Unlocking Financial Freedom: A Journey Through One-on-One Coaching
Unlocking Financial Freedom: A Journey Through One-on-One Coaching
One-on-one coaching is my main line of work, and for a good reason. So much of my work happens behind the scenes. I dive head first into my client's business, helping them become strategic with their finances and decision making to be able to lead profitable companies. My ultimate goal and reward is connecting with and helping incredible business owners in the interior design industry. So, I get very excited when my clients come back on my podcast to share their stories so they can, in turn, help others in the design industry.
As a business coach that focuses on financials, every success story my clients share feels like a personal victory. My role goes beyond the traditional. It's about connecting deeply with business owners, understanding their financial and work struggles, and guiding them to make informed, strategic decisions that lead to growth, sustainability, and the life they strive for. Recently, I had the pleasure of having Kate Wood, a successful graduate of my CFO2GOTM program, on the "Profit is a Choice" podcast. Her journey offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of financial and business coaching.
Kate Wood is a preservationist who owns a company called Worth Preserving. She helps people strategize renovating their old or historic houses and preserve their value. Kate wanted to scale her business and make sure she was serving her clients in the best way while running a successful company. She hustled a lot vacillating between the roles of preservationist, project manager, business owner and marketer. Doing it all alone can be very stressful and counterproductive.
“Do I want to learn it slowly and sometimes painfully by the school of hard knocks? Or would I rather pay somebody to give me some insight, fast-track me, help me move there quicker, and help me gain insight that I don't have? I'm a big proponent of having a coach.”
-Kate Woods, Owner of Worth Preserving
CFO2GO: How Coaching Can Bring Financial Health to Your Design Business
Every day, I empower designers to take ownership of their company's financial health and enjoy the rewards of reduced stress and increased creativity. My background as an owner of multiple businesses in the interior design industry, financial software developer, educator, and speaker has equipped me to coach business owners to increase their profits and focus on the work they enjoy. My approach ensures that financial strategies align seamlessly with overall business goals.
My CFO2GO program involves three in-depth strategy calls, during which we dive into every aspect of your business financials. I review documents like profit and loss statements, balance sheets, payroll reports, and SWOT analyses. This isn't just about collecting data; it's about building a comprehensive understanding of your business's financial health and aligning it with your strategic goals.
One of the key aspects of this program is creating a clear, strategic financial plan. I often describe it as helping clients create the picture on the front of a puzzle box, putting the edges together, and then supporting them as they work on the inside. This approach ensures that every piece fits into the overall vision, allowing for both immediate and long-term success.
In my coaching program, I help you reach the balance of business as a whole. Because it is at that intersection between strategy and plan—who I am and what I'm trying to do, how I'm going to price it, how I'm going to manage the money, how I'm going to run it through my company—that the magic happens for you as a business owner. It's that happy medium that makes us feel good and reduces our stress at night.
Kate Wood and I met at the Luann Live event in 2023. Kate wanted financial clarity in running her business. She said, "I feel like I'm doing something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. But I don't quite understand how to make money doing it." Many designers share this sentiment—giving their business everything they have yet going from commission to commission without quite understanding how this fits together as a lucrative career.
During our coaching session, I helped Kate transform the way she ran her business into a scalable strategy that not only increased her profits and put the money flow puzzle together with Metrique but also allowed her to balance life and work.
What Kate Achieved Through CFO2GO Coaching:
Shifted the pricing of her offered packages to include the value of the time she puts into work, the cost of materials and products, taxes (a big one that a lot of creatives usually overlook), marketing efforts, business growth (workshops, coaching, etc.), and a paycheck.
Worked on project management strategies to eliminate the unknown and ensure Kate had better control of every step of the project.
Created an intentional budget that can sustain and scale the business.
Turned site consultations (Kate's favorite parts of the business) from a loss leader into a profitable heartbeat of the business.
Kate reflected, "You put your finger on what a profit center really could be and the fact that it could be joyful... I could give my all to my business and be so thoroughly happy and fulfilled... I don't have to spread myself across all these dimensions; I can be very focused."
The Power of Coaching: From Fear to Financial Empowerment
I believe in the value of coaching, not just from one perspective but from multiple angles. Each coach brings different expertise, whether it's financial strategy, mindset, business startup, or marketing. This multi-faceted approach offers thorough support tailored to your specific needs. As Kate mentioned, "We're never meant to do it alone. The minute we can let the ego go and move it to the side and say, 'This is something I don't know'... I'm a big proponent of having a coach." Kate is one of the many success stories showing how you can achieve your business goals and scale with the right financial strategy and tools. You do not have to struggle or do it alone! And you can certainly turn your dream work into a tangible, profitable company.
My coaching is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship. Whether it's periodic reviews or a need for additional guidance, I coach my clients as they build their business. This continuous support helps them adapt to changing circumstances and seize new opportunities.
Financial coaching is about more than just numbers; it's about empowerment, strategy, and creating a thriving business. Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, I help business owners like Kate unlock their full potential, achieve financial stability, and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with it. By sharing these success stories on the "Profit is a Choice" podcast, I hope to inspire others in the design industry to take control of their financial futures and build businesses they love.
Every client's journey is unique, but the goal is always the same: to help them see the bigger picture, understand the financial landscape, and make informed decisions that lead to long-term success. This is the essence of my work as a financial coach, and it's a privilege to be part of each client's journey toward financial freedom and business success.
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