The Small Business School Podcast

Welcome back to Small Business School! In this weeks episode of the Business Builder series, were tackling something most entrepreneurs know they should be doing but often avoid: building systems and procedures in your business (aka SOPs). But dont worrythis isnt about creating a stuffy, never-used operations manual. Im walking you through how to build simple, repeatable systems that actually help you grow, without making it your full-time job. If youve ever said, I know I need systems, but who has time?this ones for you.

Key topics covered:

• What SOPs really areand what they arent
• How to create effective systems in just 3 minutes using the tools you already have
• Why messy, imperfect SOPs are better than perfect ones that never get used
• Tips for building a culture where your team creates and owns the systems too

Whether youre onboarding clients, posting content, or running payrollthis episode gives you a clear roadmap to make systems your secret weapon (without the overwhelm). Lets get your time back and start building a business that runs without you in the weeds.

Challenge

A simple action step: pick one task you do regularly that you're ready to delegate. Record yourself doing itusing Loom, a voice note, or a Zoom videoand save it in an SOP folder.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Today I’m chatting with the incredible Jana Boyko, co-creator of The Bedside Business Plan—a guided journal that’s helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs rethink how they approach starting and growing a business. We talk about the power of combining strategy with mindfulness, how entrepreneurship is as much a personal growth journey as a professional one, and why you should always begin your business journey by checking in with you. This one’s part inspiration, part practical roadmap, and all heart.

Whether you’re just thinking about launching or you’ve been in business for years, Jana’s approach will have you rethinking how to build something that feels as good as it performs.

Key topics covered:

• The story behind The Bedside Business Plan and why Jana turned her coaching questions into a tangible journal
• Why most business plans don’t work—and how guided prompts help you ask (and answer) the right questions
• How your mindset, fears, and identity shifts affect your business more than any tactical checklist ever will
• Why seasoned entrepreneurs are returning to basics with this journal (and what that says about what we miss early on)
• Jana’s behind-the-scenes process—from duct-taped prototypes to getting stocked at Indigo!
• A sneak peek at her next journal, Employee to Entrepreneur, and how it supports a sustainable and empowered transition out of 9–5 life

Get The Bedside Business Plan → Available on Amazon + Indigo and Employee to Entrepreneur → https://www.bedsidebusinessplan.com/employee-to-entrepreneur 

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Jana:

• Instagram: @bedsidebusinessplan
• Website: https://www.bedsidebusinessplan.com/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Ever feel like your business would fall apart if you stepped away for even a day? Whether you dream of selling your business someday or just want the freedom to take a real vacation, this episode is for you. I'm diving into the mindset shifts and practical systems that will help you build a business that doesn’t rely solely on you to keep it afloat. This concept was a total game changer for me—and I think it will be for you too.

Let’s talk about how to stop being the bottleneck and start building a self-sustaining business you can actually enjoy.

Key topics covered:

• Why your business might actually be a job in disguise if it can’t function without you
• The “genius with a thousand helpers” trap and how to escape it
• 3 critical mindset and role shifts every business owner needs to make
• Practical steps to start documenting, delegating, and empowering your team
• A weekly challenge to offload one task and create breathing room in your biz

Challenge

Identify one area of your business where your involvement is no longer necessary (or shouldn't be)—then choose one task or decision to delegate or document and take the first step toward offloading it.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Welcome back to Small Business School! This episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and real talk. I sat down with Marissa Teeter—executive coach, wealth advisor, podcaster, and community champion—to explore what it really means to lead yourself, your business, and your team in today’s uncertain world. From money mindset to walk-and-talk leadership to the magic of giving back, Marissa brings insight and authenticity to every part of this conversation. You’re going to walk away feeling more grounded, inspired, and ready to take action in your own life and business.

Key topics covered:

• Marissa’s journey from scrappy student entrepreneur to corporate exec to bold business owner (and podcast host!)
• How understanding your relationship with money can change your life—and your business
• What great leaders do differently when it comes to mindset, money, and navigating uncertainty
• The ripple effect of giving back and why community involvement is one of the best brand builders there is
• A powerful reminder that your business should fuel your life—not consume it

Hit play on this one if you need a boost of encouragement, clarity around your finances, or a nudge to get involved in your community (even in small ways). Marissa’s story will meet you right where you are.

Mentioned in this episode: Find your entrepreneurial soulmates. Join the exclusive community of Canadian women entrepreneurs. Imagine finding your Work Wives™ who share the same bold, ambitious, entrepreneurial goals.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__workwives.co&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=NgHx3ikc5TkuG2GbHk3F2xqAsEGb-mzfBI-Gys9vwYw&m=88CFq1oXxvHuveOHhLqQahTlm82SwWEfbi-P5aAdEDNKAzlUZcOm7G4LsPuYfzzq&s=ZGabyIGi8QeCQWYPVZP87NbEpvjTAj7omZneLouM2BQ&e=

Connect with Marissa:

• Instagram: @marissa.m.teeter + @teetertalks
• Website: www.marissateeter.com

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!

Hiring can feel like a total minefield, right? In this episode of the Business Builder series, I’m diving into one of the biggest decisions a small business owner can make: who to hire next and how to make sure it’s a smart move—not just an emotional one. If you’re feeling stretched too thin, overwhelmed, or unsure how to grow your team, I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through how to decide if it’s time to hire, how to choose the right role, and how to avoid the most common hiring pitfalls. You don’t need a massive team to get big results—just the right help at the right time.

Key topics covered:

• How to know when it’s time to hire (spoiler: burnout isn't a strategy)
• The three-part filter for deciding who to hire next
• Why “boxes before people” is your new hiring mantra
• Common hiring mistakes that slow growth instead of fueling it
• How to define success for your new hire and onboard them well

You’ve got this! Hiring is a leadership skill, not just a to-do—and you're well on your way to mastering it. Let’s grow smart. 

Challenge

Make a “Not Me” list—identify the top 3 tasks someone else could do better—and sketch out what success in that role would look like.

Mentioned in this episode: If you are running a business in Canada and you need help with all the things accounting related, but more importantly understanding the numbers I invite you to check out https://thriveaccounting.co/

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.

The School for Small Business Podcast is a proud member of the Female Alliance Media.

To learn more about Female Alliance Media and how they are elevating female voices or how they can support your show, visit femalealliancemedia.ca.

Head over to my website https://www.stacimillard.com/ to grab your FREE copy of my Profit Playbook and receive 30 innovative ways you can add more profit to your business AND the first step towards implementing these ideas in your business!