

Sequence Over Strategy
Michelle Warner
Welcome to Sequence Over Strategy, a show about small business entrepreneurship. Michelle Warner's goal is to help you find and trust your own sequence of actions rather than follow someone else's theoretical strategy. In every episode she takes a real challenge or question shared by real entrepreneurs like you, and figures out the right next action to take.
Together, you'll wrestle with the problem, examining your business to find solutions. And every time you'll walk away with a single tool or framework, you can apply to your own business. So stop looking for playbooks. Stop chasing strategy. Don't search for all the answers before you act. Act to find your answers.
Together, you'll wrestle with the problem, examining your business to find solutions. And every time you'll walk away with a single tool or framework, you can apply to your own business. So stop looking for playbooks. Stop chasing strategy. Don't search for all the answers before you act. Act to find your answers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 25min
Trust Is the Currency
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have but the actual currency of business. In this episode, Michelle shows why endless strategies fall flat without trust at the core. She digs into the difference between traffic marketing and relationship marketing, why saturated markets make trust matter more, and how collaborations can fast-track credibility without burning you out. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, by building a deeper well of trust that keeps opening doors.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comNetworking That PaysFree Workshop

10 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 29min
Taming Too Many Ideas
Struggling to manage overflowing ideas for your business? Discover strategies to balance what works now with future possibilities. Learn to use the Three Horizons Model for prioritizing ideas, minimizing risks, and maximizing returns. By organizing your thoughts, you can avoid pitfalls and focus on easy wins. Find out how to protect your current successes while also keeping an eye on innovative growth opportunities.

Aug 14, 2025 • 18min
The Sequence Wake-Up Call
What if your business isn’t struggling because of bad strategy, but because you’re doing the right things in the wrong order? In this season two premiere, Michelle is digging into why sequence over strategy matters even more than ever, especially in a market that’s tighter, noisier, and far less forgiving than it used to be. She shares what she’s been hearing from business owners, why now is the time to double down on what’s working, and the three big areas she’ll focus on this season to help you plug leaks, boost results, and create your own unfair advantage.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comMichelle Warner on Web | Networking That Pays | Free WorkshopSequence Over Startegy Curated Playlists

May 22, 2025 • 23min
Stop, Drop, and Thank You
When was the last time a thank you message actually made someone remember you? In this episode, Michelle dives into the underestimated art of saying thank you — not out of obligation, but as a strategic way to build, strengthen, and maintain real relationships. She breaks down how a thoughtful, specific thank you can cut through the noise, reconnect with old contacts, and avoid the trap of small talk. Whether you’re trying to stand out or simply stay connected, “stop, drop, and thank you” might just become your new favourite mantra.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comMichelle Warner on Web | Networking That Pays | Free WorkshopSequence Over Startegy Curated Playlists

6 snips
May 8, 2025 • 24min
Connection Is Your Currency
Discover how your relationships can be a powerful asset in today's unpredictable economy. Uncover the idea that a single strategic conversation can outweigh an entire marketing plan. Learn why focusing on genuine connections strengthens your business resilience and amplifies effectiveness. Michelle shares practical tips to nurture and reconnect with your network, ensuring that your relationships fortify your success, even in challenging times.

Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
Clarity Through Brand Voice
Unlocking the secret to a compelling brand voice can revolutionize your business. A journey of self-discovery leads to the realization that clarity and confidence triumph over traditional strategies. By defining roles and setting boundaries, one finds the strength to communicate authentically. This exploration encourages entrepreneurs to delve into their unique voices, reshaping how they connect with their audience. It's a refreshing reminder that sometimes, understanding yourself is the most powerful strategy.

5 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
Fix the Right Problem
Entrepreneurs often rush to solutions without pinpointing the actual problem. Learn why quick fixes, like lowering prices, rarely work. Discover the Five Whys framework that helps uncover the root causes of business challenges. Delve into three types of problems: market shifts, internal model changes, and personal needs—each requiring tailored responses. Slowing down to ask better questions can lead to more effective solutions.

15 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 22min
Make Smarter Decisions with One Habit
Discover how small patterns in your business can make a big difference. A unique journaling exercise helps identify daily wins and challenges. By tracking what's working and what's not, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights for smarter decision-making. This simple habit not only highlights trends but also keeps strategies aligned with real progress, preventing reactive choices. Join the journey toward effective growth by embracing daily reflections.

12 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 29min
Smart Moves in Tough Times
Surviving economic uncertainty isn't just about big strategy shifts; it's about sequencing your actions wisely. Explore how consumers react during tough times, from cautious optimism to impulsive spending. Learn how products are categorized into essentials and treats, influencing purchasing priorities. The key takeaway? Instead of panicking, businesses should tailor their offers to meet customer needs, positioning them as essential or wise investments.

27 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 28min
Get Noticed, Not Ignored: Outreach That Works
Are you frustrated by getting ghosted after outreach? Discover how to craft non-cringeworthy, effective messages that actually get responses. Learn tips for leveraging mutual connections and creating value-driven projects. Master the art of thoughtful thank-you notes and purposeful cold outreach. It’s all about building genuine relationships in a noisy world, avoiding the generic messages, and standing out to make lasting connections.