Episodes

  • Unsexy Side of Business

    Unsexy Side of Business
    Nov 19 2024

    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.

    Brought To You By:

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    41 mins
  • Counting Clicks

    Counting Clicks
    Nov 13 2024
    In this episode, Tiffany-Ann Bottcher sits down with advertising analytics expert Jeff Greenfield to discuss the evolving world of digital marketing. Jeff, founder of Provalytics, brings decades of experience in analytics and shares insights on why impressions might matter more than clicks and how understanding incrementality can lead to smarter ad spending. If you're a business owner looking to make every advertising dollar count, this episode is packed with practical advice for you.Episode SummaryThis episode explores essential digital marketing strategies for business owners, from the importance of impressions and incremental value to the common pitfalls of focusing solely on click-throughs. Jeff explains why many businesses misunderstand ad performance and provides a roadmap to optimize your advertising investments.Key InsightsFocus on Impressions: Jeff explains why tracking impressions (eyeballs) is crucial for measuring the effectiveness of ads and growing brand awareness.Understanding Incrementality: Learn how to identify which ads bring in truly new customers versus those that capture leads you might have acquired anyway.Data-Driven Budgeting: Discover how setting up a simple Google Sheet can help you track delayed conversions and avoid cutting campaigns prematurely.The Red Bull Example: See how branding-focused companies like Red Bull succeed by creating emotional connections with audiences without focusing on direct clicks.Future of Digital Advertising: Jeff shares insights on emerging digital trends, including the growth of connected TV (CTV) and privacy-driven shifts that impact advertising.Self-Discovery Tips for Business OwnersTrack Impressions: Jeff advises adding an "Impressions" column to your ad reports for a clearer picture of ad reach.Delay Conversions: Track conversion timeframes to understand which ads impact long-term sales.Educate Yourself: Invest in courses or certifications to understand today’s rapidly changing ad landscape. Jeff offers a free attribution certification on his site to help business owners stay informed.Creators & Guests Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - HostJeff Greenfield - GuestClick here to watch a video of this episode. About the HostTiffany-Ann Bottcher, a seasoned business strategist, podcast host, and agency founder, combines a passion for data-driven decisions with a genuine focus on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Her approach to digital business blends strategy and connection, making her a valuable resource for today's leaders.Connect with Tiffany-Ann:YouTubeTikTokWebsiteAbout the GuestJeff Greenfield is a recognized leader in advertising analytics and the founder of Provalytics, a company that focuses on actionable marketing insights for brands. With expertise across traditional and digital media, Jeff’s data-driven approach helps businesses optimize their ad spend and maximize returns.Website: Provalytics.comLinkedIn: Jeff GreenfieldFinal TakeawaySuccess in digital advertising isn’t just about the clicks – it’s about building brand awareness, reaching the right audience, and using data to drive decisions. Tune in as Jeff Greenfield shares valuable guidance on maximizing your ad budget and achieving real results.Time Stamps0:13 - Introduction to the Podcast and Topic Overview0:24 - Welcoming Jeff Greenfield, Analytics Expert1:12 - Jeff’s Journey into Analytics and Marketing2:58 - Defining Incrementality and Why It Matters5:00 - Impressions vs. Clicks: What’s More Valuable?7:35 - Common Mistakes in Digital Advertising9:40 - Red Bull's Brand-First Marketing Strategy12:15 - Budgeting for Effective Advertising15:28 - How Privacy Changes Impact Advertising18:03 - Steps to Improve Ad Tracking and Measurement22:58 - Simple Actions Business Owners Can Take25:30 - Why Continuous Education Matters in Advertising29:30 - Conclusion and Call to Action
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    46 mins
  • Bitter Free Business Boundaries

    Bitter Free Business Boundaries
    Nov 6 2024

    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.
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    33 mins
  • Email Deliverability Unlocked

    Email Deliverability Unlocked
    Oct 30 2024
    In this episode Tiffany Ann Bottcher sits down with email deliverability expert Matt Ratliff to explore the evolving landscape of email marketing in 2024. Matt, founder of Funnel Techie and a tech industry veteran with over 18 years of experience, shares his wealth of knowledge on how businesses can maintain email effectiveness while protecting domain health. With insights on the latest compliance requirements and technical strategies, this episode is a must-listen for business owners looking to ensure their emails land in the inbox.Episode SummaryThis episode dives into the essential strategies for maximizing email deliverability in 2024. Matt explains the importance of domain reputation, how subdomains can shield main domains, and why understanding engagement metrics is crucial for email success.Key InsightsStay Compliant: Matt shares recent updates from email providers like Google and Yahoo, explaining how compliance impacts email deliverability.Utilize Subdomains: Protect your main domain by using subdomains for marketing emails, a critical step to safeguard reputation.Monitor Domain Health: Key metrics like open rates and click-through rates are vital to maintaining a strong domain reputation.Take a Gradual Approach: When onboarding a new email list, Matt emphasizes the importance of starting slowly to build a positive domain reputation.Engage Effectively: Matt suggests ways to boost email engagement, from relevant subject lines to segmenting lists for more targeted communication.Avoid Common Pitfalls: Learn why certain links, like Bit.ly, can harm deliverability and how branded links can provide greater control.Self-Discovery Tips for Business OwnersMatt recommends identifying high-engagement contacts and re-engaging with them to strengthen domain health from day one.For new domains or re-engaging cold lists, Matt advises a step-by-step approach to avoid reputation issues.About the HostTiffany-Ann Bottcher is a skilled business strategist, podcast host, and mother who offers fresh insights into digital business and leadership. She combines strategy with genuine connections, making her approach valuable for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.Connect with Tiffany-Ann:YouTube: Tiffany-Ann BottcherTikTok: @ta_bottcherWebsite: tiffanyannbottcher.comAbout the GuestMatt Ratliff, founder of Funnel Techie, is an 18-year veteran in the tech industry with deep expertise in email deliverability and network engineering. With a comprehensive understanding of email compliance and domain management, Matt has become a trusted expert for business owners seeking to enhance email engagement and safeguard their domain reputation.Connect with Matt:Website: Funnel TechieYoutube: Funnel TechieFinal TakeawayEmail marketing in 2024 requires more than great content; it demands a proactive approach to domain health and compliance. Listen in as Matt Ratliff provides essential guidance to help your emails reach their audience and keep your domain reputation strong.Creators & Guests Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - HostMatt Ratliff - GuestClick here to watch a video of this episode. 00:13:41 - Introduction to Inbox IQ Tool for Email Stats00:14:08 - Building an Email Engagement System00:15:11 - Automation for Onboarding SaaS Clients00:16:23 - Address Concerns About Email Frequency and Domain Health00:17:41 - Importance of Monitoring Email Metrics00:18:58 - The Significance of List Segmentation and Engagement00:19:25 - Understanding Segmentation in Email Marketing00:20:16 - The Importance of Organized Email Sequences00:20:25 - Becoming an Automation Engineer for Effective Campaigns00:20:57 - Visualizing Automation Workflows with a Whiteboard00:21:42 - Mapping Customer Journeys for Better Engagement00:22:24 - The Role of Customer Choices in Email Engagement00:23:18 - Measuring Email Engagement Beyond Purchases00:24:43 - The Weight of Spam Complaints and Chargebacks00:25:28 - The Etiquette of Email Engagement as a Business Owner00:26:30 - Lessons Learned from Cold Email Strategies00:27:54 - Challenges with Cold Email and SMTP Providers00:28:20 - Understanding Email Provider Audits00:28:51 - Importance of IP Health for Email Deliverability00:29:21 - Challenges of Cold Email Strategies00:29:51 - Future of Cold Messaging00:30:27 - Building an Email List: Common Pitfalls00:31:03 - Starting with an Opt-In Page00:31:51 - Craft Your First Email: Tips for Success00:32:34 - The Importance of Starting Email Campaigns00:33:42 - Aesthetics vs. Functionality in Email Design00:34:09 - HTML Emails vs. Plain Text Emails: What Works?00:35:48 - Link Quality in Emails: Best Practices00:36:53 - Understanding Branded Links vs. Non-Branded Links00:37:35 - Understanding Email Tracking and Subdomains00:38:10 - The Importance of Using Subdomains for Email00:38:31 - Setting Up Transactional Email Domains00:39:02 - Marketing Subdomains Explained00:39:20 - Risks of Using Root Domains for Email00:39:54 - Benefits of Segregating Email Flows00:40:43 - Key Recommendations ...
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    46 mins
  • The Last Quarter of 2024

    The Last Quarter of 2024
    Oct 23 2024
    As we enter the final quarter of 2024, Tiffany-Ann dives into the critical strategies business owners need to implement to close the year on a high note. In this episode, she explores the importance of tightening operations, focusing on key metrics, and staying organized in the hectic lead-up to the holiday season. From managing finances to planning for client gifts and holiday hours, Tiffany-Ann covers it all, with her signature mix of practical advice and engaging stories. Whether you're looking to boost your Q4 performance or lay the groundwork for a successful 2025, this episode has you covered.Key InsightsEstablishing structured financial processes is crucial for avoiding cash flow issues.Timely invoicing is essential, especially during the holiday season, to maintain cash flow.Starting budget preparation for the new year now can lead to better financial readiness.Thoughtful client gifts and early planning for employee bonuses can strengthen relationships and morale.Engaging with accountants early for tax planning can maximize profit retention and avoid last-minute scrambles.Accountability in business is vital; participation leads to better outcomes.Creators & Guests Tiffany-Ann Bottcher - HostClick here to watch a video of this episode. (00:10:40) - Discusses the challenges of the fall season and the importance of strategic planning.(00:11:06) - Emphasizes the need to focus on metrics and budget for 2024 to achieve goals.(00:11:44) - Questions whether current goals are too attainable and the importance of accountability.(00:12:10) - Reflects on the freedom and responsibility of being a business owner.(00:12:37) - Highlights the importance of self-accountability in business success.(00:13:14) - Draws parallels between civic engagement and business accountability.(00:14:00) - Encourages reflection on personal achievements and accountability as the year ends.(00:14:46) - Stresses the importance of preparing a budget for the upcoming year.(00:15:31) - Discusses the need for timely financial planning and closing monthly accounts.(00:15:57) - Introduces the topic of planning client gifts and their significance.(00:16:29) - Advises on creating memorable client gifts that stand out from the usual options.(00:16:54) - Discusses the importance of thoughtful gifts over generic branded items.(00:17:40) - Questions the effectiveness of promotional items as gifts.(00:18:07) - Considers alternative ways to show client appreciation, such as holiday cards.(00:18:31) - Warns about the timing of sending holiday cards to ensure they are received in time.(00:19:10) - Encourages updating business profiles with holiday hours ahead of time.(00:19:22) - Discusses the importance of planning for vacation time and team availability during holidays.(00:19:55) - Stresses the need for a leadership plan during busy holiday periods to ensure business continuity.(00:20:29) - Discusses the importance of organization and planning for team holiday parties.(00:20:50) - Reflects on the challenges of organizing holiday events as a company grows from five to nearly 100 employees.(00:21:16) - Compares the costs and logistics of holiday celebrations for small versus large teams.(00:21:37) - Considers employee interest in holiday parties and the importance of planning around busy schedules.(00:22:05) - Shares thoughts on employee gifts versus bonuses, emphasizing the differences in approach for smaller organizations.(00:22:35) - Discusses the timing and common pitfalls of issuing holiday bonuses at the end of the year.(00:23:01) - Highlights the rush to give bonuses and the potential for mistakes in payroll processing.(00:24:04) - Advises on the importance of proper planning for bonuses to avoid complications later.(00:24:26) - Stresses the need to consider holiday timing and employee availability when planning celebrations.(00:24:57) - Explores the impact of holiday seasons on business operations, regardless of personal beliefs about Christmas.(00:25:31) - Emphasizes the significance of planning for tax season to maximize profits.(00:26:38) - Shares a recent experience with a client regarding bookkeeping and tax preparation timelines.(00:27:04) - Discusses the importance of having accurate starting balances for effective bookkeeping.(00:27:46) - Comments on the increasing time required to complete year-end accounting tasks.(00:28:20) - Describes the need for proactive tax planning and the missed opportunities when not prepared.(00:29:27) - Advocates for monthly bookkeeping to stay informed about financial health and make timely decisions.(00:30:18) - Urges listeners to engage with their accountants early to implement necessary changes before year-end.(00:30:53) - Encourages communication with CPAs and bookkeepers to ensure financial strategies are in place.(00:31:18) - Discusses the limitations of bookkeepers providing tax advice and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive tax strategy that considers personal circumstances.(00:32:00)...
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    42 mins
  • Sales Strategies to Scale

    Sales Strategies to Scale
    Oct 16 2024

    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
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    40 mins
  • Delegation Secrets for Business Growth

    Delegation Secrets for Business Growth
    Oct 9 2024

    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
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    35 mins
  • Superpowers For Scaling Success

    Superpowers For Scaling Success
    Oct 2 2024

    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.
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    35 mins