In this episode, host Jay Allen from My True North dives deep into one of the biggest hurdles for businesses hovering in the six-figure range: managing money and cash flow as you push toward that elusive seven-figure milestone.Jay unpacks the hidden dangers of “growing broke” versus simply “going broke,” revealing how rapid expansion can put your business at risk if cash flow isn’t managed with foresight and discipline. Drawing on years of research and real-life cautionary tales, including his own personal business setbacks, Jay breaks down practical strategies for building cash reserves, forecasting cash flow, and negotiating payment terms—especially when dealing with large corporate clients.This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid the most common financial pitfalls and confidently scale your business to new heights. If you’re ready to take control of your company’s financial health and ensure it thrives through every stage of growth, you won’t want to miss this conversation.3 Key Takeaways for Growth-Minded Business Owners:Distinguish "Going Broke" vs. "Growing Broke": It’s not only a lack of money that kills businesses, but sometimes, fast growth with poor cashflow planning. Scaling too quickly without reserves can be just as dangerous as not making enough sales.Cashflow Forecasting is Critical: Don’t just rely on historical data or your profit and loss statement. Proactively manage when money is due in and out with comprehensive cashflow forecasting. It’s a game-changer for making confident business decisions.Negotiate Better Payment Terms: If long payment cycles are standard in your industry, don’t just accept the risk. Renegotiate terms, consider offering early payment discounts, or align with initiatives like the Fair Pay to Small Business scheme. It’s YOUR business—set terms that protect your growth.If you haven’t yet, think about embedding a cashflow forecast into your business toolkit—Jay shares a ready-made calculator and actionable advice in this episode.Unlock the secrets to sustainable business growth in Episode 82 of the #Add A Zero Podcast! Join host Jay Allen from My True North as he dives deep into the three biggest money and cash flow challenges faced by ambitious six-figure businesses aiming for that elusive seven-figure milestone. Discover practical strategies to avoid the dangers of "growing broke," manage your cash flow like a pro, and build the financial foundations to scale your business with confidence. Whether you’re an owner with a small team or an entrepreneur hungry to break into the next tier, this episode is packed with real-world advice, actionable tips, and proven tools to help you master your finances and transform your business journey. Subscribe now and start scaling smarter with the UK’s leading ethical business consultancy!#BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusiness #MyTrueNorth #ADDAZEROFull Episode on Wednesday at 12pm

In this episode, host Jay Allen from My True North dives deep into one of the biggest hurdles for businesses hovering in the six-figure range: managing money and cash flow as you push toward that elusive seven-figure milestone.Jay unpacks the hidden dangers of “growing broke” versus simply “going broke,” revealing how rapid expansion can put your business at risk if cash flow isn’t managed with foresight and discipline. Drawing on years of research and real-life cautionary tales, including his own personal business setbacks, Jay breaks down practical strategies for building cash reserves, forecasting cash flow, and negotiating payment terms—especially when dealing with large corporate clients.This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid the most common financial pitfalls and confidently scale your business to new heights. If you’re ready to take control of your company’s financial health and ensure it thrives through every stage of growth, you won’t want to miss this conversation.3 Key Takeaways for Growth-Minded Business Owners:Distinguish "Going Broke" vs. "Growing Broke": It’s not only a lack of money that kills businesses, but sometimes, fast growth with poor cashflow planning. Scaling too quickly without reserves can be just as dangerous as not making enough sales.Cashflow Forecasting is Critical: Don’t just rely on historical data or your profit and loss statement. Proactively manage when money is due in and out with comprehensive cashflow forecasting. It’s a game-changer for making confident business decisions.Negotiate Better Payment Terms: If long payment cycles are standard in your industry, don’t just accept the risk. Renegotiate terms, consider offering early payment discounts, or align with initiatives like the Fair Pay to Small Business scheme. It’s YOUR business—set terms that protect your growth.If you haven’t yet, think about embedding a cashflow forecast into your business toolkit—Jay shares a ready-made calculator and actionable advice in this episode.Unlock the secrets to sustainable business growth in Episode 82 of the #Add A Zero Podcast! Join host Jay Allen from My True North as he dives deep into the three biggest money and cash flow challenges faced by ambitious six-figure businesses aiming for that elusive seven-figure milestone. Discover practical strategies to avoid the dangers of "growing broke," manage your cash flow like a pro, and build the financial foundations to scale your business with confidence. Whether you’re an owner with a small team or an entrepreneur hungry to break into the next tier, this episode is packed with real-world advice, actionable tips, and proven tools to help you master your finances and transform your business journey. Subscribe now and start scaling smarter with the UK’s leading ethical business consultancy!#BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusiness #MyTrueNorth #ADDAZEROFull Episode on Wednesday at 12pm

In episode 81 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two insightful guests, Adam Lawson and Steven, co-directors of Swift Tree Services. Over the course of the episode, they shared transformative experiences propelled by the Add A Zero Basecamp program that have profoundly impacted their business.

Their story begins with an all-too-familiar scenario for many entrepreneurs: a thriving business operating at full throttle, but with a catch—they were on the brink of burnout, caught in a cycle of saying yes to everyone and struggling to keep up. Like many business owners, they faced the dilemma of whether to continue down this exhausting path or to make a conscious pivot in their approach.

Enter the concept they adopted, which I like to call "Structured Growth." It’s not just about addressing the immediate challenges but designing a strategy that focuses on key areas critical for sustainable growth. Adam and Steven highlighted how their initial engagement involved completing a detailed 35-question survey that exposed significant knowledge gaps and opportunities for improvement, particularly in financial management and operational structure.

Just like an athlete analysing and refining their technique, Adam and Steven committed to a systematic review of their business processes. The structured approach taken through the Add A Zero methodology—emphasising clear cash flow forecasts and credit control—became their new practice plan, akin to a musician refining scales or a sportsperson mastering basic drills before advancing to complex moves.

The importance of this new methodology was not just the clarity it brought, but the empowerment to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive structuring. Within just three months, their approach saw tangible results: improved profits, a healthier cash flow, and better team morale, as the strain on their staff decreased and their future with the company seemed more assured.

Why is Structured Growth significant? Because it’s about calculated, measurable steps that prioritise the wellbeing of both leadership and team, creating an environment where motivation thrives. It’s about moving beyond day-to-day survival to strategised advancement, ensuring that the path to success is sustainable and impactful.

For Adam and Steven, the resonance of Structured Growth continues to ripple through their team. As they looked forward to the next 3-5 years, the roadmap provided by the Add A Zero methodology paved the way for balanced growth, more informed decision-making, and the freedom to shape their entrepreneurial journey on their terms.

Their experience exemplifies how changing the practice to focus on structure and calculated decisions can transform the trajectory of a business, much like how an athlete fine-tunes their training regimen to leap further, run faster, or play better.

So, for all those business owners out there who feel like they are at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of exhaustion, consider this approach. Take the leap into Structured Growth and see how it can not only add a zero to your revenue but also to the satisfaction, impact, and sustainability of your business. Get in touch, and let’s shape the future of business success together.

#BusinessGrowth, #SustainableGrowth, #CoachingImpact, #LeadershipChallenge, #SwiftTreeServices, #ADAZero, #BasecampProgram, #CashFlowForecasting, #CreditControl, #TeamDevelopment, #ClientPerspective, #BusinessTurnaround, #EntrepreneurialJourney, #DirectorExperience, #OperationalEfficiency

In episode 81 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two insightful guests, Adam Lawson and Steven, co-directors of Swift Tree Services. Over the course of the episode, they shared transformative experiences propelled by the Add A Zero Basecamp program that have profoundly impacted their business.Their story begins with an all-too-familiar scenario for many entrepreneurs: a thriving business operating at full throttle, but with a catch—they were on the brink of burnout, caught in a cycle of saying yes to everyone and struggling to keep up. Like many business owners, they faced the dilemma of whether to continue down this exhausting path or to make a conscious pivot in their approach.Enter the concept they adopted which I like to call "Structured Growth." It’s not just about addressing the immediate challenges but designing a strategy that focuses on key areas critical for sustainable growth. Adam and Steven highlighted how their initial engagement involved completing a detailed 35-question survey that exposed significant knowledge gaps and opportunities for improvement, particularly in financial management and operational structure.Just like an athlete analyzing and refining their technique, Adam and Steven committed to a systematic review of their business processes. The structured approach taken through the Add A Zero methodology—emphasizing clear cash flow forecasts and credit control—became their new practice plan, akin to a musician refining scales or a sportsperson mastering basic drills before advancing to complex moves.The importance of this new methodology was not just the clarity it brought, but the empowerment to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive structuring. Within just three months, their approach saw tangible results: improved profits, a healthier cash flow, and better team morale, as the strain on their staff decreased and their future with the company seemed more assured.Why is Structured Growth significant? Because it’s about calculated, measurable steps that prioritize the wellbeing of both leadership and team, creating an environment where motivation thrives. It’s about moving beyond day-to-day survival to strategized advancement, ensuring that the path to success is sustainable and impactful.For Adam and Steven, the resonance of Structured Growth continues to ripple through their team. As they looked forward to the next 3-5 years, the roadmap provided by the Add A Zero methodology paved the way for balanced growth, more informed decision-making, and the freedom to shape their entrepreneurial journey on their terms.Their experience exemplifies how changing the practice to focus on structure and calculated decisions can transform the trajectory of a business, much like how an athlete fine-tunes their training regimen to leap further, run faster, or play better.So, for all those business owners out there who feel like they are at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of exhaustion, consider this approach. Take the leap into Structured Growth and see how it can not only add a zero to your revenue but also to the satisfaction, impact, and sustainability of your business. Try it out, and let’s shape the future of business success together.#BusinessGrowth, #SustainableGrowth, #CoachingImpact, #LeadershipChallenge, #SwiftTreeServices, #ADAZero, #BasecampProgram, #CashFlowForecasting, #CreditControl, #TeamDevelopment, #ClientPerspective, #BusinessTurnaround, #EntrepreneurialJourney, #DirectorExperience, #OperationalEfficiencyFull Episode Wednesday from 12pm

In episode 81 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two insightful guests, Adam Lawson and Steven, co-directors of Swift Tree Services. Over the course of the episode, they shared transformative experiences propelled by the Add A Zero Basecamp program that have profoundly impacted their business.Their story begins with an all-too-familiar scenario for many entrepreneurs: a thriving business operating at full throttle, but with a catch—they were on the brink of burnout, caught in a cycle of saying yes to everyone and struggling to keep up. Like many business owners, they faced the dilemma of whether to continue down this exhausting path or to make a conscious pivot in their approach.Enter the concept they adopted which I like to call "Structured Growth." It’s not just about addressing the immediate challenges but designing a strategy that focuses on key areas critical for sustainable growth. Adam and Steven highlighted how their initial engagement involved completing a detailed 35-question survey that exposed significant knowledge gaps and opportunities for improvement, particularly in financial management and operational structure.Just like an athlete analyzing and refining their technique, Adam and Steven committed to a systematic review of their business processes. The structured approach taken through the Add A Zero methodology—emphasizing clear cash flow forecasts and credit control—became their new practice plan, akin to a musician refining scales or a sportsperson mastering basic drills before advancing to complex moves.The importance of this new methodology was not just the clarity it brought, but the empowerment to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive structuring. Within just three months, their approach saw tangible results: improved profits, a healthier cash flow, and better team morale, as the strain on their staff decreased and their future with the company seemed more assured.Why is Structured Growth significant? Because it’s about calculated, measurable steps that prioritize the wellbeing of both leadership and team, creating an environment where motivation thrives. It’s about moving beyond day-to-day survival to strategized advancement, ensuring that the path to success is sustainable and impactful.For Adam and Steven, the resonance of Structured Growth continues to ripple through their team. As they looked forward to the next 3-5 years, the roadmap provided by the Add A Zero methodology paved the way for balanced growth, more informed decision-making, and the freedom to shape their entrepreneurial journey on their terms.Their experience exemplifies how changing the practice to focus on structure and calculated decisions can transform the trajectory of a business, much like how an athlete fine-tunes their training regimen to leap further, run faster, or play better.So, for all those business owners out there who feel like they are at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of exhaustion, consider this approach. Take the leap into Structured Growth and see how it can not only add a zero to your revenue but also to the satisfaction, impact, and sustainability of your business. Try it out, and let’s shape the future of business success together.#BusinessGrowth, #SustainableGrowth, #CoachingImpact, #LeadershipChallenge, #SwiftTreeServices, #ADAZero, #BasecampProgram, #CashFlowForecasting, #CreditControl, #TeamDevelopment, #ClientPerspective, #BusinessTurnaround, #EntrepreneurialJourney, #DirectorExperience, #OperationalEfficiency

Full Episode Wednesday at 12pm

In this weeks video we're diving deep into one of the most pressing challenges faced by SME businesses in the UK: pricing strategy.

Over the last couple of weeks, we've explored other fundamental issues like marketing and sales processes. Now, imagine your marketing efforts have hit the bullseye and your sales strategy is on point. You're selling, but how confident are you in your pricing model?

Many businesses fall into the trap of using a simple cost plus markup or pegging their prices somewhere between market averages, both of which often underestimate the true costs and potential profit margins.

Join me as we uncover the hidden factors in these pricing models and introduce effective strategies to maximise your profits.

Plus, hear real-life success stories, like a client who transformed their single-figure profit margins into substantial gains by re-evaluating their pricing strategy.

What is the cost-plus pricing model, and how does it function? The cost-plus pricing model is a straightforward method used by many businesses for setting prices. It begins with calculating the total cost of producing a product or delivering a service, including all expenses such as materials, labour, and overhead.

Once the total cost is established, a markup percentage is added on top to ensure profit. For example, if a product costs £100 to produce and the business wants a 20% profit margin, the price would be set at £120.Despite its simplicity, the cost-plus model is not without its pitfalls.

As I discuss in the Add A Zero Podcast, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gravitate towards this model without fully understanding their fixed and variable costs, leading to misinformed pricing strategies. Fixed costs include regular expenses like rent and utilities, necessary for keeping the business operational, irrespective of sales volume. Variable costs fluctuate depending on the level of production or service provision, such as raw material costs or hourly wages.

Understanding these cost components is crucial. Companies often fall into the trap of either underpricing or overpricing, both of which can be detrimental. Underpricing may erode profit margins, while overpricing can reduce competitive edge. The significance of a robust pricing strategy cannot be overstated; it supports sustainable business growth, improving both the top and bottom lines. By knowing their numbers and strategically packaging and promoting their offerings, businesses can optimise their pricing strategies, ensuring profitability and long-term success.

The key takeaway?

Know your fixed and variable costs inside out, then tailor your pricing strategy to improve profit margins. It’s all about adding a zero to your bottom line. If you're ready to transform your pricing game, this episode is a must-listen!

#AddAZeroPodcast, #PricingStrategy, #SMEChallenges, #CostPlusPricing, #MarketAverages, #FixedCosts, #VariableCosts, #ProfitMargin, #PricingModels, #Masterclass, #BusinessGrowth, #PricingAndProfit

In this weeks video we're diving deep into one of the most pressing challenges faced by SME businesses in the UK: pricing strategy. Over the last couple of weeks, we've explored other fundamental issues like marketing and sales processes. Now, imagine your marketing efforts have hit the bullseye and your sales strategy is on point. You're selling, but how confident are you in your pricing model? Many businesses fall into the trap of using a simple cost plus markup or pegging their prices somewhere between market averages, both of which often underestimate the true costs and potential profit margins. Join me as we uncover the hidden factors in these pricing models and introduce effective strategies to maximize your profits. Plus, hear real-life success stories, like a client who transformed their single-figure profit margins into substantial gains by re-evaluating their pricing strategy. What is the cost-plus pricing model, and how does it function? The cost-plus pricing model is a straightforward method used by many businesses for setting prices. It begins with calculating the total cost of producing a product or delivering a service, including all expenses such as materials, labor, and overheads. Once the total cost is established, a markup percentage is added on top to ensure profit. For example, if a product costs $100 to produce and the business wants a 20% profit margin, the price would be set at $120.Despite its simplicity, the cost-plus model is not without its pitfalls. As Jay Allen discussed in the Add A Zero Podcast, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gravitate towards this model without fully understanding their fixed and variable costs, leading to misinformed pricing strategies. Fixed costs include regular expenses like rent and utilities, necessary for keeping the business operational, irrespective of sales volume. Variable costs fluctuate depending on the level of production or service provision, such as raw material costs or hourly wages.Understanding these cost components is crucial. Companies often fall into the trap of either underpricing or overpricing, both of which can be detrimental. Underpricing may erode profit margins while overpricing can reduce competitive edge. The significance of a robust pricing strategy cannot be overstated; it supports sustainable business growth, improving both the top and bottom lines. By knowing their numbers and strategically packaging and promoting their offerings, businesses can optimize their pricing strategies, ensuring profitability and long-term success.The key takeaway? Know your fixed and variable costs inside out, then tailor your pricing strategy to improve profit margins. It’s all about adding a zero to your bottom line. If you're ready to transform your pricing game, this episode is a must-listen!#AddAZeroPodcast, #PricingStrategy, #SMEChallenges, #CostPlusPricing, #MarketAverages, #FixedCosts, #VariableCosts, #ProfitMargin, #PricingModels, #Masterclass, #BusinessGrowth, #PricingAndProfitFull episode Wednesday at 12pm

In this weeks video we're diving deep into one of the most pressing challenges faced by SME businesses in the UK: pricing strategy. Over the last couple of weeks, we've explored other fundamental issues like marketing and sales processes. Now, imagine your marketing efforts have hit the bullseye and your sales strategy is on point. You're selling, but how confident are you in your pricing model? Many businesses fall into the trap of using a simple cost plus markup or pegging their prices somewhere between market averages, both of which often underestimate the true costs and potential profit margins. Join me as we uncover the hidden factors in these pricing models and introduce effective strategies to maximize your profits. Plus, hear real-life success stories, like a client who transformed their single-figure profit margins into substantial gains by re-evaluating their pricing strategy. What is the cost-plus pricing model, and how does it function? The cost-plus pricing model is a straightforward method used by many businesses for setting prices. It begins with calculating the total cost of producing a product or delivering a service, including all expenses such as materials, labor, and overheads. Once the total cost is established, a markup percentage is added on top to ensure profit. For example, if a product costs $100 to produce and the business wants a 20% profit margin, the price would be set at $120.Despite its simplicity, the cost-plus model is not without its pitfalls. As Jay Allen discussed in the Add A Zero Podcast, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gravitate towards this model without fully understanding their fixed and variable costs, leading to misinformed pricing strategies. Fixed costs include regular expenses like rent and utilities, necessary for keeping the business operational, irrespective of sales volume. Variable costs fluctuate depending on the level of production or service provision, such as raw material costs or hourly wages.Understanding these cost components is crucial. Companies often fall into the trap of either underpricing or overpricing, both of which can be detrimental. Underpricing may erode profit margins while overpricing can reduce competitive edge. The significance of a robust pricing strategy cannot be overstated; it supports sustainable business growth, improving both the top and bottom lines. By knowing their numbers and strategically packaging and promoting their offerings, businesses can optimize their pricing strategies, ensuring profitability and long-term success.The key takeaway? Know your fixed and variable costs inside out, then tailor your pricing strategy to improve profit margins. It’s all about adding a zero to your bottom line. If you're ready to transform your pricing game, this episode is a must-listen!#AddAZeroPodcast, #PricingStrategy, #SMEChallenges, #CostPlusPricing, #MarketAverages, #FixedCosts, #VariableCosts, #ProfitMargin, #PricingModels, #Masterclass, #BusinessGrowth, #PricingAndProfitFull episode Wednesday @ 12pm