#268: The Truth About Entrepreneurial Poverty (and how to avoid it)

The Art of Value Whispering Podcast | Meaningful Marketing for Introverts

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How to Grow a Business You Love by Serving the Right People at the Right Value

Does it ever seem like you’re giving everything to your business, yet the success you pictured still feels just out of reach?

In this episode of The Brilliant Book Festival, I’m joined by Mike Michalowicz, author of nine business books including Profit First and The Pumpkin Plan, to explore how entrepreneurs can escape what he calls “entrepreneurial poverty” and create a business that runs smoothly, profitably and in alignment with their strengths.

Mike shares why the secret to growth isn’t serving everyone, but identifying the right clients, pricing in a way that reflects your true value, and letting go of the rest (without guilt). We talk about why bad-fit clients drain more than your bank account, how to attract people who value what you offer, and why you should always love yourself enough to charge what you’re worth.

If you’ve been caught in the cycle of over-delivering, undercharging, and feeling too stretched to serve your best clients well, this conversation will help you see a simpler, more sustainable path forward - one that makes space for better clients, better work and a better life.

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Prefer to WATCH instead of read?

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube

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“Price is the ultimate marketing method. It tells the world how valuable you believe your work is.” – Mike Michalowicz ‍ ‍ Why Pricing is More Than a Number

Most entrepreneurs fear raising prices, but as Mike explains, pricing isn’t just about covering costs. It’s a signal to the market about the quality and impact of your work. When you charge appropriately, you attract clients who align with your value, and you create the capacity to serve them at your best.

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Letting Go of the Wrong Clients

It’s tempting to hold on to every paying client, but the wrong ones cost far more than they contribute. Mike shares strategies for identifying unfit clients, and how to release them in a way that’s professional, kind, and freeing - making space for your business to grow in the right direction.

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“Your best business will always grow from your best clients. Focus there, and create more space for them to thrive with you.” – Mike Michalowicz

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The Three Questions that Unlock Growth

Mike offers three simple but powerful questions to ask your best clients, questions that reveal what makes you stand out, how you can differentiate yourself from the industry, and where to find more people just like them.

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From “Doing it All” to Designing a Business that Runs Without You

We discuss the trap of the “superhero entrepreneur” who tries to do everything themselves, and why true leadership means designing a business that thrives without your constant presence. Mike explains how he tests this by taking a four-week (sometimes seven-week) annual vacation, and how it’s made his business stronger.

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If you only take one thing away from this episode…

Your best business will come from your best clients. Focus on them, price in alignment with your value, and give your business the space it needs to grow - without burning yourself out.

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Final Thought to Reflect On?

What could change for you if you stopped competing for every client - and started leading in your own niche, with quiet confidence and clear value?

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Want to explore what this could look like for you?Learn more about the ways you can work with Melitta Campbell to uncover your Value Sweet Spot to market, sell and grow your business confidently, and always on your terms.

Working with Melitta >

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‍ About Mike

Mike Michalowicz (my-CAL-o-wits) is the entrepreneur behind four multi-million-dollar companies and the author of bestselling business books including Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and All In. His newest book, The Money Habit, is a groundbreaking approach to personal finance. The television host of The 4 Minute Money Maker and a former columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Mike now travels the world helping individuals grow thriving businesses and live richer lives. ‍ ‍ Read Mike’s Book: The Pumpkin Plan

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Connect with Mike

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About Your Host, Melitta Campbell

Melitta Campbell is an award-winning business coach, TEDx speaker, author of A Shy Girl’s Guide to Networking and founder of the Dream Clients Club.

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Through her Value WhisperingTM Blueprint, she helps introverted female entrepreneurs build quietly impactful businesses that grow through clarity, trust, and alignment.

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Learn more about working with Melitta here

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