The REAL Truth About Business: Business Growth Tips for Solopreneurs, Small Business Owners, Coaches, Consultants and ADHD Se

Michelle DeNio | Business Strategist
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Are you a growth-stage entrepreneur, solopreneur or small business owner trying to scale your service-based business but constantly battling overwhelm, decision fatigue, or too many ideas at once? Do traditional “step-by-step” strategies feel impossible to follow because your ADHD or neurodivergent brain just doesn’t work that way? You’re not alone. Welcome to The Real Truth About Business, the podcast that cuts through the noise and gives you the no-fluff, straight-talking truth about what it actually takes to grow a sustainable, profitable business. Hosted by Michelle DeNio — Business Strategist, Strategic Growth Advisor, and creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator — this show is designed to help service-based entrepreneurs simplify, focus, and scale without burnout. You might be asking yourself questions like: 👉 How do I grow my business without burning out? 👉 What business growth strategies actually work for ADHD or neurodivergent entrepreneurs? 👉 How do I create a simple, profitable business model instead of chasing every new idea? 👉 What lead generation and relationship marketing strategies actually bring in consistent clients? 👉 How do I stay focused and follow through when executive tasks feel draining? 👉 What does strategic planning look like when my brain doesn’t operate in a linear way? Each episode delivers actionable insights on topics like: ✅ Strategic planning that works with your brain, not against it ✅ Profit-focused decision making for growth-stage entrepreneurs ✅ Lead generation, client acquisition, and relationship marketing that feels natural ✅ ADHD-friendly business structures that create clarity and focus ✅ The CEO mindset shifts that eliminate overwhelm Michelle’s tough-love but compassionate coaching style is like a kick in the ass wrapped in a hug — giving you the clarity and confidence to finally take aligned action. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, simplify your business model, and focus on the strategies that actually create growth, this podcast will show you what it really takes to build a sustainable, profitable business. Connect with me, Michelle DeNio, on LinkedIn for more insights and updates: linkedin.com/in/michelledenio. For more on how to work together and explore the Focused Visionary Accelerator, visit michelledenioconsulting.com.

  1. 18H AGO

    Business Growth Made Simple: Offer, Leads, Sales [Ep. 337]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ----------------------------------------------------------------- If your business feels chaotic, heavy, or like you’re doing all the things with nothing to show for it, you’re not alone. Most service providers are drowning in busywork, tweaking offers nonstop, building complicated funnels, and chasing every new strategy… all while ignoring the only things that actually move the needle. The overwhelm isn’t because your business is broken. It’s because it’s overcomplicated. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle cuts through the noise and breaks your business down to the three elements that determine whether you grow or stay stuck: aligned offers, intentional lead generation, and a simple sales process. She explains why everything else is distraction, how to identify what’s draining your time, and how to get back to doing the work that actually brings clients in the door. If you’ve been spinning your wheels, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with a clearer, simpler roadmap for sustainable growth. You’ll learn: The only three things that truly matter for business growthWhy complex funnels, constant tweaking, and endless content don’t fix sales problemsHow to identify what’s working, what isn’t, and what to eliminateThe simplest way to create an aligned offer, attract leads, and convert clientsWhy simplification builds momentum faster than any new strategy This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    18 min

  2. DEC 17

    Why Your Follow-Up Isn’t Working: The Lead Nurture Mistakes Costing You Sales [Ep. 336]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ------------------------------------------------------------------- So many entrepreneurs blur the line between follow up and nurturing, and it’s costing them sales, relationships, and clarity. When you treat everyone like a lead or everyone like a long-term nurture, you end up either pushing too hard or never asking for the sale at all. Most service providers are overcomplicating this simply because they don’t have a clear sales process or pipeline in place. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle breaks down the exact difference between follow up and nurture, how to know which one someone belongs in, and why mixing the two is the fastest way to tank conversions. She explains the role of timing, buying signals, relationship building, and direct outreach, and gives practical examples of what each should look like inside your customized sales process. This episode is your roadmap for cleaner communication, stronger relationships, and more consistent sales. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this conversation will help you take the confusion out of your pipeline so you can finally follow up with confidence and nurture with intention. You’ll learn: The clear difference between a follow up and a nurture touch pointHow to know exactly which bucket a contact belongs inWhy combining nurture and follow up kills conversionsWhat effective follow up looks like without being salesyHow to build a relationship through nurture without losing the saleWhy a defined sales process makes every outreach easier This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    18 min

  3. DEC 10

    Strategic Thinking vs. AI Validation: How to Make Better Business Decisions [Ep. 335]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ------------------------------------------------------------------ There’s a shift happening in the online space that no one really wants to talk about. We’ve entered a full-blown validation culture where everyone is seeking agreement, instant reassurance, and quick answers… and losing the ability to think strategically. With social media echo chambers and AI giving everyone a nonstop “Absolutely, you’re right,” business owners are falling into copycat thinking and cookie cutter decisions that keep them stuck. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle breaks down how this craving for external validation is killing creativity, discernment, and actual business strategy. She explains how to use tools like AI without outsourcing your decision-making, how to strengthen your critical thinking skills, and why seeking agreement feels good in the moment but rarely produces the results you want. This is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs who want to lead with clarity instead of consensus. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode will help you step out of validation mode and back into grounded, strategic leadership. You’ll learn: How validation culture is quietly damaging your growthWhy constantly being agreed with leads to copycat ideas and mediocre resultsHow to use AI as a strategic partner instead of a permission slipWhat discernment actually looks like in day-to-day decision-makingHow to challenge your own thinking so you stop playing small This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. Links referenced in this episode: chatgpt ------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    21 min

  4. DEC 3

    How to Turn Masterclasses and Workshops into Paying Clients [Ep. 334]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Every few months the online space starts shouting that masterclasses, workshops, and conversion events are “dead.” But let’s get real. They’re not dead. They’re simply being done wrong. When positioned well and designed with actual connection in mind, conversion events are still one of the most powerful strategies for service-based business owners. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle breaks down exactly why these events continue to work and what’s actually changed in how people want to experience them. She digs into positioning, pipeline alignment, learning styles, timing, free vs paid options, and the one mistake that kills conversions faster than anything else. If you want your next masterclass, challenge, or workshop to actually lead to clients, this episode shows you how to structure it so people trust you, feel supported, and naturally take the next step. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode will help you run conversion events that build authority, deepen relationships, and create real sales without the spammy webinar vibes. You’ll learn: Why conversion events still work and aren’t going anywhereHow to position your event in the right place in your sales pipelineWhy cold audiences need smaller next steps (and warm audiences don’t)How to choose between a free event, low-ticket workshop, or multi-day challengeThe key elements that make people actually convert, not just consume This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    23 min

  5. NOV 26

    Why You Shouldn't Ghost Your Audience in December [Ep. 333]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Every year when November hits, the same narrative pops up in the online space: “No one’s buying right now” or “I’ll wait until January.” And honestly, that mindset is exactly why so many service providers start Q1 playing catch up. Because visibility now is what gets you remembered later. The ones who keep showing up while everyone else goes quiet are the ones who sign clients in January. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle breaks down how to stay visible during the holiday slowdown without burning out or living online. She explains how buyers are actually behaving during November and December, why people are in research and planning mode, and what you can do to stay top of mind while still honoring your need for rest. This is practical, strategic visibility for service-based entrepreneurs who want momentum, not burnout. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode gives you a simple plan to stay consistent, nurture warm leads, and build trust that converts in Q1. You’ll learn: Why people are still buying (even if they’re not checking out today)How to stay visible without posting nonstop or attending every eventThe easiest ways to repurpose your best content during the holidaysHow to nurture warm leads so they’re ready to say yes in JanuaryWhy clarity on your goals makes visibility easier and far less exhausting This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. Links mentioned: Reflect. Refocus. Reignite. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    16 min

  6. NOV 19

    Do Your Research: How to Avoid Investments You'll Regret [Ep. 332]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let’s talk about something that could save you thousands of dollars and hours of frustration: doing your research before you invest. Too many service providers are making impulsive business decisions based on hype, FOMO, or what looks popular online, and then wonder why the experience doesn’t match the promise. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle shares an unfiltered message about taking radical responsibility for your investments. From masterminds and memberships to courses and collaborations, she breaks down why “cart closing soon” urgency tactics can cloud your judgment, how to spot red flags, and what it really means to make decisions like a CEO. This episode is your wake-up call to slow down, ask questions, and trust your gut. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode will help you move from impulsive decisions to intentional strategy so you can protect your time, energy, and money. You’ll learn: Why “open cart” and “limited time” offers aren’t always what they seemHow to research programs and communities before you investThe questions to ask past members or clients for real feedbackHow to recognize when timing—not the offer—is the problemWhy radical responsibility is the foundation of smart business growth This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. Links referenced in this episode: backpocketinsightsreflect. refocus. reignitewisewomenmasterminds ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the...

    20 min

  7. NOV 12

    Email Marketing — Rant + Real Strategy [Ep. 331]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood tools in online business: email marketing. Somewhere along the way, service providers started treating emails like spam instead of strategy, and it’s driving Michelle absolutely crazy. Because here’s the truth: email isn’t the enemy. Bad strategy is. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle dives into why small business owners need to stop hating on email and start using it with purpose. She breaks down how to use your list to build genuine relationships, nurture leads, and convert clients, all without being spammy. You’ll hear the difference between poor email practices and powerful communication that actually connects. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink how you use email as one of your most valuable business growth tools. You’ll learn: Why email marketing still works (and why it’s not “dead”)The real reason people get frustrated with inbox overloadHow to ethically and legally grow your list with consentWhat to include in a high-converting welcome sequenceHow to create value-driven emails that people want to open This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With 15+ years in business operations, she’s known for turning big ideas into simple, profitable action plans.

    19 min

  8. NOV 5

    Why Year-End Reflection and Planning Are Non-Negotiable [Ep. 330]

    🎧 Want more unfiltered strategy and real-time business insight? Check out Back Pocket Insights, my private podcast community with short, story-driven episodes pulled straight from everyday life and client conversations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every December, entrepreneurs say they’ll “figure it out after the holidays.” But let’s be honest, waiting until January to plan your next move keeps you stuck in the same cycle year after year. If nothing changes, nothing changes. Reflection and strategic planning aren’t optional if you’re serious about growth: they’re leadership decisions. In this episode of The Real Truth About Business, Michelle shares why the most successful service-based business owners treat year-end reflection as a non-negotiable. She dives into why assumptions and emotions can’t drive your strategy, how to analyze what’s really working, and why having outside perspective is key to creating a plan that actually delivers results. You’ll also get a peek into her annual Reflect, Refocus, Reignite planning experience and how it transforms her clients’ revenue and clarity every year. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, OBM, VA, designer, copywriter, or ADHD entrepreneur, this episode will help you shift from reactive hustle to intentional CEO thinking, so you can enter 2026 with clarity, focus, and a plan that works. You’ll learn: Why reflection and planning aren’t optional for real business growth.How to stop building your business on emotions and assumptions.The role of data and analysis in creating a sustainable strategy.Why doing planning with others accelerates insight and results.How to create space for creativity and smarter decision-making. This is the real truth about business growth, especially for neurodivergent service providers who crave clarity, structure, and results without falling for every trend online. Links referenced in this episode: Create a focused vision for 2026 at Reflect. Refocus. Reignite. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's your Next Steps: Take the "Where's the Gap in Your Business Strategy" Quiz Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads or Facebook Visit my website to learn more and apply for the Focused Visionary Accelerator Sign up for my newsletter - Sunday Morning Brew - delivered every Sunday at 6 am About the Host: Michelle DeNio is a business strategist and growth advisor for service-based entrepreneurs, especially neurodivergent and ADHD business owners. Creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator and host of The Real Truth About Business podcast, she helps clients simplify, focus, and grow sustainably. With...

    19 min
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About

Are you a growth-stage entrepreneur, solopreneur or small business owner trying to scale your service-based business but constantly battling overwhelm, decision fatigue, or too many ideas at once? Do traditional “step-by-step” strategies feel impossible to follow because your ADHD or neurodivergent brain just doesn’t work that way? You’re not alone. Welcome to The Real Truth About Business, the podcast that cuts through the noise and gives you the no-fluff, straight-talking truth about what it actually takes to grow a sustainable, profitable business. Hosted by Michelle DeNio — Business Strategist, Strategic Growth Advisor, and creator of the Focused Visionary Accelerator — this show is designed to help service-based entrepreneurs simplify, focus, and scale without burnout. You might be asking yourself questions like: 👉 How do I grow my business without burning out? 👉 What business growth strategies actually work for ADHD or neurodivergent entrepreneurs? 👉 How do I create a simple, profitable business model instead of chasing every new idea? 👉 What lead generation and relationship marketing strategies actually bring in consistent clients? 👉 How do I stay focused and follow through when executive tasks feel draining? 👉 What does strategic planning look like when my brain doesn’t operate in a linear way? Each episode delivers actionable insights on topics like: ✅ Strategic planning that works with your brain, not against it ✅ Profit-focused decision making for growth-stage entrepreneurs ✅ Lead generation, client acquisition, and relationship marketing that feels natural ✅ ADHD-friendly business structures that create clarity and focus ✅ The CEO mindset shifts that eliminate overwhelm Michelle’s tough-love but compassionate coaching style is like a kick in the ass wrapped in a hug — giving you the clarity and confidence to finally take aligned action. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, simplify your business model, and focus on the strategies that actually create growth, this podcast will show you what it really takes to build a sustainable, profitable business. Connect with me, Michelle DeNio, on LinkedIn for more insights and updates: linkedin.com/in/michelledenio. For more on how to work together and explore the Focused Visionary Accelerator, visit michelledenioconsulting.com.

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