Small Business Growth

The Financial Blind Spots Holding Your Business Back (And How to Fix Them)

As a business owner, you’re focused on growth, delivering results, and keeping your customers happy. But if you’re not keeping a close eye on your finances, you could be leaving money on the table—or worse, losing it without realizing it.

In a recent episode of the Scale Smart, Grow Fast Podcast, we sat down with Cheryl Heller, founder of Pillar One Consulting, to discuss how entrepreneurs can take control of their financial health, eliminate hidden inefficiencies, and make smarter business decisions.

Listen to this episode on the go! Tune in on your favorite services and never miss valuable insights to help you scale smarter and grow faster.

🎧 Cash Flow Mistakes That’s Costing You – Spotify

🎧 Cash Flow Mistakes That’s Costing You – Apple Podcasts

Why Most Business Owners Struggle with Finances

Many entrepreneurs avoid their financials, only checking in when tax season rolls around. But waiting too long can lead to poor cash flow management, unexpected expenses, and missed opportunities for growth. Cheryl’s advice? Start by removing the emotion from your numbers.

“Your financials are just data—use them to inform your next steps, not as a source of stress.”

By regularly reviewing financial reports, you can spot unnecessary expenses, optimize pricing, and create a long-term strategy for scaling your business.

Key Financial Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

✅ Pricing Without Data – Too many business owners set prices based on competitors instead of their own costs and profit margins. Calculate your true costs before setting a price.

✅ Cash Flow Neglect – Profit on paper doesn’t always mean money in the bank. Understanding cash flow ensures you have the funds needed for growth, payroll, and unexpected expenses.

✅ Ignoring Receivables – A slow-paying client can quietly drain your business. Implement systems to track outstanding invoices, enforce payment terms, and follow up on late payments consistently.

✅ Overlooking Recurring Charges – Small, unused subscriptions add up over time. Reviewing your expenses monthly can prevent unnecessary spending and increase profitability.

How Business Owners Can Regain Control

1️⃣ Check Your Numbers Monthly – Don’t wait until tax time. Set aside time each month to review key financial reports like your cash flow statement and profit margins.

2️⃣ Implement Smart Systems – Use QuickBooks, Excel, or other tools to track spending, monitor revenue trends, and forecast future needs. If you don’t have time, delegate financial tracking to an AI-powered executive assistant who can ensure accuracy and consistency.

3️⃣ Know Your KPIs – At minimum, track your gross margin (profit after direct costs) and days sales outstanding (how long it takes clients to pay). These numbers impact your bottom line more than you think.

4️⃣ Build Financial Reserves – Unexpected downturns happen. Having a cash reserve of at least 3-6 months of expenses can protect your business from disruptions.

Want to Scale Without Financial Stress?

Getting a grip on your finances is one of the smartest moves you can make as a business owner. If financial overwhelm is holding you back, our Ultimate Executive Assistants at Workergenix can take bookkeeping, invoicing, and expense tracking off your plate—so you can focus on growth.

Take control of your business finances and free up your time—schedule a discovery call today to see how our AI-powered executive assistants can help you streamline operations and scale smarter.

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Fractional COOs: The Key to Scaling Your Business Without Burnout

As a CEO, founder, or business owner, you understand the constant challenge of balancing daily operations with big-picture growth. You didn’t build your business to get stuck in the weeds—but without the right operational support, that’s exactly where you can end up. Enter the fractional COO: the strategic solution for leaders ready to scale without burnout.

Mallory Smith, entrepreneur and fractional COO, shared her journey on the Scale Smart, Grow Fast Podcast. With experience in biotech, cosmetic chemistry, sales, and entrepreneurship—where she built and sold a seven-figure sign company—Mallory now helps seven-figure businesses streamline operations and scale sustainably.

🎧 Prefer to listen on the go?

✅ How a Fractional COO Helps You Scale – Spotify

✅ How a Fractional COO Helps You Scale – Apple Podcasts

What is a Fractional COO?

A fractional COO (Chief Operating Officer) provides high-level operational leadership on a part-time basis. Instead of hiring a full-time executive, you get access to experienced leadership without the long-term commitment or cost.

Who Needs a Fractional COO?

Fractional COOs aren’t for startups still finding their footing. They’re ideal for:

Seven-Figure Businesses in Growth Mode: Struggling to manage rapid expansion? A fractional COO brings structure and systems so you can keep scaling without chaos.
Owners Preparing to Step Back: If you’re ready to reduce hands-on involvement or planning an exit, a fractional COO ensures your business runs smoothly and remains valuable to future buyers.

How a Fractional COO Adds Value

Operational Clarity: They assess your operations, identify inefficiencies, and implement systems that scale.
Employee Alignment: They ensure your team is aligned with the company’s vision and processes, creating a self-sustaining operation.
Strategic Delegation: They help you delegate effectively, freeing up your time to focus on growth and leadership.
Business Scalability: They implement processes that allow your business to grow without the bottlenecks caused by owner dependency.

What the Engagement Looks Like

According to Mallory, fractional COOs typically work 5–8 hours per week with business owners. The relationship is designed for long-term transformation—most engagements last around two years. The goal? Build a business that no longer depends on the owner’s daily involvement.

Overcoming Common Challenges

The biggest obstacle? Mindset. Business owners are often deeply attached to how things have always been done. A fractional COO challenges these norms, bringing fresh perspectives and new strategies. While change can be uncomfortable, it’s necessary for growth. As Mallory puts it, “You’ll never get somewhere new by doing the same old things.”

Advice for Businesses Not Ready for a Fractional COO

Not quite at the seven-figure mark? Start here:

Master Your Financials: Know your profit and loss statements inside out. Look for ways to cut costs and improve profit margins.
Identify Your Worth: Understand your hourly value. Delegate tasks that don’t meet that rate—a skilled virtual assistant can handle bookkeeping and admin work.
Clarify Your Vision: Define where you want your business to go. What are your core values? How do you want your business to feel and function? Vision guides operations.

Real Results: A Success Story

Mallory shared the story of a business owner who couldn’t step away, overwhelmed with manual payroll and daily operations. After implementing automation and delegating low-value tasks, the owner finally took a stress-free vacation to Hawaii—with the business running smoothly in her absence.

Conclusion: Is a Fractional COO Right for You?

If you’re running a seven-figure business, losing sleep over operational challenges, or dreaming of scaling without sacrificing your time, a fractional COO might be the solution. They help you reclaim your time, streamline operations, and position your business for sustainable growth—or a profitable exit.

At Workergenix, we believe in scaling smarter, not harder. If you’re ready to stop managing and start leading, explore how our solutions can help you find the right operational support.

If you’re ready to scale smarter, streamline operations, and step back from the daily grind, schedule a discovery call with Workergenix today and see how the right operational support can take your business to the next level—without the burnout.

Like what you read? Get weekly insights on scaling, efficiency, and profitability—straight to your inbox. Click here to subscribe.