The Inventory Genius Podcast

Are your thoughts setting a ceiling on your business’s financial success? In this special session, I'm sitting down with resident mindset coach Jennifer Vollmann to unpack the psychology of money. Whether you find yourself stalling on financial tracking, overspending, or avoiding your numbers entirely, the root cause usually isn't a lack of business skill—it’s your money identity. Jennifer breaks down how to identify inherited limiting beliefs, shift into a factual mindset, and take massive action to build long-term profitability. Key Takeaways Your Money Identity Runs on Autopilot: You didn't develop your view of money when you started your business. Your money identity is the sum of all the stories you’ve heard, witnessed, or been told since childhood by parents, culture, gender expectations, and society. The Proof Trap: When you hold a belief like "I'm bad with money," your brain actively drives behaviors (like avoiding your bank account or over-discounting) that generate chaos. Your brain then points to that chaos and says, "See? I told you so," locking you into a toxic loop. Neutralize Numbers with Facts: Money on a screen is just data. When you look at financial figures stripped of emotional stories, your brain stops panicking, allowing you to make strategic decisions. The 20% Rule: You don’t need to 100% believe a massive, positive new affirmation overnight. Upgrading your mindset by just 20% with a believable, factual step (e.g., changing "I can't save" to "I saved money for that one specific thing once, so I know how to do it") is enough to start shifting your actions. Action Creates Evidence: Thought work is fun, but it stays in your head without a physical shift. True empowerment comes when you move from feeling disempowered to taking control through clear, daily actions. Quotes to Remember "An identity is just a thought you've had over and over again about yourself. You now believe it to be true, but it doesn't actually make it true." – Jennifer Vollmann "Numbers are just numbers on a screen. When we look at them as neutral data, the brain can't argue feelings, and it's a much easier place to act from." – Jennifer Vollmann "The framework doesn't change based on your personality or product. The business owners who see the results they're looking for are simply the action takers." – Ciara Stockeland Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Get $300 off your first month of Pie, and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Claim the offer here: https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer 

We’ve all heard the classic business cliché: "You have to spend money to make money." But honestly? I’ve never really loved that phrase. It leaves out the most crucial part of the equation. What if we rephrased it to: You have to spend money to make money, but you also need to know if the money you’re spending is actually working. In this episode, I’m challenging product-based business owners to stop looking at Return on Investment (ROI) purely through the lens of digital ad spend. The truth is, every single dollar that leaves your business is an investment, and every investment deserves a return. From hiring team members to investing in photography, copywriters, and coaching programs, I break down how you might be flying blind with your capital and how to start tracking profit metrics instead of vanity metrics. I also share a simple, three-question audit you can start using today to ensure every dollar has a job and is doing it well. Key Takeaways The ROI Reframe: ROI isn't just a marketing metric. If cash is flowing out of your business in a dozen different directions, you need to measure what is coming back in return for every single one of those streams. The Danger of Raw Ad Metrics: Generating $3,000 in sales from a $1,000 ad spend sounds great on paper (a 3x ROAS). But when you factor in a 50% cost of goods ($1,500), agency fees, fulfillment labor, and shipping, you might actually be paying to run yourself out of business. Measuring the Unmeasurable (Employees): Hiring feels like growth, but without tracking output, it’s just added overhead. Employees don't always generate direct revenue, but they must generate a measurable return—whether that's freeing up your time to bring in new accounts or increasing production speed. Learning vs. Implementation: Buying a coaching program, course, or mastermind and only implementing 20% of it means you are losing money. Learning is not a return on investment; implementation is the return. The Secret of Profitable Businesses: The most profitable product-based businesses aren't necessarily the ones with the highest revenue. They are the ones with the fewest dollars going out the door that don't serve a clear purpose. The 3-Question ROI Audit To keep yourself from flying blind, I want you to perform this quick audit this month on any expense—whether it's a software subscription, a new piece of equipment, an employee, or a mastermind: What did it cost me? (Be sure to include your time, not just your money). What specific outcome was I expecting from it? (Name a tangible, concrete result). Did I get that outcome? (Yes, partially, or not at all). My Advice: Once you have your answers, act on them immediately. Double down on what’s working, fix or re-engineer what is underperforming, and ruthlessly cut what isn't producing. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

I am so excited to dive into today’s topic because it is the heartbeat of everything we do here. We’re talking about the Inventory Genius Operating System (IGOS). As a podcast listener, save $500 when you click here and enter code PODCAST2IGOS at checkout. I believe—no, I know—that every single product-based business owner needs this system. Why? Because I built it out of the ashes of my own failure. I’m sharing my story, not because it’s easy to tell, but because it’s the proof that business can be done differently. You don’t have to play store anymore; it’s time to build a business that actually serves you. My Journey: From Total Loss to Total Clarity In 2006, I opened my first brick-and-mortar retail store. I was chasing the entrepreneurial dream—expanding, franchising, and hitting top-line revenue goals. On the outside, I looked successful. I had a warehouse, a team of 12, and millions in sales. But behind the scenes, I was drowning. The Reality: I never took a consistent paycheck while my employees got raises. The Debt: I kept taking on more debt because I didn't understand that profit matters more than revenue. The Crash: Eventually, I lost it all—my business and my home. That pain gave me a burning desire to ensure no other business owner felt that way. When I started my next business (a subscription box), I did it differently. I built for profit from Day 1, took a paycheck from Day 1, and developed the system that became IGOS. Within 18 months, I sold that business for a profit. Why IGOS Works for Every Product Business Whether you are a $4 million brand with a decade of history or a six-figure e-commerce side hustle, the problem is usually the same: Inventory is eating your cash. The $4M Success Story: I worked with a client drowning in debt and guilt. In just one year of using IGOS, we paid off $500,000 in debt and turned her business into a cash-flowing machine. The E-comm Success Story: Another client, Megan, was infusing her own 9-to-5 salary just to keep her online shop afloat. Within six months of implementing IGOS, she was profitable enough to take her family on a six-month trip around the world while the business ran itself. The Core Framework: The Three Layers of IGOS We build your business back up using three interconnected layers: 1. The Relationship: Cash Flow + Inventory This is the foundational truth: Cash and inventory are directly connected. * If you buy too much, your cash is stuck on a shelf. If you buy too little, you lose sales. IGOS moves you away from gut feeling and emotion and moves you toward data-driven decisions. 2. Financial Structure & Rhythms Once you understand the connection, we build a system to maintain it. Most owners are reactive—panic buying or holding "fire sales" out of anxiety. We create a predictable rhythm. Note: You don't need to be a math whiz! I’m not an accountant or a CPA. I’ve made this simple, bite-sized, and accessible for everyone, even if you hate numbers. 3. Sustainable Operations This is where you move from surviving to thriving. We build operational systems that your team can follow and that can scale with you. We replace your daily chaos with absolute clarity. Stop Playing Store IGOS isn't a magic wand or a trendy strategy; it’s a system that addresses the root cause of your financial stress. If you have inventory—whether it's clothing, dog food, or handmade goods—this will work for you. Ready to change your story? Stop frantically chasing money and start building with strategy. Visit: www.ciarastockeland.com Action: Click on "Work With Me" and get the Inventory Genius Operating System today - save $500 with the code PODCAST2IGOS I want to hear your success story next. Let's stop playing store and start building a business that pays you back! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Get $300 off your first month of Pie, and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Claim the offer here: https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer 

Are you selling more but keeping less? If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Is this actually worth it?" or "Why is my line of credit maxed out when my sales are growing?", you aren't alone. In this episode of The Inventory Genius Podcast, I'm sitting down with special guest Susan Bradley, founder of The Social Sales Girls. We're pulling back the curtain on the financial battle scars we've both earned over 20+ years in the product-based industry. We're discussing why product-based business owners consistently struggle with math, why "just selling more" is the biggest trap in the industry, and how to finally stop hiding from your P&L. If you are ready to move from guessing to knowing, this conversation is the wake-up call you need. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Not Yet" Mindset: Why saying "I'm just not good at numbers" keeps you stuck—and the simple one-word shift that changes your entire financial trajectory. The Cost to Wake Up: A critical exercise in understanding your daily operating expenses. You can’t reach profitability until you know exactly what it costs just to open your doors every morning. Margin vs. Markup: Why pride in a 3x markup is a trap if you don't understand your actual gross margin. The Growth Trap: Why doubling your sales often leads to less cash flow if you aren't strategic about your inventory investment. The Power of Community: Why you need to surround yourself with problem-solvers, not just complainer peers, to level up your business. Key Takeaways for Product-Based Business Owners 1. You Have a Cost to Wake Up Most business owners look at their expenses as a lump sum. To find clarity, divide your fixed monthly operating expenses by 30. That is your daily nut. If you aren't hitting that number before profit, you aren't in business—you’re a charity. 2. Stop Growing Before You're Profitable Growth is expensive. Every new sale requires investment in inventory, ads, and time. If you aren't profitable at your current level, doubling your sales will only double your problems. Fix the fundamental math first. 3. Define Your Profit Goals, Not Sales Goals Stop focusing solely on top-line revenue. Start with your target net profit and work backward: Sales Target - Cost of Goods = Gross Margin Gross Margin - Operating Expenses = Net Profit If the math doesn't work, don't just sell more. Adjust the input variables. 4. The Yet Power-Up When you say, "I'm bad at math," you are giving yourself permission to stay stuck. When you say, "I don't understand my P&L yet," you open the door to learning, hiring help, and taking ownership of your future. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Susan Bradley:Website: https://www.thesocialsalesgirls.com/  More About the Episode Sponsor:Simply Lynn's Creative (https://simplylynnscreative.com/) - With real retail roots and 225+ brands served since 2018, Simply Lynn's Creative partners with retailers and product-based businesses on branding, Shopify website design, and Klaviyo email marketing. They build the strategy, the systems, and the confidence to help you grow a brand that looks the part and sells to match! Use code CS15 at checkout, and save 15% off anything in the Resources Shop!

In this episode, I’m diving into a platform that many of us love as consumers but find totally intimidating as business owners: Pinterest. I’ll be honest—I’ve personally dipped in and out of Pinterest for years, but it always felt like a heavy lift. However, for my clients with visually stunning products—like jewelry, home decor, or design services—it is a goldmine. Joining me today is Julia Renee, an SEO and Pinterest expert, to explain why we need to stop thinking of Pinterest as social media and start treating it like the powerful search engine it actually is. Key Takeaways It’s Not Social Media: Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest isn’t about showing up daily or dancing on camera. It’s a visual search engine where users go with a specific intent to find, plan, and buy. The Power of Keywords: Because it’s a search engine, your success depends on keywords. I learned that putting keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and even as text overlays on your images is what helps Pinterest read your content and show it to the right people. Play the Long Game: Pinterest is evergreen. A pin you post today can drive traffic to your site for months or even years. While it takes about 3–6 months to see significant momentum, that traffic compounds over time. The One-a-Day Rhythm: You don’t need to be on the platform 24/7. Julia suggests starting with just one pin per day. The best part? You can use a scheduler like Tailwind to batch a whole month of content in a few hours and then walk away. Shopify Integration: If you’re on Shopify, you can connect your store directly to Pinterest. This automatically updates your prices and product details, making it a seamless experience for shoppers. Strategic Tips for Product Owners "Think about what people are searching for around your product, not just the product itself." Julia shared a brilliant tip for those of us with unique items: Use blog posts. If you sell a specific jewelry line or a niche skincare product, write a blog post like "10 Great Gifts for Mother’s Day" or "How to Style Layered Gold Chains." Pin those blog graphics to catch people who are looking for inspiration, then lead them straight to your shop. Connect with Julia: Website: https://juliareneeconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bocchese/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliareneeconsulting/ Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Are you tired of feeling like your marketing budget is just a black hole? In this episode, I’m sitting down with the team from Pie to talk about a game-changing tool that actually drives foot traffic into your brick-and-mortar store without breaking the bank. If you’ve ever been burned by an ad agency or felt overwhelmed by keywords and algorithms, you need to listen to this. We’re breaking down how to use AI and Google Maps to find customers who are literally standing around the corner looking for exactly what you sell. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Power of High Intent: Why someone searching "boutique near me" on Google Maps is 10x more valuable than someone just scrolling social media. The "Anti-Agency" Approach: Why Syed actually recommends capping your ad spend at $15/day to avoid diminishing returns. AI for the Non-Techy: How you can link your Google Business Profile and let an AI agent handle your creative, keywords, and competitor targeting. Risk-Free Growth: How to get your first $300 in ad spend for free to prove it works before you spend a dime of your own money. Get $300 off your first month of Pie and start attracting more high-intent customers through Google Ads and AI search. Click here to claim the offer (https://getpie.com/contact?utm_source=Ciara+Stockeland&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=300+offer) Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:Simply Lynn's Creative (https://simplylynnscreative.com/) - With real retail roots and 225+ brands served since 2018, Simply Lynn's Creative partners with retailers and product-based businesses on branding, Shopify website design, and Klaviyo email marketing. They build the strategy, the systems, and the confidence to help you grow a brand that looks the part and sells to match! Use code CS15 at checkout, and save 15% off anything in the Resources Shop!

Are your cash flow problems actually just "thinking" problems? In this episode, I'm exploring the connection between mindset, leadership, and the bottom line. Learn how to stop making frantic, scarcity-based decisions and start leading your business with the intention required to thrive. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Decision-Numbers Link: How every financial result in your business—from debt to profit—is simply the downstream effect of a previous decision. Scarcity vs. Leadership Mindset: Why a scarcity mindset speeds up decision-making but decreases clarity, leading to over-purchasing and "emotional" discounting. Rebuilding Self-Trust: How to overcome the "paralysis" of past financial mistakes by using data and small, disciplined actions to regain confidence in your gut instincts. The Power of Structure: Why the first 45 days of any turnaround must focus on bite-sized, actionable steps that create immediate stability. Mindset Reframing: Practical shifts in internal dialogue (e.g., moving from "My sales will fix everything" to "My margin fuels everything"). Key Takeaways: Your numbers reflect your leadership. If you want different numbers, you have to become a different kind of leader. Discipline is not restriction. A budget or profit plan is a tool for alignment, helping you focus on what actually moves the needle. Slow down to speed up. Leadership mindset requires slowing down enough to make strategic decisions instead of reacting to the "loudest" problems. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Is your debt a strategic tool or a heavy burden? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a topic many entrepreneurs avoid: Debt Management. Debt isn't inherently "bad," but for inventory-based businesses, the wrong type of debt can quietly choke your cash flow and restrict your freedom. Let's break down the six common types of business debt—from traditional SBA loans to the predatory nature of Merchant Cash Advances—and learn how each impacts your balance sheet. Whether you are navigating high-interest credit cards or utilizing vendor terms (Accounts Payable), this episode provides the roadmap you need to move from "servant to the lender" to a confident, profit-focused CEO. Key Takeaways: The Debt Spectrum: Why predictable debt (like traditional loans) is power, while unpredictable debt (like capital loans) is a danger to your daily operations. The "Inventory Gap": How to strategically use Lines of Credit to fund long lead times without falling into a debt trap. Family & Personal Loans: Why documentation and amortization schedules are non-negotiable, even when the lender is "Mom and Dad." The Debt Payoff Plan: How to prioritize your repayments to regain control of your cash flow. Actionable Steps You Can Take Now: Audit Your Debt: List every balance, interest rate, and payment term you currently hold. Identify the "Predators": Prioritize paying off Merchant Cash Advances and high-interest credit cards first.  Formalize Agreements: Ensure all informal family loans have written terms and a clear payoff schedule.   Seek Expertise: If your books are a mess, consider hiring professional services to clean up your records so you can make data-driven decisions. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

What does it mean to truly steward your wealth? This week, CFP Mark Willis shares his unconventional approach to financial planning. Tune in to discover why Mark’s philosophy stands apart from the crowd and how you can apply his unique insights to your own financial journey. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe Connect with Mark: Website: https://lakegrowth.com/ 

Today we're talking about why complexity is the enemy of profitability and what the hidden costs of complexity actually are. I'm going to give you some real life examples and break down what this idea really means. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

I’m chatting with two incredible women from the Inventory Genius C-Suite Program about the financial side of employees and marketing. We dive into how these key areas affect business growth and talk through ways to spot and fix issues early—before they become bigger problems. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

What if your sales goals are doing more harm than good? In this episode, I’m unpacking why the constant focus on sales targets might be sabotaging your business. Sales matter—but not in the way you’ve been taught. Tune in to hear my take. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Today I'm sitting down with one of my clients. Stacy is currently in the messy middle and is bravely sharing her story. Tune in to hear Stacy's story and to learn what she's currently doing to get to the other side of the mess. Get started now with the Inventory Genius Academy. Click here to save $250! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe