Cultura Coaching, LLC

Founder and leadership coach helping service-based business owner/operators grow their business with clarity, structure, and purpose—one business at a time. 

Through my initial 90-day Growth & Profit Accelerator ($3,995), I deliver a proven, strategic framework that aligns teams, improves culture, and drives measurable results. 

Clients consistently see 25%+ revenue growth, 3%+ profit increases, and stronger retention through clear SMART goals, actionable steps, and full accountability.

Profitable Growth Coach

Cascadia Global Security

Led regional security operations across Oregon, managing 60+ client accounts, 90+ employees, and $5.2M+ in annual revenue with a consistent 18%+ profit margin. Achieved a 47% gross margin improvement within 3 months by optimizing workforce scheduling and reducing labor inefficiencies. Successfully lowered direct labor costs by 9.8% and overhead by 58% while maintaining 100% client satisfaction through strategic hiring and responsive service delivery.

Regional Operations Manager (Oregon)

Premier Services Group

Directed administrative operations for a $40M+ company servicing 110 Lowe’s stores across 6 states, overseeing 800+ daily activities for 1,500+ weekly customers. Led a 30+ person scheduling team, HR, and training functions, enabling 300% revenue growth by formalizing recruiting, onboarding, and customer support systems. Improved customer satisfaction scores by 11% and eliminated overdue scheduling commitments through strategic process design, data-driven accountability, and scalable operational structures.

Director Of Operations

Dovetail Coffee

Brought in by a potential investment group as a business operations expert to partner with the CEO in scaling a specialty coffee business. Oversaw 3 café managers, 12 staff, and 1 roaster while developing and executing a growth strategy that led to the opening of two new locations. Built and optimized internal processes for recruiting, hiring, and training, resulting in a 100% increase in trained team capacity prior to COVID-19-related closure.

Vice President of Operations

G.W. PAULSON COMPANY

Managed operational projects for a construction services provider, leading a team of 12 installers and overseeing all estimating, ordering, and scheduling functions. Handled 100+ daily requests from project superintendents while streamlining processes to increase home builds by 85% and set a 30-year department revenue record at $1.5M/month. Maintained 100% client retention through consistent, high-level service and execution.

Account/Project Manager

Renewal by Andersen of Oregon

Led and developed a high-performing sales team of 15 for a premium window installation company, generating 90+ quality leads per month and driving 30%+ revenue growth in just 6 months. Recruited and trained 25+ new team members in one year, built client satisfaction tracking systems to improve NPS, and optimized field rep placement to achieve record-breaking monthly sales. Recognized by leadership for strategic execution and sales excellence.

Marketing Manager

First Response Security

Oversaw organizational strategy, vision, and execution of operations, client services, human resources, accounting, and business development processes, people, and systems.  
Primary driver of B2B firm delivering 5K+ weekly guard and security services with team of 4 direct reports and 130+ customer-facing security officers. 
Generated revenue by performing all sales activities. Conceived of and implemented new recruiting structure. 

> Executed organizational goals through business process improvement resulting in 842% growth over 8 years and 2 highest years of revenue and profit in 25 year history.  
> Led, coached, and motivated 8+ critical client-facing operational staff and managers overseeing 130+ employees, providing 3 different services to 500+ clients at 6,000+ accounts exceeding client expectations, resulting in 95% client retention and 10%+ annual growth. 
> Analyzed operating budget of $5M+ annually focusing on P&L opportunities resulting in 10% revenue growth and 1%+ of increased net profit year over year.  
>  Increased revenue from -16% loss during recession (2007 -2011) to 27%+ growth over 5 years through strategic planning and execution
>  Improved customer satisfaction and mitigated business risks through the project management,  strategic planning, budgeting and implementation of a proprietary customer facing software and technology for 50+ accounts

Vice President of Services

Negotiated and sold B2B contracts growing revenue by 842% from $360k annually to $3.25M. Achieved 84% revenue growth in 2 years after 3 years of negative profit. Recruited, trained, and onboarded a staff 
of 4 direct reports and 95 security officers.

Oversaw all branch operations to include administration, operations, human resources, customer services, sales and scheduling. In addition, played a leadership role in the client services approach for the company.

Sr. Director, Client Services | Branch Manager

Customer Service Representative

You didn’t start your business to stay stuck—scrambling to make payroll, buried in the weeds, guessing at your margins, and wondering why your bank account doesn’t reflect your hard work.

Yet here you are.

When it comes to building a profitable business, there are two common paths:

1.  Keep pushing, hoping next month will be different—ignoring your numbers, chasing more sales, and reacting to cash flow chaos.
2.  Get strategic—plug profit leaks, build a financial system that works, and create a scalable growth plan based on data, not gut instinct.

Most business owners fall into the first camp.  Not because they’re lazy—but because no one ever taught them how to manage the financial side of the business like a CFO.

Even if you're brilliant at what you do, the numbers can feel intimidating.

Margins are shrinking. Cash is tight. Expenses creep up. And you’re not even sure where the money goes.

You know how to work hard.

You just don’t have a route—a clear, proven path to take back control.

Now, imagine this instead…

▪️ You know your numbers—and exactly where your profit is leaking
▪️ Your cash flow is steady, predictable, and growing
▪️ Your pricing, margins, and offers are optimized for sustainability
▪️ You have time to think, plan, and lead—not just put out fires
▪️ You finally feel in control of your business—and your future

That’s what I help growth-focused business owners do.

What I Offer: The 90-Day Profitable Growth Route™

Inside this high-touch 1:1 program, I guide you from 'Basecamp' to 'Peak'—through a proven route to gain clarity, confidence, and control over your business finances.

Here’s what we build together:

▪️ A clear financial map—so you know what to track, fix, and measure
▪️ A 25%+ increase in profit by plugging leaks and optimizing your pricing
▪️ A cash flow system that ensures you're never surprised by your bank balance
▪️ Operational clarity so you stop spinning and start scaling
▪️ A repeatable, scalable 90-day growth framework to stay on track year-round

Backed by Two Guarantees:

1.  Confidence: If after 2 sessions, you don’t feel confident in the value I bring—I refund you in full.
2.  Completion: If by Day 90 you don’t have a complete plan and time to execute it—I work with you up to 2 additional sessions, at no extra cost.

You Deserve a Business That Pays You Well—Not One That Drains You

If you’re ready to fix your financial foundation and start building toward real, sustainable growth—I invite you to shoot me a DM or schedule your 20-minute clarity call.  

Start your profitable growth journey today!

Damien Foglio

82% of businesses fail due to lack of cash. 
One big reason? They run their business backwards...

Revenue comes in → 
costs and expenses get paid → 
whatever is left is called “profit.”

Which usually means... there isn’t any.

No cash reserves left in the bank and no money to absorb slow months. 

The smarter way? Flip the order.

Decide the profit you want first.
Build your budget around it.

Then run the business with what’s left.

When you plan this way, profit isn’t an afterthought.
It’s built into the system.

👉 Do you treat profit as what’s left over—or as the first line in your plan?

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Talks about #business, #coaching, #leadership, #management, and #productivity

Driving Profitable Growth for Service-based Owner-operators ($500K–$5M) by Hands-on Goal setting, Growing revenue by +25%, Increasing profit by +25% — Without working more hours — in just 8 weeks.

Last night, my wife Larissa Gates and I did something we do every month. 
We got Chipotle and caught up with Matthew Magee and Melissa (Chapman) Magee, PMP. 

It is in our calendar as a recurring event and all we have to do is show up.
It takes time, intentionality, and energy. But it is worth it. 

Truth is, it can be tough to be a friend of mine. 
And to be honest, not many make the cut. 

Not just because I am picky on who I invest my time in (I am), but also what I expect from my friends. 

The people I chose to surround myself need to have some goals. They need to know their purpose. And I expect them to lean into both of these. 

And, perhaps why there are only a select few that make the cut. 

But in the end, when I am on my death bed, to me, nothing will matter more than my relationships. And surface level relationships are not valuable to me. 

Just like a 401k does not hit $1M at 65 without starting your investment at 21, 
Your friends won’t be there then if you don't invest in them now. 

That is what it is like having a friend who is a coach: 
Specific questions
Clarifying questions
Notes for future reference
Healthy accountability 

I know my friends have goals. And I want them to achieve them. 
And I know that speaking them out, specifically, discussing them with others, will help them achieve them. 

Rather than having hundreds say I was a “good guy”, 
I am choosing to have tens say “he made me a better me”. 

That's it. 

Who are some people, individuals or couples, you can invest in starting next week? 

I encourage you to reach out to them and schedule something. 
Take it a step further and schedule something recurring for 2026.

Product Line Manager | Strategic Planning & Lifecycle Ownership

Revenue Operations & Optimization that Scales 10x | GTM Architect & Ops Director | I help businesses run faster, smoother, and smarter - with fewer moving parts | Strategic Problem Solver | Process & Data Nerd

Bilingual Project & Portfolio Manager | PURE PM & PM Accelerator Instructor | Prosci Change Management Practitioner | I help career changers pivot into Project Management

The biggest marriage hack? It's simple: solve 90% of money issues before they even start.

My wife and I have been married for a year and a half. 
Not long, but enough to see the power of a good system. 
We've never argued over money, and that’s not by coincidence.

We set aside a weekend each year to align on our goals. 

We talk about what we want to accomplish, what we want more of, and what we want less of.

Then, we prioritize. 
Not everything can happen in a year, so we pick what matters most. 

From there, we build our monthly budget, one line item at a time, around those goals.

Almost two years in, we’re already hitting our three-year targets. 

Sure, we wish we traveled more. 
We’d love two cars under 70k miles. 
And yes, sometimes our card declines because we’re running a tight budget.

But those sacrifices are short-term. 
They’re investments in the future we want.

Our biggest goal? Being prepared for the unknown. 

You never know when tragedy might strike or opportunity might come knocking.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱.

That’s how you build a future where money stops causing conflicts and starts fueling progress.

What’s your approach to financial planning for your long-term goals?

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Every Monday night between October and May for the last three years, I’ve been attending and co-leading a men's small group at my church. 

Honestly, at first, my goal was to meet more men in the church. 

But what I’ve discovered is something way more valuable: Sharpening. 

I am walking away each Monday night with ideas that I wrestle with throughout the week. 

Iron sharpening iron isn’t just a saying. It’s real.

And here’s the truth: I am challenged—every single week.

Challenged to be better Husband, father, friend, and business coach.
Challenged to listen to all of those around me.
Challenged to lead my wife and girls by example.

Because when you surround yourself with other people committed to growth, it pushes you to grow too.

It’s not always comfortable.
It’s not always easy.

But every time I walk away, I’m more aligned, more prepared, and more ready to face the week.

So a question for you: Where are you being sharpened? 

It could be a specific friend or friend group. 
A community or group. 

No matter what, if you intend to go far, do it with others. 

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. 
Build it. Lead it. Grow it.

Because in the end, that’s where real strength comes from.

I make it a priority to have lunch with my dad every other month. 
Last week was our time. 

We meet at the local golf course restaurant for a good meal and to catch up. 

Our past has had some ups, some downs, and we have not always seen eye-to-eye, but that is a-okay with me. 

Our relationship is not about agreement or even alignment. 
In fact, it really doesn't have a goal, per se, and that is okay too. 

We get together, catch up on life, talk business, the future, etc. 
Not too much more, but definitely not surface level either. 

The older I get, the more important these types of events play a role in my life. And I welcome them with open arms. 

I recommend this to anyone to who has keep a specific some one at arms length...Life is short. 

Take the first step, Reach out, schedule it, make it happen. 
Trust me, its worth it.

I just spent 5 hours over the last two days building a from-the-ground-up spreadsheet for owner-operators to make 2026 the best year yet. 

As my goal for 2026 is to help 100+ owner operators build better business in less time, ones they love to run versus running then, it starts here. 

As cash flow is the #1 killer to businesses, this is my focus: 
Build a business that creates consistent cash flow ith enough reserves to whether any storm. 

But the truth is, cash flow is a result of many other business decisions: 
Pricing, services, costs, payroll, expenses, owners salary, etc. 

And I address each one of these in the 1-Page PGR Gameplan. 
PGR is my "Profitable Growth Route" model I coach.

As growth without profit just magnifies the mess...
Profitable growth is the sweet spot. 

But the only way to get the 1-page PGR Gameplan is to attend my free webinar this Monday, November 24th, at 7 pm EST. (Signup link is in my featured section). 

This is not 100 pages of PDF’s to read through. 
Not countless hours of content to consume. 

Just 1 actionable plan we work together to build for you and your business. 

Afterwards leaving you with steps you can take tomorrow to get a jump start on 2026. 

No fluff. Just action. 👊

Most prospects I talk to aren’t eager to jump on a 20-minute call just to see if we’re a good fit. 

Nor do they want a 50-minute strategy session that feels like another sales pitch. 

They’ve been burned before. 
They’re tired of wasting time on calls that don’t deliver real value. 

But that’s not how I do it. 
I genuinely want to help. 

My approach is simple: I aim to provide so much value in 50 minutes that it’s ridiculous to not keep exploring what we could accomplish in just six weeks together. 

In my last strategy session, we ran out of time, and the client asked, “So, what’s it cost to start?” 

I wasn’t even thinking about selling. 
I wanted to solve his problems. 

Yes, I’ve been burned before with tire-kickers and free info seekers. 
But I believe in showing real value first. 

Because if I can’t help you see the potential in just one call, what’s the point? 

The truth is, most people just want to know someone who can actually help them — not waste their time. 

That’s what I do. 

And the best part? Once we start, I know you’ll see how much more we can get done — fast. 

No fluff. 
Just real results. 

What’s your take?

Last Monday was a complete failure. 

5-minutes prior to a webinar that I had spent over $300 promoting, I was told that the 22 people that had signed up for it, were not actually people - but bots.  

Not a single one.  

The week prior, I had stayed up every night, building the workbook gameplan, the webinar slides, and prepping my talking points.  

My goal was to over-deliver to those that showed up.  
Providing value they could use in the business the very next day.

I managed to get through the webinar to the few actual people that did show up.  
But it was a far cry from the amount of people I thought I was going to help.  

Within minutes of the webinar concluding I packed up my car with my wife and we left for the week to spend Thanksgiving with my wife’s family.

Instead of spending the week basking in a successful webinar, I was left considering what went wrong and what to do next.  

Was this a Meta issue?  An Ad issue?  Or something else?  

In the end, I am not sure and I am not sure I care.  The result was not achieved.

But just because it failed, does not mean the idea, execution, and plan was not a failure.  
It does not mean that webinars are not a great way to showcase value to potential clients.  

But too often, small business owners try something.  
And if it fails, they give up on it.  Chalk it up to being a bad idea.  

Someone might even spit out, “See, I told you it would not work”.  
Most likely to consider it again a few years later.  

But just because something fails, does not mean it is not a bad idea.  
It means that something within it failed.  

I love the old saying, “No need to throw the baby out with the bath water.”  
Just change the water.  

So that’s what I have decided to do.  
  
Run it back, but with some new boundaries and new parameters.  

Join me and some other real business owners on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025 at 7 pm for my 1-hour workshop Profitable Growth Gameplan™.  

Cost is $25.  Replays will be available.  

If you are a business owner who wants a plan to make 2026 far better than 2025, then this is for you. 

Link is in the comments...

Isn’t it crazy that there are only 6 more weeks left in 2025?! But more importantly, Q1 of 2026 is just around the corner. It’s time to be prepared to hit the ground running...

During this time of the year, for my own business and those I coach, I like to refer back to Gino Wickman “Traction” as it offers a powerful blueprint for shaping our future. 

Here is my plan to take a step toward achieving my goals in 2026…

🕒 Set aside 2 hours of focused, uninterrupted time. 
Just a notebook and pen. 

Think about the year this year: What do you want more of? What do you want less of? 
Remove the bad. 
Double down on the good. 

Think about what you can do over the next year to bring your 3 year vision to life?
(If you don’t have a 3 year vision - time to build one.)

1️⃣ As this is a one year plan, you have a date: Dec 31, 2026

2️⃣ Define the metrics to improve

Most often they include Revenue and Profit. 
But don’t forget, billable hours, your working hours, and other numbers that move the needle.

Right those numbers out and be specific. 

3️⃣ From those goals, what needs to happen in the next 90 days to make them happen? 

Remember, not everything needs to be done right away!
Decide what your priorities are in Q1. Spread out your other goals into different quarters. 
Keep them SMART (specific, measurable, and attainable)

4️⃣ Define the weekly habits that achieve the 90 day goals. 

This is where the magic happens. 
Break your 90-days goals into 12 weeks. 
Monitor weekly and execute relentlessly. 

I use these exact steps. 
These steps are not just theory. 
These steps are the tools that turn your goals into real life.

Ready to carve out your path to success? 
Share your thoughts in the comments!

Helping entrepreneurs and leaders maximize their freedom, creativity and impact | Entrepreneurial Leap, Rocket Fuel, EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), The EOS Life, and The 10 Disciplines

Writing LinkedIn posts that truly communicate your message can be harder than it looks. 

You have a story to tell, a point to make, or a lesson to share. 

But the noise is loud, the attention span is short, and standing out feels almost impossible. 

It’s not just about writing; it’s about making people stop, listen, and understand—every single time. 

That’s the real challenge. 

What’s your take on how to cut through the noise?

Yesterday, during a call, a client admitted, "I'm being too reactive in my business." I agreed. 

It’s not that he’s doing anything wrong. 
He has the ability to run his business however he wants. 

But here’s what I see: he’s building his business based on what’s happening to it, instead of shaping it intentionally. 

Let me give you a visual. 

Think of this toy in the picture — a shape sorter. 

When we’re building a business, we’re either: 
1. Building the box with the shapes we already have — reactive 
2. Hiring the right shapes for the box we want — proactive 

Most business owners fall into the first trap. 

They try to fill the business with the people they have access to, not the people they really need. 

The problem? 
That’s a recipe for a messy, poorly-rounded business. 

Here’s my advice: Build the box first. 

Step 1: List all the roles your business needs now and in the future. 
Step 2: Define pay ranges for each role. 
Step 3: Take your current team and see where they fit. 

That’s exactly what we did with my client. 

We mapped out all current positions — and projected the roles he’ll need in 2026 as his business grows. 

Turns out, he needs 8 key roles with clear responsibilities, pay scales, and a plan to hire for each. 

We even identified his very next hire. 

The payoff? 

A business built with intention. 
One that can adapt quickly because you’ve planned ahead. 

And a business owner who makes smarter, more strategic decisions when opportunities or challenges come his way. 

So, here’s my question: How have you proactively built your business? 
And what’s your next shape to add?

The most underrated habit small business owners can adopt? 
Reviewing your Profit & Loss Statement every month.

It’s simple, yet powerful. 

If you have a P&L and aren’t reviewing it regularly, you’re flying blind. 

If you don’t have a P&L yet, you’re leaving profit on the table—and risking your business’s future. 

Here’s what to do today: 

1. Get your most recent P&L statement.
If you don’t have one, make it a priority to create it. 

2. Schedule 30 minutes this week to review it. 
Look at your revenue, expenses, and profit margins. 

3. Identify one area where you’re leaking profit or where margins can improve. 

4. Make a small, specific plan to fix it—whether it’s renegotiating a vendor, cutting unnecessary expenses, or optimizing pricing. 

Reviewing your P&L isn’t just bookkeeping; it’s a strategic tool to control your cash flow and grow profitably. 

Start today, and watch your business become more predictable and profitable. 

What’s your take—how often do you review your numbers?

While meeting with a client earlier this week, he asked me: 
“Should I run ads to the funnel we just built?”

His instinct was to go big—buy traffic, scale fast.

But here’s the truth: 
The materials weren’t tested. 
He hadn’t even run one call yet.

So we paused the ad idea and focused on something more important: 
→ Building a contact list 
→ Testing messages 
→ Validating the offer with real people 

Because boosting a great post after it works? Smart. 

Pouring money into an untested funnel? Waste.

You don’t want to pour gas on a fire that’s not burning yet.

Validation comes first. 
It’s what turns a good idea into a sustainable one.

Have you ever tried to scale something that wasn’t ready? 

Remember: Don’t rush to scale until you know your offer works in the real world. 

Test. 
Validate. 
Then scale confidently. 

That’s the way to grow smarter, not faster.

When I started coaching in June of 2023, I had no idea what I was doing. 

I mean, I had scaled a business +627% in revenue while 5.5x its profit. 
But I had never coached another business owner on how I did it. 

I felt I had the knowledge after going grading business school, 
But I never turned my results into a written and step-by-step gameplan. 

However, now, after coaching 30+ business owners the exact gameplan I built and used, I am ready to start sharing my program with more business owners in a more cost-effective investment. 

In 2026, my goal is to coach 100 business owners to build better businesses in less time. 

A business they run, rather than runs them. 
One with revenue on repeat of +25% annually. 
One that increases profit to at least 10%.
One that pays the owner-operator what it would cost to replace them. 
...All while not adding more hours. 

One client I spoke with yesterday, is determining their new pay rate (from $30k last year to around $100k in 2026) as they made more revenue, more profit last year and didn't work any extra hours. 

If you find yourself overworked and underpaid, I would love to help you. 
Trust me, it's not magic, just a different way of seeing your business. 

Starting December 1st I am running an 8-week pilot group coaching program for 10 owner-operators who want 2026 to be much better/different than 2025. 

If you relate to any of the above, I would love for you to be a part of this. 

My goal is to provide so much value in this first pilot program that the investment is 10x within 6 months. 

Selflessly, 10 business owners will walk into 2026 with more plan, hope, restful nights, and more money in the bank. 

Selfishly, I will build a rock solid program during our 8 weeks together that I can provide to 90+ more business owners with your feedback. 

This pilot program will be 50% of my price for the next time I run it - January 1, 2026. 

And if you don’t love it within the first 7 days, leave it. 
I will buy back the program from you. No harm, no foul. 

Shoot me a DM “Freedom” and I can send you more details. 

If you still might be on the fence, I am running a free 60-minute webinar on Monday, November 24th at 7 pm EST “Cash Flow Gameplan 2026. 

If interested, send me a DM “Webinar” and I will send you the link to sign up.

Let's make 2026 the best year yet.

Be in the 18% of small businesses that continue. 
Not the 82% that will die.

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The two life hacks for entrepreneurs that no one talks about:

1. Eating the same thing every day 
2. Wearing the same outfit every day 

At first glance, these might seem like small, trivial tips. 

But they are powerful tools to free up mental energy and reduce decision fatigue. 

When you're constantly making endless choices—what to eat, what to wear—your brain spends a lot of bandwidth on trivial decisions. 

That’s energy you could be channeling into your core business goals.

By sticking to simple routines, you:

- Save time every morning that can be used for strategic thinking or client work 
- Avoid decision fatigue, so your mental clarity remains sharp for the big stuff 
- Create habits that support focus, discipline, and consistency 

Imagine starting each day with your mental energy fully dedicated to solving problems, closing deals, or developing new strategies—rather than stressing over minor choices. 

The truth is, success often comes down to discipline and focus. 

Small routines like these aren’t about being boring; they’re about removing friction from your day so you can concentrate on what truly drives growth.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider simplifying your routines. 

Sometimes, less choice means more clarity and energy for your business goals. 

What routines do you have that help you stay focused? 

(Yes, I have 3 black t-shirts and joggers I rotate through, which are the exact same. Funny thing is, I do the same thing for my gym/workout outfits - All black, all day.)

Linda came to me with a really good business, but bad profit. Her business partner and herself wanted something different, but weren’t sure how to get it. 

They had really good revenue. Great demand. A lot of potential. 
They knew they could be improving their business, but where? How? 

So, in our first two meetings, we built a perfect 12-week gameplan to execute to get them where they wanted to be. Or so we thought. 

After the second meeting...we pivoted. Hard. 

Not because we were wrong in our gameplan, but because as we dug deeper into each item, we would find another layer of items to address. 

These needed to be fixed prior to moving forward. 

But that’s how business is sometimes. 
You think you have a great plan and then, you actually need to re-build the foundation. 

For them specifically, we started with their pricing, in an effort to improve their profit, and ultimately their cash flow. 

Once the price was fixed, we focused on the sales process, which required a lot of time, many customer touches, and was a bit clunky. 

We started with a VSL, created a filter for clients, and only met with qualified prospects. 

Once the pricing and sales were in order, we focused on the financial aspect of the business. 

We plugged everything into my 5-minute CEO dashboard and saw exactly where our profit leaks were, rising costs, etc. No wonder cash flow was stalled. 

The wild part: They weren't the issue. Their systems were. 

Once we stabilized their foundation, their numbers took off: 

👉 Revenue increased by 12% (+$10k /mo)
👉 From a 6-month average of .9% (yes, point 9) to now averaging 16%
👉 Rather than using their savings, they doubled it with 3x Operating expenses saved

The crazy part: All of this was really without doing that much more work. 

If you want to see the exact plan we used — step-by-step — I’m teaching it inside Cash Flow Freedom to a limited number of business owners starting Dec 1. 

Prior to that, I am sharing some valuable nuggets in my free workshop: 

👉 Cash Flow Gameplan tonight (Mon, Nov 24) at 7 pm EST

No fluff. Small pitch. Tons of value. 

Link is in the comments.

A few lessons I learned while starting and scaling my coaching business to $100k in its first 10 months. 🚀

1. Nothing is as easy as it looks on the internet. 🌐

There is quite a bit we do not see from the successful" people. Their network, grit/work ethic behind the scenes, funding, etc.

2. Hiring a coach is the shortcut no one tells you about. 🎯

I had not started a coaching business before, so I hired a coach who had. 

I built an offer, a pricing strategy, a website, and started reaching out to my network.

3. I never took my foot off the gas.

Every morning, I woke up and asked myself, "how am I going to get 1 new client today." I was determined. 💪


Within my first 90-days, I had 5 monthly clients and shifted my focus to execution, while maintaining my momentum in client acquisition.

1. I put the customers' goals as my primary priority.

2. I helped them solve the "unsolvable.

3. I took my learning seriously, reading twice as much to help me have a greater reach of context when providing options and recommendations. 📚

I love coaching and honestly feel for the first time I am in my calling. 

Since going all in on coaching, I have more than replaced my W-2 income of my past while working from my home. 🏠

But more importantly, I have helped over 30+ business owners and solopreneurs build better businesses that take far less of their time while scaling. 🌟

Here is what people think hiring a small business coach looks like:

❌ Fast wins and instant money in the bank
❌ A magic system that is a quick fix
❌ No stress — ever again
❌ Perfect team, perfect clients, perfect life
❌ Working 10 hours a week, sipping margaritas by 12 pm every Friday

Here is what it actually looks like:

✔️ Starting with the person in the mirror
✔️ Tracking real metrics weekly instead of trusting your 'gut'
✔️ Firing underperformers fast and hiring systematically
✔️ Fixing offers, pricing strategy, and delivery — again and again
✔️ Admitting your success needs a new direction and plan

In service-based businesses, sustainable growth is rarely glamorous.
Oh, and don’t get frustrated if you realize you’re the bottleneck.

Instead, remember:

1️⃣ Facing the truth is step one
2️⃣ Broken systems can’t scale — fix them before you grow
3️⃣ Long-term profit > short-term ego boosts

What was your biggest reality check on the road to real growth?

Time and money—our two most valuable resources. 
And honestly, we rarely get to keep both at the same time. 

In the beginning, we pour our time into the business, trying to make every dollar stretch. 

We work nights, weekends, and then some, just to keep things afloat. 

Once we’ve worn ourselves out and accumulated some cash, it’s tempting to start buying back our time. 

But here’s the catch: 

If owners do this too soon, they risk becoming too top heavy—spreading themselves thin across every task. 

If they do it too late, they start losing quality because they’re still doing everything themselves. 

And at the end of the day, the business is only as strong as the owner allows it to be. 

You can’t outsource your passion, your vision, or your leadership. 

So, when is the right time? 
It’s when you’ve built a solid system, not just a paycheck. 

That’s when buying back your time becomes an investment, not a gamble. 

Because the real leverage? 
It’s in your ability to focus on what only you can do. 

What’s your take? 
When did you realize it was time to step back?

Victoria Michaels 🙋🏼‍♀️✍🏻💎

Helping moms to navigate this job market, gain clarity, put a plan in place and get hired!

I’m a ghostwriter and copywriter. I work directly with you to write solid, original content that sounds like you and positions you as the expert in your field.

Partner and Career Coach

Victoria Michaels

If you ever felt lost on LinkedIn, read this.

Your life can literally change in 1 day.

I was like many people here. Building content. Working to close leads. But feeling like things weren't fitting together.

No matter how hard I tried - I felt stagnant.

Then, earlier this year, Jasmin Alić reached out to me. He shared that he recognized my talent. Thought I could do more.

(Cue OMG moment...haha)

He shared that his community Link Up could help me grow as a ghostwriter. So..DUH! I joined immediately LOL. 

And since then?

- I've gotten brand deals.
- I have insanely amazing clients.
- Credibility has went up 10x because I'm trusted.
- My follower account has surpassed 20k followers.
- I grew to become a writing expert in his community.
- I've been respected for my craft and for being expensive.

And there's more (haha).

I no longer feel alone in business. Link Up has given me literally the best friends a solopreneur could ask for. 

If you'd like to join us. https://lnkd.in/ex-ZAaSh, use my promo code: VICTORIA to save 10%. 

So know this. You don't have to go at this alone.
Your life can literally change in 1 day. Like mine did.

We are much better together than separate.

Love you all, dearly. 

PS: Who is your business bestie or keeps you going? I'll share below, too. I have a few.

Before you meet me? You think polished.

When you actually meet me, shocked.

(Maybe you won’t claim you know me)..ha.

“You’re louder in person!” 
“You say the craziest things!”
“I can’t believe you said that!”

In reality, I’ve always been the girl who wasn’t boxed in. I grew up in rural South Carolina. 

Backwoods, loud music, & dirt was my legacy. 

When I did try to fit in, I failed. 
When I faked it in business, I lost myself. 

So I gave that up. And started to be me.

You’ll find me dancing in a room.
Speaking up for things I care about.
Taking to random people in public for fun…

The biggest lesson I’ve learned: 

Even if people think you are weird, your people will find you. Your clients will find you.

And that will become your brand. 

Because you dared to be different.

And people saw that 😍

It's shocking to think how far we've come.

It's 2025. I'm 37. I'm running my 2nd company.

I started my first one in 2006.  With no plan, no experience, no funding. Just a girl with a dream to escape poverty. 

(No, I don't have a degree :o)

Life is absolutely wild.

There's been 500 ups and 500 downs. 

Some days I'm not sure which way is left/right.
Some days I'm absolutely crushing everything. 
Some days, I fall asleep at the keyboard.

(Real talk, ya'lls)

But being in business has been my biggest blessing.

It's taken me around the world. Given me great clients. Great friends. Given me knowledge I'd never find in a traditional corporate setting. 

Some of us choose the harder path. Not because it's easy.

But because the Creator has called us to do more.

As we close 2025 out, I wish you wild success as you continue to build that one thing you believe in.

Even if sometimes it feels insane and impossible.

We are in this together. Love ya'll.

I don't mean to, but sometimes I do d*mb things.

Like leaving my passport on a bus in Bosnia.

Who called to share that I lost my passport?

The US Embassy. (my bad)

They shared that the kindest bus driver found and reported my passport. My next steps were to get in touch with her. 

Which would lead me to the local border protection office.

The next 2 hours, I'm in the dark:

-Navigating the streets of Sarajevo to find a bus
-Asking bus drivers, "Are you going to the airport?"
-Shielding questions from the elderly about the US prez

Finally, literally like 2 hours later, I arrive at the border protection office. I walk in like I own the place.

I have to redeem myself, you know?

Sitting in the office are 6-7 officers smoking and laughing in Bosnian. The room goes silent. "Sign this," the head guy says.

"What does it say?" "It says you lost your passport and we gave it back." It's a very long paragraph in Bosnian. 

It has lots of special logos. Seems important....

So what do I do? I sign it. Even tho, maybe I should have translated it. Also my bad.

Soooo...

Maybe I signed a paper that said I will marry a Bosnian. 
Maybe the paper said that I am banned from the country.

Who knows. But long story short - sometimes I do dumb things.

Then I post about them on LinkedIn.

95% of folks overcomplicate writing content.

My 5-step process to make it easier:

Step 1: Ask yourself, "What do I want to talk about?"

1) Name the topic, don't overthink it.
2) Now go super micro so it stands out.
3) Then connect your point to your ICP.

Ex topic: 1 simple way to get leads today.

Step 2: Write your rough hook/rehook.

1) Hook: Tell us exactly what your post is about.
2) Rehook: Invoke curiosity in your audience.
3) Start rough, then perfect it after you write.

Ex: My hook/rehook here is a perfect example.

Step 3: Start writing your thoughts down.

1) Free flow and just write what comes.
2) Read it, then delete 25-35% of it. It's fluff.
3) Ensure your thoughts transition smoothly.

Ex: Remove filler words that don't add to your post.

Step 4: Adjust your formatting.

1) Break up long chunks of text.
2) Vary your line patterns (2 lines, followed by 1).
3) Use spacing to let your text breathe.

Ex: When in doubt, add a space. 

Step 5: Reread your post 1 more time.

1) Make any minor edits.
2) Ensure that it reads clearly.
3) Finalize your hook and your rehook.

If this still feels hard, don't force it.

Use magicpost.in to get the draft out of your head.

So you can save time in writing and editing.

Hope this helps you today 💗

P.S. How long does it typically take you to write a post?

You spend 3 years following a top creator.

Only to meet him and puke in his car. Super cute. 

3 months later, I decided to put my story on video.

Maybe it will feel a little less cringe.

Want to improve your writing?

But don't want to hire a ghostwriter?

I've put together a year-end offer to help business owners and creators improve their post writing.

How does it work? I'll provide strategic post feedback that includes hook review, formatting, sentence clarity, and grammar. I'll let you know what works/what doesn't.

As a bonus, I'll rewrite the posts for you, too.

The goal is to teach you how to improve your content. No templates. Literally your writing, but improved.

If interested, comment "content" and we'll get started.

PS: I also provide writing feedback in Jasmin's community and I'll also share a link to check that out below :)

Stingy Jim: "I don't give stuff for free!"

Me: "Ok Jim, sit down."

Let me share a lesson I've learned about giving away stuff for free. I've been doing since 2006 👇

I’m really frustrated when I think about this.

There’s a lot of geniuses out here.

They have SO much knowledge.

But their content gets buried.

Promo tab. Spam tab. Dead on arrival.

And if your work lives there, it may as well not exist.

This month, I decided to open my calendar to people who want to fix that - properly.

To get a real Gameplan you can run with.

Here's how it works:

(1) We break down your current content + positioning so I can show you exactly where your message is falling flat.

(2) We rebuild your narrative, voice, and content system live on Zoom. The same system my clients use to pre-sell themselves without burning out.

(3) We map your bespoke 7-day roadmap so you know exactly what to post next week (written in your voice, not mine).

So your ideas don’t end up in the graveyard.

Comment “GAMEPLAN” and I’ll send the details.

People on Linkie love to tell you things.

I’ve decided I finally want to SHOW you things.
 
So over the next week, I’m doing something I’ve never done before.
 
GAMEPLANS.
 
What does that mean?
 
I’m opening the doors to 4 people where I live-demo how to build a LinkedIn content system. Without posting daily, force-feeding templates, or trying to be everywhere.
 
Here’s what happens:
 
First, we break down your current content + positioning so I can show you exactly where your message is falling flat.  

Second, we rebuild your narrative, voice, and content system live on Zoom. The same system my clients use to pre-sell themselves without burning out.  

Third, we map your bespoke 7-day roadmap so you know exactly what to post next week (written in 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 voice, not mine).
 
These are Demo Gameplans.  They’re $299.  And there’s a small catch, you’ll find out what it is when you message me.
 
Comment “GAMEPLAN” and I’ll send you the details.

This was worse than any C-Suite meeting.

But I did it because I absolutely had to. 

Last Saturday, I took a Zumba instructor training with the amazing Von Stanley Gossi. And he scared the sh*t outta me.

Scene set:

Von is in insane shape, an incredible dancer, and does not tolerate “basic.”

Imagine learning the choreo taught by a very important person in business.

Dance Mom style, ya'll. 

So not only did I have to learn how to be a great dancer, I also couldn't look d*mb. (What if he looked me up on LinkedIn?? haha)

So anyways, I took this training to fix my confidence. 

I wanted to feel comfortable showing up in spaces that used to make me cringe. I wanted to feel more confident on camera. I wanted to expand my leadership skills. 

Way to do that? Do something bold.

Like leading a dance class.

Which is a lot of pressure:

1. I have to be able to dance
2. Make people super happy
3. Make sure no one passes out
4. Cue steps before they even start

While all eyes are on me. I'm the leader.

This training was way harder than any C-Suite convo. Because this tapped into so many insecurities that I didn't know I had.

Things you can't fake on the dance floor.

So, watch my glow up in 2026.

I'll be leading dance classes, ghostwriting for directors/founders, traveling the world.

And encouraging you to show up, too.

After all, we aren't here to play small.

PS: Here's a fun video of us dancing. Did you think I made this stuff up? haha

Want good content, but no time to write?

Here's how you can create a great post in 30 seconds.

Using MagicPost 👉🏻 https://magicpost.in/)

---

Use my code VICTORIABF10 & get 70% off for life.

Write a post to your ICP

I just was asked at a networking event:

“Can you write my dating profile for me?”

I laughed for a second, but she was serious. 

And as I thought about it…why not? 

Marketing is marketing. 

If I can get leads for a founder, I can get dates for this talented woman. 

In my book, it’s called diversifying ❤️

Here's how to write a post to your leads.

Literally in 30 seconds or less using Magic Post.

Check them out here: https://magicpost.in/

Write a post to your ICP 02

I’m thinking of putting together a brainstorming session on how to get leads & grow authority as a CEO/founder using Linkie.

Want the deets? Comment or DM me.

Let's talk :)

taplio

The Battle

Damien Foglio

Victoria Michaels

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taplio

The Battle

Damien Foglio

Victoria Michaels

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Posts

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Damien Foglio's LinkedIn Performance

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