ACCELERATOR
Guest Bill Flynn, a CEO, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and business coach, shares his journey and insights on business success. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and strategy, hiring the right people, and focusing on innovation and problem-solving. Bill also highlights the difference between surviving and thriving in business and the need to avoid common pitfalls. He encourages business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on predicting the future and creating a scalable business. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of understanding customer...
info_outline Scaling Green: with 'Moss Boss' Lindsay Scher BurgessACCELERATOR
Summary In this episode, Lera Kooper interviews Lindsay Scherr Burgess, the owner of Green Wallscapes, also known as the Moss Boss. Lindsay shares her journey of starting the business, the challenges of scaling, and the importance of teamwork and process in delivering custom moss wall designs. The conversation also touches on market adaptations, client collaboration, and valuable advice for aspiring business owners. Lindsay emphasizes the significance of persistence and the excitement of future opportunities in her niche industry. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Moss Boss 03:10The Journey of...
info_outline Gone Phishing with Cyberhoot Founder Craig TaylorACCELERATOR
Craig Taylor, co-founder of Cyber Hoot, shares his journey in cybersecurity and the importance of cyber literacy. He emphasizes that cybersecurity is not just an IT problem but a business owner's responsibility. Craig discusses the need for training and testing to create a strong human firewall within organizations. He also highlights the significance of risk assessments and the importance of freezing credit to protect against identity theft. Craig provides valuable advice for individuals and businesses to enhance their cybersecurity practices. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Craig Taylor's...
info_outline 5 Frustrations Business Owners Face & How to Overcome Them with Matt HansenACCELERATOR
Host Lera Kooper interviews Matt Hansen, an EOS implementer, about the five most common frustrations that business owners face. The frustrations discussed include feeling like the business runs you instead of the other way around, not having enough cash flow, struggling with people management, lacking clarity and focus, and feeling like you're stuck and unable to grow. Matt provides practical strategies to address these frustrations and provides insights on how to overcome them.
info_outline Beyond the Numbers: Succession Planning With HeartACCELERATOR
Host Lera Kooper interviews Laurie Nichols, a trusted guide and confidant to business owners seeking a successful ownership transition, discusses the importance of tapping into what matters most to business owners when planning for an exit. She emphasizes the need to consider factors beyond financial rewards, such as legacy and building a great business with great people. Nichols highlights the emotional aspect of the transition process and the importance of preparing both business owners and potential successors or buyers for the journey. She also discusses the surprises and challenges that...
info_outline Resilience: Lessons from Forbes 200 CPA Ernie VillanyACCELERATOR
Lera Kooper interviews Ernie Villany, her business partner at Accountability Services and 2024 Forbes Top 200 CPA. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, the importance of understanding what motivates people, and the power of having a plan and a prescriptive mindset. Ernie shares personal stories of resilience and growth, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and overcoming the loss of key team members. They emphasize the need for business owners, regardless of size, to have a plan and be proactive in their approach to achieve success.
info_outline Money Isn't The Answer.. Profits Are. with Steve Gelley CEO of Blueprint VenturesACCELERATOR
Host Lera Kooper sits down with Steve Gelley, CEO of Blueprint Ventures, to uncover the secrets behind his successful exits from two major ventures. Steve shares game-changing insights on why pivoting is essential for business growth, the power of workflow automation, and the surprising importance of transparency in building a winning team culture. He also dives into the often-misunderstood world of venture capital, revealing key strategies for navigating investor relationships and maximizing your business's potential. Tune in to learn how Steve transformed challenges into opportunities,...
info_outline Niche Down and Scale Up with Alex RatynskiACCELERATOR
Alex Ratynski from Searchable is interviewed on the power of niching down, the challenges of identifying a niche, and the benefits of serving a specific audience. They also explore strategies for finding a viable niche and the potential risks of niching down. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding your target demographic and leveraging that knowledge in your marketing and sales efforts. Takeaways Niching down in your business can provide more power and leverage in the marketplace, especially from a marketing perspective. Having a niche allows you to build a strong...
info_outline From Operator to Visionary: Unlocking Growth Potential with Lera KooperACCELERATOR
In this episode, host Lera Kooper discusses the value of working on your business and provides insights on how to effectively transition from working in the business to working on it. She emphasizes the importance of setting aside dedicated time to be a visionary and think big for your business. Lera also highlights the significance of having confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. She advises setting clear, measurable goals and metrics to track progress and avoid getting discouraged. Lera shares challenges that business owners often face, such as time management and...
info_outline From SWAT to SWOT: A Lesson in Leadership with Ryan ConnACCELERATOR
In this conversation, Lera Kooper interviews Ryan Conn, owner of CS Business Consulting and President of Shelton Associates, about his unique background and how it has benefited his tax and accounting business. Ryan shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a leader in the private sector. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong foundation for your business, including a clear mission, vision, core values, and leadership philosophy. Ryan also discusses the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in becoming an effective leader. In this conversation, Ryan and...
info_outlineIn this inaugural episode of The Accelerator, host Lera Kooper introduces the show's mission to help entrepreneurs and business owners maximize their business potential. Lera delves into the daunting statistics of startup failures and emphasizes the importance of resilience and a strong mindset.
Listeners will discover the variety of segments offered in the podcast, including:
- Mindset Mastery: Tips on bouncing back, working on your business rather than in it, and cultivating the grit needed for entrepreneurial success.
- Peer Insights: Interviews with fellow entrepreneurs who share their journeys of overcoming challenges and pivoting their businesses.
- Expert Advice: Valuable guidance from the experts - CPAs, business valuation specialists, bankers, and more.
Join Lera in The Accelerator as she extends a wealth of resources and expertise to empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in every week to gain a well-rounded view of what it takes to thrive as a business owner.