Host: Lany Sullivan

Which task management and marketing strategy tools should you use? Spoiler alert—it’s not as simple as picking the most popular software.
Susan and Lany dive into the importance of discernment when selecting tools, sharing real-world experiences of software frustration, integration challenges, and team buy-in struggles. They emphasize the need to evaluate your team’s workflow, test software with real scenarios, and demand proper support before making a costly commitment.
They explore why businesses often waste time and money on tools that don’t fit—and how you can avoid making the same mistake. If you've ever been frustrated with tools you chose in a rush, including ClickUp, Asana, Monday, or any other platform, this episode is for you.
And tell us—what software works for you, and how did you decide? Maybe we’ll feature your success story in a future episode!
BIG TAKEAWAY - the best tools are the ones your team will actually use.
Your Tech Tool Selection Checklist
✅ Assess Your Needs First
Identify the specific problems you're trying to solve.
List the must-have and nice-to-have features.
Consider how many people will use the tool and their technical comfort level.
✅ Understand Your Workflow
Map out your team's daily tasks and processes before selecting a tool.
Identify which departments or roles will need access.
Determine if you’ll need client access or external collaboration features.
✅ Check for Scalability
Will this tool grow with your business?
Does it support additional users, automations, and integrations as you scale?
Does it work across devices (desktop, mobile, tablet)?
✅ Demo and Test Before Committing
Sign up for free trials and load real projects into the system.
Get feedback from your team on usability.
Request a live demo from the company and ask tough questions about features and limitations.
✅ Read Reviews & Compare Support
Check user reviews on G2, Capterra, or Trustpilot for pros/cons.
Look for YouTube tutorials and real-world use cases.
Investigate customer support availability—do they offer live chat, phone support, or only email?
Find out if you’ll have to pay for support separately.
✅ Evaluate Integration & Compatibility
Ensure the tool integrates with your existing software stack (CRM, email marketing, accounting, etc.).
Check Zapier, Make, or native API capabilities if integration is needed.
Ask: Will this create extra manual work or streamline processes?
✅ Plan for Onboarding & Training
Will your team actually use it, or will they resist?
Look for built-in tutorials and learning resources from the software provider.
Create internal training videos & SOPs to ease adoption.
✅ Budget Beyond Subscription Costs
Factor in costs for setup, training, integrations, and ongoing support.
Beware of hidden fees (e.g., per-user pricing, premium support, add-ons).
If switching from another tool, budget for migration costs and downtime.
✅ Make a Decision—Then Reevaluate
Choose the best-fit option based on functionality, ease of use, and ROI.
Reevaluate in 3-6 months to ensure adoption and effectiveness.
Be willing to pivot if the tool isn’t delivering as expected.

Are your social posts starting to feel stale? Are you spending hours creating fresh content when you already have a goldmine of valuable material gathering digital dust? Stop the endless content creation cycle. Strategic content management isn't about constantly generating new material—it's about maximizing the value of your existing expertise and insights.
In this episode, we cover building and maintaining an effective content bank that transforms your valuable insights into a reusable asset library. Learn why random posts about office pets and foodie highlights aren't part of your content strategy - unless you are in that industry, and discover how to create a systematic approach to content that directly ties to your business goals and mission.
For those frustrated with the constant demand for "fresh" content, we reveal why the same valuable message can and should be shared multiple times, reaching different audiences simultaneously. Plus, get practical insights on tracking engagement, managing client testimonials, and turning client transformations into compelling case studies demonstrating your expertise.
Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting to build your business's digital presence, this episode offers actionable strategies to work smarter, not harder, with your content management. Say goodbye to content chaos and hello to strategic repurposing that drives real business results.

Rediscovering your forgotten skills and experiences can be a game-changer for personal and professional growth. In this insightful episode of Rooted in Revenue, Lany and Susan dive deep into the importance of reflecting on your past accomplishments and leveraging them for future success. They share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and actionable strategies to help you uncover hidden talents and capitalize on your unique experiences.
We dare you to go through this list:
Reflect on past experiences and skills you may have forgotten about
Review old resumes and portfolios
Ask family, friends, and former colleagues about your strengths
Update your professional profiles and resumes regularly
Share stories about your past experiences and skills
Reconnect with old contacts and mentors
Create one-page case studies for your accomplishments
Record video or audio of yourself telling your stories
Identify pivotal moments in your life and career
Look back at all your jobs, even early ones, for valuable experiences
Share your reflections on social media and tag Lany and Susan

In this continuation of their discussion on managing your online presence, Lany and Susan hit you over the head with the importance of conducting thorough tech assessments and making informed decisions about your business software. They emphasize the value of consulting with experts before making significant changes to your tech stack and warn against common pitfalls like lifetime software subscriptions and poorly integrated tools.
Action Items:
Conduct a comprehensive tech assessment of your business
Review all software subscriptions and their actual usage
Avoid lifetime software subscriptions
Check software integration capabilities before purchasing
Set calendar reminders for subscription renewals
Research software reliability and developer support before committing
Utilize existing tools and services to their full potential
Consult with experts before making major tech changes or purchases
Regularly review and update your website and online presence
Be cautious of custom solutions that may create dependence on specific developers

Susan and Lany are fired up in this episode, tackling the infuriating world of tech blunders, compliance nightmares, and security fails that plague businesses. From email marketing mishaps to clickbait disasters, they're not holding back on the ways people unknowingly sabotage their operations. This is part one of their conversation, so prepare for some straight talk filled with cautionary tales and a healthy dose of 'what were they thinking?' Stay tuned for part two, where they'll continue their mission to save you from yourself in the tricky terrain of business tech. Remember, sometimes doing nothing is the best move – especially when it comes to messing with stuff you don't understand!
Action items (or inaction items):
Stop using personal Gmail accounts for business; set up Google Workspace instead.
Don't buy domains from cheap or suspicious sources.
Ensure your email marketing is compliant with new laws (as of February 2024).
Use secure file transfer methods for sensitive client information.
Be cautious of scams and verify legitimacy before giving out information or access.
Freeze your credit reports to protect your information.
Don't touch or change technical settings if you're not sure what you're doing.
Implement proper security measures and compliance procedures in your business.

Are you a service business looking to grow your presence in your local community? In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, hosts Lany Sullivan and Susan Finch explore the power of in-person community building for both personal and business growth.
Lany shares her experience with the Art in the Garden event, showcasing how community involvement can open doors to unexpected opportunities and relationships. The duo emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently, being vulnerable, and participating in events and groups aligned with your interests.
This episode will inspire you to focus on "peopling" - connecting with others in your community face-to-face. Lany and Susan offer practical advice on joining local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and the benefits of serving on nonprofit boards.
Discover how building a strong foundation of community relationships can support your personal and professional growth. Learn why showing up authentically and helping others can lead to a thriving, connected business community.
Key points from this episode:
Lany emphasized the importance of showing up in person, building community, and participating as a human with other humans rather than just communicating online. 
Lany got involved in a community event called Art in the Garden to promote her property for weddings and events. She connected with many people in her community through this event. 
Lany and Susan discussed how participating in community activities and helping others allows unexpected conversations and connections. It breaks down walls between people. 
Lany built her community roots by joining the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and serving on seven nonprofit boards when she first moved to Grants Pass. This laid the foundation for strong community relationships. 
Susan encouraged people to find groups and activities aligned with their interests, whether hiking, antiquing, gardening, etc. Showing up consistently builds community. 
Lany advised that when getting involved in community groups, be yourself, show up, and be willing to be vulnerable. Most groups are welcoming to new people. 
Susan challenged listeners to be present, do some "peopling," and focus on in-person connecting rather than just online networking. 

Are you a small business owner unsure about contracts, roles, and expectations with your clients? In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, we dive into the importance of having clear agreements to protect you and your clients. As vendors, we understand the challenges of navigating these relationships and the potential pitfalls of not having a solid foundation. We discuss what clients should expect from you, how to demonstrate your value, and the key elements to include in your contracts. Whether you're a solopreneur or running a small agency, having well-defined contracts and expectations is crucial for a successful business partnership. Join us as we share our experiences and insights on this essential topic and learn how to set yourself and your clients up for a mutually beneficial working relationship.
Here are five key takeaways from this episode:
Find out what a vendor's offboarding process is when you're done working with them, including how long they keep your information and how you will receive your deliverables. (Lany Sullivan)
Delete access credentials and accessibility immediately when a client or vendor relationship ends to protect both parties. (Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan)
Vendor contracts don't need to be lengthy; they should be simple, cover worst-case and best-case scenarios, and be easy for clients to understand. (Susan Finch)
As a vendor, ensure your services and contracts are comprehensive and accessible to make clients feel good about working with you. (Lany Sullivan)
Payment processors like Stripe and PayPal tend to side with clients in disputes, so having clear contracts, signatures, and proof of service is crucial for protecting your business. (Lany Sullivan)

Are you entrusting your business to the right vendors? In this episode of Rooted in Revenue, Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan dive deep into the crucial topic of vetting vendors. From graphic designers to accountants, they share eye-opening insights on what to look for and what to avoid. Discover the importance of securing your intellectual property, protecting your sensitive information, and ensuring your vendors have your back in any situation. Susan and Lany also reveal the shocking truth about the security risks posed by many accounting firms. Don't miss their expert advice on how to find reliable vendors who align with your values and prioritize your business's success. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your company and make informed decisions when choosing the people and tools you rely on. Your business deserves the best - start vetting your vendors like a pro today!
Need help vetting a potential vendor - contact Susan
Top Tips from this episode:
Don't respond to cold call emails or messages from vendors you don't know. Instead, ask for referrals from trusted peers and networks. (Susan)
When considering a vendor, research how long they've been in business, read reviews (especially on Reddit and Quora), and ask for testimonials from their clients. (Lany)
Request all file formats and a complete brand package from your graphic designer, including vector files, fonts, and color codes. (Susan)
Ensure that you have the rights to use the fonts in your logo and that you own all the designs created for your business. (Susan)
Have a contract in place stating that any work created by contractors for your business is your intellectual property. (Lany)
Ask your accountant or CPA about their security measures, including secure portals, communication methods, and record retention policies. (Lany)
Choose vendors who have a backup plan and can recommend trusted professionals to take over their tasks if something happens to them. (Susan)
Align yourself with vendors who have strong relationships with strategic partners and genuinely care about your business's success. (Susan)

Are your business's internal controls and security measures up to par? In this final episode of our 6-part series, Lany Sullivan and Susan Finch dive deep into the importance of protecting your clients' information and your own liability. They expose common pitfalls like using sticky notes for passwords or entrusting cash transactions to a single person. Lany and Susan emphasize the critical need for secure password management, digital money trails, and multi-person verification processes. They urge listeners to examine their business infrastructure for potential risks and take responsibility for addressing them. While the process may seem daunting, our hosts reassure you that it's well worth the effort in the long run. Whether you need Lany's expertise in setting up foolproof procedures or Susan's guidance in optimizing what you already have, this episode will leave you motivated to tackle those security challenges head-on.
Catch the full series here:
Prioritize for Profitability: Establishing Foundational Systems for Business Growth
Mastering Growth: 4 Signs You Need a Business Asssessment
Love, Hate, Delegate: Transforming Your Business Through Delegation
Visionaries & Integrators: Navigating the Generalist vs. Specialist Hiring Maze
Building a Sustainable Tech Stack - Do you still use it?

Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan dive into the crucial decision of hiring generalists or specialists for your business in this insightful episode of Rooted in Revenue. They discuss the roles of virtual assistants (VAs), online business managers (OBMs), and the importance of finding the right fit for your team. Lany emphasizes the significance of hiring based on your specific needs and goals, rather than defaulting to a VA. The duo also touches on the value of fostering a supportive and empowering work environment where team members feel comfortable questioning decisions and suggesting improvements. Tune in for valuable tips on building a team that aligns with your vision and propels your business forward.
Free Chaos to Process Guide from Lany

Are you drowning in tasks and struggling to let go of control in your business? In this third episode of the Rooted in Revenue series, Lany Sullivan and Susan Finch dive into the power of delegation and how it can lead to more time and freedom. They discuss the importance of identifying tasks you love and hate, and provide practical strategies for delegating at all levels of your organization. From overcoming the fear and vulnerability of delegating to developing trust with your team, Lany and Susan share insights on how to break free from the self-induced chaos of trying to do it all yourself. They also emphasize the importance of effective communication and empowering your team members in the delegation process. Tune in to learn how implementing "Love, Hate, Delegate" can transform your business and unlock your path to greater freedom and success.
Love, Hate, Delegate Workbook from Lany

Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan are plunging into the inky black to tackle the four crucial moments when conducting a business assessment, which is an absolute must. They'll help you identify the signs that your business is ready for a thorough evaluation, and trust us, ignoring these red flags could lead to a total "blowup" down the line – and nobody wants that!
Lany shares her expert insights on navigating the challenges of rapid growth, delegating effectively, optimizing your tech stack, and building an ideal team with high efficiency and retention. Whether you're a visionary leader or a detail-oriented executive, this episode is oozing with actionable advice to help you achieve sustainable success. Are you ready to assess, optimize, and take your business to new possibilities of scale and growth?
Some key points you may want to jump to:
00:00:00 Introduction: The importance of conducting a business assessment00:00:30 Four key areas that indicate when to do a business assessment00:01:00 Point 1: Navigating explosive growth and maintaining infrastructure00:04:30 Point 2: CEO holding all knowledge and not delegating effectively00:12:30 Point 3: Outdated systems and broken tech stack00:24:00 Point 4: Preparing to hire new team members00:25:00 Conducting Lany's system of "Love, Hate, Delegate" exercise to identify hiring needs00:27:00 Documenting processes and creating a detailed scope of work00:28:30 Developing an onboarding process and setting expectations for new hires00:30:00 The importance of taking the time to document and train properly
If you want to see this episode, it's on the Funnel Media Group channel here: https://youtu.be/V_UWOh43inM