Jun 1, 2025
In this essential episode for entrepreneurs at any stage, host Leisa Peterson sits down with business formation expert Cheri Hill, founder of Sage International, who has been helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses for over 30 years.
Cheri shares hard-won wisdom about the critical foundations every business needs—from proper entity selection and asset protection to the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle. With experience helping hundreds of thousands of clients across all 50 states, Cheri offers practical insights that could save you from costly mistakes and set your business up for long-term success.
Key Topics Covered
The Power of Focus and Staying in Your Lane
- Why limiting yourself to 3 annual goals is crucial for business success
- How to resist "shiny object syndrome" and make better decisions
- The importance of mastering one area before expanding
Business Planning Before You Launch
- Why the first thing you need is a customer, not an LLC
- The value of thorough business planning to determine if entrepreneurship is right for you
- How proper planning prevents costly mistakes and failed ventures
Entity Selection and Asset Protection
- When and why to choose LLC vs. S-Corp vs. C-Corp
- The two primary reasons for business formation: asset protection and tax reduction
- Understanding the difference between employee and business owner tax codes
Financial Management and Control
- Cheri's million-dollar lesson about trusting others with your finances
- Why knowing your daily financial position is non-negotiable
- What you can outsource vs. what you must control personally
Ongoing Business Support
- The importance of having proper registered agent services
- How to clean up business structure mistakes
- Planning for business exit strategies from day one
About Cheri Hill
Cheri Hill is the founder of Sage International, a business formation company approaching its 32nd year of operation. She has helped hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs across all 50 states start, maintain, and exit their businesses successfully. Cheri taught business planning through the Nevada Small Business Development Center for 7 years and is a national speaker and bestselling author. She also hosts a weekly radio show featuring business owners and industry experts.
Sage International offers comprehensive business formation services, registered agent services across all 50 states, and ongoing business consultation through their Sage Facilitator program.
Connect with Cheri Hill
Phone: 800-254-5779 (for free 30-minute consultation) Website: sageintl.com Services: Business formation, registered agent services, business consultation, and strategic planning
This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone considering starting a business who wants to understand the critical foundations that separate successful ventures from those that struggle or fail.