Show notes
In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome operations consultant Sarah McNamara. Sarah shares her journey from banking to small business operations consulting and emphasizes the importance of clear systems and processes. The discussion touches on various challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including managing finances, understanding taxes, and the crucial role of bookkeeping. Sarah also highlights her philosophy of approaching clients without judgment and the importance of business owners recognizing when to seek help. Tune in for insightful advice on improving your business operations!Sarah is the Founder of Sarah McNamara Solutions a small business consultancy on a mission to get business leaders back on track by aligning their behind-the-scenes with their business dreams.Kat is the Owner + Operator of kat&co and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of Ellen Hockley Consulting and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 00:37 Morning Banter and Introductions 01:08 Special Guest: Sarah McNamara 01:50 Sarah's Business Journey 03:39 Challenges and Solutions in Business Operations 07:14 The Importance of Proper Bookkeeping 11:38 The Role of a Systems Thinker 21:02 Complexities in Different Industries 27:33 Business Credit Cards and Their Pitfalls 29:50 Exploring Small Business Loans and Grants 30:33 The Importance of Clean Books for Financial Analysis 31:56 Transitioning Business Roles and Client Types 33:50 The Role of a Business Coach and Support Systems 35:28 Building and Managing Business Processes 43:46 Tailoring Business Solutions to Individual Needs 48:47 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
