We are excited to introduce you to an amazing businessperson!
This week our Fresh Impact business spotlight is shining on Megan Dahle!
Name: Megan Dahle
Company Name: Megan Dahle, CFO
Email: hello@megandahle.com
Website: megandahle.com
Phone: (605) 201-2390
How long have you been in business? 4 years
What is your business all about? My mission is to remove anxiety and insecurity around your business's numbers so you are empowered to run a healthy business with confidence.
What made you start your business? A combination of a perfect storm set me on the path of this business. I was working as the Controller for a local business, and a friend of mine was consulting on a few projects for that business. When her invoice came across my desk, I had to reach out to her. She was severely undervaluing her service and I could tell from what she charged that there was no way she could be making a full-time living.
From that one conversation, her business changed overnight. It now supports her and her family without constant worry about cash flow.
At about the same time another friend had reached out because she had a gut feeling that one of her partners was taking more than their fair share from their company. I took a quick peek at the books and sure enough, there was at least a quarter of a million dollars missing. My first major project was resolving this issue in a way that was least expensive for the company and kept legal fees at bay while making the partners whole.
What makes your business unique? There are 3 major roles in the accounting world: Bookkeeper, Tax/CPA and CFO. The bookkeeper and tax professional work to make sure historical data is in it's right spot and the government gets their share.
But CFOs are different. There's a reason businesses with CFOs make more money.
As a CFO I offer a unique perspective on the FUTURE of my client's businesses. I want to dig in to what's happening in the next twelve months and make sure the business doesn't run out of resources on their way to hitting their goals. The natural side effect - the part that makes my heart sing - is the relief and sense of control my clients get when they can finally see these pieces laid out in front of them.
I think a lot of small businesses live with a sense of doom hanging over their heads, and they can't quite put their finger on it. The numbers become really intimidating, and the tendency is to try to sell yourself out of trouble. However that can quickly backfire and becomes a big source of unnecessary stress.
Having access to someone who can walk you through the business side of your business takes the fear and shame out of your businsess. Most fractional CFOs want big, long-term clients. I'm more interested in creating massive shifts for small businesses and solo-prenuers and giving them a way to ask questions, figure out their 12 month cash flow in a way that is affordable and creates immediate results.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful business owner?
- Ability to adapt
- Doing the uncomfortable things over and over
- Surrounding yourself with the right people - and culling out the wrong people
What three pieces of advice would you give to someone who wants to launch their own business?
- Validate validate validate - don't get caught up in the stuff that doesn't matter yet like logo design and the perfect photography. Validate your offer WAY before any of this happens
- Know your 12 month future cash flow at all times
- Fully understand why your customers choose you - and keep digging for this information with every transaction. Don't get caught in scope creep.
Who has been your greatest inspiration? Or what book has inspired you the most? Or what is your favorite book? Kim Vander Poel. Seriously. She's the one I always have in the back of my mind as my ideal client. She has massive passion for what she does and she's become fearless in the face of her numbers.
When people ask ""Who is your avatar"", my answer is always ""Kim"".
How do you conquer those moments of doubt that so often stifle or trip up or stop so many? I look at my numbers. I do the work of creating my 12 month cash projection. I review my client testimonials. I surround myself with people who can see what I can't and will help set me back on the right path.
Please feel free to share any other information that will help your audience get to know you better. I love getting my hands dirty. As soon as Spring has Sprung (for the 4th time) you'll find me outside trying to coax plants from the dirt. When it's too cold for that I'll be inside playing board games with my family or competing in bridge tournaments. I love that my business allows me to volunteer as much as I want.
Passion: Numbers and I get along really well, and I'm very sensitive to my clients' feelings. I want my clients to have comfortable profits and a business they can rely on - and that only comes after knowing your numbers. I hold their hands through that whole process.
Learn more about Megan and Megan Dahle, CFO at megandahle.com!
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