Building A Storybrand With Donald Miller | Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen

What would you do if your boss gave you the opportunity to buy the company? It's a huge decision, and hard to know where to even begin evaluating if it's a good investment for you. Today's episode will give you the key questions to ask and things to look out for so you enter negotiations confident and prepared.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Ray Martindale, a video producer who was recently offered the option to buy the company where he works. But having never owned a company, Ray wants to be positive he's making the right decision.   If you've ever been offered to buy a company you didn't start or are even thinking about starting your own company, today's episode will set you up for success.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR ON-DEMAND COURSES: BusinessMadeSimple.com   FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com  

As a consultant, customers are paying for your expertise. The problem is how can you scale if your business model limits your services to one-on-one interactions? You could charge more but that's only a temporary fix. What's the long term approach you should take?   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Alexis Alvarez, CEO of Burst Event Company. Alexis hopes to grow her wedding planning business by offering customers more one-on-one options but is nervous about the overhead that comes with bringing on more event planners. She also doesn't want to self-sabotaging her big ticket services by offering ones at a lower price. If your business is centered around consulting, today's conversation will provide the steps you need to get back your time, scale the right way and increase revenue!   Learn more about Burst Event Company at BurstWeddings.com.    --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR

You've heard us say it over and over again: your marketing should invite your customers into a story where they are the hero. And this means focusing on their story instead of telling your own. But we're going to let you in on a secret today. There actually is there a way you can tell your brand's story. You just have to make it all about your customer and solving their problem.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Eddie Zingleman, owner and furniture maker at Tennessee Woodworks. Don coaches Eddie through how he can utilize his unique story to grow his business, all while playing the guide and not the hero, even in his story.   If you are struggling to figure out how you can incorporate your story into your marketing and messaging without playing the hero, today's conversation will show you how.   Check out Eddie Zingleman's amazing work at TennesseeWoodworks.com.    --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    TAKE OUR ON-DEMAND COURSES TO

When it comes to growing your business, it's easy to fill up a list with potential great ideas. What's hard is deciding which ones to implement and when, especially if you only have the time and money to go with one.   In this episode, Donald Miller walks Jeff Stoner, co-owner of My Mickey Vacation Travel, through the decision-making process of choosing the next strategic initiative for his business. Don also coaches Jeff on how to "market for the moment," shifting resources and taking advantage of key points in time in your industry where you can more easily boost your lead numbers.   If you're running a business and aren't sure what your next big project should be, this episode is for you.   Explore the vacation services Jeff and his team have to offer at MyMickeyVacation.com.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com   TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BU

One of the questions we get asked the most at Business Made Simple is "Can you apply these frameworks to help grow nonprofits?" The simple answer: YES! And in today's episode, Donald Miller will show you how as he coaches Breanna Owen of Beza Threads, a nonprofit selling handcrafted leather goods to fight human trafficking around the world.   If you're tired of hitting a wall when it comes to growing your nonprofit and engaging with more active donors, today's conversation will show you the best way forward.    Go to BezaThreads.org and use promo code BMS15 for 15% off your next purchase.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com   TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com   FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Starting and growing a business can't happen in a vacuum. You need supporting players to help foster your dream into a reality. But what happens when the people you brought on to grow your company decide they want to leave? Even more importantly, how can you manage their exit so it's smooth and constructive?   This scenario is very familiar in the walls of Business Made Simple as Don talks with Tim Schurrer, former Business Made Simple COO and author of The Secret Society of Success. Don and Tim discuss how they both worked through Tim's exit and how to create an environment that fosters positive, healthy exits in your business. They also discuss Tim's venture into building a personal platform and his new view on success. If you've never been sure how to constructively manage employees departures, listen in to today's conversation.   Order The Secret Society of Success at BuildAWinningTeam.com.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINE

Your website is the front door to your business, and you only have a few seconds to win over a customer before they either engage with your brand or move on. That's why it's crucial that your website is clear and simply explains how you will help your potential customer solve a problem to make their life better.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Sam, a retired law enforcement officer starting up a personal protection agency. Don helps Sam craft his brand and message so it is completely clear to any future customers. If you are too close to your message or don't quite know how to talk about what you do so people get excited to buy your products, you're going to love today's coaching conversation.   Learn more about Sam's business at TheAVWay.com.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com   TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS

As a business owner, starting a business from nothing can feel like solving an impossible mystery. But with the right frameworks and insight you can remove that mystery to create a business not only survives, but thrives. Today we've brought on special guest and online marketing expert Amy Porterfield, host of the Online Marketing Made Easy Podcast, to compare notes with Donald Miller around how they built their businesses narrowing down the seven steps you should take to start and grow a strong and successful business from the ground up.   Find out more about Amy Porterfield and listen to the Online Marketing Made Easy Podcast at AmyPorterfield.com. --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com   TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com   FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Many artists don't believe they're competent at business or feel thinking about their art as a business might cheapen it. But whether you're an author, painter, musician or produce any other type of creative work, without steady cash flow, it's nearly impossible to get your work in front of the world. It's only when you think of your art as a product you sell that you can truly market and get in front of the right audience.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Raj Lulla, an up-and-coming novelist trying to figure out how to best market and sell his upcoming book. If you are an artist, want to become an artist, or know of an artist struggling to get their name out there and create art for a living, you're going to love today's coaching conversation.   Find out more about Raj Lulla and his upcoming book The Caring House at RajLulla.com.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: Certi

You started your business to follow your passion, to fill a need or even to accomplish a mission. But exactly how can you inspire customers to buy into that mission and buy your products?    In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Tara Hurster, founder of the TARA Clinic in Sydney, Australia. Her mission is providing busy and successful people help as they try to regain control over substance use and addiction, all while leaving guilt and shame behind. Don coaches Tara on exactly where she should clarify her marketing efforts and what immediate products she needs to offer so her mission is positioned to call customers to action allowing her to fuel her business with cash.   If your business is like an airplane, this episode is all about the right engine (your marketing and messaging) and your wings (your products). If your business is fueled by a mission to change the world, today's conversation will show you how to use that mission to fly far and fast.   Learn more about the TARA Clinic at

As a leader it's easy to feel the pressure of needing to make every decision. It's also easy to fall into the trap of dismissing other people's ideas thinking your way is best. In fact, leaders who lead by force not only erode confidence within their company but can ultimately push it to failure. So how can you lead with authority while still being inclusive and open-minded?   In this episode, Donald Miller talks with David Novak, founder and CEO of David Novak Leadership and co-author of Take Charge of You. David is also the co-founder and retired CEO of Yum! Brands, one of the world’s largest restaurant companies including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Throughout the conversation, David shares his incredible insight coaching you how to identify if you're holding your company back as a leader then shows you exactly how to develop one of the most powerful tools every successful leader needs: self awareness.   If your business is built like an airplane, this conversation is all about the cockpit, or your lead

The pandemic shifted business in a huge way. As things start to return back to normal, many businesses are stuck trying to get back to where they were pre-pandemic or even trying to figure out what a new normal looks like.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with David Bron, owner of Praxis Learning International, a summer camp program for international students. Don coaches David on what steps he needs to take to breathe life back into his once thriving business and how you can too.   If your business is built like an airplane, this episode is all about the right engine, or your marketing and messaging. If you are eager to let your customers know you are back in business, finally escape out of the pandemic slump and re-enter back into a state of growth, this episode is for you!   Learn more about Praxis Learning International at PraxisLearningInternational.com.   --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPL

When it comes to future-casting, business leaders often try to think of the next big product they can create or service they can offer. But what if your next opportunity to bring in more revenue is actually right in front of you? If you want to keep your costs low, profits high, and avoid overworking your employees, you need to work smarter, not harder.   In today's coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Kristin "KB" Newton, founder and CEO of Heart Convos, a business that gives you the framework you need to foster healthy and strong friendships. Don coaches KB through how she can find new products among what she's already offering and how you can too.   If your business is like an airplane, this episode is all about the wings, or your products. If you want to discover more ways to make money with the products and services you already have without adding any additional work load, this episode is for you!   Learn more about Heart Convos at HeartConvos.com.    --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON

Last week's conversation was all about honing in on the problem you solve for customers because when your product is the solution to a problem, its value doubles immediately. But what if you're focusing on the wrong problem?   In this coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Adam Jones, a comedic stage hypnotist, about how he needs to rethink the problem he solves for his clients so he can always be front of mind and book more gigs!   If your business like an airplane, this episode is all about the right engine, or your marketing. If you are struggling to hone in on the actual problem you solve for customers, today’s coaching conversation is for you!   To book Adam Jones for your next event, go to SquawkLikeAChicken.com.    --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com   TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com   FO

Do you think of your product or your business as a solution to a problem? If your product is the solution to a problem, your product's value doubles immediately. But if you're in a crowded market, how do you set yourself apart and get more customers?   In this coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Kaytlyn Wells, physical therapist and owner of Beyond Repair. Don coaches Kaytlyn on how to define her brand identity and own the problem her business solves in the market.   If your business like an airplane, this episode is all about the right engine, or your marketing. If you are struggling to craft a strong brand identity and define what specific problem your product solves for your customers, today’s coaching conversation will give you the answers you're looking for!   Learn more about Kaytlyn Wells at BeyondRecoveryPT.com.    --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast  APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com TAKE O

This this episode, Donald Miller talks with balloon artist Natalie Teabo, owner of Hello Sunshine Balloons. Natalie is stuck on how to package and sell her amazing balloon art so it not only keeps her business afloat (no pun intended) but also helps it grow.    If your business like an airplane, this coaching conversation is all about the wings, or your products. If you are constantly struggling to build demand and get customers to see the value of your products, then today’s coaching conversation is for you.    Learn more about Hello Sunshine Balloons at HelloSunshineBalloons.com or on Instagram @HelloSunshineBalloons.  --   SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast  APPLY TO BECOME A BUSINESS MADE SIMPLE CERTIFIED COACH: CertifiedBusinessCoach.com TAKE OUR ASSESSMENT TO FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Your business needs highly trained individuals to serve your clients well. But hiring top talent is expensive, and businesses often wonder how they can pay well and still keep the business afloat, especially when they have looming overhead expenses as well.   In this episode, Donald Miller talks with Michael Remole, CEO and Founder of Gateway Family Services of Illinois, a mental health organization providing services including equine assisted therapy. Don coaches Michael on how he can attract, retain and compensate the highly specialized workforce his practice needs to thrive.   If your business like an airplane, this coaching conversation is all about the body, or your overhead. If you are struggling to attract and retain top talent while also struggling to offer a competitive salary, this episode will give you a path forward and some much needed relief.   Learn more about Gateway Family Services at GatewayFamilyServices.org.   --   Are you stuck trying to grow your amazing business everyone should know abo

As a soloprenuer, you are used to doing everything yourself. But as a team of one there's only so much you can do to scale your business. So when it comes to growth, how do you create a strategy for expanding your team that doesn't inflate your overhead, grows your revenue, and utilizes your time and talents to the fullest?   In this episode, Donald Miller talks with Laurelyn Dexter, owner of My Brand Photographer, a business that helps female entrepreneurs grow their businesses through strategic brand photography, and coaches her on how to make a strategic first hire that makes her business scalable.   If you think of your business like an airplane, this coaching conversation is all about the body (overhead) and wings (products). After listening, you will have a clear idea how to bring on a new team member to increase the strength of your wings without adding more weight to the body of your plane.   Learn more about Laurelyn Dexter and My Brand Photography at MyBrandPhotographer.com.   --   Are you stuck try

As a leader, you’re committed to making a difference, leaving a mark, and making the world a better place. But when it comes to moving things forward, does it often seem like you’re fighting an uphill battle against broken systems, impossible demands, and unreasonable people?   In this episode, Donald Miller talks with Tim Arnold, leadership expert and author of the new book Lead with And, to coach you to move beyond the traditional Either/Or approach to solving problems and embrace the transformational power of Both/And thinking.   If your business like an airplane, this coaching conversation is all about the cockpit! After today's conversation will help you learn how to rise above polarity, division, and conflicting values and gain the courage to lead with AND.   Order Tim Arnold's new book Lead with And at LeadWithAnd.com.   --   Have you ever created a new product based on a hunch? Or a guess? Or a favor you owe so-and-so? The truth is, most business leaders don’t have a plan for creating new products. An

When it comes to your own personal story and experiencing a meaningful life, do you feel like things are coming up short? Even if you have a packed schedule, you might still wake up feeling restless, bored or even hopeless. Know that you are not alone. Too many people have lost interest in their own stories. But in this Business Made Simple six-part limited series, we want to help you change that. We want to help you become a hero on a mission.   In the final part of this limited series, Donald Miller talks about the last and most important character in every story- the hero. Playing the hero improves our stories dramatically, but how do we get there? In this episode, Donald walks you through how to embody heroic energy to take control of your life, craft your own meaningful life story, and rise up with courage to change our circumstances.   Dive deeper into crafting a life story filled with meaning and order Hero on a Mission on Amazon, Audible, or wherever you buy books. You will learn to create a life plan