3s Smart Consulting by Karen Hairston

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Hi, I’m Karen Hairston—a Business Systems & Profitability Consultant and Cash Flow
Advisor.

I help overwhelmed entrepreneurs and small business owners stop growing broke and build scalable, self-sustaining companies with more control, more profit, and less stress.

For over two decades, I’ve worked with businesses across industries—from Fortune 500s and government agencies to fast-growing tech companies—using a grounded, systems-first approach to eliminate bottlenecks, uncover hidden cash, and build the structure that sustainable growth requires.

I don’t believe in hype, magic bullets, or adding more tools to broken processes. I believe in clarity, consistency, and systems that actually work—even when you’re not in the room.

“Karen was a valued member of our senior management team… a strong and steady voice during our growth and through two acquisitions… Her understanding of both operations and strategy makes her an ideal partner in executive management and strategic consulting.”

— Jim P.

Rule #1

Adopt a Systems-First Mindset

If your first instinct is to work harder or hire more, you’re not alone. Most business owners respond to overwhelm by throwing more hours or people at the problem. But if the underlying structure is shaky, all you’re doing is scaling the chaos. This rule is about shifting your mindset: from doing more to doing differently. A strong, sustainable business isn’t built on heroics—it’s built on clarity, repeatability, and systems that support smart decisions.

Rule #2

Build and Streamline Core Systems First

It's tempting to fix pain points one tool or task at a time, but isolated fixes don’t lead to lasting results. Many businesses grow broke because they scale without a clear operating foundation. This rule is about identifying the most critical systems—often the ones closest to your cash, your clients, or your team—and streamlining those first. When your core systems are solid, everything else gets easier: onboarding, delivery, delegation, even decision-making.

Rule #3

Avoid the Quick-Fix Technology Trap

You’ve tried the new project management tool, the CRM, the dashboard. But a few weeks later, your team is still confused, and the problems persist. Why? Because tools can’t fix what isn’t clear. This rule is about treating technology as a tool, not a solution. When you implement tech on top of broken or unclear processes, you just speed up the dysfunction. Strong systems first—then tech becomes a true accelerator.

Rule #4

Slow Down to Speed Up

In growth mode, everything feels urgent. But when you don’t take time to build the right systems, you pay for it later—in rework, breakdowns, and burnout. This rule is about being strategic, not reactive. Slowing down to design and document your operations is what creates the consistency and control needed to grow without everything depending on you. Sometimes, the fastest path forward starts with a pause.

Rule #5

Supercharge for Sustainability and Impact

Once your systems are running smoothly, that’s when it’s time to optimize and scale. This rule is about moving from survival mode to sustainability—shifting from using band-aid solutions for problems to proactively improving how your business runs. At this stage, technology becomes powerful. Data becomes useful. And your business finally starts to feel like it can grow without you having to personally hold it together. This is how you reclaim your time, your energy, and your freedom.

The Profitable Systems Advantage™

For CEOs ready to scale with structure,
not stress.

This high-touch consulting experience helps you stop growing broke by building profit-focused systems that support your team—and free you up to lead. If you’re done duct-taping operations and want a business that runs without your constant involvement,
this is for you.

Let’s Talk

The Cash Flow Control Advantage™

For CEOs who need to see the numbers clearly—and make smarter decisions fast.

This offer is designed to give you visibility into where your money is really going, uncover hidden cash, and help you align your finances with your long-term goals.
No more guessing.
Just clarity, control, and confidence.

Let’s Talk

“Karen had a clear strategic direction and the ability to mobilize many functions to execute the vision.”

— Karen L.

“Karen is someone you can trust to deliver or over-deliver—and to summon the resources she needs to create a quality outcome.”

— Rick L.

“She is thorough and thoughtful—and can cut through the challenges to get the work done.”

— Bruce U.

Stop Growing Broke, Start Growing Profits

The Book for CEOs Who Are Tired of Growing Revenue—and Still Feeling Broke

Get practical, proven strategies to take control of your cash flow, your systems, and your sanity.

Join the Waitlist

Profit-Driven Systems.
More Control. Less Chaos.

Reclaim your time, your team, and your profitability.

Profit-Driven Systems.
More Control. Less Chaos.

Reclaim your time, your team, and your profitability.

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You’re not doing it wrong.

You’re just doing it alone.