In this episode, Tiffany-Ann Bottcher dives into the not-so-sexy but absolutely amazing elements of running a business. From systems and processes to feedback loops and compliance, she unpacks the underappreciated essentials that drive growth and profitability. These aren’t the flashy parts of business ownership, but they’re the backbone of long-term success.

Tiffany-Ann shares practical examples, actionable tips, and relatable stories to help business owners embrace these overlooked aspects with confidence. Whether it’s mastering contracts, optimizing customer service, or saying “no” to overcommitment, this episode delivers a punchy and insightful look into what truly keeps a business thriving.

Key Takeaways:

• Systems and processes are crucial for profitability and scalability.
• Data management drives informed decision-making and growth.
• Clear contracts save relationships and ensure compliance.
• Outstanding customer service is the secret to client retention and referrals.
• Strong internal communication keeps teams aligned and efficient.
• Routine maintenance (aka “business flossing”) prevents costly breakdowns.
• Feedback loops foster continuous improvement in every area.
• Boundaries and saying “no” protect your time and resources.

Actionable Insights:

• Audit Your Processes: Identify one area of your business that could benefit from better systems or automation.
• Track Your Numbers: Start measuring a key metric that directly impacts your profitability.
• Set Boundaries: Review your commitments and practice saying “no” to protect your energy.

What’s Next:

Don’t miss the final two episodes of 2024! Next week, Tiffany-Ann will be joined by Steph Fournier, her incredible branding photographer, to explore the concept of community in business. And stay tuned for the year-end wrap-up episode in early December.

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In this episode, Tiffany-Ann tackles the nuanced topic of boundaries in business, specifically how they evolve as your business scales. Many business owners face the struggle of setting, maintaining, and eventually clawing back boundaries they've set too loosely at the start. Tiffany-Ann shares her own experiences with managing boundaries, from keeping work within set hours to dealing with client communications that can seep into personal time. She explains why establishing and respecting boundaries from the outset is critical, and how compromising these boundaries often leads to resentment—something only you, the business owner, are truly responsible for.

Through candid stories, Tiffany-Ann talks about her early days of feeling obligated to be available 24/7, including a stressful payroll processing incident from a hospital hallway. She reflects on how such experiences shaped her view of what she is willing to do for work and the value of intentionally setting—and sticking to—boundaries that align with your growth. Whether you're in the early stages of your business or scaling to new heights, this episode is full of practical wisdom on staying true to your vision without compromising your personal well-being.

Key Insights:

• Boundaries are a reflection of what you are willing to do for money. It’s important to know your own limits and communicate them effectively.
• It’s far easier to start off with strict boundaries than to try and claw them back later, especially when it comes to personal phone numbers and working hours.
• The stories we tell ourselves about what we "must" do can lead us to overextend, but it’s entirely up to us to decide if these actions align with our long-term vision.
• Automation tools and structured systems, like CRMs, can be great assets for setting boundaries while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Bitterness often arises from broken boundaries. Learning to stick to your limits is key to maintaining a healthy business-owner mindset.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Creators & Guests

• Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - Host

Timestamps:

• (00:01:05) – The challenge of "clawing back" boundaries as your business grows.
• (00:02:30) – Examples of unsustainable practices, like overly tight payroll timelines.
• (00:05:10) – What a boundary really means—deciding what you’re willing to do for money.
• (00:09:30) – Boundaries should change as you evolve, not as a result of giving up.
• (00:10:59) – The difficulties of clawing back a personal phone number once given to clients.
• (00:12:20) – A real-life example of a boundary lapse that led to unexpected resentment.
• (00:14:06) – Set systems to maintain your boundaries, such as autoresponders and structured work hours.
• (00:19:22) – The importance of upselling additional services to manage client expectations while maintaining boundaries.
• (00:19:59) – How bitterness can cloud business decisions and how to keep emotions separate from practical choices.
• (00:25:24) – The myth of the five-hour workweek: how clawing back commitments often feels counterproductive.
• (00:26:51) – Boundaries evolve with your business, and what works for a startup may no longer serve you as you grow.

Engage with Us: Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find us! Engage with us on social media to continue the conversation on setting effective business boundaries.

In this episode, Tiffany-Ann Bottcher speaks with Greg Nutter, a sales expert in B2B sales strategy and business growth. Greg shares invaluable insights on mastering the sales process, scaling service-based businesses, and overcoming common challenges in sales management. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a team, this episode breaks down key strategies to help you take control of your sales process, boost revenue, and reduce the stress of relying on inconsistent sales outcomes.

Key Insights:

• Sales Process Mastery: Developing structured sales processes is essential for growing any business.
• Scaling Challenges: Service-based businesses face unique challenges in scaling, particularly around processes and team management.
• Sales Leadership: Entrepreneurs need to understand the sales process, even when they aren’t the ones doing the selling.
• B2B vs. B2C Sales: Recognizing the differences between selling to businesses and consumers can significantly impact your sales approach.
• Sales Coaching: Greg discusses the importance of sales coaching and why simply hiring a "hotshot" sales agent is rarely the answer.

About The Host:

Tiffany-Ann Bottcher is an accomplished business strategist, podcast host, and founder of Bottcher.io. With a passion for helping businesses grow through smart, data-driven strategies, Tiffany-Ann brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship and leadership.

Connect with Tiffany-Ann:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ta_bottcher
Website: https://www.bottcher.io
Podcast: https://podcast.servicebasedbusinesssociety.com

About The Guest:

Greg Nutter is a seasoned sales expert with over 35 years of experience working with both large corporations and small businesses. As the author of P3 Selling: The Essentials of B2B Sales Success, Greg offers practical advice and processes that any business can use to increase sales consistency and develop a winning sales strategy.

Website: https://soloquent.com/p3-selling-book/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-nutter/

Book Available On Amazon
US: https://www.amazon.com/P3-Selling-Essentials-Sales-Success/dp/154452997X
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/P3-Selling-Essentials-Sales-Success/dp/154452997X

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Creators & Guests

• Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - Host
• Greg Nutter - Guest

In this episode of the Service-Based Business Society podcast, host Tiffany-Ann Bottcher dives deep into the art and importance of delegation for business growth. Tiffany-Ann shares her personal experiences and insights on how mastering the skill of delegation can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to scale their service-based businesses. She discusses the pros and cons of hiring support, the challenges of letting go of control, and actionable tips on how to build a team that complements your strengths. If you're aiming to delegate effectively and free up time to focus on scaling, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of delegation in business growth, the common pitfalls of hiring support, and the strategies entrepreneurs can use to leverage their teams more effectively for long-term success.

Key Insights

• Delegating is a learned skill that is essential for scaling any business.
• Complementary skills in your support team can significantly enhance productivity and business efficiency.
• Effective delegation allows business owners to focus on growth-oriented tasks rather than getting bogged down in daily minutiae.
• Hiring the right support requires trust, clear communication, and patience.
• A vague job description can evolve over time as the role of support personnel is better defined.
• Understanding that mistakes and growing pains are part of building a successful team is critical for long-term growth.
• Technology and tools like task management software can greatly enhance the effectiveness of delegation.

Creators & Guests

• Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - Host

In this episode, Tiffany Ann Bottcher chats with Michelle Denogean, a seasoned chief marketing officer and advisor with over 20 years of experience in the startup ecosystem. Michelle has transitioned from a creative career, initially aspiring to be an author and marketer, to a pivotal role in shaping business success within startups. She shares her insights on the psychology of startup founders and the evolution of leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and team dynamics in scaling businesses. Her unique perspective, informed by years of working alongside founders and her deep understanding of marketing and operations, provides valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their leadership skills and grow their businesses effectively.

Episode Summary

In this episode, the discussion focuses on the critical role of self-awareness in leadership and how recognizing blind spots can empower founders to scale their businesses effectively.

Key Insights

• Founders must identify their blind spots to avoid hindering growth.
• A balanced team with complementary superpowers is essential for success.
• Leadership styles must evolve from control to empowerment as businesses grow.
• Embracing pivots can lead to significant growth opportunities.
• Self-discovery is vital; founders should reflect on tasks they avoid to identify patterns.
• Trust in teams and delegating responsibilities fosters a culture of growth.
• Learning from failures is crucial for continuous improvement.

  Click here to watch a video of this episode.
  
  Creators & Guests

  • Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - Host
  • Michelle Denogean - Guest

About The Host:

Tiffany-Ann Bottcher is a strategic business consultant, podcast host, and mother known for her dynamic approach to digital business and leadership. She blends strategy and authentic connections, bringing practical insights to entrepreneurs and leaders navigating the world of service-based business.

YouTube: Tiffany-Ann Bottcher
Tiktok: @ta_bottcher
Website: bottcher.io

About the Guest:

Michelle Denogean is an accomplished marketing strategist and entrepreneur with a unique background spanning corporate leadership and creative pursuits. She leverages her expertise in marketing and operations to empower entrepreneurs.

Website: michelledenogean.com.