Midlife Business Academy - Business strategies for midlife entrepreneurs ready to grow and get more clients.

Lori Lyons, Business and Marketing Coach. Owner of a Website Design Agency

You're not starting from scratch — you're starting from experience. And now it's time to build a business that actually fits your life. If you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and ready to grow a coaching practice, rebrand your service business, or reinvent your next chapter — the Midlife Business Academy is your go-to space for clarity, clients, and practical strategy. You're in the right place if you've ever asked: How do I grow a business that fits my life in midlife? What stage of the client journey am I missing in my marketing? How do I get more aligned, long-term clients without hustling harder? How can I simplify and streamline instead of constantly starting over? What should my website or lead magnet actually be doing for me? Am I charging for tasks or for transformation? How do I use my energy, not just effort, to attract the right clients? What does it mean to run a business that supports your SOUL? Whether you're shifting out of corporate, scaling an encore business, or turning decades of experience into a new source of income, you'll get smart coaching, marketing strategies, and a fresh lens on what it really takes to succeed in midlife. Subscribe to the Midlife Business Academy for high-impact episodes that help you grow a sustainable, profitable business — one that feels deeply aligned with who you are today. Lori Lyons is a business strategist,digital marketing coach and website agency owner who helps entrepreneurs over 50 build profitable businesses that support the life they want now — not the other way around.

  1. 306: How to Build a Reputation That Sells for You

    6D AGO

    306: How to Build a Reputation That Sells for You

    In this solo episode of Midlife Business Academy, Lori explores how your reputation can become the most powerful marketing system in your business. You can't buy credibility - you build it. Every testimonial, review, and result you share tells your audience, "You can trust me." Reputation isn't just something you have; it's something you shape. When you manage it intentionally, it pre-sells your value, attracts ideal clients, and filters out the wrong ones. Lori walks through the five layers of a proof-powered reputation - consistency, credibility, visibility, engagement, and longevity - and how each one works together to create magnetism and trust. For midlife entrepreneurs, reputation is more than marketing - it's leverage. Lori shares how to turn social proof into a system that works quietly in the background, 24/7. You'll hear a real-world example of how one business owner transformed negative reviews into an opportunity for trust, and how to showcase your proof in ways that attract clients who are already ready to buy. Stay until the end for a special listener offer on Lori's Social Proof Mastery Course, a practical step-by-step guide to help you organize, display, and repurpose your testimonials, reviews, and client results into an ongoing credibility engine. In this episode, you'll learn: Why reputation is your best marketing strategy The five layers of a proof-powered reputation How to handle negative reviews the right way Why consistency and visibility build long-term trust How to make social proof a habit instead of a project Ways to turn client results into content that sells for you Listen now and start turning your clients' words into your business's most persuasive marketing tool. Let's turn clarity into clients - schedule your Profitable Path Blueprint Call today. If you're struggling to get clients to trust you before they buy, your marketing's missing one thing - social proof. Learn how to collect, create, and leverage it inside the Social Proof Mastery course HERE. Podcast listeners save $150 with code SOCIAL150

    10 min
  2. 305: When Your Clients Do the Talking: The Power of Testimonials

    OCT 21

    305: When Your Clients Do the Talking: The Power of Testimonials

    Today's clients don't want a pitch - they want proof. In this episode, Lori shares why testimonials are the modern form of word-of-mouth marketing and how they can become your most persuasive sales tool. You'll learn how to collect, craft, and showcase testimonials that build credibility, establish emotional connection, and pre-sell your offers before you ever get on a call. Lori breaks down the four types of testimonials every entrepreneur needs -  results-based, experience-based, relationship, and emotional -  and how each one connects to a different part of your buyer's brain. She also explains how new business owners can start gathering powerful testimonials even before landing their first paying clients, and how to turn that feedback into an authentic brand reputation. By the end of the episode, you'll know how to turn your clients' stories into your business's most powerful marketing engine and why proof beats pitch every single time. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: Why testimonials are the new form of social proof and how they build trust faster than any sales pitch The 4 types of testimonials every business needs (and how to use them strategically) How to collect powerful testimonials even if you're brand new Where to showcase testimonials so they actually convert Why believability beats perfection and how to make your proof relatable and real Listen now and start turning your clients' words into your business's most persuasive marketing tool. Let's turn clarity into clients - schedule your Profitable Path Blueprint Call today. If you're struggling to get clients to trust you before they buy, your marketing's missing one thing - social proof. Learn how to collect, create, and leverage it inside the Social Proof Mastery course HERE. Podcast listeners save $150 with code SOCIAL150

    16 min
  3. 304: Social Proof That Sells: Turn What Others Say About You Into Clients

    OCT 14

    304: Social Proof That Sells: Turn What Others Say About You Into Clients

    Still trying to convince people to work with you using words alone? There's an easier way—and it starts with proof. In this solo episode of Midlife Business Academy, Lori breaks down the power of social proof. Social proof is your quiet salesperson that builds credibility before you ever get on a call. You'll learn how to use testimonials, reviews, collaborations, and even simple visual mentions to create the kind of trust that shortens sales cycles and attracts ready-to-buy clients. For midlife entrepreneurs, social proof isn't just a marketing tactic - it's your trust currency. When used well, it lets your work (and your clients) do the talking so you don't have to keep proving yourself. Lori shares real-world examples, placement strategies that increase conversions, and a new way to think about marketing that feels aligned, not pushy. Stay until the end for a special listener offer on her Social Proof Mastery Course - a practical resource to help you turn one testimonial into ten pieces of content. In this episode, you'll learn: Why proof beats persuasion every time The seven types of social proof and how to use them strategically Where to place testimonials, reviews, and logos for maximum impact How to shift from "telling" to "showing" so clients arrive pre-sold The compounding effect of visible results - and how it builds authority on autopilot How to start your own "trust portfolio" this week  What if your clients did the selling for you? With the Social Proof Mastery Course, you'll learn exactly how to turn your results into trust - and trust into clients. Get instant access now for just $47 (normally $197) using code SOCIAL150

    12 min
  4. 303: Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Confidence: How Midlife Entrepreneurs Stay Consistent and Grow Online (Live Coaching)

    OCT 7

    303: Overcoming Self-Doubt & Building Confidence: How Midlife Entrepreneurs Stay Consistent and Grow Online (Live Coaching)

    In this live Coaching episode, Lori sits down with long-time friend and EFT practitioner Cyrus Bush for a laser-focused coaching session. Cyrus, a retired hospital chaplain turned mindset coach, has been helping people release limiting beliefs and negative self-talk through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) since 2018. But like so many midlife entrepreneurs, he's navigating the challenges of showing up online, staying consistent, and quieting the inner voice of "not good enough." Join us as Lori helps Cyrus reframe his approach to business growth - without the hustle-and-grind mentality that doesn't fit in midlife. This session is full of actionable insights that apply to any entrepreneur wrestling with visibility, confidence, and finding the right balance between business and lifestyle. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why every business owner - even the big names - wrestles with self-doubt, and how to move past it. The importance of clear calls to action so people know how to work with you. A simple way to build consistency online without burning out. How to create content themes that make posting easier and more sustainable. Why repetition in marketing isn't a weakness - it's how people finally start to pay attention. How Cyrus can position EFT as both a science-based and energetic practice to stand out online. This is a behind-the-scenes peek at the kind of coaching Lori offers midlife entrepreneurs - blending strategy, mindset, and practical marketing to help you build a business that fits your life, not the other way around. 👉 If you'd like to be a future Hot Seat Coaching guest, visit MyCoachLori.com to apply. Book a Profitable Path Blueprint Call – for midlife entrepreneurs ready to build a business that fits If this episode resonates, share it with a fellow business owner who's ready to stop hustling and start building with intention.

    35 min
  5. SEP 16

    300: Welcome to the Midlife Business Academy

    Midlife entrepreneurs aren't playing by the old rules - and your business strategy shouldn't either. In this milestone episode, The Encore Entrepreneur officially becomes The Midlife Business Academy - a podcast designed specifically for business owners in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are building smart, sustainable, purpose-driven businesses that fit their lives now. Why the change? Because the conversations midlife entrepreneurs need are different: You're not just launching - you're refining. You're not chasing hustle - you're creating freedom. You're not looking for gimmicks - you want strategy that respects your experience. This episode shares the why behind the shift, what's changing (and what's not), and how the new direction is built around the realities of growing a business in midlife - when your time, energy, and priorities look a lot different than they did at 30. In this episode, you'll discover:  Why traditional business advice often misses the mark for midlife entrepreneurs How the market has shifted—and what that means for your next chapter What to expect from the Midlife Business Academy going forward Why "I'm not tech-savvy" is not a reason to hold back What kind of freedom midlife business owners actually want Whether you've been building for years or just getting started again, you're not too late. You're right on time. This isn't just a rebrand. It's a realignment - with you at the center. Resources & Mentions: Book a Profitable Path Blueprint Call – for midlife entrepreneurs ready to build a business that fits Next up: "Top Lessons from 300 Episodes" - insights, truths, and takeaways you won't want to miss If this episode resonates, share it with a fellow business owner who's ready to stop hustling and start building with intention.

    14 min
  6. 299: Is Your Business Evolving With You? (And What It Really Means to Build the Business of Your Dreams)

    SEP 9

    299: Is Your Business Evolving With You? (And What It Really Means to Build the Business of Your Dreams)

    You built this business with passion, drive, and vision. But if that vision doesn't quite fit anymore, you're not alone - and you're not failing. You're evolving. In this powerful episode, Lori shares what it really means to build the business of your dreams - especially in midlife. She talks about how life changes like a spouse retiring, the desire to travel more, or the (hopeful!) arrival of grandkids can shift everything you thought you wanted from your work. You'll explore how to redefine success on your own terms, decide what actually feels aligned right now, and let go of strategies, offers, or responsibilities that no longer serve you - including doing it all yourself. This episode is personal. It's reflective. And it's the perfect setup for next week's big announcement. Because it really is never too late to build the business of your dreams. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your dream business may look very different now than it did five years ago How life transitions can reshape your business vision The five traits of a soul-aligned, midlife business Key questions to help you rediscover what lights you up Why getting help isn't a luxury -  it's a leadership move A behind-the-scenes glimpse of Lori's own evolution Next week's milestone episode - and the rebrand announcement you've been waiting for. Episode 300 kicks off a bold new season for this podcast and your business journey. Schedule a call today! Click HERE to receive your free gift - Get Clients to Say "YES!" The Ultimate Social Proof Checklist Every Business Needs to Built Trust and Boost Sales Resources: Are you frustrated that your business isn't growing? "Messy to Magnetic: Unlocking the Secret to Effective Marketing" is a free course that goes over the top 10 mistakes small business owners make with attracting their ideal client and converting those clients to leads. Click here for your free gift!  Join Lori's private Facebook group - Make Your Marketing Simple. Lori interviews her guests in the group (giving you advance listening!) and has a community of small business owners just like yourself to connect and grow their businesses.  Join now!  Schedule a Website Biz Accelerator call. Answer just a few questions and Lori will audit your website for the ONE biggest change you can make to your site to get more clients.  Schedule here!  Connect with Lori

    15 min
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

You're not starting from scratch — you're starting from experience. And now it's time to build a business that actually fits your life. If you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and ready to grow a coaching practice, rebrand your service business, or reinvent your next chapter — the Midlife Business Academy is your go-to space for clarity, clients, and practical strategy. You're in the right place if you've ever asked: How do I grow a business that fits my life in midlife? What stage of the client journey am I missing in my marketing? How do I get more aligned, long-term clients without hustling harder? How can I simplify and streamline instead of constantly starting over? What should my website or lead magnet actually be doing for me? Am I charging for tasks or for transformation? How do I use my energy, not just effort, to attract the right clients? What does it mean to run a business that supports your SOUL? Whether you're shifting out of corporate, scaling an encore business, or turning decades of experience into a new source of income, you'll get smart coaching, marketing strategies, and a fresh lens on what it really takes to succeed in midlife. Subscribe to the Midlife Business Academy for high-impact episodes that help you grow a sustainable, profitable business — one that feels deeply aligned with who you are today. Lori Lyons is a business strategist,digital marketing coach and website agency owner who helps entrepreneurs over 50 build profitable businesses that support the life they want now — not the other way around.

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