One Step Better Podcast

Time is money.  And for small business owners falling into time traps can greatly impact the overall productivity of their companies.  Matt and Mike talk about some of the common time traps, how they themselves have fallen into them, and what they have done to avoid them all on this week's episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast!   #business #smallbusiness #leadership #success #education #time #trap #podcast

This week on the #OneStepBetter podcast, Matt and Mike are joined by special guest David Scully of Duncan Williams Asset Management.      You can contact David here: www.DWAssetMGMT.com David@DWAssetMGMT.com 901-435-4175

Matt and Mike talk about all the things that go into bringing a new person into your organization.  Companies have to be strategic in how they find the right people and that's what this week's episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast is all about!   #business #smallbusiness # leadership #hiring #success #education #podcast

Matt and Mike cover several different types of issues you need to know, whether you are a small business just getting started or an established business that's growing, all in this week's episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast!   #business #smallbusiness #leadership #success #grow #growth #problems #education #podcast

This week's episode is an Employee Spotlight on our Director of Accounting Kim Pope!  Get to know Kim a little bit better in our latest #OneStepBetter podcast!   #business #smallbusiness #accounting #leadership #success #employee #spotlight

When most people think of a business they look at the services it provides.  But any business owner will tell you that one of the hardest parts isn't what happens at the front, it's juggling all of the back office tasks.  This week in the #OneStepBetter podcast Matt and Mike discuss the areas where business owners can get stuck and ways they have made these processes easier.  #business #smallbusiness #backoffice #processes #success #education #payroll #grow

Distractions are a part of life, whether it be at home or at work.  So how do you get around those distractions so that you can get the tasks you need to get done, done?  Matt and Mike discuss how they work around distractions while at the office in this episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast.   #podcast #business #smallbusiness #distractions #work #success #subscribe #follow

As a leader, every situation can be used as an opportunity to grow, especially the bad ones.  Matt and Mike talk about the not so great leaders they have had in their lives and how they used that poor leadership to make themselves better leaders to their employees.   #OneStepBetter #podcast #business #smallbusiness #leader #leadership #good #bad #opportunity

In this week's episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast, Matt and Mike discuss what is at the heart of Patrick Accounting and Whirks; our Core Values: - Own It   - Team First   - Passion For Purpose   - Empathy For Others   - Challenge It Hear them talk about why they chose each one and why having your core values selected is crucial to your business. #podcast #business #accounting #payroll #values #owner #heart #smallbusiness #memphis

Let's face it, accounting is not the most glamorous job.  BUT it is one the most important aspects of running a business.  As a business owner are you helping or hindering your accountant?   Matt and Mike discuss what they wish their clients knew to help make the process smoother for everyone.  For example, did you know when your accountant asks for things in a certain format (ie Exel, PDF, Word) there is a very specific reason why?     Or how about those deadlines they request you submit things by?  Those dates serve a very specific purpose!  Get the inside scoop on this week's episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast.   #podcast #accounting #business #owner #tax #taxes #connect #deadlines #subscribe #outsource #outsourcing #2021

Outsourcing is a critical tool for most small businesses, but how do you know if it's right for you?  Mike and Shelby discuss why outsourcing is so important, give you an easy exercise to determine if you are at that point, and how not outsourcing can hurt your business... all on this weeks #OneStepBetter podcast!  #accounting #payroll #outsourcing #business #smallbusiness #podcast #memphis #money #leadership

Matt and Mike start his week talking about the fuel of most companies; coffee.  They quickly discuss the trials and errors they experience providing it for their employees and how they found a solution that was both cost effective and safe (yes, safe).   Then they discuss something most leaders might not realize is happening, that leadership can bottleneck the growth and success of your company!  It's all about letting go and finding the right people to support you in your leadership role.  Watch them discuss this and how to find the right people on weeks #OneStepBetter podcast!   #podcast #business #leadership #success #smallbusiness #grow #memphis #outsourcing #accounting #payroll #hr #humanresources #entrepreneur #support

Matt and Mike start this episode with discussing how their spouses support them in honor of "Spouse's Day" and how important it is to remember those who support you.  They then dive into the hot topic of remote employees.  How do you know if they are right for your company?  What are some of the benefits?  Drawbacks?  Check it out in the last episode of the #OneStepBetter Podcast! #support #remote #hiring #podcast #business

Conflict, it's never easy, especially when it comes to having to let an employee go.  Mike and Shelby discuss some of the best practices for having to have the difficult conversation of terminating a team member.   This is a hot topic you won't want to miss!

Mike and Matt discuss what to expect from the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2021 and how this will effect small business owners.

She's an entrepreneur, business strategist, author, podcaster, CEO, wife, mother, and thought leader. On this week's episode, Mary Grothe shares her journey to create a business with the purpose of building unshakeable revenue foundations set for scale. Hear her story of challenging the status quo, bringing integrity and grit to the job every day, and following her heart to bring her entrepreneurial dreams to life.

Get to know your hosts Matthew Patrick and Mike Shaeffer with fun Q&A questions! Have more questions or business topics you’d like to hear about? Leave us a comment or send us a message on Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn!

On this week's Startup Story, learn Cary Rotter's journey to start Comfort Keepers, leading provider of trusted in-home senior care and companion care in Memphis, TN. Hear the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the complexities of working with your spouse. Visit their website here: https://www.comfortkeepers.com/

Get to know Mike Shaeffer, Patrick Accounting and Whirks' chief operating officer and podcast "host with the most!" Hear his journey from accounting to youth ministry and back to accounting, plus his favorite (and least favorite) parts of working with us over the past six years. He epitomizes our core value of Team First and Challenge It, and we're excited for more adventures (and more podcasts) to come!

Get to know our Sales and Marketing Team Leader, Shelby Betts!

A smooth handoff between sales and operations is critical to the first impression your company makes. In this episode, you'll learn: Three things you have to get right between your sales and operations team to better service your clients. How to build rapport to strengthen the working relationships between both departments. Tips for building empathy on both sides.

How should the uncertainty of 2020 affect new year planning? What metrics do you need to focus on? How do you adapt a profit first mindset to ensure profitability? This episode gives you best practices to position your business for success in 2021. In our Business Owner's Guide to 2021 Planning webinar, we'll get more in-depth on budgeting strategies (register here.) Need help creating your 2021 gameplan? We love helping small business owners! Contact us here.

Conflict is inevitable, and so is addressing it. In this episode, special guest Greg Henderson, HRO Manager at Whirks, joins Mike Shaeffer to discuss the common ways they see conflict handled incorrectly. You'll gain tips for effectively handling conflict to build a stronger and healthier work dynamic. Plus, learn the first thing you should ask yourself when conflict comes up and when it's okay for your team to agree to disagree.

Customer feedback can't just sit in an email. You've gathered lots of info, so now what? Last week, we talked about how to use employee feedback to add value.  In this episode, you'll learn how to validate feedback, gather perspective, and prioritize an action list for putting that feedback to use. Plus, you'll learn the exercise you should be doing once a year to add more business.

Far too often, if we haven't heard a complaint from our customers, we think they're okay. However, you're missing critical insight that can help you improve, and in some cases, help you ramp up the things you're doing well. In this episode, you'll learn the 3 questions you need to ask your customers to close the feedback loop. Plus, hear tips to uncover new revenue.

It can be challenging to find the balance between getting work done and giving your employees the time and budget to learn and expand their skillset. Nonetheless, employee development is extremely important for any business. In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss what small businesses can do to provide opportunities for development and what we've learned over the years.

Employees are our most important asset. In this episode, Matt & Mike discuss different ways and things they do to keep employees engaged, motivated and front of mind. Making employees feel valued has proven to have an impact on retention, attracting wonderful applicants and getting the right people in the door.

Get to know our longest tenured employee, Rick Bowers. When planning to retire after an exciting career with some of the country's top brands, he became part of the Patrick Accounting family and has been a dynamic part of growing the firm over the last 12 years. Hear his journey with Matt and Mike throughout the years and his favorite (and least favorite) parts of the job.

Even with the best balance between work and life, burnout can happen to anyone - especially small business owners. That's why we're having conversations with our team and our clients on the ways burnout affects everyone differently and how to overcome it. In this episode, Matt & Mike talk about burnout from the perspectives of business owners, key leaders, and employees. Plus, hear their tips for how to step away from the grind and re-charge.

Decreasing employee turnover and increasing employee satisfaction all starts in the hiring process. When you’re a small business, every hire affects your company culture. In this episode, Matt and Mike share wins and mistakes from over the years to give insight to other business owners experiencing the same thing.

One-on-ones have been part of our normal meeting rhythm for years. Hear Matt & Mike's tactical tips on how to maximize your communication in one-on-ones so everyone on your team is headed in the same direction. Do you have regular one-on-ones with your managers and employees? Let us know what has been helpful for you!

Get to know Greg Henderson, HRO Manager at Whirks! He is "bringing the human back to HR" and alleviating compliance worries for our clients during difficult situations. All businesses need handbooks, labor law posters and someone to manage them. If your small business needs help with these things, we'll be happy to help!  Click here to schedule a 15-minute call with Greg.

On this episode of the #OneStepBetter podcast, hear DJ Naylor's journey to bring an authentic Irish pub experience to Memphis. While other restaurants simply have a theme, DJ goes above and beyond to bring authenticity and heart to Celtic Crossing.  Watch the video of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/XTJMqMyaPmQ Want to join a whiskey tasting? Register here! https://bit.ly/3klGo72

In this episode, we're talking all about restaurants. Steven Downer, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and restaurant industry guru, talks about the two numbers you absolutely have to know to stay on top of the costs you can control. Plus, you'll learn some tangible ways to stay in control of your finances and why you need good quality partners that are going to fill in any gaps and support your success.

Shiny Object Syndrome can affect any business owner. No one wants to miss out, and the fear of "I-don't-know-what-I-don't-know" can create some anxiety. In this episode, Matt & Mike talk about how to use the fear of missing out as a good thing when it comes to compliance, taxes, new technology, and more.

The golden idea of work/life balance. Is it possible? Is it attainable? Can it ever happen? Matt Patrick and Mike Shaeffer share different perspectives from their contrasting work styles. Many small business owners struggle with work/life balance because their heart and soul is in the business. In this episode, you'll hear some methods to help you find your synergy and give yourself freedom.

Whoever said communication is 50/50 was missing something. Communication is the lifeblood of small businesses and relationships in general. In this episode, you'll gain three practical takeaways that you can take back to your organization to improve the effectiveness of your communication. Plus, you'll find out why we say, "To be unclear is to be unkind," and how to remedy it.

The status quo is never acceptable. One of the hallmarks of small business success is their ability to be agile and move quickly. You can't do that if you're stuck in the weeds of never wanting to challenge what's going on. Challenge It doesn't mean unhappiness. We're talking about the WAY you do things. You're always pressing ahead to get better and better. In this episode, we show you how to use several methods to evaluate your current processes with your team, including the "Working, Missing, Broken and Confused" exercise.

Why is it important for small businesses to have a solid, reviewed, actually-looked-at handbook? Handbooks are a great starting place for any employer. It's a necessary evil for some. It's a guiding light for others. In this episode, we cover the top three things you need to have in your handbook, how often to review it, and how it can increase team alignment. Need to update your handbook or write a new one and don't know where to start? Email us at help@whirks.com

Tune in to hear the conversations we’re having on a daily basis on all things business growth. Over the years, we’ve seen countless types of small businesses expand into new locations, offer new services and add to their teams. On this episode, Matt & Mike discuss the biggest pitfalls we've seen and the lessons we've learned from our growing our business over the years.

It’s easy to feel like you’re on an island as a business owner. But, having a lack of community can be dangerous for small business leaders. In this episode, Matt & Mike share how they found their community and why bigger picture, higher impact decisions should typically be made with the support of people that are going to have the freedom to say what's good, what's bad, and what you might be missing. If you're a client of ours and you don't feel like you have that support, let us be that sounding board. As you have things popping up that you have a question on, give us a call. We want to see small businesses get one step better, and we want to be a part of that.

The journey of a small business owner and the passion behind what they do is our favorite kind of story. In this episode of the Startup Stories series, hear how Alex Brandwein transitioned from investment banking in New York City to starting a fun, welcoming gathering place for fresh baked NYC style bagels in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Watch the video interview here.

What is the DISC assessment and how do we use it in our organization? In this episode, you'll learn how personality profiles in the workplace can elevate communication and how to avoid the possible pitfalls of using them. Mike, Matt and Shelby explain how using the DISC assessment has helped them understand who they are as communicators and increased their effectiveness as leaders.

Why WHY? Defining your company's purpose statement aligns your team on the direction the business is heading. In this episode, Matt Patrick and Mike Shaeffer explain how they went through the process of defining Patrick Accounting's WHY and how you can start this process for your organization.

Second-chair leadership is a topic that's often overlooked in leadership circles. A crucial position to any business, this role operates under the umbrella of the first-chair leader while making sure the team is aligned with the company's goals and values. In this episode, Matt Patrick, CEO and founder, interviews Mike Shaeffer, COO, about the challenges of this role and the dynamic between first and second-chair leadership.

Change is inevitable for any business owner. As your company grows and technology changes, it's your job as a leader to help your team adjust and adapt. How do you get your team on board? How do respond to different personality types that view change differently? In this episode, you'll learn how to help your team navigate change from the perspectives of a business owner, second chair leader and team leader.

Own it. Challenge it. Team First. Empathy for others. Passion for purpose. At Patrick Accounting, core values drive everything we do. In this episode, Matt Patrick, Founder and President, shares the story of how the firm was started and the process behind defining these values. 

Working from home is a trend that's here to stay. So, how do we adapt our leadership style to be most effective in this "new normal?" In this episode, we cover things that small business leaders need to pay attention to such as communication, onboarding and technology.

In many small businesses, a team member who has a full-time job responsibility also picks up recruiting, onboarding, benefits and other employee-related tasks. In this podcast, we're talking about practical ways anyone in a "Second-Hat-HR" role can free up time for their main role while leading HR functions with confidence.