“As your business and the revenue you’re generating grows, you start changing your mindset from, “I’m hungry I need to get clients” to “How can I build a business in such a way that it can feed into [where you need it to be] to step back from your business and draw income.” - Helen Ngo Tune into this episode to hear financial planner Helen Ngo talk all about saving for retirement as an entrepreneur, a subject that business owners need to eventually prioritize. But let’s be real, saving for retirement isn’t as realistic in the beginning of growing a business, when priorities are making a living and paying bills. However, a few years in when you're able to start saving for your future, many business owners get stumped on what that even looks like. Helen Ngo, CEO and founder of Capital Benchmark Partners has over a decade of experience in investment management and running her own financial planning firm. She has unlocked the key to financial freedom that most people get wrong. She’s an expert in personal finance and helping women create more wealth for themselves. In this episode, Helen walks us through how to prepare for retirement through these 3 main steps: Assess your cash flow and personal budget to project how much you actually need to save for retirement Evaluate your current tax situation and determine what type of retirement plan you need to implement Consider your current cash flow and potential investments to determine what can actually be put aside for retirement As a business owner retirement looks totally different than working in a corporate 9-5 job where you have a 401k set up for you. In entrepreneurship, you’re responsible for setting up your retirement! Have you considered this step? If not, I know you’ll love this episode and tips from Helen! Links mentioned in the episode: Episode 27: Money Talk with Financial Planner, Helen Ngo Brown Ambition Podcast Connect with Helen for financial planning Connect with Helen for business coaching Connect with Helen on Instagram Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

Bird Means Business

93. Saving for Retirement as an Entrepreneur with Helen Ngo

“When we started our first business we didn’t know what we were doing. We wanted support, so we structured a Board of Advisors. It’s so great to be like, “Hey, this is what we have going on, give us your feedback on your ideas on how to build the brand.” Today I am answering the question, “Do I need a Board of Advisors?” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by alllll of the things in entrepreneurship this episode is for you! I’ve heard too many stories of solopreneurs feeling alone and uncertain about having to make decisions without advice, support, or accountability. Having a sounding board of people with extra resources who have your best interest at heart can provide a tremendous advantage, and you may already have people in your network who would love to support you in a more structured way. If you’re not super familiar with what Board of Advisors are or if you’re unsure if this is something you need in your business, tune into this episode because I’ll be covering great points like: Defining how a Board of Advisors can support your business Understanding the difference between a Board of Advisors and a Board of Directors Knowing what to have in your contract and how you should communicate Strategizing to find the right people for your Board I hope this will help you think about where you are and what you need to reach your goals! Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

92. Do you need a Board of Advisers?

“Instead of saying do this and put your money here, fundamentally build the foundation of your business well.” - Iffy Ibekwe As an entrepreneur it’s easy to only think about growing your business and forget about the bigger picture. Entrepreneurship is an incredible way to build wealth, but how? This week I have Iffy Ibekwe on the show, an estate planning attorney and evangelist for intergenerational wealth transfer and legacy building with effective wills and trusts. Iffy activates intentional women so they can take agency over their lives and build impactful legacies. Some of the biggest takeaways in this episode are: How to start building wealth at the beginning of entrepreneurship How to protect your personal and business assets How to think about wealth building and estate planning These are crucial topics for business owners and if you get this right your future self will thank you. Tune into this episode to begin sowing seeds today that will have a huge impact for years to come! Links mentioned in the episode: Iffy's Sweets and Treats Iffy's Website Connect with Iffy on Instagram Connect with Iffy's law firm on Instagram Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

91. Wealth Building and Protecting Your Assets with Iffy Ibekwe

“Remove yourself from the narrative that this work can be accomplished by one action. It’s not attending a workshop, a training, it’s not doing one social media campaign. This is long-term lifelong work that has to be sustained. So being willing to put yourself or your organization in a position where you’re constantly learning and unlearning is part of the work of shifting your posture.” - Virginia Cumberbatch of Rosa Rebellion This week I have two phenomenal women with me on the show, Virginia Cumberbatch and Meagan Harding, the co-founders of Rosa Rebellion, a platform for creative activism by and for women of color. In this episode we have an incredible conversation about how to use your space as a business owner to co-agitate for racial justice. You’ll learn how to practically show up as a business owner and evaluate your internal practices, processes and organizational paradigm before rushing to external statements and efforts. As a business owner it can be intimidating to show up and use your platform and voice appropriately and effectively. This episode will equip you with actionable tips to help you navigate all of this in your business. I invite you to listen with an open heart. I believe it will make you, the way you do business, your community and our nation better. Links mentioned in the episode: Gen Activist: a Rosa Rebellion podcast Follow Rosa Rebellion on Instagram + Twitter RosaRebellion.com Podcast: “The Only Way Out Of This Is Opportunity For Everybody”: John Bryant On A New Marshall Plan for America Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

90. How to Co-Agitate for Racial Justice Through Your Business with Rosa Rebellion

After being in quarantine for well over a year people are searching for community now more than ever. As an entrepreneur you really have to fight isolation in business because it will lead to burnout. Community is key because entrepreneurship is hard and you’re going to need that extra support for the highs and lows. Today we’re talking all about the power of community: not just why it’s important in business, but also how to find it. Because we weren’t designed to do entrepreneurship alone. Community can feel a little vulnerable at times but sometimes it takes you taking the first step. You’ll become more courageous when you lean into an opportunity to practice courage. Tune into this episode to open your mind up to new ways to find community and learn why it’s so powerful on your journey Links mentioned in the episode: Join the Prepare to Launch Challenge Ommabe Chiropractic Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

89. The Power of Community

This week’s episode is all about what you should consider if you’re looking for a business partner. If you’re going into business with someone else, or you’ve already launched your business with a partner and it’s not going as planned, you’re in the right place because I’m going to break it all down in this episode! Some considerations I’ll cover are: The different types of business partners Do you even need a business partner? Making sure you choose the right person The Operating Agreement The importance of communication skills Alternatives if you don’t need a business partner Links mentioned in the episode: Join the Prepare to Launch Challenge Ep. 51 LLCs and Trademarks with Soluto Uba Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

88. So, you want a business partner?

“Yes these 10 steps might feel a little daunting but, my friend, when you take one step the next step is that much easier to take as you begin to build momentum. You’re going to get ideas, you’re going to get a rush of inspiration and that’s going to fuel you to move forward.” Do you ever find yourself asking these questions: “Am I really ready to launch this business idea I have?” “Where do I even start?” If so, you’re in the right place! In this quick episode, I give you a rundown of the 10 crucial steps to get your business started. Then, we’ll take what you learn to the next level with the Prepare to Launch Challenge! This FREE 10-day challenge will bring you even more clarity and confidence as we take actionable bite-size steps together to get your business off the ground! I want to help you win BIG, and I want to be the kind of resource that I wish I had when I launched my first business years ago and had no clue what I was doing. Already launched your business? You can still join! Maybe you missed some of these steps or you need a good refresher, you’re totally welcome! Tune into this episode to hear the 10 steps involved in launching your business, and, if you want to dive deeper, don’t forget to join the Prepare to Launch Challenge that starts on September 20th! Links mentioned in the episode: Join the Prepare to Launch Challenge! Episode 73: From Renting a Chair to Owning the Building, with Aidah Sama Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

87. Are You Prepared to Launch Your Business?

“The amount of information I have learned, post claiming I'm an entrepreneur, has expanded a thousand times. And if I even had a quarter of that information, prior to becoming an entrepreneur, I feel like we would be in a much different and better place.” - Brandi Carson I believe the first step in being a successful entrepreneur is having an entrepreneurial mindset and one way to accomplish this is by listening to other entrepreneurial stories. And that’s exactly what I have in store for you my friend! In this week’s episode. I have Brandi Carson of Posh and Private Event Design on the show sharing advice from her incredible entrepreneurial journey and knowledge she’s obtained over the years. Brandi has been a huge part of my growth as a woman, a business owner, and mom. She’s a hypewoman full of so much wisdom and I crave being in her presence. In this episode you will get to hear all about: How she got started with her event design business (she’s been in the game for 14 years!) What she would do differently if she’d known then what she knows now The importance of setting and communicating boundaries as a business owner Managing motherhood and business Tune in to learn from Brandi and use her practical advice to navigate your own business building journey! Links mentioned in the episode: Subscribe to Bird's weekly emails Follow Posh and Private on Instagram Follow Posh and Private on Linked In Follow Posh and Private on Facebook Follow Brandi on Instagram Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

86. Boundaries + Biz Advice with Brandi Carson of Posh and Private

“It’s hard to be you and feel like you’re not offending anybody or saying the wrong thing but I think really the biggest thing is finding yourself and being yourself in a place that is so saturated.” - Elly Brown You’re in for a real treat with this episode as fashion and beauty blogger Elly Brown joins me on the show! Elly began her blog Uptown With Elly Brown in 2014 as a way to encourage and uplift women in all walks of life. She knows that the demands of motherhood can lead us to feeling overwhelmed and lonely and she wants you to know that you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. It has been incredible to watch her business evolve over the years and I can’t wait for you to learn from her experience through our conversation in this episode! We cover so much ground! You will hear us share about: Comparison and competition Monetization and how to make money as an influencer Our content planning strategies and the tools we love to make it all happen Building our dream teams ...and so much more! I know this episode will be valuable to you on your business building journey. Links mentioned in the episode: Bird's Free Masterclass: the 4 Make or Break Keys to Business Building Success Ep. 58: Is Your Marketing Strategy Just Social Media? Taylor Madu The Full Focus Planner Connect with Elly on Instagram: @UptownWithEllyBrown Elly's website: www.uptownwithellybrown.com Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

85. The Business of Blogging with Elly Brown

“We’re all in business because we are solving a problem, right? We think what we offer the world is helping somebody. So, the more money you make in your business [will] allow you to help people better, to solve problems better. If you have limited resources you can only do so much with your product or services.  The more those resources grow the better you can make it!” I had the honor of chatting with Helen Ngo on her podcast Live and Earn, and I loved the conversation so much that I want to share it with you here too! In this episode, we discuss how my upbringing shaped my relationship with money and how I perceive and manage money today personally and as an entrepreneur. We cover important moments throughout my journey that I know can help you in yours like: The impact my childhood had on my mindset about money Why I chose to leave my 6-figure job on Wall Street Overcoming challenges managing money together in marriage A reframing to help manage anxiety around money How we are teaching our kids about money at an early age Entrepreneurial money tips I share with clients I hope this conversation will inspire you as you navigate finances in your personal life and in business! Links mentioned in the episode: Helen Ngo’s website Ep. 27 Money Talk with Financial Planner, Helen Ngo Subscribe to Bird's weekly emails Ep. 54 How to Choose Your Entrepreneurial Endeavor Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

84. Walking Away from Wall Street with Helen Ngo

“We believe that if one of you is called to entrepreneurship then the family is called to entrepreneurship, it’s a joint calling.” - O.L. & Sway Buckley I’m SO pumped that you’re here to invest not only in your business but also your marriage! We sometimes try to pretend we can isolate our businesses away from our personal lives and that’s just not the case. How we decide to work inside our business will impact our personal lives in the same way the health of our marriage will affect our business, whether one or both partners are in the entrepreneurial lane. This week we’re joined by two special guests, O.L. and Sway Buckley. This power couple are co-founders of Marriedpreneur Life Institute and the hosts of The Marriedpreneur Life podcast, where they help faith based marriedpreneurs create momentum in life and business. Couples come to them to seek high level systems with laser clear strategies to launch and grow their legacy purposefully and profitably. In this episode, you’ll learn: A breakdown of each of the 3 types of marriedpreneurs The unique challenges that each type faces Practical tips and examples to overcome challenges for each type Tune into this episode to identify which marriedpreneur type you are and walk away with clarity on where you’re going together. I know you’re going to love it! Links mentioned in the episode: Marriedpreneurlife.com Marriedpreneur Life Podcast Marriedpreneur Operating Systems Checklist The Love & Launch Challenge Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

83. Which Marriedpreneur Type Are You?

“I was about to have to struggle through a life of all of the potential side effects of this drug I was gonna be on for decades, when all I had to do was not have dairy. So this is why I tell my story.” Your personal health weighs a lot on the health of your business. The better you are, the better you'll show up for your clients, your team, your vendors, your community, and so on. This week I’m talking about how my holistic health journey has changed my life in such a powerful way. Are you wondering why I’d share about holistic health when I’m supposed to be a business resource? Let me tell you friend, it matters how you show up to your business. Especially in the early years when you’re doing #allthethings. So don’t forget to prioritize YOU. I hope this episode brings you inspiration to invest in yourself and learn the options available to you! Links mentioned in the episode: Work with Bird Free Masterclass: the 4 Make or Break Keys to Business Building Success Connect with Bird on Instagram Dr. Mark, My Holistic Doctor EDIT: In the podcast episode, I accidentally say my holistic health journey started in 2014, but it was actually 2018! Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

82. My Holistic Health Journey

“When you remove the obstacles, it exposes the options to get you closer to the opportunity.” - Terry Williams Have you ever set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year and fall off from trying to reach them? Or maybe your plans change and that goal is no longer relevant but you don’t have any new goals set? I’m here to tell ya, you’re not alone! Now that we are at a mid-year point, I want to check in with you on your goals so we can get back into a good rhythm together! Today, I’m joined by my husband, Terry Williams, to talk about growing into your goals. Terry is a mindset coach and will be sharing his GROW framework to guide you through the steps to get crystal clear on what you need to do now to make it happen. This is a conversation that welcomes you in on the work to go through the steps for yourself while he takes you through the GROW coaching model to identify: Goal in front of us Reality present to us Options and opportunities we have Way forwardWhat reality is present to us Tune in to gain much needed momentum to get you moving toward your goal. It’s never too late in the year to get started! Links mentioned in the episode: GROW Into Your Goals Worksheet Great Day for a 5K Challenge Terry's Website: terrythetrainer.life Connect with Terry on Instagram Episode 63: Terry's previous mindset coaching session on BMB Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

81. GROW Into Your Goals with Terry Williams

“All people know is we’re busy and hustling, but they have no idea how much we truly care about each of the people who are following us.” This week on the show we’re joined by Lisa Rigoli, the Corporate Side Hustler, who is dedicated to sharing her experience and framework to help others build an online presence while attracting and nurturing their ideal audience on the gram without spending countless hours. If you’re planning to launch a product or service, being intentional with how you engage with those who are interested while the offer is available for purchase is KEY to a successful and profitable launch. Lisa shares her 5 steps to effectively nurture your audience during a launch while providing us with actionable strategies to launch with intention. So tune in and get ready to take notes as you learn how you can launch with a ready to buy audience! Links mentioned in the episode: Instagram: The Corporate Side Hustler Instagram: Live Launch with Lisa Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

80. How to Effectively Nurture Your Audience During a Launch with Lisa Rigoli

"I don’t want to be tied down to my office or feel the need to be there all day because of this." Have you ever heard of the term Registered Agent? I’m not gonna lie, when I launched my first business I actually had to google what this was and STILL got it wrong. As a business owner, you’ll want to be familiar with this term. In this episode, I have two special guests on the show, Diane and Debra, who are Registered Agents and founders of Strategic Training & Consulting. We will be talking all about what a Registered Agent is and answer common questions about this role and why they’re key in business! In this episode you’ll learn: What is a Registered Agent? Can you be your own Registered Agent? When is the best time to hire a Registered Agent? What does the process look like working with a registered agent? I know you will enjoy hearing these powerful ladies talk about their story, mission, and learning from their wisdom for business success! Links mentioned in the episode: Free Masterclass: 4 Make or Break Keys to Business Building Success STC on Instagram STC on Facebook STC’s Website STC on Linked In Click here to read the transcript of this episode! Want to work together? Click here to get started For more great episodes, visit: www.birdwilliams.com/podcast

79. Why You Need a Registered Agent with Strategic Training & Consulting

Welcome to the Bird Means Business podcast. Each week you’ll hear practical tips on navigating your small business journey from someone who has walked in your shoes! Host and serial entrepreneur Ashley "Bird" Williams shares her lessons learned so you avoid making rookie mistakes. Whether you’re in the dream, launch or growth stage, this podcast gives you no-nonsense tools to help you take flight.

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Bird Means Business

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