Staying anchored in your purpose with Lielette Calleja

In this episode of the Powerful Steps podcast, I’m talking all things money and how to step into your financial power with multi-award-winning entrepreneur and financial expert Lielette Calleja. After working in corporate for years as a financial controller, business analyst and management accountant, 18 years ago Lielette decided to go out on her own so that she could help small businesses grow and flourish.    I love this topic, because I know from personal experience that understanding the financial side of business is hugely important. When I started Powerful Steps after two decades in business, I definitely wanted to run a different business this time around. I wanted to use finance as my secret weapon to buy back time for myself, so that I could invest into growing my business at a much faster rate. And the results were phenomenal.   Here, Lielette shares her advice on everything from maintaining a steady cashflow to leveraging your data, when to raise your fees and tangible action steps you can take today to increase your profits. Get your notepads ready – this episode is packed to the brim with valuable advice. Topics Discussed   [2:00] Lielette reveals the point where, after many years working in big business, she decided to back herself and go out on her own. She says that being in business is not easy, and requires confidence and resilience.    [3:08] Lielette shares how she’s navigated tough times in business, but what saw her through was staying anchored in her purpose.    [4:17] She talks about difficulty finding the right talent for her team, and shares that what could have been a disaster, she saw as a gift because it enabled her to reinvent herself and her business so she was doing everything on her terms.    [6:18] How technology can help small businesses to manage their finances. Lielette discusses how working smarter and faster can help fine-tune your customer experience across all touchpoints – and shares that the right systems, online portals and booking systems can transform your business.    [8:50] Tory and Lielette discuss the importance of setting up systems to ensure your cashflow is flowing steadily, and the importance of giving people a great experience to ensure that they will go on to advocate for your business.    [10:51] Lielette spills her technology recommendations for entrepreneurs and business owners. She also says the human element is just as important, and that investing in technology is only worth it if you’re going to leverage the data that technology delivers.    [13:44] She shares some surprising advice on what business owners should look for in the figures to discern if their business is a success, and whether they should pull the plug or keep persisting.     [14:56] Why a cashflow forecast is crucial for every business owner, and remembering that pricing is your biggest influencer on your profit and loss.    [16:15] How raising the fees for your product or service has everything to do with how much you value yourself, balancing this with price-sensitive in the current economic climate.   [18:41] Negotiating contracts at the outset of a business relationship to make things commercially viable for both parties.    [20:28] Lielette shares 5 powerful ways listeners can take action today to turn a profit in their business.   [24:49] Tory on why throwing money at yourself is a smart move, as you are the best asset for your business.    [25:12] Lielette on when you should start taking a salary from your business – and how much.   [26:39] How those struggling in business can know whether to keep going or to step aside gracefully.     Links   Where to find Lilette Calleja Want to know more about this finance queen?   Website: www.allthatcounts.com.au Instagram: @allthatcountsau LinkedIn: Lilette Calleja   Where to Find Tory Archbold Are you ready to take a powerful step forward in business and in life? You can join Tory’s dynamic community of top female entrepreneurs by signing up to the Powerful Steps Coffee Challenge (it’s free!): https://powerful-steps.com/coffee-challenge/.   You can also connect with Tory Archbold and her offerings, including corporate keynote speaking, business mentoring and the popular Business Attraction Program, here: Instagram: @powerfulsteps LinkedIn: Powerful Steps by Tory Archbold YouTube: Powerful Steps – YouTube Business Attraction Program: click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.