Million Dollar Grit

Ever feel like your sales page or webinar should be working… but it's just not converting? This might be the missing piece: You're making a sales argument—but not a marketing one. Today I'm diving into what that means, how to spot it, and why even your best offer needs more than just logic to land.

The last two weeks have been a total whirlwind. I just finished my ​15th Digital Insiders Mastermind​ (which was epic - I swear they just keep getting better and better!)... Had a super busy weekend, turned around, and left for New York City to participate in Selena Soo's book launch! She hit the bestseller list for USA Today in just a few days with her book ​Rich Relationships​. Incredible job and her book is a fantastic step-by-step roadmap for building your million dollar network. Today's episode gives you a mastermind recap, a book launch recap, and a personal update!

I did something recently that made me stop and ask… when did “good enough” stop being good enough? It started with chickens (yes, really), but it spiraled into something deeper about business, knowledge, and the way we slowly lose trust in our own lived wisdom. This one's part story, part gut-check—especially if you've been feeling the pressure to constantly optimize everything you already built.

Let's talk about the moment one of my clients called me out for using ChatGPT to help me respond to a high-stakes Voxer message... and why she was right to notice. In this episode, I'm unpacking how I use AI in my business (especially when the stakes are high), why I still write all my own content, and why I don't judge people who use it more heavily. I'm also breaking down the nuance around what feels authentic vs. what is—and how originality, voice, and intent will always rise to the top. If you've ever felt weird about using AI to help you say hard things or wondered where the line is between help and fakery… this is my take.

Let's talk about something every coach, consultant, and service provider runs into: the blurry line between a client's reasonable expectation… and sneaky entitlement. In this episode, I'm breaking down how to tell the difference, why it matters for your energy and boundaries, and how to avoid the resentment spiral that happens when scope creep gets normalized. I'll share real examples from my own coaching experience (7+ years, hundreds of clients), explain why the energy behind a request is often more telling than the request itself, and offer practical ways to reset your boundaries without burning bridges. If you've ever thought “Ugh, I was too nice—now I don't know how to rein it in”… I've got you!

Let's talk about something most people never say out loud: What if deep down, you believe money isn't safe? Not because you're lazy or self-sabotaging—but because you saw what money did to your family. Because money got used to manipulate, control, or destroy. Because wealth made someone you loved a target. And now, even though you want abundance, your nervous system is quietly screaming, “Danger.” In this episode, I'm answering a question that hit me hard: How has money actually made you safer—as a person and as a mom? This is not about “money solves everything” or chasing some soft life fantasy. It's about real, grounded ways that having money changed the level of threat in my life. From leaving toxic situations, to parenting with less panic, to breaking cycles of financial control—I'm sharing the tangible, sometimes messy, ways that money has made me feel more protected, less reactive, and more powerful. If you've ever feared that getting rich might wreck you—or attract the kind of chaos you've spent your life avoiding—this one's for you.

Let's talk about the thing tripping up almost every entrepreneur trying to sell something right now: Your offer isn't clear enough. The problem isn't the price. It's the problem. In this episode, I break down the biggest clarity killers I saw inside dozens of offer briefs this month—from therapy-intake-form hooks to pricing math that makes no sense to anyone but your Google Doc. We'll talk about why your big idea needs to fit on a T-shirt, why your solution isn't your framework, and how to build a stack that actually stacks. If you're spinning out on your offer, this might be the reset you need. DM me if this hit a nerve—or forward it to your biz bestie who's deep in the pricing spiral.

Hey friends, in today's episode of A Million Dollar Grit, I'm answering some super personal questions from one of my clients about my journey to buying my dream home. I'm diving into exactly how (and why!) I took the leap from a Dave Ramsey envelope life with young kids to buying a $2 million farmhouse on 15 acres near the ocean in my dream town. You'll hear: Why I never imagined I'd buy such an expensive home—and the pivotal moment that made me realize my own earning power. The mindset shifts, fears, and doubts I faced when making such a huge financial decision. How an unexpected spiritual nudge (and a very personal letter) ultimately gave me the courage to say yes. Reflections on how deeply our childhood beliefs shape our dreams and why it's so important to surround yourself with mentors who expand your vision of what's possible. If you've ever wondered how big dreams actually become reality, this episode is for you. Enjoyed it? I'd love to hear from you—hit me up on Instagram! https://instagram.com/juliecchenell

In this episode, I'm diving into the stuff nobody warned me about when it comes to business, money, growth, and leadership. Things like... how making more money doesn't mean less stress—it actually requires a totally new skillset around wealth preservation. Or how your nervous system (yep, not your calendar or your team) becomes the biggest bottleneck. I talk about how personal growth can get lonely, why 80% of your to-do list is probably fluff, and the hard truth that consistency—not talent or luck—is what moves the needle most. Also sharing some behind-the-scenes truths: haters are real, drama is constant, and most “exciting opportunities” are not what they seem. Let's talk about the things nobody told us… but that we definitely need to know.

Today I'm chatting with my friend and client, Ashley Ebert, founder of The Abundance Group and owner of a thriving, multi-location wedding planning business. Ashley shares her journey from scaling her own service-based business (even through COVID!) to coaching other wedding pros on building businesses and lives they love. We dive into: The exact moment at Disney when Ashley realized she needed coaching support. Her big "aha" moments from working together, especially around marketing with integrity. How she successfully launched her mastermind with a strategic webinar (yes, webinars still work!). What it really takes to build a mastermind—and why community is a huge part of it. Ashley's advice for experts who feel stuck or overshadowed by marketers who might not have the same expertise. This episode will resonate with anyone feeling the tension between being great at their craft but not naturally marketing-oriented. Ashley's honesty and humor make this conversation especially fun! Check her out on Instagram at @theabundancegroup.

Today I'm unpacking what parts of running a business will become simpler—and what's going to get trickier—as AI transforms our work. There's good news and a few challenges ahead. Let's dive in!

In today's episode, I'm diving into a fascinating question that came up during a long car ride conversation with my friend Tom: Have we moved from saying, "Did you Google this first?" to "Did you ask ChatGPT first?" As coaches and consultants, how do we balance empowering clients and team members to leverage AI for quick answers while also emphasizing that there's no true replacement for human expertise, nuance, and experience? Join me as I explore how AI is shifting the coaching space and why your uniquely human insights are more valuable than ever.

Have you ever gotten stuck tweaking something endlessly because it never feels quite "good enough"? In today's episode, I share why forgetting and ignoring are secretly your creative superpowers. Turns out, science agrees: deliberately ignoring unnecessary details helps us think clearly and make better decisions. I'll explain why perfectionism can overwhelm us and share a simple practice to help you figure out exactly what to overlook. Plus, I include one of my favorite quotes from William James: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." Ready to embrace "good enough" and finally hit publish? Let's dive in!

Fresh off my honeymoon in Hawaii, I found myself binge-watching Alone, a survival show where contestants are left in the wilderness to fend for themselves. While watching, I couldn't help but draw parallels between survival in the wild and running a business—especially in today's unpredictable economy. The game isn't about winning outright—it's about outlasting. In this episode, I break down the key survival strategies from Alone that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

Today, I'm answering a great question from a client that I think the whole community will benefit from. She asked, How do I tell if I should pursue a particular idea? What do I use to measure if it's a good idea or not? This is such an important topic because so many entrepreneurs get stuck in the cycle of idea after idea, unsure which one is worth pursuing. In this episode, I'm sharing the five key questions I ask myself—and my clients—before moving forward with an idea.

Today, I'm diving into the three most important sales assets every online business needs. These are the assets that drive conversions, build trust, and ultimately make sales easier. I recently did a VIP session with a client where we mapped out her offers, value ladder, pricing, positioning, and everything in between. After hours of conversation, we realized that her biggest priority was creating three key sales assets—ones that many entrepreneurs either overlook or don't invest in properly. In this episode, I'm breaking down each one, why it matters, and how to approach it strategically.

I've had a major epiphany about social media strategy: despite never calling myself a “social media strategist,” I've realized how crucial audience building is for my clients and me. In this episode, I explain why a balanced combo of inbound (people coming to me through content and funnels) and outbound (actively reaching out, DMing, commenting) is the key to steady growth—even if you have fewer than 1,000 followers. I also share how I make my inbound marketing as efficient as possible so I can focus on personal connections. You'll learn how I juggle multiple platforms, leverage quick copywriting, and use AI without getting stuck in perfectionism. Most importantly, I dive into why building a real, human audience matters more than ever as AI content and avatars multiply. Join me to discover practical, stress-free ways to grow your visibility and turn a small following into a big impact. Let's do this!

In this episode of Million Dollar Grit, I dive into the idea of “you can do hard things” and share my personal journey of pushing through fear and failure. I explain how this phrase, once used to downplay my fears—whether it was going to the dentist or facing physical pain—felt dismissive, even as I struggled with my own anxiety and low tolerance for pain. I recount how I transformed my approach to working out by starting with a tiny, manageable goal: five minutes of hip drops while brushing my teeth. That small commitment snowballed into a consistent routine, proving that even when every part of you is telling you to stop, you can still move forward by taking one small step at a time. Join me as I reframe this familiar mantra into a call for persistence, inviting you to find that one daily action that, despite the odds, helps you overcome your hurdles and keeps you moving toward your next success.

In this episode of Million Dollar Grit, we dive into a topic that's more relevant than ever: the power of community. With AI and rapid technological shifts leveling the playing field, your followers, your platform, and your loyal audience might be the only lasting competitive edge. But what if you lost them all? Join me as I reveal the exact steps I'd take to rebuild my community from the ground up: whether it's an email list, a Facebook group, or your Instagram followers.

I will always remember January 21st because today is the first day I got on a call with a lead and when I asked her “How do you hear about me?” she said…. ChatGPT.

In this episode of Million Dollar Grit, I dive into the 10 most common pricing mistakes that can really undermine your business—everything from picking “standard” price tags you see floating around (hello, $497 and $997) to ignoring the real value and friction your customers face. I'll show you why customer research can be misleading, how to think carefully about your payment plan options, and why it's critical to factor in your profit and cost of goods (yes, digital products too!). Whether you're underpricing out of fear or slapping on a “luxury” label without the premium experience to match, you'll learn how to avoid the pitfalls and set a price that truly works for you and your audience. Tune in, and let's get your pricing on point!

In this episode, I'm sharing the existential angst I'm feeling as AI developments flood my feed and spark the sense that everything is about to change. I draw a parallel to the birth of the internet (though I believe AI's impact will be even greater!) and break down how we can think of AI in three levels: using it, building with it, and teaching others to do the same. I explore why this technology is crucial for everyone—whether you're a marketer, a therapist, or just someone curious about the future—and offer reassurance that we're still in the early days. Tune in to hear how AI might reshape entire industries, why it's time to pay attention, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode, I dive into the concept of “resistance” and how it shows up in my life—especially when it comes to writing my book. I share my journey from years of procrastination to discovering AI tools that help me outline my thoughts, and yet still finding myself avoiding the actual work. If you've ever struggled to move forward on a passion project or creative endeavor, I hope my real-life confessions and breakthroughs inspire you to push past your own resistance.

It's been a crazy year! I'm reflecting on things I want to do more of in 2025 and the stuff I want to leave behind. Hopefully it inspires you as well!

​I got married this weekend... concluding 10 months of planning into one 7 hour event at our home in Guilford Connecticut. It's no secret that wedding planning is s huge to-do, though it's a lot like any event I suppose... just with a whole bunch of specific cultural and societal rituals baked in. Sitting on the porch this morning, I realized that I was not rushed. Such an odd sensation to feel since the legal and logistical details of getting married at this stage in life and business, coupled with hosting the event at home (including the before and after parties), meant that Ac and I have been grinding hard for the majority of 2024. I posted photos and videos out on social - you can see the dress, the venue, the cake, all the things... But here and now... today I want to talk about some of the less obvious lessons I've picked up along the way.

I've had an estimated 100 meaningful conversations with business owners in the last month. The majority of these are my private clients, but I took trips to Providence and New York in September, and spent time with folks from other circles as well. I never ceased to be amazed by how much we think we're unique in our circumstances, when it's clear there are so many common patterns and headaches among us. Between ages, markets, niches, cities -- I can say this with reasonable certainty -- whatever you're facing, there are thousands of other people in your exact same shoes. So what were the patterns I picked up on? That's what I want to share with you today. A written version of this is available here. https://ckarchive.com/b/v8u3hrhx62k5mulq229q5svl7w0llf9

Hey there! In this episode, I'm tackling a big topic that's been popping up in my Voxer chats with tons of different business owners. As we wrap up August, it's clear that this year has been a tough one financially for many. With the economy shifting and a typical summer slowdown, it's no wonder things feel a bit unsettling right now. I'm noticing two major patterns: Pattern #1: Some folks are using the same old strategies—emails, launches, and so on—but their results are falling short. Pattern #2: Meanwhile, others are having their best launches ever, even as they see others struggling. I don't have all the answers yet, but in this episode, I dive into why your launches might not be hitting the mark and why that doesn't mean all is lost. I'll share why it's super important not to get stuck in a doom loop and how staying creative and gritty can help you turn things around. As always, if you need a coach, reach out on Instagram @juliecchenell or by email at Julie@juliechenell.com.

It's been SO busy over at Funnel Gorgeous because we're building a new funnel (launching this week) and then turning it over as a template to our upcoming Launch Gorgeous student cohort. I go behind the scenes to explain what's happening, and how it's come together in just two weeks. You can get on the waitlist for Launch Gorgeous here: https://launchgorgeous.com It's been a whirlwind!

July is the sloggiest month in business. And every year, despite knowing this fact, I start to panic. Things are slow. People are quiet. There isn't a lot of action. I feel tired and unmotivated. I'm not sure what my revenue is going to be this month. Why can't I get anything done even though the kids are at camp? Every single year, it is the same. But here is an important lesson I learned!

This is such a great combination of inspiration and tactics. I interviewed my longtime client Julia Taylor about her CRAZY last few months in her business GeekPack. Some highlights you don't want to miss.... • How she got nearly $500,000 in FREE money for her business • Her journey to a prestigious award in China and the opportunities it unlocked • The transformation from not wanting to even show her face in business to multi-seven figures in income & thousands impacted • The most important advice she can offer about being ready for when your moment of opportunity comes Julia has been in Digital Insiders working with me from the very beginning, and it's been absolutely amazing watching her go from a tiny brand to a world recognized one! This is an inspiring episode whether you're at the beginning of your journey, or years in. If you're interested in applying for Digital Insiders, please go to https://digitalinsidersmastermind.com

Offer design is both an art and a science. When you try to read the crystal ball of buyer psychology, us marketers tend to throw everything at the wall to see what sticks. Today, I want to help you think more strategically about bonuses. ​There are 12 types of bonuses (loosely) divided into four categories. The best offers are the ones that make logical sense and tell a story. If you want a written version of this, consider joining my email list at https://emailsbyjulie.com!

The week after a mastermind is always a bit crazy, but I wanted to drop in this Monday morning and give you some behind the scenes of what went on this week. In this episode I explain what a mastermind is, some of the getting to know you activities we did, what I presented on, and a unique opportunity for you to experience DI live in person this summer. Give it a listen and then hit me up at julie@juliechenell.com or on IG @juliecchenell. Have a great week!

Today I'm going inside my brain about why and when launching a subscription or membership makes sense...despite the fact I tell people oftentimes to not do it! When and why it does work, and what you should consider before embarking on one. Make sure to grab your ticket to Subscription Mode - coming Monday April 22nd 2024 @ 2pm EST. Tickets are on sale for $47 @ https://subscriptionmode.com

In this episode, I am going into a brainstorm exercise around why people are struggling so much with money. And who better to start with? Then me. I dive into the deep dive of why and where money is going, why so many people are in the same boat, and more importantly... what to do about it. If you need any help with this, or getting your business back cash flowing, please reach out to me Julie@juliechenell.com or hit me on Instagram at @juliecchenell. Be well!

In this episode (I'll admit it's a little deep) I go into a conversation around burn out... but more importantly, when the burnout turns to this scary feeling of "I just don't care anymore." What causes it... and what to do when you're in this season and running a business.

In this episode, I walk you through how I'm actively working with a client to define her unique selling proposition with her coaching. It's hard to see what you do as valuable or unique, but as you break down the process, you might find some clues hidden in the steps. I deconstruct a real life example here!

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a conversation with a client where she was trying to figure out why she couldn't do for herself... what she could easily do for others. This goes a little deeper than the cliché saying "You can't see your label from inside the jar". Why we so badly need objectivity in our business journey!

In this episode, I ponder a very thoughtful question brought to me by a lady who was applying for Digital Insiders. She was asking me questions about the group and when I joked about making a ten year anniversary plan, she stopped and said, "What has kept you going in such a high intensity program for so long?" Here is my 27 minute answer.

Do you ever feel like you're not sure what launch campaign style is right for you? Or you're new to launching and just with there was a simple way to roll out a new funnel and project? In this episode, I give you my tried and true walkthrough including price points, payplans, length of launch, what to do beforehand, during, and how to manage your expectations.

In this episode, I answer the common complaint I hear from service providers which is, "I feel like most of my business comes from word of mouth referrals but it feels so unpredictable. How do I make it more steady?" It's a short but hopefully super helpful piece of advice that will get you thinking differently about that type of marketing.

I found this fascinating question on Facebook today that said, "A CEO, COO, CMO, and CFO all go their separate ways to do their own thing. Who succeeds most and why?" And I decided to record an entire episode with my thoughts! I explain how I think each operates, which one or two are priority, and the power of thinking about all of them -- inside of you -- the powerhouse business owner.

In this episode, I do a business and life recap of 2023, plus the things I noticed along the way. If you've never done a year in review, I recommend it. I had a great year, but it was dotted with some pretty tough events. This is a mash up of business and life updates as I close out the year!

In this episode, I take you on a WILD ride with my client Kristin and her journey to 3000 students. She is a classic example of someone who took a long time to find her “thing”. She had a viral ad, a failed webinar, and all kinds of crazy obstacles along the way. But through it all, she's built an incredible community and course and completely changed her financial trajectory with Bookkeeper Training School. It's a do-not-miss episode!

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the things I'm learned as I approach $20M in sales. I did a Facebook post about this and it did really well, and I realized I have a lot to say on the matter, so I turned it into a podcast episode!

In this episode, I just recap the mastermind (from a logistics/schedule standpoint). What goes on in my head, how the event went, some things I changed and took away vs. added. If you do your own events or retreats, or are curious about them, you can hear how this whole week went from that angle and apply what I've learned to your own event.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes with a client Carrie, who was inadvertently complicating her offer for Black Friday. We all do this, and I have a few analogies that might help drive home how to tactically make sure you're giving your audience the strongest simplest version of an offer, which will increase conversions!

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a call I had with a client who is building something from scratch. How do you take all those ideas and get on a straight path? Hint: It doesn't really have to do with social media or getting an LLC. The path to becoming a business is gritty and takes about 6-12 weeks, but my method is focused on getting cash in hand. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

In this episode, I will take you behind the scenes of the Scalable Coach Method launch...just to show you how imperfect it was! You'll see it didn't have many of the similar trappings of a traditional launch, but TWO key things are the reason the offer did so well. I hope you get motivated to launch your offer after listening!

We all know we should be growing our email list, but did you know that there are four specific categories of list building offers? A discussion with a client one day about a failed launch led to a discussion about the method of list growth, and why it matters. In this episode I rank four different types of list building offers and the importance of having one of each type in your business.

This is such a fun episode everyone. I'm bringing on my client and friend Christine Lindebak, the force behind the Sewing And The City brand. She's telling her story from when she first came into my world as a digital marketer, and decided to put her skills to work building her own brand. If you're sitting on the sidelines not sure how to monetize your passion, Christine's story will inspire you to take action!

​It is by far the biggest error most business owners make. They don't know how to tie their business offers to real, urgent, painful problems. This episode will get you thinking differently about everything you put together in your offer suite. It's a do not miss. Plus, I'll give you a tangible example all the back at the beginning of my business that illustrates this point exactly.