Today, we're talking about something that sounds simple but changes everything about how your advisory practice feels, for you and for your clients: your client rhythm. I'm talking about how often you meet, what happens in those meetings, and how you keep momentum alive between them. When you get this right, your clients get far better results, and you get your life back.The biggest mistake I see advisors make is picking one meeting schedule—weekly, monthly, quarterly—and applying it to every single client. While it sounds efficient, it's a trap. If you meet too often, you create dependency and become a firefighter instead of a guide. If you meet too rarely, you lose relevance and clients start to wonder what they're paying you for.In this episode, I’m going to show you how to find the perfect meeting cadence for each client by identifying their unique rhythm. I’ll walk you through the three types of advisory rhythms—Reactive, Growth, and Strategic—and give you a simple tool called the Rhythm Matrix to diagnose exactly what each client needs right now. This isn't about organizing your diary; it's about building a practice where structure turns your great advice into real, lasting change. Key TakeawaysIs your one-size-fits-all meeting schedule accidentally creating either needy, dependent clients or disengaged, distant ones? Discover the two dangerous extremes that most advisors fall into.What are the three distinct client "rhythms" (Reactive, Growth, and Strategic), and how can you instantly tell which one your client is in right now?Why must your most hands-on, frequent meetings (the "Reactive Rhythm") be treated like an ambulance and not a long-term treatment plan?How can a simple 2x2 grid—The Rhythm Matrix—instantly reveal the perfect meeting cadence for any client based on just two factors: their capability and their business complexity?Why do most advisors believe more meetings equal more value, and what's the counterintuitive truth about how reducing meeting frequency can actually increase your client's results and your freedom?Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
I've seen it a thousand times. You offer a client "business advisory," and their eyes just glaze over. You know you can help them improve their cash flow or grow their business, but they just nod politely and say, "Maybe later." The truth is, it's not that they don't need your help; it's that they can't see what you're really offering. "Advisory" is vague. It's intangible. And if a client can't paint a picture of it in their mind, they will never buy it.Most of us are selling the equivalent of a "nutrition support drink"—a grey, plain, unexciting offer. In this episode, I'm going to show you how to sell "The Energy Shot" or "The Glow Blend" instead. I'm breaking down the three biggest mistakes accountants and bookkeepers make when they try to sell advisory, and I'm giving you my three powerful frameworks for naming your program so that clients instantly get it and, more importantly, want it. This is how you stop selling a vague service and start selling a story your client desperately wants to step into.Key TakeawaysWhat’s the one word you’re probably using to describe your services that makes clients think it should be free? (Hint: It’s not "help".)Are you selling a boring "nutrition support drink" or an irresistible "Glow Blend"? Learn the simple smoothie bar analogy that will forever change how you package your advisory offer.Why treating advisory like a "one-off fix" is not only hurting your clients' transformation but also killing your recurring revenue potential.Discover the difference between an "Identity-Based" name and an "Outcome-Driven" name, and which one is the perfect fit for the clients you want to attract.How can you create a "Signature Blend" name for your program that's not only memorable but also gives you a unique piece of intellectual property to build your brand around?Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
We’ve talked about how to start your advisory sessions with a strong takeoff using the 3P agenda, and how to land them smoothly with the 3C close. But what about the part in between? The middle is where most advisory conversations get lost. You start with a great agenda, but somewhere along the way, the conversation drifts. Your client starts telling a long story, and before you know it, you’ve spent half the meeting listening and nodding, but haven’t actually moved anything forward.A great takeoff and a smooth landing mean nothing if the flight path meanders. If you don't steer during the flight, you won't reach the right destination. Your role as an advisor is to guide, not just to listen like a therapist. So how do you do that without feeling bossy or cutting your client off?In this episode, I’m giving you the simple, gentle framework for steering the middle of the conversation. I call it your flight path, and it’s a three-step process—Listen, Lead, and Frame—that keeps you in calm, confident control. This is how you take a client's messy, emotional story and turn it into a clear, focused strategy, proving you’re the strategic guide they invested in.Key TakeawaysYour meetings have a perfect takeoff and a smooth landing, so why do they still crash and burn? Discover the critical "flight path" that determines if your advisory sessions actually reach their destination.Are your advisory sessions in the "sweet spot" of control, or are you stuck in the drift zone? We break down the two simple axes—Direction and Structure—that every great advisor must master to stay in control.What if you could gently guide any conversation back on track without feeling bossy or cutting your client off? Learn the simple 3-step "Listen, Lead, Frame" technique to maintain control and connection.Why is jumping in to "fix" your client's problem often the worst thing you can do? Discover the art of purposeful listening to uncover the real issue hidden beneath their symptoms and stories.What is the one tiny habit that instantly transforms you from a friendly ear into a trusted strategic advisor in your client's mind? It's all about how you "play back" what you've heard to bring order to their chaos.Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
You've just had a fantastic advisory session. The energy was high, the insights were flowing, and you feel like you really connected with your client. But then, the clock starts winding down, and it all ends with a vague, "Great chat, let's catch up soon!" A week goes by, then two and nothing happens. The momentum is gone, your authority has slipped, and the value you created gets lost in the noise.A great flight needs both a clear takeoff and a smooth landing. In a previous episode, we talked about starting strong with the 3P Framework. Today, we’re talking about the landing—the most critical part of the journey that determines whether the entire experience felt valuable and worth taking again. A weak ending is like circling the airport without ever touching down; it just burns energy and leaves everyone wondering where to go next.In this episode, I’m giving you my simple, three-part framework for landing every conversation perfectly. I call it the 3C Closeout: Clarity, Commitment, and Calendar. This is how you turn a nice chat into a necessary, transformational conversation. I'll walk you through how to name the win, turn ideas into owned actions, and lock in momentum so that every single client leaves with clarity, confidence, and a clear plan.Key TakeawaysWhy is the end of your client meeting just as dangerous as the beginning? Discover the "smooth landing" technique that prevents your advisory sessions from crashing and burning right at the finish line.What are the three things that silently unravel the moment you end a meeting with "great chat, let's catch up soon"? We reveal how this simple phrase kills momentum and undermines your authority.Can you really lock in client action and accountability in the final 60 seconds of a meeting? We break down the simple 3C Closeout (Clarity, Commitment, Calendar) that makes it possible every single time.How do you turn a client's post-meeting "fog" of ideas into a laser-focused "win" that anchors your value in their mind? Learn the first, most crucial step of a powerful close that creates instant clarity.Why isn't your advisory meeting truly over until the next one is booked? Find out the simple "Calendar" step that keeps progress alive long after the Zoom call ends and prevents clients from drifting away.Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
Let's talk about something that's probably already sitting in your diary, hiding in plain sight: your client review meetings. Too often, these quarterly or monthly check-ins feel like a routine chore. The conversation drifts, you spend 45 minutes putting out fires, and you both walk away with a tired brain and no real direction. The meeting feels busy, but it doesn't create momentum.But what if I told you these meetings are your single biggest opportunity? Not to pitch or hard-sell, but to create a moment of clarity that reminds your clients of their progress, resets their priorities, and opens the door to real, organic growth for both of you.In this episode, I’m sharing my simple yet incredibly powerful 4R Framework—Reflect, Review, Refocus, and Renew. This is the exact structure I use to turn messy catch-ups into powerful, focused sessions that demonstrate your immense value. I’ll show you how to celebrate wins, translate data into insights, and identify your client's single most important priority—which naturally leads to upsells based on progress, not pressure.If you're ready to turn your routine check-ins into the most valuable and profitable part of your client relationships, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysAre you driving your client reviews by only looking in the rear-view mirror? Learn the simple car analogy that reveals why most review meetings lack momentum and how to use your "dashboard" and "windshield" to create a clear path forward.What is the one simple question most advisors skip that can completely change the energy of a client review in the first 30 seconds, building immediate trust and positive momentum?Your job isn't to report the numbers; it's to translate them. Discover the key questions to ask that turn a boring data dump into a powerful strategic conversation where your true value shines.How can one powerful question cut through your client's noise, identify their biggest priority, and naturally open the door to an upsell without a single, awkward sales pitch?Monthly, quarterly, or annually? Find out the "sweet spot" for scheduling client reviews that maintains connection and momentum without creating repetitive noise, making them the true heartbeat of your advisory business.Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
I've been there. You jump on a Zoom call, ready to be the strategic advisor your client hired you to be, and suddenly you're drowning in stories about their team drama, a random idea from their friend, or what they had for breakfast. Before you know it, you’ve lost control. You've gone from being the pilot of the plane to a passenger just along for the ride, and your authority is slipping away.In this episode, I’m sharing the single most powerful tool I use to completely transform my client meetings. It’s a simple, three-part framework that takes seconds to deliver but instantly establishes you as the leader, builds incredible trust, and ensures every single session ends with clarity and a plan for action.This isn't just about running better meetings; it's about creating a "confidence loop" that makes your clients see you as an indispensable partner. If you’re ready to stop being a note-taker and start being the trusted advisor you were meant to be, this episode is for you.Is the smartest person in the room actually leading your client meetings? Discover the surprising reason you might be accidentally giving away your authority, and how to reclaim it in the first 30 seconds.What if you could eliminate meeting drift forever with just three simple words? We’ll walk you through the powerful "3P Framework" that guarantees your clients feel led, safe, and ready to take action every single time.Are you the pilot or the passenger in your own advisory sessions? Learn the critical difference and why flying the plane with a clear "flight plan" is the key to getting your clients incredible results.There’s one sentence you can say at the beginning of a meeting that instantly answers your client’s biggest unasked question: “What’s in it for me?” Find out what it is and why it’s a game-changer for building value.How can running one structured meeting create a powerful "confidence loop" that makes you a better advisor and your client a better business owner? We break down the psychology that turns good meetings into lasting trust and momentum.Want more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
Let's be honest for a moment. Most of us aren't drowning in sales calls; we're starving for them. You're brilliant at what you do, but the feast-or-famine cycle of new inquiries is exhausting. It makes you second-guess your prices, your offers, and even the dream of building a real freedom business. But what if I told you that you're not bad at sales? You're just missing the one thing that makes sales effortless: good marketing. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my "10-Hour Marketing Rule"—the exact framework I use to generate consistent leads and attract clients who are already "pre-sold" before they even book a call. I’ll walk you through the simple, four-part weekly rhythm of Clarity, Creation, Connection, and Conversion that replaces stress with stability. This isn't about becoming a pushy salesperson or posting on social media 24/7. It's about creating a calm, intentional system that does the heavy lifting for you, building trust and momentum so you can finally get off the client rollercoaster and build the impactful business you deserve.Key Takeaways:1. The real reason your sales calls feel so hard (and why it’s not your fault). It’s a simple shift in perspective that can change the entire dynamic of your business development."You're not bad at sales. It's that you're missing the one thing that makes sales effortless. And that's good marketing." – Amanda C. Watts2. Want to escape the client feast-or-famine cycle? There’s a simple, four-part rhythm that replaces panic and inconsistency with a calm, predictable flow of leads every single week."I want you to think of it as four clarity, creation, connection and conversion." – Amanda C. Watts3. Imagine clients showing up to a call already convinced they want to work with you. This is the power of being "pre-sold," and it’s the ultimate goal of effective marketing."By the time someone books a call with you, they've already made up their mind. They've watched your videos, they've read your posts and listened to your podcast. They already know who you are." – Amanda C. Watts4. Your marketing isn't just about getting clients; it's about setting them up for success. Learn why viewing your marketing as an act of service is the key to building trust and getting better results for everyone."Good marketing isn't vanity, it's service. It prepares the people to succeed when they finally become your clients." – Amanda C. Watts5. Are you killing your own momentum without realizing it? Discover why consistent, focused effort is far more powerful than occasional bursts of intense activity."A burst of energy followed by silence kills momentum. 10 consistent hours every week will do more for your business than 30 hours once a quarter." – Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
This morning, I nearly let my dressing gown win. Waking up in that quiet, half-dreamy state, all I wanted was to stay on the sofa with a cup of tea. My to-do list felt a world away. It got me thinking about how we blame a lack of motivation when, often, the real culprit is our environment. It wasn't until I forced myself to go upstairs, get dressed, and put on my face that everything shifted. It was like flicking a switch; the energy returned, and I was ready to perform. I realized that specific spaces in my life fuel different types of energy—my desk for professional delivery, my sofa for creativity, and my walking path for clarity. In this episode, I explore how consciously designing these physical and digital environments is the true secret to unlocking your best performance. It’s not about finding more motivation; it’s about creating the momentum you need by sending the right signals to your brain. Freedom doesn't start with strategy; it starts with your state.Key Takeaways:1. Your clothes are a light switch for your brain. Ever feel sluggish working in your pajamas? There’s a scientific reason your brain isn’t in “go mode.”"That's why getting dressed is such a powerful thing. It's not about what you look like, it's about the signal that it sends to your brain." – Amanda C. Watts2. Are you trying to be creative in your performance zone? Different tasks require different energies, and your physical space is the container for that energy. Trying to do the right work in the wrong space is like fighting an invisible battle. "I've learned that each environment serves a different part of me. My desk energy is delivery energy. My sofa energy is creative energy. And walking is clarity energy." – Amanda C. Watts3.Burnout isn't just from overworking; it's from never being fully "off". When your work life and home life blend into one, your brain lives in a "gray zone," leading to exhaustion."And that's when burnout sneaks in. Okay? Not because you're working too hard, but because you're never fully working or fully resting." – Amanda C. Watts4. Clutter isn't just in your cupboards; it's in your browser tabs. Your digital environment impacts your focus just as much as your physical one. Discover the simple weekly ritual that creates a calm, controlled start to every week."What I have noticed is the more successful someone becomes, the simpler their environment gets... Because space equals clarity, Clarity equals calm. And calm equals performance." – Amanda C. Watts5. Stop searching for motivation; create momentum instead. The smallest change in your surroundings can instantly shift your state and make work feel effortless. What if putting on your shoes was all it took?"Sometimes it's not motivation that we're missing, it's that momentum that we need to get into. And the momentum starts the second you change your environment." – Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
I once had what I thought was a dream client. They signed quickly and paid well, but the dream soon turned into a nightmare. Midnight emails followed by 7 a.m. follow-ups. Constant scope creep disguised as "just one more thing." I was on call 24/7, drowning in their demands, and it got so bad they started to chip away at my confidence, making me doubt my own abilities. In the end, after I had bent over backwards for them, they left me a bad review.This was my first true "vampire client," and it taught me a lesson I’ll never forget: no amount of money is worth your energy, your boundaries, or your sanity.We're taught how to win clients, but rarely how to choose the right ones. In this episode, I'm giving you the playbook to vampire-proof your business. We'll uncover the subtle red flags that scream "trouble ahead," from haggling over fees to disrespecting your process. I'll share the exact boundaries and non-negotiables I use to protect my time and energy—and give you the scripts to enforce them politely and professionally.We'll also cover the four-step "Vampire Detox" for dealing with the bad-fit clients already on your roster. It’s time to stop letting one bad client ruin your day and turn your business into a monster. Let's create space for the clients who energize you, respect you, and make you remember why you started this in the first place.Key Takeaways:The True Cost of a Vampire Client is Energy, Not Time: The most significant damage from a bad client isn't the hours they consume, but the emotional and creative energy they drain, which impacts your ability to serve your best clients."One vampire can undo the joy of hundreds of radiators. You can finish a day having worked with three amazing clients and one vampire. And you will remember only the vampire." - Amanda C. WattsLearn to Spot the Red Flags Early: Recognizing the warning signs of a potential vampire client during the sales process is the most effective way to protect your business before they are on your books. "If the first question out of their mouth is, 'Can you do it cheaper?' then that's 100% a red flag because they're price shopping." - Amanda C. WattsBoundaries Protect Your Ability to Deliver Your Best Work: Setting clear, firm boundaries around communication, scope, and payment isn't about being difficult; it's a professional necessity that allows you to maintain the high standards your good clients deserve. "You're not putting boundaries in to be mean. You're actually there so that they protect your ability to do your best work." - Amanda C. WattsHave a Clear Process for "Detoxing" Bad-Fit Clients: If a vampire client is already in your business, you need a professional and structured plan to either reset the relationship or let them go, so you can reclaim your energy. "Every vampire teaches you something, and the faster you learn the lesson, the fewer vampires you will attract." - Amanda C. WattsSaying No to Vampires Creates Space for Radiators: Every time you turn away a bad-fit client, you create the capacity to find and serve a "radiator" client—one who values you, respects your work, and makes your business enjoyable."The more you say no to vampires, the more space you create for radiators." - Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkit It gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
If you've ever thought, "I just need more clients," I need you to listen to this. In my early days, I chased that exact goal. I was getting 33 new clients every six weeks, and on paper, it looked like I was crushing it. But behind the scenes? It was complete chaos. I was stretched thin, serving underpaying clients, and drowning in stress. It was my wake-up call: it's not about how many clients you have, it's about having the right ones.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the counterintuitive truth about scaling your advisory business. We’ll do the simple math that proves you can build a thriving, profitable business with half a million in revenue from just 15-20 clients. Forget the hustle of chasing hundreds.I'll introduce you to the two types of clients that exist in every business: the life-giving "Radiators" and the soul-sucking "Vampires." More importantly, I'll give you the exact filters to attract the former and repel the latter. This isn't just about changing your business model; it's about reclaiming your life, your energy, and your joy. Stop chasing more and start choosing better.Key TakeawaysStop Chasing More; Choose Better: The default belief that growth requires a higher volume of clients is a direct path to burnout. True freedom comes from working with a smaller number of high-quality clients. "I realised it wasn't about how many clients I had. I needed better clients, I needed fewer clients. I needed the right clients." - Amanda C. WattsThe Math to Freedom is Simple: You don't need an army of clients to reach significant revenue goals. A small, dedicated roster paying for high-value advisory is enough to build a profitable, low-stress business. "You don't need 100 clients, you don't even need 50. You can hit your revenue goals with 10, 15 or 20 well chosen clients." - Amanda C. WattsIdentify Your Radiators and Vampires: Not all clients are created equal. "Radiators" energize you and value your work, while "Vampires" drain your resources and blame you for their lack of results."Radiators give off warmth, they energize you... Vampires suck the life out of you. They haggle over fees, they push your boundaries, and they demand more for less." - Amanda C. WattsUse Filters to Protect Your Business: Actively filter potential clients based on values, mindset, and practical fit. Being selective is not a luxury; it's a critical defense against the chaos one bad client can create."One vampire can undo the joy of five radiators. And actually, in all honesty, one vampire can undo the joy of your entire client roster." - Amanda C. WattsDeliver Emotional ROI: Clients aren't just buying your time or strategies; they are buying confidence, clarity, and peace of mind. Focusing on this deeper value allows you to charge more and deliver a greater impact."They're not buying hours... What they're buying is ROI... they need to buy peace of mind. They need to buy clarity. They need to buy confidence because they need someone that has their back." - Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkitIt gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
In this episode, I get raw and real about the five critical mistakes that turn a dream into a nightmare. We’ll expose the difference between being a busy “doer” and a high-value advisor. I’ll show you how selling your time traps you, why saying “yes” to everyone is a recipe for burnout, and how a lack of boundaries invites chaos.But more importantly, I’ll give you the escape plan. We’re flipping the script to design a Freedom Business—one that runs on your terms, attracts dream clients, and serves the life you actually want to live. It all starts with one powerful tool: your Playbook. Are you ready to stop feeding the monster?Key TakeawaysShift from Doer to Advisor: The foundation of a freedom business is guiding clients, not executing tasks for them. This positions you as a strategic partner, not an expensive employee. "What most advisors are doing is giving men fish... you're doing the work rather than being a strategic advisor." - Amanda C. WattsSell Transformation, Not Time: Tying your income directly to your hours creates an unbreakable ceiling on your earnings and freedom. Focus on the value of the outcome you provide."You're trapped in the time for money equation. And there's only so much time for you to work, which means that your earnings are completely limited." - Amanda C. WattsChoose Your Clients Deliberately: Not all revenue is good revenue. Working with "vampire clients" who don't respect your value will drain your energy and kill your passion faster than anything else."These bad fit clients drain your energy. They demand constant attention, and they very rarely value what you actually bring to the table." - Amanda C. WattsYour Playbook is Your Map to Freedom: Without a clear plan detailing your numbers, business model, and priorities, you will drift off course and accidentally build the very business you were trying to escape. "If a pilot sets off from London aiming for New York, but the plane is just 2 degrees off the whole way there, they're not going to land in New York... And that's what happens in business when you don't have a playbook." - Amanda C. WattsDesign Your Business to Serve Your Life: Your business should be a tool to create the life you desire, not the other way around. Define your non-negotiables and boundaries first, then build your business around them."What I'm asking you to do is ask yourself what you want your life to look like and how you want your business to serve the life that you want to have." - Amanda C- WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit. Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkitIt gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
Welcome to this episode of The Business Advisor Podcast and in this episode, I’m tackling a subject that makes even the most confident advisors crumble: pricing. I know that feeling—the sweaty palms and tight throat when you have to state your fee, terrified of hearing a "no." I see so many people undercharging or stuffing their offers with extras, confusing being affordable with making an impact.In this episode, I'll show you that pricing confidence isn't about tricks; it's about remembering the tangible results you deliver. I’ll break down the four biggest pricing mistakes I see advisors make, from pricing like a mechanic to getting trapped in the exhausting Ascension model. We'll explore how to shift your focus from hours to outcomes and anchor your price to the transformation your clients truly desire, so you can finally charge what you're worth with confidence.Key TakeawaysYour clients don't obsess over your price as much as you do."Your clients don't think about your price half as much as you do." - Amanda C. WattsFocus on selling outcomes, not a list of deliverables."Clients don't want weight, they want clarity, they want outcomes." - Amanda C. WattsDon't judge a client's ability or willingness to invest in a solution."Never assume what someone will or won't pay or can or can't pay." - Amanda C. WattsHigher prices lead to more committed and effective clients."The more people pay, the more they pay attention." - Amanda C. WattsTrue confidence comes from focusing on the value you create."The wobble that you feel when you say your price disappears the moment you focus on the results you deliver." - Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkitIt gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
For years, I followed the gurus' advice on sales calls, and I hated every slimy, scripted minute of it. The multiple calls, the hidden pricing, and the high-pressure tactics felt awful for me and my prospects. So, I flipped the entire process on its head and created what I call the 'Champagne Close.' Instead of holding back information, I give my prospects everything upfront: the program structure, case studies, testimonials, and even the price, all before our call. This transforms the conversation from a persuasive battle into a relaxed discussion about mutual fit. On this episode, I explain how this simple shift eliminated no-shows, attracted better clients who are ready to invest, and allowed me to build a business that truly serves my freedom by protecting my time and energy from the very first interaction.Key Takeaways1. Give All Information Upfront, Including the Price.Stop hiding details until the final moment. By sharing the program structure, proof, and price before the call, you ensure that only serious, qualified prospects show up, already leaning towards a "yes." "Instead of holding everything back, I decided that before I even had a sales conversation... I was gonna give all the information upfront... And yes, I also gave them the price." - Amanda C. Watts2. The Call is a Two-Way Audition, Not a One-Way Pitch.The sales call isn't just for the prospect to see if they want to hire you; it's your opportunity to determine if they are the right fit for your business. This mindset shift protects you from taking on draining "vampire clients.""...we have to audition clients as much as they audition us to see whether we are a good fit... because we're only gonna get results when we work with the right clients." - Amanda C. Watts3. Don't Solve Their Problems on the Call.Your goal is not to offer free consulting during the call. When a prospect shares a problem, listen and ask them to elaborate. Allowing them to sit with their pain helps them recognize the true value of your solution."When you do that, you rob them of a reason to hire you... Let them sit in their pain... because the only way you can help them is if they understand that there is a gap between where they are and where they want to be." - Amanda C. Watts4. Embrace the Power of Silence.After you ask a question, stop talking. Silence gives the prospect space to think, feel, and articulate the truth of their situation. It keeps you in control and encourages them to open up honestly."At first, it can feel really awkward, but silence is so powerful because what it does is it draws the truth out of your client on this call. It gives 'em space to think." - Amanda C. Watts5. Protect Your Freedom by Saying No to the Wrong Clients.Every client you accept shapes your business and your life. The "Champagne Close" process is designed to filter out mismatches, so you can confidently say no to those who aren't aligned and create space for your ideal clients."Freedom doesn't come from saying yes to everyone. Freedom comes from saying yes to the right ones."- Amanda C. WattsWant more freedom and higher profits in your firm? Download the free Value Pricing Toolkit here: https://info.businessadvisoracademy.com/toolkitIt gives you the complete proven system to break free from hourly billing, charge for impact, and grow your advisory firm to £500K+.
Welcome to this episode of The Business Advisory Podcast and today, I'm getting brutally honest with you. Have you ever felt that creeping dread, that little whisper in your gut telling you "this isn't it," even as you nod and smile and say "yes"? I know I have, and I bet you have too. We've all been there – taking the meeting we don't need, saying yes to the client who doesn't quite feel right, joining that program that doesn't light us up. We tell ourselves it's "just one yes," but soon, it becomes a slow leak, one yes turning into five, then ten, until suddenly, you're suffocating under a mountain of polite agreements. Your dream business, the one that was supposed to give you freedom, has become a prison. I call it "death by a thousand polite yeses."This episode isn't about productivity hacks; it's about reclaiming your precious life. It’s about a simple, powerful filter that can transform your business and your personal life: If it's not a hell yes, it's a no. "Maybe" is often just a lie we tell ourselves because we're afraid to say no, silently draining our joy. Every "yes" comes with a cost – your time, your peace. The most expensive things in your life aren't your mortgage or your car; they're the "yeses" that keep you tied to things you no longer want to do. I'll share the "Three Fs" to help you make aligned decisions. Imagine the clarity and confidence to say no, and watching as the right opportunities show up. If you're ready to build a business and a life that truly feels like yours, this episode is your wake-up call.Key Takeaways 1. Saying "yes" to misaligned opportunities, even small ones, can lead to overwhelming dissatisfaction and turn a dream business into a prison.2. Genuine freedom comes from consciously choosing what aligns with your goals and having the courage to decline everything else.3. Using "maybe" often masks a fear of saying "no" and allows unwanted commitments to drain your energy and joy.4. Implementing a "hell yes or hell no" filter in decision-making enhances clarity, boosts confidence, and attracts ideal opportunities.5. The "Three Fs" – Freedom, Fit, and Future Value – provide a clear framework for evaluating opportunities to ensure they support your personal and business aspirations.Want more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom TribeGlobal Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other.Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services.Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K.12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer.Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice.PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life.-Speak to you in the next episode...
In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the single most powerful shift you can make in your business: leveraging your unique intellectual property (IP). For too long, I've seen brilliant accountants, bookkeepers, and CFOs stuck in the "trading hours for money" trap, feeling like they're just one bad month away from panic mode. The constant hustle is exhausting, and let's be honest, it's not why you started your firm.Many of you are turning to AI, hoping for a magic solution, only to get generic, "beige" content that doesn't sound like you. The secret isn't just using AI; it's what you feed it. I share my own "aha" moment when I went from getting crickets on my posts to creating content that truly connected. I break down how to stop selling time and start building a scalable, profitable business by combining your unique expertise with the power of AI. This is how you move from being an overworked service provider to a sought-after, in-demand business advisor.Key Takeaways:1. Intellectual Property is the Foundation of a Scalable Business. Without documenting and packaging your unique expertise, you are stuck in a cycle of customized, one-off work that prevents growth."In every single business I've helped grow, IP is the turning point. It's the moment you stop selling time and start building something that lasts." - Amanda C. Watts2. AI's Effectiveness is Determined by the Quality of Your Input."AI follows the oldest rule in computing. Garbage in, garbage out. And if you put in weak, vague, generic input, you're going to get weak, vague, generic output." - Amanda C. Watts3. Your IP is the Key to Authentic and Powerful AI-Generated Content. "The difference between garbage and gold is your intellectual property, your ip, your frameworks, your process, your proof. It's the ingredients list. And without it, AI is just stirring an empty pot." - Amanda C. Watts4. Leveraging IP with AI Streamlines Every Aspect of Your Business. "Your assets are your ip... AI is the tool that takes these assets and turns them into content proposals, tools that you use, reports, all of your marketing, all of your client delivery." - Amanda C. Watts5. AI is a Tool for Amplification, Not Replacement. "AI isn't here to replace you. It actually enables you to be amplified, but you can only amplify what you give it." - Amanda C. WattWant more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom TribeGlobal Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other.Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services.Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K.12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer.Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice.PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life.-Speak to you in the next episode...
Are you trapped in the belief that growing your financial advisory business means more clients, more hours, and more stress? I'm here to tell you that is a story you've been sold, and it’s not the truth. You can scale without the burnout, and in this episode, I'm showing you exactly how.I’m pulling back the curtain on my proven "Scalable Six" system—the exact framework I use to help financial professionals hit the 500-200-10 target: that’s £500k in revenue, £200k take-home pay, and just 10 hours a week on client delivery. I’ll walk you through all six essential steps: Profile, Productize, Price, Position, Promote, and Profit. Each step is a link in a chain that, when connected, creates a smooth, predictable, and highly profitable business.Forget the hustle culture. It's time to build a smarter, leaner business that gives you both the income you deserve and the freedom you crave. This episode is your practical roadmap to transforming your practice from a source of stress into a vehicle for your ideal life. Let’s dive in and build the business you've always dreamed of.Key TakeawaysStop Selling Hours; Sell Outcomes: Productize your service into a repeatable package with a clear transformation, then price it based on the immense value and results you deliver. "You charge for the outcome, not the hours that you're working, because hourly rates keep you stuck." - Amanda C. WattsDefine Your One Ideal Client: Stop trying to serve everyone. "Profile is about knowing exactly who your best client is. We're not talking about working with everyone. We're working with one clear type of client." - Amanda C. WattsPosition Yourself as the Expert: Create your own named methodology and a powerful one-line statement (“I help X achieve Y without Z”) to stand out as the go-to specialist in your niche. Implement a Weekly Conversion Event: Stop posting randomly and start promoting strategically. "The best plan that you can have is one conversion event every single week. If you don't have a conversion event, there's no way for people to buy from you." - Amada C. WattsProfit is a Habit, Not a Leftover: Implement the Profit First system to pay yourself, your taxes, and your profit before your business expenses. "Profit First has a core principle and it is: profit is not what's left." - Amanda C. WattsWant more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom TribeGlobal Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other.Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services.Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K.12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer.Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice.PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life.-Speak to you in the next episode...
This week, I created 11 pieces of content in just seven days. And no, it’s not about burnout—it’s about being strategically visible in today's advisory era. If you're still relying on referrals and your good work alone, you're falling behind.In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my exact strategy. I’ll show you how to use psychological triggers like the 'Mere Exposure Effect' to turn visibility into trust and attract high-value clients. I break down how to leverage the raw power of live video, repurpose one core idea into a dozen assets, and show up consistently where your dream clients actually spend their time.Learn why posting once a week isn't enough and how strategic content creation is the non-negotiable business development tool for building a thriving advisory practice. Ready to stop being a best-kept secret and start dominating your niche? This episode is your blueprint. Key Takeaways:1. Be Present on Multiple Platforms to Maximize Reach : You cannot rely on a single channel to find your ideal clients. To build trust and authority, you must show up where they spend their time "Pick three places where your ideal clients spend time. Show up regularly there sharing some great content." - Amanda C. Watts2. Live Content Builds Trust Faster Than Polished Videos : It allows your audience to see you think on your feet, making you appear more genuine and authoritative."Even a five minute live video can build more trust than a perfect recorded longer one." - Amanda C. Watts3. Turn One Core Insight into Many Pieces of Content : Draw from your years of experience and repurpose a single powerful idea into various formats like videos, podcasts, and articles to reinforce your message."You can turn one core insight into many pieces of content." - Amanda C. Watts4. Consistency is the Ultimate Separator : Sporadic content creation won't deliver results. "Consistency is what separates advisors from who grow their advisory practice from those who don't and struggle." - Amanda C. Watts5. Your Visibility is More Important Than Your Work Ethic : Your success depends on being seen as a thought leader, which is achieved through consistent, strategic content creation. "Success as an advisor today isn't about you doing great work. Sadly, it's about you being seen as a thought leader in your field." - Amanda C. WattsWant more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...
I have a confession: I used to wear my ability to execute everything like a badge of honor. I built a successful six-figure business that looked impressive from the outside, but on the inside, I had created a prison. I call it the "monster business," and it demanded I feed it with my personal time and energy every single day, leaving me burnt out and trapped on a hamster wheel.In this episode, I share the raw story of my breaking point and the single most important shift I ever made: I stopped being an executor and became a strategic thinker. I’ll show you how to stop selling your time and start selling your thinking as a productized system. You’ll learn how to command premium prices, deliver better results for your clients, and finally build a business that gives you real freedom. It’s time to stop feeding the monster and reclaim your life. Key Takeaways 1. The "Executor's Trap" creates a monster business that consumes your life."You've created what I call a monster business, and it demands that you feed it with your personal time and energy every single day." - Amanda C. Watts2. The path to freedom is transitioning from a hands-on executor to a strategic designer."The ones thriving aren't the best executors anymore. The ones who are thriving have transformed how they think about their role and how they think about strategic thinking." - Amanda C. Watts3. Clients don't want to buy your time; they want to buy certainty and a guaranteed solution to their problem."Your clients don't want more of your time. They want certainty. They want to know that their problem is going to be solved." - Amanda C. Watts4. Productizing your thinking into a system turns your expertise into intellectual property that commands premium value."When you say, this is exactly how we solve this problem, this is what happens at each step, and this is the result you'll get, clients stop shopping around because they feel very safe and secure." - Amanda C. Watts5. Your unique strategic insight is your most valuable asset, not your ability to complete tasks."The reality is your thinking is what makes you special, not how you decide to do the bookkeeping." - Amanda C. WattsUpcoming Episode Preview: Episode 102: Building Authority In The New Advisory Era.Want more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...
I’m thrilled to hit the 100th episode of the Business Advisor Podcast! Starting this journey, I dreamed of inspiring advisors, accountants, and coaches to break free from the grind of compliance work and embrace their potential. I never imagined it would spark over 25,000 downloads across the UK, USA, Australia, and beyond in just 18 months. Your heartfelt DMs, reviews, and emails fuel my drive. For 20 months, I’ve shown up weekly—through sickness, burnout, and doubt—learning that consistency, not perfection, builds trust and authority. From Episode 4’s content marketing gems to Episode 28’s freedom practice blueprint and my six-part advisory conversation series, I’ve poured real-world insights into every episode. This podcast has sharpened my expertise and ignited my passion for turning complex ideas into actionable frameworks. Want to transform your advisory business? This episode is a must-listen to learn more on how consistency compounds and discover strategies to productize, price, and position your services for freedom. Join me for the next 100 episodes as we dive deeper into courage, clarity, and impact!Key Takeaways1. Consistency Over Motivation: Showing up weekly, even when unmotivated, drives impact.“Consistency isn’t about feeling motivated every single week. It’s about showing up anyway, even when you don’t feel motivated.” - Amanda C. Watts2. Repetition Builds Authority: Repeating core messages helps them resonate over time.“Repetition isn’t boring; it’s essential.” - Amanda C. Watts3. Authenticity Trumps Perfection: Imperfect but genuine content connects deeply with listeners. “Sometimes authenticity is more valuable than perfection.” - Amanda C. Watts4. Value-Driven Content Converts: Focusing on value, not virality, attracts high-value clients.“You don’t need to go viral. You just need to bring value.” - Amanda C. Watts5. Commitment Sustains Impact: Finishing what you start, despite challenges, builds trust.“Consistency isn’t just about showing up every week. It’s about finishing what you start.” - Amanda C. WattsUpcoming Episode Preview: EP 101: The one where you are stuck doing the work.Want more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...
Ever felt that selling a £2,000 service is an uphill battle? In this eye-opening episode, I dismantle the myth that lower prices mean easier sales. She reveals why selling a £20,000 advisory offer is not only more profitable but also psychologically easier for both you and your client.I show you how premium pricing fundamentally shifts the dynamic from a transactional cost to a committed investment, attracting clients who respect your expertise and are ready for transformation. I also explain how charging what you're worth doesn't just change your clients; it changes you, compelling you to step up as a confident leader. Learn to escape the compliance hamster wheel by building an offer that solves major problems and positions you as the strategic partner you were meant to be. This is a must-listen for any advisor ready to stop undercharging and start building a more respectful and manageable business.Key Takeaways1. Low pricing attracts problematic, transactional clients."When you price low, you don't make it easier for the client. You actually make it harder for both of you." - Amanda C. Watts2. Premium pricing commands commitment and builds stronger relationships."Someone investing £20,000 or dollars doesn't want to bargain. They're actually wanting a result. They have got skin in the game." - Amanda C. Watts3. The price you set determines the leader you become."When you charge £20,000 or $20,000 a year, you actually start to lead... you speak with more confidence because you're finally being paid in alignment with your value." - Amanda C. Watts4. High-value offers are about selling transformation, not time."If you price low, people treat you like a pair of hands. If you price high, they trust you to help them with the big decisions." - Amanda C. Watts5. Confidence is a result of raising your prices, not a prerequisite for it."You don't raise your prices when you feel confident; you feel confident when you raise your prices. And people say, 'Yes.' That is the shift." - Amanda C. Watts Want more? Join THE FREEDOM TRIBEHere's all the FREE BONUSES you'll receive when you join our exciting community on Skool; The Freedom Tribe Global Community Of Peers: CPAs, accountants, fractional CFOs, bookkeepers and finance professionals from all over the world sharing ideas, best practice and innovations with each other. Digital copy of Amanda's NEW BOOK, the Business Advisor Playbook: 300+ pages that will transform your approach and share the strategies you need to create, sell and deliver business advisory services. Digital copy of 500:200 Model™ Guide: My tried-and-tested formula for taking home at least 200K with business advisory revenue of 500K. 12 Days Of Business Advisory video series: that walks you through creating the perfect advisory offer. Hand Picked And Categorised episodes of the Business Advisor Podcast to accelerate your journey from a compliance-led to an advisory-led practice. PLUS: There are a few other surprise bonuses that can be UNLOCKED once you are inside the community: Get Clients Course and 5 Day LinkedIn Challenge. Super excited to see you there, and looking forward to helping you achieve all that you want in life. -Speak to you in the next episode...