Girls Make Bank

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac speaks with Katie Dunn, angel investor and startup advisor who has helped raise over $27 million in capital for founders. Katie shares her journey from 25 years in commercial real estate finance to becoming a champion for underrepresented entrepreneurs. She discusses the challenges of leaving corporate life, building an authentic personal brand on LinkedIn, and the key qualities that make successful founders in today's market.Topics Discussed:* Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship* Building an authentic presence on LinkedIn* The importance of execution and founder-market fit* Product validation and finding your target audience* Recent investment trends in relationship management and event planningConnect with Katie Dunn:Check out Katie’s website: https://www.katiedunn.com DM Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--dunn/Grab Katie’s LinkedIn guide: https://www.katiedunn.com/guides (use code JAC25 to get $25 off)Resources & Companies mentioned:Add to your reading list: Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time: https://www.buybackyourtime.com/Follow Caroline Dell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-dell/) to learn more about her personal CRM company Loop (https://www.withloop.com/)Follow Amy Shack Egan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshackegan/) to learn more about her Day-Of-Event Coordination Marketplace Company Cheersy (https://www.cheersy.com/) Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac tackles a critical misconception that's holding entrepreneurs back: confusing marketing with sales. She explores why many business owners hide behind comfortable marketing activities while avoiding the essential but uncomfortable work of selling.Through a detailed breakdown of the sales funnel, Jac examines how marketing and sales work together yet serve distinct purposes in growing your business. Marketing creates awareness and trust, while sales builds relationships and closes deals. Topics Discussed in the Episode:* Key differences between marketing and sales activities* Understanding each stage of the sales funnel* Why avoiding sales conversations limits business growth* How to identify and implement daily sales activities* Converting marketing efforts into actual revenueWhether you're stuck in the "comfy, cozy zone" of marketing or ready to embrace sales conversations, this episode provides actionable strategies to start closing more deals and growing your business today. Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac tackles the often anxiety-inducing topic of raising your prices as a service provider. Drawing from recent client conversations, she explores the strategic approach to increasing your rates with confidence and purpose.The episode breaks down four essential aspects of price increases: identifying the right timing, positioning yourself in the marketplace, communicating changes effectively to clients, and managing the emotional challenges that come with charging more. Jac discusses why being the cheapest option isn't serving you and how to confidently position yourself in the top third of market pricing.Topics Discussed in the Episode:* Why your growing expertise and market demand justify higher rates* Strategies for communicating price increases to existing clients* How to position yourself as a premium service provider* Managing imposter syndrome and guilt around raising pricesWhether you're fully booked or looking to optimize your income, this episode provides actionable insights for raising your rates with confidence and purpose. Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac dives deep into the critical financial foundations every new entrepreneur needs to master. Moving beyond arbitrary revenue goals, she explores the concept of your "enough number" - the baseline income required to fuel your life and business sustainably.Through real client examples, Jac unpacks how overlooking key financial metrics like taxes, margins, and profit can lead to working harder while taking home less than expected. She breaks down essential business metrics and provides actionable frameworks for financial success.Topics Discussed in the Episode:* Calculating your true "enough number" beyond basic expenses* Setting aside the right amount for taxes * Understanding and optimizing profit margins* Key components of profit and loss statements* Avoiding common financial pitfalls for new consultantsWhether you're transitioning from corporate or starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode provides the financial roadmap needed to build a truly profitable business from day one.Get the Profit Planner: https://www.honeybeesgroup.co/profit Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, Jac explores the shifting landscape of women entrepreneurs, with a striking 42% of new businesses now started by women - up from 29% pre-pandemic. She shares invaluable insights for corporate professionals transitioning to entrepreneurship, sparked by a candid conversation with a recently laid-off senior executive.She talks about the common pitfalls new consultants face when launching their businesses and why focusing on revenue-generating activities should take priority over perfecting your brand. The episode provides a practical, three-step framework for launching your consulting practice without getting caught in the trap of endless preparation.Topics Discussed in the Episode:The three key steps to launching a successful consulting businessWhy revenue generation should come before branding and operationsHow to package your skills and craft an effective market messageStrategies for conducting effective prospect meetings and gathering market intelligenceTips for adapting your service offerings based on real client feedback Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, host Jac shares why discomfort is essential for business growth and why she chose "uncomfortable" as her word for 2025. She shares her personal journey of launching the podcast after two years of hesitation, challenging the popular notion that business success requires perfect alignment and comfort.Topics Discussed in the Episode:The distinction between alignment and comfort in businessHow avoiding discomfort can limit business growth and opportunitiesThree practical steps to embrace discomfort in your businessWhy sales activities often trigger discomfort and avoidanceA special announcement about an upcoming free sales mindset workshopJac offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs struggling with sales anxiety and business growth plateaus, demonstrating why stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for success. This episode sets the tone for a year focused on embracing challenges and transforming sales mindset blocks into opportunities for growth.Listen to Stephanie Cartin’s episode on Apple | Spotify | YouTubeSign up for the Sales Mindset Workshop!  Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, we dive into the transformative power of improvisation with Mary Lemmer, entrepreneur, improv expert, and founder of Choose Improve. Mary shares her journey from launching a gelato business as a teenager to discovering the principles of improv that transformed her entrepreneurial and personal life. We explore how improv skills—like active listening, adaptability, and the "Yes, and" technique—translate into real-world success for entrepreneurs and sales professionals. Mary also provides actionable insights into using improv techniques to boost confidence, build empathy, and handle rejection in business. Topics Discussed in the Episode:How improv principles like "Yes, and" enhance sales and entrepreneurial skills.Building empathy and active listening skills through improv exercises.Using improv to manage rejection and cultivate resilience in business.Practical applications of improv techniques, including the Half Pitch exercise.The mental and physical health benefits of incorporating improv into daily life.Connect with Mary Lemmer:Website: Mary LemmerIG: Mary Lemmer (@maryimproves) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Mary Lemmer - Improve | LinkedIn Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this week’s episode of Girls Make Bank, we’re joined by Carly Kerndt, CEO of FlyDog Digital, who shares her inspiring journey from being laid off during the pandemic to building a thriving digital marketing agency. Carly reveals how she turned a low point into an opportunity, scaling her business from a one-woman operation to a full-service agency with a dedicated team of experts. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, creating efficient systems, and building a strong company culture. Carly also shares actionable insights for growing an agency, the importance of setting up automated processes, and how to align your vision with your team’s performance. Topics Discussed in the Episode:How Carly Kerndt transitioned from being laid off to founding FlyDog Digital during the COVID-19 pandemic.The evolution of FlyDog Digital from virtual assistant work to a full-service digital marketing agency.The importance of operations, automation, and building a strong team for scaling a business.Strategies for effective client communication and improving close rates through transparency.Key advice for agency founders on scaling sustainably and aligning business goals with personal strengths.Connect with Carly Kerndt:IG: Carly Kerndt | Digital Marketing Agency Owner | Speaker (@by.carlybridget) • Instagram photos and videosFlyDog Digital: FlyDog Digital | Digital Marketing Agency (@flydogdigital) • Instagram photos and videosLinkedIn: Carly Kerndt - Founder/Owner - FlyDog Digital | LinkedInFlyDog Digital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flydogdigital/Website: FlyDog Digital Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this episode of Girls Make Bank, we sit down with Alexis Reardon, the founder of Fanfaire, a cutting-edge SaaS platform revolutionizing the special events industry. Alexis shares her journey from a seasoned tech professional in B2B sales to solving a common yet overlooked problem for event entrepreneurs. Inspired by her own experiences as a mom throwing her daughter’s birthday party, Alexis built Fanfaire to simplify and modernize the event decor buying process for small businesses. We explore the concept of product-led sales, the importance of customer feedback, and how to create authentic connections with clients in both traditional and innovative ways. Alexis also reveals her vision for empowering women-led businesses through technology, offering tips on scaling, growing revenue, and creating memorable customer experiences. Topics Discussed in the Episode:Alexis Reardon’s journey from tech sales to founding Fanfaire.How Fanfaire streamlines the event decor buying process with visual, interactive tools.The power of product-led sales and how it differs from traditional methods.Leveraging customer feedback for product development and market growth.Tips for building authentic rapport with clients in high-pressure industries.Connect with Alexis Reardon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-reardon-7a95263/IG: @fanfaire.io @southbaypopWebsite: https://fanfaire.io Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co

In this inspiring episode of Girls Make Bank, we’re joined by the incredible Carrie Kerpen, founder of The Whisper Group and an expert in helping women entrepreneurs build scalable, sellable businesses. Carrie shares her journey from a creative sponsored wedding idea to founding and scaling a successful social media agency, ultimately leading to a profitable business exit. Together, we explore how women can turn lifestyle businesses into valuable assets by adopting a growth mindset, building transferable business systems, and creating strong networks. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on overcoming fear, leveraging your unique strengths, and preparing for long-term success. Grab a notebook, your favorite drink, and get ready to take your business to the next level!Topics Discussed in the Episode:Turning a lifestyle business into a scalable, sellable asset.Overcoming fear and embracing risk in entrepreneurship.Building transferable systems for long-term business success.The importance of cultivating strong professional relationships.Strategies for a successful business exit and navigating the emotional journey.Connect with Carrie Kerpen:IG: https://www.instagram.com/carriekerpen/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekerpen/Website: https://www.wearethewhispergroup.com/ (Mention the Girls Make Bank podcast to receive $500 off the Whisper Way Readiness Program) Follow me on LinkedInSubscribe to our email newsletterVisit us at honeybeesgroup.co