More than a Few Words

#1155 Calming the Chaos Inside So You Can Lead Outside | Debra Sunderland

“Yes, the world feels like a hot mess right now. But what if the real power lies not in fixing the chaos ‘out there,’ but in finding our footing ‘in here’?”
That was the heart of my recent conversation on More Than a Few Words with the always wise and wonderfully grounded Deborah Sunderland. We didn’t talk strategy or spreadsheets this time—we talked soul. How we, as women business owners, can navigate the storms of our external world by coming back to the steady center within ourselves.
Because let’s be honest: things are weird out there. Between the economy, politics, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel like we’re being tossed around in a storm we didn’t sign up for. But as Deborah gently reminded me—and now, I’ll remind you—we’ve been through a lot, and we’re still standing. That resilience? It’s no small thing.
Key Takeaways for Women Business Owners:
You’ve already weathered storms.Recognize your resilience. The past few years have tested everyone, and you’ve made it through. That alone deserves a moment of appreciation.
Your mindset is your power tool.Our brains are sneaky little things—they’ll default to fear and scarcity unless we redirect them. When you catch yourself spiraling, pause and ask:“What thought is driving this feeling?” and then: “How might this actually be for me?”
Emotions aren’t the enemy—resistance is.Don’t stuff it down. Feel it fully. Most emotions pass in 90 seconds if we stop wrestling with them. Anger, fear, frustration—they're signals, not stop signs.
Shift the conversation with yourself.The most important conversations aren’t in the boardroom—they're in your own mind. Be kinder, more curious, and less judgmental toward yourself. And hey, extend that grace to others too (yes, even the annoying customer service rep).
Your breath is free medicine. Use it.Three deep breaths can shift your entire nervous system. It’s not woo—it’s biology. Take those moments of calm and reclaim your focus.
Try This Today:
Grab a notebook and write down: “How am I OK right now?”List at least 5 things. (Yes, “I’m breathing” counts!)
Close your eyes and take 3 slow, deep breaths.Let your body know: “I am safe right now.”
Before reacting to someone, ask: “How might they be doing their best?”It’ll change the tone—and the outcome—of your conversation.
About Debra
Debra’s genius is creating a clear vision for CEO’s and their teams – making that vision a reality. With decades of C-level executive and team coaching, Debra challenges leaders by inviting them to create a collaborative, vibrant, responsible, and joy-filled culture, which fosters highly desirable results. Her practice is shared in a diverse range of industries: hi-tech, wealth management, engineering, healthcare, marketing and more.
Debra specializes in awakening leaders to transformatively solve their upper limiting beliefs, sabotaging behaviors, and unconscious biases, moving them into sustainable excellence and self-awareness. She coaches through the tough and uncomfortable work of removing the blockages preventing leaders from fully living their genius, equipping them with the thoughts and skills to bring their goals to fruition. She challenges leaders to own their results in all areas of life, to be present in the here and now, stepping out of leading with reactivity and into conscious leadership. The CEO’s chief purpose is to raise up their teams to practice radical responsibility and curiosity. Organizations achieve their optimal outcomes when they shift out of drama and create win-for-all solutions.
Debra graduated from Miami University, holds a degree in Psychology and is certified in The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, the Integrative9 Enneagram, Corporate Goal Coaching, and CTI Co-Active training. Debra’s work has been featured on Fox National/Local News, Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun- Times, and 190 N Television. As a continual learner, Debra is a graduate of the Inner MBA – Mindful NYU program. Her base is Nashville and Chicago.
 
 

#1154 Friends, Servers, and One Big Mistake | Andrew Laws

Andrew Laws has back in my guest chair (if you missed our first conversation, find it here) it, you’ll find the link in the show notes). This time we shifted away from SEO tips and took a different route—down a bumpy road lined with good intentions, disastrous mistakes, and a hacker with way too much free time.
Andrew’s story is packed with humor, hard-earned lessons, and a healthy reminder that if a business idea sounds too easy, it probably isn't really
Chasing “Easy Money” Was the First Mistake:
Andrew thought starting a web hosting company would be a simple, hands-off business. Instead, he discovered that businesses built on the idea of “set it and forget it” rarely turn out to be easy—or hands-off.
The Danger of Blurring Business Boundaries:Hosting friends’ and acquaintances’ websites felt natural at first, but quickly became overwhelming. When you don’t set clear expectations with clients, small favors snowball into major responsibilities.
When Things Go Really, Really Wrong:A hacker infiltrated Andrew’s server, and when Andrew instinctively shut the server down, it triggered a full-blown meltdown. What followed was a two-year criminal investigation and a front-row seat to the importance of cybersecurity.
The Impact of Reputation Damage:Even though the hack wasn’t his fault, Andrew’s relationships with clients suffered. He learned that when you run a business, you’re not just managing services—you’re managing trust.
Life Lessons Beyond Business:After everything collapsed, Andrew realized he didn’t want a business that consumed his entire life. The experience shaped how he approaches work and parenthood today, favoring businesses that align with the life he actually wants to live.
Conclusion with Takeaways:
Andrew’s story is a master class in why there are no shortcuts in business. If it sounds too easy, it probably hides a pile of trouble just waiting to unravel.
Set clear expectations with clients early and often, especially about what you will—and won't—support.
Understand the real risks behind your business model, and protect not just your income, but your reputation.
Most of all, build a business that supports your life, not one that devours it.

#1153 Microsoft’s Inbox Makeover: Time to Pull Your Own Weeds | Ellen McDowell

If you've been around here for a while, you already know—I’m an email marketing geek. Not the kind of geek who builds robots in her basement, but the kind who gets excited about subject lines and open rates the way some folks get excited about the first tulips of the season. That’s why chatting with Ellen McDowell Strauss felt like talking to an old friend who also happens to alphabetize her spice rack. Ellen and I first connected over our mutual affection for email, but our latest conversation had a more urgent tone—thanks to Microsoft’s recent announcement that could throw a wrench in the way we all send emails. If email is your small business’s secret weapon, it’s time to sharpen it.
Main Points from the Conversation:
Microsoft’s Email Policy ChangesMicrosoft has announced stricter deliverability rules—emails that don’t get opened or clicked may not make it into inboxes at all, even if the sender is marked safe. This shift will force marketers to pay more attention to engagement metrics like never before.
List Hygiene is No Longer OptionalHolding onto disengaged subscribers could hurt your deliverability. Cleaning out your list—removing folks who haven’t opened or clicked in 6–12 months—isn’t just good housekeeping, it’s mission critical.
Quality Over QuantityBig lists are out, and meaningful lists are in. A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a bloated list of people who aren’t paying attention.
Smaller Campaigns, Better ResultsEllen suggests sending smaller, staggered campaigns to improve sender reputation. Large blasts might raise red flags, even if your content is solid.
Strategic Email for Every StageEmail can’t be one-size-fits-all anymore. You need tailored messages for prospects, new clients, and past clients—each stage should feel intentional and personal, not like you're just checking a box.
Actionable Takeaways:
Audit Your List: Check who’s been opening and clicking. If someone’s been snoozing for over 6–9 months, it may be time to let them go—or offer a re-engagement path.
Segment Your Sends: Break your list into smaller groups and stagger your email sends to improve visibility and avoid being flagged.
Lean on Third-Party Tools: Ditch BCC blasts. Use trusted email marketing platforms (like Constant Contact, Mailchimp, or Robly) that work hand-in-hand with email providers to boost deliverability.
Craft Content with a Purpose: Make every email part of a bigger story. Whether it’s educating, engaging, or asking for a review, know your audience and meet them where they are.
Rethink “Set It and Forget It”: Email marketing isn’t a crockpot dinner. It’s more like sourdough—needs regular attention, care, and a little love.
 

#1152 Go Broad To Reach Your Niche | Matt Diamante

You know, I’ve spent years telling business owners to get laser-focused. Find your niche, talk to your niche, sell to your niche. It’s like that old saying: “You can’t please everyone, so pick your people.” But every once in a while, someone comes along and flips my perfectly organized marketing world on its head.
That someone was Matt Diamante, founder of Hey Tony, a marketing agency that helps small business owners tackle SEO and social media in ways that actually work. When Matt pitched me the idea of going broad to find your niche, I raised an eyebrow — and then I leaned in. Because sometimes, you have to plant wildflower seeds everywhere before you find out which patch of soil will let your business bloom.
Start Broad to Get NoticedMatt shared how narrowing his content too quickly meant missing out on visibility. Early SEO how-to videos flopped because algorithms didn’t know where to send them. By widening his content to appeal to a broader audience, he started generating massive reach — and, surprisingly, attracting the exact people he wanted.
Make Social Content Personal and EntertainingThe trick isn’t just broad topics, it’s how you deliver them. Matt started adding humor, behind-the-scenes moments with his wife, and simple SEO tips framed like secret hacks. This authentic, entertaining style helped his videos go viral while quietly establishing his expertise.
Convert Viral Attention with Consistent, Niche-Focused Follow-UpsEven though viral videos brought millions of eyeballs, the real strategy was in publishing one to three pieces of content daily, mixing broad appeal with posts targeted to DIY business owners. Those niche posts turned casual viewers into inquiries and, eventually, paying clients.
Work Within Your Capacity, But Stay ConsistentMatt emphasized that your content output depends on your business goals and available time. When he had more time, he posted several times a day. But the real advice is to do as much as you realistically can, because marketing is often the first thing people drop — and the last thing they should.
People Buy from People, Not LogosMatt’s final nugget: don’t outsource your social media presence. Especially for small businesses, people want to see the face behind the brand. A good example? Judy’s Family Cafe, where the owner turned goofy viral clips into personal invitations to her restaurant. It’s proof that personality-powered content connects.
Try These Simple Steps to Launch Your Go Broad Campaign
Test wide topics to see what gets attention, even if it feels unrelated to your core niche at first.
Infuse humor, personal moments, and relatable scenarios into your content. People want to connect with people, not textbook tutorials.
Balance broad reach with targeted follow-up posts aimed at your ideal customer. Viral reach brings them in — niche content converts.
Commit to a realistic, consistent posting schedule. If you can manage a post a day, great. If it’s twice a week, start there. Just don’t disappear.
Own your presence. Your followers want you, not a generic brand. Show up, be seen, and let them get to know the person behind the business.

#1151 I Tried It So You Didn’t Have To | Danielle Hughes

We've all had those “seemed like a good idea at the time” moments. Hers involved a Voxer coaching program, and in the spirit of learning from those detours, we unpacked what happened, what she learned, and how there might still be life in that idea yet.
Main Points:
Great ideas don’t always land the way you expect. Danielle created a Voxer-based coaching program for personal brand support between sessions. Despite promotions and enthusiasm from peers, it never gained traction with clients.
Sometimes it’s not the audience — it’s the offer. Danielle realized her clients come to her for hands-on, real-time messaging work, not asynchronous voice messages. There was a disconnect between what she offered and what her brand promised.
Experimentation is always valuable, even when it “fails.” Danielle isn’t sad she tried it. Every experiment, whether it works or not, is a chance to learn, adjust, and discover what truly fits your business and community.
Ideas can evolve. Lorraine suggested reframing the Voxer access not as a standalone product but as an add-on to existing branding packages — a “bonus touchpoint” for clients craving extra access and faster feedback.
Never give up on a good idea too soon. Danielle’s takeaway was that an idea that flops in one format might thrive in another. It’s all about the packaging, pricing, and timing.
Actionable Takeaways:
If a new offer isn’t resonating, ask yourself whether it aligns with how clients see you and your core strengths.
Surround yourself with a trusted business circle — fresh eyes can spot opportunities and blind spots you’ll miss.
When something doesn’t work, don’t toss it immediately. Consider whether it belongs as part of something else, or if a tweak in messaging or positioning could turn it around.
Remember: there’s no such thing as a wasted experiment. Every trial leaves breadcrumbs for your next big win. 

#1150Facebook Ads Work, Till They Don't | Robin Waite

In this edition of What Went Wrong, I got a chance to explore mistakes, missteps, and the humbling reality that even seasoned pros can land flat on their face with repeat guest Robin Waite. This time, he didn’t come with a polished pitch or a shiny success story. He brought a cautionary tale about Facebook ads, cold leads, and a £9,000 lesson in what happens when you trust the algorithm more than your instincts.
Key Points from the Conversation with Robin Waite
Even Experts Trip UpRobin isn’t new to marketing—he ran an agency for 12 years. But when it came to Facebook ads for his own coaching business, he got caught in the allure of automation and scale. What started strong eventually crashed, all because the warm audience he’d been nurturing for years dried up.
Your Audience Isn’t InfiniteFacebook ads worked—until they didn’t. The moment his familiar, friendly audience was exhausted, the leads stopped flowing. Robin kept the campaign running for three more months, hoping it would fix itself. It didn’t. Turns out, if you don’t refill your marketing funnel, it doesn’t matter how clever your copy or shiny your creative.
Know Enough to Stay DangerousRobin outsourced the nitty-gritty to so-called ad experts, trusting they’d fix the problem. But no one could explain what was going wrong. That blind spot cost him. The lesson? You don’t need to be the expert, but you need to know enough to ask the right questions.
When in Doubt, Go Back to What WorksWith his budget blown and confidence shaken, Robin went back to basics—his podcast, speaking gigs, and book. Instead of chasing cold leads, he rebuilt slowly by focusing on brand-building and trust, knowing that meaningful connections take time.
Marketing is Just One Big Science FairLike any good experiment, sometimes things blow up. And that’s okay. Robin reminded us that failure is part of the formula—especially in marketing. The trick is not to avoid mistakes, but to make better ones next time.
Takeaways for Business Owners
Warm audiences are wonderful—but they won’t last forever. Always be adding new people to the top of your funnel.
Facebook ads can be powerful—but only if you understand the mechanics. Don’t hand over your entire budget without oversight.
Track what’s working, and don’t be afraid to pivot. If your gut says something’s off, it probably is.
When the fancy stuff fails, go back to your roots. Relationships, conversations, and trust still matter most.
And maybe most important of all: Marketing isn’t magic. It’s messy, imperfect, and beautifully human—just like us.
About Robin Waite
Robin is the founder of Fearless Business, a Business Accelerator for Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers.
Having spent 12 year’s running a digital marketing business, Robin pivoted in 2016 to focus on the part of his business he liked the best; training business owners how to be better in business. In 2016 Robin founded Fearless Business, a unique Business Growth Accelerator for Coaches, Consultants and Freelancers so help free them from the sales cycle of doom!
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROBIN
And be sure to look for Robin's new book THE FEARLESS BUSINESS OWNER'S BLUEPRINT
 

#1149 When Social Media Wears You Out, Try a Mic Instead | Aleisa Galati

You know, I’ve always believed marketing should feel more like a warm hug than a high-pressure sales pitch. So when Alesia Galati and I got to chatting about social media burnout (oh yes, that nagging, energy-draining beast), it was like she reached into my cluttered content calendar and whispered, “There’s a better way.” We laughed, we nodded, and somewhere between SEO tips and podcast rants, I found myself ready to trade reels for real conversations. If you’re teetering on the edge of social media fatigue, wondering if there’s an off-ramp that doesn’t lead to oblivion—good news. There is. And Alicia’s got the roadmap.
Main Points from the Conversation:
Podcasting as a Stress-Free, Strategic Alternative to Social MediaAlicia hit a nerve with so many of us—social media can feel like a hamster wheel with no off switch. Podcasting, by contrast, offers a calmer, more intentional way to share content, connect with your audience, and still build your brand without dancing in front of your phone.
Guest Appearances as Powerful SEO and Exposure ToolsYou don’t have to do it all yourself. By guesting on other people’s shows, you tap into new audiences who already trust the host—and just might trust you too. Bonus? Those appearances show up on Google, helping your digital footprint grow without a single trending hashtag.
The Magic of Names and Smart SEO PracticesDon’t underestimate the power of your own name in a podcast title. Whether it’s your show or a guest spot, making your name searchable helps you get found. Retitling old episodes or refreshing descriptions is like giving your content a second wind—and Google loves it when you freshen things up.
Newsletter Love and Thoughtful RepurposingAlicia and I both agreed: newsletters are the unsung heroes of content marketing. Sharing new and old episodes, linking to guest features, and curating themes gives your audience a reason to stick around—and gives your podcast episodes a longer shelf life.
Pick Your Lane, and Stay There (Happily)You don’t need to be everywhere. Really. Pick one platform you like (mine’s LinkedIn), build a cozy corner on your website, and focus on podcasting and newsletters to draw people in. When you stop chasing the algorithm and start owning your message, marketing becomes a whole lot more enjoyable

#1148 The One That Got Away: Giving Up Too Soon on a Great Idea | Nina Froriep

When a Great Idea Doesn’t Get a Second Chance
This is another one of my What Went Wrong? conversations, and I love these because we all have ideas that don’t turn out the way we hoped. Sometimes, they’re just bad ideas. Other times, we give up too soon. That’s exactly what happened to Nina Froriep, who had a smart, scalable concept for video production—but abandoned it after a rough first attempt. Years later, she watched someone else build a thriving business using the same model.
What Happened
Nina came up with the idea of a video assembly—a streamlined production process where multiple business owners could shoot professional videos in a single session, saving time and costs. It seemed like a brilliant, efficient approach. She lined up her first participants, booked a location, and prepped everything. Then reality hit. Clients showed up late, skipped the pre-work, or ignored the schedules entirely. The result? Chaos. A few usable videos, a ton of frustration, and an idea that never got a second chance.
 
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
Preparation Sets the Stage for Success – Nina assumed experienced business owners would come prepared, but they didn’t. In hindsight, she realized they needed more structured guidance before the shoot, including clear deadlines and rehearsals.
Investment Creates Commitment – The low-cost nature of the offer meant clients weren’t as invested. If they had paid more—or had to complete the required pre-work—they might have taken it more seriously.
Persistence Matters – Nina scrapped the idea after one frustrating attempt, only to realize later that it could have worked with some adjustments. Success often comes from iteration, not perfection on the first try.
Timing Can Be Everything – Sometimes, an idea is solid, but the execution or the market isn’t quite ready. A little patience and a few tweaks can make all the difference.
Learn From the First Failure—Then Try Again – Instead of assuming the concept was doomed, Nina could have analyzed what went wrong, adjusted, and given it another shot. Many great ideas need a few failed attempts before they take off.
The Bottom Line: Just because something doesn’t work the first time doesn’t mean it won’t work at all. The real trick is knowing when to refine and try again versus when to walk away.

#1147 The TRISS Approach to AI Melissa Reeve

Yes, we’re talking about AI again because, let’s be honest, it’s everywhere, everyone is using it and most people are using it wrong. It’s easy to feel like you’re just throwing AI at problems without a real plan. That’s why I was excited to talk to Melissa Reeve, an expert in agile marketing, about her TRISS framework—a simple way to decide where AI can make the biggest impact in your business.
If you’ve ever caught yourself bouncing from one AI tool to another, hoping something sticks, Melissa calls that “random acts of AI.” And just like random acts of marketing, they rarely lead to success. Instead, the TRISS framework (Time, Repetition, Importance, Satisfaction, and Standardization) gives business owners a way to filter through the hype and focus on AI applications that actually save time and improve efficiency.
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:
Time Matters – If a task doesn’t take much time, it’s probably not worth automating. But if something eats up hours of your week, AI might be the perfect solution. Before jumping in, do a quick cost-benefit analysis.
Repetition is Key – AI works best for tasks you do over and over again. Think about activities like writing social media posts or summarizing documents. The more predictable the process, the better AI can handle it.
Importance and Risk – Not every task is created equal. If something is high-stakes (like legal or financial summaries), you may want to keep AI in the background and add a human review step. But for low-risk tasks, AI can be a huge time-saver.
Satisfaction Counts – We all have those tedious tasks we dread. If something drains your energy, it’s a great candidate for automation. But if it’s a task you love and excel at, AI might not add much value.
Standardization Simplifies Everything – AI thrives on consistency. If your process follows a clear set of steps, it’s easier to automate. The more standardized your workflow, the better AI can support your business.
Melissa’s advice is clear: AI isn’t about jumping on the latest trend—it’s about making smart choices that help you work more efficiently. If you start by evaluating your tasks with the TRUST framework, you’ll avoid random acts of AI and focus on real improvements that free up time for what truly matters.
Want to learn more? Check out Melissa’s free five-day email course on identifying high-impact AI use cases and follow her on LinkedIn for even more insights.

#1146 Should You Scale? Big is not for Everyone | Anthony Franco

Most small business owners dream of growing our small businesses into something bigger. But scaling comes with challenges—hiring, infrastructure, and managing processes without losing control.
I sat down with Anthony Franco, a serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and sold multiple businesses. He’s also the host of How the Founder, a podcast where he and his co-host dive deep into the challenges business owners face. In this conversation he shares his insights on scaling the right way.
 
Ask Yourself: Do You Really Want to Scale? – Growth isn’t for everyone. Some businesses thrive at 5-10 employees, and scaling beyond that requires a different mindset and willingness to delegate.
Systems and Processes Are Essential – Once you decide to grow, you need to document how things are done. A business can’t scale if key processes exist only in the founder’s head.
Communication and Organization Matter – As teams grow, structured communication through tools like Slack, Teams, and shared knowledge bases ensures everyone stays aligned.
Founders Must Learn to Let Go – The biggest roadblock to scaling is often the founder. Delegation is crucial, and tasks don’t have to be done exactly how you would do them—just well enough to keep things moving.
Hire for Culture and Performance – Bringing in the right people is vital. Prioritizing A-players and being quick to remove underperformers keeps your business strong.