“A thought leader is defined as an individual or firm recognized as an authority in their specialized field whose expertise are sought after and often rewarded. ”

— Melissa Houston

In an ever-growing industry, what sets you apart from the crowd of thousands proclaiming they’re the best and the greatest at what they do?

The answer to this question gets harder every day. There will always be startups popping out of nowhere, small businesses that go viral, and established conglomerates that control half the industry. You might think the safest bet is to just do well and see how it goes.

But here’s something tried and true for you. This is a solution that’s been honed over time and proven effective: let yourself be the face of your business. Give the public someone to listen to, someone to root for, someone to lean on. Don’t just be the boss of your business; let yourself become a thought leader.

In this episode, we will be discussing everything there is to know about thought leadership. From what it takes to get started to establishing yourself as one, whether through traditional media appearances or creating content for Tiktok, we will explore the steps you can undertake to become a respected thought leader in your industry.

Listen to learn:

• Why there is a difference between influencers and thought leaders
•  How to make informative and compelling content as a thought leader
• How an online presence cultivates your reputation
• Why it is important to go on public speaking events
• How networking is essential in building your brand
• Why appearances on traditional media is essential 

Highlights:‌

• 2:59 The definition of a thought leader
• 8:33 Benefits of being a thought leader to your business
• 9:19 Good and strategic content creation
• 10:21 Means of increasing your online visibility
• 11:50 Attending talks and publishing your own articles
• 12:57 Importance of networking on events
• 14:20 Writing a book and its impact on your brand reputation
• 14:58 Hiring PR coverage and what it can do for you
• 15:30 Appearances on varied media

"As you're starting your business, you're going to come across so many interesting and sometimes real challenges, really exciting problems to solve, areas of compliance and requirements that probably seem daunting, and I would say really seek out resources, seek out mentors.”

— Dina Segal

Contracts will always be an essential part of a business. Whether it’s a business deal with your supplier or establishing a new agreement with your client, this piece of paper plays a vital role in protecting not only your business’s best interests but also the rights of the other party.

Writing down agreements and signing them may seem simple, but contracts are significantly more complex. They leave no stone unturned, explore every point thoroughly, and allow for no exceptions—except when both parties agreed to do so.

This episode will explore the ins and outs of the beginning of every business journey: the contracts. Beyond the lengthy paragraphs and complicated words, we will learn the factors to consider in contract negotiations, stress the importance of thoroughly reading the written word before signing, and discuss ways to ensure that your contract attracts only the best and the most suitable partners for your business.

Listen to learn:‌

• How to classify workers
• How organizations can help with your resources and mentoring needs
• How to negotiate your contract well
• Why it’s important to know your business core for contract negotiations
• Why flexibility is essential in your contract
• How to avoid ambiguity in contracts
• Why attorney’s fees can’t be overlooked in business negotiations

Highlights:‌

4:28      Services Third-Party companies can do for you
7:56      Contracting people from all around the world
10:21   Organizations that help in mentoring start-up businesses
12:28   Importance of contracting
14:50   Payment terms in contracts
16:49   A Business’ Liability Issues
19:01   Proper Process of Contract Termination
22:06   Importance of reading Terms and Conditions
22:58   Creating a form for your business
23:49   Attorney's fees in Contract Provisions
24:03   Seeking Guidance and Mentors

Links:‌ ‌
Dina Segal
Gusto Website

Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business
Main website
Cash Clarity Course
Apply to Work With Me
Mini-course: The Debt Repayment Calculator
Mini-course: Pay Yourself
Mini-course: Personal Net Worth Calculator
Mini-course: The Ultimate Budget Binder

Follow me on:

IG: @melissahoustoncpa
LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa

“With the right mindset and dedication, successful debt management is within your reach.”

—Melissa Houston

Many aspire to start their own business, but a common obstacle preventing them from doing so is financial constraints. People who do not have enough funding often resort to taking out loans to build their first business.

But what’s the deal with businesses that end up sinking rather than soaring?

The culprit is often debt. Some businesses fall into the trap of having massive loans without a solid plan. Business owners tend to choose the short-term solution of gearing up, taking debts, instead of focusing on the long-term ones. Let’s be real, when those loans start piling up, it’s not just your business that is affected, but your personal life too.

Whether you’re in it for business or dealing with personal finances, taking on debt is a big responsibility. You have to ensure that you can deal with it and properly resolve it in order to avoid the chances of it overtaking your business or life.

Listen to learn:‌

• Why most businesses resort to taking up debts
• Why  entrepreneurs should focus on  long-term solutions for their business
• How can business owners manage their debts in business
• How the pressure of debt can affect one’s mental health
• How business owners or even individuals can avoid taking too much financial debt

Highlights:‌

03:39  Having personal debt to run the business 
04:39  What too much debt can do to your business
06:22  Impact of debt on our mental health
08:17  Knowing your business numbers
11:18  Tip 1: Analyze Debt and Financial Situation
11:59  Debt Repayment Calculator Mini Course
12:28  Tip 2: Prioritize Your Debts
13:02  Tip 3: Negotiate with Creditors
13:49  Tip 4: Consider Debt Consolidation
15:20  Tip 5: Seek Professional Advice

Links:‌ ‌  

• Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business
• Unlock Your Profit Potential With This Smart Pricing Strategy
• Cash Clarity Course
• Apply to Work With Me
• Main website
• Mini-course: The Debt Repayment Calculator
• Mini-course: Pay Yourself
• Mini-course: Personal Net Worth Calculator
• Mini-course: The Ultimate Budget Binder

Follow me on:

IG: @melissahoustoncpa
LinkedIn: @melissahoustoncpa