The Experienced Entrepreneur

Marissa Lawton | Business Coach for Seasoned Entrepreneurs
  • 4.9 (65)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the show for seasoned business owners, coaches, and service providers who've been in the game long enough to know that the flashy hustle isn't sustainable — The Experienced Entrepreneur is your weekly refuge. Here, experience is your edge. This is not a show for newbies chasing overnight success; it's a podcast for those who bring wisdom, perspective, and resilience to the long game of entrepreneurship. If you've ever felt unseen in the noise of business marketing, tired of strategies that no longer fit, or ready to recalibrate how your work serves your life — this is where you land. Every Monday, you'll get raw, candid conversations, strategy grounded in lived wisdom, and gentle challenges to rebuild your business with clarity, connection, and integrity. Topics you'll hear here: Business growth strategies tailored for seasoned entrepreneurs How to overcome burnout, stagnation, and pivot fatigue High-touch marketing, relational funnels, and value-based client attraction Balancing scale, purpose, and life integration Collaboration, brand philosophy, and community over competition Whether you're a consultant, coach, or service provider who's built traction but is ready for something deeper — join me. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and let this show be your anchor and your catalyst in the work that matters.

  1. The Metrics Myth Keeping Entrepreneurs in the Dark

    5D AGO

    The Metrics Myth Keeping Entrepreneurs in the Dark

    If you've ever said "I'm just not a numbers person" — this episode is going to gently, but firmly, challenge that. For experienced entrepreneurs, the belief that metrics are complicated, cold, or designed for someone else is one of the most costly myths in business. Not because tracking is hard, but because the story we tell ourselves about it keeps us from accessing the clearest signal our business has to offer. In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton breaks down where the "I'm not a metrics person" identity actually comes from, what it's quietly costing you in today's market, and what it really looks like to build a simple, sustainable metrics practice — one that doesn't require a finance degree or hours of spreadsheet time. If your business has been trying to talk to you through your numbers and you've been leaving it on read, this is the episode that changes that. What You'll Learn Discover where the "I'm not a numbers person" belief actually comes from — and why it has nothing to do with your actual ability to track your business Learn why instinct alone was enough in a booming market but why today's business climate demands a simple, consistent data practice Understand the difference between complicated data analysis and the kind of light-touch metrics tracking that experienced entrepreneurs actually need Identify the signals you're already reading in your business every day — and what it would mean to have a consistent way to capture them Find out what a sustainable monthly metrics practice actually looks like, and why you don't have to do it alone Featured Quote "Your numbers aren't a test you have to pass — they're the most honest conversation your business is trying to have with you." Resources + Links Mentioned My Favorite Metric Summit (free, Feb 23–27): https://marissalawton.com/metric Register here: https://marissalawton.myflodesk.com/w4a2gvsnii Monday Meeting: https://marissalawton.com/monday-meeting Book a Clarity Call: https://calendar.app.google/W2iLo7PbNNosQ6e88

    36 min
  2. Human-Centered Sales in a Post-Algorithm Market - with Megan Smyth

    FEB 9

    Human-Centered Sales in a Post-Algorithm Market - with Megan Smyth

    In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton sits down with Megan Smyth to unpack what's actually working in sales right now — and why many experienced business owners are quietly moving away from social media–dependent strategies. Megan shares the story of losing every copywriting client in a single week and how that moment forced her to confront a hard truth: relying on referrals without a system is not a strategy. Instead of doubling down on platforms she hated, Megan rebuilt her sales process around what felt sustainable, human, and repeatable — and went on to have her first six-figure year without social media driving demand. Together, Marissa and Megan explore: Why social media often functions as a vanity metric rather than a profit driver How personalized, high-touch sales processes are outperforming automated funnels The role of metrics in choosing the right platform for your business Why messaging drives over 90% of conversion rates, regardless of launch length How lifestyle metrics reveal whether your sales strategy actually supports your life This conversation is especially relevant for experienced entrepreneurs navigating a quieter market, longer sales cycles, and rising skepticism from buyers. Instead of chasing visibility for visibility's sake, Megan makes a compelling case for building sales systems rooted in clarity, consistency, and human connection. Megan is also a featured presenter at the My Favorite Metric Summit, where she goes deeper into the metrics that reveal whether your sales strategy is actually working — and how to refine it without burning yourself out. Listen in to learn how to sell in a way that aligns with your values, your capacity, and the kind of business you actually want to sustain. If this conversation resonated, you'll love what's coming next. My Favorite Metric is a free, week-long audio summit for experienced business owners who want clearer signals and calmer decision-making inside their business. Each day focuses on a different category of metrics — from lead acquisition and nurture to sales, profit, and lifestyle — so you can understand what actually deserves your attention right now. Megan Smyth is one of the featured presenters, sharing the specific metrics she uses to guide human-centered, high-conversion sales without relying on social media. The summit runs February 23–27, 2026, and all sessions remain available once you register. Sign up for free at marissalawton.com/myfavoritemetric

    57 min
  3. Behind the Scenes of Monday Meeting: What We're Doing Inside the Founding Round

    FEB 2

    Behind the Scenes of Monday Meeting: What We're Doing Inside the Founding Round

    In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton pulls back the curtain on the first few weeks of the Monday Meeting founding round. Instead of theory or hype, this episode shares what's actually happening inside the container: how the Decision Dashboard is being used in real businesses, what patterns are emerging through live dashboard reviews, and why Monday Meeting was intentionally designed as an accountability and community-based mentorship rather than a content-heavy membership. Marissa walks through two real examples from recent one-on-one sessions: How Jennifer used two Decision Dashboards, one for her private practice and one for her online business, to compare overhead, profitability, and intentionally reduce her caseload while maintaining stability How Eric re-engaged with his business after a quieter season by breaking down referral sources to see which relationships were truly generating leads and where to focus next The episode also explores: Why metrics are meant to support clarity, not pressure How intuition and data work best together in growth-stage businesses What makes Monday Meeting different from typical online memberships Why community and accountability matter more than content at this stage of entrepreneurship This conversation is for experienced business owners who are ready to stop guessing, start leading with clarity, and build sustainable growth without hustle or overwhelm. Call to Action (at the end of show notes) If this episode resonated, enrollment for Monday Meeting is opening soon. During February, waitlist members receive 50% off founding enrollment. After February 28, pricing doubles. Join the waitlist here: 👉 https://marissalawton.com/waitlist

    31 min
  4. Make Better Business Decisions Part 4: Lifestyle

    JAN 26

    Make Better Business Decisions Part 4: Lifestyle

    Lifestyle and energy are often treated as personal concerns, separate from "real" business metrics. But for experienced entrepreneurs, they are some of the earliest and most honest indicators of how a business is actually functioning. In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton explores why lifestyle and energy deserve a permanent place inside your business metrics system — and what happens when you ignore them for too long. Rather than framing energy as a mindset issue or a self-care problem, this conversation positions lifestyle metrics as leading indicators. They often show signs of strain, misalignment, or unsustainable growth long before revenue dips or engagement drops. Marissa shares how she tracks lifestyle and energy inside the Decision Dashboard, why these metrics matter just as much as leads and sales, and how paying attention to them helps business owners make steadier, earlier decisions without waiting for burnout to force change. This episode is especially for business owners who: Feel successful on paper but depleted in real life Want their business to support their actual capacity Sense misalignment but cannot pinpoint why Are tired of separating "business growth" from well-being Inside this episode, we explore: What lifestyle and energy metrics actually look like in practice Why they are predictive, not reactive How they interact with lead acquisition, nurture, and sales What happens when these signals are ignored How tracking them creates more sustainable growth over time This episode completes a January series exploring the four core categories of the Decision Dashboard: Lead Acquisition, Lead Nurture, Sales & Profit, and Lifestyle & Energy. If you want your business to grow without quietly costing you your capacity, this episode will help you see why these metrics matter — and how to work with them intentionally. Download the Decision Dashboard at marissalawton.com/dashboard

    33 min
  5. Make Better Business Decisions Part 3: Sales & Profit

    JAN 19

    Make Better Business Decisions Part 3: Sales & Profit

    Sales numbers can look fine on the surface and still leave you feeling uneasy. For experienced entrepreneurs, sales and profit are not just outcomes. They are signals — indicators of alignment, capacity, sustainability, and decision quality over time. In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton breaks down how to think about sales and profit metrics beyond "did it work or not." Instead of treating revenue as a scorecard, this conversation reframes sales data as information that helps you lead your business more intentionally. You'll hear why many seasoned business owners feel confused or reactive around sales even when they are making good money, and how tracking sales and profit in isolation creates unnecessary pressure. Marissa shares exactly what she tracks inside the Decision Dashboard, why profit margin matters just as much as revenue, and how sales metrics reveal patterns long before something feels wrong. This episode is especially for business owners who: Are making sales but feel unsure about sustainability Want clearer insight into what is actually driving revenue Feel tension between growth and capacity Are ready to move past hustle-based sales thinking Inside this episode, we explore: Which sales and profit metrics actually matter in a mature business Why profit margin is a leadership metric, not a bonus How sales patterns reveal alignment issues early What happens when you do not track sales intentionally How a centralized metrics system supports calmer decisions This conversation is part of a January series exploring the four core categories of the Decision Dashboard: Lead Acquisition, Lead Nurture, Sales & Profit, and Lifestyle & Energy. If you want your sales numbers to support steadier growth instead of emotional whiplash, this episode will help you see them differently. Download the Decision Dashboard at marissalawton.com/dashboard

    34 min
  6. Make Better Business Decisions Part 2: Engagement

    JAN 12

    Make Better Business Decisions Part 2: Engagement

    Lead nurture is not about posting more, emailing more, or staying visible at all costs. For experienced entrepreneurs, lead nurture is about trust, continuity, and relationship — and when it's working, it should feel steady, not exhausting. In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton explores what lead nurture really looks like once your business has matured past hustle-based marketing. Rather than focusing on engagement hacks or content volume, this conversation reframes lead nurture as a signal-based system that helps you understand how your audience is actually responding over time. You'll hear why inconsistent engagement is rarely a motivation problem and more often a visibility and interpretation problem, especially when metrics are scattered or tracked in isolation. Marissa shares what she personally tracks inside the Decision Dashboard, how those metrics reveal trust patterns long before sales are made, and why nurture should support your energy instead of draining it. This episode is especially for business owners who: Feel like they are "showing up" but unsure what's landing Want to build trust without performing online Are tired of chasing engagement without context Want a calmer, more sustainable way to nurture leads over time Inside this episode, we explore: What lead nurture actually measures in a mature business Why engagement metrics only make sense when viewed longitudinally How nurture metrics reveal readiness, trust, and timing What happens when you don't intentionally track nurture signals How a centralized metrics system changes how you show up This conversation is part of a January series breaking down the four core categories of the Decision Dashboard: Lead Acquisition, Lead Nurture, Sales & Profit, and Lifestyle & Energy. If you want to build trust without burning yourself out — and understand what your audience is telling you before they ever buy — this episode will meet you right where you are. Download the Decision Dashboard at marissalawton.com/dashboard

    35 min

  7. JAN 8

    BONUS EPISODE: Rant on the Amy Porterfield Jenna Kutcher Drama

    Bonus Episode: The Market Shift, "Dead" Business Models, and What's Actually Changing In this spontaneous bonus episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton shares an unscripted, candid reflection on the current market shift and the growing narrative that "courses are dead," "podcasts are dead," or that entire business models are suddenly no longer viable. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in online business, formal business education, and firsthand work across industries like real estate and mental health, Marissa brings much-needed context, nuance, and perspective to a conversation that's often dominated by fear-based headlines and clickbait marketing. This episode is not about declaring what's over. It's about naming what has actually changed. Marissa speaks directly to the wave of commentary circulating around well-known educators and creators like Amy Porterfield and Jenna Kutcher, whose long-standing business models are often used as "proof" that courses, podcasts, or education-based businesses no longer work. Instead of participating in takedown culture or oversimplified conclusions, Marissa invites listeners to look more closely at what's really happening beneath the surface. She explains why the last few years felt unusually easy for many business owners, how the economic expansion of 2020–2022 distorted expectations, and why today's contraction is exposing gaps in sales skill, business acumen, and strategic discernment. The issue is not that trusted educators or proven models suddenly failed. The issue is that the ease with which people used to buy has changed. As purchasing power tightens and buyers become more thoughtful, success now requires stronger positioning, deeper trust, clearer leadership, and a willingness to re-engage with the fundamentals of running a business rather than relying on momentum alone. Businesses built during or optimized for an anomalous market are now being asked to mature. Throughout the episode, Marissa draws parallels between the online business space and more established industries like real estate and therapy, showing how cyclical markets, regional differences, and skill development play out across sectors. She reframes today's challenges not as a collapse, but as a return to reality — one where staying power matters more than trends. The takeaway is clear: courses aren't dead, podcasts aren't dead, and education-based businesses aren't disappearing. What is fading is the era of passive promises, thin differentiation, and selling without depth. This conversation is especially relevant for experienced business owners who feel unsettled by slower sales, longer decision cycles, or shifting buyer behavior and are questioning whether the problem is their offer or something larger at play. In this episode, Marissa explores: Why calling entire business models "dead" oversimplifies a much larger market shift How well-known educators are often unfairly used as symbols for broader industry fear What's actually disappearing in the online business space and why it feels destabilizing How economic contraction and headline culture are influencing buyer behavior Why sales skill and business acumen matter more now than ever How to stop personalizing market shifts and start responding strategically What it really takes to build staying power in this season of business If you've felt shaken by recent changes or tempted to believe that the path forward has vanished, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a grounded reframe of what's actually being asked of experienced entrepreneurs now. Your next chapter doesn't demand panic or reinvention. It asks for discernment, skill, and leadership rooted in reality. Your business is steadier than the hustle, wiser than the hacks, and clearer than the guesswork.

    29 min
  8. Make Better Business Decisions Part 1: Lead Acquisition

    JAN 5

    Make Better Business Decisions Part 1: Lead Acquisition

    Since you've been in business for a while, you already know that "getting more leads" isn't the be-all-end-all solution some coaches say it is. The real challenge is knowing what kind of leads you're attracting, where they're coming from, and whether your lead flow is actually supporting sustainable business growth — or quietly working against it. In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, I kick off a four-part January series about making better business decisions starting with Lead Acquisition. This conversation is for seasoned online business owners who are tired of guessing, reacting, or chasing visibility trends — and want a calmer, more intentional way to understand what's driving growth in their business. Rather than tracking vanity metrics or obsessing over algorithms, I share what I actually measures inside my metrics tracker Decision Dashboard, why those metrics matter, and how they reveal early signals about what's working and what's not, before things feel urgent. Inside this episode, you'll learn: What lead acquisition really means at this stage of business Which lead metrics Marissa tracks — and why she chose them How tracking lead sources over time changes your marketing decisions The early indicators that show whether growth is sustainable or shaky What happens when you don't track lead acquisition intentionally How the Decision Dashboard acts as a monthly business hub you can return to again and again This episode isn't about doing more marketing. It's about seeing clearly, so you can grow your business with steadiness instead of scramble. If you've been craving a grounded way to understand your numbers without pressure, this episode will help you orient yourself and show you how metrics can become a tool for clarity, not judgment. Listen now and learn how lead acquisition metrics support long-term business growth. Want your own clear, centralized way to track these metrics month after month? You can explore and download your free copy of the Decision Dashboard at marissalawton.com/dashboard. It's designed to help experienced entrepreneurs see what's actually happening inside their business, calmly and clearly.

    30 min
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About

Welcome to the show for seasoned business owners, coaches, and service providers who've been in the game long enough to know that the flashy hustle isn't sustainable — The Experienced Entrepreneur is your weekly refuge. Here, experience is your edge. This is not a show for newbies chasing overnight success; it's a podcast for those who bring wisdom, perspective, and resilience to the long game of entrepreneurship. If you've ever felt unseen in the noise of business marketing, tired of strategies that no longer fit, or ready to recalibrate how your work serves your life — this is where you land. Every Monday, you'll get raw, candid conversations, strategy grounded in lived wisdom, and gentle challenges to rebuild your business with clarity, connection, and integrity. Topics you'll hear here: Business growth strategies tailored for seasoned entrepreneurs How to overcome burnout, stagnation, and pivot fatigue High-touch marketing, relational funnels, and value-based client attraction Balancing scale, purpose, and life integration Collaboration, brand philosophy, and community over competition Whether you're a consultant, coach, or service provider who's built traction but is ready for something deeper — join me. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode, and let this show be your anchor and your catalyst in the work that matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Marissa Lawton | Business Coach for Seasoned Entrepreneurs
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marissa Lawton 2018
  • Show Website
    The Experienced Entrepreneur