

The Cash Flow Contractor
Benali
If you’re like most contractors we know, then you started your business because you’re passionate about and great at your craft. You also wanted to be your own boss. Owning a business has a lot of advantages, but also a lot of challenges.
We started this podcast to talk about things that matter to you as an owner, like business fundamentals, sales processes, marketing, leadership, and much more. Armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to reach your goals, whether that’s growth, getting your shop to run without you, or anything in between.
We started this podcast to talk about things that matter to you as an owner, like business fundamentals, sales processes, marketing, leadership, and much more. Armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to reach your goals, whether that’s growth, getting your shop to run without you, or anything in between.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 27, 2024 • 40min
213 - 11 Signs of a Bad Customer: When to Say Goodbye
Have you ever had a customer you just knew was trouble? Knowing when to part ways with a bad customer could save your business and sanity! Join us as we break down common red flag signs, plus real-life examples you might relate to. Tune in!Time Stamps00:34 - Episode Intro01:32 - Identifying Red Flags in Potential Customers02:48 - Indecisiveness03:58 - Unrealistic Timeline & Budget Expectations05:35 - The Self-Sourcing Customer08:02 - Excessive Haggling09:23 - No Boundaries10:57 - Customer Supremacy13:06 - Comparing Apples to Oranges15:20 - Making Decisions Beyond Their Intelligence16:51 - Lack of Understanding of the Effort Behind the Ask18:13 - The Option Assassins20:08 - Red Flags Recap21:32 - Real-Life Red Flag Examples35:44 - Episode TakeawaysLearn how you can improve your customer and project workflows! BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL HERE! ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Jun 20, 2024 • 39min
212 - Elements of CRM: Why You Need One and What to Look For in Software
Organize, strategize, and grow your business with the right CRM tools! We discuss why every business needs a CRM and the essential features to look for. Listen in!Time Stamps00:30 - Introduction to CRMs02:14 - The Importance of Bookkeeping04:10 - Understanding CRM Features09:11 - Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business20:20 - Essential Features for CRM Beginners26:05 - Implementing and Pricing Your CRM38:20 - Episode OutroLearn how you can improve your customer and project workflows! BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL HERE! ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Jun 13, 2024 • 30min
211 - Breaking Down Silos in Your Business
Are inefficiencies and miscommunication prevalent in your company? Silos could be the root cause! Join us as we explore strategies to identify and break down these barriers, fostering better teamwork and streamlining operations.Time Stamps00:36 - Episode Intro01:16 - Tales from the Grain04:15 - Defining Business Silos05:54 - Examples of Silos in Business07:48 - Causes and Formation of Silos13:51 - Breaking Down Silos23:44 - The Dangers of Silos27:03 - Conclusion & Takeaways28:54 - Episode OutroQuotable Moments from the Show"The biggest reason that I see why a silo starts is that there's not a shared vision." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"The best leaders are aware of silos." - Khalil Benalioulhaj"Silos develop oftentimes naturally, and you need to spot them in your organization." - Martin Holland"The number one reason people leave jobs is unclear expectations." - Martin HollandLearn how you can improve your customer and project workflows! BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL HERE! ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Jun 6, 2024 • 40min
210 - Markup vs. Margin: How Should You Be Pricing Your Jobs?
Struggling with job pricing? Find out why understanding the difference between markup and margin is crucial for your profitability. Tune in!Time Stamps00:16 - Storm Season in Oklahoma03:19 - Understanding Markup: Strategies and Common Pitfalls06:38 - The Importance of Accurate Job Costing20:10 - Understanding Markup vs. Margin22:32 - Intentional Bidding and Overhead Management28:32 - Practical Tips for ContractorsLearn how you can improve your customer and project workflows! BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL HERE! ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

May 30, 2024 • 29min
209 - Process Mapping: The Secret to Less Stress & More Time
Ever wonder why your business processes lead to stress and bottlenecks? We break down how process mapping can streamline operations and free up more time for you. Tune in!Time Stamps00:33 - Understanding Process Mapping09:07 - Utilizing Software to Streamline Processes10:59 - Dos & Don'ts When Creating Process Maps13:48 - The Importance of Clear Responsibilities24:17 - Benefits of Process Mapping27:39 - Episode OutroQuotable Moments from the Episode"Most companies have processes, but are not written down." - Martin"An overcomplicated process with too many stages is too much to manage." - Khalil"A lot of times they're just not designing the process intentionally. It's just kind of happening. And it's like they're building a house without blueprints." - KhalilLearn how you can improve your customer and project workflows! BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MINUTE STRATEGY CALL HERE! ResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

May 23, 2024 • 32min
208 - What is EBITDA?
Did you know that improving your company’s EBITDA can significantly boost your business’s value? Join us as we dive deep into why EBITDA is the magic number in business valuation and profitability analysis. Tune in!Time Stamps00:15 - Episode Intro01:43 - The Evolution of a Business Owner's Mindset03:19 - Understanding the Value of EBITDA04:05 - The Impact of Market Trends on Business Valuation09:06 - Diving Deeper into EBITDA Calculation14:54 - The Role of EBITDA in Business Sales and Valuation21:56 - Operational Excellence and Its Impact on EBITDA22:28 - The Mechanics of Private Equity and Rollups30:48 - Concluding Thoughts on EBITDA and Business ValueQuotable Moments from the Episode"A business worth selling is a business worth keeping." - Khalil"Amortization is depreciation for nontangible assets." - MartinResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

May 9, 2024 • 32min
207 - $500 Per Day Penalties if You Don't Do This! with Mark Robertson
Could you be facing $500 daily penalties and not even know it? Find out how you can safeguard your business against these potential fines in this episode with Mark Robertson. You don’t want to miss this!Time Stamps00:35 - Episode & Guest Intro01:44 - Understanding Beneficial Ownership Information Report08:02 - Understanding Exemptions and Requirements11:41 - Penalties for Non-Compliance14:25 - Navigating the Filing Process25:59 - Practical Advice and Closing Thoughts27:52 - More About Mark Robertson30:07 - How to Reach Mark RobertsonQuotable Moments From the Show"FinCEN has spent the last three years putting together regulations on how companies should report who the beneficial owners are and who the control people are for companies here in the United States. Those regulations kicked in effective January 1st of this year." -Mark Robertson"You have until the end of the year if you were formed before the beginning of this year. Now, if you were formed in January of this year, you have 90 days to do your filing. If next year you file a new company, then new companies filed after January 1, 2025, have 30 days to do their filing." -Mark RobertsonResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Mark RobertsonBOI E-filing SystemWebsiteMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

May 2, 2024 • 38min
206 - What is Your Cash Rhythm?: Why You Need a Weekly Cash Flow Report
Struggling with cash management? Ever feel like you're guessing your way through your business finances? This episode might just be the lifeline your business needs! Learn why a weekly cash flow report isn't just good practice — it's essential. Time Stamps00:36 - Episode Intro03:06 - Understanding the Cash Flow Report10:42 - Profitability vs. Cash Flow13:27 - Avoiding the Pitfalls of Poor Cash Management18:26 - Strategies for Improving Cash Position20:57 - Maximizing Returns on Inventory Management22:06 - Innovative Inventory Management Strategies24:28 - Improving Cash Flow Through Receivables Management28:27 - Strategic Accounts Payable Management37:16 - Episode OutroQuotable Moments from the Episode"Everyone has done this already. It's probably been in their head." -Khalil"Profitability and cash are completely different animals." -Martin"Look at the cash flow report, because that's going to give you the honest answer." -Khalil"One of the first things you do is prompt billing." -Martin"Don't self deselect and say, It can't be done." -MartinResourcesNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Apr 25, 2024 • 58min
205 - Why You Need An Operating Agreement Yesterday with Patrick Lane
Considering bringing on a partner in your business? Find out why having a solid operating agreement is crucial for a successful partnership. Patrick Lane shares key insights you can't afford to overlook!Time Stamps00:05 - Episode & Guest Intro02:57 - The Importance of Operating Agreements05:13 - When Do You Need an Operating Agreement?08:33 - Key Provisions in Operating Agreements11:05 - Navigating Partnership Dynamics and Legal Advice13:02 - The Real Costs of Legal Disputes in Partnerships14:38 - Management and Financial Considerations in Operating Agreements22:33 - Addressing Distributions, Divorces, and Disputes25:58 - Navigating Tax Provisions in Operating Agreements26:45 - The Importance of CPA Involvement in Business Startups27:37 - Exit Strategies and Expulsion Provisions29:00 - The Essentials of Buy-Sell Agreements31:45 - Funding and Valuation in Buy-Sell Agreements36:47 - Ownership and Voting Rights in Business Partnerships40:47 - Employee Ownership: Pros and Cons43:08 - Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements47:24 - Building a Strong Advisory Team for Your Business52:46 - Final Thoughts and Advice on Operating AgreementsResourcesThe Advisor Mentor ChecklistNeed Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Patrick LaneWebsiteLinkedInMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor

Apr 18, 2024 • 26min
204 - When You Know They Need to Go: Firing Employees The Right Way
Struggling with letting go of underperforming employees? Dive into the emotional and financial complexities of letting go and learn about the importance of hiring slowly and firing quickly. Tune in!Time Stamps00:23 - Episode Intro01:21 - The Human Side of Firing04:01 - The Impact of Personal Relationships on Decision-Making06:02 - Objective Metrics vs. Subjective Feelings in Firing Decisions08:23 - The Importance of Core Behaviors and Objective Evaluation15:33 - The Business Impact of Removing Underperforming Employees20:02 - Making the Uncomfortable Decision for Business Health22:12 - Building a Winning Team Culture23:46 - Hiring Slowly, Firing Quickly25:43 - Episode OutroQuotable Moments from the Episode"When you're firing somebody, you're telling them they're no good. They don't measure up. And people don't want to do that to people.” - Martin Holland“Your profit or loss is pretty much tied up in how well your labor does. Everything else matters, but labor is the one where you get it right and it goes well, get it wrong and it blows everything up.” - Martin Holland“It's okay to let go of a great person if it means a healthy business, in my opinion. - Khalil BenalioulhajResourcesCFC Episode 070 - When You Know They Need to GoWhen You Know They Need to Go: Firing an Employee Need Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Martintheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cashflow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow Contractor