Smart Moves in Tough Times

Are your relationships recession-proofing your business? Could one well-timed conversation be more valuable than your entire marketing strategy? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle dives into the uncertainty swirling through today’s economy and explains why now is the time to double down on relationships, not just strategies. She breaks down why centering real connections with clients, audiences, collaborators, and colleagues builds true business resilience. You’ll learn how relationships act as “force multipliers, " making everything else in your business work better, especially when things get shaky. Plus, Michelle shares simple, actionable ways to reconnect and nurture your network starting today.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comMichelle Warner on the Web | Networking That Pays | Free Workshop

Ever feel like you’re saying all the right things in your business—but it still doesn’t sound like you? Michelle Warner shares a powerful realisation: the missing link wasn’t a better strategy, but a clearer brand voice. After years of wrestling with traditional branding methods, she finally cracked the code with the help of Justin Blackman, discovering not just how she communicates, but why it hadn’t worked before.By identifying her unique voice and setting boundaries around it—like realizing she’s the “general manager,” not the coach—Michelle unlocked clarity, confidence, and a whole new way to connect with her audience. It’s a reminder that sometimes the breakthrough isn’t a new plan, but a better understanding of how we show up.ResourcesJustin Blackman - Brand Voice ExpertCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Too many entrepreneurs jump to solutions before they’ve even defined the real problem. “Customers aren’t buying, so should I lower my prices?” Sound familiar? In this episode, Michelle walks through why those knee-jerk, “spaghetti against the wall” responses rarely solve anything—and how to stop making them.One of Michelle’s favorites - the Five Whys framework can uncover the root cause behind what’s really going on in your business and why slowing down to ask better questions will get you further than any reactive fix. Plus, Michelle breaks down the three categories most problems fall into: a forced market shift, an internal model shift, or a personal need for change—and how each one requires a different kind of response.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your business by ignoring small but crucial patterns? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner introduces a game-changing journaling exercise: What's Working, What's Not, and Why. This simple yet powerful practice helps entrepreneurs spot small wins and red flags before they turn into major problems. By consistently tracking three things that worked, three that didn’t, and analyzing the patterns, business owners can make smarter, data-driven decisions. Over time, this habit prevents reactive choices and ensures strategies align with real, observed progress.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

What if surviving economic uncertainty isn’t about drastic strategy changes, but about sequencing your moves wisely? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner breaks down how consumers react in tough times—whether they slam on the brakes, stay cautiously optimistic, or continue spending.At the same time, products fall into essentials, treats, postponables, or expendables, shaping how people prioritize their purchases. The real win? Instead of panicking, businesses should focus on sequence over strategy—identifying where their ideal customers fall and positioning their offer as an essential or a smart investment.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Tired of getting ghosted when reaching out to new connections? In this episode of Sequence over Strategy, Michelle breaks down the most effective (and least cringeworthy) ways to get people to actually respond. From leveraging mutual introductions and creating value-driven projects to sending thoughtful thank-you notes and mastering cold but purposeful outreach, you'll learn how to stand out in a noisy world. Ditch the generic messages and discover how to build relationships that actually stick!Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Ever wonder what to do to get people to say yes more often? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle breaks down the 1978 "Copy Machine Study" by Harvard professor Ellen Langer, showing how providing a reason—no matter how simple—can make requests far more compelling. She explains how this insight can improve networking, sales, and client engagement by adding a meaningful 'because' to your business communication. Tune in for actionable tips on boosting conversions and making your offers irresistible!Check out the full episode at  TheMichelleWarner.com

Struggling to stay focused while growing your business? Wondering why sometimes you’re doing so much and still struggling? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle introduces the concept of the three business dials—customer niche, product mix, and marketing mix—to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise and stay aligned with their core goals. She explores the common pitfalls of chasing new opportunities that may not serve your long-term vision and emphasizes the importance of adjusting the right dial at the right time. Learn how to simplify your strategy, avoid unnecessary complexity, and achieve sustainable growth by staying focused on what truly moves the needle.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

What if trying to market your business the same way you serve your clients is actually hurting your success? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner reveals why prioritizing relationship marketing over traffic-based tactics is key for businesses offering high-end, service-based services. She explores how focusing on meaningful connections with a select group of clients—not overwhelming yourself with mass marketing—can lead to better results. Warner also shares strategies for addressing the potential disconnect between how you market your own business and the services you provide to clients, helping you navigate these challenges with confidence.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Are you struggling to get your marketing to connect with the right people? It might be time to shift your focus from strategy to sequence! In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner explains why the sequence of actions in your marketing—specifically, the awareness stage—is more important than the strategies you use. She breaks down how to build impactful relationships with your audience by focusing on three key components: what you say, who you say it to, and the strength of the trust transfer. By mastering these, you can create a powerful awareness strategy that sets the stage for long-term success in relationship marketing.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comSign up for Relationship Funnel Bootcamp