In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome operations consultant Sarah McNamara. Sarah shares her journey from banking to small business operations consulting and emphasizes the importance of clear systems and processes. The discussion touches on various challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including managing finances, understanding taxes, and the crucial role of bookkeeping. Sarah also highlights her philosophy of approaching clients without judgment and the importance of business owners recognizing when to seek help. Tune in for insightful advice on improving your business operations!

Sarah is the Founder of Sarah McNamara Solutions a small business consultancy on a mission to get business leaders back on track by aligning their behind-the-scenes with their business dreams.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth.

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions

00:37 Morning Banter and Introductions

01:08 Special Guest: Sarah McNamara

01:50 Sarah's Business Journey

03:39 Challenges and Solutions in Business Operations

07:14 The Importance of Proper Bookkeeping

11:38 The Role of a Systems Thinker

21:02 Complexities in Different Industries

27:33 Business Credit Cards and Their Pitfalls

29:50 Exploring Small Business Loans and Grants

30:33 The Importance of Clean Books for Financial Analysis

31:56 Transitioning Business Roles and Client Types

33:50 The Role of a Business Coach and Support Systems

35:28 Building and Managing Business Processes

43:46 Tailoring Business Solutions to Individual Needs

48:47 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom