From Divorce & Health Struggles to Building a 12 Person Bookkeeping Firm, Sharon Francisco Reinvents Herself as a Global Coach – Helping Bookkeepers Win Clients, Gain Confidence & Create True Financial Freedom. (Episode 717 - Sharon Francisco)

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?

According to Sharon Francisco, the hardest thing in growing a small business is not overthinking and trying to get everything perfect. She believes many owners get stuck in second-guessing, when the real key is to take action and keep moving forward.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

Sharon Francisco’s favorite business book that has helped her the most is “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. She values it because it teaches the importance of narrowing focus, avoiding distractions, and going deep into one area to get real results.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Sharon Francisco believes that one of the best ways to grow as a small business owner is through continuous learning, especially from books and structured programs. She personally prefers reading and listening to Audible, as she values the ability to access decades of someone’s experience in just a few hours. Sharon has invested heavily in online business programs such as Thought Leaders Business School, Key Person of Influence, and Taki Moore’s Black Belt, along with Tina Tower’s Her Empire Builder. While she doesn’t listen to many podcasts herself, she emphasizes that books and high-quality programs can transform your business mindset and skills. Her advice: keep investing in your personal and professional development – it pays off many times over.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

According to Sharon Francisco, the most valuable “tool” for growing a small business is outsourcing. She recommends not wasting time trying to master tasks you’re not good at, but instead focusing on your strengths and hiring experts for the rest. For example, she outsources her social media management for about $2,200 a month, which allows her to stay focused on coaching and client work. Sharon believes this mindset shift—treating outsourcing as a growth tool—helps business owners scale faster, avoid burnout, and concentrate on the areas where they add the most value.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

Sharon Francisco says that if she could give herself advice on day one of starting out in business, it would be to borrow the money to get a mentor and follow their guidance 100%. She believes investing in the right mentor early on saves years of trial and error, builds confidence faster, and provides the structure needed to grow with less stress.