Then this could be a game-changer. What's an S-Corp and What are the Advantages? Delve into the essence of an S-corp and its role in taxation strategy. Should you be an incorporated S-corp or an LLC S-corp? The distinction lies in a specialized tax election that can unlock significant tax savings. With a keen focus on businesses with net income exceeding $50,000 for two years, the hosts highlight the pivotal role of accurate bookkeeping. Your profit and loss statement serves as the cornerstone for this crucial decision-making process. Discover the advantages that an S-corp status brings—opportunities for retirement plans, potential to engage a board of directors, and more. But it's essential to recognize that there are specific revenue thresholds and increased financial responsibility. Keeping business and personal expenses separate is paramount, particularly under the S-corp structure, where improper handling could lead to complications during audits. Drawbacks and Requirements for Becoming an S-Corp Becoming an S-corp when your business meets the requirements above doesn't have many drawbacks, but there are some things that become a bit tedious when you are setting it up. Uncover the intricacies of reasonable compensation—what should an owner's role fetch in terms of payment within your region? Seeking guidance from tax accountants or online benchmarks can aid in this determination. Navigating payroll intricacies is another vital aspect. Even if you're a one-person operation, being on payroll is mandatory. Federal and state payroll system registration and tools like Gusto streamline this process. Meticulous bookkeeping takes center stage. Understanding where your funds flow is critical. While a degree of separation between personal and business expenses is mandatory, it doesn't demand perfection—communication with your bookkeeper can rectify occasional overlaps. Conclusion Kelsey shares anecdotes of clients who missed out on substantial tax benefits due to misconceptions about S-corp advantages. Remember, you don't have to navigate this decision alone. Seeking help and guidance is a smart move, enabling you to capitalize on potential tax savings. Transitioning to an S-corp isn't just about altering business structure—it's about harnessing its potential to drive financial efficiency and growth. Key Points [02:54] What's an S-corp and why do I want to be one? [10:49] Drawbacks to becoming an S-corp [16:38] Requirements for an S-corp [21:56] Conclusion Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 22, 2023 • 25min
Rewrite Your Money Story - Renegotiating With Loss to Maximize Profit & Success for Female Entrepreneurs - Ep 114
Show Notes Welcome back to another episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories! Today on the show Danielle, the Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting Inc. is flying solo. With an unwavering passion for empowering women in service-based businesses, she's dedicated to unraveling the complexities of financials, enabling entrepreneurs to make a lasting impact. Today, Danielle delves into a topic that often sparks anxiety - operating in the red. But fear not, her insights will guide you through this challenge with a level head and strategic approach. What Does Operating in the Read Mean? When your operating income reflects a loss, you're officially operating in the red. Danielle kicks off by emphasizing the importance of accurate bookkeeping and monthly profit and loss analysis. Unveiling the root causes of such losses is pivotal, as they could stem from isolated incidents like annual subscriptions or project revenue dips. In some cases, seasonal patterns might be the culprit, as seen during vacation-heavy periods. Identifying whether your business follows such a seasonal trend is crucial. Should the loss extend for more than three consecutive months, it's time to widen the lens. Danielle advises considering broader market shifts that might be affecting your business. Understanding your finances is paramount. She highlights the impact of becoming an S-corp, where your previous draws now translate into expenses, potentially altering your business's profitability. Collaborating with your financial team becomes essential to grasp the implications and make any necessary operational adjustments. Taking Action After exhausting these considerations, it's time for action. Swift decisions are crucial, with a focus on non-personnel cuts initially. Using the expense grading worksheet, Danielle demonstrates how to trim expenses without compromising your valuable team members. While cuts might be tough, remember that you can reintroduce these elements later. Survival is the key objective at this moment. As you navigate this challenging phase, building a cash reserve is imperative to adapt to the evolving market landscape. Luxury expenses take a backseat as you build a financial cushion. Danielle then suggests pinpointing your business's primary problem without succumbing to fear. Resist the urge to panic and concentrate on addressing one issue at a time. If it's a revenue decrease, is it a marketing or market-related challenge? A deep dive analysis can offer insights into the underlying causes. Questions for Reflection Danielle encourages introspection amidst this period of financial challenge. Each valley holds valuable lessons, whether it's a brief setback or a more extended struggle. Revisit your money mindset stories that might be exacerbating the situation. Kickstart's money mindset mastery program can aid in reframing your perspective for positive change. Are you putting in the extra effort? Revisit the strategies that yielded success before. Examine your schedule, habits, and interactions. Rekindling those practices can rejuvenate your momentum and passion. Consistency reigns supreme; avoid distractions that divert your attention from your business objectives. Fuel your business with renewed energy and surround yourself with those who uplift you. Danielle underscores the importance of leadership during challenging times. Visualization and focus on success are potent tools for steering your business out of fear's grasp. Remember, succumbing to fear isn't an option, even when uncertainty ripples through the entrepreneurial community. As we conclude this insightful episode, Danielle's guidance echoes in our minds: face challenges head-on, adapt strategically, and lead your ship through the storm. Thank you for joining us today on Entrepreneur Money Stories, where wisdom meets action. Key Points [02:32] What does operating in the red mean? [11:08] Taking action [17:05] Questions for reflection Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 15, 2023 • 41min
GUEST - Shelli Warren: Builidng a team you love - Ep 113
Show Notes In this episode, we're joined by the talented Shelli Warren, a seasoned expert in helping service-based business owners cultivate exceptional leadership teams. Shelli's deep-rooted connection with Danielle is evident as they share a mutual commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs. Their insightful conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of forming a robust leadership team in the world of business. Things to Keep In Mind as a Leader Entrepreneurship often springs from a passion for one's craft, but the broader aspects of running a business require acquired skills. Shelli reassures us that it's absolutely normal not to adore every facet of being a business owner – a sentiment many can relate to. Acknowledging that you can't excel in all domains is crucial. Just as it's acceptable to seek financial advice, it's perfectly fine to seek help in the realm of team leadership. Shelli emphasizes that the pursuit of perfection in every role is an unrealistic expectation. Instead, the focus should be on building a leadership team that complements your strengths. Drawing parallels to the corporate world, she highlights that in service-based businesses, a leadership team comprises dedicated individuals who align with the mission and vision. These professionals are skilled in their anchor areas, forming a cohesive unit that drives growth. Creating a Leadership Team The journey to creating such a team starts with recognizing potential leaders within your existing ranks. Shelli advises to identify those who think like business owners, exhibit core values, and uphold high standards. Transparent communication is paramount: openly express your intent to develop leadership roles within the company. This not only fosters internal growth but also sets the stage for a smoother transition if external hires become necessary. Building Your Culture When conversations with potential leaders fall short, maintaining transparency is key. While it can be disheartening, the team should understand that changes are vital for progress. Shelli stresses that leadership transformation begins with the founder's vision for the team experience. Reflecting on personal team experiences helps define desired workplace dynamics, which should be communicated openly. Recognizing and commending behaviors that embody core values further nurtures a positive atmosphere. The Tough Conversations Tackling challenging conversations requires clear intention. Shelli advises a focused approach, highlighting the desired outcome and encouraging the individual to actively resolve issues. Avoid overwhelming the recipient by addressing incidents individually, offering constructive feedback that paves the way for improvement. Why Do I Want a Leadership Team? The significance of a leadership team's role in business expansion is undeniable. Shelli explains that this team acts as a bridge between the founder and the extended team, managing day-to-day operations and reporting back. As the founder concentrates on high-value tasks, a sense of self-sufficiency grows within the leadership team. This cascades into a culture where direct leaders guide their teams, leading to quality interactions and fewer interruptions for the founder. In conclusion, Shelli Warren's insights illuminate the path to creating a leadership team that complements your strengths, propelling your business to new heights. By embracing the idea that you can't excel in every aspect and fostering transparent communication, you empower your team to take ownership and drive success. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a leadership team that propels your business growth while allowing you to focus on your core passions. Key Points [03:56] Things to keep in mind as a leader [07:09] Creating a leadership team [21:25] Building your culture [28:40] The tough conversations [32:53] Why do I want a leadership team? Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 8, 2023 • 22min
High Five Habit - Ep 112
Show Notes Welcome to another enlightening episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories! In today's episode, we delve into a powerful technique that can transform your money mindset and overall outlook on life – the High Five Habit. Our guest, Danielle, a devoted follower of Mel Robbins' pioneering work, introduces us to this innovative practice and explores how it can rewire and reframe our approach to money. What Does a High Five Mean to You? Think back to that impactful high five you received. Imagine the emotions coursing through you, the context of the moment, and the person behind that uplifting gesture. Danielle takes us on a journey through her own experience, where a high five during a grueling Spartan race shifted the course of her race, metaphorically and literally. What is the High FIve Habit? At the heart of the High Five Habit is the concept of starting your day with a mirror-side high five. Originating from Mel Robbins' personal experience of combating negative self-talk during a rushed morning, this simple practice triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, providing a much-needed boost. Scientists have also revealed that the act of raising your arm creates additional energy, highlighting the significance of seemingly small actions in shaping our days. Why Does It Work? But why does the high five work wonders in dispelling negativity and ushering positivity? Just as we internalize negative self-talk through experiences, the habit of celebrating ourselves through high fives can also be etched into our subconscious. This transformation is facilitated by linking the practice with new neural pathways, interrupting the cycle of self-doubt and welcoming fresh energy. If you find yourself resisting this notion, it could be a sign that you're not accustomed to celebrating your own accomplishments. By extending a high five to yourself, you're declaring "I see you" and "I hear you," momentarily halting the tide of negativity and embracing a newfound vitality. How to Use the High Five Habit Mel recommends incorporating this habit into your daily morning routine. As you set intentions for the day and envision your future self, choose a trigger like brushing your teeth or sipping your morning coffee. Lift your arm, give yourself a high five in the mirror, and if you're a fan of mantras and affirmations, this is a perfect moment to recite them. Recognizing the challenges business owners face as their harshest critics, Danielle highlights how this practice can be a catalyst for self-celebration. The inner turmoil of being an entrepreneur can be met head-on with the high five habits, celebrating achievements and milestones along the way. This practice isn't confined to personal triumphs; it can be harnessed to confront financial insecurities too. Whether it's looking at your financial reports or engaging with your money team, incorporating high fives amplifies your self-affirmation and rewires negative thought patterns. In conclusion, the High Five Habit offers a simple yet transformative approach to shifting our money mindset and daily outlook. With the guidance of our insightful guest Danielle, we've explored how the act of celebrating ourselves through high fives can override ingrained negativity, setting us on a path of self-discovery, positivity, and achievement. So join us on this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories as we uncover the power of the high five and its profound impact on our relationship with money and self-worth. Key Points [01:44] What does a high five mean to you? [05:20] What is the high five habit? [08:55] Why does this work? [13:18] How to use the high five habit Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Aug 1, 2023 • 40min
Brandee Gaar - Growing in a Recession - Ep 111
Show Notes In this episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories, we revisit Brandee Gaar, the founder of a thriving wedding planning business based in Orlando, Florida. With an impressive track record spanning sixteen years in the industry, Brandee has not only built a profitable business but has also become a dedicated coach to other wedding professionals. Her mission is clear: she wants to help others succeed while challenging the pervasive burnout culture that often plagues the wedding industry. The Summit The conversation takes place just after Brandee's annual Summit, an event she meticulously plans with thoughtfulness and intention. Initially starting her coaching online, Brandee found her true calling in in-person events, allowing participants to experience a sense of empowerment and embrace their roles as CEOs. Every aspect of the Summit is crafted to provide authenticity and realness to attendees, both during the sessions and outside of them. Brandee believes that gathering the right individuals in one room can spark transformative changes in their professional lives. Tracking the Financial Side of Things Brandee astutely manages her business, ensuring clear financial segregation among its various branches, such as wedding planning, the Summit, and coaching, all under the same LLC. This approach enables her to closely track the profitability of each segment individually. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the finer details, especially during less profitable years, and setting expense goals to complement sales targets, driving steady growth. Looking into the Future Despite the fear surrounding a possible recession, Brandee adamantly refuses to plan from a place of fear, dismissing it as an excuse for mediocrity. Instead, she advises professionals to focus on excellence, redouble their marketing efforts, and invest in personal and business growth. Even post-pandemic, when her company seemed to be coasting, Brandee recognized the opportune moment to push for growth and made concerted efforts to expand the business. A strong advocate for investing in her team, Brandee believes in providing her employees with opportunities for growth. For instance, she invested in her social media manager by purchasing an SEO course, which will remain available to future team members in that role, enhancing their skills and contributing to the overall growth of the business. Money Mindset and the Financial Aspect A major decision Brandee made recently was moving the Summit from Orlando to Austin, TX. This shift was a strategic one, calculated to foster a 20% growth in that region by centralizing the event. Drawing from past attendance data and comprehensive planning for best and worst-case scenarios, Brandee confidently took the leap, recognizing the potential for success in this bold move. Advice for the Fearful Business Owner Brandee's insights resonate deeply with entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness in managing one's business, resisting conformity, and identifying and addressing the gaps that hinder growth. Her approach exemplifies how investing in essential areas and shedding weaknesses can lead to business expansion and overall success. In conclusion, this enlightening episode with Brandee Gaar is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the wedding planning industry or seeking entrepreneurial inspiration. Her remarkable journey, coupled with her passion for uplifting others, serves as a guiding beacon for entrepreneurs striving to thrive in competitive markets while avoiding burnout. Listeners are left with invaluable takeaways on building profitable businesses, fostering authenticity, and nurturing a strong team to achieve their goals. Key Points [04:48] The Summit [09:28] Tracking the financial side of things [17:18] Looking into the future [24:34] Money mindset and the financial aspects [32:43] Advice for the fearful business owner Connect with Danielle: Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ Connect with Brandee: Website | https://brandeegaar.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/brandeegaar/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwii0TlcCz7Cfy5Han-RPYg?view_as=subscriber

Jul 25, 2023 • 20min
Strategies for Breaking Through Negative Thoughts - Ep 110
Show Notes Welcome to Entrepreneur Money Stories, where we explore the challenges and triumphs of running a business. In this episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of negative thinking and its impact on business owners. Negative thinking involves having thoughts that perceive oneself, others, and the world in a negative light. Left unchecked, these thought patterns can hinder progress and success. Join us as we delve into various types of negative thinking and provide strategies to break free from its grip. Types of Negative Thinking and Thought Patterns Negative thinking can manifest in different forms, such as filtering, personalizing, catastrophizing, and polarizing. Filtering involves focusing solely on the negative aspects of situations, while personalizing leads to self-blame for negative events. Catastrophizing is the tendency to anticipate the worst outcomes, and polarizing involves viewing circumstances as either entirely good or bad. To counter negative thinking, our host, Danielle, shares a powerful strategy: positive affirmations. Rather than superficially repeating positive statements, she suggests delving deeper and reframing negative thoughts with evidence-based counterarguments. By examining concrete evidence such as business growth numbers and data, entrepreneurs can challenge their negative perceptions and gain a more accurate perspective on their progress. Strategies to Break Negative Thinking Cycles Examining the evidence objectively is crucial in breaking the cycle of negative thinking. By looking at the actual numbers and data related to business growth, entrepreneurs can often find that their negative thoughts do not align with the reality reflected in the data. Playing out different scenarios, including worst-case outcomes, enables them to develop strategies to address potential challenges and safeguard their business. Shifting perspectives is another powerful tool. Imagine offering advice to a colleague or friend who shares similar negative thoughts. How would you encourage and uplift them? Applying this compassionate perspective to oneself can help reframe negative thinking and inspire self-belief. Additionally, seeking support from a money team or a supportive network provides an outlet to voice concerns and gain encouragement from fellow entrepreneurs. The power of asking empowering questions cannot be underestimated. By reframing inquiries, entrepreneurs can unlock valuable insights, discover lessons from failures, build rapport, and mitigate business risks. It is essential to ask open-ended questions that foster growth and exploration, rather than limiting ones that reinforce negative thinking. Actively listening to one's inner dialogue and redirecting it towards more empowering thoughts is key. Embracing curiosity and personal growth is vital in overcoming negative thinking patterns. Approaching negative thoughts with curiosity allows entrepreneurs to question the likelihood of worst-case scenarios and explore alternative perspectives. Reflecting on past experiences where adversity was overcome helps cultivate resilience. Focusing on lessons learned and the strength already demonstrated can help build confidence. Wrapping It Up In this episode of "Entrepreneur Money Stories," we delve into the world of negative thinking and provide actionable strategies to break free from its grip. By harnessing the power of positive affirmations, examining evidence objectively, shifting perspectives, and asking empowering questions, business owners can overcome negative thinking patterns and cultivate a resilient mindset. Join us as we explore the transformative power of reframing and discover how it can propel your business forward. Key Points [02:40] Types of negative thinking [03:50] Types of thought patterns [07:28] Strategies to break negative thinking cycles Connect with Danielle: Instagram | Follow on Instagram Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Like our sponsor's page on Facebook Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/

Jul 18, 2023 • 33min
Embracing Your Role - Carol Cox on Owning Your Identity as a Business Owner & Leader - Ep 109
Show Notes On today's episode of Entrepreneur Money Stories we have the pleasure of welcoming Carol Cox, an esteemed entrepreneur, thought leader, and Democratic political analyst, who has been making waves in the speaking industry. In this episode, we explore Carol's transformative work with women who have been in business for several years and are seeking to take their ventures to the next level. Whether their expertise lies in psychology, STEM, leadership, or other domains, Carol guides these women in crafting signature talks that fuse personal mission and storytelling, creating an authentic and resonant connection with their audiences. Building to Paid Speaking Engagements One common dilemma among aspiring speakers is the uncertainty surrounding the value and significance of their stories. Carol highlights the importance of speaking from the heart, focusing on what truly matters to you, and weaving a thread that aligns with your business. By enabling the audience to feel and believe in their potential, a speaker can truly make a lasting impact. While lead generation often serves as the initial motivation for many people entering the speaking arena, Carol emphasizes the power of speaking at conferences and local groups that genuinely resonate with one's audience. As a speaker's reputation grows, opportunities for speaking engagements will arise, providing the chance to negotiate fees and establish a solid financial foundation. Why Add Public Speaking to Your Repertoire? While podcasting offers an excellent platform for honing speaking skills, Carol reminds us that speaking in front of a live audience brings a distinct set of challenges. Public speaking, often cited as a common fear, can profoundly enhance personal growth and self-confidence. Carol herself identifies as a speaker rather than a writer, encouraging individuals to verbalize their thoughts to facilitate problem-solving and self-discovery. Through sharing a personal story of her own journey, Carol reveals the transformative power of speaking and how it led to the creation of Speaking Your Brand®, her groundbreaking venture. Can You Be a Writer and Speaker? Carol firmly believes that one can excel as both a speaker and a writer. She recalls working with a client who beautifully transposed their jointly created signature talk into a written format. However, she cautions that writing and speaking require different approaches, as the spoken word possesses a unique cadence and rhythm. Transferring written content into a speech demands careful consideration and adaptation. Considering Pricing Another critical aspect Carol addresses is the money mindset associated with speaking engagements. Many women tend to undervalue their services, charging less than they should. While speaking fees may vary depending on the audience, event, and organizers, Carol suggests keynote speakers should consider a minimum fee ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, with experienced speakers able to command up to $10,000. For workshops and training, a minimum fee of $2,500 is recommended, which can increase to $15,000 and beyond. It is crucial to recognize that speaking engagements are a value exchange, where the speaker's expertise and experience deliver tangible benefits to the audience. To ensure fair compensation, Carol advises speakers to list their pricing on their websites, promoting transparency and allowing potential clients to make informed decisions based on their budgets. Additionally, when considering speaking engagements for exposure, it is important to assess whether the audience aligns with your target clientele, if you will have access to valuable photos and videos, and whether the event host advocates for you. By tracking the speaking engagements and measuring client conversions, speakers can identify the events that yield the best results and tailor their future choices accordingly. Carol's Money Mindset In the closing segment of this episode, Carol shares her personal experiences and the ups and downs of her money mindset as a long-term business owner. She highlights the significance of valuing the services she provides and pricing her business accordingly. With the advent of the pandemic, Carol's company swiftly adapted to virtual speaking and thought leadership, emphasizing the importance of becoming a thought leader in one's industry. Taking permission for oneself to be a thought leader and pushing boundaries to advance conversations and ask profound questions are vital aspects of establishing oneself as a true catalyst for change. Join us for this captivating conversation with Carol Cox, as she empowers women to find their voices, embrace their stories, and activate ideas for change. Discover the transformative potential of public speaking, gain insights into pricing your services, and uncover the path to becoming a thought leader in your industry. Get ready to embark on a journey of personal growth, professional empowerment, and impactful storytelling. Key Points [03:15] Building to paid speaking engagements [10:25] Why would someone want to add public speaking to their repertoire? [14:44] Can you be a speaker and a writer? [17:28] Speaking as revenue: considering pricing [21:47] Starting the conversation of being paid for a speaking engagement [26:59] Carol's money mindset Connect with Danielle: Instagram | @DanielleHayden__OH Website | Kickstart Accounting Facebook | Kickstart Accounting Inc. Get Started Today: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/get-started/ Connect with Carol: linkedin.com/in/carolcox/ Discover your speaker archetype: quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6293ca2d37a5df0018ea1642


