Pivot With Purpose – Evolving Goals While Staying True To Your Core Balanced podcast

7:44

Mastering Focus: Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Thrive In this episode of Balanced the Podcast, host Stephanie discusses the critical importance of focus for entrepreneurs. Stephanie highlights how distractions hinder productivity and offers practical tips to help listeners reclaim their ability to perform deep work. Key strategies include creating a distraction-free workspace, using the Pomodoro technique, setting digital boundaries, understanding personal focus windows, and learning to say no. Stephanie also recommends Cal Newport's book 'Deep Work' for deeper insights into focused high-quality work. The episode wraps up with a recap of actionable steps and an invitation for a free consultation to improve business workflows. 00:00 Welcome to Balanced: Finding Harmony in Business and Life 00:47 The Struggle with Focus: A Common Entrepreneurial Challenge 01:36 Why Focus Matters: Your Most Valuable Resource 02:12 Creating a Distraction-Free Workspace 02:58 Mastering the Pomodoro Technique 03:53 Setting Digital Boundaries for Better Focus 04:38 Understanding Your Focus Windows 05:24 The Power of Saying No 05:48 Recap and Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Focus 06:36 Closing Remarks: Empowering Your Journey Resources & Freebies Mentioned: Deep Work by Cal Newport — A must-read if you want to master focus Pomodoro Notebooks — Great for analog lovers who like to see their progress Want Support? Book a FREE consultation with Steph at Starlight Bookkeeping to discuss your business goals! Solidify your foundation first! Download our FREE "Leaky Bucket Report" and find hidden funds for growth. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Balanced: Get more real-world tips for launching and growing! . Share this episode: Help a fellow entrepreneur break free from perfection paralysis! Leave a review —it helps us reach more amazing humans like you! Follow Steph on Instagram for more tips on bookkeeping, business systems, and building a life that actually feels good Your focus is your power. Protect, practice, and watch your business (and peace of mind) thrive. quote.starlightbookkeeping.com Bookkeeping Quote Questionnaire Find your personalized bookkeeping quote (145 kB) https://quote.starlightbookkeeping.com/ report.starlightbookkeeping.com Get the Leaky Bucket Report How is your business wasting cash flow? Find out with this handy checklist. (145 kB) https://report.starlightbookkeeping.com/ starlightbookkeeping.com Podcast | Starlight Bookkeeping Catch our latest podcast releases where we talk about tips and tricks for business bookkeeping. (145 kB) https://starlightbookkeeping.com/podcast Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Pay Yourself First- Ensuring Your Business Funds Your Life 27:51

14 days ago27:51

27:51

Are You Paying Everyone but Yourself? Why It’s Time to Prioritize Your Paycheck Tired of Being the Last One Paid? Here’s How to Flip the Script Too many entrepreneurs hustle hard… and end up with nothing in their personal bank accounts. In this episode of Balanced, Steph delivers a financial reality check: if your business isn’t paying you, it’s broken. Steph dives into the mindset and mechanics behind paying yourself first—even when cash flow feels tight. Learn how to restructure your thinking, systems, and expenses so your business funds your life, not the other way around. This episode is packed with real strategies (like Profit First), mini mindset shifts, and a 9-step checklist to help you finally get paid. Because you didn’t start your business to be your own worst boss. What You’ll Learn [0:00] Welcome + The Pain of Not Paying Yourself The big question: Are you the only one in your business not getting paid? [2:45] You’re Not Alone: The Stats & Struggles of Entrepreneurs Why more than 50% of small business owners pay everyone but themselves? [5:20] The “Unpaid Job” Trap & Why Mindset Matters If you don’t pay yourself, your business becomes your biggest burnout risk. [6:40] Three Core Reasons to Pay Yourself First Validate your work Measure financial health Build personal stability [8:00] Real Talk: How to Start Paying Yourself From mindset to method—how to shift your budget and cash flow priorities. [8:34] Strategy #1: Treat Yourself as a Business Expense Learn to write your name at the top of the budget sheet. [10:00] Strategy #2: Use the Profit First Method How to set up separate accounts and bake your pay into the system. [12:28] Strategy #3: Decide on a Realistic Salary + Frequency Why is even $100/week better than zero, and how can we scale from there? [14:10] Strategy #4: Trim Costs or Raise Prices Find the hidden cash already in your business and unlock your paycheck. [15:48] Strategy #5: Start Small & Stay Consistent The psychology of tiny paychecks—and how they help you build up over time. [17:10] Your 9-Step Action Plan to Get Paid A checklist for implementing everything from tracking to automation. [21:30] Prevent Burnout by Connecting to Your Why Paying yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the key to staying in love with your business. [24:47] Final Words & Free Consultation Invite Need help applying this to your business? Steph has your back. Resources & Freebies Mentioned • Need Support? Book a free, no-pressure financial clarity session with Starlight Bookkeeping • Want to Find Hidden Cash Leaks? Grab your free copy of The Leaky Bucket Report • Follow Steph on Instagram for practical bookkeeping tips, real-life biz reflections & more 📩 Enjoyed this episode? → Subscribe to Balanced for weekly business & money mindset boosts → Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs this message → Leave a review—it helps us reach more people like you! Your business should fund your life—not the other way around. You deserve to get paid. Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Bounce Back Energy- Finding Strength After Setbacks 24:32

21 days ago24:32

24:32

Feeling rejected? How to find your strength as an entrepreneur & keep going Rejection is a tough pill to swallow in the entrepreneurial world. On this episode of Balanced, Steph gets real about those moments that make you question everything. But it's not about avoiding the "nos," it's about how you respond to them. Learn her empowering "BOUNCE" method, a practical guide to reframe rejection, build inner resilience, and tap into your support system. These six steps will help you navigate those inevitable setbacks and keep your entrepreneurial journey on track. Consider this your mini-workshop on how to choose a mindset of growth and keep your entrepreneurial fire burning bright! What You'll Learn: [0:15] My First Big "Ouch!": The story of my initial client rejection and the self-doubt spiral. [2:03] It's Not a Sign You Should Quit: Why rejection is a common (and survivable!) part of entrepreneurship. 5:18] Remember Who You Are: Separating your identity from a single outcome. [8:35] Maybe It's Pointing You Somewhere Better?: Reframing rejection as a potential redirection. [9:50] My 6-Step Secret Weapon: The BOUNCE Method for Building Resilience. B - Brief Pause: Give yourself permission to feel it, then regroup. O - Observe: Take a step back and look at the facts (and your feelings). U - Uncover: What's the hidden lesson in this experience? N - Navigate: What's one small step you can take forward? C - Choose: Decide that this will make you stronger, not weaker. E - Enlist: You're not alone – reach out for support and encouragement. Keep Believing: Why your vision is worth fighting for. Need a Little Extra Support? Feeling Stuck After a Setback? Let's get you some clarity. Book a no-pressure chat with Starlight Bookkeeping today to discuss your business finances. You Have the Power to Bounce Back from Anything - Including Financial Drain! Get your free copy of "The Leaky Bucket Report" and uncover the hidden ways your business could be hemorrhaging cash. Don't Miss the Next Dose of Encouragement & Business Wisdom! Subscribe to Balanced for more relatable episodes. Know Someone Who Needs This Message? Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who's facing a tough "no." Help inspire others! Share this episode if it resonated with you. Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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From Scrambling to Secure: Mastering Cash Flow 31:48

22 days ago31:48

31:48

Feeling that Friday payroll panic? Landed a big client but worried about upfront costs? You're not alone! In this essential episode, your host Stephanie Blaine from Balanced gets real about cash flow – the money moving in and out of your business – and why understanding it is your superpower. Forget complicated jargon; we're breaking down the everyday cash flow headaches and giving you actionable steps to take control, starting today! What You'll Learn: [1:01] The Cash Flow Reality Check: Understand the simple definition of cash flow (money in MINUS money out) and why it's the heartbeat of your business. [4:03] Common Cash Flow Nightmares (and how to recognize them): Inconsistent income, surprise expenses, and the dreaded slow-paying clients – sound familiar? [8:58] Why Cash Flow Trumps Everything (even profit!): Discover the shocking statistic about why most businesses fail (hint: it's often NOT what you think). [16:14] Your Cash Flow Action Plan: Practical Bookkeeping Habits: [16:40] Know Your Numbers: The non-negotiable first step – keep those books updated! [18:03] See the Future with a Cash Flow Forecast: Your simple plan for upcoming income and expenses. [19:33] Get Paid Faster, Seriously: Smart invoicing and follow-up strategies. [22:47] Spend Smarter, Not Just Less: Negotiating, staggering bills, and cutting the fluff. [25:05] Build Your Business Safety Net: The Cash Cushion. [26:29] Tech Tools to Save the Day (and your sanity). [27:38] Pricing & Inventory That Support Cash Flow. [29:15] Your Role vs. Your Bookkeeper: The Ultimate Cash Flow Team. [30:35] Key Takeaways: Your Cash Flow Cheat Sheet. Ready to Take Control? Free Cash Flow Clarity Call: Book your no-pressure consultation with Starlight Bookkeeping today! Visit Starlight Bookkeeping: Learn more about how we can help your business thrive. Don't Miss Out: Subscribe to Balanced for more practical business insights! Spread the Word: Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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The Balance Trap - Why Chasing Even Isn't The Goal 23:01

5 weeks ago23:01

23:01

Juggling Your Business, Family, and Life? Let's Find Your Rhythm. Welcome back to Balanced! It's Steph, and if you're a small business owner trying to navigate the demands of your work, your family, and everything else life throws your way, you're in the right place. In this practical 23-minute episode, we're moving beyond the myth of perfect "balance" and exploring how to create a sustainable rhythm that integrates all the important parts of your world. What We're Exploring for Busy Business Owners: [1:01] Beyond the Myth of Equal Time: Why striving for a perfectly divided day often leads to feeling overwhelmed, especially when family is in the mix. [2:35] Recognizing the Natural Flow of Your Life and Business: Understanding that some periods will naturally require more focus on one area than others, and that's okay. [5:12] Aligning Your Actions with Your Core Priorities (Business, Family, and Personal): Making conscious choices about where to invest your limited time and energy based on what truly matters. [7:18] Integration Over Immediate Perfection: Viewing the process as a continuous effort to weave together your different roles, rather than achieving a static state of "balance." [9:33] Creating Supportive Structures for Your Day and Week: Developing flexible routines and systems that accommodate both your business needs and your family commitments. [13:05] Intentionally Focusing Your Energy: Recognizing that sometimes intense focus on your business is necessary, followed by dedicated time for family and personal life. [15:02] Your Daily Check-In: A Simple Tool for Staying Connected to Your Needs and Adjusting Course: Taking a moment to assess your energy levels and priorities. [17:15] Accepting the Imperfect Reality of Building a Business and Raising a Family: Understanding that some weeks will feel more chaotic than others, and that's a normal part of the journey. [19:03] Evaluating Where Your Time Goes: Is It Serving Your Business, Your Family, or Yourself?: Learning to identify and minimize activities that don't align with your priorities. [21:08] The Real Goal: Feeling Present and Engaged in What You're Doing: Prioritizing your overall well-being so you can thrive in all aspects of your life. Ready to Find a Sustainable Rhythm for Your Business, Family, and Life? Stop feeling overwhelmed by the juggle. Book a free consultation to explore how clear bookkeeping can create space for both your business growth and your well-being. Are hidden cash leaks impacting your business and your peace of mind? Get your FREE Leaky Bucket Report, it reveals 52 often-overlooked ways your business might be losing money, so you can patch the holes and breathe easier. Stay Inspired for Managing Your Business and Life: Subscribe to Balanced! Share This with Other Small Business Owners Juggling Family: Help them find a better way! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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More Than Cutting Costs- Asking the Deeper Questions To Save Money In Business 10:26

6 weeks ago10:26

10:26

Want to Actually Grow Your Business While Still Enjoying Your Latte? Welcome back to Balanced! Steph, your bookkeeper and fellow entrepreneur, is sharing a game-changing perspective in this quick 10-minute episode. Forget restrictive budgeting and the myth of constant cost-cutting. Discover how intentional spending and financial clarity are your secret weapons for sustainable savings and business success (yes, the latte is safe!). Tune in for the details! What You'll Learn: [0:25] The Latte Lie: Why cutting small personal expenses isn't the key to business savings. [1:05] Intentional Spending > Blind Cutting: Focusing on making every dollar work for your business goals. [2:05] Unlock Your Bookkeeping Power: See your financial records as a tool for strategic decision-making. [3:10] Quick Bookkeeping Wins: Learn to analyze your profit & loss, gross margins, and expense categories. [5:10] Value Your Time: Understand the real cost of doing everything yourself. [6:40] Time Audit 101: Simple steps to track your time and identify areas for outsourcing. [7:55] Spending with Intention: Align your business spending with your core values and growth objectives. [9:05] Spend to Save: Discover when strategic investments can lead to long-term cost savings. [9:45] Get Financial Clarity Now: Learn about Steph's free consultations and in-depth diagnostic reviews. Resources to Take Action: Get personalized advice! Book your FREE one-on-one bookkeeping consultation today. Ready for a deep dive into your financials? Explore the Diagnostic Review service. Don't miss out on more practical business tips! Subscribe to Balanced! Help another entrepreneur find financial peace – share this episode! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Clean Books, Clear Mind: The Stress-Free Guide to Organizing Your Business Finances 13:04

7 weeks ago13:04

13:04

Welcome back to Balanced the Podcast! Your host, Steph (bookkeeper and business owner), brings you real, down-to-earth conversations about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, helping you balance business growth and a fulfilling life. In this episode, we're tackling a topic that can often feel overwhelming but is absolutely crucial for business success and peace of mind: organizing your business finances . If you've ever felt like your bookkeeping is a chaotic puzzle, you're not alone. Steph shares practical, stress-free strategies to get your books in order, leading to a clearer mind and more control over your business. Key Topics Covered: [0:40] Clean Books, Clear Mind: Why organized bookkeeping means peace of mind and business control, beyond just taxes. [1:30] The Cost of Messy Books: Discover how disorganized finances hurt your business with missed deductions and tax stress. [3:00] Declutter Your Business Finances: A Step-by-Step Guide: Actionable steps to streamline your bookkeeping system. [3:45] Step 1: Simplify Categories: Declutter your accounts for easier tracking. [5:00] Pro Tip: Use Bank Feeds: Simplify categorization by connecting your accounts. [5:30] Step 2: Reconcile Accounts: Match transactions to bank statements for accuracy and fraud prevention. [6:30] Step 3: Review Recurring Transactions: Cut unnecessary subscriptions to save money. [8:00] The Golden Rule of Financial Clarity: Steph's key principle for effective bookkeeping. [9:00] Stay Tax Ready: Your Monthly 15-Minute Routine: Simple habits for year-round financial organization and less tax stress. [9:30] Categorize Transactions Consistently. [10:00] Review Your Income Accuracy. [10:30] Check and Follow Up on Unpaid Invoices. [11:00] Tools for Easy Bookkeeping: Explore QuickBooks features and helpful apps. [11:15] Automate with QuickBooks Bank Rules. [12:00] Use the "Ask My Accountant" Category. [12:30] Simplify Receipts with Management Apps. [13:45] DIY vs. Hiring a Bookkeeper: Making the Right Choice: Guidance on when to handle books yourself or get professional help. [16:30] The Benefits of Organized Finances: Recap: clean books improve your business and well-being. [17:00] Your Next Steps: Free Checklist & Review: Resources to implement better bookkeeping. [17:15] Get Your Free Bookkeeping Checklist. [17:45] Book a QuickBooks Diagnostic Review for Personalized Help. [18:45] Conclusion: Achieve Financial Clarity for Business Success. Links & Resources: Keep your books squeaky clean year-round with your FREE no-stress guide to keeping your business finances in check Book a diagnostic review for your QuickBooks to get a personalized step-by-step plan to declutter your business finances. Looking for more real-world business strategies? Subscribe to Balanced and get actionable tips in every episode! Know an entrepreneur who needs practical solutions? Share this Balanced episode – it could be exactly what they need! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Ready, Set, Scale: Prepare Your Business Today for Tomorrow’s Growth 25:15

7 weeks ago25:15

25:15

Ready to scale your business without the overwhelm? Join your host Steph, a bookkeeper and fellow entrepreneur, who's built a business, she shares the real, actionable steps you can take today to set yourself up for success tomorrow. On this episode of Balanced, Steph breaks down the practical strategies for getting your finances scale-ready , building efficient business systems , cultivating the right growth mindset and leadership , and strategically building your support team . If you're dreaming of expansion but not sure where to start, this is for you. Grab your coffee and let's make scaling feel less scary and more "let's do this!" Key Growth Prep Steps: [1:44] Financial Fitness for Scaling: Know your numbers to grow confidently. [2:50] Keep Books Updated (Monthly Wins!). [3:36] Focus on What Matters: Key Metrics. [4:18] Secure Your Future with a Cash Buffer. [4:55] Make Growth Real with Simple Planning. [5:50] Smart to Ask for Financial Help. [8:30] Smooth Scaling with Systems: Document once, grow easily. [9:10] Your First Task SOP. [10:00] Automate & Use Templates: Save Time! [11:10] Organized Files = Future Sanity. [11:50] Regular Review for Growth. [13:10] Lead Your Growth: Mindset Matters: Shift to CEO thinking. [13:55] Your Dedicated Growth Hour. [14:45] Believe You Can Grow. [15:15] Invest in Being a Better Leader. [16:00] Let Others Help You Grow. [17:10] See Yourself as the Future CEO. [18:30] Your Dream Team for Scaling: Delegate for bigger impact. [19:05] Envision Your Future Team. [19:50] Start Delegating Something Small. [20:25] "Who Not How" for the Win! [21:15] Hire People Who Get You. [21:55] Communicate & Trust Your Team. Ready to take the first step towards scale-ready finances? Get a FREE consultation with Steph at Starlight Bookkeeping to discuss your growth! Before you scale, make sure your financial foundation is solid. Download our FREE "Leaky Bucket Report" and find money that could be used for growth! Subscribe to Balanced for more real-world scaling strategies and actionable tips in every episode! Share this with an entrepreneur ready to scale – it could be exactly what they need! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Pivot with Purpose – Evolving Goals While Staying True to Your Core 28:34

7 weeks ago28:34

28:34

Feeling stuck with a business goal that no longer resonates? Host Steph Blain gets real about why it's not only okay, but powerful, to pivot in your entrepreneurial journey. Learn to shed the guilt of changing direction and discover how aligning your business decisions with your core values leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. This episode provides practical insights on recognizing when it's time to evolve your goals and how to do so authentically. Key Pivot Points: [0:55] The Pressure to Persevere (and Permission to Change): Why sticking to a misaligned goal hurts. [2:30] Paradigm Shifts: A Natural Part of Business Growth: Understanding fundamental changes in your perspective. [4:15] The Strength in Adapting: What the Smartest Leaders Know: Embracing flexibility over stubbornness. [5:45] Overcoming Pivot Paralysis: Releasing the Guilt of Changing Your Mind: It's progress, not failure. [8:15] You're the Driver: Reclaiming Ownership of Your Goals: They serve you, not the other way around. [9:45] Beginning with Your "Why": Aligning Vision and Core Values: The foundation for purposeful direction. [14:30] Your Guiding Principles: Identifying and Honoring Core Values: Your internal compass for decision-making. [20:45] Purposeful Pivoting: Strategic Evolution, Not Impulsive Action: Knowing your "why" behind the change. [23:30] A Simple 3-Step Framework for Intentional Pivots: Reflect, Realign, Plan for a smoother transition. [26:45] Turning Past Goals into Future Wisdom: Learning from Every Experience: No effort is truly wasted. [27:30] Your Values as Your Anchor: Staying Grounded Through Business Changes: Maintaining authenticity. Take Action & Connect: [27:50] Your 10-Minute Pivot Reflection: Identify a goal causing stress and assess its alignment with your values. Share your insights! DM Stephanie on Instagram @_stephblain_ Subscribe to Balanced: Don't miss future conversations on balancing business and life! Leave a Review! Your feedback helps other entrepreneurs discover valuable content. Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Perfection Paralysis: Launching Before You’re 100% Ready 24:45

7 weeks ago24:45

24:45

Are you a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur held back by the need for everything to be "just right" before you launch? Host Steph Blain shares relatable experiences and practical strategies to break free from perfection paralysis . Learn to embrace imperfect action, effectively organize business finances , and find more work life balance by launching before you're 100% ready. This podcast for entrepreneurs offers real-world advice for navigating the challenges of starting a business . Inside This Episode: Steph Blain's Vulnerable Launch Story [0:45]: Relatable honesty about launching outside the comfort zone. Defining Perfection Paralysis [2:15]: The frustrating state of stalled progress in your financial organization . The Fear Behind the Facade [5:30]: Exploring the anxieties fueling perfectionism (failure, judgment, imposter syndrome) as a business owner . Lost Opportunities: The Price of Waiting for Perfect [8:30]: Real-world consequences of delay when building your small business . Key Mindset Shifts for Progress: Done > Perfect (in your bookkeeping & accounting) Embrace the First Draft Service Over Self Fear as a Sign of Growth Compare Less Actionable Strategies to Launch Now: Set a Public Deadline Break it Down Define Non-Negotiables Embrace "Good Enough" & Beta Take Imperfect Action Now: [24:15] What's one tiny, imperfect step you can commit to in the next 24 hours? Ready to ditch perfectionism and grow? Get a FREE consultation with Steph at Starlight Bookkeeping to discuss your business goals! Solidify your foundation first! Download our FREE "Leaky Bucket Report" and find hidden funds for growth. Subscribe to Balanced: Get more real-world tips for launching and growing! . Share this episode: Help a fellow entrepreneur break free from perfection paralysis! Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!…

Balanced

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Episode 1 - Welcome to Balanced the Podcast! 11:10

8 weeks ago11:10