The Inventory Genius Podcast

Looking for a business mentor with decades of experience in business ownership, inventory and cash flow management, and client coaching? Get started with Ciara Stockeland’s Inventory Genius podcast. As a Fractional CFO and Profit Strategist, Ciara specializes in breaking complex business topics into bite-sized, actionable steps you can implement today. Tune in, get inspired, and learn from Ciara and her range of incredible guests. Discover why thousands of products-based businesses owners turn to Ciara for guidance on inventory management, debt reduction, e-commerce strategies, financial strategy, business growth, retail profitability, and more. Whether you’re a new business owner or a long-time entrepreneur, each episode with give you nuggets of information, insights and strategies you can start implementing now. For business inquiries please email: hello@ciarastockeland.com.

#253: Green Flags, Red Flags When Hiring a Consultant

I’ve never shared this on the podcast before, but it’s long overdue. I work with so many small business owners who’ve been burned by consultants and coaches—promised the world and left with disappointment. And honestly? It fires me up. No consultant should ever take advantage of a client’s trust, especially when that client is trying to grow something meaningful. As business owners, we often hire help when we’re stretched thin or searching for answers. We want to believe someone can step in and deliver results. But how do you know if you’re hiring the right person? In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what you should expect when working with a consultant: The red flags to watch for What a healthy consultant-client relationship looks like And how to track real progress once they’re on board If you’ve ever hired a consultant—or you’re thinking about it—this episode will give you the clarity you need to make smart, confident decisions. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

09-30
30:29

#252: What Winners Have In Common

Let's talk about the common denominators amongst winners. We all want to be winners in business - that's why we're business owners. But what does it really take to be a winner? What do the winners all share? Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

09-23
11:50

#251: Budgeting and Planning: Finish 2025 Strong

Here's a Q4 planning session - we're covering numbers, budgeting and planning for the coming year. Let's talk about some things we should all think about in Q4 and how those considerations impact how we shift and approach things in the year ahead. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

09-16
41:01

#250: Day 4 Masterclass Replay

We just wrapped up the latest Inventory Genius Masterclass, and I’m excited to share the replay from Day 4 with you. This session is always one of my favorites because a few of my amazing clients join me to share their real-life experiences and transformations. After their inspiring stories, we dive into a powerful live-coaching Q&A. In this episode, you'll get to experience it all—raw, insightful, and full of value.    Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!  

09-09
01:01:49

#249: Accounting Clean Up and Expectations with T&O Advisory

If you're in the place where you've been doing your books on your own or you had a bookkeeper or accountant that didn't serve you well, you may be feeling like you're in a mess. This episode is for you! During this conversation with Sarah from T&O Strategic Advisory, you'll get actionable steps that you can take to get your books caught up.      Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the T&O Advisory:Website: https://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/ 

09-02
32:38

#248: How Profit Created a Six Month Vacation from Business, Interview with Meggan Wehmeyer

Meggan Wehmeyer is a former client who has an organic skincare line. Meggan has had the most amazing journey over the past 6 months. She's sharing about that journey and about how her business allowed her to do something that so often we all dream about. Learn about the decisions she had to make and about the hard choices it took for Meggan to reach this amazing point.      Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Meggan:Website: https://farmersbody.com/   

08-26
26:14

#247: Self Focused Success with Krystina Jarvis

I recently received an email that blew my mind. Today, I'm talking to the author of that email. Tune in to discover what the email said and to learn why the author decided to write to me. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Krystina:Website: https://adropintheoceanshop.com/ - Discount code (15% off): INVENTORYGENIUSSubscribe to weekly sustainability email series: https://adropintheoceanshop.com/pages/makewaves  More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

08-19
27:19

#246: Let's Increase Sales with the Sales Maven

Nikki Rausch is the Sales Maven! Today, she's chatting with us about how to have effective sales conversations and about creating a sales strategy that connects without pressuring potential clients. How can we sell better and sell more? Listen as Nikki shares about her background and work. Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with the Sales Maven:Website: https://yoursalesmaven.com/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

08-12
33:58

#245: The Progress Made in Level One, Interview with Allison Dupre

I've watched Allison Dupre's business change and grow over the past few years. Sometimes in business, we feel like we're the only ones struggling or having growing pains. Today, Allison and I are talking about her experience and about how she made it through the hard moments.  Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

08-05
21:46

#244: Can I Do My Own Bookkeeping, Interview with Megan Schmitke

Megan Schmitke is a bookkeeping expert who works specifically with inventory-based businesses. Today, Megan and I are talking about what you should do if your business is a mess and you know you need a bookkeeper. How do you clean things up so you can move forward? Get a FREE MONTH with the Inventory Genius Calculator - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Megan:Take Megan's Bookkeeping Basics Course (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/bookkeeping-basics-course/) Book a consultation: https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/work-with-me/ Instagram: @findingfreedomfinancial Free Training: https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/masterclass/ 

07-29
24:50

#243: Open to Buy: How To Figure It Out

I've got great news for you: YOU can manage your Open to Buy without spending thousands of dollars on a program, without having an accountant on your team, without having a designated specific buyer - I'm talking you through the why and the how on today's episode! There's a simple formula and some really easy-to-use tools that you can start implementing today to create your Buying Budget. Let's go! Click here to try the Inventory Genius Calculator for FREE! (https://www.ciarastockeland.com/inventory-genius-calculator) Click here to take the FREE Open to Buy Workshop. (https://www.ciarastockeland.com/open-to-buy-workshop-evergreen) Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe  

07-22
23:23

#242: Creating a Level Up Mindset, Interview with Jennifer Kok

Jennifer Kok is a small business consultant. Today, Jennifer and I are chatting about what happens in our minds when we get to the point where we need to grow, scale and expand our businesses. How do our minds sometimes get in the way of business, and what can we do to change up our way of thinking? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jennifer:Website: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/Free Masterclass 3 Keys to Growing a Profitable Business: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/webinar   More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

07-15
21:44

#241: Is Franchising the Right Way for You to Scale, Interview with Shannon Wilburn

I get questions about today's topic all the time. Shannon Wilburn and I are talking about using franchising to scale. How do you know when you're ready to scale? If you're not ready, what do you get in order? And once you're ready, how do you scale efficiently? Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Shannon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonwilburn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shineexecutivecoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/Website: https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-franchise-leaders-forum-podcast/id1755397643   

07-08
43:44

#240: Money Mindset with Audrey Faust

Audrey Faust is a financial coach for business owners. We're digging into the mindset behind making money and keeping it. You don't want to miss this conversation! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Audrey:Unlock your path to profit with the free profit accelerator workbook 12 Secrets from an Expert CFO for Women Entrepreneurs In the Profit Accelerator Workbook, Audrey's sharing the exact secrets that have worked for her clients—women just like you—who have seen their profits skyrocket by 20-200% annually. These are actionable strategies that you can apply to your business, no matter its size or industryhttps://www.audreyfaustconsulting.com/12-secrets Website: http://audreyfaustconsulting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manifestingcfo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifesting_cfo/   

07-01
17:34

#239: Growing Your Team with Jamie Van Cuyk

Jamie Van Cuyk and I are chatting about building a strong team. At the end of the day, we can't build our businesses by ourselves, we need good people working with us. Jamie's sharing her insights about how we can make the people part of our business more efficient. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Jamie:Website – https://growingyourteam.comPodcast - https://growingyourteam.com/podcastInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingyourteam/Free Determine What to Delegate Worksheet - https://growingyourteam.com/delegate/

06-24
34:44

#238: Solving People Problems with Bethny Ricks

Bethny Ricks is a CPO - a Chief People Officer. Today, I'm sharing a conversation I recently had with her about how to deal with and lead people well. During the episode, you'll hear about why it's important to be proactive instead of reactionary, learn how we move from being reactionary to proactive, and discover some of the tools we all need to have if we have people on our team. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Bethny:Website - https://www.bethnyricks.com/  More About the Episode Sponsor:Brandakin Social Media (https://www.brandakinsocialmedia.com/) - Maximize your social media presence and reach.

06-17
56:51

#237: Buying a Franchise Concept, Interview with Tracy Panase

Tracy Panase owns the Just Between Friends franchise brand. We're talking about her brand, what it's like to lead a multi-chain, multi-location company, and what it was like to buy the franchise system. Tune into a great conversation! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Tracy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/ More About the Episode Sponsor:Finding Freedom Financial Services (https://www.findingfreedomfinancial.com/) - Get help managing your business finances!

06-10
26:44

#236: Should I Get a Loan? The Nuts & Bolts of SBA Financing

Today, we're talking about two things I get asked about all the time: franchising and SBA financing. Beau Eckstein has been in lending for nearly three decades. He's sharing his expertise and insight. Get ready to have all your questions answered!  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Beau: Website: https://beaueckstein.com/

06-03
39:43

#235: Unlocking the Power to Pivot with Melanie Michaud

Melanie Michaud owns three stores in San Diego, California and is one of my coaching clients. She's recently done something many of us do as entrepreneurs - she's pivoted and transitioned in a variety of ways. Listen as Melanie shares her experience and talks about how to pivot with intention.   Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with MelanieInstagram: @threadleadership @threadandseed   Website: www.threadandseed.com

05-27
34:19

#234: Browsers to Buyers, Getting Web Shoppers to Convert with Susan Bradley

Susan Bradley from Social Sales Girls is talking about a question I get all the time: what do we do to get people to buy on our website? We're talking about online conversions and how to make them happen. Tune in and be sure to sign up for Susan's upcoming bootcamp: https://classroom.thesocialsalesgirls.com/a/2148106161/4e3zLcrm  Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Brandakin Social Media (https://www.brandakinsocialmedia.com/) - Maximize your social media presence and reach.

05-20
28:54

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