Ep. 147- Switzerland Structure

In this episode of Profit First Nation, Danielle discusses the importance of the "Switzerland Structure" in your business.  The Switzerland Structure is about avoiding over-dependence on a single customer, employee, or vendor to ensure the long-term success and profitability of your business.  Danielle emphasizes the need for diversification, customer value analysis, employee cross-training, and vendor audits.   IN THIS EPISODE: [00:27] Introduction to the podcast and the topic of the "Switzerland Structure." [02:38] Explanation of why it's crucial not to be overly dependent on one customer, employee, or vendor. [08:14] The Pareto Principle applied to customer diversification. [12:04] Avoiding over-dependence on a single employee by cross-training and ensuring no one is a linchpin. [17:57] Conducting a vendor audit to prevent over-reliance on one supplier and keeping incentives in check. [21:54] Encouragement to submit questions and information on how to connect with certified Profit First professionals.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Don't rely too heavily on one customer. Diversify your customer base to ensure steady income and reduce risk. Prevent over-dependence on a single employee by cross-training your team, ensuring others can cover their responsibilities. Regularly review your vendor relationships and consider incentives carefully to maintain a healthy balance between quality and cost.   ABOUT THE HOSTS:   Danielle Mulvey is a former flight attendant-turned-entrepreneur and owns multiple businesses doing $50 million in annual revenue. She is one of the exclusive, select group of Mastery-Certified Profit First Professionals worldwide and the go-to “HOW TO IMPLEMENT” workshop facilitator for Profit First and WSJ Journal best-selling author Mike Michalowicz following his keynote speeches. Danielle is currently running multiple businesses, from start-ups to mature businesses with 10-year plus track records and revenues ranging from $1M to $40 million in annual revenues and is a certified numbers geek about Profit First, leveraging the DIY cash management system for small business to achieve maximum profitability. She can personally guide business owners to achieve maximum profitability based on her 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur who has been there and done that.   Additionally, Danielle authored the book The Rapid Read™ Guide to The 5-Star Employee Rating System™ and is currently collaborating with Wall Street Journal best-selling author Mike Michalowicz on his new book, to be released in Q1 2024, titled ALL IN: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams. Mike Michalowicz is an entrepreneur and New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, SURGE, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Clockwork, Fix This Next and Get Different. BusinessWeek called Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, a business cult classic. His books have been translated into ten languages, and Mike has had the privilege to speak on stages worldwide because of his passion for connecting with entrepreneurs.   As the founder of Profit First Professionals, he empowers accountants, bookkeepers, and business coaches with the tools and techniques to maximize client profitability, allowing them to uplevel from being one of the 83% of small businesses operating check-to-check and struggling to be profitable to becoming one of the 17% of thriving and highly valuable businesses with cash in the bank to correlate to profitability. Mike also co-founded the business growth consultancy Provendus Group and has successfully founded, built, and sold two technology service-based companies. He is passionate about sharing his experiences and advice with entrepreneurs and sits on formal and informal advisory boards while maintaining relationships with angel and early-stage investors. RESOURCES: Danielle Mulvey - Website https://www.daniellemulvey.com/ Danielle Mulvey - Linkedin http://linkedin.com/in/danielle-mulvey-66a315 The All In Company - Website http://theallincompany.com Profit First Nation - Website http://profitfirstnation.com   Mike Michalowicz - Website http://mikemichalowicz.com Mike Michalowicz - Linkedin http://linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz Mike Michalowicz - Twitter http://mikemichalowicz Profit First Professionals - Website http://profitfirstprofessionals.com Mike Michalowicz - Books http://mikemichalowicz.com/books/