The Real Bottom Line podcast

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Episode 145 - Stop the Social Media Overload 28:48

vor 4 weeks28:48

28:48

Guest: M. Shannon Hernandez, Messaging & Marketing Strategist and Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™ Episode Summary: Feeling drained by social media? Struggling to see real business results from all your posts? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with M. Shannon Hernandez to talk about a more sustainable, joyful approach to marketing—one that doesn’t leave you glued to an algorithm. Shannon is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, where she helps business owners create organic marketing strategies that align with their values and bring in revenue. With over 25 years in curriculum design and work featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC, Shannon knows how to craft messaging that connects and converts. We dive into: Why relying solely on social media is a mistake for most business owners The power of email marketing and why it should be your primary sales driver How to simplify your marketing while increasing your results The one-platform-plus-email strategy that keeps your marketing effective and joyful How to build true community in your business (hint: it’s not just online) Quotes from the Episode: “One platform that brings you so much joy plus email marketing that drives revenue. That is the perfect blend.” – M. Shannon Hernandez “Publishing more content, yelling louder, or dancing on TikTok won’t fix your marketing if your messaging isn’t landing.” – M. Shannon Hernandez “If they can’t hear you, you can’t help them.” – M. Shannon Hernandez Connect with Shannon: Website: www.joyfulbusinessrevolution.com LinkedIn: M. Shannon Hernandez Resources & Links: Grab Shannon’s free resource: 65 Story Ideas for Better Email Marketing → joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/65storyideas Learn more about The Real Bottom Line Podcast : therealbottomline.ca Join us for our Renew & Recharge Retreat: Exploring the Flavors, Culture, and Creativity of Mexico in September 2025: https://bit.ly/4c53OYK Our Tuscan Retreat is May 2-8, 2026 . We don’t quite have the registration page ready yet, but if you are interested in more info, please email us. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable conversations to business owners like you. What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let’s continue the conversation—connect with me on LinkedIn and share your thoughts!…

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Episode 144 - How to Build a Brand Story That Sells 34:17

vor 10 weeks34:17

34:17

Your business has a story—are you telling it in a way that connects, engages, and drives sales? In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Andrea Sampson , storytelling expert and CEO of Talk Boutique , to break down the art and science of storytelling in business. Whether you're pitching investors, marketing to customers, or leading a team, a compelling story can make all the difference. Andrea shares insights from her career in advertising, branding, and coaching TEDx speakers—revealing how entrepreneurs can transform dry facts into powerful narratives that inspire action. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The Power of Storytelling in Business – Why storytelling is more than just marketing; it’s a business essential. ✅ What Makes a Story Effective? – The key elements every great story must have. ✅ How to Find Your Brand’s Core Story – A step-by-step approach to defining your what, how, and why to craft a powerful brand message. ✅ How Storytelling Helps You Sell – How to position your product or service so that customers see themselves in your story. ✅ The Common Storytelling Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make – And how to avoid them. ✅ Lessons from TEDx – What working with TEDx speakers taught Andrea about crafting short, high-impact stories. ✅ AI & Storytelling – How artificial intelligence can help refine your brand story (but why it should never replace human connection). Why This Matters: If you don’t control your brand’s story, your customers will create their own. A strong, well-crafted narrative builds trust, engages your audience, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Want to sharpen your storytelling skills? Download Andrea’s Storytelling Toolkit at blackstarwealth.com/storytelling-toolkit . 🎧 Tune in now and start telling a story that sells!…

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Episode 143 - Maximizing Time, Energy, and Confidence for Entrepreneurs 31:19

vor 12 weeks31:19

31:19

Welcome to The Real Bottom Line with Wendy Brookhouse. In this episode, Wendy sits down with April Roberts, a high-performance coach for female entrepreneurs, to explore her incredible journey from practising law to building and selling a successful financial planning business. What You’ll Learn: How April transitioned careers and built her financial planning firm from the ground up. Insights into selling a business while maintaining client and team trust. The power of intentional planning and the "CEO Calendar" for scaling success. Why rest, energy management, and personal growth are critical for entrepreneurs. How April helps business owners unlock their full potential as a high-performance coach. Memorable Moments: April’s candid stories about life’s curveballs and finding new paths. Lessons in transitioning a family business while safeguarding its legacy. Practical tips on leveraging time and energy for greater productivity. Resources and Links: Connect with April at Vixen Gathering . Join Wendy's Business Value Amplifier Program : https://www.businessvalueamplifier.com/ For financial strategies, visit Black Star Wealth . Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories!…

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Episode 142 - Why Humanity and Emotion Are the New Currency in Writing and Business 42:31

vor 13 weeks42:31

42:31

What makes a story truly unforgettable? It’s the humanity and emotions behind it. In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , I chat with Crystal Adair-Benning, a prolific ghostwriter and storytelling expert, about why the most impactful content comes from real, human experiences. Crystal opens up about her journey, from ghostwriting her first New York Times bestseller at just 14 to redefining her career during COVID. We dive into: Why human-written stories resonate more deeply than AI-generated content. How emotion and authenticity create connections that drive business success. The shift from event planning to becoming a full-time storyteller and creative coach. The power of storytelling as a marketing tool for entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Crystal also shares her belief that emotion is the currency of the future and offers insights into how writers and business owners can stand out by focusing on their unique human experiences. Key Takeaways: Authenticity Wins: Stories told with empathy and authenticity connect with audiences at a level AI cannot replicate. Marketing with Heart: Using your story as a marketing tool isn’t just effective—it’s transformative for your audience. Human Creativity Matters: Creativity isn’t unlocked; it’s already within you. Sometimes, you just need the right guide to find it. Connect with Crystal: Website: www.writewordmagic.com Instagram: @writewordmagic Resources Mentioned: Crystal’s Freebie: Bestselling Blueprint (available on her website) Real Bottom Line: Emotions are the ultimate currency. When you tap into the heart of your story, you unlock the power to connect, inspire, and drive impact.…

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Episode 141 - Building a Business that Lasts: Marketing Insights from Christine Tolton 34:43

vor 18 weeks34:43

34:43

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , I sit down with Christine Tolton, CEO of Red Cat Marketing , as she celebrates 20 years in business. Christine shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, the lessons she’s learned, and her top marketing insights for 2025. Discover how to adapt to changing trends, harness creativity, and build a business that thrives.…

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Episode 140 - Success is Rarely a Straight Line 35:18

vor 21 weeks35:18

35:18

Success is rarely a straight line—it’s more like a bowl of spaghetti! In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , I chat with Jackie Dinsmore, a lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur and investor, about her unconventional journey. Jackie shares how she built two successful businesses, navigated high-stakes exits, and disrupted the legal industry with her innovative approach at Caravel Law. We dive into the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned, covering everything from cash flow struggles in retail to the art of negotiating business sales. Plus, Jackie offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs on staying resilient, surrounding yourself with the right team, and knowing when to pivot or push through. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow, sell, or reinvent a business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and candid stories you won’t want to miss! Topics Covered: Jackie’s entrepreneurial journey from handbags to kids’ apparel The challenges of retail cash flow and inventory management Lessons from selling businesses and working with buyers Disrupting the legal industry with Caravel Law Practical advice for entrepreneurs on navigating the messy path to success Subscribe for more insights from entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to share the real bottom line! 📌 Links Mentioned: Connect with Jackie Dinsmore: Caravel Law Website…

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Episode 139 - Turning Tides in Entrepreneurship: Navigating Post-Pandemic Events 29:43

vor 27 weeks29:43

29:43

In this special edition of The Real Bottom Line , we’re diving deep into the world of live events and how they’ve evolved since the pandemic. Wendy sits down with three incredible guests—Menna Riley, founder of Leading Ladies Networking, Tyler Hayden, a renowned keynote speaker and author, and Ravi Tangri, a facilitator and expert in soul engineering—to explore how live events can boost your business, the shifts in event structuring, and why connection remains key in the post-pandemic world. Our guests share their personal stories of how they had to pivot during COVID, from taking in-person events online to blending virtual and live experiences. The group also discusses the upcoming Turning Tides Conference and why this event is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to learn, grow, and connect in new ways. This is an episode packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and a unique look at the future of live events. Key Takeaways: Pivoting in a Pandemic: Menna, Tyler, and Ravi share how they transitioned from live to virtual events, and how those changes have stuck around in hybrid formats. The Importance of Connection: The pandemic showed us what we missed about in-person interaction. Live events help foster that connection, but they now require a more engaging, interactive format. Engagement is Everything: Ravi discusses how to engage your audience, whether in-person or online, with techniques like open space and World Cafés that keep people connected and involved. Turning Tides Conference: The upcoming conference for entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia offers a unique "unconference" format where attendees will get personalized advice from experts and walk away with an actionable plan for their business. Memorable Quotes: Menna Riley: “Consistency, consistency, consistency—you have to keep doing it or you’ll lose it.” Tyler Hayden: “We’ve been missing a place to come and connect... We want to help create that for Nova Scotia long term.” Ravi Tangri: “I realized the blocks I was putting in my own way... and found suddenly I could do 95% of what I did in person with the same engagement online.” Special Offer: Listeners of The Real Bottom Line can get an exclusive discount for the upcoming Turning Tides Conference . Tune in for details and learn how to attend this unique event designed for entrepreneurs. Resources Mentioned: Menna Riley’s Leading Ladies Networking: https://mennariley.com/ Tyler Hayden’s Team Building School: https://www.tylerhayden.com/ Ravi Tangri’s Soul Engineering: https://speakerscanada.com/keynote-speaker/ravi-tangri/ Turning Tides Conference : https://www.turningtidesconference.ca Connect with Us: Website: blackstarwealth.com Facebook: Black Star Wealth LinkedIn: Wendy Brookhouse Instagram: @BlackStarWealth…

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Episode 138 - How to Build a Business That Runs Without You 29:03

vor 31 weeks29:03

29:03

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , I sit down with Talmar Anderson, founder of Boss HQ, to discuss one of the most crucial aspects of scaling any business—building the right team. Talmar shares her journey from being the "number two" in law firms to becoming a successful entrepreneur, and she breaks down the key difference between your Dream Team and your Freedom Team . We dive into the mindset shifts business owners need to make, how to stop hiring for potential, and why building a team that works without you is essential for growing—and selling—your business. If you're an entrepreneur looking to step into the CEO role and create a business that runs smoothly without being dependent on you, this episode is for you. Key Topics: Talmar’s personal journey from employee to entrepreneur The difference between the Dream Team and the Freedom Team Why hiring for potential can hold your business back How to build trust and delegate effectively as a boss The importance of creating a business that doesn’t rely on you…

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Episode 137 - Building, Scaling, and Selling: Lessons from Julie Ellis of Mabel's Labels 29:23

vor 32 weeks29:23

29:23

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with Julie Ellis, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, to discuss her incredible journey from corporate life to building an eight-figure business and ultimately selling it. Julie shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of speed in a competitive market, and the emotional complexity of selling a business. Key Topics Discussed: Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship Julie’s shift from the corporate world to co-founding Mabel’s Labels. How motherhood sparked the idea for the business. The early days of Mabel’s Labels and how the four co-founders divided responsibilities. Navigating Partnerships The dynamics of working with multiple co-founders. Importance of clear roles, communication, and having a shareholders agreement in place. The informal yet structured approach to decision-making that kept them moving forward. First to Market and the Need for Speed How being the first children’s label brand in North America drove the need for speed and innovation. Challenges of staying ahead of competitors and the fear of being overtaken by larger companies. Corporate Lessons Applied to Entrepreneurship What Julie learned from her corporate experience that benefited Mabel’s Labels. The balance between process and agility in a growing business. The Emotional and Practical Aspects of Selling a Business The unsolicited offer to buy Mabel’s Labels and the decision-making process that followed. The intense due diligence process and the importance of being well-prepared. Julie’s personal journey post-sale and why she decided to leave the company shortly after. Life After Mabel’s Labels Julie’s transition to coaching and consulting after leaving Mabel’s Labels. Her focus on helping leaders at inflection points in their careers and businesses. The importance of intentionality and strategic decision-making in business and life. Top Takeaways: Clear Roles and Communication - Establish clear roles and maintain open communication to navigate the complexities of partnerships. Move Quickly, Stay Ahead - Innovate and push forward to maintain a competitive edge, especially when you're first to market. Prepare for the Emotional Impact of Selling - Selling a business is both a financial and emotional journey; be prepared for the challenges of both. How to Connect with Julie Ellis: Visit Julie’s website: https://www.julieellis.ca/ Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ellis/…

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Episode 136 - The Sale Of A 35-Year Business with Donna Alteen 36:13

vor 33 weeks36:13

36:13

Insights from Selling a 35-Year Business: A Conversation with Donna Alteen In this episode of 'The Real Bottom Line,' host Wendy welcomes her guest Donna Alteen, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares her extensive experience in running and eventually selling her business after 35 years. Donna emphasizes the importance of early planning, setting up a leadership team, and engaging financial advisors and other professionals well in advance of the sale. She candidly discusses the emotional and procedural aspects of the transition, including the due diligence process and maintaining company culture post-sale. The episode provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs contemplating the sale of their own businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:14 Starting to Think About Selling 02:13 Preparing the Business for Sale 04:13 Engaging the Leadership Team 06:31 Finding the Right Buyer 14:43 Due Diligence Process 18:40 Post-Sale Reflections and Advice 33:29 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Find Donna on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-alteen-icd-d-6209483/ Websites timespacemedia.com (Company) facebook.com/TimeSpaceMediaLtd (Time + Space Media Facebook)…

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Episode 135 - Transforming Your Business with LinkedIn with Jon Keel 33:01

vor 34 weeks33:01

33:01

John Keel's Entrepreneurial Journey and Mastering LinkedIn In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, host Wendy interviews John Keel about his diverse entrepreneurial journey and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. At 77, John shares his experiences from his three vastly different careers, including the launch and sale of a successful water treatment business. He discusses his transition into the internet business and becoming a pioneer in online marketing before turning his expertise to LinkedIn. John delves into the importance of a well-structured LinkedIn profile, consistent engagement, and the significance of relationship-building over selling. He offers practical tips for small business owners and entrepreneurs to leverage LinkedIn effectively, highlighting the need for patience, consistency, and providing value. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 John Keel's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:03 Transition to Online Marketing 03:20 Building a Successful Online Business 04:14 Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to LinkedIn 05:07 Deep Dive into LinkedIn Strategies 09:54 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned 17:18 Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles 20:43 Effective LinkedIn Engagement 24:09 Consistency and ROI on LinkedIn 31:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information…

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Episode 134 - Practical advice on choosing secure AI tools 22:45

vor 36 weeks22:45

22:45

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, Wendy Brookhouse sits down with Darryl Cresswell, a cybersecurity expert and founder of MyDWare. They discuss the critical issues of data privacy and cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Darryl shares valuable insights into why small and medium-sized businesses are targets for cybercriminals, the misconceptions about AI and data security, and practical steps business owners can take to protect their sensitive information. Tune in to learn about the importance of hardware, software, and continuous monitoring in safeguarding your business. Key Takeaways: Misconceptions about the vulnerability of small businesses to cyber-attacks. The role of hardware and software in data protection. The risks of using public AI models for sensitive business data. Practical advice on choosing secure AI tools. The importance of having a company-wide cybersecurity policy.…

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Episode 133 - From Babysitter To Boss - The Journey of a Multi-Entrepreneur 41:44

vor 37 weeks41:44

41:44

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I chat with Alexis, the founder of Dovetail Summit and Two Roads Team Building. We dive into her journey from a babysitting empire inspired by The Babysitters Club to becoming a teacher, consultant, and ultimately a multi-entrepreneur. We explore how personal experiences and life events shaped her path, the importance of building community, and why psychological safety is crucial for team success. Plus, we discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a spouse in business and the importance of answering the call of our lives. Join us for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding purpose beyond the numbers.…

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Episode 132 - From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship: Kim Skermer's Journey and Lessons Learned 26:07

vor 39 weeks26:07

26:07

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line, I sit down with the fabulous Kim Skermer, who transitioned from a high-ranking corporate position to the world of entrepreneurship. Kim shares her unique story of being laid off during a Zoom call at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how she turned that experience into a powerful journey of growth and learning. Join us as we discuss: The importance of gratitude and accountability in navigating career changes How to determine if someone is coachable The concept of finding calm in the chaos of entrepreneurship The mindset shifts necessary for leaving corporate life and starting your own business Kim's insights are invaluable for anyone considering a move to self-employment or looking to enhance their entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this inspiring and informative conversation! For more information on Kim Skermer and her coaching methods, visit The Approach Coaching Method. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more content on wealth management, financial planning, and entrepreneurship. #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #BusinessCoaching #CorporateToEntrepreneur #MindsetMatters #FindingCalm #KimSkermer…

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Episode 131 - The Mental Health of Entrepreneurs: Breaking the Silence with Michael Devenney 30:39

vor 40 weeks30:39

30:39

In this episode of The Real Bottom Line , host Wendy Brookhouse welcomes back Michael Devenney for an in-depth discussion on a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the mental health of entrepreneurs. Michael shares insights from his groundbreaking 2017 Mindset Project survey, which revealed that 68.3% of entrepreneurs experience mental health issues, with a depression rate nearly four times higher than the general population. Michael get into his personal journey with depression, which motivated him to conduct the survey, aiming to uncover whether his struggles were unique or shared by others in the entrepreneurial community. The conversation highlights the deep connection entrepreneurs have with their businesses and how this impacts their mental well-being. As they discuss the results of the initial survey and the ongoing second survey, Michael and Wendy explore the increased isolation and pressure entrepreneurs face today. They talk about the limited action taken despite growing awareness and the continuous challenges of financial health, growth expectations, and the impact of external factors like the pandemic and geopolitical events. Michael emphasizes the importance of seeking help through therapy and leveraging online resources, sharing his positive experiences with therapy over the years. Wendy and Michael also touch on practical strategies for entrepreneurs to manage stress, improve mental health, and foster better work environments. Join us as we break the silence on this vital issue and provide actionable insights to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of mental health. Visit mindsetproject.ca to participate in Michael's survey and contribute to this essential conversation.…

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The Real Bottom Line

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