
The Business Essentials
By Viola Welang
Viola Welang is a champion for small business success and this podcast is dedicated to providing you with the foundation of what you need to create and run a successful business. As a business strategist Viola helps businesses exceed their goals. Her clients triple their revenue, increase their bottom line by up to 60%, improve productivity through efficient systems and ultimately have a better work-life balance. Her experience spans different industries including - information technology, AV, environmental waste construction, design, business services, government contracting, ecommerce, retail and non-profits.
The entrepreneurial journal is so rewarding, however it can also be challenging and overwhelming; it doesn’t have to be like that and I want to help you achieve your vision without the headache. In this podcast I will give you the scoop on creating a solid foundation to run and scale your business; welcome the business essentials.

The Business EssentialsNov 03, 2021

Ep44: Simple Strategies to Optimize your Business (Part 2) - How to Strengthen your Financial Position
I am continuing my series on simple strategies for business optimization. Today we look at three strategies to strengthen your financial positions.
Key points:
Understanding what financial stability is Three simple strategies are: Improve business performance Review key financial ratios monthly Assess your money mindsets Make business planning a part of your operating frameworkMentions:
Ep 7 - Pricing at the Net
Ep 25 - 5 Tips for Reviewing Financial Statements
Business Done Right Guide - https://thebessentials.com/shop/p/the-business-done-right-framework
Strategic Planning Course - https://thebessentials.teachable.com/p/strategic-planning
hello@thebessentials.com
Social - thebessentials

Ep43: Simple Strategies to Optimize your Business (Part 1)
I know that a lot of business planning is done around this time of the year, so I want to spend the next couple of weeks sharing simple strategies that you can implement to optimize your business performance as you go into the new year.
Key points:
Strategies are a high level plan to achieve goals and objectives Strategies will center around financial, operational, customer and human resources Operational strategy - improving quality of products and services How to improve quality? Listen to your customers Fix the problem Measure the progressMentions:
The Ice Cream Maker - AMAZON
Business Done Right Guide - https://thebessentials.com/shop/p/the-business-done-right-framework
Strategic Planning Course - https://thebessentials.teachable.com/p/strategic-planning
hello@thebessentials.com
FB, IG, IN: @thebessentials

Ep42: Business Planning for 2022 Starts Now!
This is the time to start planning for the next year in business. If you wait until January, you are late. In this episode I share how my company plans for the new business year.
Key points:
Planning ahead improves your chances of success Our business planning process in three phases: Assessment - a thorough deep dive into our internal and external business environment, including a key issues analysis. Build - create goals that align with our vision and cascade them down to objectives, strategies and tactics. The assessment phase helps us create the right goals and strategies to fit our unique business needs. Implementation - create an action plan with clear performance measures (KPIs and Matrix), ownership and accountability.Mentions:
Business Done Right Guide - https://thebessentials.com/shop/p/the-business-done-right-framework
Strategic Planning Course - https://thebessentials.teachable.com/p/strategic-planning
hello@thebessentials.com
FB, IG, IN: @thebessentials

Ep41: Setting Business Goals
This episode is a Coffee Chat Workshop hosted by Channer Consulting LLC. During this workshop I talk about goal setting in business and how to do it right. Goal setting is an important part of any business's success.
Key points:
What are business goals Why goal setting is important in business How to set business goals Creating an action plan that translates your goals to actionConnect:
IG/FB/in - @thebessentials

Ep40: The Journey of an Awkwardly Shy Girl to an Entrepreneur with Masami Sato
Today I am talking with Masami and she shares her entrepreneurial journey. She is a 2-time TEDx speaker, Amazon Best-selling author, winner of Sustainable Business Award and the founder of a global giving movement B1G1
Key points:
Highlight of business ventures prior to B1G1 Her Why The challenges along the way The business’s role in creating a united and sustainable worldMentions:
Website info: b1g1.com
Masami’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/
B1G1’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buy1give1
B1G1’s Facebook: https://www.fa

Ep39: Creating a Social Media Strategy that Works with Philippa Channer
In today’s conversation we are talking about social media strategies that work. Our guest Philippa is a Certified Digital Marketing Coach with Channer Consulting, LLC which is designed and optimized to serve small business owners who value the state of their marketing efforts but lack the time, resources, or expertise to develop a solid marketing plan.
Key points:
The foundation of an effective social media strategy- A plan that is unique to your business
- The resources to execute the plan
- Keep the momentum
- Monitor environmental changes
- A clear call to action Measuring performance of your social media efforts Current social media trends
Mentions:
Free monthly webinars, sign up is on the website
Website www.channer-consulting.com

Ep38: How to Grow your Ecommerce Business with Chase Clymer
Ecommerce is a big deal right now and we are chatting with an expert to understand what it takes to strive in this space. In this episode, Chase Clymer shares how he helps clients grow their ecommerce businesses, from strategic design to development and marketing decisions.
Key points:
Standing out as an ecommerce entrepreneurNiching down versus mass market and why?
Strategy insight -growing revenue by increasing cart size
Pre and post nurturing sequence advice for ecommerce businesses
A common challenge that ecommerce entrepreneurs face
Marketing tips and industry trends
Mentions:
Website - https://electriceye.io/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaseclymer/
Podcast - Honest Ecommerce

Ep37: Product Pricing Models and Retail Readiness with Maureen Mwangi
In this episode, we have Maureen, who is the brand growth strategist behind some of America’s most beloved brands, like L'Oréal, Chobani, Dove, and Lays. She is taking her expertise to the small business world and helping clients create millions of dollars brands. She will be sharing all about product pricing models and retail readiness.
Key points:
Numbers run deep when in comes to choosing the right pricing model for your products The different types of pricing strategies How to position your product for retail or success in general The 4P marketing mix - pricing, product, promotion, place Big brands versus small brands, what is the difference?Mentions:
Strategy Call: https://startwardconsulting.as.me/growth-strategy-call
Website Site: www.startwardconsulting.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenmwangiofficial/
Linked-in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenmwangi/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/productentrepreneurswhoscale

Ep36: The Mindset of Successful Business Leaders with Shawna Schuh
Mindset impacts our businesses and leadership performance; in this episode we dive into the mindset of successful business leaders with Shawna Schuh. She is a Master NLP Practitioner and she coaches leaders who want to improve results with people.
Key points:
Why mindset is an important part of being a successful leaderSome mindset traits of effective leader include being coachable, confidence, focus and action takers
Take action by asking “what is the next step”
Challenges of leadership transformation
Mentions:
A free Quiz to uncover Your Leadership Blindspot
https://shawnaschuh.simplero.com/page/202649-quiz1
My Level Up Your Leadership online course.
https://shawnaschuh.simplero.com/page/181650-level-up-your-leadership-course

Ep35: Identifying the Key Issues in Your Business
Overview:
What are the key issues holding your business back from growth or success? How do you identify those issues so that they can be prioritized and addressed? That is exactly what I am sharing in today's episode. Every business has multiple challenges, but not all of them are key issues; identifying key issues in an integral part of moving forward in business.
Key points:
Understanding what key issues arees areHow to analyze your business’s key issues
Review you successes and failures, financial ratios, performance and environment
Prioritizing high impact issues
Connect:
FB, IG, IN: @thebessentials

Ep34: A Performance Measure Process for Small Businesses
My approach as a small business strategist has always been to look at best practices amongst successful companies and adapt to the small business environment. One of the things that I do not see enough of is a performance measure process within small businesses. It is such a huge part of business growth and success, and it should be at the core of every business’s operations. In this episode, I am sharing a simple performance measure process that you can adapt to fit your business’s needs.
Key points:
Clear goals and objectives Outline strategies Identify KPIs Review meetings RecognitionMentions:
Ep5: Strategic Planning
Ep15: The Right Way to do Business
FB, IG, IN: @thebessentials

Ep33: The Key to Business Success - CLARITY
Today's conversation is about clarity and why it is the key to business success. There are many components necessary for a business to operate successfully but none of them hold the key to business success.
Key points:
Lack of clarity is expensive and wastefulClarity provides a path forward to achieving your vision
Decision making a a huge differentiator with successful businesses and clarity helps you make the right decisions for your business
Clarity provides focus and direction for your team
Clarity is also having the ability to operate with agility in a changing environment
Mentions:
Episode 26: How to Adapt Your Plan to an Agile Strategic Plan

Ep32: Navigating Changes in Consumer Behavior During COVID-19 with Shane Pounder of FLIPP
In this episode I am talking with Shane Pounder of FLIPP. His unique experience in engineering, lean six sigma and operations have strengthened his role as the VP of Operations and Marketing at Flipp.com. Our conversation is centered around how FLIPP navigated the changes in consumer behavior during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Key points:
Capacity building journey of FLIPP from start up to presentStages on consumer behavior changes during COVID-19
How the FLIPP maneuvered through the crisis
Always find a way to add value to your customer
Mentions:
Website: https://corp.flipp.com/about-us
Shane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanepounder
Download the Flipp App on Google Play and in the Apple Store
Flipp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getflipp

Ep31: Increase Small Business Productivity with Kelly Goss
In this episode I am talking with Kelly Goss about small business productivity. Kelly is an expert in productivity and she helps small and medium-sized businesses achieve their productivity goals, save time, reduce costs and stay agile as they grow.
Key points:
Increase productivity and save moneyWhy and how to streamline and automate your business
Overcoming the challenge of streamlining your business
Case studies of client projects
Mentions:
Website - www.solvaa.co.uk
Harnessing the power of Zapier - https://solvaa.co.uk/wait-list/
My free ebook "Automate! The Essential Guide To Business Productivity" - https://solvaa.co.uk/zapier-ebook/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-goss/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/automationsolvaa/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV7xqqyJYG-GRw0oXSdCj-Q

Ep30: Accelerate Business Growth by Doing Less with Crista Grasso
In this episode I am talking with Crista Grasso, also known as the “Business Optimizer. Our conversation is around getting off the hustle hamster wheel and accelerating your business growth while doing less. Crista walks us through her Lean Out Method which is designed to simplify business success.
Key points:
Clarity and next level visionLean out method - context, clarity, commitment, Kaizen
Defining and implementing the plan by working smarter
Engage you team with routine check up meetings
Commitment to achieving goals by being focused, flexible and adaptable in order to achieve the results.
Kaizen - continuous reflection and improvement
Mentions:
Podcast - The Lean Out Your Business Podcast
Website - https://www.leanoutmethod.com/
Facebook private group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeanOutCircle
Simplify to Scale Workshop - https://www.leanoutmethod.com/simplify

Ep29: Leadership Skills Necessary for Growth with Jeff Chastain
In this episode we are talking with Jeff Chastain about the leadership skills necessary for growth. He unpacks the roadblocks that hinder businesses from growing and how we can overcome them. Jeff is sharing all the insights from his experience in helping his clients to overcome the logjam and grow in an efficient and scalable way.
Key points:
Understanding leadership in a startup versus leadership in a growth oriented businessGrowth starts with clear focus and direction from leadership
How to effectively communicate company priorities
Effective delegation of duties
How to horn these leadership skill
Mentions:
Podcast: Building to Scale by Admentus Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/admentusinc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdchastain/

Ep28: The Winning Formula to Successfully Implementing a Process
Sound processes are fundamental to growing a business but oftentimes implementing these processes don’t always go as planned. After working on numerous process improvement projects, I have a formula for successful implementation that works every time. In this episode, I am sharing the exact formula I use to get the job done.
Key points:
DocumentationCommunication
Training
Consistency
Update
Mentions:
Free Guide: Processes & Systems that Work - Download Here
FB/IG - @thebessentials

Ep27: 5 Tips on Reviewing Financial Statements for Small Business Owners
Financial statement review is an important task of a business owner but sometimes it is challenging to do it on a consistent basis when you don’t know what you should be looking at or reviewing. In this episode I am sharing five tips to help business owners review their financial statements consistently and understand what the numbers are saying about their business.
Key points:
Reviewing income statements in a month by month viewComparing performance to goals and targets
Identify financial ratios that are important to your business
Review balance sheet in comparison to previous period
What do look at in your cash flow statement
Mentions:
FB/IG - @thebessentials
Financial Ratios - https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/financial-management/small-business-financial-ratios.shtml
Understanding Your Financial Statement Course - https://thebessentials.teachable.com/p/understanding-your-financial-statements

Ep26: How to Adapt Your Plan to an Agile Strategic Plan
The business environment is constantly changing and we have to approach business planning with agility in order to be sustainable. In this episode, I share five steps to adapting your current strategic plan to an agile strategic plan.
Key points:
Having more frequent review meetingsConstantly assess your business environment to identify changes that may affect your business
Adapting goals and strategies to respond to changes
Changing your performance measure approach
Overall mindset change
Mentions:
FB/IG - @thebessentials
The Business Done Right Framework - https://thebessentials.com/shop/p/the-business-done-right-framework
Strategic Planning Course - https://thebessentials.teachable.com/p/business-done-right/26

Ep25: Small Business Ownership by Acquisition with Bill Keating
In this episode Bill shares a lot of insight into his business acquisition journey. Bill acquired three companies in the space of one year and there is so much to unpack about his experience. We cover everything from scouting for businesses to due diligence to financing options and we look at the pros and cons of business acquisition.
Key Points:
Ways to scout for small business acquisition opportunities include business broker listing and referralsThree things to look at when doing due diligence - the cost structure, the customer concentration and the business success factor
Creating ways to finance for your acquisition includes seller financing and balloon financing.
Some pros and cons of business acquisition
Mentions:
www.sanijohnservices.com

Ep24: Translate Your Business Goals into Action

Ep23: Content Marketing Using Podcast with Serena Gay

Ep22: Using Energetic Intelligence to Make the Right Decisions for Your Business with Bethany Perry

Ep21: Creating an Effective Marketing Message with Rana Mouawad

Ep20: Small Business Sales Simplified with Rachele of RacheleRadio

Ep19: 6 Tips for Building Resilience

EP18: Strategic Planning Transformation with Alexandra Jellerette

Ep17: Live Workshop - Processes & Systems that Work

Ep16: Leading With a Vision
Leading with a vision is in fact the gold standard when it comes to leadership. Not only does it provide focus and clarity to leadership, it also increases team engagement.

Ep15: The Right Way to Do Business

Ep14: 5 Tips to Prevent Theft in Small Businesses

EP13: Get Your Price Right
Revenue = All Financial Obligations + Owner’s Pay + Net Profit
In other words, the amount of revenue you generate should cover all your financial obligations including the owner’s pay and provision for net income. Anything short of this signals a potential problem in your pricing, and it should be reviewed.

EP12: Building a Strong Co-Owner Relationship with Sharon Welang

EP11: DIY Bookkeeping

Ep10: Business Model or Business Plan

Ep9: Staying Productive During Crisis & Change

Ep8: Being a Small Business CEO

Ep7: Pricing at the Net

Ep6: Processes & Systems that Work

Ep5: Strategic Planning

Ep4: How to Manage Small Business Finance

Ep 3: Business Survival Guide

Ep2: 3 Components of a Successful Business
