

Building Margin
Steve Coughran
Welcome to Building Margin: Strategies for Business Owners Who Want to Think Bigger and Earn More. If you're a construction or service business owner working harder than ever, but still struggling with cash flow, profit margin, or burnout, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Steve Coughran of Coltivar, Building Margin helps you take back control of your business, stop guessing with your numbers, and start making decisions that actually move the needle. Each episode dives into what really drives success: clear strategy, confident leadership, and a business that doesn’t depend on you for everything. You’ll learn how to grow your business with less stress, improve financial clarity, and create margin—in your time, your team, and your bottom line. Whether you’re trying to scale, step back, or just finally get ahead, this show helps you build something that lasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2024 • 17min
45: Is It Time to Change Your Brand with Jackie Bebenroth?
Exploring the essence of brand beyond logos, Jackie Bebenroth and Steve discuss the significance of brand evolution for deeper audience connections. They touch on recognizing signs for change and the strategic considerations behind brand transformation, offering valuable guidance for leaders in this pivotal shift.

Mar 7, 2024 • 6min
44: Do Your Initiatives Include These 4 Things
The podcast delves into the essence of strategic initiatives, emphasizing the difference between strategy and planning. It introduces a unique framework, the IARs, to guide companies in executing strategies effectively. The discussion focuses on capturing and creating value in business, highlighting the importance of innovation and enhanced experiences. It also outlines the essential components for successful strategic initiatives, including overcoming strategic problems, building competitive advantages, enhancing customer experience, and fostering innovation.

Feb 29, 2024 • 10min
43: Are Strategy and Strategic Planning the Same Thing
Are strategy and strategic planning the same? Many think so, but they're not. Planning focuses on allocating resources and outlining activities, while strategy is about making bold, tough choices to position a company for success. Too often, leaders confuse budgets with strategy, missing the chance to differentiate. Just look at Blockbuster versus Netflix—one planned, the other strategized. To win, companies must prioritize strategy over routine planning.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

Feb 22, 2024 • 8min
42: If You Want Better Results in Business, Listen to This
In this episode, host Steve Coughran dives into the crucial topic of achieving better results in business. He emphasizes the significance of having everyone in the organization on the same page and strategically aligned to drive success. Steve underscores the importance of putting the customer at the center of the strategy, highlighting how customer-centric approaches can lead to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Furthermore, Steve discusses the necessity of making strategy relatable at all levels of the organization to ensure successful execution. By ensuring that every member of the team understands and embraces the strategic direction, businesses can effectively translate plans into action and achieve their desired outcomes. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to elevate your business strategy and drive better results.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

Feb 15, 2024 • 11min
41: Debunking the Myths of Strategy
In today's episode, we tackle the pervasive myths surrounding strategy in the business world. With years of experience navigating the intricacies of strategic planning, Coughran dispels the notion that strategy is about predicting the future. Instead, he advocates for a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability over rigid forecasting. Furthermore, Coughran challenges the misconception that agility equates to constantly changing strategies on a whim, advocating for a more balanced and thoughtful approach. He also questions the effectiveness of long-term strategic planning, arguing that the pace of change renders such forecasts obsolete. In lieu of traditional methods, Coughran offers contrarian perspectives on designing and implementing winning strategies that prioritize flexibility, innovation, and resilience. Tune in to gain valuable insights and revolutionize your approach to strategic thinking in today's dynamic business landscape.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

Feb 8, 2024 • 12min
40: Why Sam's Club Is Investing in This and You Should Too
Learn why Sam's Club is investing in technology and how it can benefit your business. Discover the key components of customer values and strategies to integrate similar approaches. Understand the importance of understanding customer goals and pain points. Find out how to design a personalized customer experience for loyalty and price premiums.

Feb 1, 2024 • 14min
39: It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee
In this episode, your host Steve Coughran dives into the critical topic of "It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee." Drawing on his extensive experience working with companies of various sizes and industries, Steve sheds light on the game-changing impact toxic employees can have on an organization. Sharing anecdotes from his days as the CFO of a major construction company, Steve emphasizes the detrimental effects of retaining toxic individuals, even if they are high performers. He discusses the delicate balance between the professional and personal aspects of such decisions and explores the widely recognized HR mantra: "Fire fast." Steve guides listeners through identifying red flags, such as poor cultural fit and lack of engagement, and offers practical advice on navigating the challenging process of letting go of toxic employees. If you're grappling with this dilemma, Steve's insights provide a roadmap for making tough decisions that contribute to the overall health and success of your business. Tune in for valuable lessons on creating a positive work environment.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

Jan 25, 2024 • 14min
38: The Dangers of Straddling
Join host Steve Coughran as he tackles "The Dangers of Straddling" in the world of modern business. Dive into the detrimental effects of pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously, a trap many ambitious companies fall into. Explore why a less-is-more approach, focusing on a single, well-executed strategy, leads to sustained success, growth and differentiation in the market. Understand how a singular strategy aligns with a company's overall objectives, promotes effective resource allocation, and leads to financial improvements. Learn why straddling can cause confusion, hinder adaptability, and ultimately, compromise a company's standing in today's ever-evolving marketplace. Tune in to uncover the power of strategic focus in business success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

Jan 18, 2024 • 24min
37: B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI With Matt Clark
In this insightful conversation, Steve sits down with Matt Clark, the visionary Founder of Virtual Edge, to delve into the world of "B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI." Together, they explore the critical elements of successful B2B lead generation on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of defining an ideal customer, the power of personalization in outreach, and the art of building meaningful business relationships. Matt shares valuable insights on how businesses can leverage cutting-edge automation and AI technologies to not only expand their network but also scale their operations efficiently. Tune in as they unravel the strategies that can transform your approach to B2B lead generation and propel your business to new heights. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips and strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of digital business development.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. www.coltivar.com

10 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 29min
36: What You Should Know About AI in Innovation
Join Steve Coughran and Katrin Zimmermann in this thought-provoking podcast where they discuss the transformative force of AI in innovation. They explore strategies to stay ahead in this AI-driven era, the impact of personalization in business, and the challenges of distinguishing humans and AI bots. Don't miss this episode to understand and leverage the power of AI for innovation and success.