Sequence Over Strategy

Ever notice how the last thing you saw or heard suddenly feels like the best idea? That’s the availability bias at work, and it can quietly steer your business decisions in the wrong direction. In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle breaks down how this mental shortcut shows up, why it’s especially risky when “it matters more,” and how shifting to sequence over strategy keeps you from falling into the trap. With clear, relatable examples, Michelle shows you how to think beyond what’s easiest and start making choices that actually move your business forward.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comNetworking That PaysFree Workshop

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your business by ignoring small but crucial patterns? In this replay episode of a popular Sequence Over Strategy episode, Michelle Warner introduces a game-changing journaling exercise: What's Working, What's Not, and Why.   This simple yet powerful practice helps entrepreneurs spot small wins and red flags before they turn into major problems. By consistently tracking three things that worked, three that didn’t, and analyzing the patterns, business owners can make smarter, data-driven decisions. Over time, this habit prevents reactive choices and ensures strategies align with real, observed progress. Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

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

Ever feel like you’re stuck trying to balance what’s working in your business right now with the big, bold ideas you can’t stop thinking about? Or maybe you wonder how to tell which ideas deserve your attention today versus the ones that should wait for the future?In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle digs into how to cut the noise, stop overcorrecting, and use the Three Horizons Model to prioritize your ideas. You’ll see how to protect what’s working now, spot easy opportunities you might be missing, and keep an eye on future growth without losing focus.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comMichelle Warner on the Web | Networking That Pays | Free WorkshopSequence Over Startegy Curated Playlists''The Alchemy of Growth'' Book

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

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

Are your relationships recession-proofing your business? Could one well-timed conversation be more valuable than your entire marketing strategy? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle dives into the uncertainty swirling through today’s economy and explains why now is the time to double down on relationships, not just strategies. She breaks down why centering real connections with clients, audiences, collaborators, and colleagues builds true business resilience. You’ll learn how relationships act as “force multipliers, " making everything else in your business work better, especially when things get shaky. Plus, Michelle shares simple, actionable ways to reconnect and nurture your network starting today.ResourcesCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comMichelle Warner on the Web | Networking That Pays | Free Workshop

Ever feel like you’re saying all the right things in your business—but it still doesn’t sound like you? Michelle Warner shares a powerful realisation: the missing link wasn’t a better strategy, but a clearer brand voice. After years of wrestling with traditional branding methods, she finally cracked the code with the help of Justin Blackman, discovering not just how she communicates, but why it hadn’t worked before.By identifying her unique voice and setting boundaries around it—like realizing she’s the “general manager,” not the coach—Michelle unlocked clarity, confidence, and a whole new way to connect with her audience. It’s a reminder that sometimes the breakthrough isn’t a new plan, but a better understanding of how we show up.ResourcesJustin Blackman - Brand Voice ExpertCheck out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Too many entrepreneurs jump to solutions before they’ve even defined the real problem. “Customers aren’t buying, so should I lower my prices?” Sound familiar? In this episode, Michelle walks through why those knee-jerk, “spaghetti against the wall” responses rarely solve anything—and how to stop making them.One of Michelle’s favorites - the Five Whys framework can uncover the root cause behind what’s really going on in your business and why slowing down to ask better questions will get you further than any reactive fix. Plus, Michelle breaks down the three categories most problems fall into: a forced market shift, an internal model shift, or a personal need for change—and how each one requires a different kind of response.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your business by ignoring small but crucial patterns? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner introduces a game-changing journaling exercise: What's Working, What's Not, and Why. This simple yet powerful practice helps entrepreneurs spot small wins and red flags before they turn into major problems. By consistently tracking three things that worked, three that didn’t, and analyzing the patterns, business owners can make smarter, data-driven decisions. Over time, this habit prevents reactive choices and ensures strategies align with real, observed progress.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

What if surviving economic uncertainty isn’t about drastic strategy changes, but about sequencing your moves wisely? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner breaks down how consumers react in tough times—whether they slam on the brakes, stay cautiously optimistic, or continue spending.At the same time, products fall into essentials, treats, postponables, or expendables, shaping how people prioritize their purchases. The real win? Instead of panicking, businesses should focus on sequence over strategy—identifying where their ideal customers fall and positioning their offer as an essential or a smart investment.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Tired of getting ghosted when reaching out to new connections? In this episode of Sequence over Strategy, Michelle breaks down the most effective (and least cringeworthy) ways to get people to actually respond. From leveraging mutual introductions and creating value-driven projects to sending thoughtful thank-you notes and mastering cold but purposeful outreach, you'll learn how to stand out in a noisy world. Ditch the generic messages and discover how to build relationships that actually stick!Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Ever wonder what to do to get people to say yes more often? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle breaks down the 1978 "Copy Machine Study" by Harvard professor Ellen Langer, showing how providing a reason—no matter how simple—can make requests far more compelling. She explains how this insight can improve networking, sales, and client engagement by adding a meaningful 'because' to your business communication. Tune in for actionable tips on boosting conversions and making your offers irresistible!Check out the full episode at  TheMichelleWarner.com

Struggling to stay focused while growing your business? Wondering why sometimes you’re doing so much and still struggling? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle introduces the concept of the three business dials—customer niche, product mix, and marketing mix—to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise and stay aligned with their core goals. She explores the common pitfalls of chasing new opportunities that may not serve your long-term vision and emphasizes the importance of adjusting the right dial at the right time. Learn how to simplify your strategy, avoid unnecessary complexity, and achieve sustainable growth by staying focused on what truly moves the needle.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

What if trying to market your business the same way you serve your clients is actually hurting your success? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner reveals why prioritizing relationship marketing over traffic-based tactics is key for businesses offering high-end, service-based services. She explores how focusing on meaningful connections with a select group of clients—not overwhelming yourself with mass marketing—can lead to better results. Warner also shares strategies for addressing the potential disconnect between how you market your own business and the services you provide to clients, helping you navigate these challenges with confidence.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Are you struggling to get your marketing to connect with the right people? It might be time to shift your focus from strategy to sequence! In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner explains why the sequence of actions in your marketing—specifically, the awareness stage—is more important than the strategies you use. She breaks down how to build impactful relationships with your audience by focusing on three key components: what you say, who you say it to, and the strength of the trust transfer. By mastering these, you can create a powerful awareness strategy that sets the stage for long-term success in relationship marketing.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comSign up for Relationship Funnel Bootcamp

What if everything you thought you knew about marketing is wrong—especially when it comes to attracting the right clients? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner reveals why relationship marketing is now more crucial than ever, as businesses that once thrived on traffic marketing are seeing their success dry up. She explains how the market has matured, shifting power from business owners to consumers, who now prefer a more personal, relationship-based approach. Warner urges entrepreneurs to embrace this change and realign their strategies to meet consumer expectations in this new era of marketing.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.comSign up for Relationship Funnel Bootcamp

Ever feel like some business strategies work perfectly for others but never quite seem to hit the mark for you? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner dives into the hidden advantages behind success stories—things like timing, natural charisma, or a solid network—that often go unnoticed. These “unfair advantages” can make it hard to see the full picture. Michelle helps you recognize these biases, ask the right questions, and make smarter decisions that actually work for your business. It’s time to take control of your strategy and set yourself up for success!Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Do you hesitate to ask for help because it feels selfish or awkward? In this episode of Sequence over Strategy, Michelle challenges that mindset and shows why asking is actually key to building strong relationships. Far from being a burden, a well-crafted ask strengthens trust and connection. Michelle introduces the "ask continuum" to help you avoid the traps of asking for too much or nothing at all. She also breaks down five practical ways to make your asks clear, realistic, and meaningful. By getting comfortable with asking, you’ll not only get what you need but also deepen your relationships along the way.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com

Are you tired of social media feeling like a numbers game? In this episode of Sequence Over Strategy, Michelle Warner shares how to transform social media into a powerful tool for building relationships that generate high-quality leads. She discusses why service-based businesses should shift from traditional traffic marketing to a more intentional, connection-driven approach. Michelle offers practical tips on creating authentic content that not only attracts the right clients but also establishes trust and builds lasting business relationships.Check out the full episode at TheMichelleWarner.com