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Many entrepreneurs mistake task completion for true business growth—discover the biggest lie holding you back.
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of feeling productive by crossing tasks off their to-do lists—but is that really growing your business? In this eye-opening episode, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith bust through the biggest lie most entrepreneurs tell themselves.
This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.
Key Takeaways- Don’t confuse task completion with business building: Many entrepreneurs spend their time on easy tasks instead of strategic growth activities (00:29-01:32).
- Prepare for the necessary pivot: Being stuck in routines can make it difficult to adapt when your business needs a change (00:45).
- Identify your real product or service: It’s easy to mistake what you sell (e.g., homes) for what you truly provide (e.g., the dream of homeownership) (02:09-03:02).
- The path of least resistance isn’t the best route: Doing what’s comfortable often prevents substantial progress (01:37).
- Growth requires doing the hard things: Embrace the challenging tasks if you want your business to thrive (01:47-01:49).
5 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the biggest lie entrepreneurs tell themselves? - Glenn Harper explains it’s believing they are running a business, when they’re just completing tasks (00:29).
- Why do entrepreneurs get stuck doing easy tasks? - According to Julie Smith, easy tasks are enjoyable and offer the path of least resistance, making them an easy comfort zone (01:37).
- How can being task-focused hurt your business? - It can prevent you from pivoting quickly or prioritizing activities that actually drive growth and revenue (01:47).
- What does it mean to misunderstand your product or service? -Glenn Harper shares that entrepreneurs often think they’re selling a product (like a house) instead of the real value (a dream or lifestyle) (02:09).
- What can help entrepreneurs shift their mindset? - Focus on doing the hard, strategic things and be prepared to pivot—don’t let comfort tasks hold you back from growth (01:49).
Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.
Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.
Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success
Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.
Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year.
An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast.
Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.
Copyright 2026 Glenn Harper
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Brought to you by Harper & Company CPAs Plus
Running a business takes vision, grit… and the right financial partner. At Harper & Company CPAs Plus, we don’t just crunch numbers—we empower entrepreneurs. From proactive tax strategy and accounting to business advisory services, our team helps you keep more of what you earn and scale with confidence. Whether you’re launching, growing, or preparing for exit, Harper & Company is in your corner with expert guidance built for business owners like you. Visit www.harpercpaplus.com to book a complimentary discovery call today - or call us at 614-456-7222.
