Rooted In Revenue

Which task management and marketing strategy tools should you use? Spoiler alert—it’s not as simple as picking the most popular software. Susan and Lany dive into the importance of discernment when selecting tools, sharing real-world experiences of software frustration, integration challenges, and team buy-in struggles. They emphasize the need to evaluate your team’s workflow, test software with real scenarios, and demand proper support before making a costly commitment. They explore why businesses often waste time and money on tools that don’t fit—and how you can avoid making the same mistake. If you've ever been frustrated with tools you chose in a rush, including ClickUp, Asana, Monday, or any other platform, this episode is for you. And tell us—what software works for you, and how did you decide? Maybe we’ll feature your success story in a future episode! BIG TAKEAWAY - the best tools are the ones your team will actually use. Your Tech Tool Selection Checklist ✅ Assess Your Needs First Identify the speci

Are your social posts starting to feel stale? Are you spending hours creating fresh content when you already have a goldmine of valuable material gathering digital dust? Stop the endless content creation cycle. Strategic content management isn't about constantly generating new material—it's about maximizing the value of your existing expertise and insights. In this episode, we cover building and maintaining an effective content bank that transforms your valuable insights into a reusable asset library. Learn why random posts about office pets and foodie highlights aren't part of your content strategy - unless you are in that industry, and discover how to create a systematic approach to content that directly ties to your business goals and mission. For those frustrated with the constant demand for "fresh" content, we reveal why the same valuable message can and should be shared multiple times, reaching different audiences simultaneously. Plus, get practical insights on tracking engagement, managing client testi

Great title, right? But you need a plan. We partner with outside contractors, even our own team - are they documenting what they are doing for you, the project, the client in a way that would allow anyone else to pick up the project and continue on? Is the logic in place for the programming or creative decisions? ASK THEM. This quick episode gives you more ideas to protect your company, your clients in case something goes awry, even just for a while.

This episode of Rooted in Revenue takes an enlightening turn in a world that often pushes us to look outside ourselves for validation and success. Join host Susan and her guest, Chris Champion, as they explore how starting each day with intention and finding your inner peace can transform not just your personal life but your business success as well. From morning walks to barefoot moments in nature, discover simple yet powerful practices that successful leaders use to stay grounded. Chris shares his journey of transformation after a life-changing health challenge, and together they discuss how developing a strong foundation of self-belief, combined with faith, creates the roadmap to both personal and professional fulfillment. This conversation goes beyond typical business metrics to explore the real revenue of life – peace, purpose, and possibility. Links from this episode: Twitter @ImChrisChampion IG: IamChrisChampion www.championexperiences.com https://www.crocs.com/ https://binkypatrol.org

Susan Finch sits down with Patty Parobek from Mod Op to explore the strategic implementation of AI in business. They discuss the concept of an "AI Playground" - a structured approach for organizations to test and evaluate AI tools before full deployment. The conversation covers essential topics, including developing responsible AI use policies, forming cross-functional AI councils, and protecting sensitive data when using AI platforms. Patty shares valuable insights on how businesses of any size can thoughtfully integrate AI while maintaining security and client trust, making this episode a must-listen for organizations navigating the AI landscape.   Here is the Leader Generation Episode: About Patty Parobek: As Vice President of AI Transformation, Patty leads Mod Op’s AI practice group, spearheading initiatives to maximize the value and scalability of AI-enabled solutions. Patty collaborates with the executive team to revolutionize creative, advertising and marketing projects for clients, while ensuring res

Have you ever felt lost when managing your website’s domain? You’re not alone. Some tech professionals keep these concepts vague to maintain control over their clients. Let’s break down what you need to know and document to stay in control of your digital property. Remember, your domain for your company is YOURS. Do not let an outside contractor register a domain for you, even if they are trying to save time, money, etc. You need to create this login and invite them in to manage it. You never want to lose control of your domains. This short episode gives you an initial action list to take inventory of what you have, who has access, and when your domains renew. The next episode in this series will be about moving domains, testing your domains and SSL certificates. This is tied to a course series Susan has available with free real estate broker focused tips emailed q-r.to/sfsreo8, and a paid workshop group. q-r.to/sf8weeks

Today, we're challenging you to conduct a Professional Presence Audit—a critical look at how you appear across the digital landscape to ensure your professional image remains consistent, current, and compelling. This is Part 2 of our Digital Brand Checkup series on Rooted in Revenue. Our last episode covered the essentials of managing your digital real estate—from domains to infrastructure.  Essential action items from this episode: Google Audit: Search yourself/company in an incognito window Review up to page 8 of the search results Document outdated or incorrect listings Look for unauthorized or outdated profiles NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Consistency: Ensure the company name format is identical across all platforms Standardize address formatting (abbreviations, punctuation) Use consistent phone number format (preferably with hyphens) Document the exact format to be used by all team members Professional Profile Management: Review all directory listings (industry, membership groups, associations) Update bi

Your business runs on digital - but when was the last time you gave it a proper checkup? This week on Rooted in Revenue, we're getting real about the nuts and bolts of your digital foundation. Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan share their hands-on experience managing domains (including those late-night wine-inspired purchases we've all made), keeping backups current, and yes - discovering that even storage facilities need retention policies. No fluff, just practical advice on protecting your digital assets and organizing them in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you're a tech pro or still figuring out what DNS means, we've got you covered with straightforward talk and simple solutions for keeping your business's digital world running smoothly. Here are the key points from the episode: Domain Management Essentials: Consolidate all domains to one account/provider Document registration and renewal dates Verify owner, admin, and tech contacts are current Have a clear purpose for each domain Make every domain w

Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan plunge into the muck of a crucial but often overlooked aspect of business operations: the client intake process. Coming fresh from their previous episode on intellectual property, they explore how even successful businesses like Susan's (with 20 years of experience) can benefit from implementing structured intake systems. Whether you've been in business for six months or two decades, this episode reveals why having a clear, systematic approach to onboarding clients isn't just about organization – it's about increasing revenue, saving time, and working with clients who bring you joy. You'll learn practical tips for creating effective intake forms, structuring service packages, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to scope creep and revenue loss. If you're tired of "winging it" with clients or want to streamline your business processes, this conversation offers actionable insights to transform your client onboarding experience. Get a peek at Lany's here.

Join Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan in this eye-opening episode of Rooted in Revenue as they dive into the crucial topic of intellectual property. Discover what IP really means for your business, how to protect your creations, and why holding someone's intellectual property hostage is a major business faux pas. Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or working with contractors, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complex world of IP. Disclaimers: Lany and Susan are not giving legal advice and are not attorneys. They are sharing what they have learned from their experiences and that of their clients. Tips/Recommendations: Lany: Intellectual property includes anything you create, not just patents and trademarks. Consult with an attorney about protecting your IP through trademarks and copyrights. Include clear IP ownership clauses in contracts with contractors and clients. Don't put sensitive intellectual property into open-source AI tools. Susan: Be cautious when using servi

In this episode, Susan Finch sits down with Michele A. Friedman, a talented metalsmith and jewelry designer with over 26 years of experience in the art world. From her early days studying fashion design at Parsons to becoming a full-time artist, Michele shares her journey and insights on navigating the business side of art. Discover the importance of human connection in selling art, learn strategies for engaging customers at shows, and explore the delicate balance between creativity and commerce. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning your passion into a sustainable career. Links from this episode: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleAFriedmanJewelry https://instagram.com/mafdesign1  https://www.instagram.com/colerodgerimage/ - Michele's photographer https://pjlabarge.com - wildlife sculptor https://joyridejewelry.com  How we met Michele's bio - in her words: My jewelry results from my desire to incorporate color, pattern, and texture into my

Rediscovering your forgotten skills and experiences can be a game-changer for personal and professional growth. In this insightful episode of Rooted in Revenue, Lany and Susan dive deep into the importance of reflecting on your past accomplishments and leveraging them for future success. They share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help you uncover hidden talents and capitalize on your unique experiences. We dare you to go through this list: Reflect on past experiences and skills you may have forgotten about Review old resumes and portfolios Ask family, friends, and former colleagues about your strengths Update your professional profiles and resumes regularly Share stories about your past experiences and skills Reconnect with old contacts and mentors Create one-page case studies for your accomplishments Record video or audio of yourself telling your stories Identify pivotal moments in your life and career Look back at all your jobs, even early ones, for valuable experiences Shar

In this continuation of their discussion on managing your online presence, Lany and Susan hit you over the head with the importance of conducting thorough tech assessments and making informed decisions about your business software. They emphasize the value of consulting with experts before making significant changes to your tech stack and warn against common pitfalls like lifetime software subscriptions and poorly integrated tools. Action Items: Conduct a comprehensive tech assessment of your business Review all software subscriptions and their actual usage Avoid lifetime software subscriptions Check software integration capabilities before purchasing Set calendar reminders for subscription renewals Research software reliability and developer support before committing Utilize existing tools and services to their full potential Consult with experts before making major tech changes or purchases Regularly review and update your website and online presence Be cautious of custom solutions that may create dependenc

Susan and Lany are fired up in this episode, tackling the infuriating world of tech blunders, compliance nightmares, and security fails that plague businesses. From email marketing mishaps to clickbait disasters, they're not holding back on the ways people unknowingly sabotage their operations. This is part one of their conversation, so prepare for some straight talk filled with cautionary tales and a healthy dose of 'what were they thinking?' Stay tuned for part two, where they'll continue their mission to save you from yourself in the tricky terrain of business tech. Remember, sometimes doing nothing is the best move – especially when it comes to messing with stuff you don't understand! Action items (or inaction items): Stop using personal Gmail accounts for business; set up Google Workspace instead. Don't buy domains from cheap or suspicious sources. Ensure your email marketing is compliant with new laws (as of February 2024). Use secure file transfer methods for sensitive client information. Be cautious o

In this episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how podcast hosts can elevate their shows and create more engaging content. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, these tips will help you improve your guest interactions, streamline your workflow, and ultimately produce better content that resonates with your audience. Get ready to take your podcasting skills to the next level! List of Tips: Research potential guests by listening to their appearances on other shows. Schedule a quick meet-and-greet with guests to establish rapport and assess conversation chemistry. Use a guest information form to collect essential details like social handles, name pronunciation, and current title. Always request an up-to-date headshot from your guests. Ask guests for evergreen promotional content or commercials. Connect with guests on LinkedIn and gather their company's social media information. Follow the 70/30 rule: let your guest speak 70% of the time. Create a highlight reel of your best episodes to sh

Susan Finch sits down with Brandon Leibowitz, President of SEOoptimizers.com, to unpack the evolving landscape of search engine optimization. For small and mid-size businesses, especially those in B2C and brick-and-mortar sectors, this conversation is a goldmine of actionable strategies. Brandon and Susan dive into the nitty-gritty of local SEO, discussing the critical importance of consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) directory listings and the power of Google Business Profiles. They shed light on often-overlooked tactics like optimizing image file names and alt text, which can significantly boost your visibility in search results. The episode also tackles common pitfalls, such as the dangers of frequent URL changes and the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI-generated content. For business owners feeling overwhelmed by the technical aspects of SEO, Brandon offers insights on how to effectively collaborate with SEO professionals and what questions to ask to ensure you're getting real value.

Today, we're diving deep into how Amy Franko helps mid-market organizations create exciting futures by transforming their sales strategies, structures, and teams. We'll explore the concept of strategic prospecting and unpack why it's crucial for building a healthy pipeline. Amy's going to share some game-changing insights on how to identify and cultivate high-value relationships, and we'll discuss the importance of investing in yourself to sharpen those critical sales and leadership skills. So whether you're looking to revamp your sales approach, build stronger client relationships, or simply want to stay ahead of the curve in today's business landscape, you're in for a treat.  About Amy Franko: Amy Franko helps mid-market organizations create exciting futures by transforming their sales strategies, structures, and teams. An angel investor, she’s also a board advisor to portfolio companies on sales growth and leadership. Her book, The Modern Seller, is an Amazon best seller, and she is recognized by LinkedIn

Learn how to turn churn into an opportunity for improvement and build stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships. Steve Hazelton from Sturdy.ai joins us for the second half of this conversation. Whether you're running a small business or leading a large corporation, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away to boost customer retention and drive sustainable growth.  Don't miss out on these insights, which could shake up how you’ve been doing it—if you are honest in your reflection—and then help you revolutionize your approach to customer retention, which will naturally lessen churn! Listen to the first half of this conversation here: Retention Reimagined: How Everyone in Your Business Can Create Loyal Customers About Steve Hazelton: Steve Hazelton is a three-time SaaS founder and revenue intelligence guru. Steve initially founded Newton Software, which was purchased by Paycor, the 4th largest payroll provider in the United States.  Steve launched Sturdy in 2020 and acts

Steve Hazelton, CEO of Sturdy.ai, challenges the norm of churn prevention, advocating instead for organization-wide retention strategies. He introduces Sturdy.ai, a tool that consolidates fragmented customer data into actionable insights. Hazelton reveals counterintuitive truths about customer loyalty, such as why complaining customers often stick around longer. He explains how to transform scattered emails, chats, and support tickets into a unified customer intelligence system, enabling every team member to contribute to retention. This episode offers practical strategies for leveraging data to enhance customer relationships and drive sustainable growth, making it essential listening for CSOs and customer success leaders aiming to revolutionize their retention approach. About Steve Hazelton: Steve Hazelton is a three-time SaaS founder and revenue intelligence guru. Steve initially founded Newton Software, which was purchased by Paycor, the 4th largest payroll provider in the United States.    Steve launched

When you think of chatbots, you may picture frustrating loops, keyword failures, and overly cheerful automated responses. But what if AI-powered conversations could revolutionize how audiences engage with content and brands? In this episode, Susan Finch sits down with Nick Martin, Co-Founder and CCO of Direqt.ai, to explore the cutting-edge world of conversational AI for content creators and publishers. Nick shares insights on how sophisticated chatbots can enhance user experiences, provide valuable data for editorial teams, and even monetize content innovatively. From proactive engagement based on article context to seamless integration across social platforms, learn how AI reshapes audience interactions. Whether you're a CMO looking to boost engagement or a CTO seeking to implement advanced AI solutions, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of digital content consumption and brand-audience relationships. About our guest, Nick Martin, Co-Founder, Direqt.ai Nick is a team leader, business develo