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Why Your Small Business Needs a Fractional CFO

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on July 16, 2024

By: Crystal Hines

Financial management in small businesses is a unique challenge. Many business owners excel in their core competencies but need help with financial strategy, reporting, and analysis complexities. This is where the fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) steps in – a part-time, highly skilled professional who can provide your business’s financial expertise without the full-time commitment.

One of the most compelling reasons to hire a fractional CFO is the access to high-level financial expertise without the burden of a full-time salary. For many small businesses, hiring a full-time CFO can be prohibitive. Dean Barta, Founder and CEO of Barta Business Group, explains, “Most businesses are great at their craft but not great at the financial back-of-the-house activities. A fractional CFO allows you to tap into top-tier financial management without the full-time expense, ensuring your business can grow sustainably.”

Strategic Financial Planning

Strategic financial planning is a cornerstone of long-term business success. A fractional CFO can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate complex financial landscapes. Barta and his team guide business owners in making informed decisions to foster growth. “We help enhance financial clarity by providing you with sound solutions that reduce stress and increase business acumen,” says Barta, whose company serves clients throughout the United States. With a fractional CFO, you gain a partner who can develop financial strategies that align with your business goals and drive your organization forward.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, yet many small businesses need help managing it effectively. A fractional CFO brings the expertise required to optimize cash flow, ensuring that your business remains solvent and can meet its financial obligations. By analyzing your cash flow patterns, identifying potential issues, and implementing effective cash management strategies, a fractional CFO can help stabilize your finances and provide a clearer picture of your financial health, relieving you from financial stress and instilling confidence in your business’s financial health.

Accurate financial reporting and analysis are essential for making informed business decisions. A fractional CFO can help you establish robust financial reporting systems, providing timely and accurate financial data. This data is crucial for understanding your business’s performance, identifying trends, and making strategic adjustments. As Barta highlights, “We assist startups, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and trade services businesses who feel stuck at a certain level by providing the financial clarity needed to break through growth barriers.”

Risk Management and Compliance

Navigating the regulatory landscape and managing financial risks are critical to running a successful business. A fractional CFO can help you comply with financial regulations and develop risk management strategies to protect your business. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate them, ensuring your business remains resilient in the face of challenges.

For many business owners, the relentless demands of financial management can detract from their ability to focus on what they do best. Outsourcing financial responsibilities to a fractional CFO provides a sense of relief, allowing you to concentrate on your core competencies and drive your business forward. “My team guides business owners in making the best decisions so you can focus on doing what you love in your business,” emphasizes Barta. This shift in focus can lead to increased productivity and innovation, ultimately contributing to your business’s success.

Flexibility and Scalability

One of the significant advantages of hiring a fractional CFO is the flexibility they offer. You can engage their services based on your specific needs and budget, whether for a few hours a week or on a project-by-project basis. This flexibility allows you to scale their involvement up or down as your business evolves, ensuring you always have the right financial expertise.

In the competitive landscape of small business, having access to expert financial management can be a game-changer. A fractional CFO, with their strategic insight and financial acumen, provides the flexibility to drive your business forward. As Dean Barta of Barta Business Group aptly puts it, “If your business is great at your craft but not great at the financial or operations areas of your business, give us a call.” By leveraging the expertise of a fractional CFO, you can achieve financial clarity, reduce stress, and position your business for long-term success, feeling empowered and confident in your business decisions.

Whether you’re a startup looking to establish solid financial foundations or an established business aiming to break through growth barriers, a fractional CFO could be the key to unlocking your full potential. Invest in your business’s future today by exploring the benefits of fractional CFO services.

Experience and Value

Firms like The Barta Business Group have experienced and battle-tested teams, often with team members who have multiple decades of experience handling business challenges in various industries and know how to adapt to changing economic environments. Your business deserves someone you can trust with this precious financial function and your company’s financial future to ensure the greatest return on your investment.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Ma Qing: Fintech Leader in Financial Literacy

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on July 16, 2024

By: Caleb Hellinger 

Ma Qing has always been driven by a passion for financial education and inclusivity. As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Firstcard, she leverages her extensive experience in fintech marketing to help people build credit and improve their financial literacy. Her journey from JP Morgan to leading marketing roles at Public.com and Republic highlights her innovative approach and commitment to making financial services accessible to all.

Ma Qing’s career began in the demanding world of banking at JP Morgan. Here, she worked on significant deals, such as Uber’s acquisition of Postmates and Snap’s convertible notes purchase. These high-profile transactions provided her with a deep understanding of financial strategy, corporate transactions, and the complexities of deal-making. However, despite her success in banking, Qing felt a growing desire to pursue work that allowed for more creativity and direct impact on people’s lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation led her to the fintech sector. Qing recognized the potential for financial technology to disrupt traditional financial services and create more inclusive financial systems. This realization marked the beginning of a significant career shift, as she transitioned from investment banking to fintech marketing.

In 2020, Qing joined Public.com, a platform designed to democratize the stock market by making more accessible and educational. As the third marketing hire, she quickly identified the potential of using influencers to simplify financial concepts. “The biggest problem in personal finance is that people are intimidated by it. By partnering with creators, we can make financial literacy relatable and engaging,” Qing explains.

Her strategic vision and innovative campaigns rapidly set Public.com apart from its competitors. Qing’s approach involved forming strategic partnerships with high-profile influencers such as Phil DeFranco and Erika Kullberg. These collaborations were instrumental in expanding Public.com’s user base from 250,000 to 1.5 million within a year. A particularly successful campaign with Michael Reeves, titled “I Gave My Goldfish $50,000 to Trade Stocks,” drove thousands of new users and garnered over 10 million views. This campaign demonstrated the power of influencer marketing in making complex financial concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Under Qing’s leadership, Public.com’s innovative marketing strategies led to the company securing $220 million in venture funding and boosting its valuation to $1.2 billion. Her success showcased her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, making financial education both engaging and effective.

Building on her success at Public.com, Qing transitioned to Republic, a platform that democratizes private investing by allowing everyone to invest in startups, real estate, and more. At Republic, Qing took on the role of leading US Marketing and Digital Growth, focusing on creator-led business fundraising deals. “Republic is at the forefront of this new era of retail-driven private investment,” Qing notes. “By supporting creators in launching their own businesses and enabling fan investment, Republic is paving the way for a more democratized and accessible private market.”

One of her standout accomplishments was the launch of Republic Note, a digital token that achieved substantial funding in less than a month. This initiative demonstrated her ability to harness the power of digital innovation and creator partnerships to drive significant financial outcomes. Qing’s work at Republic underscored her belief in the transformative potential of the creator economy. She viewed creators not just as content producers but as influential partners who could engage and educate audiences in unique ways. Her strategies at Republic highlighted the growing intersection of fintech and the creator economy, paving the way for more inclusive and engaging financial products.

Currently, as the CMO of Firstcard, Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. Firstcard is a fintech company that aims to help people build credit, with a particular focus on immigrants, international students, and people of color. “Joining Firstcard was a natural choice for me,” Qing explains. “My personal experience as an immigrant and the company’s significant social impact aligned perfectly with my values.” Firstcard’s innovative features, such as an AI financial advisor and budgeting tools, have earned it recognition as the premier credit card for students in 2024 by Forbes and CNN. These tools are designed to help users manage their finances more effectively and build a solid financial foundation. Qing’s marketing strategies at Firstcard focus on making these tools accessible and engaging, thereby empowering users to take control of their financial futures.

One of Qing’s significant initiatives at Firstcard is the $10,000 Student Scholarship program, which supports international students. “When I was an international student, there were very few funding sources available,” Qing recalls. “By including international students in our scholarship program, we ensure that they are not left behind.” This program reflects her commitment to inclusivity and her understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by underserved communities.

A cornerstone of Qing’s work at Firstcard is her emphasis on financial education. She believes that financial literacy is fundamental to achieving financial freedom. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing asserts. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.” Firstcard is built for just that. Qing’s marketing strategy at Firstcard is not just about growth; it’s about creating meaningful impact. Her campaigns are crafted to educate and empower users, fundamentally altering their interactions with financial products. This educational philosophy is a thread that runs through all her endeavors, from influencer partnerships to her initiatives at Firstcard.

Beyond her professional roles, Qing is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. She frequently speaks at conferences and industry events, sharing her insights and advocating for broader financial education. Her thought leadership in the fintech industry has positioned her as a visionary leader shaping the future of financial services.

Qing’s work at Firstcard goes beyond professional achievement—it’s a personal mission. She understands the challenges immigrants face in building credit and is committed to creating inclusive credit-building products and financial literacy platforms. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing emphasizes. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.”

Looking towards the future, Qing is optimistic about the continued potential for innovation in the fintech and AI sector. She believes that advancements in technology will further enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of financial services. “We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with fintech,” she notes. “There are immense opportunities to create solutions that address the unique needs of different communities and make a positive impact on people’s lives.” Qing is particularly excited about the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to revolutionize financial services. She sees these technologies as key enablers of more personalized and efficient financial products that can better meet the needs of diverse users.

Follow Ma Qing on LinkedIn: Ma Qing’s LinkedIn

Follow Ma Qing on Twitter: Ma Qing’s Twitter

Published by: Martin De Juan

Tackleberry Dobermans Introduces Unique eCourse for Aspiring Doberman Owners

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on July 16, 2024

Tackleberry Dobermans, led by owner Amy Arthur, is dedicated to breeding, training, and selling purebred Doberman Pinscher puppies for service work, protection, and exceptional family pets. Renowned for their intelligence and deep connection with humans, Dobermans require knowledgeable and prepared owners. To address this need, Amy Arthur has developed an innovative eCourse tailored specifically for Doberman owners, focusing on preparing them for the profound psychological bond with these unique dogs.

Amy Arthur’s deep interaction with Dobermans enabled her to create a comprehensive guide beyond typical dog training. The eCourse emphasizes preparing the owner to understand and nurture the Doberman’s unique personality and needs. This approach is a departure from conventional dog training methods that often place the burden of adaptation solely on the dog. Instead, Tackleberry Dobermans’ eCourse is designed to help owners establish a balanced, respectful relationship with their Dobermans, fostering a deeper bond and preventing behavioral issues.

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed unlike any other, specifically designed to protect people rather than property. Their intense connection with humans means they can perceive and respond to their owner’s genuine emotions and character. This perceptive nature, while intimidating at first, makes Dobermans exceptional protectors or service animals. The eCourse aims to harness this intuitive nature, teaching owners how to build a strong bond with their Dobermans and avoid common behavioral problems.

A vital component of the eCourse is identifying each Doberman’s personality type. Dobermans are among the world’s most intelligent dog breeds, and their training needs vary significantly based on their temperament. For instance, a highly confident Doberman requires firm yet constructive handling to nurture its natural assertiveness, while a sensitive Doberman benefits from a gentle approach that builds its confidence. Misunderstanding these personality traits can lead to significant behavioral issues, which the eCourse seeks to prevent by providing tailored training advice.

Furthermore, the eCourse emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear authority structure within the household. Dobermans instinctively seek a strong leader; without one, they may attempt to assume that role themselves, leading to various problems. However, effective leadership is not about intimidation or harsh discipline. The course teaches owners how to command respect and authority in a way that strengthens the Doberman’s inherent qualities, ensuring a harmonious and respectful relationship.

Tackleberry Dobermans’ eCourse is a comprehensive resource designed to guide owners through the unique experience of raising a Doberman. The course provides valuable insights into building a successful and fulfilling partnership with these remarkable dogs by focusing on the owner’s preparation and understanding. The course covers various topics, from understanding the Doberman’s innate characteristics to practical training techniques tailored to the dog’s specific personality.

Amy Arthur’s approach includes a thorough personality assessment of each puppy, allowing her to recommend them for specific tasks based on their individual scores. This personalized approach ensures that each Doberman is placed in an environment where it can thrive, whether as a family pet, a service dog, or a protection dog. The course also addresses common questions and concerns that Doberman owners might have, providing a reliable source of information in contrast to the often contradictory advice found online.

Visit Tackleberry Dobermans’ website for more information on the eCourse and to explore its offerings. To stay updated on its latest news and insights, follow it on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Amy Arthur’s dedication to the Doberman breed and her innovative approach to training and ownership make Tackleberry Dobermans a standout in the field. Through her unique eCourse, Amy ensures that every Doberman she breeds is matched with an owner fully prepared to understand and nurture their new companion. This commitment to both the dogs and their future owners highlights Tackleberry Dobermans’ mission to promote responsible ownership and the well-being of this remarkable breed.

Tackleberry Dobermans empowers Doberman owners to build solid and lasting bonds with their pets by providing a structured, informative, and owner-focused course. Amy Arthur’s unique perspective and expertise offer invaluable guidance, making the eCourse an essential tool for anyone considering welcoming a Doberman into their home.

 

Published By: Aize Perez