Watch this episode on YouTube As we close out 2025 and step boldly into planning for 2026, Kirsten challenges you with a tough but transformational question: Are you committed to your goals, or merely interested? Most people like the idea of achieving big things - more income, more freedom, more abundance, etc. But liking the idea isn't enough. In this episode, Kirsten digs into the mindset shifts, the stories we tell ourselves, and the fears we cling to that keep us from living the bigger life we imagine. Key Takeaways: The difference between interest and commitment How your backstory shapes your future (if you let it!) The excuse loop that kills dreams Why you need to rewrite your story The confidence you already have (you're overlooking it!) The power of failing on purpose Kirsten's travel story that proves the point The 60-second exercise that can change your life Turning your wish list into a commitment plan Follow Kirsten for more tips and updates at: www.kirstenflory.com LinkedIn Instagram Facebook *And don't forget to subscibe so you'll never miss a tip that can grow your business!
Watch this episode on YouTube! In this conversation, Mike Milligan discusses the critical relationship between risk and wealth building, emphasizing that significant risks are necessary for rapid financial growth. He highlights the importance of having a safety net when taking these risks and reflects on the value of time in the context of wealth creation, suggesting that successful individuals would trade their wealth for more time if given the chance. Key Takeaways: If you want to build wealth fast, you have to take huge risks and you have to be willing to fail. Many people who have failed and lost seven figures can rebuild their wealth. Successful individuals value time over money, willing to trade wealth for additional years of life. Taking big risks is essential for rapid wealth growth. Having a safety net is crucial when pursuing high-risk investments. Failure is part of the journey to success and wealth building. The ability to rebuild wealth is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs. Time is a non-renewable resource that wealthy individuals prioritize. Financial planning should account for both risk and safety measures. Understanding the balance between risk and reward is key to financial success. Connect with Mike at: Website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Don't forget to subscribe to The Small Business Mindset so you never miss a tip that can grow your business! Follow Kirsten Flory for more tips and updates! www.kirstenflory.com
Watch this episode on YouTube! In this energizing episode, Kirsten dives into the connection between your personal energy and your business success. From sleep and nutrition to boundaries, community, and environment - she shares practical ways to recharge and sustain your energy so you can show up as your best self every day, both at work and at home. Key Takeaways: Energy Drive Success - your personal energy affects every area of your business - decision-making, creativity, relationships, and growth. Treat it as one of your most valuable business assets. Prioritize Restful Sleep Create a tech-free sleep zone (no phone in the bedroom!) Use "Do Not Disturb" settings for uninterrupted rest. Build a peaceful bedtime routine: Calming scents, magnesium, cool/dark room, and consistency. Quality sleep fuels productivity, focus, and emotional balance. Schedule White Space Don't pack your calendar solid - schedule mental breaks Use commute time or shot gaps to breathe, reflect, and reset. Protect time for creativity and rest - they're essential for high performance. Manage Your Commitments Volunteerism and community service are valuable, but choose them intentionally. Say "no" with grace when your schedule or energy doesn't allow for more. Focus your giving on causes that truly align with your purpose and values. Fuel Your Body for Energy Nutrition equals energy - eat foods that sustain, not drain, you. Increase protein, fiber, and whole foods; minimize sugar and alcohol. Check in with your doctor regularly to understand what your body needs. Build an Energizing Community Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Take initiative in relationships - don't wait for connection, create it. Protect your emotional energy from draining dynamics. Design Your Environment for Flow Tidy spaces, good lighting, and organization promote calm and focus. Rearrange items seasonally to refresh energy flow. Make habits easy by designing your space around them (e.g. keep a water bottle nearby). Move Your Body Daily Movement enhances clarity, mood, and longevity. Find what fits your body now - walking, yoga, strength training, or stretching. Small, consistent movement is better than burnout-level workouts. Final Thought: Your energy is your greatest business tool. When you nuture it - through rest and intention, and everything in your business and life will flow more effectively. Connect with Kirsten: Website: www.kirstenflory.com Instagram LinkedIn
Watch this episode on YouTube! Every entrepreneur's journey is unique - and today's story is nothing short of remarkable. I sit down with Jodi Scott, the founder and CEO of Green Goo, a plant-based first aid and skincare company that grew from her family's kitchen to 150,000 stores nationwide. Jodi shared the incredible highs of building and selling her company, the heartbreak of nearly losing everything, and the grit it took to buy it back and rebuild stronger than ever. You'll hear how a simple idea sparked at a farmers market became a multimillion-dollar business, the realities of scaling a family-run company, and the hard-earned lessons Jodi has carried through her journey as an entrepreneur. What you'll learn in this episode: How Green Goo started as a family passion project and grew into a national brand. The behind-the-scenes reality of selling (and then buying back a company. What is takes to scale from local farmers markets to international retail shelves. The importance of resilience, adaptability, and self-care in business. Lessons Jodi wishes she had known earlier about leadership, growth, and balance Whether you're building your business from the ground up, or navigating the challenges of growth, Jodi's story is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways. Connect with Jodi Scott & Green Goo Website Instagram @greengoohelps LinkedIn @JodiScott Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe so you'll never miss an episode! Connect with Kirsten Flory at www.kirstenflory.com
Watch this episode on You Tube HERE! Are you struggling with sales and wondering why your phone isn't ringing? In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the challenges of sales outreach, why prospects may not be responding, and actionable strategies to turn things around. In this episode you'll learn: How to provide real value to prospects instead of just selling The importance of using multiple communication channels (phone, email, social media, handwritten notes, and more) Why consistency is key in outreach and follow-up How sharing success stories can boost your credibility and attract business Leveraging your referral network to uncover opportunities The power of curiosity: asking questions and understanding your clients' needs Why responsiveness sets you apart from the competition Using downtime strategically to enhance your sales process (podcasts, blogs, social media, and more) Key Takeaways: Focus on helping your prospects first - give before you ask. Mix up communication channels and stay persistent. Celebrate wins, share stories, and respond promptly. *Whether you're in real estate, sales, or any client-driven business, these strategies will help you increase engagement, build trust, and ultimately get your phone ringing again. **Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip that can grow your business! Follow Kirsten at: www.kirstenflory.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE! Most small business owners don't start out as financial experts - and that's exactly why 8 out of 10 small businesses fail. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Schwan, CEO and founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, to talk about how to set your business up for financial success. Megan has spent over two decades in accounting and has helped thousands of business owners understand their numbers, implement smart tax strategies, and build businesses that last. She's also a certified Profit First Professional, helping entrepreneurs prioritize profitability and cash flow so they can thrive no matter what the economy brings. What you'll hear in this episode: Why separating your business and personal finances is critical to your mindset and growth Simple first steps to get control of your business finances (even if numbers aren't your strength) How to recession-proof your business with savings and pricing strategies Common mistakes business owners make when it comes to expenses and marketing How to know if your business model is truly profitable - or if it's time to pivot When to hire and how to make sure you're financially ready Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, Megan shared practical strategies you can use today to improve cash show, cut overwhelm, and build a business that supports both your goals and your lifestyle. Connect with Megan Schwan & Sidekick Accounting Services: Website; www.sidekick-accounting.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Let's stay connected! Follow and Subscribe The Small Business Mindset on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. www.kirstenflory.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram
Watch this episode on YouTube! Have you ever created a vision board filled with dreams - but realized you've never actually experienced the things you were visualizing? In this episode, Kirsten Flory shared why it's so important to not just dream about success, but to touch it, feel it, and try it on before it becomes your reality. From painting her kitchen table purple for Feng Shui prosperity, to test-driving luxury cars and walking through multimillion-dollar open houses, Kirsten reveals how small, intentional steps help you bring your goals closer. These experiences shift your mindset from "someday" to "I can see myself here now." What you'll learn in this episode: Why visualization alone isn't enough for goal setting. How to "try on" your dreams through affordable (or free!) experiences Creative ways to get comfortable with luxury and success - even before you can afford it How proximity to successful people can accelerate your own business and life goals Practical ideas you can use today: from dining at upscale restaurants, to touring dream homes, to networking with the right people. The more you immerse yourself in the lifestyle, opportunities, and experiences you're working toward, the more your brain knows exactly what to chase - and how to embrace success when it arrives. Don't forget to subscribe to The Small Business Mindset for more conversations on growth, mindset, and success! Connect with Kirsten! www.kirstenflory.com LinkedIn Instagram
Join Kirsten Flory, Danielle J. Martin and Anthony Blanco as they delve into the aspect of your character. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clq3CcJMqVE Key Takeaways: How do you define character for yourself? Do you follow your "gut" when something seems off? Do you want to follow the "in" crowd, even if it doesn't match your character? The Entrepreneurs Edge founders have come together as a way to provide you with expert guidance on branding, business coaching, and wealth building. Having a strong foundation on who you are, and what kind of character you bring gives you not only a competitive advantage, but the key to how you show up in your life, and the impact you make on others. Follow us online at @the_eedge
Join Kirsten Flory, Anthony Blanco and Danielle J. Martin as the trio behind The Entrepreneurs Edge! Our conversation today centers around how to be resilient. Whatever the economy, our home life or careers are doing, having the ability to focus on opportunity is key to your success. These three professionals share how they overcame plenty of obstacles, and created wealth, business and branding success. UPCOMING LIVE EVENT! Join us in Late October, 2025 for our first LIVE event in Topeka, KS! Follow us @Theeedge for additional details!
In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the critical importance of not only earning money, but also keeping it. She emphasizes the need for careful financial planning, especially when receiving unexpected windfalls. She advised against impulsive spending on depreciating assets, and encourages listeners to live below their means to build sustainable wealth. Kirsten highlights the dangers of not planning for future financial stability and the importance of consistent effort in maintaining business momentum. Key Takeaways: How do you keep the money once you've earned it? Don't go out and buy a bunch of dumb stuff If you want to build true wealth, don't blow your money Your lack of planning WILL create emergency situations Plan for the windfall - even before it happens Live below your means - even two levels below The goal is to plan to keep and expand upon the money you earn Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com
Listen in for a special presentation of The Small Business Mindset. Kirsten Flory's firm, Foundations Commercial, held a Small Business Lending Insights event with lending experts and clients. They shared the different types of small business lending programs, and how you as a business owner, can apply! To watch the full presentation on You Tube click the link HERE Key Takeaways: At some point in your business cycle, you will need a loan SBA lending is available for owner-occupied businesses Building a relationship with your lender is crucial Get organized financially before applying for a loan Understand your financial picture regularly (and update it!) Lenders will look at your credit history and debt-to-income ratio Keep your credit card balances low for better loan prospects Make on-time payments to maintain good credit history There are many programs available to help small businesses
In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the concept of unconscious bias in business, emphasizing how it affects entrepreneurs and their interactions with investors and partners. She shares personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming biases through preparation, hard work, and building relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding one's own biases and those of others to create successful business outcomes. Key takeaways: Unconscious bias can affect how we perceive business ideas Preparation and presentatino are crucial to business interactions Experience in the industry can help overcome biases Hard work and dedication can help break down barriers Building relationships is key to business success Understanding the perspective of others can lead to better outcomes Don't shy away from starting at the bottom to learn Creating connections can help overcome biases in business Success often comes from years of hard work, not overnight Recognizing and addressing biases can lead to growth and opportunity Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com
In this episode, Kirsten Flory discusses the importance of preparation and planning for your business. It's easy to get excited about a business idea, then forgo the integral planning phase. If you don't know where you are going, then when will you know when you've arrived? In any phase of business, from the initial start to getting ready to scale, planning for your business can take a lot of the guesswork out of how you run your business. Key Takeaways: Use free resources like the Small Business Administration to help research your market Understand your competition and what sets you apart Evaluate what you truly need in your business to be profitable Track your finances (not just your revenue, but all expenses) Consider carefully overspending on social media and marketing campaigns Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com
In this episode, Kirsten Flory discusses the importance of mindset for small business owners, contrasting growth and fixed mindsets. She shares personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges, from training for a marathon, to illustrate how a growth mindset can empower individuals to achieve their goals. The conversation also highlights lessons from high achievers and emphasizes the value of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Key Takeaways: Mindset drives much of what small business owners do A growth mindset allows for innovation and creativity Personal experiences can shape our understanding of our capabilities Challenges can lead to personal growth and empowerment The journey is as important as the destination in achieving goals High achievers often face setbacks, but learn from them Failure should be viewed as an opportunity for growth Mindset influences how we perceive challenges and opportunities Success is not just about winning, but about learning and growing Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com Suggested Reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PhD
In this episode, Kirsten Flory discusses effective strategies for building wealth, focusing on three key areas of income: primary job, long-term savings, and passive income. She emphasizes the importance of creating passive income through skills, online sales, and real estate investments. Kirsten shares personal experiences with utilizing home equity and refinancing, highlighting how to leverage home ownership for financial growth. Key Takeaways: Building wealth is a common concern, especially among women Focus on three areas of income: Primary job, long-term savings, and passive income Passive income can be generated through skills, products, or investments Selling online is a viable way to create additional income Real estate can serve as a powerful passive investment strategy Understanding home equity is crucial for financial growth Asking questions is essential in the wealth-building process Refinancing can lower monthly payments and provide funds for investments Investing in a home can be a first step towards real estate investment Wealth building provides choices and opportunities for creativty and community support Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset www.kirstenflory.com
Jeremy Ames, CEO of Guidant Financial, shares insights on helping midlife entrepreneurs leverage retirement funds to invest in businesses. The discussion covers the evolution of Guidant Financial, the intricacies of self-directed IRAs, and the challenges faced by business owners. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of understanding financial options and the unique needs of clients looking to transition into entrepreneurship later in life. The discussion also highlights innovative business ideas the necessity of embracing uncertainty in the entrepreneurial journey. Key Takeaways: - Jeremy has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs start businesses Self-directed IRAs can be used to invest in businesses Many clients are unaware of the potential of their retirement funds The business model evolved from real estate to supporting business investments Clients often have significant life experience and financial obligations The success rate of clients is higher than average due to their backgrounds Understanding the legalities of business investments is crucial Clients often combine retirement funds with other financing options The emotional and financial challenges of transitioning to business ownership are significant Many individuals feel unfulfilled in their current jobs but hesitate to take risks on new ventures Clients come with varying levels of readiness and understanding about business investments The gender disparity in entrepreneurship is notable, with more male entrepreneurs than female entrepreneurs Having greater cash reserves often correlates with business success Testing business ideas on a small scale can lead to significant opportunities Delegation is essential for business growth and efficiency Entrepreneurs must embrace uncertainty and be adaptable in their journey Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com
Why do we need non-negotiables as part of our business? In this conversation, Kirsten Flory discusses the need for clarity on what one is willing to accept in client relationships and the significance of defining personal and business missions and values. The discussion also covers the necessity of having hard conversations, effective negotiation tactics, and the importance of trusting one's gut feelings in business decisions. These are valuable tools for entrepreneurs looking to create a successful and fulfilling business. Key Takeaways: Non-negotiables are essential for a productive business Identify what you are willing to accept and say "no" to Respect and good communication are key in client relationships Get comfortable walking away from unfit clients Defining your mission and values is crucial for clarity Hard conversations are necessary for growth and resolution Negotiation requires confidence and calmness Integrity is vital in maintaining non-negotiables Trust your gut feelings in business decisions Be slow to hire and quick to fire when necessary Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset podcast. www.kirstenflory.com
How important is wealth and the impact it has on our lives? The need for individuals to assess their financial landscape, including assets and liabilities, and to adopt a mindset conducive to wealth creation is key (and the #1 reason why you aren't building wealth). Kirsten encourages listeners to ask the right questions and create a supportive environment that fosters financial growth. Listen in for actionable steps to help build your wealth effectively. Key Takeaways: Understanding your financial landscape is crucial Wealth provides choices and freedom in life Get granular about your expenses to track spending Acting wealthy involves confidence and calmness Asking questions is essential for growth Create a positive environment for wealth creation Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals Motivation can come from various resources and interactions It's important to track your financials progress Success in wealth building requires intentional actions Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset podcast. www.kirstenflory.com
Kelli Higgins, founder of Elevated Agent, shared her journey from being a real estate agent to creating a successful marketing company tailored for real estate professionals. She discusses the importance of niche marketing, the strategies she used to grow her business, and the significance of creating value for customers. Kelli emphasizes the need for efficiency through delegation and hiring experts to enhance business operations. We also discuss effective marketing strategies, including email marketing, and building a cohesive brand presence across platforms. Key Takeaways: Niche marketing is crucial for standing out in a crowded market Creating value for customers enhances their experience and loyalty Streamlining focus on core tasks can lead to significant business growth Email marketing is a powerful tool for direct communication with customers Building a "sticky web" of marketing strategies keeps customers engaged Implementing the 80-20 rule helps prioritize essential tasks for efficiency Hiring specialists can elevate business operations and expertise Setting clear expectations for team members is vital for success Creating a cohesive brand presence builds trust with customers Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com
In this episode, Kirsten Flory shares five essential tips for small business owners to boost profits and save time. She emphasizes the importance of working on the business rather than in it, identifying profit-generating activities, and the value of delegation and outsourcing. Kirsten also discusses leveraging virtual assistance to enhance efficiency and productivity, ultimately encouraging business owners to focus on their strengths and maximize their time for greater profitability. Key Takeaways: Identify whether you are working on or in your business List all activities you do for your business Circle only the activities that generate profit Use the 80/20 rule to focus on key activities Delegate tasks that do not require your direct involvement Consider hiring virtual assistants for efficiency Trust others to handle tasks better than you can Ask questions and seek advice from others Streamline processes to save time and effort Kirsten Flory is the President & CEO of Foundations Commercial Real Estate and host of The Small Business Mindset. www.kirstenflory.com Connect with Kirsten Here