Three Lessons in Three Years: What Building Interlink CFO Taught Me

Three years ago, I stepped away from the corporate world and officially launched Interlink CFO.

I founded Interlink CFO with a clear goal: to help business owners gain absolute clarity around their finances, enabling them to stop guessing and start growing with confidence.

What I didn’t realize was how much I would grow in the process.

From learning how to build authentic connections to drawing financial boundaries and juggling the roles of business owner, mother, and daughter, I’ve accumulated nuggets of wisdom along the way.

Here are three valuable lessons I have learned over the past three years of operating Interlink CFO.

Your Network Is More Than A Referral

I began my business thinking that success would come from a shiny website and a solid service list. What made the difference, however, was the quality of the relationships.

Not just networking in a traditional sense, but meaningful, authentic connections.

Whether I was attending a Chamber event, connecting at a networking event, or hopping on a Discovery call, the most valuable thing I’ve done for my business is show up as myself and build genuine rapport.

Let’s face it, business owners don’t hire a CFO because they need help with numbers only. They hire someone they trust to help them make big, often emotional decisions about the future of their business.

You will build trust by:

• Listening more than talking.

• Following up with intention, not obligation.

• Showing up consistently, even when you’re not making a sale.

I have learned that networking isn’t just a pipeline for leads; it is your support system, sounding board, and sometimes your biggest cheerleader when you hit those rough patches.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating a community.

You Need A Process For Payments

One of the most uncomfortable realities for a small business to discuss is not getting paid.

In the corporate world, there are departments for that. In the entrepreneurial world, it is you and a QuickBooks notification.

Chasing payments or letting invoices linger isn’t just inconvenient, it is unsustainable.

Here are some tips I’ve learned over the past three years:

• Every engagement starts with a contract. It outlines deliverables, timelines, and payment terms with explicit language.
  

• Invoicing is automated and scheduled. I use tools that send reminders and facilitate easy payment acceptance. The fewer barriers, the better.
  

• Enforce late fees and document communication. A friendly nudge works most of the time. When it doesn’t, I’m prepared to go further.
  

• Collections are a last resort, but an available option. Don’t feel bad about holding clients accountable to the agreement they signed.

It isn’t about being inflexible. It’s about protecting your time, energy, and the health of your business. 

Boundaries don’t push people away; they attract the right people.

Clients who respect your process are the ones who will also appreciate your time, your talent, and your value.

Don’t Forget To Take Off Some Of Your Hats Occasionally

When you run a business, it's easy to think you have to be everything to everyone: the CEO, the accountant, the admin, the marketing team, the family calendar keeper, the after-school chauffeur, and the emergency tech support for your aging parents.

As a member of the “sandwich generation,” I have raised two sons while also supporting parents and trying to stay grounded in between.

The past three years have taught me the truth:

If you don’t actively protect your bandwidth, you will run on empty before you even realize it.

You can manage work-life balance without compromising your goals:

• Block time for life. School events, doctor’s appointments, and personal downtime need to fit on the calendar along with booking client calls.
  

• Delegate and outsource for your business and home. You don’t need to DIY everything. And you don’t get a trophy for burnout.
  

• Redefine productivity. It isn’t about cramming more into your day. It is about doing the right things with the energy you have that day.

On the days when juggling feels especially real, remind yourself that grace is part of the business plan. Balance isn’t a perfect split. It is knowing what matters most today, and making peace with the rest.

Growth Is A Mindset, Not Just A Metric

If you had told me three years ago that I’d be running a successful business, speaking at events, building strong client partnerships, and helping entrepreneurs feel confident with their numbers, I WOULD have believed you.

What I would have underestimated was the amount of personal growth it would take to get there.

I’m proud of what Interlink CFO has become. I’m proud to serve the clients I work with. And I’m grateful for every lesson, messy or magical, over these past three years.

To those of you building your own business, navigating family life, or trying to juggle all the hats, I see you. Keep going. You’re learning the lessons that will shape not only your business, but your legacy.

Would you like to build a more profitable and sustainable business with greater peace of mind? Let’s connect. Schedule a Discovery Call and let’s talk strategy, support, and your next smart move.