Chip Schweiger

Most people can’t stand the sound of their own voice.

I used to be that guy, too. I thought mine was too high-pitched and a bit nasally.

Honestly, though? I’ve learned to love it.

Because behind every podcast episode I record, there’s a story worth sharing.

On my business podcast, Things Entrepreneurs Should Know, I break down the numbers, untangle finance, and help other entrepreneurs become better business owners.

On my personal podcast, Way Out West, I get to shine a light on the legends and lessons from the American West. The real stories that built the spirit of the West.

I believe sharing what you learn (and where you come from) helps lift others up, whether it’s business strategy or just a good ol' cowboy tale.

If even one idea inspires someone to take action or gives them a few moments of entertainment, it’s all worth it to me.

If you've ever thought about doing a podcast, you should definitely try it. Just hit record, even if it feels uncomfortable. You never know who needs to hear your story!

“This industry is crappy and it’s too hard to make money in it!”

That’s what a business owner told me recently. True story.

And you know what? He’s dead wrong.

It’s not the industry.
It’s not the economy.
It’s not the competition.

It’s a lack of strategy. And the same ol’ “do-the-same-thing-expect-different-results” tactics.

I’ve seen business owners in so-called “tough” industries crush it. Year after year, they’re growing. Year after year, they’re challenging themselves to be better.

They have the right plan, the right numbers (hint, because they know their numbers), and the right advisors in their corner. They don’t let themselves get bogged down in endless decision-making. If they try something that doesn’t work, they pivot. And they do it quickly.

Here’s the tough love: If you’re struggling to make money, it’s time to stop blaming the market and start looking at your approach.

Profitability isn’t a pipe dream. It is, however, the result of accelerated decision-making, relentless ex*****on, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. And, by that, I mean your own status quo.

You don’t need a new industry. You need a new strategy.

You need big company tactics tailored to your small business. And you need to execute them with fierce determination. Relentlessly.

You can trust me on this one, if just one other someone out there is making money in your industry, you can too.

The question is, will you?

Next month, I’ll hit 32 years in public accounting—plus 7 years in the military before that. (Go ahead, do the math. I’ll wait.)

While you’re at it, here are three things my older self would tell my younger self:

1️⃣ Never leave a good job just to take another job in the same industry. If you’re itching for change, don’t fool yourself—a new title at a different outfit won’t fix what’s broken.

Only you can do that. I let myself get recruited away from a firm I truly enjoyed, chasing what looked like a bright, shiny opportunity. Good on paper, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.

That decision still sticks with me. I’m not big on regrets, but if I could have one back, it’d be that one.

So if you’re going to make a move, make it a real leap. Do something different—or better yet, go to work for yourself. Swapping seats in the same game just gives you a new set of headaches and the same old problems. Chasing the same thing in a different building rarely changes your life.

2️⃣ Never let anyone tell you what’s best for you. Ever. There’s always a line of people ready to offer advice or push you toward their idea of success.

Smile, nod, and then do what you know is right for you.

Most folks are selling you what benefits them, not you. That’s just how it goes. At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to look in the mirror. Trust your gut, trust your instincts, and don’t apologize for putting yourself first.

3️⃣ Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. That’s a fairy tale. There’s always going to be a reason to wait—the market, your confidence, one more credential, the stars not being aligned.

Here’s the truth: the stars never align.

The only difference between people who build something and people who wish they had is the guts to act before everything feels safe. Regret doesn’t come from trying and failing. It comes from waiting and wondering “what if.”

After nearly four decades in the trenches—literally and figuratively—these aren’t just lessons. They’re the hard-won truths that finally pushed me to build something of my own. If you’re stuck in neutral, take it from this old cowboy: make the move, trust yourself, and don’t wait for permission.

I’ve read ahead and trust me, you got this!