Michael Hartmann: Coaching, Ops, and Knowing Your Worth
Thomas Helfrich
Cut Ties to Everything Holding You Back????"Cut The Tie" Entrepreneurial Community | YouTube Personality | Founder | Podcast Host | Author | Keynote Speaker
Let’s talk about what it really takes to keep a business running smoothly. I’m not talking about fancy titles or corporate jargon, but the real, hands-dirty work that happens behind the scenes. Recently, I sat down with Michael Hartmann , a guy who knows all about what it takes to keep the wheels turning in marketing. Michael’s the brains behind Hartmann Advisory Group LLC , a consultancy that helps businesses untangle the complex mess of marketing operations. If you've ever wondered about the real-world skills you need to lead a team, build trust, or just keep from drowning in data, Michael's insights are gold.
We didn’t get into the flashy, feel-good stories. Instead, it was about navigating those everyday struggles we all face at work and finding practical ways to come out on top. Michael's got this straightforward, no-nonsense way of breaking things down that had me nodding along the whole time. By the end, I had a solid reminder of what it takes to actually make things happen in a business, from hiring to managing to finding the courage to go out on your own.
1. Taking the Leap: Why Every Business Needs a Backup Plan
Michael didn’t start his business by choice. When COVID hit, he was in events management—a field that pretty much evaporated overnight. “Looking back, I wish I’d started sooner,” he admitted, talking about the sheer peace of mind he found in having his own thing going. The lesson here? Waiting around for the “right time” to launch a side hustle or explore a new income stream might mean waiting forever.
The key is simple: set up a backup before you need it. Michael isn’t preaching; he’s talking from experience. When the rug was pulled out from under him, he didn’t have to scramble. He already had something to fall back on.
2. Knowing Your Worth and Asking for It
Let’s face it, valuing your own expertise is one of the hardest things, especially if you’ve never seen yourself as a “salesperson.” Michael had the same struggle. “I’m not a salesperson, but I had to get comfortable asking for reasonable compensation,” he shared.
If you’re on your own or considering branching out, this is a lesson you’ll have to learn: pricing yourself isn’t about bragging—it’s about survival. You’re not just clocking hours; you’re delivering hard-earned insights that move the needle. It’s a subtle shift, but once you make it, everything changes. You’re not just offering advice; you’re bringing real value, and that’s worth something.
3. Marketing Ops: More than Just Numbers on a Spreadsheet
Marketing ops—this is where Michael shines. And no, it’s not just about getting lost in data. “Everyone says they’re data-driven, but most of them don’t even know what to do with it,” he explained with a laugh. The truth is, while every business likes to say they’re running on data, it’s not as common as you’d think. Most teams have tons of numbers but no clear way to use them effectively.
Michael’s approach? Keep it real. It’s not about creating the perfect spreadsheet or having AI spit out metrics for the sake of it. It’s about finding patterns that help guide decisions and getting teams to focus on what actually works. Don’t drown in data—use it to steer the ship.
4. Coaching New Managers: A Whole Different Ballgame
If there’s one area where Michael has real skin in the game, it’s in coaching new managers. Being a manager is a different world from being an individual contributor, and it’s often a rough transition. “When I became a manager, no one told me the expectations had changed overnight,” he admitted.
He shared a story about a client who had just been promoted. She was ready to dive back into her comfort zone—systems, spreadsheets, data. But Michael stopped her in her tracks. “You’ve got to build trust first,” he told her. Systems can wait; relationships can’t. That shift from focusing on “things” to focusing on “people” is one of the hardest for new managers, but it’s non-negotiable.
5. Hiring a Consultant? Step Back and Let Them Do the Job
This is a big one, and Michael didn’t mince words. Hiring a consultant is about trusting them to solve your problem, not micromanaging their process. He shared a story about a client who kept trying to steer every solution Michael suggested, which is a recipe for frustration. “When you hire a consultant, hold them accountable, but let them work,” he emphasized.
If you’re an owner or manager, this advice might sting, but it’s vital. You bring in a pro for a reason, and if you keep telling them how to do their job, you’ll never get the results you’re after. It’s like asking a chef to cook a meal and then standing over them to make sure they use every spice exactly how you would. Trust the process, or don’t hire them at all.
Final Thoughts
Michael’s take on marketing ops, consulting, and management is a reminder that the real work isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and it’s about getting the details right. If you’re serious about growing your skills, whether in managing a team or setting up your own business, his perspective is a wake-up call to stop overthinking and start taking action.
To catch all of Michael’s insights and get the full scoop, check out the full episode HERE.
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3 个月Thanks for having me on your podcast and letting me share with your audience, Thomas Helfrich