<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Mendy Applegate]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mendy Applegate]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 10:59:30 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.mendyapplegate.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[It's Officially Back-to-Business Season! Before You Plan Q4, Get Your Business Report Card]]></title><description><![CDATA[August always feels like a reset. The kids are heading back to school. Summer vacations are wrapping up. Schedules are changing. Routines are coming back. And after a few months of trying to run a business while also juggling vacations, kids, camps, travel, weird schedules, and approximately 47 other things at once, life starts settling back into something that resembles normal. Which makes this the PERFECT time to ask: How protected is your business? (and i'm not talking about insurance)....]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/it-s-officially-back-to-business-season-before-you-plan-q4-get-your-business-report-card</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee38e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:18:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_f00eb8d79ae64516b9326e6f8b642439~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Freedom Starts with a Strong Business Foundation: Your Mid-Year Business Check-In]]></title><description><![CDATA[When most people think about the Fourth of July, they think about fireworks, cookouts, and spending time with family and friends. While those traditions are certainly worth celebrating, Independence Day is also a great reminder to think about another type of freedom—the freedom that comes from owning a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses with dreams of flexibility, financial independence, and creating something meaningful. They...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/freedom-starts-with-a-strong-business-foundation-your-mid-year-business-check-in</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338b5baa5c15e8aee384</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:40:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_0e8fc92d3ae44f6fa49d906f6f807313~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Simplify Your Business This Summer: Why Structure Creates Freedom]]></title><description><![CDATA[\Summer has a funny way of exposing every weakness in a business. The kids are out of school. Vacations start popping up on the calendar. Clients are taking trips, employees are requesting time off, and suddenly the systems you've been meaning to organize for months are being put to the test. What worked when things were quiet starts feeling clunky. What felt manageable in the spring begins to feel overwhelming. The sticky notes, mental reminders, spreadsheets, and scattered documents that...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/simplify-your-business-this-summer-why-structure-creates-freedom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee38d</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:12:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_8a0c82d892ca4a21ae4c63801d678431~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[May Momentum: Why You Can’t Afford to Coast Into Summer]]></title><description><![CDATA[May sits in a strange spot in the business calendar. It’s not the fresh start energy of January, and it’s not the urgency of Q4. It’s the in-between—where momentum either builds quietly or starts slipping without you noticing. For a lot of business owners, this is where things start to drift. On the surface, everything looks fine. You’re still working, still serving clients, still bringing in revenue. But behind the scenes, small cracks begin to form. Finances fall a little behind. Systems...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/may-momentum-why-you-can-t-afford-to-coast-into-summer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338b5baa5c15e8aee383</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 16:42:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_33b390ab97bd4d7f8070bd13d86cddcc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Reset for Your Business: How to Clean Up Your Systems, Increase Clarity, and Grow Smarter This Season]]></title><description><![CDATA[As spring arrives, everything around us starts to shift. The weather warms up, flowers begin to bloom, and people naturally feel the urge to clean, organize, and reset their environment. But while many focus on decluttering their homes or refreshing their routines, one area often gets overlooked—your business. If you’re feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck in inconsistent results, it might not be a motivation problem. More often than not, it’s a structure problem. Spring is the perfect...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/spring-reset-for-your-business-how-to-clean-up-your-systems-increase-clarity-and-grow-smarter-thi-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930fd</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:51:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_17bc51a28b324302a6421c186e86c69a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Reset for Your Business: How to Clean Up Your Systems, Increase Clarity, and Grow Smarter This Season]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck in inconsistent results, it might not be a motivation problem. More often than not, it’s a structure problem. Spring is the perfect time to step back, evaluate what’s working, and intentionally reset the foundation of your business so it can support real growth.]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/spring-reset-for-your-business-how-to-clean-up-your-systems-increase-clarity-and-grow-smarter-thi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee38c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_0bd0036a7a8a48c99dd22e34fa8100ca~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Luck Isn’t a Business Strategy: Finding The Gold &#38; Building A Sustainable Small Business]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every March, we see the same theme everywhere: four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, lucky charms, and the idea that somehow, success just “happens” to the fortunate few. It’s playful and fun, and in business, it’s completely misleading. If you’ve ever looked at another small business owner and thought, “Wow, they’re so lucky,” this is your friendly but firm reminder that luck is not a business strategy. Sustainable growth, strong financial management, solid systems, and intentional leadership are...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/luck-isn-t-a-business-strategy-finding-the-gold-building-a-sustainable-small-business-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930fc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:03:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_703aac948ac84055a46cf50765ec0137~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Luck Isn’t a Business Strategy: Finding The Gold &#38; Building A Sustainable Small Business]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every March, we see the same theme everywhere: four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, lucky charms, and the idea that somehow, success just “happens” to the fortunate few. It’s playful and fun, and in business, it’s completely misleading. If you’ve ever looked at another small business owner and thought, “Wow, they’re so lucky,” this is your friendly but firm reminder that luck is not a business strategy. ]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/luck-isn-t-a-business-strategy-finding-the-gold-building-a-sustainable-small-business</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee38b</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_cacdb08f02984e99a47172594bf36c1f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fall in Love With Your Business Again ]]></title><description><![CDATA[February is the month of love… and while everyone else is focused on flowers and dinner reservations, business owners are quietly Googling things like: “Why am I burnt out already?” “How do I get more clients this year?” “Do I need an LLC or S-Corp?” “Why does my business feel harder than it should?” “How do I get organized?” Romantic? No.Honest? Absolutely. So let’s talk about falling back in love with your business . ❤️ Love Isn’t Just Passion: It’s Support When you first started your...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/fall-in-love-with-your-business-again-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930fb</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:47:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_f6dbed2ce60741f09d2632f96b6a695e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fall in Love With Your Business Again ]]></title><description><![CDATA[February is the month of love… and while everyone else is focused on flowers and dinner reservations, business owners are quietly Googling things like:





“Why am I burnt out already?”



“How do I get more clients this year?”



“Do I need an LLC or S-Corp?”



“Why does my business feel harder than it should?”



“How do I get organized?”

Romantic? No.Honest? Absolutely.

So let’s talk about falling back in love with your business.]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/fall-in-love-with-your-business-again</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee38a</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_dd44dcf058534131b4d6de55d8cb7b41~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The January Business Reset Checklist Every Small Business Owner Needs]]></title><description><![CDATA[If last year felt chaotic, reactive, or like you were constantly playing catch-up....you didn’t fail. You were just trying to build a business without the systems that support it. But the good news is that it’s a fixable problem. Below I have outlined the exact January Business Reset Checklist I walk through with clients every single year. It’s not flashy, but it works. Bookmark it, save it, and do it.]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/the-january-business-reset-checklist-every-small-business-owner-needs-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930fa</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:48:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_95c71bc26f4e4bb9bc1ecb1cfeb61eb9~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ The January Business Reset Checklist Every Small Business Owner Needs]]></title><description><![CDATA[January isn’t the month to wing it and hope for the best. It’s the month to slow down just enough to clean things up, get honest about what actually happened last year, and set your business up to make real money this year and not just stay busy.



If last year felt chaotic, reactive, or like you were constantly playing catch-up....you didn’t fail. You were just trying to build a business without the systems that support it. But the good news is that it’s a fixable problem. ]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/the-january-business-reset-checklist-every-small-business-owner-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee389</guid><pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_0aade1f3e03f46ab80c9128fee7f64d2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Before You Close 2025… Let’s Talk Taxes &#38; Bookkeeping]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tax season actually starts now.
December is the calm before the storm. Which makes it the perfect time to do a quick year-end money review so you’re not panicking over missing receipts and messy books in March.]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/before-you-close-2025-let-s-talk-taxes-bookkeeping-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930f9</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:49:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_44d524e21ebb401eb8121c8ffb73154e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Before You Close 2025… Let’s Talk Taxes &#38; Bookkeeping]]></title><description><![CDATA[Before You Close 2025… Let’s Talk Taxes &#38; Bookkeeping

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll deal with taxes after the holidays,” this is your friendly nudge from reality (and me): tax season actually starts now.

December is the calm before the storm. Which makes it the perfect time to do a quick year-end money review so you’re not panicking over missing receipts and messy books in March.]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/before-you-close-2025-let-s-talk-taxes-bookkeeping</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee388</guid><pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:06:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_fbee7b233015493d80475f66106099d6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Essential Small Business Startup Guide: Planning, Marketing, and Building a Strong Foundation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Starting a small business is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming journeys you can take. Whether you’re chasing a dream, filling a gap in your community, or building a side hustle into something sustainable, the truth is the same: success doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s built with intention, planning, and a willingness to adapt along the way.

This guide walks you through the most important steps of building a strong small business. ]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/the-essential-small-business-startup-guide-planning-marketing-and-building-a-strong-foundation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae0338c5baa5c15e8aee387</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_8f0f478299e2443fa0237be6f3dc8f10~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Mendy Applegate</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Essential Small Business Startup Guide: Planning, Marketing, and Building a Strong Foundation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Business foundations and business development for entrepreneurs &#38; small businesses under $1mil/yr Starting a small business is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming journeys you can take. Whether you’re chasing a dream, filling a gap in your community, or building a side hustle into something sustainable, the truth is the same: success doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s built with intention, planning, and a willingness to adapt along the way. This guide walks you through the...]]></description><link>https://www.mendyapplegate.com/post/the-essential-small-business-startup-guide-planning-marketing-and-building-a-strong-foundation-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ae033bd3b1d7309ffa930f8</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:59:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b6ec9_f6a5472ce2c74ad0966b0b73566ffbeb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>mendy09</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>