Mike Michalowicz's Blog, page 2

How Listening Makes Your Business Scale

The core concept

If you ever catch yourself saying, “I think our customers want…,” you’re stepping into dangerous territory. Emphasis on think. Because thinking is guessing, and guessing leads to wasted time, effort, and money. You don’t need to play the guessing game when your customers are already giving you the answers… if you’re willing to listen.

The biggest business breakthroughs don’t usually come from a boardroom or a brainstorming session. They come from a phone call. A coffee chat. A quick but intentional, “Hey, what’s working for you right now, and what’s not?”

The breakthroughs usually come from evidence. 

We, entrepreneurs, are often natural problem solvers. But we can’t solve what we don’t understand. So the best thing you can do this week for your business is simple: shut your mouth, open your ears, and call one customer.

Yep, just one.

Why listening is a growth strategy

The reason I share this idea is that I experienced how listening to the needs of others is about more than good customer service.. Your customers are constantly experiencing pain points, preferences, and unmet needs. And based on my emails,  they’ll gladly tell you exactly what would make their lives easier, better, or more enjoyable. When you gather that feedback intentionally and consistently, you’re not just collecting data, you’re building direction.

Let me say that again:
Customer conversations don’t give you data. They give you direction.

Direction for how to grow.
Direction for how to improve.
Direction for what not to do.
And maybe even direction for your next product or service.

Do this: The 3-question call

This week, I want you to pick one customer and call them (or meet in person, if that’s possible). It’s not a sales call. It’s not a pitch. It’s a “how can we be better for you?” call.

Here’s the script:

What do you love about working with us (or using our product/service)?
Let them tell you what you’re doing well. These are your strengths and your differentiation points. What do you wish was better in our industry as a whole?
This tells you where the opportunity is. It’s a goldmine of unmet needs and frustrations. You’re not just competing with other businesses; you’re competing with the broken expectations of your entire industry. What’s your biggest challenge right now that we don’t help you with?
ingo. Here’s your innovation zone. Listen to what they say and look for ways you could serve that need, even if it means partnering, tweaking your offer, or evolving altogether.

That’s it. No scripts. No CRM automations. Just a conversation.

Feels so much more natural, right?

Not that: Don’t guess

It’s tempting to assume you already know what your clients want. After all, you started your business to solve a problem, right?

But the world changes fast. Customer needs change even faster. And if you’re relying on your gut alone, you’ll miss what your best clients are trying to tell you.

So don’t guess. Guessing is lazy. Guessing is expensive. And worst of all, it robs you of clarity.

Your clients are not a mystery to solve. They’re your most reliable guide. So instead of thinking for them, listen to them.

Those stories shaped the book.

Go Deeper:

If you want to really make customer insights your secret weapon, crack open these chapters:

Fix This Next: Chapter 7 (pages 105–115) on identifying your business’s core client need and solving it. Profit First: Chapter 4 (pages 60–65) on understanding client value to increase profitability. The Pumpkin Plan: Chapter 5 (pages 70–75) on identifying and nurturing your best clients. Get Different: Chapter 8 (pages 120–125) on tailoring your message to resonate with your ideal customer. 

These chapters show how listening is not just polite, it’s powerful.

The Final Thought

“The customer’s perception is your reality.” – Kate Zabriskie

Your business doesn’t exist in your head. It exists in your customer’s experience.
So step into their world. Ask. Listen. Adapt. Repeat.

You don’t need to be a mind reader to win in business, you just need to be a good listener.

Entrepreneurs are kinda superheroes. You’re saving the world in your own way. Keep going. Keep asking. Keep listening.

 

You’ve got this.

– Mike

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Sample Your Competitor’s Hits (A Vanilla Ice Lesson)

You remember Vanilla Ice, right? Of course you do. If you’re over 35 and have ever ridden in a convertible, Ice Ice Baby is likely burned into your memory.

Now, here’s the thing: Ice Ice Baby wasn’t built from scratch. Vanilla Ice sampled the baseline of Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure. But it was enough to launch the song to superstardom, land him on MTV, and make him a household name.

Here’s the twist: sampling works. Not just in music, but in business. And this week, that’s what I want to talk to you about.

You can sample without stealing

I’m not encouraging you to plagiarize or rip off other businesses. That’s lazy, unethical, and it just won’t work. Your customers are too smart. The market’s too transparent. And you deserve better.

But sampling? Sampling is strategic. It’s creative. It’s taking a proven idea and remixing it into something fresh and unmistakably you.

Vanilla Ice didn’t just hit copy/paste. He added his lyrics, his beat, his vibe, and, apparently, his 5.0 Mustang. It was familiar and different. And that’s why it exploded.

Your competitors have hits

If you’re in business, you’ve got competitors. Some of them are doing amazing work. Instead of pretending you don’t see it, or letting it psych you out, I want you to study it.

What are they doing remarkably well?Where are they getting the most engagement?What are their customers raving about?

That thing, the offer, the service, the delivery style, the voice, the customer experience; that’s their “hit.” That’s their Under Pressure.

You’re going to sample it. Respectfully. Strategically. Creatively.

Here’s how you do it in your industry

We have all seen the crossover in our industry. For instance, in mine, Sally Hogshead talks about being different and that being different is better. She inspired me so much. I wrote a book about marketing called Get Different.  I was careful not to copy her completely, and to make sure that I gave her many shout-outs and credit for the idea. 

For you? Let’s say you run a bookkeeping business. You notice that one of your competitors is crushing it with monthly check-in calls for every client. They’ve built loyalty, reduced churn, and even upsold new services. That’s their hit.

So what do you do?

You don’t start doing the exact same thing, reading from the same script, and charging the same price.

You ask:

“What’s the root of this success?”“Is it the connection? The education? The accountability?”“How can I provide the same benefit in a way that fits my brand, my team, and my clients?”

Maybe you turn it into a quarterly review video customized for each client, using Loom. Maybe you build it into a dashboard they can access anytime. Maybe you host a live Q&A every month for all clients. The point is: you’re taking the spirit of their win and remixing it into something uniquely yours.

That’s sampling.

I did this with Profit First 

Another example from my own journey is that when I wrote Profit First, the concept wasn’t 100% new. The idea of managing money through separate envelopes or sinking funds had been around forever. 

I learned the Profit First method from the OG – my mom. I didn’t invent it, I sampled it in a new way that resonated in my industry.

I adapted it specifically for entrepreneurs. I used the same core idea which is to allocate funds to specific purposes before spending. Only this time, I wrapped it in systems that work inside business bank accounts. I added rhythm. I added psychology and behavior design. I added real-world language and application.

And that remix has helped over a million businesses become permanently profitable.

You can do the same in your business.

Why this works

Sampling works for three reasons:

It saves time.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. A competitor’s success gives you a shortcut. You get a live case study in what works.It brings familiarity.
When your customers experience something they kind of recognize, but with your unique spin, it feels fresh and comfortable at the same time.It builds innovation faster.
Instead of guessing, you’re starting from a proven foundation and evolving it forward. That’s what innovation really is – iteration on what already works.

The “Don’t Do This” section

Let me just say it one more time: do not copy.

Copying word-for-word emails. Cloning someone else’s offer. Slapping your logo on their method? That’s not sampling. That’s stealing.

And beyond being unethical, it puts you in a race to the bottom. Because you’ll always be second-best at being someone else, and your customers will feel it.

Your competitive edge is you.

The reason sampling works is that you are the secret ingredient. You’re the difference.

So when you sample, do it through the filter of:

Your unique voiceYour business valuesYour audience’s needsYour market niche

That’s how a hit becomes your hit.

Action steps for this week

Try this out in your business right now:

Pick one competitor you admire.
Doesn’t have to be a direct one, just someone doing something cool in your space.Identify one thing they do well.
A process, service feature, content style, pricing structure—anything that stands out.Break it down.
Ask: Why is this working for them? What problem does it solve? What desire does it meet?Brainstorm 3 ways to remix it.
Put your own spin on it. Make it louder, simpler, faster, friendlier, and more aligned with your values. Think creatively.Test it.
Try your new version with a client, on your website, or in your marketing. Get feedback. Iterate.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out these resources for more on this idea:

The Pumpkin Plan (Chapter 5, pp. 65–72): Learn how to find your business “Sweet Spot” by identifying what your market already loves. Get Different (Chapter 4, pp. 55–62): Study how to stand out by observing what’s already out there and zagging where others zig. Fix This Next (Chapter 6, pp. 90–95): Diagnose sales deficiencies and plug the gaps with a customer-focused strategy.

Final thought

There’s a quote I love by Otto von Bismarck:

“The wise man learns from the mistakes of others, the fool from his own.”

I’ll tweak it:

“The wise entrepreneur samples what works, remixes it into gold, and gives it their own groove.”

You’ve got the tools. The hits are out there. Go sample wisely and make your own anthem.

You’ve got this.

-Mike

PS – My new book, The Money Habit, is up for pre-order! You know what to do! Especially if you want financial freedom for good.

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Is the Purchase of the Original Birkin Bag a Broken Moral Compass Moment?

(Photo from Getty Images)

Today I woke up to my wife saying, “The Birkin bag, the OG, sold for TEN POINT ONE MILLION, MIKE.” Insert side eye and judgment from both of us. 

But me being me, I started to roll this concept around in my head. 

During my plodding to get dressed. Birkin bag.

During my run. Birkin bag.

During my drive to work. Birkin bag.

And this isn’t to say I came up with a rational summary exactly where I land. And I want to know what you think about what I was thinking.

My background – I grew up in an affluent town but with humble beginnings. About thirty miles outside of New York City, we’re surrounded by farmland (yes, “we’re” because I moved back to my hometown after a thing or two.) My parents did well. We didn’t want much. But, we had a strong family, salt-of-the-earth values instilled in us at an early age. We knew “money didn’t grow on trees”, and that it took making good choices and hard work to have a comfortable life. 

For us. 

We also understood that not everyone had the same choices. 

Ah ha. 

There lies the privilege;  when you have a nice set of decisions to choose from. 

Keyboard warriors – When I saw some of the comments from the NYT post about the Birkin bag sale, they resonated with me. Here are some of the comments:

The first with the most responses: “I smell a broken moral compass!”. Yep, I stole that phrase because it resonated and started this whole morality crisis. Today.“We all have the same opportunities to invest our money.” (Uhhmmm)“How many people could you feed with that money?”

You know the drill. The keyboard warriors are out in full effect. Flinging out Google data and Chat GPT-generated digs.

Is luxury a moral downfall? Man, those comments…they got my brain firing on all cylinders, and mainly, I began to question if luxury is morally corrupt. 

I once bought a $200 pair of sneakers because I was feeling low. That purchase was less about the shoes and more about the story I told myself: that I deserved something nice. I worked hard. And hey, these runners would help me break my personal best. 

Reality: I was chasing significance with a credit card.

But many of us do the same thing on a different scale. We buy the car that’s $10K out of our budget. We lease the “boss” lifestyle before we can cashflow it. We chase identity through what we own.

Here’s the question that haunts me, and maybe it’ll stick with you, too:
What else could we be doing with that money?

Ten million dollars could fund so many needs in the world. Pick a cause, any cause.

Here’s the thing – the Birkin was originally made for Jane Birkin. It was for working women to throw everything into one place and carry and go. Its status was created afterward. I think we lost the plot somewhere along the way because it grew into the status symbol it is today.

So no, I’m not mad at the person who bought that bag. I’m curious. I’m wondering what story they were telling themselves. 

Because that’s what money does – it gives voice to our beliefs. It whispers stories about status, safety, success. And if we’re not careful, it starts to run the show.

Psst – This is why I wrote The Money Habit.

Money isn’t just math. It’s psychology. It’s history. It’s a trauma. It’s identity. If we don’t slow down long enough to ask why we spend, we’ll end up broke in ways that have nothing to do with our bank accounts. (Been there. #stillmarried)

And I’m not preaching from the mountaintop. I’ve lived this. I built a company that made millions… and lost it all because I believed that success meant always looking successful. I was the king of the metaphorical Birkin bag. 

From making it all, to losing it all. From that big lake house in the “best town in NJ” and the Land Rover to the little rental house in the town over, and a car that I hoped started in the morning.

If you’re an entrepreneur, or you’ve ever stared at a luxury item thinking, “Maybe this will mean I made it,” I get you. We all want to feel seen, valued, respected, safe. But real success? It’s silent. It’s internal. It doesn’t always look impressive on Instagram, but it feels rich.

So maybe this isn’t about shaming someone else’s choices. It’s about holding up a mirror to our own. What do you chase when you’re tired, scared, or uncertain? What does luxury mean to you?

Here’s my working definition:
Luxury is the freedom to live according to your values.

Sometimes that might look like a $9 latte guilt-free. Sometimes it’s saying “no” to a flashy upgrade so you can say “yes” to a deeper dream. And sometimes, it’s walking away from the Birkin bag – not because you can’t afford it, but because you no longer want it, and maybe because you don’t need it to feel worthy.

That, to me, is the ultimate flex.

That, and my family smiling. 

Your morals, your decisions?  Not for me to tell you. But here’s where I land for myself. Financially recovered, my family and I are comfortable. Sometimes there’s a little luxury. Often, there’s a lot of sharing. It’s because I changed my money mindset. It’s because I got disciplined. Every dollar is accounted for in an account.

I recently shared that my daughter had a scary climbing fall, with a just as scary medical bill – even after health insurance. Because I had created different accounts and allocated for exactly this kind of emergency, the bill was taken care of, and my daughter could focus on her long and painful recovery without the stress of finances. (Appreciative, my fiercely independent daughter did not like this one bit, by the way.) 

My employees will tell you I have shown up with a poker table for one of their husbands, a grill for another’s new house, you know, stuff. 

One of our team members helped another when her car was towed and she had no way to pay to get said car back.

We’re pretty open, and we talk about all of this. They told me it wasn’t about the stuff. It wasn’t about the money. It was that they felt seen. They were helped. They were in it together.

Ok. I think I’m on to something and can answer my own question. 

It’s not up to me to tell you how to spend your money. What I can say for myself is that I have a little now because I learned how to manage it. And when I find something worthwhile – a cause and yes, even a guitar, I spend.

Money isn’t the answer. It does not buy happiness. For me, my family, and my team, I notice, money is the resource that can provide help, peace of mind, and relief. 

Ok, so I’m still not sure where I land on the Birkin. And maybe it’s just not for me to judge. I do know I created accounts to help my family and my community. And I think that’s all my heart needs.

Wishing you peace of mind.

-Mike

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The Biggest Misunderstanding About Money

For most of my life, I misunderstood money. 

And I wasn’t alone. 

Entrepreneurs, friends, family; so many of us have been taught to fear money, chase money, worship it, or pretend it doesn’t matter. But what I’ve come to realize is this: money is none of those things. Money is a remedy.

Let me explain.

Years ago, I had what most people would call financial success. I built and sold companies. I made “enough” money. And then, I lost it all. I lost a fortune. And with it, I nearly lost myself.

The stress, shame, and confusion that came from that season weren’t just about dollars and cents. It was about what money meant to me and how I had misused it as a stand-in for safety, for pride, for control. I didn’t need more money. I needed to change my relationship with it.

That’s why I wrote The Money Habit.

I didn’t write it to help people get rich. 

I wrote it to help people get rooted.

Because money, when used with intention, doesn’t just fill a bank account, it clears your mind, repairs your relationships, and restores your sense of agency. It’s a practical tool, yes. But it’s also a psychological unlock. When we understand how money works, and more importantly, how we work in relation to it, everything starts to shift.

What money is (and isn’t)

Let’s clear this up right now: money is not the goal. Money is not your identity. And money is definitely not good or evil.

Money is a tool. A resource. A reflection of what matters to you.

When people say things like “money is the root of all evil,” they’re usually repeating something they heard, not something they’ve lived. Because the truth is, money is neutral. It becomes good or bad depending on what we do with it and why we’re doing it.

That’s the heart of The Money Habit: understanding your habits, your behaviors, your inner story around money. You can’t build lasting wealth until you repair your personal relationship with it. And for a lot of us, that relationship is full of guilt, fear, or avoidance.

The money psychology that holds us back

You ever notice how some people can earn a boatload of money and still feel broke?

It’s not because they need to make more. It’s because their mindset is rooted in scarcity. They don’t feel safe. Or worthy. Or in control. So they spend reactively. Or hoard obsessively. Or avoid their finances completely.

This is why budgeting alone doesn’t fix your money problems.

You have to go deeper. You have to ask:
– What stories did I inherit about money?
– Do I feel guilty when I make more than my parents did?
– Do I spend to feel better?
– Do I avoid money because it feels overwhelming or shameful?

When you start to unravel these stories, you create space for change. You free yourself to make decisions that actually serve you, rather than ones that keep you stuck in the same cycle.

If you’ve ever lain awake at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering how you’re going to make payroll, pay your rent, or just stop the spinning thoughts—you’re not alone. And you’re exactly who this book is for.

The Money Habit is for entrepreneurs who want peace, not just profit. It’s for the side hustlers who are tired of feeling like they’re always behind. It’s for the everyday person who’s never felt “good” with money but is ready to finally feel at home in their finances.

It’s for people like me. People who got it wrong, learned from it, and now want something better. Not just for themselves, but for their families, teams, and communities.

A simple step to start this journey

Let me leave you with something practical, because that’s what I do.

Write down your top three financial stressors. Now look at them, and ask yourself: Which one, if resolved, would most improve my health, my sleep, or my relationships?

That’s your priority. That’s your signal. That’s the pain point that money can help soothe.

Once you’ve identified it, create a separate bank account just for that purpose. Call it what it is: Peace. Healing. Freedom. Whatever motivates you.

Then, funnel money into that account bit by bit, automatically if you can. This is how you start using money with intention. This is how you reclaim your power.

Final thought

There’s a quote by Robert Kiyosaki that I love:
“Money is not the goal. Money has no value. The value comes from the dreams money helps achieve.”

I couldn’t agree more. Money doesn’t define you, but it can empower you. And once you understand that, once you see money as the remedy for unmet needs and unseen wounds, everything changes.

Entrepreneurs are often the first to sacrifice everything for the sake of their business. But we don’t have to live in burnout or scarcity. We can choose something different.

This is your wake-up call. Money doesn’t have to control us. It can support us. It can restore us. It can free us.

And that’s the kind of habit worth building.

-Mike

 

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The Money Habit – Luxuries Without Consequence: How to Enjoy More Without Losing Control

Let’s talk about something no one seems to get right: luxury.

Not yachts and diamonds kind of luxury. I’m talking about the simple indulgences that make life feel sweet—a dinner out at your favorite place, that concert you really want to go to, the leather boots that make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

These luxuries are often treated as financial red flags. We’re told to feel guilty for them. That they’re “wasteful,” “unnecessary,” or “setting us back.” But here’s the truth:

Luxuries aren’t the problem.
Lack of planning is.

In The Money Habit, I show you how to build financial systems that make room for both stability and joy. Because life isn’t just about staying above water—it’s about actually living.

The Guilt of Indulgence

You know the feeling. You splurge a little—maybe it’s a spontaneous weekend away or those pricey-but-perfect headphones. And then, the hangover hits.

“I shouldn’t have.”
“That money should’ve gone to bills.”
“What was I thinking?”

Sound familiar?

I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit. In my earlier years, I thought being a responsible adult meant cutting out all the fun stuff. I tried budgeting in spreadsheets (and then forgot to look at them). I told myself I’d “just be more disciplined.”

Spoiler: I wasn’t.

What changed everything for me was shifting the perspective.

It’s not about if I can have luxuries. It’s about how I fund them.

The Power of Intentional Spending

Here’s the shift: when you plan for indulgence, it stops being a financial mistake and starts being a financial strategy.

When I started using The Money Habit system at home, I created specific accounts for all kinds of categories—not just bills or retirement. I made space for joy. Literally.

One of my favorite accounts?
DINNER OUT.

That’s what I called it. Not “Dining” or “Discretionary Spending” or something my accountant would write. Just: DINNER OUT. Because I love food, and I love treating my family (and myself) to a great meal.

Every week, a small automatic transfer goes into that account. Sometimes it’s $5, sometimes $25. I don’t have to think about it. I don’t touch it for anything else. And when I see a new spot I want to try or the craving hits for our favorite local place—I check the DINNER OUT balance.

If there’s enough, we go.
No guilt. No budget-blowing.
Just joy—prepaid.

Create your own “luxury” fund

Here’s how you can do it too—starting today.

1. Pick your indulgence.
What feels like luxury to you? Maybe it’s monthly massages. Maybe it’s tech gadgets. Maybe it’s seasonal concert tickets. Pick something that lights you up.

2. Name your account.
This sounds silly, but trust me—it matters. Give the account a name that feels fun, personal, and specific. Names like “Adventure Fund,” “Books & Coffee,” or even “Treat Yo’ Self” make the habit stick.

3. Automate your contributions.
Start small. Really small. Even 1% of your income makes a difference. Set it and forget it. The point isn’t the amount—it’s the consistency.

4. Spend without shame.
When the funds are there—go for it. The whole point of this system is to remove shame from spending by making it part of your plan.

This approach may sound overly simple. But it’s also incredibly effective. Why?

Because it aligns your money with your values. It teaches you to delay gratification without denying it forever. And it builds a habit of living within your means while still enjoying your life.

What This Really Buys You

It’s not just the dinner out.
It’s the peace of mind.
The confidence.
The freedom to say yes without the sting.

That’s what financial independence looks like—it’s not about depriving yourself until you hit some magic number. It’s about having margin in your life now. Room to breathe, to enjoy, to say yes on purpose.

So this week, I challenge you to create just one account for one luxury that matters to you. Name it. Fund it. Use it.

Let’s stop treating joy like it’s a financial failure.

You deserve indulgence without consequence—as long as it’s built on intention, not impulse.

Your money should support your life—not restrict it.

And when you build the habit, you’ll find that the real luxury isn’t the meal or the trip or the boots.

It’s the freedom to enjoy them without worry.

Want more insights like this every week?
Subscribe to The Money Habit Weekly at MikeMichalowicz.com. One insight. One perspective. One action—every Monday.

Let’s build your path to financial freedom, one habit at a time.

– Mike

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Forget Going Viral. Get Real. Get Different. (Even on TikTok)

You want to grow your business. You’ve sharpened your offer, improved your service, and made your branding a little sleeker. You’ve tried to be better than your competitors.

Better isn’t enough if no one knows you exist.

Trying to be “better” is just playing the same game, slightly more efficiently. It means you’re still operating in the same box, using the same tactics, wearing the same gray suit as everyone else. And in today’s deafening marketplace, that makes you invisible.

I know, because I tried.

Last year, we launched what we affectionately call “The TikTok Experiment.” Our president, Kelsey, and our marketing wizard, Andrea, came to me and said, “Mike, we need to be on TikTok.”

Now, TikTok isn’t exactly where I imagined spreading the gospel of Profit First. But hey, I’m pro-growth. Pro-attention. And if that means awkward dance moves and trendy sounds, I’m in.

So we jumped in. Andrea built a strategy, mapped out content, trained herself, trained me (bless her), and we hit publish.

The results? Well…they were something.

Some videos flopped. Some did okay. One had me getting roasted by teens for wearing Skechers (which they weren’t, not that it makes a difference). But the biggest surprise wasn’t the algorithm. It was the realization that we had lost our voice. In chasing trends and trying to be “better” TikTokers, we forgot what made us us.

So we pivoted.

We stopped trying to be Mr. Beast or Preston (if you know you know), chasing viral, and started chasing real. We made weird, raw, unfiltered content that reflected our true voice: practical advice, told with heart and a little bit of humor. No more pretending. Just truth, scribbled on legal pads and captured in questionable lighting.

And guess what?

People noticed. Not millions, but the right people. People who need our content and connected. They commented things like, “Finally, something real on this app.” And it clicked:

Different isn’t risky. Invisible is.

You don’t have to go viral. You have to go real. That’s what cuts through the noise. That’s what attracts your people. Whether you’re posting on TikTok, sending emails, or running a bakery, being uniquely, unapologetically YOU is the magic.

How to be different in the wild

Here’s how you can stop blending in and start standing out:

Look outside your industry for inspiration. A dog groomer turned boudoir photography into “Pooch Pinups”, a hilarious and heartwarming photo shoot for pets. Unexpected? Absolutely. Memorable? You bet.
Action: What’s trending in fashion, gaming, food, or entertainment that you could twist into your industry? Show your personality, even in serious spaces. An accountant made short, funny videos explaining tax rules with skits and trending audio. They went from “just an accountant” to “the funny tax guru.”
Action: Where can you inject humor, stories, or behind-the-scenes truth into your marketing? Defy expectations. If everyone offers free consultations, try a paid discovery session that delivers instant value. If others use slick stock images, show raw footage from your workspace.
Action: Challenge the norms. Flip the script. Do what no one in your industry is doing on purpose. Experiment loudly
Our TikTok journey was messy. At one point, Andrea looked at me from a sea of ring lights and said, “What even is our brand on TikTok?” But she didn’t quit. She pivoted. That’s what real marketing is: messy, brave, and relentlessly human.

Final thought:
If you’re feeling stuck in the “better” trap, take a step back. Reclaim your voice. Stand for something unexpected. Try something weird. And most of all, be different on purpose.

Because in a world full of beige brands trying to be slightly better, the boldest move you can make is to be you.

Even if it means dancing on TikTok with a blender full of gummy bears.

You’ve got this.

– Mike
P.S. Get Different has the roadmap for optimal marketing – you can learn more about it here.
P.P.S. Come find us on TikTok: @mikemichalowicz

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Financial Freedom in Every Season

Nature works in cycles. Spring brings new growth. Summer, vibrancy and energy. Fall, preparation. Winter, reflection and recovery. These seasons are not just part of the natural world—they mirror our financial lives as well. Just like the weather, your finances shift through patterns and phases. Recognizing your current financial season isn’t just a cute metaphor—it’s a vital practice that can shape the way you earn, spend, save, and ultimately live.

In my work helping entrepreneurs and individuals build sustainable financial systems, I’ve identified four core financial seasons we all pass through. Understanding where you are now—and what comes next—allows you to make decisions with clarity, rather than fear or guesswork.

The 4 financial seasons

Recover – This is the winter of your finances. Things feel frozen or stalled. Perhaps you’re climbing out of debt, catching up on missed bills, or regaining control after a financial disruption. In the recovery season, your main focus is on reasserting control. That means tracking every dollar, automating basic needs like food and housing, and eliminating waste. It may feel restrictive at first, but it’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Activate – Think of this as springtime. After regaining control, it’s time to start planting seeds for a more joyful life. The Activate season is about using your money to enhance your present, taking that weekend getaway, buying fresh produce instead of cheap processed foods, or finally paying for a hobby that makes your soul light up. Activation isn’t frivolous; it’s deeply motivating. When used wisely, money becomes a tool to live life fully in the moment.
Fund – Welcome to fall, where we harvest what we’ve planted. This is the season of long-term savings. You’re now setting aside money for future events—emergency funds, retirement, education, or home ownership. In this phase, your mindset is less about the daily wins and more about the coming years. It’s about consistency, not perfection. You don’t need to max out every investment account today, but you do need to create a reliable habit of saving.
Balance – Summer is when it all comes together. You’re managing today’s joys while building tomorrow’s security. Balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means you’ve found a rhythm between living in the now and preparing for the future. This is the most sustainable and liberating of all the financial seasons, but it also requires the most self-awareness. Stay grounded in your values, adjust when necessary, and celebrate that you’ve created space for both freedom and foresight.

What season are you in? (And what to do about it)

No two people experience these seasons in exactly the same order or timeframe. Some spend years in Fund before they’re ready to Activate. Others may cycle through Recovery more than once. That’s normal. What matters most is knowing where you are right now, and aligning your actions accordingly.

Here’s your next step: identify your current financial season. Be honest with yourself. You can’t jump to Balance before doing the work in Recover. Once you’ve named your season, put your money to work automatically. Most banks allow you to set up multiple checking or savings accounts, each with its own purpose. I call this “bank balance budgeting.” Don’t leave it to willpower—let your bank do the heavy lifting.

To make this easier, we’ve created a free download as part of The Money Habit, which includes suggested percentages for each season. These are just starting points, not rules. The goal is to remove the guesswork and help you build a system that adapts as your life evolves.

Final thought

Freedom doesn’t mean having unlimited money. It means having clarity and control over what you already have. Just like the seasons, your finances will change. The key is knowing which one you’re in and acting with intention.

You;ve got this!

-Mike

PS – Your business hinges on how your personal finances are going. Get on The Money Habit list here to get weekly insight on personal financial management

The post Financial Freedom in Every Season appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

Nature works in cycles. Spring brings new growth. Summer,...

Nature works in cycles. Spring brings new growth. Summer, vibrancy and energy. Fall, preparation. Winter, reflection and recovery. These seasons are not just part of the natural world—they mirror our financial lives as well. Just like the weather, your finances shift through patterns and phases. Recognizing your current financial season isn’t just a cute metaphor—it’s a vital practice that can shape the way you earn, spend, save, and ultimately live.

In my work helping entrepreneurs and individuals build sustainable financial systems, I’ve identified four core financial seasons we all pass through. Understanding where you are now—and what comes next—allows you to make decisions with clarity, rather than fear or guesswork.

The 4 financial seasons

Recover – This is the winter of your finances. Things feel frozen or stalled. Perhaps you’re climbing out of debt, catching up on missed bills, or regaining control after a financial disruption. In the recovery season, your main focus is on reasserting control. That means tracking every dollar, automating basic needs like food and housing, and eliminating waste. It may feel restrictive at first, but it’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Activate – Think of this as springtime. After regaining control, it’s time to start planting seeds for a more joyful life. The Activate season is about using your money to enhance your present, taking that weekend getaway, buying fresh produce instead of cheap processed foods, or finally paying for a hobby that makes your soul light up. Activation isn’t frivolous; it’s deeply motivating. When used wisely, money becomes a tool to live life fully in the moment.
Fund – Welcome to fall, where we harvest what we’ve planted. This is the season of long-term savings. You’re now setting aside money for future events—emergency funds, retirement, education, or home ownership. In this phase, your mindset is less about the daily wins and more about the coming years. It’s about consistency, not perfection. You don’t need to max out every investment account today, but you do need to create a reliable habit of saving.
Balance – Summer is when it all comes together. You’re managing today’s joys while building tomorrow’s security. Balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means you’ve found a rhythm between living in the now and preparing for the future. This is the most sustainable and liberating of all the financial seasons, but it also requires the most self-awareness. Stay grounded in your values, adjust when necessary, and celebrate that you’ve created space for both freedom and foresight. 

What season are you in? (And what to do about it)

No two people experience these seasons in exactly the same order or timeframe. Some spend years in Fund before they’re ready to Activate. Others may cycle through Recovery more than once. That’s normal. What matters most is knowing where you are right now, and aligning your actions accordingly.

Here’s your next step: identify your current financial season. Be honest with yourself. You can’t jump to Balance before doing the work in Recover. Once you’ve named your season, put your money to work automatically. Most banks allow you to set up multiple checking or savings accounts, each with its own purpose. I call this “bank balance budgeting.” Don’t leave it to willpower—let your bank do the heavy lifting.

To make this easier, we’ve created a free download as part of The Money Habit, which includes suggested percentages for each season. These are just starting points, not rules. The goal is to remove the guesswork and help you build a system that adapts as your life evolves.

Final thought

Freedom doesn’t mean having unlimited money. It means having clarity and control over what you already have. Just like the seasons, your finances will change. The key is knowing which one you’re in and acting with intention.

You;ve got this!

-Mike

PS – Your business hinges on how your personal finances are going. Get on The Money Habit list here to get weekly insight on personal financial management

The post appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

3 Ways to Inform People About Your Business

You want to grow your business, but you’re stuck doing what everyone else does, just a little bit better. That’s the problem.

And it’s killing your chances of getting noticed.

It’s possible, and common, for you to get caught in the “better” trap. I bet you tirelessly work to improve your product, your service, and your marketing, making it faster, cheaper, prettier, or more efficient than the competition. 

While improving your marketing is good, trying to be “better” than your competitor means you’re still playing their game, on their terms. You’re still a variation of what already exists. And in today’s deafening marketplace, being a slightly improved version of “the same” means you’re effectively invisible. 

You’re gray suit #497 in a sea of gray suits.

This isn’t only about marketing, right? It’s about your very survival and growth. When you blend in, you become a commodity. When you’re a commodity, you compete on price, and that’s a race to the bottom where no one truly wins. 

Your ideal clients can’t find you because you don’t stand out. Your message gets lost in the noise. Your unique value, your passion, your brilliance – it all fades into the background.

The fix? Different is better than better.

This is a fundamental law of attention, and I love to use in in my marketing. As the brilliant Sally Hogshead says, “Different is better than better.” Your brain is wired to notice novelty. When something is unexpected, unusual, or simply different, it cuts through the clutter. It makes people stop, lean in, and pay attention. Your goal isn’t to be the best version of your competitor; it’s to be the only version of you.

Last year, I finally dipped my toes into the TikTok ocean. For a guy who usually prefers a whiteboard and a Sharpie, it was a wild ride. I tried everything – short bursts of advice, longer rants, even some questionable dance moves (don’t ask). And what became crystal clear, through all the experiments, was that the content that truly resonated, the stuff that actually got seen and shared, was the different stuff. It wasn’t about being perfectly polished or having the highest production value; it was about being authentic and, yes, a little unconventional (you know me, that was easy). It proved, yet again, that different wins.

How to get different in the wild:

So, how do you implement this bright idea? How do you inject “different” into your business and stop being invisible? It starts by looking outside your industry for inspiration, and then having the courage to adapt those ideas to your own unique context.

Here’s how you can make “different” your superpower:

Observe unrelated industries for gold: Stop looking at what your direct competitors are doing. Instead, pay attention to what’s working in completely unrelated fields.Example: A dog groomer noticed the booming trend of “boudoir photography” for humans. Instead of just offering standard cuts and washes, they launched “Pooch Pinups” – professional, artistic boudoir photo shoots for pets. They used soft lighting, elegant backdrops, and playful props. It’s unexpected, it’s memorable, and it taps into the deep love pet owners have for their animals. They went from being “a dog groomer” to “the dog groomer who does that.”Your action: What’s a popular trend in fashion, gaming, food, or entertainment that seems completely irrelevant to your business? How could you twist it, adapt it, or apply its core principle to your offerings? Could a financial advisor create a “gamified” budgeting app? Could a B2B software company launch a “reality show” documenting their client success stories?Use that personality of yours: Your industry might be serious, but you don’t have to be boring. People connect with people, not just products or services.Example: An accountant, tired of the dry, formal image of their profession, started creating short, humorous TikTok videos. They used trending sounds and relatable skits to explain complex tax deductions, investment strategies, or common financial pitfalls. They didn’t dumb down the information, but they made it accessible and entertaining. They became “the funny tax guru” instead of “just an accountant.”Your action: Where can you inject your authentic personality in an unexpected way? Could you use humor in your sales calls? Tell personal stories in your marketing emails? Host a “fireside chat” podcast with clients where you discuss their biggest challenges (and how you solved them) in a raw, unscripted way? Think about how you can break the mold of communication in your industry.DEFY expectations: What’s the standard operating procedure in your industry? What do clients expect? Now, do the opposite, or something entirely different.Example: In many service industries, clients expect hourly billing or project fees. What if you offered a “Netflix-style” subscription service for ongoing support, where clients pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to a specific range of services? Or what if you guaranteed a specific outcome rather than just effort?Your action: Challenge the assumptions. If everyone offers a free consultation, offer a paid “discovery session” that delivers immediate value. If everyone focuses on features, focus on the emotional transformation your product provides. If everyone uses stock photos, use raw, behind-the-scenes footage.

Dig deeper:

This concept isn’t just about clever marketing; it’s about building a truly resilient and remarkable business. To dive deeper into the strategic imperative of being different, check out these sections in my books:

Get Different: Chapter 1, pages 1–13. This is where I lay out the absolute urgency and obligation you have to be different. It’s not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for survival and growth.The Pumpkin Plan: Chapter 4, pages 57–61. This section helps you pinpoint what truly makes your business uniquely valuable. It’s about identifying that core offering that only you can deliver with such distinction.Fix This Next: Chapter 2, pages 30–36. Here, you’ll learn how to locate your business’s true growth leverage point. Often, the biggest breakthroughs come from amplifying what makes you fundamentally different, rather than just patching up weaknesses.

Go AI for unconventional ideas:

If you’re still brainstorming, use AI as your creative sparring partner. Don’t ask it to give you “better” ideas for your industry. Ask it to be bold. Copy and paste this prompt:

“Generate one bold, unconventional marketing strategy that no one in my industry is doing. Pull inspiration from successful tactics in unrelated industries and explain how I can apply them step by step.”

Then, challenge it: “Give me another, even crazier idea.” Use it to push your own thinking beyond the conventional.

Final thought:

Let me remind you what Sally says: “Different isn’t risky. Invisible is risky.” The biggest risk you can take in business today is to be indistinguishable.

Be you.

-Mike

The post 3 Ways to Inform People About Your Business appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

Financial FOMO Is Stealing Your Freedom (and What to Do About It)

Have you ever looked at your friends’ new cars, lavish vacations, or that hot dinner reservation you didn’t make, and felt…behind? Less-than? Anxious?

That’s not jealousy.

That’s Financial FOMO, and it’s one of the fastest ways to sabotage your journey to financial independence.

Financial FOMO is that subtle, sneaky urge to spend money you don’t want to spend, on things you don’t really care about, to keep up with people who may be just as financially stressed as you are. It’s not just a budget problem. It’s a habit problem. And you can kick it.

The Comparison Trap: Why  keeping up keeps you broke

We live in the age of curated success. Social media makes everyone’s life look like a luxury highlight reel. Your coworker posts their second getaway this quarter. Your neighbor just upgraded to a new car with massage seats. Your best friend snagged concert tickets to that sold-out show. In Portugal.

You start to wonder, “How are they affording this?” And worse: “Should I be doing that, too?”

This is what I call chasing team records. You’re measuring your progress based on other people’s scoreboards. 

Financial independence isn’t a team sport.

It’s a personal journey.

If you’re trying to match someone else’s lifestyle, you’re probably misaligned with your own values, priorities, and goals. And when that happens, your spending becomes reactive. Emotional. Stressful.

You end up delaying (or derailing) your own progress just to keep up with the illusion of someone else’s.

Your progress, your pace

Let’s flip the script. Instead of chasing team records, aim for personal records.

Did you run two miles last week? Aim for three this week. Did you save $20 from your last paycheck? Try $25 next time. You turned down one overpriced dinner invitation? Nice. Say no to two this week, and invite friends over instead (for potluck – you can make it a chili competition).

Personal records are the magic of financial growth.

They shift your mindset from comparison to progress. From lack to intention. From “Why can’t I?” to “Look how far I’ve come.”

These are sustainable actions that stack into massive results. It’s not about deprivation. It’s about habit formation that aligns with your freedom.

And the great news is you can start today.

The 1% shift that changes everything in 2 steps:

Step 1: Set an automatic savings increase of just 1%.
If you’re saving 5% of your income now, make it 6%. Just one percent. You probably won’t even feel the difference in your spending, but your future will thank you. (If you don’t have a savings platform yet, try Dream First with my affiliate link. It’s what I use.)

Step 2: Replace one costly social activity with an inexpensive one.
Instead of drinks at a $15-a-glass wine bar, invite friends over for a potluck. Instead of a movie night out, do a streaming night in. You can still connect, laugh, and make memories without making your wallet cry.

Bonus Step: Invite me. I bring a mean seven-layer dip.

These are the kinds of micro-shifts that build your financial muscle. And the stronger your habit becomes, the less tempted you’ll be by other people’s spending.

Freedom > FOMO

Let’s be real: the best flex isn’t your latest purchase. It’s your peace of mind.

Freedom is sleeping well at night because you’re not worrying about debt. It’s waking up on Monday knowing your money is working for you. It’s choosing how and where you spend your time, and not because you have to, but because you want to.

That kind of life doesn’t come from reacting to financial FOMO. It comes from choosing better habits, one small step at a time.

So don’t worry about the Joneses. Or the Instas. Or anyone else whose timeline seems flashier than yours.

Run your own race. Set your own pace. Break your own records.

You deserve financial independence. Let’s build it one habit at a time.

– Mike

PS and other shameless plugs: If this resonated with you, pass it on. Share it with a friend. Make it a challenge together. Better habits are easier (and more fun) when we build them in community.

And if you’re not subscribed yet, grab your spot here, because hey, it’s totally free and comes with weekly insights, just like this one: MikeMichalowicz.com

 

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