Welcome back to "It's the Bottom Line that Matters"—the podcast dedicated to guiding you toward smarter business decisions and greater success. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Glass, Daniel McCraine, and Patricia Reszetylo pick up where they left off in their previous conversation about events, shifting the focus from attending to hosting. The central question: should you charge for your events, or keep them free?

Drawing from their own experiences running webinars, masterclasses, and seminars, the hosts explore the advantages and drawbacks of both models. You'll hear practical stories about attendance rates, lead generation challenges, and even inventive fee structures—like refundable seat deposits or hybrid approaches—that encourage genuine engagement and weed out the tire-kickers. Patricia reflects on her early teleseminar days and evolving strategies, while Daniel weighs in on maximizing value and attendee quality. Jennifer shares a recent example where event fees doubled as charitable donations, highlighting how creativity in pricing can also have a positive impact.

Beyond the mechanics, the hosts dig into the psychology of event attendance, the importance of “skin in the game,” and tactical communication—everything from reminders to persuasive copy—that boosts participation. Whether you’re planning your next online gathering or a major in-person workshop, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you decide which approach best serves your goals and audience.

Settle in and join the conversation, as “It’s the Bottom Line that Matters” helps you navigate the critical decision: will your next event be free, paid, or something in between?

Keywords: paid events, free events, webinars, lead generation, event registration, attendee engagement, follow-up strategy, monetization, fundraising events, masterclass, accountability group, JV partnerships, event planning, email reminders, attendee quality, marketing strategy, sales conversation, skin in the game, refund incentives, event fees, hybrid events, Chamber of Commerce, sales training, event copywriting, indoctrination sequence, calendar invites, event attendance, event goals, tire kickers, online platforms

In this uplifting New Year’s episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," Jennifer Glass, Daniel McCraine, and Patricia Reszetylo engage in a thoughtful conversation about closing out 2025 and making the most of the opportunities that 2026 brings. Together, they encourage listeners to view the turning of the calendar as 365 new pages for both personal and professional growth. Jennifer Glass shares her mission to support 10 million businesses by 2040, highlighting the critical role small businesses play in job creation and the broader economy, while also discussing her ongoing philanthropic work with nonprofits like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Each of the hosts contribute their own perspectives, with Daniel McCraine excited about business expansion and upcoming family travels, and Patricia Reszetylo focused on launching a real estate project and navigating the challenges of fundraising. The group discusses the value of setting more frequent, manageable goals—such as monthly targets—instead of relying solely on annual resolutions. As part of "Good Riddance Day," each speaker also shares what they’re letting go of as the year wraps up: whether it’s tedious work, unhelpful habits, or the pervasive negativity from election cycles. The episode closes with well wishes for a prosperous 2026 and a reminder to approach the new year with optimism, strategic planning, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in both business and the wider community.KEYWORDS: holidays, success, goals, annual goals, monthly goals, goal setting, strategic planning, business expansion, travel, high school graduations, family reunion, vacation, real estate project, fundraising, small business growth, mission, nonprofit organizations, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, supporting children, making a difference, small business community, job creation, good riddance day, chopping block, deadlines, working strategically, planning, negativity, election cycles, primary ads, loyal listeners
Here are 3 key takeaways from this special New Year's episode:

• Set Monthly Goals, Not Just Yearly Ones: Jennifer Glass encourages breaking your goals into smaller, manageable chunks to allow easier pivoting and real-time adjustments throughout the year.

• Let Go to Grow: Both Patricia Reszetylo and Daniel McCraine discuss the importance of letting go of tedious tasks and ineffective strategies to focus on what matters most—whether that’s working smarter, expanding your business, or simply being more strategic.

• Impact Beyond Business: Supporting non-profit initiatives and contributing to causes you care about, as Jennifer Glass does with St. Jude's Children's Hospital, enriches both the business community and your personal sense of purpose.

Wishing you a wonderful 2026 filled with growth, fulfillment, and success!
What are you looking forward to letting go of—or achieving—in the New Year? Let’s inspire each other in the comments. 👇
#NewYearGoals #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #PodcastTakeaways

In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," Jennifer Glass sits down with Daniel McCraine and Patricia Reszetylo to tackle a topic every entrepreneur and professional faces: the value of paid versus free events. The trio explores how the cost of attending—whether it's free or requires investment—impacts both mindset and outcomes for business networking, learning, and growth. They share personal experiences, debate the merits of barrier-to-entry pricing, and discuss how prioritizing time and seeking out the right audience can shape event choices.

Listeners will gain fresh insights on what to consider before committing their time and money to any event. The episode dives deep into the psychology of event attendance, why some people gravitate toward free opportunities, and how VIP upgrades can help you connect with others who are equally driven. Whether you're looking to maximize connections or evaluating which conferences are worth your resources, the conversation encourages professionals to think strategically about where—and with whom—they spend their most valuable asset: time.

Keywords: events, free events, paid events, networking events, business programs, event attendance, time value, money value, resource triangle, partnerships, relationships, speaking engagements, banks, flyer, cost to attend, time commitment, minimum wage, VIP upgrade, networking, education, connections, mindset, evaluating events, audience, barrier to entry, investing, stage host, chamber events, local events, suggested donation, long-term relationships, successHere are 3 key takeaways for anyone deciding which events to attend (or host!):
🔹 Evaluate ROI, Not Just Price: Daniel McCraine shared that whether an event is free or paid, the real question is: What’s the value for YOU? Time and usefulness should be your primary criteria.
🔹 "Free" Isn’t Really Free: Jennifer Glass highlighted that attending any event comes at the cost of your time. Consider whether the attendees and opportunities align with your goals, since people who invest in themselves (even just a small fee) tend to value the experience more.
🔹 Invest for Deeper Connections: Patricia Reszetylo emphasized that she’s willing to pay more—sometimes much more—when she knows the event offers valuable education, connections, and access to other like-minded professionals (hint: always go for the VIP experience if you want to network up!).
Bottom line: Your time and energy are limited—make smart choices about where you invest them.
How do you decide which events make your calendar? Let’s hear your strategy in the comments! 👇
#Networking #BusinessEvents #ProfessionalGrowth #TimeManagement #PodcastTakeaways