My background in finance In high school and college I tended to have a relatively easy time memorizing and applying mathematical concepts to solve abstract problems. I excelled in classes like Calculus 1, 2, 3, and Engineering Physics with Calculus. (If hearing the titles of these classes gives your heart palpitations or ulcer reactions, then this article is for you!) When I started working with small businesses in 2007 as a Personal Banker for a national top 5 bank, I began to think about businesses through the lens of...

  It’s a couple of days after our workshop where our team presented to over 40 small business owners to discuss Operations, Finance, and Marketing. The crowd favorite was, undoubtedly, Marketing as Dr. Mayo gave some great insight to social media and how to improve your business using it. I tried to make finance sexy, but that’s just too challenging as many have tried and most have failed. What I learned through the process was: putting on a workshop was hard work! Believe it or not, the IA Business Advisors team...

  After a networking meeting last week, I stuck around to catch up with some friends and business owners I haven’t seen since before the holidays. One business owner I talked with was expressing frustration with an experience with a local free “business advisor.” I listened patiently while observing that the free advice had some serious issues. Here are 4 reasons I don’t like getting free advice: 1) Anyone Can Give Free Advice. The uncle you see once a year at the holiday dinner probably had some sage advice after...

  While meeting with a friend over my last eggnog latte of the year, he asked me what the secret to our success was. He wanted to know what went into the IA Business Advisors “Secret Sauce” of consulting and how it all works. Providing great consulting services doesn’t happen by chance. It’s methodical and intentional. We realize that our education is only a prerequisite in being allowed the opportunity to assist with growing businesses. Experience is our (not so secret) secret ingredient. Here are the 7 steps: Step 1) BizVision...