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
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.
20 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 23min
The Power of Because
Discover how the power of a simple 'because' can dramatically increase your chances of getting a yes. A fascinating study from 1978 reveals that even the most trivial reasons make requests more compelling. Learn how to apply these insights to improve your networking and sales techniques. By incorporating 'because statements' into your communication, you can significantly elevate your engagement and conversion rates. Tune in for practical tips to make your offers irresistible!
Jan 30, 2025 • 23min
The Three Growth Dials
Feeling overwhelmed in your business growth journey? Discover the three essential dials: customer niche, product mix, and marketing mix. These elements help streamline your focus and align your strategy with long-term goals. Dive into common mistakes entrepreneurs make when chasing shiny new opportunities. Learn how to adjust your approach to avoid unnecessary complexity and foster sustainable growth. Stay attentive to what truly moves the needle for your success!
4 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 26min
Market Smarter: You Are Not Your Client
Are you marketing your business the wrong way? Discover why relationship marketing beats traffic-based tactics, especially for high-end service providers. Prioritizing meaningful connections can lead to greater success. Learn practical strategies to align your marketing approach with the way you serve clients. Dive into this insightful discussion on bridging the gap between your marketing and services, and gain the confidence to navigate these challenges!
Jan 2, 2025 • 20min
Breaking Down the Relationship Marketing Awareness Pie
Dive into the significance of the awareness stage in relationship marketing and discover why it's more pivotal than just driving traffic. Learn about the 'awareness pie' concept, which focuses on effective communication and building trust with your audience. Explore strategies for creating connection avatars to better target potential customers and the role of trust transfer through endorsements. Master these elements to cultivate meaningful relationships that ensure long-term success.
8 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 14min
Why Relationship Marketing Matters in Today's Market
Discover the transformative power of relationship marketing in today's competitive landscape. As businesses face declining success from traditional methods, the focus shifts to building personal connections with clients. Explore the pivotal changes in market maturity and how they shift the balance of power from sellers to consumers. Learn how to adapt your strategies to engage audiences in a more authentic way, ensuring long-term business growth in a relationship-driven environment.
Dec 5, 2024 • 24min
Decoding Hidden Advantages
Ever wonder why some business strategies work wonders for others but fall flat for you? Discover the concept of survivorship bias, which skews our view by focusing on success stories while neglecting failures. Uncover the hidden 'unfair advantages' like timing, charisma, and robust networks that often drive success. Get tips on how to recognize these biases and make smarter decisions tailored to your journey. It's a guide to reframing your perspective and seizing control of your path to success!
Nov 21, 2024 • 27min
Why Asking Matters
Do you ever hesitate to ask for help? This discussion reveals how asking can actually enhance relationships instead of weakening them. It introduces the 'ask continuum' to navigate the balance of requesting too much or too little. Personal stories illustrate the importance of seeking assistance, bridging community bonds, and fostering gratitude. Learn five practical strategies for crafting meaningful requests that deepen connections and trust. Embrace the art of asking to enrich your personal and professional relationships.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 22min
How I Use Social Media (and Why You Rarely See Me Post Publicly)
Tired of the social media numbers game? Discover how to transform it into a relationship-building powerhouse. Learn why service-based businesses should embrace a connection-driven approach rather than traditional marketing. Gain practical tips for creating authentic content that attracts ideal clients and nurtures trust. Explore the crucial stages of awareness, engagement, and sales to elevate your marketing efforts and establish lasting business relationships.
