Podcaster and business owner Michael Stelzner openly shares his challenges, including financial struggles in his business. He discusses the benefits of a growth mindset and the personal sacrifices he made. Stelzner reflects on the challenges faced in 2023 and expresses commitment to pursue a big idea in 2024.
Despite significant financial struggles in 2023, the podcast host's frugality and personal savings allowed his company to weather the storm.
The podcast host emphasizes the importance of letting go of what is not working and refocusing on what brings value, including shutting down various initiatives and prioritizing their core audience.
Deep dives
Struggles faced in 2023 and financial challenges
In 2023, the podcast host shares the story of the struggles and financial challenges faced by his company, Social Media Examiner. They lost $1 million, the first time they ever lost money. The loss was attributed to various factors, including a failed conference and paying out employee bonuses despite the financial hardship. However, the podcast host's frugality and personal savings allowed them to weather the storm.
Relocation, office lease, and letting go
The podcast host shares the challenges of relocating his family from California to Tennessee, which included adjusting to a new community and working in a temporary office space. Additionally, the host recounts the difficulties of terminating their long-standing office lease in San Diego. Despite the emotional attachment to the office space, they ultimately let go of it, leading to significant cost savings and a fully virtual company.
Adapting and refocusing the business
The podcast host describes their decision to sunset their Web3 programs and refocus on their core audience, marketers. This involved shutting down various Web3 initiatives, reevaluating costs, eliminating contractors, and scrutinizing software subscriptions. They also emphasized a shift in mindset with guiding principles, prioritizing quality over quantity, embracing imperfection, and prioritizing people over ideas. The host highlights their renewed focus on their flagship product, Social Media Marketing World, as well as new projects like the Marketing Agency Show and revamped newsletter.
In this special episode, Michael Stelzner openly shares numerous professional and personal challenges he faced in 2023, including significant financial struggles in his business. Despite difficult setbacks and changes, Stelzner maintains a growth mindset focused on learning, letting go of what is not working, and refocusing on what brings value. With resilience and commitment to his staff, he continues moving forward with creativity and purpose.