Most business owners think they need a dramatic transformation story to connect with their audience. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Yelaney to unpack one of the most overlooked pieces of effective marketing: your origin story. We explore why so many entrepreneurs struggle to tell their story, how to identify the version that’s most relevant to your current audience, and why authenticity will always outperform trying to sound impressive.
Along the way, I found myself reflecting on my own business evolution (from photography to systems strategy) and realizing that my story has changed just as much as my business has. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story is “interesting enough,” this conversation will completely change how you think about marketing.
Review the Transcript
About the Guest
Meg Yelaney is a business strategist who’s helped over 1,000 coaches grow their brands by getting crystal clear on what makes them actually different, and using that to create demand. With her Distinctive Edge Framework, clients go from struggling to stand out or get consistent sales…to finally being clear on how to fully be themselves AND talk about what they do (and getting hired because of it!). Some have hit $10K months for the first time. Others? Multi-six and even million-dollar businesses. She’s also a twin mom to Ayden and Kevin and fur mom to mini golden doodle, Luna, musical theatre junkie and avid fantasy smut reader.
Find It Quickly
00:25 – Meet Megan
01:48 – Why Origin Stories Matter
03:23 – Megan’s Career Pivot
06:03 – Pretty Awkward Goes Viral
08:03 – Twins and Business Reset
10:30 – Colie’s Professor Edge
16:00 – Not Dramatic Enough
21:32 – Choosing Your Story
25:06 – Beyond Your Own Story
26:59 – Case Studies That Convert
28:33 – Organizing Client Proof
32:29 – Who Gets the Credit
34:34 – Reusing Testimonials Smartly
37:40 – Where to Share It
40:56 – hort Form to Long Form
43:08 – Stories Beat Teaching
Mentioned in this Episode
Brittany Herzberg: brittanyherzberg.com
Done-for-You vs. Done-with-You: Which Model Fits Your Business? with Brittany Herzberg
SEO is Everywhere: Optimizing Your Content with Brittany Herzberg
Embracing Workflows & Automations in Your CRM: HoneyBook Case Study with Brittany Herzberg
SEO through Case Studies | Simple SEO Series with Brittany Herzberg (Part 3)
Jordan Gill: instagram.com/systemssavedme
Connect with Megan
Website: meganyelaney.com
Instagram: instagram.com/meganyelaney
Business Story Blueprint: meganyelaney.com/business-story-blueprint
Business Not As Usual: meganyelaney.com/podcast
Signature Series
Your business works, but your backend is costing you.
A 4-Part Audio Series for service-based business owners who are ready to upgrade their “just fine” client experience, unlock higher pricing, increase referrals, and grow more sustainable revenue—without overworking behind the scenes.
Get the FREE 4-part audio training series
Systems That Sell
© 2022-2025 Colie James
