EPISODE 14 | 6.5.2025

The $108K Hidden Cost of 'Figuring It Out Yourself'

Sean M Atkinson reveals why "figuring it out yourself" costs entrepreneurs $108,000+ in hidden expenses. Discover why service providers charge strategic clients 50% less, how skipping strategy leads to $12,000 websites that convert at 1%, and the real math behind entrepreneurial trial-and-error cycles. Plus: the refrigerator repairman story about why there are always two prices - the "trust me now" price and the "I told you so" price.

This version:

✅ Keeps the $108K hook
✅ Includes the most compelling examples
✅ Mentions the memorable story
✅ Under 500 characters
✅ Maintains urgency and value

Takeaways● Many entrepreneurs underestimate the costs of figuring things out themselves.● A lack of strategy can lead to significant financial losses.● Investing in a strategist can save money in the long run.● Clear messaging is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.● Trust is hard to rebuild once lost in business.● Understanding your value proposition is essential for success.● Customer retention is as important as acquiring new clients.● Mistakes in business can often be traced back to poor planning.● The cost of not having a strategy can exceed initial estimates.● Learning from past experiences can guide future business decisions. Trust me when I'm saying I'm an expert and I can deliver on those results.● There's a significant difference between making a pivot and winging it.● You can have family members that are all in on you being able to start your business.● You have to be able to make sure that you're doing things in the right order.● You have to know what you're willing to risk.● 20% of businesses fail within the first year.● If you're not doing that, then you run the risk of getting someone that may not feel the same way.● You have to know how much your minimum is.● You have to be prepared for change.● The better the experience, the more they'll pay you.

Sound Bites● "You cost yourself opportunities."● "That's $108,000 before we continue."● "You need to get your messaging right."● "It's more costly than people think."● "There's the first price of doing it right."● "Trust me when I'm saying I'm an expert."● "You have to know what you're willing to risk."● "20% of businesses fail within the first year."● "You have to know how much your minimum is."● "You have to be prepared for change."
Resources:The Hidden Cost Vulnerability AssessmentYouTube Podcast: The Strategic Thinkers PodcastSubscribe to The Coaches Corner YouTube channel for more insights and presentation walkthroughs

📌 Timestamps:00:00 The Hidden Costs of Entrepreneurship
02:14 Sponsor Break
02:46 The Full Cost Breakdown
04:30 The Website Strategy Example
09:30 Corporate Experience & Strategy Foundation
23:14 The Two-Price System Story
26:56 Personal Life Impact
30:41 Business Fundamentals, Industry Changes & Custom Solutions
47:32 Final Thoughts & Wrap-up
49:15 Outro.mp4