
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

Sep 12, 2022 • 15min
#89: 5 Ways to Protect Your Time (and Increase Revenue)
Are you a leader or executive in your company? If so, you’re one of the biggest expenses in your business. You’re also one of the most sought-after people in your company. This creates a problem: you need to use your time extremely wisely, but you’re constantly being pulled in multiple directions. If you don’t learn practical strategies to protect your time, your work (and life!) will suffer from constant overwhelm and frustration. In today’s episode, Donald Miller coaches you one-on-one from his own personal productivity and decision-making playbook so you will always know what to prioritize and what to say no to. Listen in to learn 5 strategies you can immediately use to improve your personal productivity and efficiency: 1) Let plates fall 2) Limit people’s access to you 3) Keep correspondences short 4) Get a personal assistant 5) Use a project manager. When you learn to protect your time and stop feeling guilty about it, you’ll actually get more done, escape overwhelm, and get back to growing a business (and building a life!) you can enjoy. -- 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 5, 2022 • 32min
#88: Jason Feifer—How to Embrace Change and Be Adaptable
Are you struggling to adapt to a recent change in your life or business? No matter what your personality type, research shows that people move through 4 stages when a massive disruption occurs: 1) Panic 2) Adaptation 3) New Normal 4) An “I wouldn’t go back” moment where you no longer wish for the old normal. Your adaptability depends on how efficiently you can move through those four phases and how much belief you have that your “I wouldn’t go back” moment is coming. In today’s episode, Donald Miller talks with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, a startup advisor, podcast host, and author of the new book Build for Tomorrow. Listen in to learn how you can move through unexpected changes with poise and use them as opportunities to grow and innovate. Order Build for Tomorrow now at JasonFeifer.com/Book, Amazon or wherever you buy books. -- 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

Aug 29, 2022 • 30min
#87: Should You Hire Someone Else to Run Your Company?
If you started a company, you probably have the personality of an entrepreneur. Which means you don’t like running day-to-day operations! Visionaries are at their best when they can dream up ideas and launch new initiatives – not when they are bogged down in the details of running an operation. It makes sense for entrepreneurs to run things for a while, but it can end up hurting your business and frustrating your team if you stay in that seat too long. In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks to Toby Walters, Owner and founder of ChurchGear, a company that certifies and resells used AV equipment to churches. Toby knows he isn't the best operator for his business and is struggling to find someone he can trust (and pay!) to take over. Listen in as Don talks through exactly how to craft a clear job description for the role, what kind of person to look for, and how to set the relationship up for success. Learn more about Toby Walters and his company at ChurchGear.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

Aug 22, 2022 • 29min
#86: Scale Your Startup With 90 Minute Workdays
Are you looking to scale your startup? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you have two major obstacles to growth: limited time and how to best differentiate your product in the marketplace. In today’s episode, Donald Miller coaches Anna Belle and Lila Mae Skidmore, owners and founders of Granola’d, a company selling gluten-free granola, through how they can scale their startup. At only 17 and 20 years old, Lila Mae and Anna Belle are already growing their company but still need help with strategy, time management, and product positioning. Listen in to learn how being ruthlessly efficient, hiring a virtual assistant, and getting your messaging right can turn your startup into a million-dollar company – all without working 80 hours a week! Order gluten free granola that actually tastes great at Granolad.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

Aug 15, 2022 • 28min
#85: Leveraging the Power of Story to Grow Your Business (Donald Miller at Baylor University)
Did you know that your brain spends 30% of its time daydreaming? But not when your mind is engaged in a story. When you’re emotionally connected to the plot points of a story, your brain focuses fully on that story. In today’s special episode, Donald Miller presents the power of story to business students at Baylor University and teaches them how to use the art of story in the marketplace. If you want to grow your ability to influence those around you, engage your customers, build trust, and grow your business, this episode will show you how. And be sure to share this special episode with your favorite college student! -- 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

Aug 8, 2022 • 28min
#84: How to Know if Your New Idea Might Actually Kill Your Business
Entrepreneurs are wired to constantly come up with new ideas. But sometimes creative juices can cause your business to get pulled in multiple directions, making you a jack of all trades and a master of none. Even worse, it kills your company’s potential to hone in on the products and services that actually boost revenue. In today’s episode, Donald Miller talks with board-certified art therapist, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, about how a controlling idea can help her take advantage of the opportunities right in front of her. Don and Jocelyn discover that there’s a product she’s already selling that could massively impact her bottom line when she applies the concept of a controlling idea. Listen in to discover how a controlling idea can help you stay focused and not overlook the business opportunities right under your nose. Learn more about Jocelyn Fitzgerald at JocelynFitzgerald.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 FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Aug 1, 2022 • 25min
#83: How to Become an Authority in Your Niche
Having trouble being seen as an authority in your niche? No matter what you’re selling, if you don’t position your products correctly, you’ll lose credibility and stunt the growth of your business. To own market share, you’re going to have to do one thing extremely well: be known for solving a very specific problem – and it may not be the problem you have in mind! In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller talks with Walter & James Miltenberger, brothers and business owners who run Syft, a company serving people in the resale and flipping industry. Listen in as they discuss how being more specific about the problem they solve can build their authority and bring massive growth to their business. Find out how specificity can help you become more of an authority in your niche, too! Learn more about Walter and James' business at Syftapp.io. -- 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 FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 25, 2022 • 20min
#82: Recession-Proof Your Business Using this Marketing Checklist
The economy has many business owners on edge. How can you recession-proof your company? One key way is to make sure your marketing is strong and effective. The right marketing strategy has the power to make your business thrive and grow, even in an economic downturn. In today’s episode, Donald Miller shares some marketing tips that every business owner should implement. These tactics can help you boost your revenue and carry you through a disruption in the economy. Listen in and discover how a menu of products, creating a sales funnel, and setting financial goals can help you make more money no matter what's going on in the economy. Get immediate access our new How to Grow a Great Marketing Business 10-Step Checklist at GrowYourMarketingBusiness.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 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 18, 2022 • 27min
#81: How You Can Create a Subscription Model for Your Business
What if you had recurring revenue that covered most (if not all) of your monthly expenses? Anything on top of that would be pure profit. If your business is seasonal or has a highly fluctuating monthly cash flow, a subscription model could help you stabilize your revenue stream and cover your monthly overhead. In today’s coaching conversation, Donald Miller sits down with Jacob Bradley, CEO and owner of PsychTalent, a company that recruits clinicians for their clients. Jacob’s biggest challenge is that his only stream of revenue is inconsistent – some months bring in a lot of money, while other months are pretty thin. Listen in as Don coaches Jacob through creating a subscription model you can also use to generate additional recurring revenue in your own business! -- 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 FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Jul 11, 2022 • 28min
#80: How to Reinvest Your Profit to Fuel Growth
When you have extra money in the bank, you should reinvest it in your company. But how do you know where to invest when there are many areas that need attention? Instead of sitting on your profit with uncertainty or putting money in the wrong places, you want to pour cash in strategic growth areas. In today’s episode, Donald Miller talks with Rebekah Scott of Rebekah Scott Designs, a luxury handbag brand that allows women to design their own purses. In 2020, Rebekah reinvested some of her profit in a business initiative that flopped. Listen in as Rebekah and Don discuss reinvesting principles that provide results, not regrets. As you’ll see in today’s coaching session, disciplined investing in sales, marketing, and products will keep your business strong and growing! Find out more about Rebekah's custom bags at ShopRSD.com and 1948Leather.com. Use promo code BMSUPODCAST at checkout for $10 off your next purchase. -- 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 FIND OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: MyBusinessReport.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple