Grow Your Business and Grow Your Wealth

Episode 310: Finding Success Through Authentic Mentorship

What if the key to entrepreneurial success wasn’t just about capital, but about finding your “good peoples”? This week’s guest, Brandon Na, founded his venture firm on this very principle, a concept born from a lifelong friendship and a desire to build a network of unselfish, supportive guides for founders. His journey reveals that the path to building something meaningful is often about who you have in your corner.In this conversation, Gary Heldt and Brandon Na explore the realities of the startup world, moving beyond the headlines to discuss what it truly takes to build and scale a business. Brandon shares critical insights on the common pitfalls founders face, the importance of deep self awareness, and how to find a mentor who is genuinely invested in your success. This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who wants to understand the nuances of venture capital, team building, and creating a business that aligns with their personal mission.Key Takeaways → True mentorship is a two way street built on mutual respect and aligned goals. → Self awareness is the most significant and most common obstacle for founders seeking capital. → Understanding your total addressable market is essential before you even begin to build. → Success for a founder doesn’t always mean a massive exit; sometimes it means having the wisdom to walk away. → To truly learn a concept, you must be able to teach it to someone else. → We live in a capitalistic society, and access to resources is critical for turning an idea into a reality.If you are navigating the challenges of growing your business, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters. Listen to the full episode for more insights, and consider sharing it with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from this guidance.To learn more about Brandon Na’s work with early stage founders, you can visit his website at Good Peoples Ventures. He is passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs and is open to conversations, so you can also reach out to him directly via email. https://goodpeoplesventures.com/Pull Quotes→ "The funny thing is, most people can’t handle the truth. And so you have to kind of gauge whether or not your mentee or whoever you’re trying to help can handle it."Listen to the full episode, then share it with one founder who needs a smarter circle and a clearer path.

Resolving IRS Issues With Confidence

What do you do when that dreaded letter from the IRS arrives? For many, the first instinct is to ignore it, hoping it will go away. But that is the single biggest mistake you can make.In this episode, guest host Jack Reeder talks with Felecia Dixson, an Enrolled Agent with over forty years of experience, about how to handle IRS issues with a clear head and a solid strategy. They discuss the most common reasons business owners face tax problems, why you should never try to solve them alone, and how to find the right professional help. This conversation is essential for any business owner who wants to understand the IRS better and protect their peace of mind.> Ignoring an IRS notice is the worst first step.-> Payroll tax issues are a major red flag for the IRS.> You should never try to handle an IRS issue on your own.-> An Enrolled Agent can represent you in all 50 states.-> Embarrassment should not stop you from seeking help.-> The sooner you act, the more options you have.If you have ever felt a knot in your stomach thinking about taxes, this episode is for you. Listen to the full conversation to learn how to face IRS challenges with confidence. Subscribe to Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth for more conversations that help you grow smarter.To learn more about Felecia Dixson and her work, you can find her by searching her name, Felecia Dixson, or her business, Dixson Tax Resolution Services, online. Felecia is available on LinkedIn and Facebook and offers a newsletter with more information.

Episode 309: Closing the Financial Confidence Gap for Women

What if you could transform your relationship with money from a source of stress to a source of confidence? For many women, conversations about finances have long been off-limits, creating a confidence gap that can have a lasting impact on their financial future. This episode is a conversation about changing that narrative. This week on the Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth podcast with host Gary Heldt, who is joined by Shawna Bieda, a seasoned Senior Wealth Advisor who is passionate about empowering women to take control of their financial lives. We explore the unique financial challenges women face, from pay gaps and career breaks to longer lifespans, and why a holistic approach to financial planning is so crucial. Shawna shares her personal journey and offers practical advice on building a strong financial foundation, no matter where you are in your journey. One of the biggest mistakes women make is waiting too long to start investing in their future. It is important to have a financial plan that is flexible and realistic, and that adapts to life’s many changes. Building a relationship with a trusted financial advisor is a critical step in this process. You should feel comfortable being vulnerable and asking questions to ensure you are getting the right plan for you. Taking that first step, no matter how small, is the key to building financial confidence. Money is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger and more confident you become. We invite you to listen to this important conversation and take one step today toward your own financial empowerment. Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations, and if you found this episode valuable, please share it with a woman in your life. To learn more about Shawna Bieda and her work, you can visit the XML Financial Group website at xmlfg.com. You can also connect with her directly via email at s.bieda@xmlfg.com https://www.xmlfg.com/shawna-biedaPhone:9293257386

Bonus: Navigating Social Security for a Secure Retirement

Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the most significant financial choices you will make. The right strategy can mean a more secure and comfortable retirement, while the wrong one could leave you with less than you deserve. In this episode, we explore the nuances of Social Security and retirement planning to help you make the best decision for your future.Host Gary Heldt sits down with Bruce G. Kaserman, President of BGK Financial, to demystify Social Security. They discuss the factors that should inform your decision on when to start receiving benefits, the impact of working in retirement, and how to create a financial plan aligned with your life goals. This conversation is essential for anyone approaching retirement age seeking clarity and confidence in their financial future.Here are six key takeaways from the conversation: - Your Social Security claiming strategy should be tailored to your individual circumstances, including your health, marital status, and other sources of income. - Working while receiving Social Security benefits can impact the amount you receive, so it is important to understand the income thresholds. - Delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 can significantly increase your monthly payments. - Proper tax planning is crucial to minimizing the taxes you pay on your Social Security benefits and other retirement income. - For business owners, the way you structure your salary can have long-term consequences for your Social Security benefits. - A comprehensive financial plan can help you navigate the complexities of retirement and ensure you do not outlive your savings.If you are looking for expert guidance on your retirement strategy, this episode offers valuable insights. Listen to the full conversation to gain a deeper understanding of how to make your money work for you in retirement. Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from this valuable information.To learn more about Bruce G. Kaserman and his work, you can visit his website at bgkfinancial.com. As a fiduciary and National Social Security Advisor, Bruce is dedicated to helping professionals and business owners make informed decisions to secure their financial futures. You can also connect with him to learn more about his upcoming seminars on Social Security and retirement planning.

Episode 307: Why Your Business Needs a Global Perspective

What if the biggest risks to your business are happening in markets you are not even watching? In a world more connected than ever, a shift in a supply chain on the other side of the globe can impact your bottom line overnight. Staying ahead requires a new way of thinking.In this episode, Gary Heldt sits down with Daniel Nikic, a Global Investment Specialist and founder of COHRES. They explore why a global perspective is no longer optional for entrepreneurs, how to spot emerging AI and software trends before they become mainstream, and the critical importance of managing risk with confidence in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Daniel shares insights from analyzing over 15,000 companies, revealing how business owners can identify smart opportunities and grow with confidence. - A global mindset is essential for modern entrepreneurs because supply chains and market forces are deeply interconnected across continents. - Successful companies must be willing to pivot their strategies and business models in response to new technologies and market shifts. - Artificial intelligence should be viewed as a powerful tool for research and efficiency, not just an industry, fundamentally changing how businesses operate. - For early-stage companies, building a strong professional network can be more valuable than securing initial investment. - Poor cash flow management and a damaged reputation are two of the most significant red flags that can derail a growing business. - Building and maintaining a strong reputation based on respect and integrity is a long term asset that is crucial for sustainable success.If you are ready to think bigger about your business strategy and prepare for the opportunities of a globalized future, this conversation will offer a new lens on your growth. Listen to the full episode, subscribe for more insights, and share it with a fellow business owner.To learn more from Daniel Nikic and explore his work in global investment, you can visit his website at DanielNikic.com. You can also connect with him directly on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.