The Real Experts in Business

Michelle DeNio
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship

There is no shortage of content telling you what's working right now. This show is different. The Real Experts in Business is a seasonal podcast featuring curated conversations with established business owners who have been in the game for years. Every guest is personally vetted by host Michelle DeNio, a business strategist with over 20 years of experience working with service-based entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants. Each season has a focused theme and a hand-selected guest list. These are not random interviews. These are the experts Michelle trusts, the ones she would send her own clients to, and the ones whose advice has stood the test of time. If you are tired of chasing trends and ready to hear from people who have actually built something real, you are in the right place. New seasons drop throughout the year. Subscribe now so you never miss one.

Episodes

  1. Relationship-Based Business Strategy: How Genuine Connections Drive Referrals and Long-Term Growth with April Hiatt

    May 19

    Relationship-Based Business Strategy: How Genuine Connections Drive Referrals and Long-Term Growth with April Hiatt

    If you feel like you’re constantly chasing leads or struggling to turn conversations into real opportunities, this episode is going to simplify your entire business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with April Hiatt to break down why relationships are still the most reliable driver of revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, relying too heavily on marketing tactics and not enough on human connection. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is one of the most sustainable ways to grow a business. Inside this episode, we talk about how to build real relationships, how to create meaningful conversations, and why connection always outperforms transactions in your sales process. Meet April Hiatt:April Hiatt is the founder of WISE WOMEN Masterminds®, a national, high-level mastermind community for ambitious, heart-centered women entrepreneurs. Known for her ability to bring the right women together in a room, and facilitate powerful, peer-to-peer mastermind conversations, she creates spaces where women gain clarity, confidence, and momentum in their businesses. April also hosts two national conferences each year, plus offers a leadership certification program, training women across the country to facilitate in-person Power Circle masterminds. She is passionate about helping women grow their businesses faster… together. Join the Fall Conference Explore WISE WOMEN Masterminds® Connect on Facebook Connect on LinkedIn What You'll Learn:Why relationship-building is the most effective long-term business strategyHow to turn simple conversations into referrals and opportunitiesThe difference between transactional networking and real connectionHow to build a strong pipeline without constant marketingWhy timing matters in sales and how relationships support itHow to create deeper trust that improves your conversion rate Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: April’s journey from web design to masterminds [03:00] Starting a new offer without overbuilding [04:00] Why relationships have always been her core strategy [06:00] The power of coffee chats and simple conversations [08:00] Why closing the door too quickly costs you opportunities [10:00] How timing impacts buying decisions [12:00] Building relationships beyond business transactions [15:00] Sharing your personal life to create connection [18:00] Why identity outside of business matters [20:00] Creating real connection inside programs and events [24:00] How intentional connection builds loyalty and trust [28:00] Why people are shifting back to relationship-based business Key Takeaways:Relationships Will Always Outperform StrategyHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners trying to grow by stacking more tactics. More content. More funnels. More visibility. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is not what creates sustainable business growth. Relationships do. April built 95% of her first business through referrals. No marketing. No complicated systems. Just connection. That’s not luck. That’s strategy. Conversations Create OpportunitiesOne of the simplest but most powerful takeaways from this episode is this: Just talk to people. Not with an agenda. Not with an expectation. Just to get to know them. Coffee chats, DMs, in-person conversations. These are the building blocks of your pipeline. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this directly impacts your Pipeline pillar. Because relationships create consistent opportunities without constant effort. Timing Is Everything in SalesThis is where most people get it wrong. They assume that if someone doesn’t buy now, they’re not interested. That’s not true. People are always at different stages: Not ready yetWatching and observingWaiting for the right moment When you build relationships instead of closing doors, you stay top of mind. And when they’re ready, you’re the obvious choice. Stop Treating People Like TransactionsThis is the biggest shift. If your business feels hard, it’s likely because you’re treating interactions like transactions. Client in. Service delivered. Move on. That approach limits your growth. When you focus on the person instead: You build trustYou create loyaltyYou generate referrals That’s what drives real revenue growth. Your Life Outside Business MattersThis is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Your business is not your entire identity. When you share parts of your real life: Your hobbiesYour familyWhat you care about You give people something to connect with. That’s what turns a follower into a relationship. That’s what turns a relationship into a client. One Relationship Can Change EverythingYou don’t need to connect with everyone. You don’t need to network at scale. You need one conversation. One connection. One relationship at a time. That’s how businesses are built. And that’s how you create momentum without burnout. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    39 min
  2. Podcasting for Business Growth: The Low-Lift Strategy That Builds Authority and Consistent Leads with Jenny Suneson

    May 19

    Podcasting for Business Growth: The Low-Lift Strategy That Builds Authority and Consistent Leads with Jenny Suneson

    If you’re tired of chasing algorithms, posting constantly, and still not seeing consistent leads, this episode is going to simplify your entire business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Jenny Suneson to break down why podcasting is one of the most reliable drivers of revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, overwhelmed by content creation, and looking for a sustainable way to build visibility. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you the problem is rarely effort. It’s where that effort is going. Inside this episode, we talk about how podcasting supports your sales process, how to use it strategically, and why it continues to outperform trends in business growth. Meet Jenny Suneson:Jenny Suneson helps mom entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses in 20 hours or less using podcasting as their main visibility strategy. She teaches moms how to grow without burnout, social media dependency, or big teams. Listen to Podcasting for Moms Visit Podcasting for Moms Co. Podcast Growth Scorecard Connect on Instagram Connect on Threads What You'll Learn:Why podcasting is a sustainable business strategy for long-term revenue growthHow to use your podcast to improve your sales process and conversion rateThe difference between content creation and strategic visibilityHow to align your podcast with your offers for better business growthWhy consistency matters more than frequency in your lead generationHow to create a low-lift marketing system that supports your pipeline Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Jenny’s journey from VA to podcast strategist [03:00] Why business evolution is necessary for long-term growth [05:00] Podcasting as a tried and true strategy [08:00] Why podcasting is not dependent on algorithms [10:00] How to stay consistent without burnout [12:00] Integrating your podcast into your business strategy [15:00] Why most podcasts don’t convert into revenue [17:00] Sustainability vs. trend-based marketing strategies [20:00] The power of connection through audio content [24:00] Lessons learned after 10 years in business [27:00] How to get started with podcasting strategically Key Takeaways:Podcasting Is a Long-Term Business StrategyHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners jumping from one platform to the next, trying to keep up with trends. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is one of the fastest ways to stall your revenue growth. Podcasting works because it’s stable. It’s not dependent on algorithms. It doesn’t disappear overnight. And it allows you to build a consistent presence without constantly adapting to new platforms. This is what makes it a powerful business strategy for long-term growth. Visibility Without Strategy Won’t ConvertStarting a podcast is not the strategy. Using it intentionally is. One of the biggest mistakes I see is treating a podcast like a separate entity instead of integrating it into your overall business strategy. Your podcast should: Support your offersWarm up your audienceMove people through your pipeline Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this directly strengthens your Pipeline and Sales pillars. Because your content is guiding people toward a decision, not just creating noise. Consistency Builds Trust Faster Than FrequencyMost people think they need to publish weekly or more. That’s not true. Consistency matters more than frequency. If you commit to biweekly or seasonal content and actually stick to it, you will see better results than inconsistent weekly posting. This is how you create sustainable business growth without burnout. Podcasting Is Low Lift, High ImpactCompared to other strategies, podcasting is one of the most efficient ways to create content. You don’t need to be camera-ready. You don’t need perfect production. You don’t need to be online all day. You can batch content. You can repurpose it. You can use it across your entire marketing ecosystem. That’s what makes it scalable. And that’s what makes it effective for service-based entrepreneurs with limited time. Connection Is What Drives SalesPeople don’t buy because they saw one post. They buy because they trust you. Podcasting builds that trust faster than most platforms because people hear your voice, your tone, and how you think. It shortens the buyer journey. It improves your conversion rate. And it creates a deeper connection than written content alone. Strategy Is What Makes This WorkPodcasting is not a magic fix. Without strategy, it becomes just another content channel. But when you: Align it with your offersUse clear calls to actionPlan content intentionally It becomes a powerful driver of business growth. That’s the difference between a podcast that sits stagnant and one that consistently generates leads. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    32 min
  3. Relationship Marketing Strategy: How Client Experience Drives Referrals, Loyalty, and Revenue Growth with Jessi Cabanin

    May 19

    Relationship Marketing Strategy: How Client Experience Drives Referrals, Loyalty, and Revenue Growth with Jessi Cabanin

    If you feel like you’re doing all the right things to market your business but still not seeing consistent referrals or repeat clients, this episode is going to shift your entire business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Jessi Cabanin to break down why relationships are the most powerful driver of revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, focusing too much on visibility and not enough on connection. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is one of the biggest gaps in business growth. Inside this episode, we talk about how client experience fuels your pipeline, how relationships improve your sales process, and why the way you make people feel determines your long-term success. Meet Jessi Cabanin:Jessi Cabanin is a creative strategist, speaker, and brand storyteller who helps founders, leaders, and creatives turn lived experience into powerful personal brands. With more than 15 years of experience across design, photography, video, web, and visual storytelling, she blends strategy with real-life perspective to help people own their story, clarify their message, and create deeper impact. Jessi is known for her respectfully disruptive approach, empowering others to move through the messy middle, embrace what makes them different, and choose what happens next. Subscribe to The Messy Middle on Substack Explore Redefining Fabulous Follow Jessi on Instagram Connect on Facebook What You'll Learn:Why relationship marketing is the most effective long-term business strategyHow client experience directly impacts your conversion rate and referralsThe difference between transactional business and connection-driven growthHow to create micro-moments that strengthen your sales processWhy listening is the most underrated skill in business growthHow to build loyalty that drives repeat revenue without constant lead generation Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Jessi’s background in brand strategy and storytelling [03:00] The importance of focusing on tried and true strategies [06:00] Why relationships are the foundation of business growth [09:00] Experience vs. product in your sales process [12:00] How referrals are built through emotional connection [15:00] Creating personalized client experiences that stand out [19:00] The power of micro-moments in your business strategy [23:00] Why most entrepreneurs treat business as a transaction [27:00] How loyalty and repeat clients are built over time [32:00] The role of communication and trust in client retention [36:00] Why experience-driven businesses outperform trend-based strategies [40:00] Final thoughts on building relationships that last Key Takeaways:Relationships Are the Real Growth StrategyHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners trying to fix their revenue plateau by adding more marketing tactics. More content. More platforms. More strategies. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is not the solution. Relationships are. Not surface-level networking. Not just “staying in touch.” Real relationships that create trust, connection, and loyalty. This is what drives referrals. This is what brings repeat clients. This is what builds sustainable business growth. Client Experience Will Always Outperform Marketing TacticsThis is one of the most important shifts from this episode. Your product matters. Your service matters. But your client experience matters more. People don’t talk about features. They don’t talk about deliverables. They talk about how you made them feel. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this strengthens your Pipeline and Sales pillars. Because when trust is established, your conversion rate increases naturally. You don’t have to convince people to buy. They already believe in you. Micro-Moments Create Massive ImpactMost people think client experience means big gestures. Expensive gifts. Over-the-top packages. Complicated systems. That’s not what creates impact. It’s the micro-moments: Following up when someone is going through somethingRemembering small details they mentionedCommunicating clearly and consistentlyBeing available when it matters These are the moments that build trust. These are the moments people remember. And these are the moments that lead to long-term business growth. Stop Treating Your Business Like a TransactionThis is where most people get it wrong. They treat their business like a checklist: Client signs → send onboardingDeliver service → complete projectMove on to the next That approach limits your growth. When you shift from transaction to relationship, everything changes: Clients stay longerClients come backClients refer others This is how you build a business that doesn’t constantly rely on new leads. Loyalty Is Built Through ConsistencyLoyalty doesn’t come from one great interaction. It comes from consistent experience. When people know they can rely on you: They trust your processThey trust your offersThey trust your results That’s why they come back. That’s why they buy again. That’s why they recommend you without hesitation. You Don’t Need More Leads. You Need Better RelationshipsThis is the truth most people don’t want to hear. You don’t need more visibility. You don’t need more followers. You don’t need more strategies. You need to deepen the relationships you already have. That’s how you: Increase your conversion rateStrengthen your pipelineCreate sustainable revenue growth And that’s how you move past a revenue plateau. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    43 min
  4. Simplify Your Offers: The One Core Offer Strategy That Scales Without Burnout with Sarah Masci

    May 19

    Simplify Your Offers: The One Core Offer Strategy That Scales Without Burnout with Sarah Masci

    If your offers feel messy, your messaging feels unclear, and your sales feel inconsistent, this episode is going to bring you back to what actually works. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Sarah Masci to break down why simplifying your business strategy down to one core offer is the fastest path to sustainable revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, juggling too many offers, and feeling overwhelmed by their own business model. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you complexity is usually the problem. Inside this episode, we walk through how to create a core offer, how to build your business around it, and why this approach strengthens your pricing strategy, pipeline, and sales process. Meet Sarah Masci:As a designer of 20 years and mentor of 8, Sarah Masci is best known for pioneering the Design in a Day movement — a concept she accidentally stumbled into in 2018 when she pitched her first “Book Me For a Day” offer on a whim. After years of running a traditional freelance design business plagued by scope creep, feast-or-famine cycles, and the inevitable burnout that followed, Sarah knew there had to be a better way. Since 2019, Sarah has helped over 10,000 designers build a more joy-filled design business, with a simplified “timebound” core offer and the pipeline to keep it consistently booked — no big team, no client chasing, no burnout required. Apply for Focused & Free Mastermind Book a VIP Intensive with Sarah Explore Sarah Masci Connect on Instagram Connect on Facebook What You'll Learn:Why having too many offers slows your business growthHow to create one core offer that drives consistent revenue growthThe role of a signature framework in your business strategyHow simplifying your offers improves your sales processWhy clarity in messaging increases your conversion rateHow to structure your offers without confusing your audience Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Sarah Masci and her journey in design and business [03:00] From freelance overwhelm to “design in a day” breakthrough [06:00] Why one core offer is the real strategy behind success [09:00] The problem with multiple offers and audience confusion [12:00] How to structure a flexible offer container [16:00] Simplifying your business strategy and messaging [20:00] The role of a proprietary framework in business growth [24:00] Why entrepreneurs overcomplicate their offers [27:00] Practical steps to identify your core offer Key Takeaways:More Offers Don’t Equal More RevenueHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners creating more offers thinking it will increase their revenue. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you the opposite is usually true. More offers create more complexity. More decisions. More messaging. More confusion. And confusion slows down your sales process and your revenue growth. When your audience doesn’t clearly understand what you do or what to buy, they don’t buy anything. One Core Offer Creates Clarity and MomentumThe strategy is not about having zero flexibility. It’s about having one clear, core offer that everything else supports. When you focus on one core offer: Your messaging becomes consistentYour pipeline becomes clearerYour sales process becomes simpler Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this directly strengthens all three pillars: Pricing, Pipeline, and Sales. Because everything is aligned around one offer instead of being scattered across multiple directions. Your Offer Is a Container, Not Just a DeliverableOne of the biggest mindset shifts in this episode is understanding that your offer doesn’t have to be rigid. It can be a container. That means you’re not selling one exact deliverable. You’re selling access to your expertise within a structured experience. This allows flexibility for your clients while keeping your business strategy simple and scalable. Your Framework Is What Makes You DifferentIf you want your core offer to stand out, it needs to be built around a clear, proprietary process. This is what differentiates you in a crowded market. Your framework: Clarifies your messagingStrengthens your positioningImproves your conversion rate Because people understand exactly how you help them get results. Without this, your offer feels interchangeable with everyone else’s. Complexity Is What’s Keeping You StuckIf your business feels overwhelming, this is usually why. Too many offers. Too many directions. Too many decisions. Simplifying your business strategy doesn’t limit your growth. It accelerates it. Because instead of spreading your energy across multiple things, you’re focusing on what actually drives revenue growth. You Can Always Expand LaterThis is where people get stuck. They think choosing one core offer means they’re limiting themselves. It doesn’t. It gives you a foundation. Once that foundation is stable and consistently generating revenue, you can layer additional offers strategically. But without that core, everything else feels unstable. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    34 min
  5. Client Experience Strategy: How Flexibility and Feedback Drive More Referrals and Revenue with Morgan Specht

    May 19

    Client Experience Strategy: How Flexibility and Feedback Drive More Referrals and Revenue with Morgan Specht

    If your clients aren’t staying, referring, or fully engaging in your process, this episode is going to challenge how you think about your business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Morgan Specht to break down two of the most overlooked drivers of revenue growth: client experience and feedback. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, doing the work but not seeing long-term traction or repeat business. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is rarely about needing more leads. It’s about how you’re serving the ones you already have. Inside this episode, we talk about how “rigid flexibility” strengthens your sales process, how feedback improves your offers, and how both directly impact your conversion rate and business growth. Meet Morgan Specht:Morgan Specht is a brand strategist, online agency owner, podcast host, military spouse, and mom of two. Over the last decade she's helped hundreds of service providers show up with more confidence and book more clients with personalized, strategic branding that actually helps them reach their goals. Take the Free Stand Out Brand™ Audit Podcast Connect on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn What You'll Learn:How “rigid flexibility” improves your client retention and referralsWhy client experience is a core part of your business strategyHow to ask for feedback that actually improves your offersThe difference between testimonials and constructive feedbackHow small process changes increase your conversion rateWhy improving existing offers drives faster revenue growth than creating new ones Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Morgan’s journey from freelancer to agency owner [03:00] Building a business alongside a full-time job [05:00] What “rigid flexibility” means in your business strategy [08:00] How flexibility builds trust and long-term client relationships [12:00] Why client feedback is the missing growth strategy [15:00] Simple ways to improve your client experience [18:00] Using feedback to refine your offers and sales process [22:00] Common mistakes in positioning and offer creation [25:00] How to ask better, more specific feedback questions [30:00] Wrap-up and actionable next steps Key Takeaways:Client Experience Is a Growth StrategyHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners focused on getting more leads instead of improving how they serve the ones they already have. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is one of the biggest gaps in business strategy. Your client experience directly impacts: ReferralsRetentionYour conversion rate When people feel supported, understood, and taken care of, they stay longer and they send more people your way. That’s how sustainable business growth actually happens. Rigid Flexibility Builds Trust Without Losing BoundariesThis concept is simple but powerful. You have structure. You have boundaries. You have a defined sales process. But you also leave room for flexibility when it makes sense. This is not about overdelivering or letting clients walk all over you. It’s about making intentional decisions that strengthen relationships. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this supports both your Pipeline and Sales pillars. Because trust accelerates movement through your pipeline. And trust comes from feeling like you’re working with a human, not a system. Feedback Is What Improves Your OffersMost people ask for testimonials. Very few ask for real feedback. And that’s a problem. Because testimonials make you feel good. Feedback makes your business better. When you ask specific questions like: What could have made this experience better?What felt unclear during the process? You get actionable insights that improve your business strategy. This is how you refine your offers without constantly creating new ones. Small Changes Create Big ResultsOne of the best examples in this episode is simple. Clients felt unclear about where they were in the process. The solution? A weekly check-in email. That one small change dramatically improved the client experience and became a differentiator in the business. This is what most people miss. You don’t need to overhaul everything. You need to identify the gaps and fix them. Stop Creating More. Improve What You HaveWhen you’re not hitting your revenue goals, the instinct is to create something new. A new offer. A new funnel. A new strategy. But most of the time, that’s not the answer. The answer is: Improve your current offersRefine your messagingStrengthen your client experience That’s how you increase your conversion rate and move out of a revenue plateau. You Are Not Your Ideal ClientThis is one of the most important mindset shifts. You cannot build your business based on what you would want. Because you are not your buyer. This is why feedback matters. This is why conversations matter. And this is why your business strategy needs to be built around your audience, not your assumptions. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    34 min
  6. Subconscious Reprogramming for Business Growth: The Strategy Behind Consistent Execution with Julie Costa

    May 19

    Subconscious Reprogramming for Business Growth: The Strategy Behind Consistent Execution with Julie Costa

    If you feel like you know exactly what to do in your business but still aren’t executing at the level you want, this episode is going to connect the dots. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Julie Costa to break down why subconscious reprogramming is one of the most powerful drivers of revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, doing all the right things, but still not seeing consistent results. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is rarely a strategy problem. It’s an identity and execution gap. Inside this episode, we walk through how your subconscious patterns impact your pricing strategy, pipeline, and sales process, and how to shift them so your business strategy actually works. Meet Julie Costa:Julie Costa is a Business Coach, Certified Master Hypnotherapist, and NLP Trainer specializing in subconscious transformation for high-performing entrepreneurs and practitioners. Her work focuses on closing the gap between knowing what to do and consistently executing at the level success requires. Blending hypnotherapy, NLP, and identity-level behavioral work, Julie helps clients reprogram the subconscious patterns that impact visibility, sales, leadership, and decision-making. In addition to one-to-one work, she trains and certifies business owners to integrate subconscious reprogramming into their own client practices, expanding both impact and results. With a background in corporate leadership, community building, and business development, Julie’s approach bridges strategy with deep behavioral change. She was named Best Hypnotherapist in Boston in 2024 and continues to lead transformative work with clients and practitioners worldwide. Join Activate Membership Get Free Monthly Subliminal Audios Connect on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn What You'll Learn:Why knowing your business strategy isn’t enough for revenue growthHow subconscious patterns impact your sales process and executionThe role identity plays in breaking through a revenue plateauHow to identify beliefs that are holding your business backSimple ways to start subconscious reprogramming todayWhy consistency in inner work drives long-term business growth Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Julie Costa and her work in subconscious transformation [02:00] Julie’s journey from business coaching to hypnotherapy [05:00] Building a business while working full-time [08:00] Why subconscious work is the missing piece in execution [11:00] Identifying limiting beliefs and identity gaps [15:00] How subconscious patterns impact revenue cycles [18:00] Why inner work is layered and ongoing [21:00] Different modalities for subconscious reprogramming [25:00] Practical ways to shift beliefs in real time [30:00] How to start implementing this work in your business Key Takeaways:Strategy Isn’t the Problem. Execution IsHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners doing everything “right” and still feeling stuck. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is almost never about needing a better business strategy. It’s about execution. And execution is directly tied to your identity. If you’re operating from an identity that doesn’t match your next level, your actions will always pull you back to what feels safe. That’s why you can know exactly what to do and still not do it consistently. Your Identity Sets the Ceiling for Your BusinessThis is where most people get it wrong. They try to change their results without changing how they see themselves. If your subconscious believes: “I’m not good enough”“I can’t handle more success”“This level of income isn’t safe” You will unconsciously create patterns that reinforce those beliefs. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this impacts all three pillars. Your pricing strategy stays too low. Your pipeline becomes inconsistent. Your sales process feels harder than it should. Because your identity is setting the ceiling. Subconscious Patterns Show Up in Your ResultsOne of the biggest indicators that this is your issue is inconsistency. You have a great month. Then things drop off. You gain momentum. Then you pull back. That’s not random. That’s your nervous system trying to return to what feels familiar. And until you address that, your revenue growth will continue to feel like a rollercoaster. This Work Is Not One and DoneThis is the part people don’t always want to hear. Subconscious reprogramming is layered. You’re not fixing one belief and suddenly everything changes forever. You’re working through years, sometimes decades, of conditioning. But the difference is speed. You recover faster. You catch patterns sooner. You move through blocks without staying stuck for weeks or months. That’s what creates sustainable business growth. Awareness Is the First StepYou don’t need to overcomplicate where to start. Start by paying attention to your thoughts. When you catch yourself saying: “I’m not good at this” “I can’t do that” “This won’t work for me” Pause. Ask yourself: Is that actually true? Then shift it to something more supportive and realistic. That alone can begin to change how you show up in your business strategy and sales process. Inner Work Amplifies Everything ElseThis is not about replacing strategy. It’s about making your strategy work. When you align your identity with your goals, everything becomes easier: You show up more consistentlyYou make clearer decisionsYou sell with more confidenceYou create more predictable revenue growth That’s why this is a tried and true strategy. Because it impacts everything. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    36 min
  7. In-Person Networking Strategy: How to Turn Conversations Into Consistent Leads with Sarah Gemmell

    May 19

    In-Person Networking Strategy: How to Turn Conversations Into Consistent Leads with Sarah Gemmell

    If you feel like you’re doing all the online marketing things but still not seeing consistent leads, this episode is going to challenge your entire approach to business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Sarah Gemmell to break down why in-person networking is still one of the most effective ways to drive revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, relying too heavily on social media, and missing real connection in their pipeline. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you visibility alone doesn’t convert. Connection does. Inside this episode, we walk through how to use networking strategically, how to shorten your buyer journey, and how to turn conversations into real opportunities that support your sales process. Meet Sarah Gemmell:Sarah Gemmell is a psychology based marketing consultant and strategist helping small business owners stop doing random marketing tasks and start creating more strategic, profitable marketing ecosystems you can actually rely on so you can stay in your zone of genius/ Known for her no-fluff approach, she blends psychology, data, and customized strategy so her clients can create consistent visibility, convert more leads, and be able to rely on marketing even when the calendar fills up. 10 years in business and over 1200 businesses helped, Sarah has become the go to for the business owners who are not new to the game, don't have a marketing team, and want to finally streamline all the time and effort spent. When she’s not mapping out marketing plans, Sarah is probably dancing in her kitchen, wrangling her 18-month-old son, or caring for her 20+ animals. With Sarah, clients stop guessing and start growing — with a little fun along the way. Services Free Networking Conversation Starter Kit Connect on Instagram Connect on TikTok What You'll Learn:Why in-person networking is a powerful driver of business growthHow to use networking to shorten your buyer journey and increase conversion rateThe difference between networking for sales vs. networking for opportunitiesHow to create memorable introductions that stand outWhy specificity in your messaging improves your pipeline resultsHow to use networking alongside social media for a stronger business strategy Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Sarah Gemmell and her marketing expertise [02:00] Sarah’s journey from personal training to marketing consultant [06:00] Why in-person networking still works in today’s market [09:00] Shifting from selling to building opportunities [12:00] How to stand out in a room and create memorable intros [16:00] The importance of specificity in your messaging and CTA [20:00] Why networking results are your responsibility [23:00] How networking fits into your overall sales process [27:00] Strategies for introverts and avoiding burnout [31:00] How to find the right networking opportunities [34:00] Wrap-up and next steps Key Takeaways:Networking Is Not About Sales. It’s About OpportunityHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners walking into networking events expecting to leave with clients. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you that expectation is exactly what creates frustration. Networking is not about immediate sales. It’s about opening doors. Referrals. Collaborations. Speaking opportunities. Strategic relationships. When you shift your business strategy from “I need clients” to “I’m open to opportunities,” everything changes. Your energy changes. Your conversations change. And your results improve. Specificity Is What Drives ResultsThis is one of the biggest breakdowns in both networking and marketing. If you say, “I help business owners grow,” no one knows what to do with that. But when you get specific about who you serve and what you’re looking for, people can actually connect you. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this strengthens your Pipeline and Sales pillars. Clear messaging creates movement. Vague messaging creates confusion. And confusion slows down your revenue growth. Your Results Are Your ResponsibilityYou don’t get to show up, give a generic intro, and expect results. If you leave a networking event with nothing, it’s not because networking doesn’t work. It’s because there was no strategy behind it. That means: No clear intentionNo specific askNo follow-up Every conversation is an opportunity. But you have to lead it. This is no different than your sales process. You guide people to the next step. Networking Supports Your Entire Business StrategyOne of the biggest misconceptions is treating networking as separate from your marketing. It’s not. Networking creates visibility and starts conversations. Your content and social media nurture those relationships. Your sales process converts them. This is how sustainable business growth actually happens. You don’t need more platforms. You need better integration. You Don’t Need to Meet EveryoneThis is where burnout happens. Trying to talk to everyone. Going to every event. Saying yes to everything. That’s not strategy. That’s reaction. Instead, focus on building relationships with the right people. Go deeper, not wider. Especially if you’re an introvert, this is your advantage. Smaller, more intentional conversations will always outperform surface-level connections. Consistency Builds MomentumThe real power of networking is not in showing up once. It’s in showing up consistently. Relationships take time. Trust takes time. Referrals take time. But when you stay in the room, stay visible, and stay clear in your messaging, your pipeline strengthens and your revenue growth becomes more predictable. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    41 min
  8. Storytelling in Marketing: The Messaging Strategy That Builds Trust and Drives Sales with Chelsea Quint

    May 19

    Storytelling in Marketing: The Messaging Strategy That Builds Trust and Drives Sales with Chelsea Quint

    If your content isn’t converting and you feel like you’re saying all the “right” things but still not getting results, this episode is going to shift how you think about your entire business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Chelsea Quint to break down why storytelling is the most powerful and overlooked driver of revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck at a revenue plateau, struggling with messaging, or feeling like their content isn’t connecting with the right people. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is rarely a visibility problem. It’s a connection problem. Inside this episode, we walk through how storytelling impacts your sales process, how to create emotional resonance, and how to use messaging to build trust and increase your conversion rate. Meet Chelsea Quint:Chelsea Quint is The Business Whisperer, an ex-corporate marketer turned messaging strategist who helps brilliant founders get their genius offers seen and sold. After cutting her teeth in marketing for major brands like Pilot Pens and Party City, she now uses her marketing expertise to help entrepreneurs break through the noise with crystal-clear positioning, magnetic messaging, and cult-status offers that convert. Chelsea specializes in crafting emotionally resonant sales campaigns that build trust, spark desire, and skyrocket sales without chasing trends or dumbing things down. Her approach treats business building as both art and science, focusing on the strategic storytelling that transforms best-kept secrets into bestselling offers. When she's not helping clients design sales systems that book out their services (or sell out their digital products), you can find her on the East Coast with her chef husband, corgi, and two cats, probably trying to eat Mexican food for every meal and improvising songs about what her pets are thinking. Chelsea Quint Website (Business Whisperer) Free private podcast, Storyselling Shifts Also, let’s get you an affiliate link for my audits! Connect on Instagram Connect on Threads What You'll Learn:Why storytelling is the most effective business strategy for connection and salesHow to create messaging that improves your conversion rateThe difference between sharing stories and using story strategicallyHow to understand your audience beyond surface-level demographicsWhy emotional resonance drives faster revenue growthHow to apply storytelling across your sales process and content Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Chelsea Quint and her messaging expertise [03:00] Chelsea’s background and transition from corporate marketing [07:00] The evolution of her business and current offer ecosystem [10:00] Why storytelling is the foundation of effective marketing [14:00] Understanding your audience’s lived experience [18:00] How to use storytelling without oversharing personal details [23:00] Why storytelling builds trust faster than traditional sales tactics [26:00] How storytelling works across platforms and strategies [30:00] Practical ways to start using storytelling in your content [32:00] Wrap-up and next steps Key Takeaways:Storytelling Is the Foundation of ConnectionHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners trying to fix their marketing by adding more tactics. More content. More platforms. More strategies. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you the issue is rarely volume. It’s connection. Storytelling is what bridges that gap. It allows your audience to feel seen, understood, and connected to you before they ever buy. And that connection is what drives your conversion rate. This is not about being creative for the sake of it. It’s about being intentional with how you communicate. You Don’t Need to Share Your Personal Life to Be EffectiveOne of the biggest misconceptions around storytelling is that you have to constantly share personal stories. That’s not what this is. Storytelling is about understanding your audience’s lived experience and reflecting it back to them. It’s about naming the thoughts they’re already having. The frustrations they can’t articulate. The desires they haven’t fully owned yet. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this strengthens all three pillars. Your Pricing feels more aligned. Your Pipeline becomes more engaged. Your Sales process becomes more natural. Because people feel understood. Messaging Starts With Understanding, Not WritingMost people try to jump straight into writing better content. But strong messaging doesn’t start with words. It starts with understanding. You need to know how your ideal client thinks. What they’re experiencing day-to-day. What’s keeping them stuck in a revenue plateau. This is where conversations matter. This is where listening matters. This is where paying attention to patterns matters. When you understand that, the messaging becomes obvious. Storytelling Builds Trust Faster Than Strategy AloneYou can have the best offer in the world, but if people don’t trust you, they won’t buy. Storytelling accelerates trust. It creates emotional resonance. It makes your audience feel like you “get it.” And when people feel understood, they move through your sales process faster. This is why storytelling works across every platform, every algorithm, and every stage of business growth. It’s not a trend. It’s how humans communicate. You Already Know How to Do ThisThis is the part most people overlook. You already tell stories every day. In conversations. In texts. In voice notes. In how you explain things to clients. The goal is not to learn something new. It’s to translate what you already do naturally into your business strategy. When you do that, your messaging becomes more effective, your content becomes easier to create, and your business growth becomes more sustainable. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    33 min
  9. Pop-Up Offers Strategy: How to Increase Revenue Without Rebuilding Your Business with Jess Freeman

    May 19

    Pop-Up Offers Strategy: How to Increase Revenue Without Rebuilding Your Business with Jess Freeman

    If you’re overthinking your next offer or stuck trying to create something “perfect,” this episode is going to simplify your entire business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Jess Freeman to break down how pop-up offers can drive immediate revenue growth without overhauling your service-based business. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are sitting in a revenue plateau, unsure what to sell next, or feeling pressure to constantly reinvent their offers. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is one of the most underutilized strategies for consistent business growth. Inside this episode, we talk about how to create simple, time-bound offers, how to use them to test demand, and how they support your pricing strategy, pipeline, and sales process without adding unnecessary complexity. Meet Jess Freeman:Jess Freeman is the award-winning founder of Jess Creatives, where she helps nutrition and fitness pros get found, trusted, and booked with websites that actually match their expertise. With over a decade of experience in web design and SEO, Jess is all about practical strategies that highlight what makes her clients stand out. Jess Freeman Website The Ordinary Business Podcast State of Online Business Survey Report Connect on Instagram Connect on Threads What You'll Learn:How pop-up offers can create fast revenue growth without building new programsWhy testing ideas before fully building them improves your business strategyHow to use simple offers to strengthen your pipeline and conversion rateThe difference between pop-up offers and core offers in your sales processHow to create demand using urgency and limited availabilityWhy adaptability is key to long-term business growth Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Building a successful business without a large audience [03:00] Jess’s 15-year journey and niching into a specific market [07:00] What pop-up offers are and how they work [10:00] Why simple, low-lift offers drive faster revenue [14:00] Testing offers without overbuilding or overcommitting [18:00] Using pop-up offers to adapt to trends and client needs [23:00] Examples of pop-up offers for service-based businesses [30:00] Pricing, positioning, and when to keep or drop an offer [35:00] Using data and feedback to refine your business strategy [40:00] Wrap-up and next steps Key Takeaways:Pop-Up Offers Let You Test Without OvercommittingHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners spending weeks or months building out offers before they even know if people want them. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you that is one of the fastest ways to waste time and stall revenue growth. Pop-up offers eliminate that problem. They allow you to test an idea quickly, with minimal setup, and get real-time feedback from your audience. You’re not building an entire program. You’re validating demand. This is CEO-level strategic planning. You’re making decisions based on data, not assumptions. Simplicity Is What Makes This WorkOne of the biggest advantages of pop-up offers is how simple they are. You don’t need a full sales page. You don’t need automation. You don’t need a complex funnel. You need a clear, specific offer, a defined outcome, and a limited timeframe. That’s it. Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this directly impacts your Pipeline and Sales pillars. You’re creating movement in your pipeline and giving people a clear path to buy, without overcomplicating your sales process. These Offers Strengthen Your Entire Business StrategyPop-up offers are not just about quick cash. They support your long-term business growth. They help you: Identify what your audience actually wantsRefine your pricing strategyImprove your messaging and positioningBring new people into your pipelineIncrease your conversion rate through low-risk entry points This is how you build a business that adapts without constantly starting over. Not Every Offer Needs to StayThis is the part most people miss. Just because something sells doesn’t mean it needs to become a permanent offer. Some offers are meant to be temporary. Some are meant to test ideas. Some are meant to create short-term revenue. And some will evolve into your best long-term offers. The key is being willing to evaluate honestly. Did you enjoy it? Did it serve your clients? Does it align with your business strategy? If not, you let it go. Adaptability Is What Creates LongevityJess has been in business for 15 years. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of adaptability. Instead of constantly reinventing her business, she’s making small, strategic adjustments. Testing new ideas. Responding to market shifts. That’s how you stay relevant without burning everything down. And that’s how you move past a revenue plateau into sustainable business growth. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    41 min
  10. Resilience in Business: How to Stop Taking Rejection Personally and Build Sustainable Growth with Deborah Smith

    May 19

    Resilience in Business: How to Stop Taking Rejection Personally and Build Sustainable Growth with Deborah Smith

    If you find yourself overthinking every “no,” questioning your value, or feeling derailed when something doesn’t go as planned, this episode is going to shift how you approach business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with Deborah Smith to break down one of the most overlooked drivers of revenue growth: your ability to not take things personally. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck in a revenue plateau, not because of strategy, but because mindset is impacting their consistency. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is what keeps people stuck. Inside this episode, we talk about how resilience directly impacts your sales process, how to separate your identity from your results, and how to stay consistent even when things don’t go your way. Meet Deborah Smith:Deborah C. Smith is a Brooklyn-based marketing strategist and producer, the creator of Soul-Aligned 6-Figure Systems, and the host of the Mindset to Market podcast. She helps women entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable personal brand businesses by blending traditional marketing strategy with creative storybranding and holistic wellness practices. Her work bridges the gap between strategy and alignment, guiding clients to create simple, profitable systems that support both their income and their lifestyle. Listen to the Mindset to Market Podcast Visit Deborah Smith’s Website Other Links Connect on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn What You'll Learn:Why taking things personally slows your business growthHow mindset directly impacts your sales process and revenue growthThe role of resilience in building a sustainable service-based businessHow to separate your self-worth from business outcomesWhy rejection is data, not failureHow to stay consistent even when results fluctuate Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Deborah’s background in marketing and entrepreneurship [05:00] Building a business before digital marketing was mainstream [09:00] Why resilience is a critical business strategy [12:00] What “don’t take it personally” actually means [18:00] Handling rejection, feedback, and failed launches [23:00] Using data instead of emotion to make decisions [27:00] Reframing negative experiences into growth opportunities [31:00] The importance of daily self-check-ins [36:00] Building self-worth outside of business results [42:00] Final thoughts and practical mindset shifts Key Takeaways:Rejection Is Not a Reflection of Your ValueHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners making every “no” mean something about them. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you this is one of the fastest ways to stall your revenue growth. When someone doesn’t buy, doesn’t renew, or doesn’t respond, it’s easy to internalize that. But most of the time, it has nothing to do with you. It’s timing. It’s capacity. It’s priorities. It’s their current situation. When you attach your self-worth to every outcome, your business strategy becomes reactive instead of intentional. Your Mindset Drives Your ExecutionThis is not just a mindset conversation. This is a business strategy conversation. Because if you’re constantly questioning yourself: You stop showing up consistentlyYou hesitate in your sales processYou second-guess your pricing strategy Inside the Focused Visionary Framework, this impacts all three pillars. Your Pricing, Pipeline, and Sales all rely on your ability to execute without emotional interference. And when you take things personally, your execution slows down. Data Will Always Serve You Better Than EmotionOne of the most important shifts in this episode is learning to look at everything as data. A failed launch is data. A non-renewal is data. Low engagement is data. Instead of reacting emotionally, you pause and ask: What can I learn from this? That’s how you refine your business strategy. That’s how you improve your conversion rate. And that’s how you create consistent revenue growth. You Are Not for EveryoneThis is a hard truth, but it’s necessary. Not everyone will resonate with your messaging. Not everyone will value your approach. Not everyone will choose your offer. And that’s not a problem. Trying to be for everyone weakens your positioning and slows your sales process. Clarity and specificity are what attract the right clients and move them through your pipeline faster. Consistency Requires Emotional DisciplineYou don’t get consistent results without consistent action. And you don’t get consistent action without emotional regulation. This is where most people break down. They have one bad day, one bad launch, one negative response and they pull back. But business growth requires you to keep going anyway. That’s the difference between staying stuck in a revenue plateau and actually scaling. Daily Self-Check-Ins Change EverythingThis is one of the simplest but most powerful strategies shared in this episode. Take a few minutes every day to ask: What worked today?What didn’t?What can I learn from this? This keeps you grounded in facts instead of emotions. It keeps your business strategy clear. And it helps you build resilience over time. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    46 min
  11. Email Marketing Strategy That Actually Converts: Build Relationships, Not Just Lists with Liz Wilcox

    May 19

    Email Marketing Strategy That Actually Converts: Build Relationships, Not Just Lists with Liz Wilcox

    If you’ve been avoiding email marketing or treating it like an afterthought, this episode is going to completely shift your business strategy. In this episode of The Real Experts in Business podcast, I sit down with email strategist Liz Wilcox to break down why email is still one of the most powerful tools for revenue growth. This is for service-based entrepreneurs who are stuck at a revenue plateau, relying too heavily on social media, and missing a direct connection to their audience. After 9 years of experience, I can tell you this is one of the biggest gaps I see in business strategy. Inside this episode, we talk about how to build relationships through email, how to simplify your sales process, and how to consistently generate revenue without depending on algorithms. Meet Liz Wilcox:The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small businesses how to build online relationships + make real money with emails. She’s best known for selling a blog, turning a $9 offer into multiple six-figures (without ads), and helping you untangle the email “knot” with her simple framework, the Email Staircase. She loves the 90s, headbands, and the beach. Liz Wilcox Email Marketing Membership Get everything you need to build a list of buyers. Seriously. One entirely-written-for-you welcome sequence. 3 newsletters templates so you can feel comfortable knowing how to follow up each week. And 52 subject lines so you never have to write an email from scratch again. Free Email Marketing Templates + Welcome Sequence Visit Website Connect on Instagram Connect on Facebook What You'll Learn:Why email marketing is still the most reliable strategy for revenue growthHow to build real relationships that improve your conversion rateThe three core elements every email needs to be effectiveHow to grow your email list without relying on social media algorithmsWhy consistency in your email strategy matters more than frequencyHow to use email to support your pipeline and sales process Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction: Meet Liz Wilcox and her email marketing journey [03:00] From travel blogger to email marketing expert [05:00] Why email marketing works without algorithms [08:00] Building relationships instead of just selling [12:00] Why email creates deeper connection than social media [17:00] List building strategies through collaboration and networking [23:00] Simplifying email marketing with templates and systems [28:00] Why email will continue to outperform in an AI-driven world Key Takeaways:Email Marketing Is About Relationships, Not Just SalesHere’s what I see constantly. Business owners either ignoring email marketing or only using it when they have something to sell. After 9 years of working with service-based entrepreneurs, I can tell you that approach will always limit your revenue growth. What Liz reinforced in this conversation is simple. Email is not about closing sales. It’s about opening relationships. When someone is in your inbox, you have direct access to them without relying on algorithms, trends, or platforms you don’t control. That changes everything about your business strategy. The Simplicity Most People OverlookOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is how simple effective email marketing actually is. You don’t need complicated funnels. You don’t need perfectly written newsletters. You need three things: Show that you’re invested in your audienceBe relatable so people connect with youStay consistent so you remain top of mind That’s it. That’s the foundation of a strong sales process through email. And yet most people overcomplicate this, which is exactly why they don’t stay consistent. Your Pipeline Needs Email to Function ProperlyInside the Focused Visionary Framework, your pipeline is one of the most critical pieces of your business. Email sits right in the middle of that. It nurtures leads. It builds trust. It moves people from awareness into consideration and eventually into decision. Without it, your lead generation relies too heavily on social platforms and inconsistent visibility. When you use email correctly, your pipeline becomes more stable and your conversion rate improves because people already trust you before they ever reach out. Growth Comes From Connection, Not Just VisibilityThis is where most people get it wrong. They focus on getting more eyes on their business instead of building deeper connections with the people already there. Email allows you to go deeper. It allows your audience to respond, share, and actually communicate with you in a way social media doesn’t always support. And that connection is what drives sales. You Don’t Need More Strategy. You Need ConsistencyThis is the theme that keeps coming up across every conversation. You don’t need more tactics. You don’t need more platforms. You don’t need to constantly reinvent your business strategy. You need to consistently show up. Whether that’s once a week or a few times a month, consistency is what builds trust. And trust is what drives revenue growth. Resources MentionedSubscribe to Back Pocket Insights for FREEBook a CEO Strategy Call Learn more about The Missing Piece IntensiveLearn more about The Focused Visionary AcceleratorDownload the FREE Lead and Conversion TrackerSubscribe to the Sunday Morning Brew Newsletter About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist based in Sarasota, Florida, specializing in helping service-based entrepreneurs break through revenue plateaus using her Focused Visionary Framework. With over 300 podcast episodes and 9 years running her consulting business, she helps coaches, consultants, and service providers scale sustainably through strategic planning, pricing optimization, and sales process development. Connect with MichelleWebsiteThreadsInstagramLinkedIn Facebook

    31 min

  12. Apr 8

    The Real Experts in Business: Welcome

    Welcome to The Real Experts in Business If you are tired of chasing trends, consuming strategy after strategy, and still feeling stuck, this show was made for you. In this trailer episode, host and business growth strategist Michelle DeNio introduces The Real Experts in Business and the philosophy behind why she created it. After nearly a decade of working with service-based entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants, Michelle has seen one pattern repeated over and over: the business owners who are actually winning are not doing more. They are doing the right things consistently, and they have been doing them for a long time. That is the entire premise of the Focused Visionary Framework, Michelle's signature methodology built around simplifying, clarifying, and executing. And it is the through line of every conversation on this show. What You Can Expect The Real Experts in Business is a seasonal podcast featuring vetted, established business owners who Michelle knows personally, trusts, and can vouch for. No gatekeeping. No highlight reels. Just honest conversations with real experts who have built something worth talking about and are willing to tell you exactly how they did it. Every season brings a different theme, a different lens, and a hand selected group of guests from different industries and areas of business. The through line is always the same: what actually works, what has always worked, and how you can apply it in your business starting now. Season 1 is coming. Subscribe now so you don't miss it. Also mentioned in this episode: The Real Truth About Business Podcast: 300+ episodes of zero filter, raw, real talk about what it actually takes to grow, build, and sustain a successful business. Listen here Connect with Michelle DeNio: Website: michelledenioconsulting.com Instagram Threads

    4 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

There is no shortage of content telling you what's working right now. This show is different. The Real Experts in Business is a seasonal podcast featuring curated conversations with established business owners who have been in the game for years. Every guest is personally vetted by host Michelle DeNio, a business strategist with over 20 years of experience working with service-based entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants. Each season has a focused theme and a hand-selected guest list. These are not random interviews. These are the experts Michelle trusts, the ones she would send her own clients to, and the ones whose advice has stood the test of time. If you are tired of chasing trends and ready to hear from people who have actually built something real, you are in the right place. New seasons drop throughout the year. Subscribe now so you never miss one.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle DeNio
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michelle DeNio
  • Show Website
    The Real Experts in Business

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