• How Collaboration Drives Business Growth with Author and CEO Mike Garrison
    Mar 12 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the Growth Drive methodology and the importance of collaboration in business development. They emphasize the need for effective marketing strategies, the significance of referrals, and the role of financial advisors in helping businesses grow. The conversation also touches on the buyer's journey, the importance of educating clients about transferable value, and how to engage clients effectively. The hosts share insights on using Clarity software to enhance business consulting and the necessity of strategic planning for business owners.

    Keywords

    Growth Drive, business advising, collaboration, marketing strategies, referrals, financial advisors, client engagement, exit planning, strategic planning, transferable value

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction and Context Setting

    04:40
    The Importance of Collaboration and Referrals

    07:23
    Marketing Strategies and Content Creation

    10:26
    Understanding Client Relationships and Referrals

    13:15
    Referral Culture vs. Referral Begging

    16:01
    Creating a System for Referrals

    19:03
    Engaging Financial Advisors

    21:47
    Valuing Business and Strategic Planning

    28:33
    Understanding Business Value in Financial Planning

    31:01
    The Role of Financial Advisors in Business Growth

    32:39
    Clarity and Risk Assessment for Business Owners

    35:32
    Collaboration Between Financial Advisors and Business Consultants

    39:20
    The Importance of Transferable Value

    43:34
    Educating Clients on Business Value and Risk Management

    50:40
    Building a Profitable Advisory Business

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    51 mins
  • Transforming Accounting: From Bean Counters to Strategic Advisors with Growth-Driver Carl J. Cox of 40Accounting
    Feb 27 2025

    Summary: In this episode, George speaks with Carl J. Cox, founder of Forty Accounting and Forty Strategy, about the evolving role of CPAs in strategic planning and business advisory. They discuss the importance of looking forward rather than backward, the impact of tariffs on global manufacturing, and the necessity of cash flow management. Carl shares insights on the launch of Forty Accounting and the need for strategic partnerships in the accounting industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of validating strategic decisions and the shift towards a more advisory role for accountants.
    Takeaways
    -CPAs need to evolve from looking at the past to looking forward.
    -Strategic planning is essential for business growth and sustainability.
    -Tariffs are reshaping global manufacturing decisions.
    -Cash flow management is critical for small and mid-sized businesses.
    -Validation of strategic decisions is often overlooked in the industry.
    -The launch of Forty Accounting was driven by client demand for strategic services.
    -Variable cost structures can enhance competitiveness in accounting firms.
    -AI efficiency is becoming crucial in the accounting landscape.
    -Client service should prioritize the needs of the client over the firm.
    -The accounting industry is facing significant changes due to market pressures.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Carl Cox and Forty Accounting
    04:56 The Role of CPAs in Strategic Planning
    07:54 The Shift from Traditional Accounting to Strategic Advisory
    11:00 Understanding the Impact of Tariffs and Global Changes
    13:57 The Importance of Strategic Financial Planning
    16:45 Navigating Economic Challenges and Opportunities
    19:46 The Future of Accounting and Client Relationships
    23:21 The Importance of Cash Flow and Financial Metrics
    26:19 The Value of Accurate Financial Reporting
    29:20 The Evolution of Accounting Firms
    32:40 Conclusion and Future Outlook
    41:01 Hot_Seat_Outro_Rev_2_with_Music_(Copy).mp4

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    41 mins
  • Exit Planning and Unlocking the Freedom Point with Greg Maddox of Cultivate Advisors
    Feb 19 2025

    Summary: In this engaging conversation, George and Greg delve into the concept of the 'Freedom Point' in business, exploring how business owners can achieve a lifestyle that allows them to work on their own terms. They discuss the importance of understanding the wealth and value gaps that exist for business owners, the emotional implications of not reaching one's freedom point, and the necessity of creating a holistic business plan that aligns personal and business goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic intent, leadership, and data-driven decision-making to create a thriving business that offers freedom and control.
    Takeaways
    -The Freedom Point is about aligning business value with personal lifestyle goals.
    -Business owners often face wealth and value gaps that need addressing.
    -Creating personal wealth separate from the business is crucial for long-term success.
    -Business owner math focuses on value multiplication rather than just income addition.
    -Strategic intent is essential for effective business planning and growth.
    -Emotional well-being is tied to achieving the Freedom Point.
    -Leaders must empower their teams to ensure business sustainability.
    -Data-driven decisions are key to navigating business challenges.
    -It's important to create a holistic plan that considers both personal and business needs.
    -The journey to the Freedom Point is a collaborative effort that requires intention and action.

    Keywords: business advisory, exit planning, freedom point, wealth gap, value gap, business growth, strategic intent, leadership, data-driven decisions, entrepreneurial journey

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Freedom Point and Business Value
    04:38 Understanding the Freedom Point
    15:02 The Importance of Wealth and Value Gaps
    20:50 Balancing Business Growth and Personal Freedom
    23:05 Defining the Freedom Point
    25:00 The Importance of Exit Planning
    27:01 Leadership and Business Growth
    29:45 Financial Planning and Forecasting
    32:01 Creating Your Future
    36:03 Emotional Fuel and Commitment
    39:59 The Balance of Work and Life
    44:31 Hot_Seat_Outro_Rev_2_with_Music_(Copy).mp4

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    45 mins
  • Advisors Talk Candidly about Marketing
    52 mins
  • Private Business is the Engine for the Pursuit of Happiness
    Jan 22 2025

    Summary

    In this conversation, George Sandman passionately discusses the importance of capitalism and private business as the driving force behind the pursuit of happiness. He reflects on the role of private enterprise in democracy, the need for wealth democratization, and the impact of successful businesses on communities. Sandman emphasizes the necessity of transparency in business operations and the responsibility of business advisors to help clients grow strategically. He concludes with a vision to end poverty and create a thriving economy through effective business practices.

    Takeaways

    Capitalism, while not perfect, is the best system for prosperity.
    Private business is essential for the pursuit of happiness.
    Wealthy democracies do not go to war with each other.
    Government does not create jobs or wealth; private business does.
    Successful businesses share their wealth with stakeholders.
    Ending poverty is a personal mission for business leaders.
    Transparency in business can lead to greater success.
    Business advisors play a crucial role in client success.
    Creating a global middle class is a goal worth pursuing.
    The future of business lies in sustainable growth and community support.

    Keywords

    capitalism, private business, pursuit of happiness, transparency, economic growth, business advisors, wealth democratization, community support, strategic capacity, business growth

    Chapters

    00:00 The Essence of Capitalism
    09:08 Private Business as the Engine for Happiness
    16:53 The Power of Transparency in Business

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    26 mins
  • Convo with Growth-Drive 2024 Member of the Year Mike Desiato
    Jan 14 2025

    In this conversation, George Sandmann introduces Mike Desiato, Growth-Drive's Member of the Year. Desiato discusses his journey from public accounting to becoming a business transition specialist focused on exit planning. He emphasizes the importance of helping business owners prepare for their exit and maximize the value of their businesses. The discussion covers the significance of collaboration among advisors, the concept of creating an immortal business, and the future of advisory services in the context of exit planning.

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    41 mins
  • *New* 5-Year M&A Price Projection
    Jan 10 2025

    In this conversation, George from Growth Drive discusses the importance of strategic capacity in business growth and value. He introduces the C3D certification for business advisors and explains how the Equity Value Planner can help clients understand their business's worth and potential for growth. The discussion emphasizes the role of technology in analyzing business value and the emerging profession of growth advisors. George provides actionable insights on maximizing business value through strategic capacity and growth scenarios, concluding with a call to action for feedback and engagement.

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    18 mins
  • Navigating Exit Planning: Aligning Personal Intent with Business Growth Strategies
    Dec 10 2024

    Summary:

    In this podcast episode, the host discusses the critical relationship between exit planning and business growth. Featuring insights from industry experts Mike Garrison and Fletcher Brown, the conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and professional intent when planning for business exits. The episode outlines six exit options, focusing on four primary methods: sale to an insider, third-party sale, employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), and gifting. The discussion highlights the three dimensions of business growth—predictable profits and cash flow, sustainable growth, and transferable value—as essential factors in determining a successful exit strategy. By understanding these dimensions and their relevance to various exit options, business owners can better prepare for future transitions while maximizing shareholder value.



    Keywords: exit planning, business growth, personal intent, wealth advisors, sales process, transferable value, management buyout, sustainable growth

    Key Titles:

    • Understanding Exit Planning for Business Owners
    • The Importance of Intent in Business Growth
    • Exploring the Dimensions of Business Growth
    • Key Exit Options for Business Owners
    • The Role of the CEO in Maximizing Shareholder Value




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    33 mins