Mike Michalowicz's Blog, page 5

The Accidental Speaker

When I first stood behind a microphone to share my story, I had no idea what it would become. 

Back then, I wasn’t “Mike Michalowicz, speaker and author.” I was just a guy who had built businesses, made a lot of mistakes, and, more importantly, learned a few things the hard way. If you had told me then that speaking would become a major part of my life’s work, I probably would have laughed and said, “I’m not cut out for that.”

But life has a way of nudging you toward your purpose. Sometimes with a whisper, sometimes with a shove.

The accidental beginning

Candidly, I didn’t set out to become a speaker. I set out to fix my own broken business habits. After selling two companies, one to private equity and another to a Fortune 500, I thought I had everything figured out. 

Then came my downfall: I became overconfident and deeply disconnected from the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. I crashed hard, lost nearly everything, and fell into a deep financial and emotional tailspin.

You know it’s bad when your daughter offers you her piggy bank to pay the bills.

As I was creating financial systems to get back to stability, I wasn’t interested in pretending I was perfect. I wanted to tell the real story. The messy one, the painful one, the one so many entrepreneurs live but so few talk about.

That’s when the speaking invitations started. A friend asked if I would come share my experience with a small group of entrepreneurs. I said yes, reluctantly. But that day changed everything.

Standing in front of those people, telling my story raw and unvarnished, I saw something happen in the room: heads nodding. Pens furiously taking notes. Eyes widened, some tearing up. And afterward, the flood of conversations — “Mike, that’s exactly what I’m going through.” “Mike, I thought I was the only one.” “Mike, now I know what to do next.”

I realized then: speaking wasn’t about putting myself on a stage. It was about pulling other people out of their isolation. It was about giving entrepreneurs the tools I never had or ignored when I needed them most.

Why keynote speaking matters

Writing books is a deep, solitary process. Speaking, by contrast, is immediate, visceral, and alive. It allows for something that no other medium offers: instant connection. When you’re on a stage and you’re vulnerable, honest, and invested,  you can watch transformations happen in real time.

It’s one thing to read Profit First, for example. It’s another thing entirely to have someone stand in front of you, share their failure, their triumph, and say, “Here’s exactly how you can fix this starting today.”

My goal every time I step onto a stage is simple: leave people better than I found them. That’s it. Sometimes, that means giving them tactical strategies they can apply immediately. Sometimes, it means giving them hope when they’re running on fumes. Sometimes, it’s just showing them that they’re not crazy and that the roller coaster they’re riding is normal, and survivable, and even, someday, enjoyable.

Real world impact

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing how these talks have impacted real businesses and real lives.

I’ve met the entrepreneur who emailed me six months after a talk to say, “Implementing Profit First saved my business. I was two months away from shutting down. Now, I’m profitable and thriving.”

I’ve heard from the business owner who shared, “Your story about losing everything gave me the courage to face my debt instead of hiding from it.”

I’ve even had people come up after events with tears in their eyes, saying, “Today, you gave me permission to believe in myself again.”

That’s not something I take lightly. Every time someone shares those words, I remember why I do this. Speaking isn’t about me. It’s about service. It’s about showing up fully so someone else can rise.

Lessons through speaking events

Being a speaker has taught me more than I ever anticipated. It’s taught me that authenticity beats polish every time. It’s taught me that vulnerability is magnetic. And it’s taught me that people don’t need another guru. They need a guide who’s been there, stumbled, and found a way forward.

It’s also taught me humility. You never know whose life you might impact with a story you’re scared to tell. You never know which throwaway line will become someone else’s lifeline.

And you never know how showing up with sweaty palms, a dry mouth, racing heart can start a ripple effect that changes more lives than you’ll ever see.

Why I keep showing up for speaking events

These days, I say yes to speaking engagements not because I want to build my platform but because I want to build yours. I want every entrepreneur who hears me to walk away believing in their own ability to win and be empowered with the tools to make it happen.

If sharing my failures and frameworks means that even one person avoids the same mistakes or climbs out of the same dark hole faster than I did, it’s worth every second on that stage.

If you decide to be a speaker, show up with your heart wide open and be ready to serve.

-Mike

 

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How to Improve User Experience and Get More Customers

​Ever feel like your business is a never-ending game of whack-a-mole? You’re constantly putting out fires, and just when you think you’ve got things under control, another issue pops up. It’s exhausting, right? But here’s the thing: sometimes, the biggest wins come from focusing on the small stuff – Especially when it comes to your customers’ user experience.​

One thing can make all the difference.

Think about the last time you had a frustrating experience as a customer. Maybe it was a confusing checkout process online or being bounced around on a customer service call. Annoying, wasn’t it? Now, flip the script. Your customers feel the same way when they hit a snag with your business. But when you smooth out those rough spots, you not only make their lives easier but also build loyalty and trust.​Business > You+1Jeff Serini+1

Our own ‘AHA!” moment…

Let me share a quick story from my own business. We noticed that our resource download process was, well, clunky. Customers had to jump through multiple hoops to get what they needed, leading to frustration and drop-offs. It was a wake-up call. We were inadvertently putting barriers between our customers and the value we promised.​

The Clockwork approach to fixing it

In Clockwork, I emphasize the importance of designing your business to run itself. A key component of this is refining and optimizing your systems, especially those that directly impact the customer. We took a hard look at our download process and asked: How can we make this effortless?​YouTube+9northstarmessaging.com+9Amazon+9

We streamlined the steps, reduced unnecessary form fields, and ensured that once someone requested a resource, it was delivered promptly and seamlessly. No more waiting, no more confusion. The result? Happier customers and a noticeable uptick in engagement.​northstarmessaging.com+1Mike Michalowicz+1

Steps to redesign your own customer touchpoint

Identify the pain point: Dig into your customer feedback. What’s the common gripe? For us, it was the cumbersome download process.​Amazon Web Services, Inc.+4julianmills.co.uk+4Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA+4Map the current process: Lay out each step your customer takes. Seeing it visually can highlight unnecessary complexities.​Simplify and streamline: Where can you cut the fat? Remove redundant steps, automate where possible, and ensure clarity at every stage.​Test and gather feedback: Roll out the changes to a small group first. Listen to their feedback and adjust accordingly.​Implement and monitor: Once satisfied, implement the changes across the board. But don’t set it and forget it. Continuously monitor to ensure it’s delivering the desired results.​

The bigger picture

Fixing one touchpoint might seem minor in the grand scheme of things, but these incremental improvements compound over time. By consistently enhancing the customer experience, you’re not only fostering loyalty but also setting your business up for sustainable growth.​

Final thoughts

It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and overlook the small details. But often, it’s these details that make or break the customer experience. Take the time to walk in your customers’ shoes, identify the friction points, and address them head-on. Your customers will thank you, and your business will too.

You’ve got this!

-Mike

 

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How to Master Your Taxes

(*Read to the end for an announcement about your personal finances.)

Tax day!

Just hearing those words can trigger stress, frustration, and that sinking feeling of loss. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? What if April 15th could actually feel like a win? A celebration of how you’ve mastered your cash flow and financial game? 

Why tax day hurts so much

Most entrepreneurs dread taxes because they feel like something is being taken from them. 

You work hard, build your business, and then, boom! A big chunk of your money disappears to taxes. It’s easy to see why this feels like a gut punch.

Humans are wired to hate loss. We feel the pain of losing money far more than we feel the joy of gaining it. So, when April 15 rolls around and you’re scrambling to figure out how to pay your tax bill, it’s no wonder it feels awful.

The shift that changes everything

The key to making tax day painless, and dare I say even enjoyable, is to stop treating taxes as a loss. Instead, you need to reframe them as a planned expense that you’ve already accounted for. The best way to do this? Set up a tax account at your bank.

By automatically setting aside money for taxes throughout the year, you eliminate the “taken from me” feeling. You don’t lose money; you’ve already planned for it. It’s no different than budgeting for payroll, rent, or any other business expense.

The simple solution – open a tax account and transform dread into dollarsOpen a separate bank account dedicated solely to taxes. This should be separate from your main business operating account.Every time you receive revenue, allocate a percentage to this tax account. (In Profit First, I recommend setting aside 15% to 30%, depending on your profit margins and tax bracket.)Do NOT touch this money. It’s not yours to spend. It’s already earmarked for taxes.When tax day comes, you’re ready. No scrambling, no stress, no last-minute panic. You just cut the check and move on with your life.The “Figure It Out Later” trap

Most business owners operate under a dangerous assumption: “I’ll figure it out in April.”

That’s the worst possible approach. It leads to:

Surprise tax bills that drain your cash reserves.Last-minute stress and financial chaos.Risk of penalties and interest if you can’t pay on time.A scarcity mindset that keeps you feeling like you’re always behind.

When you proactively set aside money for taxes, you eliminate all of these problems. You shift from reacting to taxes to owning them.

Digging Deeper: Master Your Finances

If you want to take full control of your financial future, I highly recommend checking out these resources:

Profit First (Chapter 4, pages 77–92): Learn how the Tax Account setup will change your relationship with April 15 forever.Fix This Next (Chapter 4, pages 90–119): Build financial predictability beyond taxes.The Pumpkin Plan (Chapter 6, pages 95–110): Tie your profits directly to serving your best customers.Clockwork (Chapter 11, pages 200–226): Ensure your business runs smoothly—even during tax season—so you can take a vacation without worry.My final thought

As David Campbell, cofounder of Saks Fifth Avenue, said:

“Discipline is remembering what you want.”

If you want financial freedom, if you want to eliminate stress, and if you want to keep more of your money, then discipline in your cash flow is key. Tax day doesn’t have to be painful. With a simple shift in how you manage your money, it can become your victory lap.

You’ve got this. And if you haven’t set up your tax account yet, consider this your sign to make it happen today.

Because entrepreneurs? We’re kinda superheroes. And superheroes don’t get knocked down by taxes. 

-Mike

PS. Ever since I wrote Profit First, I have been asked to write a book about personal finances. This book has been a huge goal of mine and it’s finally coming to fruition.

The Money Habit is going to alleviate any financial stress you have, as long as you follow the system. Grab a spot on the list so you stay up to date with the latest systems and goings on before the book launch. Otherwise, you have to wait until the book launch in January!

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Business 101 – Ask for the Referral. Get the Reward

Here’s one of my favorite business strategies. I don’t solely rely on it. But I like it a lot. One of the simplest and most effective ways to grow your business is to ask for a referral.I know, I know, you’ve heard this before. But if you’re like most business owners, you’re either not asking at all, or you’re doing it the wrong way. And by “wrong,” I mean sending out some generic, mass email begging for referrals like a kid shaking down the neighborhood for cookie sales.That’s not how you build a loyal customer base. That’s how you get ignored.Here’s the cool thing: Your best clients want you to succeed. They’re already fans of your business. And just like sports fans who convince their friends to start rooting for their favorite team, your best clients will happily refer you, if you ask the right way.Even better, when you get a referral, you already have people you know in common, which creates a better relationship earlier.Let’s break this down.Step 1: Identify your top three customersNot every customer is worth asking. Some are just okay. Some are high-maintenance nightmares you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. But some? The top tier? They are gold. These are the people who:
– Love what you do and wouldn’t dream of working with anyone else.
– Pay on time, no hassle.
– Sing your praises to anyone who will listen.These clients already think you’re amazing. So when they refer someone, they’re not just helping you; they’re building their own reputation as someone who knows the best in the business.Step 2: Pick up the phone (Yes, really.)I get it. Calling people can feel awkward. But this is not some cold sales pitch. This is a thank-you call with a bonus.Here’s what you say:“You’ve been such an incredible client, and I just want to say thank you. I want to selectively grow my business with people just like you. Since good people know good people, is there someone you would suggest I connect with?”Then shut up and listen.Seriously. No awkward filler. No nervous rambling. Just let them think.One of two things will happen:
1️. They’ll instantly have someone in mind and make the intro. Boom! A new lead.
2. They’ll say they can’t think of anyone right now. That’s totally fine because now, the idea is planted in their head. When the right person pops up, they’ll remember you.Step 3: Don’t sound desperate.Desperation is the fastest way to kill a referral opportunity. That’s why mass “PLEASE REFER US!!!” emails don’t work. They reek of “We’re struggling and need business NOW.”People want to refer winners. They want to be associated with a company that’s thriving, not one that’s gasping for air.So, instead of begging, position your ask as an exclusive opportunity.“I’m looking to grow strategically with amazing clients like you.”See the difference? You’re not desperate, you’re selective. And that makes people want to help you.Make referring you easy to do.When someone says, “Yeah, I know the perfect person for you!”, don’t make them figure out the next step.Offer to send a quick email they can forwardGive them a link to your website with a referral form.Ask them to CC you in an intro email.Make it frictionless. The easier it is, the more likely they’ll follow through.The payoff: stronger client loyaltyHere’s the unexpected bonus: Asking for a client referral deepens loyalty with your existing clients. Because now, they’re personally invested in your success. When they refer someone to you, they’re not just helping you, they’re proving their own good taste in business partners.It’s the same psychology that makes people feel more connected to a sports team when they convince their friends to become fans. When your top clients refer someone, they become even more loyal to your business.Want to go deeper? Read these:For those of you who love a good playbook, here are the exact chapters in my books that will help you master the client referral game:The Pumpkin Plan (Ch. 7, pgs. 111–130) – How to identify and focus on your most profitable clients.
Profit First (Ch. 6, pgs. 120–126) – Aligning your best clients with sustainable profitability.
Fix This Next (Ch. 3, pgs. 54–89) – Strengthening your sales relationships in the right order.
Get Different (Ch. 6, pgs. 151–174) – How to stand out and make your referral request unforgettable.Final thought: If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.You deserve more dream clients. They’re out there, you just need the right people to introduce you.Now go get those referrals.– Mike

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How Business Owners Can Reclaim Hours Every Week (Without Working More)

You’re busy. I get it. Me too.

But. You have no idea where your time actually goes. I know you think you do. You’ll tell me you spend most of your time on sales, client work, or growth strategies. But if I asked you for the data (real, documented proof) you’d probably stare at me blankly or mutter something about your chaotic calendar.

And that’s the problem. Entrepreneurs tend to fly blind when it comes to valuable time. We assume we’re spending it wisely, but the reality is that we’re bleeding hours on low-value tasks. Want to know the scariest part? That lost time is the very thing standing between you and the freedom you crave.

It’s time for a cold, hard time audit. Let me show you how to do it and, more importantly, why it’ll set you free.

You can’t optimize what you don’t track

Imagine you’re trying to lose weight, but you never step on a scale. Or you’re attempting to manage your finances without checking your bank account. Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet, this is exactly what most business owners do with their time. We can guess where it goes. We feel productive. But feelings and facts rarely align.

If you want to work smarter (and have a life again), you need data. Cold, hard, factual data.

Step 1: Track your time (yes, every single task)

For one full week, track everything you do during working hours. And I mean everything.

Writing emails? Track it.Answering client questions? Write it down.Doomscrolling LinkedIn while pretending it’s “networking”? Yep, log that too.

The goal here is to capture how you actually spend your time, not how you think you do. Use your calendar or a time-tracking app (like Toggl, Clockify, or Harvest) to make this easy. If you prefer old-school, jot it down in a notebook.

Step 2: Categorize your tasks

Once you have a week’s worth of data, categorize each task into one of the four D’s:

Doing: This is the hands-on, day-to-day stuff. Client calls, answering emails, creating content, managing orders.Deciding: This is where you’re making constant choices but not actually doing the work. For example, if you keep approving every tiny decision your team makes, you’re stuck in “decider” mode, which is a massive time suck.Delegating: This is when you’re effectively handing off tasks to others. Ideally, you should be doing a lot more of this.Designing: This is where the magic happens. Designing is high-level, strategic work. I’m talking big-picture planning, creative problem-solving, and vision-building. The stuff only you can do.

Step 3: Eliminate and reallocate

Here’s where things get uncomfortable. It’s also where the magic happens.

When you review your categories, you’ll probably realize you spend far too much time Doing and Deciding and not nearly enough time Designing. This is the bottleneck. It’s why you’re overworked, overwhelmed, and unable to scale.

Your job? Ruthlessly eliminate or reassign as much of the Doing and Deciding as possible.

Eliminate low-value tasks: Cut out anything that doesn’t move the needle. Say no more often. Automate where you can. That weekly report no one reads? Gone. The third status meeting of the week? Bye-bye.Reallocate: Delegate tasks to contractors, employees, or automation tools. Free yourself from the day-to-day grind so you can spend more time Designing. That’s where your genius lies. That’s where you unlock growth.

The real reason this matters: Freedom

Look, I’m not just telling you to track your time because I think you need another task on your plate. This is about freedom.

You don’t want to be the most overworked employee on your own payroll. That’s not freedom. That’s a glorified job.

When you optimize your time, you take back control. You stop being the bottleneck. You empower your team (or build one if you haven’t). You create systems that run without your constant involvement. And suddenly, you have the time to do the things that actually matter both in your business and in your life.

Wisdom to remember

Stephen Covey nailed it when he said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.”

Think about that for a second. Are you truly investing your time? Or are you just spending it, hoping for a return?

Your time audit challenge:

Here’s what I want you to do this week:

Track every task you do for a full seven days.Categorize each task into Doing, Deciding, Delegating, or Designing.Eliminate or reassign low-value tasks.Reinvest your time into Designing. Do the stuff that makes you a visionary, not just a taskmaster.

Do this, and you’ll uncover the shocking truth about how much time you’re wasting. More importantly, you’ll reclaim the freedom you’ve been chasing all along.

Now, go invest your time like the freedom-loving entrepreneur you were meant to be.

You’ve got this!

-Mike

PS

Want to go deeper on this? My book Clockwork walks you through the entire process of designing a business that runs itself. Read the whole thing because it might just change your life.

Final thought: If you’re ready to simplify your business, free up your time, and surround yourself with growth-minded entrepreneurs, join The Legacy League. You’ll get weekly support, live Q&As with me, and a community that gets it. All for less than your monthly streaming bill. See you there.

 

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Reclaim Your Freedom of Time with an Audit

The biggest mistake I made when I first started out?  Losing hours every week to low-value tasks. Do you do this? Maybe you think you know where your time goes, but without a proper time audit, you’re just guessing.And let me tell you: guessing is bad for business.Why you need a time audit (yes, you!)Time is your most valuable resource, but most entrepreneurs spend it haphazardly. We get stuck in a loop of admin work, decision fatigue, and constant firefighting. You get stuck in the business instead of working on it.This is where a time audit comes in. It forces you to confront the truth and ask:Are you designing and growing your business?
Or,  are you drowning in tasks you shouldn’t be doing?
The audit gives you the data you need to eliminate, automate, and delegate so you can finally focus on designing an efficient, sustainable business?.How to do a time audit (Clockwork style)1. Track every task for a full week: Write down everything you do during your work hours. Be relentless – every meeting, email, and coffee refill counts. Pro tip: Use your calendar to log activities in real-time. If you miss anything, review your sent emails and call logs to fill in the gaps2. Categorize your time using the 4Ds:
Inspired by Clockwork , you’ll group your tasks into four categories:
Doing: The hands-on, daily grind (emails, admin, tasks you should delegate).
Deciding: When you’re pulled into decisions but still the bottleneck (approving, reviewing).Delegating: When you assign tasks to others but still oversee them.
Designing: The gold standard. Designing is strategic, creative work that scales your business.Goal: Maximize your time spent in Designing and Delegating. Minimize Doing and Deciding.3. Eliminate, Automate, and Delegate:Once you categorize your week, it’s time to:Automate repetitive processes (think: payment reminders, scheduling, email sequences).
Delegate tasks to employees, contractors, or automation tools.
Reallocate your reclaimed hours to high-impact activities.What not to doDon’t assume you already know where your time goes. You don’t until you see it on paper
Don’t track only the big stuff. Small, repetitive tasks (like checking Slack every 15 minutes) are the hidden time killers.
Don’t skip the elimination phase. Cutting out unnecessary work is just as powerful as delegating.
Why this matters for your businessWhen you run your business with intentionality, you unlock freedom and scalability. Here’s why:Time audits = data-driven decisions. You’ll stop making choices based on gut feelings and start optimizing based on facts.
More design time = more growth. The less you do, the more you can design systems that scale.
Clockwork principles in action. This is exactly what Clockwork teaches: how to build a business that runs itself—so you can finally step away and enjoy the freedom you started this whole thing for.If this process hits home, you need to read Clockwork . It’s your complete playbook for transforming your business into a self-sustaining machine. You’ll learn:How to run a time audit that reveals exactly where you’re wasting hours.
Strategies to delegate effectively without micromanaging
The art of “Design Time”? Freeing yourself up for high-level, creative, and strategic work.
Final thought:As Stephen R. Covey said, “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.”A time audit is your first step toward freedom and efficiency. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter. And when you master your time, you master your business.Keep scaling – You’ve got this.-MikePS – You asked, and I listened. My new book on personal finance is in the works! Get on the list for The Money Habit and get the inside scoop on life-changing cash systems! CLICK HERE

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How to Make Your Business Run Without You

If your business can’t run without you, it’s not a business, it’s a very demanding job.I hate to break it to you, but if your business falls apart the second you step away, you don’t actually own a business. You own a very demanding job. One that happens to pay everyone else first and makes you work nights and weekends for free. Congrats?Look, being the hardest worker in the room isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a red flag. It means you’ve built a system where you’re not the leader, you’re the crutch. And no matter how much hustle and grit you throw at it, that kind of business will eventually collapse under its own weight.So, here’s the deal:
For your business to grow up, you need to get out.The step-away test: What breaks first?Want to know how healthy your business really is? Here’s a simple (and slightly terrifying) exercise: Step away.
Seriously. Go missing for a day. And watch.Do clients start emailing you directly because no one else knows what’s going on? Do your team members freeze, unsure of what decisions they’re allowed to make?Does your cash flow take a nosedive because you’re the only one bringing in sales?Whatever breaks first is what needs a system. That’s your red flashing light. And it’s where you need to focus your energy. This doesn’t translate to you working harder, but on making the business work without you.You’re the hero, not the savior.Here’s the mental shift: You’re supposed to be the hero who sets the business up for success. You’re not the one constantly swooping in to save it. There’s a difference.The hero creates systems so the business thrives with or without them.The savior keeps duct-taping the cracks, hoping the sheer effort will hold it all together.Guess which one eventually burns out?Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Mike, my business is different. It needs me!”
No, it doesn’t. It needs better systems. The only reason your business can’t run without you is because you’ve trained it to rely on you.Start by breaking it (gently)If you want to build a business that grows up and gets stronger without you, you need to stop babying it. Let it scrape its knees a little.
Here’s how:Step away for brief periods. A day. A long weekend. Then longer stretches.Take notes on what falls apart. Where are the bottlenecks? What decisions stall? What tasks come to a screeching halt?Systematize the weak spots. If your team keeps calling you for approvals, create a decision-making framework. If no one follows up with leads in your absence, automate the process or assign clear ownership.Do this over and over until your business can run without you. Your job is to become increasingly irrelevant. And that’s a good thing.Stop glorifying busyI know it feels good to say, “I’m working around the clock. I’m grinding.” It makes you sound dedicated, noble, unstoppable. But guess what?No one’s impressed. Not your team. Not your clients. Definitely not your family.You being overworked doesn’t make your business stronger. It makes it weaker.
It sends the message that everything hinges on you, which makes your team second-guess their own abilities. It tells your clients you’re always available, which makes you the default solution for every little issue.The goal isn’t to be the hardest worker, it’s to build a business that works hard for you.The efficiency fixThe good news? You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
There are proven systems for making your business run smoother, faster, and with less of you.Want to get your time back? Learn how to design a business of systems and processes that doesn’t rely on you. (Get Clockwork )Tired of firefighting cash flow problems? Structure your finances so you’re always profitable, no matter what. (Get Profit First )Ready to scale without drowning? Learn how to identify the vital few areas that fuel growth, and cut the rest. (Get The Pumpkin Plan )You’re not supposed to be your business’s superhero. You’re supposed to be its architect. Build it to run beautifully without you.So here’s your challenge: Step away. See what breaks. Systematize it. Repeat. Your business (and your sanity) will thank you.As always, I am wishing you massive success.-Mike

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Can Your Business Run Without You?

If your business can’t run without you, it’s not a business, it’s a very demanding job.I hate to break it to you, but if your business falls apart the second you step away, you don’t actually own a business. You own a very demanding job. One that happens to pay everyone else first and makes you work nights and weekends for free. Congrats?Look, being the hardest worker in the room isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a red flag. It means you’ve built a system where you’re not the leader, you’re the crutch. And no matter how much hustle and grit you throw at it, that kind of business will eventually collapse under its own weight.So, here’s the deal:
For your business to grow up, you need to get out.The step-away test: What breaks first?Want to know how healthy your business really is? Here’s a simple (and slightly terrifying) exercise:
Step away.
Seriously. Go missing for a day.
And watch.What falls apart first?Do clients start emailing you directly because no one else knows what’s going on? Do your team members freeze, unsure of what decisions they’re allowed to make?Does your cash flow take a nosedive because you’re the only one bringing in sales?Whatever breaks first is what needs a system. That’s your red flashing light. And it’s where you need to focus your energy. This doesn’t translate to you working harder, but on making the business work without you.You’re the hero, not the savior.Here’s the mental shift: You’re supposed to be the hero who sets the business up for success. You’re not the one constantly swooping in to save it.
There’s a difference.The hero creates systems so the business thrives with or without them.The savior keeps duct-taping the cracks, hoping sheer effort will hold it all together.Guess which one eventually burns out?Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“But Mike, my business is different. It needs me!”
No, it doesn’t. It needs better systems.
The only reason your business can’t run without you is because you’ve trained it to rely on you.Start by breaking it (Gently)If you want to build a business that grows up and gets stronger without you, you need to stop babying it. Let it scrape its knees a little.
Here’s how:Step away for brief periods. A day. A long weekend. Then longer stretches.Take notes on what falls apart. Where are the bottlenecks? What decisions stall? What tasks come to a screeching halt?Systematize the weak spots. If your team keeps calling you for approvals, create a decision-making framework. If no one follows up with leads in your absence, automate the process or assign clear ownership.Do this over and over until your business can run without you. Your job is to become increasingly irrelevant. And that’s a good thing.Stop glorifying busyI know it feels good to say, “I’m working around the clock. I’m grinding.” It makes you sound dedicated, noble, unstoppable. But guess what?

No one’s impressed. Not your team. Not your clients. Definitely not your family.You being overworked doesn’t make your business stronger. It makes it weaker.
It sends the message that everything hinges on you, which makes your team second-guess their own abilities. It tells your clients you’re always available, which makes you the default solution for every little issue.The goal isn’t to be the hardest worker, it’s to build a business that works hard for you.The efficiency fixThe good news? You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
There are proven systems for making your business run smoother, faster, and with less of you.Want to get your time back? Learn how to design a business that doesn’t rely on you. (Get Clockwork )Tired of firefighting cash flow problems? Structure your finances so you’re always profitable, no matter what. (Get Profit First )Ready to scale without drowning? Learn how to identify the vital few areas that fuel growth, and cut the rest. (Get The Pumpkin Plan )You’re not supposed to be your business’s superhero. You’re supposed to be its architect. Build it to run beautifully without you.So here’s your challenge: Step away. See what breaks. Systematize it. Repeat.
Your business (and your sanity) will thank you.As always, I am wishing you massive success.-Mike

The post Can Your Business Run Without You? appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

The Secret to Keeping Your Best Employees? Celebrate Them Like They Just Won an Oscar

Look, I know what you’re thinking. “Mike, I’m already paying my employees. Isn’t that celebration enough?” And to that, my friend, I say, have you met a human before? Because spoiler alert: people like to feel appreciated. And if you want to keep your best employees from running for the nearest exit (or worse, taking their talents to your competitor), you need to celebrate them. Loudly. Enthusiastically. Preferably with confetti cannons.

I’m not saying you need to throw a parade every time Jim from accounting files an expense report on time (though honestly, Jim deserves some love for that). But I am saying that if you’re not actively recognizing and rewarding your team’s contributions, you’re missing a golden opportunity, not just to keep them around, but to make your business a place where people actually want to work.

The cost of a revolving door

We tend to forget. Employee turnover is expensive. Like, “buying a yacht and setting it on fire” expensive. Recruiting, hiring, and training a new employee can cost up to twice their annual salary. And that’s not even factoring in the loss of institutional knowledge, the dip in morale, and the fact that now you have to train another person on how the coffee machine works (seriously, why is that thing so complicated?).

Retention, on the other hand, is a game-changer. When employees feel valued, they stay. They work harder. They actually care about what they’re doing. And this is a wild concept, they become advocates for your business. The kind of people who tell their friends, “Yeah, I actually love my job,” instead of, “I spend most of my day questioning my life choices.”

How to celebrate employees without feeling like a cringe-worthy motivational poster

We’ve all seen those office posters: “Teamwork makes the dream work!” (Insert image of three people in business suits high-fiving in a conference room.) While the sentiment is great, actual employee appreciation needs to go beyond generic pep talks and pizza parties. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Make it personal

If your idea of employee recognition is sending a mass email that says, “Great job, team!” …you’re doing it wrong. People want to be recognized as individuals, not as part of a nameless, faceless “team.”

Instead, make it personal. Call out specific achievements. “Lisa, that presentation you gave knocked everyone’s socks off. I mean, if Bob had been wearing socks, they would’ve been gone.”

2. Surprise, don’t standardize

A once-a-year awards banquet is fine, but spontaneous, unexpected celebrations are way more impactful. Think about it, what’s more exciting? Knowing you’ll get a generic “Employee of the Month” plaque in December? Or walking into work on a random Tuesday to find your desk covered in balloons and a note that says, “You absolutely crushed that client project, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

People remember surprises. They talk about them. And most importantly, they feel them.

3. Public praise, private raise

Publicly recognizing employees, whether in meetings, company-wide emails, or via interpretive dance (okay, maybe not that last one), reinforces their value. But when it comes to financial rewards, do it privately. Nobody wants to be in an all-hands meeting when you announce, “Hey, Mark got a huge bonus, and the rest of you… well, better luck next year!”

4. Invest in their growth

The best employees don’t just want a paycheck; they want a future. Celebrating them means investing in their skills, offering mentorship, and providing growth opportunities. Send them to that industry conference. Give them time for professional development. Show them you care about their long-term success, not just what they can do for you right now.

5. Have fun with it

Celebrating employees doesn’t have to be a stiff, corporate ordeal. Make it fun. Create a goofy award system. Give out a “Most Likely to Fix the Printer Without Crying” trophy. Bring in a food truck just because. The more genuine joy you bring to the workplace, the more employees will stick around, not just because they have to, but because they want to.

The bottom line

If you want employees who are engaged, loyal, and not secretly updating their LinkedIn profiles during lunch breaks, you have to celebrate them. Make them feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated. Because when you do? They’ll do the same for your business.

And hey, if all else fails… there are always confetti cannons.

Wishing you health and wealth always.

-Mike

PS – Want more intel on creating and maintaining an unstoppable team?

Get support from the All In Company here.

Grab your copy of All In here.

 

The post The Secret to Keeping Your Best Employees? Celebrate Them Like They Just Won an Oscar appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

The Secret to Keeping Your Best Employees? Celebrate Them Like They Just Won an Oscar.

Look, I know what you’re thinking. “Mike, I’m already paying my employees. Isn’t that celebration enough?” And to that, my friend, I say, have you met a human before? Because spoiler alert: people like to feel appreciated. And if you want to keep your best employees from running for the nearest exit (or worse, taking their talents to your competitor), you need to celebrate them. Loudly. Enthusiastically. Preferably with confetti cannons.

I’m not saying you need to throw a parade every time Jim from accounting files an expense report on time (though honestly, Jim deserves some love for that). But I am saying that if you’re not actively recognizing and rewarding your team’s contributions, you’re missing a golden opportunity, not just to keep them around, but to make your business a place where people actually want to work.

The cost of a revolving door

We tend to forget. Employee turnover is expensive. Like, “buying a yacht and setting it on fire” expensive. Recruiting, hiring, and training a new employee can cost up to twice their annual salary. And that’s not even factoring in the loss of institutional knowledge, the dip in morale, and the fact that now you have to train another person on how the coffee machine works (seriously, why is that thing so complicated?).

Retention, on the other hand, is a game-changer. When employees feel valued, they stay. They work harder. They actually care about what they’re doing. And this is a wild concept, they become advocates for your business. The kind of people who tell their friends, “Yeah, I actually love my job,” instead of, “I spend most of my day questioning my life choices.”

How to celebrate employees without feeling like a cringe-worthy motivational poster

We’ve all seen those office posters: “Teamwork makes the dream work!” (Insert image of three people in business suits high-fiving in a conference room.) While the sentiment is great, actual employee appreciation needs to go beyond generic pep talks and pizza parties. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Make it personal

If your idea of employee recognition is sending a mass email that says, “Great job, team!” …you’re doing it wrong. People want to be recognized as individuals, not as part of a nameless, faceless “team.”

Instead, make it personal. Call out specific achievements. “Lisa, that presentation you gave knocked everyone’s socks off. I mean, if Bob had been wearing socks, they would’ve been gone.”

2. Surprise, don’t standardize

A once-a-year awards banquet is fine, but spontaneous, unexpected celebrations are way more impactful. Think about it, what’s more exciting? Knowing you’ll get a generic “Employee of the Month” plaque in December? Or walking into work on a random Tuesday to find your desk covered in balloons and a note that says, “You absolutely crushed that client project, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

People remember surprises. They talk about them. And most importantly, they feel them.

3. Public praise, private raise

Publicly recognizing employees, whether in meetings, company-wide emails, or via interpretive dance (okay, maybe not that last one), reinforces their value. But when it comes to financial rewards, do it privately. Nobody wants to be in an all-hands meeting when you announce, “Hey, Mark got a huge bonus, and the rest of you… well, better luck next year!”

4. Invest in their growth

The best employees don’t just want a paycheck; they want a future. Celebrating them means investing in their skills, offering mentorship, and providing growth opportunities. Send them to that industry conference. Give them time for professional development. Show them you care about their long-term success, not just what they can do for you right now.

5. Have fun with it

Celebrating employees doesn’t have to be a stiff, corporate ordeal. Make it fun. Create a goofy award system. Give out a “Most Likely to Fix the Printer Without Crying” trophy. Bring in a food truck just because. The more genuine joy you bring to the workplace, the more employees will stick around, not just because they have to, but because they want to.

The bottom line

If you want employees who are engaged, loyal, and not secretly updating their LinkedIn profiles during lunch breaks, you have to celebrate them. Make them feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated. Because when you do? They’ll do the same for your business.

And hey, if all else fails… there are always confetti cannons.

Wishing you health and wealth always.

-Mike

PS – Want more intel on creating and maintaining an unstoppable team?

Get support from the All In Company here.

Grab your copy of All In here.

 

The post The Secret to Keeping Your Best Employees? Celebrate Them Like They Just Won an Oscar. appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.