Building Your Business Foundation with Cheri Hill

In this essential episode for entrepreneurs at any stage, host Leisa Peterson sits down with business formation expert Cheri Hill, founder of Sage International, who has been helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses for over 30 years.

Cheri shares hard-won wisdom about the critical foundations every business needs—from proper entity selection and asset protection to the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle. With experience helping hundreds of thousands of clients across all 50 states, Cheri offers practical insights that could save you from costly mistakes and set your business up for long-term success.

Key Topics Covered

The Power of Focus and Staying in Your Lane

• Why limiting yourself to 3 annual goals is crucial for business success
• How to resist "shiny object syndrome" and make better decisions
• The importance of mastering one area before expanding

Business Planning Before You Launch

• Why the first thing you need is a customer, not an LLC
• The value of thorough business planning to determine if entrepreneurship is right for you
• How proper planning prevents costly mistakes and failed ventures

Entity Selection and Asset Protection

• When and why to choose LLC vs. S-Corp vs. C-Corp
• The two primary reasons for business formation: asset protection and tax reduction
• Understanding the difference between employee and business owner tax codes

Financial Management and Control

• Cheri's million-dollar lesson about trusting others with your finances
• Why knowing your daily financial position is non-negotiable
• What you can outsource vs. what you must control personally

Ongoing Business Support

• The importance of having proper registered agent services
• How to clean up business structure mistakes
• Planning for business exit strategies from day one

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