#186: Marcus Sheridan—The Simple Formula for Becoming the Most Trusted Voice in Your Industry

What’s the real cost of being too nice? It’s more than you might think. Many leaders, especially small business owners, fall into the trap of “ruinous empathy”, which is the failure to provide essential feedback due to the fear of hurting someone's feelings. Avoiding difficult confrontations might feel like the right thing to do—but it’s actually a fast track to mediocrity.    Join hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting as they sit down with Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor, to dive into the dangers of avoiding tough conversations. In this episode, Kim shares her powerful Radical Candor framework, breaking down how leaders can strike the perfect balance between caring personally and challenging directly. You'll learn how to move beyond "ruinous empathy," build stronger, more effective teams, and create a culture of honest feedback that drives real results. Listen in and discover specific strategies to give feedback that’s both clear and compassionate, helping you create a more accountable and high-performing team!   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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  

Many people believe that financial freedom—accumulating enough money to never work again—is the ultimate goal. But for most entrepreneurs, this dream feels out of reach, which leads to frustration and financial stress. The constant pressure to build wealth and achieve financial freedom can leave you feeling like a failure if you don’t hit that big number. So what if financial freedom isn’t the answer? What if there’s a more realistic and sustainable way to manage your money and build security?   In this episode, hosts James Sweeting and Bobby Richards talk with Tiffany Aliche, also known as "The Budgetnista," who shares her revolutionary concept of financial wholeness. Tiffany breaks down her 10-step plan that helps anyone achieve financial stability, whether you’re making $50k per year or $50 million. She also opens up about her own journey from financial mess to success and offers practical advice for small business owners to take control of both their personal and business finances. Tune in and learn how to build your dream business without sacrificing your financial peace!   Access amazing free resources to get started on the path to Financial Wholeness at TheBudgetnista.com.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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 leaving money on the table by not offering an online course? A lot of business owners feel overwhelmed by the idea of turning their knowledge into a digital product, worried it might be too complex or could cannibalize their bread-and-butter services. The doubts—about your teaching ability or the sheer effort involved—can make you question if creating an online course is the right move.   In today’s episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, host Bobby Richards brings in digital course expert Amy Porterfield to shed some light on the issue for our course-curious listeners. From pinpointing the perfect course topic using your unique “10% edge” to testing and validating your idea with your audience, Amy shares practical steps to help you create a successful online course. Tune in to discover how to turn your expertise into a money-making, scalable digital product.   Register for Amy's upcoming Course Confident bootcamp at BusinessMadeSimple.com/CourseConfident.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

Cash flow is the heartbeat of any business. But what do you do when revenue takes a sudden hit and the money isn't coming in as expected? Whether it's a seasonal dip, unexpected expenses, or a major disruption like a pandemic, every entrepreneur feels the pressure when cash flow slows down. These times can be stressful and can even threaten the survival of your business. So, what can you do now to ensure your business stays afloat when money is tight?   In this week’s episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting send out the "coaching call" to Donald Miller who shares straightforward strategies for managing cash flow during tough times. You'll learn how to build a financial safety net, quickly generate extra cash, and bundle products to boost sales. Don also talks about staying calm under pressure and turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether you're facing cash flow issues now or want to prepare for the future, listen in to get the tools you need to keep your business strong when revenue dips.   Get free access to the ultimate growth tool for your small business featuring 11 free worksheets and templates to drive revenue and profit. Just go to SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com/BMS.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

So you've built a thriving business. You've got the airplane humming along, maybe even hitting 7 figures. But there's a nagging question in the back of your mind: "What's it all for?" Deep down, you want to make a difference, leave a legacy, maybe even inspire the next generation. But how? And do you really have to choose between profit and purpose?   In this episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts James Sweeting and Bobby Richards sit down with Bill Allen, a real estate investor and founder of a youth entrepreneurship program called Teenage Tycoon. Bill shares his journey from flipping houses to empowering kids to take control of their financial futures. You'll learn how to identify your community's needs, create impactful programs (without losing profit), and run a business that serves in multiple ways. Listen in to get inspired and discover how your business can make a true difference in the world!   7FigureFlipping.com   TeenageTycoon.com   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

As a business owner, you might be a sales superstar, but teaching your team to replicate your conversations with potential clients can feel next to impossible. After all, you know the company’s origin story and the ins-and-outs of the product like the back of your hand. But in order to scale your business, you need to transition from being the primary salesperson to having a high-performing sales team. And to do that, you need a consistent sales process.   In this week’s episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with Chad Cannon, Business Made Simple’s VP of Sales and Marketing. Chad shares his simple 8-step sales process that he used to close the first 400 seats in a business coaching program. You'll learn how to build rapport, uncover pain points, and ask for the sale in a way that feels natural and authentic (not overly scripted!). Listen in and get Chad's battle-tested strategy for selling and scaling consistently!   Create the talking points for your next discovery email or sales meeting at OnlineSalesScript.com.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

You've probably heard the phrase "content is king" more times than you can count. But creating content that truly drives sales is easier said than done. Many biz owners struggle to produce content that hits on all levels: it feels authentic, builds trust, and makes an impact on their bottom line. You might be wondering: How can I create content that my target audience actually wants to read?   In this week’s episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting chat with Marcus Sheridan, author of "They Ask, You Answer", to discuss his proven framework for creating content that converts. Marcus shares his journey from near-bankruptcy to becoming a multimillionaire by simply answering customer questions honestly and transparently. You’ll learn the 5 types of content that every business should be creating, and how to use AI to enhance your content strategy. Listen in and discover the secret to becoming the most trusted voice in your market and driving more customers to your business.   Follow Marcus on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan or email directly at [email protected].   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

As a business owner, you know that a high-performing team is essential to success. But what if your team isn't performing at its best? If communication is breaking down, productivity is low, and your goals are slipping out of reach, it might be time to look at a surprising factor many leaders miss. The secret to a high-performing team isn't a complicated strategy or expensive software; it's something much simpler: feedback.    In the latest episode of the Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with Erin Meyer, New York Times bestselling author and professor at INSEAD Business School, to discuss why feedback is essential, how to give it effectively, and the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're a seasoned CEO or a first-time manager, tune in and learn how to create a feedback-rich culture that drives your team to new heights!   Find more info about Erin Meyer at ErinMeyer.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/erin-meyer-paris.   Listen to Erin's past episode #34: Erin Meyer—Rewrite the Rules for Growing Your Business: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/erin-meyer-rewrite-the-rules-for-growing-your-business/id1092751338?i=1000532788641   Get instant access the Management and Productivity Framework (including the 5 Key Meetings) at businessmadesimple.com/management-and-productivity-made-simple.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

Let's talk about the elephant in the room for a second: the relentless hustle and grind of building a business. The entrepreneurial world can be a demanding beast, often forcing us to sacrifice our personal lives in the pursuit of success. Yes, you love your business, but you didn't sign up to be married to it. The truth is, chasing success doesn't have to mean sacrificing your personal life. You deserve to have both.   Kicking off our brand new Become a Better Business Owner series, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting chat with Megan Hyatt Miller, CEO of Full Focus, about achieving what she calls the "double win." Megan is here to give you practical strategies for building a successful business without burning out or neglecting the things that truly matter. She shares her own journey of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, and shows you how to prioritize like a pro, set boundaries, and ultimately create a life that's fulfilling both in and out of the office. Listen to today’s episode if you're ready to ditch the hustle and embrace a more sustainable, fulfilling path to success.   Get the tools and training you need to achieve the Double Win at FullFocus.co.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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

Here’s a stark warning: heart disease is America’s #1 killer, and stress is heart disease’s #1 predictor. When your work/life balance is out of whack, stress only grows. How business owners manage this delicate highwire act is quite literally a matter of life and death. Thankfully, today we recognize the link between work/life balance and overall health, and there are steps anyone can take to improve that balance and their quality of life.   Today, host Donald Miller sits down with fellow Business Made Simple leaders James Sweeting and Bobby Richards. Their discussion covers Don’s own struggles with balancing work and life, and how he was able to make positive changes that helped both his business and his family. You’ll pick up practical tips from Don’s experience, learn three principles to preserving work/life balance, and dive into the philosophy behind reframing your entire conception of success. If you feel like so many business owners do — stretched thin and afraid of burning out — be sure to catch this episode and discover what you can change today to begin restoring balance to your world.   --   STUCK TRYING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE US COACH THROUGH IT ON THE SHOW: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast    ORDER COACH BUILDER, DONALD MILLER'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