Who Do You Turn to When the Buck Stops with You?
As a CFO, my expertise is built on Financial Intelligence. Although a company’s financial situation is my starting point, my work is not just about profitability and cash flow. I care about the business as a whole and, while understanding the sensitivity associated with a client’s money, I want to also be able to speak to issues beyond those that are financial. Having built my own $20 million company, I can relate to issues clients face and share insight into overcoming challenges they encounter.
Wired to get to know people, relationships are a foundation of my business. I’m my highest and best self and do my best work when I have healthy personal connections with my clients. My aim is to assume the role of trusted advisor, and I dedicate efforts up front to developing solid relationships and gaining trust.
CEOs in Need of a Confidant
CEOs are sometimes hesitant to talk about financials – they may not have an in-depth understanding of their company’s numbers, or confidence in their level of knowledge about how to make a profit. They make financial decisions all the time but not necessarily based on the experience and data needed to support those decisions. Even though he or she is ultimately accountable for the financial success of the business, financials are not always their area of expertise. My goal is always to build a relationship on a foundation of trust so that CEOs will feel comfortable opening up about what they do or don’t understand about their financials.
Looking beyond the financials, many owners and CEOs – especially of small businesses and in entrepreneurial situations – don’t have anyone with whom they can deeply discuss, one-on-one, the difficult issues that keep them up at night. I find that a CEO’s challenges are often 80% about people and 20% about finances so solutions require emotional intelligence and an understanding of how to effectively deal with conflict.
I become the confidant they can talk with about being a CEO, not just about financials. Having been a CEO, with a partner, I’ve had some of the same experiences. I enjoy helping people and consider myself a resource for solutions, including connecting these business leaders with other trusted advisors from multiple areas of expertise.
You Ask, “What’s in It for Me?”
When you work with me, you get not only the professional financial piece but humor, business experience, and a lasting, trusting relationship. Following are some specific results, accomplishments, and benefits you can expect for your business, both now and for the long-term.
Financial Intelligence Unleashed – It’s the core of what I do!
• A thorough assessment of your financials and financial processes.
• A process and financial controls to ensure financial data that is timely and accurate.
• A gap analysis to calculate where you are versus where you want to be.
• The creation and implementation of a strategic plan and initiatives to maximize profitability and cash flow by growing the business, not just revenues.
Business Solutions to Reach Your Goals – It’s the problem-solving component I provide.
• My objective: To come alongside the business owner as a sounding board as well as a partner in the problem-solving solutions for all areas of the business.
• My experience can direct business owners to other trusted advisors with expertise in specific areas.
Using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for Your Benefit – Embraced by more than 80,000 companies, this practical method for achieving business success was developed by Gino Wickman, author of Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business.
• Development of an in-depth vision (starting point) and a plan to get everyone on board.
• Blueprint to help small businesses create structure early on in business.
• Guidance in implementing the overall structure and tools that are available in the EOS toolbox.
• Assistance developing yearly and quarterly goals (rocks).
• Help with regular meetings to ensure everyone is on track to achieve rocks and resolve critical issues.
Helps Prep for Your Eventual Exit – Implementation of what’s needed to run a highly profitable business involves many of the same steps to prepare for a successful exit.
• Development of a succession plan.
• Removal of yourself as the main cog in the business machine.
• A focus on working more on the business than in the business. Not every potential buyer or successor will want to be the main cog in the wheel of the business – they may want to be an absentee owner.
Introductions to a Network of Trusted Advisors – Each business has different needs for outsourced professionals. You may need assistance filling empty key roles in your organization or an introduction to a service professional to help round out a specific discipline.
Through the organizations I belong to I can bring to the table trusted advisors in multiple areas including HR, marketing, sales, operations, IT.
I appreciate kind words from clients who refer to me as accessible, knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, grounded, easy to work with, a good listener, and a trusted advisor. These comments are indicative of the kinds of relationships I work to cultivate.
Watch this short video to learn more about the value I can bring to your business. Then contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your company’s needs – financial and beyond.
