If you’ve ever been neck-deep in building something—whether it’s a business, a project, or even just figuring out life—you know it can get messy fast. Sometimes, it’s not about having the perfect plan. It’s about rolling with what works and learning from what doesn’t. In my conversation with JM Ryerson on the Never Been Promoted podcast, we dove deep into the realities of entrepreneurship. JM’s no-nonsense approach to building businesses struck a chord with me. The man knows how to get results, but more importantly, he’s mastered how to stay true to himself while doing it.
What I found so refreshing about our talk was how he broke down the hustle in a way that made it feel real—not sugar-coated or filled with empty promises. JM didn’t come across as someone trying to sell a dream. He was there to tell the truth about what works and what doesn’t in business—and in life.
You Don’t Need to Know Everything—You Just Need to Lead
JM wasn’t shy about his journey in financial services, and it stood out to me because he admitted something most entrepreneurs don’t want to say: “I didn’t know anything about financial services.” You’d think that would be a dealbreaker in an industry that thrives on expertise, but JM didn’t see it that way. He didn’t need to know the ins and outs of finance. What he knew was people, and that was enough.
JM’s superpower was leading teams, creating a culture where people wanted to show up, and pushing everyone to grow. That’s what built his businesses—not his technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Leverage your strengths: You don’t need to know everything about your industry. Lean on what you’re naturally good at and surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses.
- Focus on culture: Your team will make or break your business. Create an environment where people feel valued, and they’ll drive results.
- Delegate the rest: Don’t waste time trying to be an expert in everything. Know enough to guide the ship, but let others handle the details.
I can relate. When I first started, I thought I had to wear every hat in my business. I’d stay up late learning things that honestly weren’t my strengths, and it cost me. JM’s approach reminds me to lean into what I do best and build a team to fill the gaps.
Selling What They Want, Giving What They Need
One thing JM said that really hit home was “sell them what they want, give them what they need.” It’s one of those simple truths that are easy to overlook. He knows that people come to him because they want to double their revenue, and that’s what he leads with. But once they’re in, what they really get is so much more. JM works with dentists—a profession with one of the highest suicide rates in the country—and helps them find balance, happiness, and purpose beyond their practice.
He’s not just talking numbers. He’s talking life. Once people see that, they start to thrive not just financially but personally. It’s a two-part strategy that entrepreneurs need to adopt more often. Lead with the hook, but deliver the transformation.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Start with the tangible: People need to see immediate, practical benefits. In JM’s case, it’s about promising financial growth. Find what your audience values, and meet them there.
- The deeper work is where the magic happens: People might come for financial gains, but what keeps them engaged is the life-changing balance and fulfillment they get along the way.
- Transformation takes time: JM’s approach doesn’t just change bank accounts—it changes lives. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about money. It’s about building a life that’s worth living.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with JM left me thinking about the simplicity behind his success. His method for getting businesses aligned came down to a simple tool he calls the “one sheet.” It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. But it works.
“At the end of the day, everyone knows exactly what we’re trying to do, what the company stands for, and how we behave,” JM explained. This one sheet keeps everyone aligned and moving in the same direction.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Keep it simple: The more complex your business strategy, the harder it is to execute. JM’s one sheet keeps everyone on the same page with clarity.
- Know your values: Most businesses don’t have a clear set of values, and it shows. When you’re vague about what you stand for, you lose direction. Keep it tight, and everyone will know where they fit in.
- Set a few core goals: Trying to juggle too many priorities? You’re setting yourself up to fail. JM recommends focusing on three core things that need to get done. That’s it.
- Accountability is key: When everyone in the business knows what the goals are and what’s expected, accountability becomes second nature.
- Stay focused: We all get distracted by the shiny objects in business—new ideas, new projects—but JM’s focus on the basics is a reminder that less is often more.
Final Thoughts
As entrepreneurs, we tend to make things harder than they need to be. We take on too much, we spread ourselves thin, and we lose sight of what really matters. If there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s that success doesn’t have to be this exhausting, uphill battle. Sometimes, it’s about simplifying, staying focused, and remembering why you started in the first place.
So take a page from JM’s playbook. Focus on what matters. Build a team that supports your vision. And most importantly, don’t forget that the real goal is not just to make money—but to build a life that works for you.
If you want to hear more about JM Ryerson’s approach to balancing life and business, check out his full episode on Never Been Promoted: How to Double Your Revenue with the One Sheet Method with JM Ryerson
CONNECT WITH JM RYERSON:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/