#174: Allison Fallon—The Life-Changing Magic of Telling Your Own Story

Frustrated your marketing isn't working? Stuck wondering why customers aren't clicking "buy now"? Imagine turning that around in just five minutes. Get the help you need to clarify your message and grow your business with our free 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access to the 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series at 5MinuteMarketingMakeover.com.   Have you ever wondered how to scale and sell your business? Many entrepreneurs struggle with scaling their operations or knowing the right time to exit. Without a plan, moving from a small to a mid-sized business is tough. And the complexities of scaling and selling can feel overwhelming. That’s why a lot of business owners end up hitting a wall. So what’s the secret to growing your business and making a profitable exit?   In this week’s episode, host Donald Miller sits down with Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer and author of Get Scalable. Ryan shares how he went from starting businesses to buying them, and gives practical tips on how to make your businesses more appealing to buyers. You’ll also gain insight on the importance of a solid operating system and the benefits of partnering with experienced investors. Listen in for invaluable acquisition strategies for business owners at any stage!   For your free copy of Get Scalable, go to GetScalable.com/Free.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Do you find it difficult to take your product ideas from the drawing board to the market? When it comes to new products, too many teams encounter obstacles like missed deadlines, inflated budgets, and a final product that doesn’t align with the original vision. These pitfalls can be frustrating and destroy would-be successful product launches and growth plans. So how can businesses streamline the product development process? What steps should you take to turn visionary concepts into tangible, market-ready products without losing clarity or momentum along the way?   In this week’s episode, guest hosts James Sweeting and Bobby Richards talk with Kyle Reid, Senior Vice President of Design and Development at StoryBrand and Business Made Simple. Kyle shares a simple 5-step process he has perfected over years of launching successful products. From the first meeting to the final launch, Kyle’s method helps keep projects on track, within budget, and true to the original idea. Tune in and learn how to apply these strategies to your own initiatives to elevate your approach to project management, teamwork, and execution!   Access the product brief template mentioned in this episode for FREE at SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com.    --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Are you tired of superficial connections and quick fixes in a world that seems to prioritize them? Many of us crave deeper meaning and genuine interactions, but often find ourselves detached from our own stories and the profound impact they can have on shaping who we are and how we relate to others. Can reconnecting with your own story change how you see yourself and improve your relationships with others?   In this week’s episode, host Donald Miller is joined by Allison Fallon, author of Write Your Story: A Simple Framework to Understand Yourself, Your Story, and Your Purpose in the World. Fallon shares how writing and sharing your personal story can improve your emotional, mental, and even physical health. Her insights, drawn from her book and supported by research, show how personal stories can promote personal growth and build stronger relationships. Tune in and learn how to leverage the power of storytelling to redefine your life and deepen your connections.   For more on Allison and to buy her book, visit WriteYourStory.com.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Often, the hardest part of any sales process isn't starting—it's closing. Many businesses struggle to seal the deal, especially during high-stakes, competitive shopping periods like Memorial Day. You've made the offer, you've attracted the attention—now, how do you convert that interest into actual sales? The secret lies in effective closing techniques that resonate with your audience and inspire them to take action. As Memorial Day draws nearer, the pressure’s on to make sure that your holiday promotions don't just generate buzz, but bring in big profits. So what’s the best way to usher folks through the checkout line?   In this episode, we wrap up our 3-part series on crafting the perfect Memorial Day promotion. Returning to the podcast are producer Bobby Richards, Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller, and StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay. They are joined by special guest Dr. J.J. Peterson, Head of StoryBrand and host of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast. Together, they delve into the critical final phase of your Memorial Day offer: closing the sale. From creating a sense of urgency to offering extra value, you’ll learn top strategies for making sure your promotions not only draw attention but also drive sales. Tune in to make the most of your Memorial Day offers and convert those last-minute decisions into holiday revenue!   Clarify all your marketing and messaging talking points by creating your free Brandscript at Storybrand.com/sb7.   Contact Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller directly at HireACoach.com/Jessica-Miller.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/wesgay.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

The marketplace can feel hectic during big promotional holidays like Memorial Day. So if you want to make it a record-breaking sales opportunity for your small business, there’s only one solution. Create an offer that's simply irresistible. That means you’ve got to understand what resonates for your audience and come up with a value proposition they can't say no to. With the shopping frenzy upon us, how do you ensure your offer not only stands out but calls out to the customers, compelling them to act immediately?    This week, we’re diving into Part 2 of our 3-part series on creating stellar Memorial Day promotions. Podcast producer Bobby Richards, along with Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller and StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay, unpack the process of taking those initial offer strategies discussed in Part 1 and locking them in. You'll learn a simple 3-part framework for building and refining your promotion so that it commands attention and drives sales. They’ll also show you what to add to your promotions to make them irresistible and actionable. Listen in and learn how to craft a holiday offer that’s too good to pass up!   Contact Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller directly at HireACoach.com/Jessica-Miller.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/wesgay.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

We’re all well aware of the shopping frenzy on Black Friday, but we tend to forget that other holidays like Memorial Day can be just as profitable. Many businesses miss out because they don't realize how ready their customers are to spend money during these holidays. With Memorial Day approaching—a peak time for consumer activity—not having a strong offer can mean squandering a massive chance to boost sales. So what steps can you take to ensure you have an irresistible offer prepared when customers are primed with cash and ready to buy?   In today’s episode, host Donald Miller and podcast producer Bobby Richards are joined by Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller and StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay. Together, they dive into how you can craft what Jessica has coined a "Hell Yes" offer for this Memorial Day weekend. They’re dishing out the top strategies for businesses to seize this prime shopping period to drive sales and visibility. You’ll learn the mechanics of creating a compelling offer that converts and how to effectively communicate it to your audience. Listen in and get the tools you need to take advantage of high-traffic opportunities and maximize your profits during this holiday season!   Contact Business Made Simple Certified Coach Jessica Miller directly at HireACoach.com/Jessica-Miller.   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/wesgay.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Most entrepreneurs are great at making money, but they aren’t always great at managing that money. Let’s be honest: you didn’t start a business because you were passionate about bookkeeping. But you know that managing your cash flow well is the fuel that keeps your business growing. Between monthly reconciliations, quarterly reports, tax prep, and payroll—your business finances can get complicated fast. And doing it yourself—or even hiring the help you need—can be difficult and time-consuming. So what’s the best way to outsource your bookkeeping so you can save time and simplify your finances?   In this week’s episode, host Donald Miller talks with Lisa Zeeveld, the CFO of BELAY, a company that pairs business owners with the accounting help they need. Lisa discusses common financial dilemmas many business owners face and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. You’ll learn the importance of good bookkeeping and how outsourcing this task can make a huge difference in your operations. Tune in and get valuable tips on how to make your business finances simpler and more effective, so you can focus on growing your business instead!   Text S I M P L E to 55123 to get immediate access to Belay's Bulletproof Budget Template.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop May 7-8, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   --   Every savvy business owner knows that marketing is the key to survival, and your online presence is one of the most important parts of your marketing plan. It can turn casual browsers into buyers, and buyers into long-time customers. But you won’t build that loyal fanbase if your message is unclear or inconsistent. On top of that, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money on marketing that doesn’t work. So how clear is your current message, and how can you make it better?    In this episode of Business Made Simple, guest host Dr. JJ Peterson (host of Marketing Made Simple) and podcast producer Bobby Richards answer your questions about building your business through effective messaging and lead generation. They’ll reveal the key things missing from your website that are costing you money and the 3 questions your marketing MUST answer to be significantly more successful. You’ll also discover the 7 basic elements that make your marketing story more powerful. Tune in and get actionable strategies to clarify your message and make your business thrive!   Listen and follow to the Marketing Made Simple Podcast and get weekly tips from J.J. and April Sunshine Hawkins on how to make your marketing easy and make it work. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Coach Builder is available now! Order it at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast and get an 8-step plan to become a self-employed business coach so you can make great money doing something you love every single day.   --   What are the characteristics of a great coach? Knowing your field inside out is crucial, but there's something else just as important: soft skills. These are the skills that help you connect on a personal level, earn trust, and provide real value to your clients. Unfortunately, a lot of coaches overlook this area, focusing only on their technical expertise. They miss out on truly connecting with their clients and making a lasting impact. But if you want to succeed as a coach, soft skills aren’t an option—they’re a necessity.   In the 9th and final episode of the Coach Builder limited series, host Donald Miller joined by producer Bobby Richards, tackle the often-underestimated world of soft skills for coaches. Don explores the qualities that endear us to coaches and cause us to respect them. He offers actionable advice on how to cultivate these qualities within yourself to set you apart as a coach and amplify your impact on clients' lives. Tune in and learn invaluable strategies for improving empathy, communication, and trust-building techniques, ensuring you leave a meaningful mark on your clients' lives.

What if the secret to doing really well in business isn't about the newest tech or the flashiest ads, but about how happy and motivated your team is? A great work culture is key to growing your business. It's what makes people want to work for you, fuels innovation, and keeps things running smoothly even when times get tough. But cultivating such a culture isn't easy, especially with the ever-evolving changes in the modern workforce and inevitable challenges in the market. So if your workplace isn’t performing at its peak, don't worry—changing things for the better is possible and well worth it.   In this week’s April Fools' episode, host Amy Porterfield takes over for Donald Miller. Amy is an online marketing expert, author of Two Weeks Notice, and owner of a thriving $100M business. And no joke, she'll show you how to make bold moves to improve your team's workplace culture. With the help of podcast producer Bobby Richards, she answers burning questions from our listeners, giving actionable advice on hot issues like installing a 4-day workweek, navigating unlimited PTO, planning effective team retreats, and supporting personal growth plans. Tune in and get the scoop on how to enhance your team's dynamics, boost productivity, and drive your business forward!   For more tips and a free guide on how to welcome new team members in a way that sets them up for success, check out AmyPorterfield.com/Onboard.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE DON COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DON'S NEW BOOK, AND TRANSFORM YOUR EXPERTISE INTO A LUCRATIVE CONSULTING CAREER: CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast   IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.   FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple