
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

Nov 21, 2022 • 22min
#99: The Quickest Way to Grow Your Business
If you’re looking to grow your business FAST, you might be surprised to learn that email marketing is one of the best ways to do that. But there’s a big problem: Most small business owners think they don’t have the time or expertise it takes to write marketing emails. In today’s episode, we’re busting that myth and helping you learn an email framework that’s doable and effective. In today’s episode, you’ll learn from the email marketing master himself, Donald Miller. Join Don for this concentrated one-on-one masterclass where he shares the 6 emails you can send to generate sales and revenue. Not only will you learn how to write 6 money-making emails, you’ll also get 5 lead generator ideas that will help you capture your ideal customers’ email addresses. If you’re looking to grow your business and want a strategy proven to work quickly, this episode is for you! -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED MARKETING GUIDE TO HELP CREATE YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING: MarketingMadeSimple.com GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Nov 14, 2022 • 26min
#98: Should You Bring on Investors for Your Small Business?
More often than not, small businesses need more money than their businesses are bringing in order to grow and scale. There are options like private equity, venture capital and loans that can help you take the next step. But how do you decide if bringing on an investor is best for your business? In this episode, Donald Miller talks with Ryan Filsinger, CEO of Iron Fox Games, and walks him through the pros and cons of different investment options and helps him determine the right path for his business. If you are considering bringing on an investor, or if you're considering investing in a company yourself, this episode is for you! Find out more about Iron Fox Games at IronFoxGames.com. -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Nov 7, 2022 • 27min
#97: How to Make More Money Without Creating New Products
Do you have customers and a great product but aren’t seeing an increase in cash flow? You might be tempted to create a new product – which might be a good move. But before you do that, you should consider how you can make more money with what you already have! Sometimes, all you need to do is think more creatively about what you’re currently offering your customers. In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Elisha Reverby, CEO and Founder of Elique Organics, a luxury plant-based skincare line. Elisha has a loyal customer base and products people love, but needs to make more cash to keep her business going. Instead of creating a new product, Don suggests adding a subscription service and creating a bundled package to sell. Listen in to learn how these strategies could help your own business make more cash without having to create a brand new product! Find out more about Elique Organics at EliqueOrganics.com. -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Oct 31, 2022 • 24min
#96: There’s Been A Murder! How Did This Small Business Die? (Special Halloween Episode with Don & J.J.)
Tune in for this special Halloween “whodunnit” murder mystery episode! Like so many small businesses, Penelope Featherbottom’s business has died. The doors have closed and all that’s left is the carnage of what used to be a thriving soap business. When Business Detective Dr. J.J. Peterson (host of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast) arrives on the scene, he helps Don piece together clues to solve this dreadful mystery so that it never happens to anyone else. Was the cause of death a mission statement that nobody cared about? Or was it pushy sales tactics and a confusing marketing message? J.J. investigates the tragedy using Business Made Simple’s 6-step framework, finally uncovering the culprit that killed Penelope’s business. Listen in to discover the cause of this horror so that it never happens to you! -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH THAN CAN HELP SAVE YOUR BUSINESS FROM AN EARLY DEMISE: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Oct 24, 2022 • 26min
#95: Will Guidara—Why a Culture of Hospitality Matters for Every Business
If you’ve ever thought that hospitality is only for… well, the hospitality industry… think again! Your customers are craving human connection more than ever – whether they’re staying in a hotel or buying a pair of socks. And genuine acts of hospitality don’t have to be extravagant or break the bank to have an impact. In today’s episode, Donald Miller talks with Will Guidara, James Beard Award winning restaurateur and author of the new book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. James shares how implementing unreasonable hospitality was key in leading to Eleven Madison being voted the best restaurant in the world. He also breaks down how you can start practicing unreasonable hospitality to grow your business and enrich the lives of those around you! Order Will Guidara's new book, Unreasonable Hospitality, at UnreasonableHospitality.com or wherever you buy books. -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Oct 17, 2022 • 28min
#94: The Secret to Optimizing and Pricing Your Products for Explosive Growth
If you have a great line of products but don’t optimize, price and package them strategically, you are leaving money on the table. The truth is, 10% of your customers are willing to pay you 10 times more money if you had the right product or package for them. Every company should think through having an entry-level product, a mid-level product, and an elite-level product for customers with different needs (and pocketbooks!). In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Dr. Tarun "T-Bone" Agarwal, Owner of 3D Dentists, an educational service helping dentists run a successful dental practice by simplifying both the business and clinical sides of dentistry. Don helps T-Bone think through different tiers of products that could triple his revenue and help him reach his goal of having a wait list for his programs. Listen in to learn how optimizing as well as strategically pricing and packaging your products can help you skyrocket your own revenue! Find Dr. Tarun "T-Bone" Agarwal at 3D-Dentists.com. -- PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Oct 10, 2022 • 26min
#93: Why Your Products Aren’t Selling and How to Fix It
Do you have a great product that people need, but for some reason people aren’t buying it? This is a common problem when you’re just starting out or launching a new product. When customers are confused about the problem your product solves or it sounds too complicated to buy or use, they won’t be motivated to pull out their wallets and buy. In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Tyler Robertson, Founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, a company providing much-needed resources for repairing complex semi-truck engines. With nationwide supply chain issues and the need to get trucks back on the road quickly, why aren’t Tyler’s newest products selling like crazy? Listen in to see what Tyler needs to do differently so you can apply these strategies in your business! Find out more about Diesel Laptops at DieselLaptops.com. -- GET A 6-STEP PLAN TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: BusinessMadeSimple.com SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Oct 3, 2022 • 28min
#92: 5 Key Talking Points You Need to Close Deals
Are you tired of losing sales because you’re fumbling over your words? Your customers deserve to know about your product and services – but unless you know how to communicate the value you offer, people won’t buy from you. Instead of losing sales and feeling tongue-tied, you can learn 6 strategic talking points that will help you approach sales conversations with confidence. In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller continues to unpack the new The Customer if the Hero sales framework with this week's guest Jessie Daavettila, CEO & Founder of Raskana, a maternity and baby apparel brand. Jessie faces a common problem when it comes to sales: needing a cohesive, focused message about the problem her product solves. Listen in to learn 5 key talking points that will help you close your next deal, write your next email, or draft your next proposal! Go to OnlineSalesScript.com/Podcast to access and create a SalesScript you can use to invite customers into a story. As a podcast listener, you'll also get out the bonus video series of Don teaching you how to create sales talking points that actually work! Learn more about Jessie Daavettila and Raskana at Raskana.com. -- TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR ON-DEMAND COURSES: BusinessMadeSimple.com SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast YOU NEED A PLAN TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. TAKE THE 10-MINUTE ASSESSMENT, AND YOU'LL GET A FREE, CUSTOMIZED PLAN THAT WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SO IT GENERATES MORE REVENUE AND PROFIT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Sep 26, 2022 • 24min
#91: Hate Selling? Here’s the Sales Framework You Need
If you’re like most people, you hate being sold to – and you don’t enjoy selling to others, either! But as a small business owner, you have to sell to survive. Selling your products or services shouldn’t feel slimy or nerve-wracking. When you learn our storytelling framework for sales, you can stop pushing products and start inviting customers into a story instead. In today’s episode, Donald Miller introduces you to the The Customer is the Hero sales framework. When trying to sell, many people make the mistake of positioning themselves as the hero. But what your customers are looking for is a guide who can help! Listen in to learn a 5-step framework that will give you talking points for every sales conversation and help you make your customer the hero while you become the trusted guide who can help them. Go to OnlineSalesScript.com/Podcast to access and create a SalesScript you can use to invite customers into a story. As a podcast listener, you'll also get out the bonus video series of Don teaching you how to create sales talking points that actually work! -- TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR ON-DEMAND COURSES: BusinessMadeSimple.com SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast YOU NEED A PLAN TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. TAKE THE 10-MINUTE ASSESSMENT, AND YOU'LL GET A FREE, CUSTOMIZED PLAN THAT WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SO IT GENERATES MORE REVENUE AND PROFIT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Sep 19, 2022 • 27min
#90: Stop Getting Talked Over & Start Being Seen as a Leader
Are you struggling to find confidence and step out of your comfort zone at work when it comes to growing as a leader and asking for what you want? Today's guest will show you how! In this episode, Donald Miller talks with Karen Laos, author of the book Trust Your Own Voice and host of the podcast, Ignite your Confidence with Karen Laos. Karen shares practical tips on how aspiring leaders can confidently speak up and become a valuable player everyone else wants to hear from. First, Karen encourages you not to be afraid to be the first to speak. This gets any nerves out of the way and positions you as a confident leader, even if you’re just making an observation. Second, Karen recommends using the phrase “here’s my vote” as an unapologetic, straightforward way to share an idea or recommendation. Lastly, Karen shares how being thoughtfully concise will make you stand out as a communicator. Listen now and use these strategies in your next business meeting and you'll be well on your way to becoming a leader people want to follow! Order Karen's new book, Trust Your Own Voice, and listen to her podcast, Ignite your Confidence with Karen Laos, at KarenLaos.com. -- TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR ON-DEMAND COURSES: BusinessMadeSimple.com SUBMIT FOR A CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast YOU NEED A PLAN TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. TAKE THE 10-MINUTE ASSESSMENT, AND YOU'LL GET A FREE, CUSTOMIZED PLAN THAT WILL OPTIMIZE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS SO IT GENERATES MORE REVENUE AND PROFIT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple