Most people are seeking motivation to succeed.
But that is not the answer to success.
On this episode of Talking Shift, Michelle Berman-Mikel and Craig Davis dig into how to drive momentum when the motivation wears off.
It’s not hacking into social media algorithms, going viral, or just using AI.
It is one intentional action.
Done daily.
No excuses.
It’s your “Your Black Line.”
Michelle shares how committing to a single daily prospecting habit led to 38 percent year-over-year growth in her business; even amidst personal loss and being stuck. It was going back to her Black Line.
This conversation is about leadership, entrepreneurship, prospecting successfully, and doing the work.
If you're not prospecting then your calendar isn’t filling up, your pipeline becomes unpredictable, and your business stagnates.
This episode will show you about the Black Line that builds success and how to prospect successfully on social media, leverage relationships, and grow your business.
When you listen to the full episode, and ask yourself one honest question:
What is the one thing you must do every day to move your business forward?
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Book
02:58 Reflecting on Growth and Achievements
05:46 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Professional Growth
08:57 The Black Line Concept: Origin and Meaning
12:03 Discipline vs. Motivation in Achieving Success
15:04 The Importance of Consistency and Focus
17:47 Leveraging Relationships for Business Growth
20:48 The Methodology Behind Prospecting Success
23:59 Building Genuine Relationships Through Prospecting
28:16 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Calendar Management
30:36 Building Authentic Social Presence
33:10 Challenging the Algorithm Obsession
35:12 The Importance of Movement and Discipline
37:43 Identity and Leadership as a Black Line
40:01 Defining Your Daily Discipline
42:41 Setting Boundaries for Personal and Professional Growth
About the Hosts
Michelle Berman-Mikel | Speaker, Author & Podcast Host
Michelle Berman-Mikel is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author of The Black Line, and founder of Berman Media PD. Creator of Beyond The Method™, she helps entrepreneurs, mortgage, and real estate professionals turn social media into a powerful prospecting tool—focused on connection, credibility, and real business growth. She also hosts The Coffee & Questions podcast, interviewing top leaders on high performance and strategy.
Craig Davis | Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker & Host of Talking Shift
Craig Davis is an Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, and host of the Talking Shift podcast, helping busy leaders escape the grind and achieve more with less stress. With 20+ years of experience spanning sales to executive leadership in the mortgage industry, Craig is known for practical strategy, authentic leadership, and real-world results. A cancer survivor and reinvention expert, he brings honesty, humor, and purpose to leadership—because real growth isn’t unicorns and rainbows, it’s making meaningful shifts that matter.
