Shows
Sales is NOT a Dirty WordInterview with Gwen Bortner: Why Your Business Systems Are Failing: Fixing SOPs, Delegation & Operations for VisionariesStruggling with broken systems, team confusion, or SOPs no one follows?
In this episode of Sales Is Not a Dirty Word, operations strategist Gwen Bortner shares how to fix your business systems, improve delegation, and finally build scalable operations - especially if you’re a creative or visionary entrepreneur who hates rigid structure.
Gwen brings insights from 40+ industries and decades of experience helping women create sustainable success without burnout.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a systems person,” but you still know you need them - this is for you.
You’ll dis...2025-05-0134 min
Delegate 2 Elevate – Get Sh!t DoneEpisode 19: Delegation Done Right: Overcoming Unrealistic Expectations and Building Sustainable Delegation Practices with Gwen BortnerIn this episode, Bonnie Schutz sits down with delegation expert Gwen Bortner to discuss the common challenges and misconceptions around delegation. They explore the importance of setting realistic expectations, establishing clear communication, and building sustainable delegation practices. Gwen shares her insights on handling emergencies, setting boundaries, and empowering business owners to delegate effectively without becoming overwhelmed. This episode provides actionable tips for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their business by delegating tasks strategically.2025-04-1526 min
Playhouse FriendsSo-Called Good Advice, Defining Success and Why Context Matters with Tonya Kubo and Gwen BortnerDive into the first Water Cooler episode where Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner shake up the hustle culture norms and get real about the business world. They talk about the significance of context, loving what you do, and crafting a business that aligns with your personal definition of success.This episode is packed with light-hearted banter, insights on building intimate community connections, and the joy of multitasking beverages. If you're a creative solopreneur looking to redefine success on your own terms, this one's for you.Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation!...2025-02-2118 min
Simple Business ShowRe-Thinking Goal Setting with Gwen BortnerIn this episode of the Simple Business Show, host Steph Blake is joined by Gwen Bortner to discuss re-thinking goal setting in business.They explore how understanding personal definitions of success, focusing on the journey, and using data can transform the way we approach goal-setting. Gwen also shares insights from her extensive experience in business operations and consulting across various industries.In this episode, you'll learn:The Idea of "Success" in Goal SettingImportance of the Journey over the DestinationGoal Setting PracticesIntegration of Data in Goal SettingAdapting Goals with...2025-01-2637 min
'Booch NewsBusiness Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs
Gwen Bortner is a business advisor and operational strategist specializing in women entrepreneurs, particularly those who have turned hobbies into businesses. In a recent interview with Booch News, she detailed how her expertise can benefit women business owners in the kombucha industry. Her emphasis on context, sustainable practices, and the challenges faced by women makes her particularly well-suited to support small business owners. Her approach could help kombucha businesses scale successfully, prevent burnout, and create a long-term vision for their business. She is available for a FREE initial consultation.
Hobby-to-Business Transition
Hobby Origin: Bortner emphasizes that...2025-01-1130 min
Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten233. Preparing Your Retail Business for Sale or Expansion: The Essential Checklist With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Are you thinking of selling or expanding your retail business? Think that’s not for you? Never say never! Either way, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected - and that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in this episode. We need to be building brands that are sellable. As a retail coach, I’ve helped countless retailers through these phases. I’ve identified four critical areas you need to review to ensure your busi...2024-10-2829 min
The Business You Really Want12. From Insight to Action – Real-Life Success StoriesIn this special episode of The Business You Really Want, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo reflect on listener feedback and dive into real-life success stories. With insights from reviews, they discuss the challenges female entrepreneurs face, the pressures of traditional success metrics, and how to take action based on your unique definition of success. Whether you're just starting your business or navigating the complexities of growth, this episode is packed with practical advice on aligning goals with your values and protecting your time.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:2:20 – The major themes from list...2024-10-2243 minThe Business You Really Want11. Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Goal?Is it possible that the goals you're setting for your business are actually holding you back?In this episode of The Business You Really Want, hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the concept of good vs. bad goals. They challenge the notion of SMART goals and explain why what might be a good goal for one person could be a terrible goal for another. They also explore how to set goals that align with your values, vision, and motivation to drive real business success.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:...2024-10-1526 min
Have A Seat...Conversations With Women In The WorkplaceFrom Ideas to Action: Everyday Effectiveness CEO, Gwen Bortner, on Empowering Women EntrepreneursSend us a text"For women entrepreneurs especially, we don’t realize that what we say we want has nothing to do with what we actually want. We’ve gotten caught up in the societal expectations of others of what our goal is supposed to be."In this episode of Have a Seat...Conversations with Women in the Workplace, I’m joined by the amazing Gwen Bortner, CEO of Everyday Effectiveness and all-around operational strategy genius. Gwen has made it her mission to help visionary women entrepreneurs turn their big dreams into businesses that a...2024-10-1342 minThe Business You Really Want10. Where to Begin When Everything Feels UrgentFeeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on your to-do list? Struggling with which to tackle first when everything seems equally urgent?In this episode of The Business You Really Want, hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the challenge many entrepreneurs face: managing the overwhelming sense of urgency that leads to paralysis. Together, they explore how to prioritize tasks, the myth of multitasking, and practical tips for regaining control when everything feels equally important.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:3:05 – Why are entrepreneurs constantly getting overwhelmed by “urgent” tasks3:41 – The lie entreprene...2024-10-0833 min
Talk Nerdy to MeHow an Accountability Nerd will show you how to create YOUR successful lifeIn this episode of Talk Nerdy to Me, host Sonia Narvaez interviews Gwen Bortner, an expert in accountability and operations. They discuss the significance of accountability in achieving business success, the challenges faced by CEOs in maintaining accountability, and the importance of having an accountability partner. Gwen emphasizes that true accountability is not about judgment or guilt, but rather about support and self-awareness. The conversation highlights the need for small, consistent steps towards goals and the value of having someone invested in your success.2024-10-0143 minThe Business You Really Want9. True Accountability – The Secret to Sustainable SuccessDo you know the difference between being reliable and being accountable?In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo break down the concept of true accountability and why it’s crucial for achieving sustainable success in business. Learn the key differences between tracking, reliability, and accountability, and how fostering a culture of non-judgmental accountability can transform your business operations and outcomes.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:2:38 - Understanding what true accountability is (and isn't)6:02 - Accountability is about more than acknowledgement8:36 - When does...2024-10-0131 minThe Business You Really Want8. Solving the Right Problems in the Right OrderDo you find yourself solving the wrong problems in your business? Or maybe solving the right problems, but in the wrong order?In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of identifying and solving the right problems in the right order. This episode dives into the common pitfalls business owners face when trying to fix issues, the difference between symptoms and root causes, and how solving problems in the wrong order can lead to wasted time, resources, and frustration.Here’s what you can expect in...2024-09-2428 minThe Business You Really Want7. Systems - Harnessing The Power Of Consistent BehaviorAre you in control of your systems, or are your systems controlling you?In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo invite you into the world of systems and how the behaviors within your business shape the results you see. Whether you're running a solo operation or managing a growing team, understanding and optimizing your systems can lead to more efficiency, less stress, and greater success.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:2:38 - Systems are actually just behaviors6:32 - Learn your behaviors by consciously ob...2024-09-1730 minThe Business You Really Want6. Resources - Making the most of your peopleWondering how to get the most out of your team? In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo explore the critical role that people play in your business. Whether you're managing a small team or you're a solopreneur navigating how to leverage contractors and vendors, this episode offers insights into maximizing your human resources effectively.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:2:38 - The resource that is most expensive and most valuable in every business6:02 - Why solopreneurs don't get a pass here 10:00 - The impo...2024-09-1033 minThe Business You Really Want5. Accounting - Making sense of the numbers that matterFeeling overwhelmed by financial reports? Wondering how to use numbers to truly drive your business forward?In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo break down the often dreaded world of accounting. They tackle the myths that hold business owners back from understanding their finances and explain why knowing your numbers is crucial for sustainable success.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:2:12 - How accounting functions as your business' scorecard3:12 - Discover the 3 key pillars of a successful business5:45 - Why you need to lo...2024-09-0331 minThe Business You Really Want4. Effectiveness - The art of true delegationAre you ready to delegate effectively without sacrificing quality?In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the essential skill of delegation—a crucial but often misunderstood aspect of leadership. Learn what true delegation looks like and how mastering it can transform your business.Here’s what you can expect in this episode:3:11 : Why true delegation is harder than you think5:13: The phases of effective delegation12:15: The difference between delegating tasks and delegating responsibility19:49: How to handle delegation gone wrong25:00: Why it's important to stay curi...2024-08-2738 minThe Business You Really Want3. Goals - How to set goals you'll actually achieveAre you setting goals that actually align with your values?Or are you chasing someone else's definition of success? In this episode, Gwen and Tonya share how to create meaningful, achievable goals that propel your business forward without burning you out.Here’s the breakdown of this episode:- 1:00 - Why understanding the "why" behind your goals is crucial- 3:30 - The dangers of pursuing goals that don’t align with your true desires- 6:00 - Shifting from a misaligned goal to one that brings fulfillment- 10:00 - Ho...2024-08-2035 minThe Business You Really Want2. A Roadmap to Sustainable Success: Aligning the G.E.A.R.S. of Your BusinessIn this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the five key functions of business operations and how to identify the bottlenecks within each. Here’s what you can expect in this episode:1:00 - Understanding symptoms vs. root causes in business issues2:29 - What really causes cash-flow problems5:45 - Why root-cause discovery is a challenge8:12 - Introducing to the GEARS framework16:00 - How business functions intersect20:58 - Why quick fixes often fail to solve the real problems2024-08-1537 minThe Business You Really Want1. Introducing The Business You Really Want: Why this podcast and why now?Feeling burned out or stuck in a business that no longer brings you joy? Ready to grow without sacrificing what matters most?In this inaugural episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo tackle the emerging trend of entrepreneurs "burning down" their businesses to start over (or call it quits). Drawing from Gwen's 40 years of cross-industry experience, they offer a fresh perspective on building sustainable success without sacrificing your values or sanity.Listen for these juicy nuggets:2:41 - The genesis of the podcast and why it's needed n...2024-08-1330 min
The Business You Really WantThe Business You Really Want - TrailerGwen Bortner is an operational strategist and business advisor with four decades of experience spanning more than 40 industries.As the host of The Business You Really Want podcast, Gwen shows female entrepreneurs how to design sustainable, fulfilling businesses aligned with their values.Each week, Gwen and co-host Tonya Kubo share practical strategies, real-life examples, and keen insights to help listeners navigate the challenges of running an impact-driven business.Feeling burned out, stuck, or unsure about how to grow your business without sacrificing what matters most? This podcast offers the guidance and perspective needed...2024-07-1901 min
Simplify to Scale ShowE183 | Q1 - Q2 Work Smarter Not Harder Round UpI love asking my guests the question, "How do you work smarter, not harder, and keep things lean in your business?" And I always love their responses! In this special episode, we have rounded up all the answers my guests have given to this answer so far this year. Even though a lot of the answers tend to be in the same categories, everyone has a different approach to keeping things efficient and lean. In fact, some guests really surprise me with their answers and I always find myself learning something new from these conversations. And I know for a...2024-07-0218 minSimplify to Scale ShowE180 | Operational Mistakes That Impact Growth with Gwen BortnerDo you know what your business problem really is? Most visionary CEOs assume their growth issues are marketing-related, but the root cause often lies in operations. On this week's episode, Gwen Bortner and I uncover how getting to the heart of your actual problem can be a game-changer in business growth. Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness. She is a no-nonsense Operational Strategist and Business Advisor with an intuitive coaching mindset. She helps visionary female entrepreneurs achieve their most ambitious goals without the stress and overwhelm of trying to do it all on their own. Gw...2024-06-1137 min
OBM Opportunity44. Fractional COO Tells-All!Welcome to the latest episode of OBM Opportunity Podcast! If you've been an Online Business Manager and are not sure what's next, this podcast episode is for you! We're talking about one option: becoming a Fractional COO. We're joined by Gwen Bortner, who has loads of experience as a Fractional COO. She'll share her insights and help you understand what it's all about. Find out what being a Fractional COO really means and if it could be the right move for you after being an Online Business Manager. Tune in for...2024-03-0141 minCreative Shop Talk with Wendy BattenWhat Numbers Successful Retail Shop Owners are Measuring With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Have you ever heard the saying “What gets measured gets managed”? But what should we look at (other than total sales?) Exactly WHAT should we measure? How should that apply to your unique business? In Episode 195 of the Creative Shop Talk podcast, we are talking about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). I am sharing which ones you should be measuring as an independent retail shop owner, why they are important, and the docu...2024-02-0532 minCreative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten183. Fine Tuning Your Retail Business Operations with Business Strategist Gwen BortnerWith host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ Show Notes: What should we focus on in our retail operations? On Episode 183 of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, fellow retail business coach Gwen Bortner and I turned on the mics for a little impromptu chat about retail business operations. Like me, Gwen has a background in retail. Her coaching business focuses on the operations of her clients’ businesses so that their businesses support their lives rather than the other way around. In our coaching caree...2023-11-1337 min
GoalChatMindset with Kevin Bailey, Gwen Bortner & Kim CurtisOn this episode of The DEB Show, host Debra Eckerling talks about Mindset from a health, operations, and money perspective. Her guests - Kevin Bailey, Workout Warrior; Gwen Bortner, Everyday Effectiveness; and Kim Curtis, Wealth Legacy Institute - share their relationships with mindset, as well as insights, goals, tips, and more. Mindset is a combination of your approach, beliefs. and thoughts ... your attitude follows, so why not have a positive mindset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-08-311h 03
Happenstance61: Little Pivots and Allowing Opportunity and Interests to Lead with Gwen BortnerMaking little pivots along the way. Allowing opportunity and interests to lead to the next career move. Knowing that a different choice wouldn't have been better, it just would have been different. Gwen Bortner embodies all of this an so much more. Her happenstance stories are all about Navigating the unexpected turns and shifting pathsRediscovering a love of teaching Turning hobbies into businesses & Embracing a change mindset Let's see where happenstance takes us...Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness, an operations advisory firm that helps visionary entrepreneurs scale their busines...2023-08-1844 min
Small Business ConversationsGwen Bortner discusses small business goal setting with Tom Shay and Small Business ConversationsSoon we will all be bombarded with articles and television interviews telling us how to establish goals for the new year. Are goals only to be established to begin on January 1? Can you adjust a goal? Can you abandon a goal? Are all goals good? How do you measure your goals? Some goals are outcome based while others are activity based; what is the difference?
These questions and many more during our hour long visit with Gwen Bortner on Small Business Conversations with host Tom Shay2022-12-161h 05
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & BeyondEp 104 Profitable Planning with Gwen BortnerHi, I'm the Profit Answer Man! I help small business owners simplify their financial reports so that they can make more informed business decisions with fewer hassles. We utilize the Profit First system created by Mike Michalowicz. Thanks for listening!2022-03-2935 min
Profit For CoachesKnitting it All Together with Gwen BortnerGwen Bortner is a workshop facilitator, speaker, virtual fractional COO, and operational strategist. She focuses on improved business operations utilizing her GEARS framework and works with coaches an2021-12-1644 min
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & BeyondProfit First & Systems with Gwen BortnerHi, I'm the Profit Answer Man Rocky Lalvani! I help small business owners simplify their financial reports so that they can make more informed business decisions with fewer hassles. We utilize the Profit First system created by Mike Michalowicz Effortless Cashflow Course: http://bit.do/effortlesscashflowcourse Schedule your free, no-obligation intro call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes Gwen has always been interested in a wide variety of things. She had originally planned on being a math teacher but her immediate future took a different path when s...2021-06-1536 min
Small Business ConversationsGwen Bortner, a virtual Chief Operating Officer visits to discuss what a COO can do for your businessHave you ever thought your business is missing an ingredient, or person, that will help your business overcome an obstacle or grow to the next level?
Gwen Bortner has created herself as a virtual chief operating officer (COO); the person who can be that missing ingredient or the person who helps you overcome the obstacle. During this program Gwen discussed the challenge of a person understanding the difference in an owner, manager and leader. Those who find they are not getting things done in their business and those who find themselves putting in too many hours trying t...2019-12-141h 02
Business of CraftBusiness of Craft Episode 55 Gwen BortnerMy guest today is a well-known personality knitting world. Gwen Bortner has been a figure in the scene since the early ’80s. Gwen is an idea generator, confidence builder and momentum creator in a variety of roles including consultant, coach, and teacher. This is her second appearance on our podcast having done Episode 12 on Organizational Optimization. We’re thrilled to have her do an encore episode on habits.2019-04-1548 min
Gift Biz Unwrapped165 – She Gets Us! with Gwen Bortner
Gwen Bortner is a speaker, trainer and consultant focused on the craft enthusiast niche.
Her passion is working with small business owners helping them reach their individual success goals.
She calls it the light bulb moment. That moment when everything clicks into place. When an obstacle is overcome or when a goal is met or a long sought-after answer is realized.
Gwen has taught craft and business classes throughout the country for over 15 years. She is the author of Entree to Entrelac, an instructor for Craftsy, and the past Interim Executive Director of The National Needlearts Association.
Being a passionate...2018-06-0447 minBusiness of CraftEpisode 12 Organizational Optimization with Gwen BortnerLeanne's guest today is no stranger to the knitting world. Gwen Bortner has been a figure in the scene since the early 80’s. She goes by multiple titles: teacher, speaker, coach, and trainer. Listen in as they talk about how organizational optimization will take your business to the next level and how one chicken feather wreath tells the story of her home!2017-09-0551 min
Craft Industry AllianceEpisode #12: Gwen Bortner and Stacey TrockOn today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast my guests are knitwear designer Gwen Bortner and crochet designer Stacey Trock. We talk about our current favorite things including awesome books, apps, bags, time-saving tools, and other great stuff we think you'll love.
Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same.
To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our su...2014-01-2049 min
Yarn Thing: Crochet and Knitting Podcast | Blog Talk Radio FeedHow to Teach What you LOVEA Yarn Thing Podcast favorite, Gwen Bortner joins Marly to talk about how to teach what you love. Gwen Bortner is a Craft Yarn Council Certified Teacher, teaches knitting and business classes at venues throughout the country, has been published in a variety of knitting magazines and is the lead designer for her business, Knitability, LLC. Education is probably the most important component of the Knitability business plan as all efforts focus on the company motto of "Taking Knitters to the Next Level". Gwen's passion is teaching and enjoys every opportunity she has to share her love of knitting with o...2013-05-141h 06
Yarn Thing: Crochet and Knitting Podcast | Blog Talk Radio FeedGwen Bortner: Entrelac QueenGwen Bortner (@EntrelacQueen) teaches this and many other knitting techniques at workshops and conferences across the country. She's been published in Knitter's Magazine, Creative Knitting and lots of other places. You can find Gwen's patterns, books, classes and thoughts on life on her website, Knitability, and her blog, The Same Stitch. When she's not on the road, she lives with her husband Arlis in Le Grand, Calif., in a farmhouse built in 1902 by her great-grandfather. Listen as Marly talks to Gwen about her book Entre to Entrelac and her classes at the many STITCHES Expos and Craftsy.com Like this podca...2012-06-0532 min
Knit Picks' PodcastEpisode 153: Entrelac-tastic!Alison interviews Rosemary Drysdale, author of Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting. Hear Alison and Kerin chat about designing with entrelac, how to use this technique as well as handy tips and tricks. Stacey interviews IDP designer Michele Bernstein about how she got her start designing and the inspiration behind her Lacy Entrelac Infinity Scarf.
Books Reviewed
Alison reviews the book Entrée to Entrelac by Gwen Bortner.2011-02-1725 min
Ready Set KnitShow 191 Kathy & Steve review new closeouts; Kathy talks with author Gwen Bortner.Kathy & Steve review new closeouts; Kathy talks with author Gwen Bortner.2010-09-1727 minReady Set KnitShow116Kathy & Steve interview designer & teacher Gwen Bortner. Kathy & Pixie finish the KAL.
(Running Time 27:50)2009-02-0727 min