Hello Reader,

"I can't do that. I don't shop that way. I need a list."

That was hubby, standing in a 10,000 square foot warehouse in San Diego a few weekends ago. A woman who has been a real estate stager for 20 years is closing that side of her business and selling everything. It was my third trip and his first.

I'd already bought what we needed. This time I was hunting for treasure and waiting to spot two pieces that looked great together. He needed a list, and I couldn't give him one, so we left.

Funny thing, though. Thinking his way sent me back in for three coverlets at $20 each. Shell yes.

It's just like this in our business.

We all work a little differently. I need a list at the grocery store too. Neither way is wrong, and that day his way found something mine walked past.

That's a lot harder to remember when everyone online is telling you the right way to do it. This week a client told me they've lost their mojo. They've been told how many emails to send, that they need workshops, that their Notion should be spotless, and when they can and can't use AI. I call these the shitty shoulds.

So I asked about their best month in business. They lit up telling me. They felt free, made offers they knew their clients would love, and things sold.

Your tools work the same way. I've set up Notion for a handful of clients, and no two home pages look alike. One client wanted big pictures, another wanted a short list of six links, and a third wanted tables right there when they log in. Each one fits how that person thinks.

The full story, including how I figure out what fits someone before I build anything, is on the blog: Are You a List Shopper or a Treasure Hunter?

So which are you, a list shopper or a treasure hunter? Hit reply and tell me. I read every one.

Shell, Yes! Here's to your success,
Michelle
Shell Creative

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"It's Just Like This in Our Business"

A weekly dispatch on the three things every small business has to get right: Operations. Marketing. People. Real stories about the structural breakdowns that keep good businesses stuck and what it looks like when you finally fix them.