Business Success By Design

Hosted by James Lawson & Angela Inzerillo (Sometimes :-)

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Sep 2025

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About the show

The Business Success By Design Podcast is our opportunity to share our experiences as small business owners along with the ups and downs that comes with that. We also have the added dynamic of being a husband and wife team since 2009! We share not only what’s it’s like trying to start and grow a coaching and consulting business, we also share some of the best strategies that have allowed us to grow into a complete lifestyle business…meaning something we can run from anywhere in world!

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30 recent

June 26, 202512 min

Your Offer - If You Have to Explain It, You Can’t Sell It

SummaryIn this episode of Business Success by Design, James Lawson discusses the critical elements of creating an irresistible offer for businesses. He identifies three common mistakes that business owners make when crafting their offers: vagueness, overstuffing, and lack of appeal. Lawson emphasizes the importance of clarity in defining the outcome of the offer, simplifying the components to avoid overwhelming potential clients, and making the offer attractive and engaging. He introduces the Irresistible Offer Formula and outlines the Client Flow Program, which helps business owners refine their offers to better attract clients and drive sales.TakeawaysYour offer must clearly define the outcome for clients.Avoid vague language that doesn't specify what you're selling.Overstuffed offers can overwhelm potential clients.Focus on the simplest path to the desired outcome.Make your offer appealing and engaging to attract interest.Names and positioning should reflect the transformation offered.The Irresistible Offer Formula helps clarify and structure offers.Business owners should package their offers smarter, not harder.The Client Flow Program guides businesses through refining their offers.Don't settle for a boring offer; make it stand out.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Irresistible Offer01:05 Common Mistakes in Offer Creation03:27 The Importance of Clarity in Offers05:56 Making Your Offer Stand Out08:40 The Client Flow Program Overview--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

May 27, 202529 min

The Danger of Becoming Emotionally Attached To Your Business!

SummaryIn this episode of Not Just Business, Business Coach Angela Inzerillo and her close friend Kelly Jan discuss the complexities of entrepreneurship, focusing on the balance between passion and profit, the emotional challenges faced by business owners, and the importance of support systems and coaching. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating tough decisions, learning from failures and the danger of getting too emotionally attached to your business.TakeawaysThe journey of entrepreneurship is often filled with emotional challenges.Balancing passion and profit is crucial for sustainable business.Support systems, including friends and coaches, play a vital role in navigating business challenges.Making tough decisions is part of the entrepreneurial journey.Learning from failure is essential for personal and professional growth.It's important to acknowledge and process emotions related to business.Seeking help from trusted advisors can provide valuable perspectives.Every experience, whether successful or not, contributes to growth.You can control your destiny through your business decisions.It's okay to take a step back and reassess your business direction.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Not Just Business02:56 The Journey of Entrepreneurship06:14 Passion vs. Profit in Business08:52 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Business12:13 The Role of Support Systems14:58 Making Tough Decisions17:50 Learning from Failure21:08 The Importance of Coaching23:57 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysHello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

March 5, 202513 min

5 Considerations When You Start Your Business

SummaryIn this episode of the Business Success by Design Podcast, James Lawson will discuss the journey of new entrepreneurs, focusing on key considerations for those just starting out. He'll emphasize the importance of accepting the new environment, building a unique brand, shifting networking strategies, embracing a continuous learning journey, and accepting the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. The conversation aims to provide guidance and encouragement for those venturing into the world of business.TakeawaysAccept what you're in is a completely new playing field.Building your unique brand is essential for entrepreneurs.Networking needs to shift as you enter the business world.Expect a continuous learning journey in entrepreneurship.Embrace the challenges and setbacks as part of the process.Sales and marketing should be prioritized from the start.Don't spend on brand building at the expense of client acquisition.You will feel like a fish out of water at times, and that's okay.Focus on your strengths and learn from your weaknesses.Accept that there will be more downs than ups in your journey. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Business Success by Design01:53 Pivoting Towards New Entrepreneurs03:19 Key Considerations for New Entrepreneurs04:49 Accepting the New Playing Field06:44 Building Your Unique Brand07:43 Shifting Your Networking Approach09:40 Embracing the Learning Journey11:05 Embracing the Suck in Entrepreneurship--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

May 20, 20259 min

The Referral Myth Exposed: What You Really Need Instead

SummaryIn this episode of the Business Success by Design podcast, I'll be discussing the common misconception that referrals can serve as a standalone marketing strategy. I'll emphasizes the importance of proactive marketing tactics that can be controlled and scaled, rather than relying solely on passive referrals. Also, i'll be providing actionable insights on how to enhance referral systems while also building a robust marketing engine that includes email lists and other strategies to ensure sustainable business growth.TakeawaysReferrals are not a reliable marketing strategy on their own.Relying solely on referrals can lead to business stagnation.A proactive marketing strategy is essential for growth.Building an email list is crucial for business control.Referrals should be part of a broader marketing pipeline.Make it easy for clients to refer you.Create a structured referral process after client successes.Recognize and incentivize referrers with simple gestures.Measure your referral success to improve it.A balanced approach to marketing is key for sustainability.Chapters00:00 The Referral Myth: A Dangerous Strategy03:06 Building a Proactive Marketing Strategy06:04 Enhancing Your Referral System09:02 Conclusion: The Importance of a Balanced ApproachHello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

December 21, 202322 min

New Coaches: Our Best Client Getting Strategy That's Gone Full Circle

There is more than ONE way to get clients into your coaching business - Facebook ads, webinars whatever......and by the way, we have done them all. Our highest conversion however came from this one thing that we used to do when we first started out in our business...and have recently gone back to.Listen in on how we have gone full circle and why, even now, it converts better than anything else we have ever done!Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

August 20, 202414 min

Online v's Offline Marketing When Your Business is New!

When you're getting started in your business YOU DO NOT need to spend all your money on ONLINE marketing strategies!In a world increasingly dominated by digital noise, we're going to reveal the truth around the power of offline techniques and how to harnessing their true potential for exponential growth. It's not just about breaking free from the online mold; it's about strategically blending the best of both worlds. We'll reveal how offline techniques can seamlessly complement your online presence, amplifying your brand's reach and enhancing your overall marketing strategy. You'll also discover the synergy that arises when you combine the power of offline and online methods to create a formidable force that propels your business toward remarkable profitability.I'll also talk about the 'Comparison' trap that most new coaches find themselves in that drives them to start running online ads when in fact they shouldn't be doing it.Let's do this.....Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

September 16, 202513 min

Burned, Broke, and Busy: The Truth About Bad Marketing Advice

Listen, if you're Tired of trying “all the things” and still not landing clients?You’re not alone and you’re not the problem.In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why so many coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners feel burned by marketing advice that overpromises and underdelivers.I'll break down:The difference between strategy and tactics (and why most people get this wrong)How shiny object syndrome keeps you stuck and scatteredThe 5-part foundation every small business needs to market with clarity, confidence, and actual resultsIf you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, this is the reset you’ve been looking for.Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

May 5, 202531 min

Love & LLC's

In this episode of the podcast, James & Angela discuss their NEW Podcast "Not Just Business' which talks more about their journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, sharing insights on working together as a couple in business. They explore the dynamics of their partnership, including how they handle disagreements, manage stress, and avoid burnout. The conversation emphasizes the importance of playing to each other's strengths and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. The hosts also highlight the significance of routines and tools that help them stay aligned and productive.Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

February 27, 202523 min

From Corporate to Entrepreneur: A 6-Figure Business in 12 months.

Hello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.

February 20, 202522 min

Client Enrollment Made Easy (No Sleaze, No Scripts)

In this episode of the Business Success by Design podcast, I'll share insights on mastering the art of sales without feeling pushy or uncomfortable. I'll emphasizes that selling is about serving clients and offers a simple, pressure-free sales process that can be applied to various business models. We'll discusses common pitfalls in sales conversations, the importance of understanding client needs, and effective follow-up strategies. Here are some takeaways:Sales can feel uncomfortable, but it's all in your head.Selling is serving your client, not being pushy.Focus on the client's needs, not your credentials.Clients buy outcomes, not coaching sessions.Sales conversations should be inviting, not intimidating.Pre-sale positioning is crucial for client readiness.Use a structured approach to sales calls.Follow-up is essential for closing sales.Offer risk-free guarantees to reduce client hesitation.Selling is about helping clients make the best decisions.Chapters:00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Sales Masterclass02:27 Understanding the Mindset of Selling08:09 Three Steps to Effortless Enrollment15:50 The Follow-Up Formula and Risk-Free GuaranteesHello! We are James and Angela, entrepreneurs and strategic marketing coaches living in Northern Virginia! Nice to meet you!We began our entrepreneurial journey in 2009 after spending 25+ years as Sales and Marketing execs in high-tech Corporate America generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues earning multiple 6-figure incomes.Our mission - to help NEW or Early Stage Coaches, Consultants and Small Businesses, COMPRESS the time it takes to get to a 6-figure revenue stream without the stress, overwhelm and costs of advertising, hours on social media and complex sales funnels. We quickly learned that NO amount of success at the corporate level would prepare us for such an income level as brand new business owners.After too many years of scrambling trying to get clients and build predictability and consistency in our business, we finally decided to get out of our own way and got some coaching help (every business owner, especially coaches, should have a coach!)We re-examined WHO we wanted to help and WHAT problem we best solved. BOOM! In less than 9 months, we were generating 6-figures using our own methodology and have helped hundreds of small business owners, coaches and consultants do the same.It all comes down to 3 core concepts - CLARITY in your messaging, CONFIDENCE in your offer and CONTROL in your business.