
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Welcome to Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai. Have you ever wondered why some brands, trends, or products become massive successes while others fade away? That’s exactly what this podcast explores. Hosted by Donald Miller, creator of the StoryBrand Framework, and co-hosted by Kyle Reed, each episode dives into the strategies behind the world’s biggest wins, breaking them down into clear, actionable insights you can use to create your own success.
Discover how to craft clear and effective messaging that works for your business at StoryBrand.ai.
Latest episodes

Aug 8, 2023 • 9min
Challenge #2 – Rally Your Team
Are you leading your business well? One way to know is whether or not you and your entire team are clear about your company’s top 3 priorities. And not just any priorities – priorities that actually make your business money. When you focus on a few strategic objectives, you’ll actually gain traction toward your revenue goal. In today’s episode, we continue the Double Your Revenue Challenge with Challenge #2! Donald Miller explains how you can rally your team using Business Made Simple’s Mission Statement Formula. Your challenge today is to review and update your mission statement using that formula – and then make it part of your team’s DNA. Tune in now to get your entire team pulling in the same direction! Take action and download the Double Your Revenue Challenge checklist at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Challenge. -- If you’re looking for comprehensive training and ongoing weekly coaching to help you double your business’s revenue, join Small Business Flight School. During the Double Your Revenue Challenge, you can get $500 off Flight School with code DOUBLE2023. Offer expires August 18, 2023.

Aug 7, 2023 • 11min
Double Your Revenue Challenge – Challenge #1
Are you making less money than you thought you would in 2023? You’re not alone. Many business owners believe that less revenue is inevitable right now. But if you believe that you can’t do something to boost your revenue, you’re believing a lie. That’s why we’re inviting you to join us and thousands of business owners in the Double Your Revenue Challenge! Over the next two weeks, Donald Miller will give you one simple thing each day to increase your revenue upon implementation. By the end of the two weeks, you’ll be positioned to dramatically increase your revenue by the end of the year. Tune in to today’s episode for Challenge #1! Take action and download the Double Your Revenue Challenge checklist at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Challenge.

Jul 31, 2023 • 30min
#135: Want to Write a Book? This Writing Plan Makes It Easier!
Many founders and entrepreneurs write books and become published authors. Why? Because it’s a great way to build credibility, grow your platform, and create awareness for your business! But most business owners also feel at a loss when it comes to getting started. How will you get published? Do you really have the time to write a book? And how can you know if people will actually buy and read your book? In today’s episode, Donald Miller pulls back the curtain on his own writing journey and teaches you a step-by-step process that will make writing a book easier. Tune in now to learn 7 tips for writing a book and how becoming a published author isn’t as impossible as it seems! Ready to turn your book idea into reality? Learn directly from Donald Miller himself in our upcoming Write a Book Workshop. Register now at BusinessMadeSimple.com/WriteABook and join in-person on September 7 & 8 (limited spots available!) or via livestream on September 14 & 15. This is your next step to becoming a published author. See you there! -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 24, 2023 • 24min
#134: How to Tell Your Story Without Playing the Hero (REPLAY)
Are your revenue goals for 2023 slipping away? Don't worry, you're not alone. Join us on August 3, 2023 for the Mid-Year Revenue Accelerator and learn the same steps we used at Business Made Simple to grow into a $15 million operation. Regain control of your growth and finish the year with more money! Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Acceleratorto register. -- You've heard us say it over and over again: your job is to invite your customers into a story where they are the hero who wins the day. And that means focusing on their story instead of telling your own! But we're going to let you in on a secret today: There actually is a way you can tell your story without making yourself out to be the hero! Today we continue our Summer Replay Series, highlighting our top episodes of all time. In today’s replay, Donald Miller talks with Eddie Zingleman, owner and furniture maker at Tennessee Woodworks. Don coaches Eddie on how he can leverage his story to connect with customers and grow his business – all while playing the guide and making his customer (not himself) the hero. If you are struggling to figure out how you can incorporate your brand story into your marketing without playing the hero, today's conversation will show you how. Check out Eddie Zingleman's amazing work at TennesseeWoodworks.com. -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 17, 2023 • 38min
#133: Curing The Overworked, Overwhelmed Business Owner (REPLAY)
Are your revenue goals for 2023 slipping away? Don't worry, you're not alone. Join us on August 3, 2023 for the Mid-Year Revenue Accelerator and learn the same steps we used at Business Made Simple to grow into a $15 million operation. Regain control of your growth and finish the year with more money! Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Accelerator to register. -- Success as a business owner can feel like a double edged sword. You are accomplishing your dream and growing a business you're passionate about, but you're also overworked and overwhelmed. You bear the weight of making sure everything runs as it should, and as your business grows, this becomes an even bigger burden. Today we continue our Summer Replay Series, highlighting our top episodes of all time. In today’s replay, Donald Miller talks with the founder and CEO of the Healthy Workforce Institute, Renee Thompson. Renee’s organization is all about eradicating bullying and hazing in the healthcare industry – but Renee needs help fighting her own personal bully of overwork and overwhelm. Tune in now to learn how you can avoid burnout and stay healthy for your business – and your life – for the long haul. Learn more about Renee Thompson and the amazing work she's doing at HealthyWorkforceInstitute.com. -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 10, 2023 • 26min
#132: How to Avoid the Biggest Cause of Business Failure (REPLAY)
Cash flow problems are the number one reason that small businesses fail. If your business is going to stand the test of time, you must have an effective system for managing your business finances. Unfortunately, many business owners are confused by their bookkeeping, don’t understand what’s really happening in their finances, and never have enough money saved for taxes. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Today we continue our Summer Replay Series, highlighting our top episodes of all time. In today’s replay, you’ll learn a simple cash flow management system using 5 checking accounts. When you learn Donald Miller’s simple framework, you’ll finally have a no-nonsense strategy to manage cash flow with zero confusion or stress. Tune in now to learn the 5-part framework that simplifies managing finances and ensures you never run out of cash! Go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/cash to access our new course, Small Business Cash Flow Made Simple. You’ll learn an easy way and playbook to organize your finances so you never run out of cash. Finally get total clarity on what’s happening with your money and disciplines that result in long-term financial security. Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/cash. -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 3, 2023 • 21min
#131: Ryan Deiss—The Digital Marketing Strategy Your Business Needs—Part 2 (REPLAY)
Most businesses slow down in the summer – but yours doesn’t have to! Our Summer Replay Series is here to help. You’ll get to hear the episodes our listeners have found most helpful for making an immediate impact on business growth. Today you can listen to Part 2 of Donald Miller’s conversation with Ryan Deiss, digital marketing expert and CEO of Digital Marketer. In this value-packed conversation, Ryan breaks down a step-by-step digital marketing strategy to help you generate and convert more leads so you can stay ahead of your competition and make more money this summer. Tune in now! -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jun 26, 2023 • 25min
#130: Ryan Deiss—The Digital Marketing Strategy Your Business Needs—Part 1 (REPLAY)
If you’re like most business owners, summer is full of fun activities – but it’s easy to get complacent and check out when it comes to your business. How can you take a much-needed breather while also continuing to grow your business during the summer months? Our Summer Replay Series is here to help! You’ll get to hear the episodes our listeners have found most helpful for making an immediate impact on business growth. First up is Part 1 of Donald Miller’s conversation with Ryan Deiss back in the spring of 2021, digital marketing expert and CEO of Digital Marketer. In this value-packed episode, Ryan breaks down a step-by-step digital marketing strategy to help you generate and convert more leads so you can stay ahead of your competition and make more money this summer. -- Have a book idea but not sure where to start? Donald Miller is hosting a long-awaited workshop for aspiring authors like you this September--Donald Miller Teaches How to Write a Book. In this 2-day workshop, you’ll learn the exact steps you need to write and publish a book people want to buy, read, and share with their friends. You also have the choice to join in-person or via our virtual livestream. Register before Friday, June 30 at DonaldMillerTeaches.com to get our best price on this workshop before it sells out! -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jun 19, 2023 • 30min
#129: How to Make More Money With Your Existing Products
When you need to increase revenue for your small business, what ideas come to mind first? If you're like most business owners, you mind likely gravitates to sales and marketing ideas. But there is actually a ton of untapped revenue in your existing products! More money is in existing customers than new customers. In today’s conversation, Donald Miller talks with Jennifer Rodriguez, owner of Porter Flower Reserve. She also happens to be Don's sister! Don gives Jennifer ideas on how she can take her existing products and increase her revenue immediately. Listen in to get inspiration for ideas that you can execute on now to increase the money coming through your cash register. If you want to learn how to optimize your products so they make YOU more money, check out our new course, Product Optimization Made Simple, in the business made simple platform. In the course, Donald Miller will teach you, just like Jennifer, how to examine your products and figure out how you can make more money with them. For a limited time, you can get $100 off the course with code PRODUCT100. Get the course at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Products. -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jun 12, 2023 • 24min
#128: Mignon François—How a High Belief Level Can Make You Wildly Successful
Ever had a day where you felt unstoppable? It feels like you’re on top of the world and you believe wholeheartedly in what you’re building. But then there are other days when you’re so discouraged you can’t even take out the trash. What’s the difference between those days? Your belief level. Without belief, our productivity levels plummet, our motivation dwindles, and our perspective shrinks. In today’s conversation, Donald Miller talks with Mignon François, founder and owner of the Cupcake Collection and author of the new book "Made From Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe". Mignon shares her mindblowing story of turning a five-dollar bill into a $10M business through the power of faith and hard work. Listen to Mignon’s incredible journey of entrepreneurship and learn how building your belief level can help you overcome obstacles and achieve what seems impossible – in your business and in your life. Order Mignon's new book at rhboyd.com/pages/Mignon-Francois-Made-From-Scratch or wherever you buy books. -- IF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT IMPLEMENTING A PLAN TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND REVENUE, FLIGHT SCHOOL IS FOR YOU! JOIN NOW: SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com. ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple