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More than a Few Words

Business & Economics Podcasts

A marketing podcast for business owners. The brief conversations of this marketing podcast are filled with practical tips from business owners and marketing professionals from around the world.

Location:

Indianapolis, IN

Description:

A marketing podcast for business owners. The brief conversations of this marketing podcast are filled with practical tips from business owners and marketing professionals from around the world.

Language:

English

Contact:

3175691396


Episodes

#979 Commit to LinkedIN

3/17/2024
This year I decided to follow my own advice and commit to one social media platform. Sure I still post content in lots of places, but I am spending time every day on only one platform - LinkedIn. And, I am not just showing up, posting an update, liking a few things and leaving. I did some research to find out what the LinkedIn algorithm likes and adjusted my approach accordingly. Working Together to Expand Reach Let's face it, one of the most frustrating things about sharing content on any social platform, is not getting engagement. While the algorithm certainly controls some of that, you can influence the algorithm. On LinkedIn, the more engagement your post gets in the first few hours, the more visibility it will have. So, you need a community that responds when you post. One way to increase engagement is to start talking to other individuals so you see their content and they see yours. Tag a few select people in the comments, ask a question that encourages their response. Then respond to people who comment. No simple likes or thumbs up. You need to keep the conversation going. Does this extra attention pay off? It as only be about six weeks, but so far I am satisfied with the results. I have doubled the amount of traffic to my website from LinkedIn. Given the push to a zero click environment, this growth is pretty impressive. I have added about 400 connections. Not just random spammers, but people I am actually talking to. which make the time I spend on this platform more interesting and productive. So for now, I am going to invest more time on this platform. If you enjoyed the tip - connect with me on LinkedIn

Duration:00:03:29

#978 Finding the Right Marketing Partner

3/14/2024
When you are ready to take the next step in your business you will need a marketing partner, but how do you find the right one? That's what I talked to Behdad Jamshidi, founder of CJAM Marketing about. In this lively conversation he shared insights into navigating the process of selecting the ideal marketing team. Behdad defines a marketing partner as an agency, freelancer, or contractor who helps businesses execute marketing strategies while allowing them to focus on core operations. He emphasizes the need for alignment between business goals and the capabilities of the marketing partner. One common mistake highlighted is the tendency for businesses to jump on trendy marketing tactics without a long-term strategy. Instead, He advises businesses to establish clear goals and seek partners with proven track records and solid foundations. When evaluating potential marketing partners, Behdad suggests asking key questions about the agency's history, core competencies, and client retention rates. He emphasizes the importance of finding a partner with experience and expertise relevant to the business's needs without being overly niche. Behdad and I agree that is is important to find the right-sized partner for the current stage of the business, rather than aiming too high or too low. By focusing on alignment, experience, and scalability, businesses can establish successful, long-term partnerships with their marketing teams. LEARN MORE ABOUT CJAM Marketing https://cjammarketing.com/

Duration:00:10:55

#977 The Four "C"s of Accountability

3/12/2024
In this terrific conversation from my archive Don Markland shared his powerful story of transformation from an unhealthy lifestyle and lack of clarity about his purpose to a successful life and business. He realized there are two fundamental rules of accountability—starting with oneself and leaving ego at the door—set the stage for the four C's. Critique success - never settle for good enough, always striving for improvement. Don emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with honest feedback and continuously refining our approach. Correct failure. Rather than dwelling on mistakes, analyze them, learn from them, and keep pushing forward. It's all about progress, not perfection. Celebrate growth. Embrace discomfort, push our limits, and revel in our achievements. Whether it's running a marathon or mastering a new skill, growth deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Crush mediocrity. Don paints a vivid picture of squashing those pesky bugs of complacency with relentless determination. It's about recognizing and eliminating mediocrity wherever it lurks, propelling us toward excellence in all aspects of life.

Duration:00:12:36

#976 Find the Best Solution

3/10/2024
Everyone likes to be right and to see their ideas put into practice but sometimes your ideas are not the best it. If, as a leader you are more focused on proving you're right and winning every argument people around you will acquiesce. You will have a solution but it won't necessarily be the best solution. This is tough, because it means you have to give up control. If you've hired the right people they will have good opinions about projects and about the way the company is run, so you need to be prepared to listen and let others win. When multiple viable solutions are proposed to a problem choose the one suggested by a passionate team member. Why? If it's their idea they're will work to ensure it is implemented properly and it sends a strong message that you are serious about finding the best alternatives. If you want to find the best solutions to every problem my advice is to sit back and listen to others.

Duration:00:01:33

#975 Find Your Niche

3/7/2024
Carolyn Patrick dropped by for a conversation about one of my absolute favorite topics—niche marketing. Carolyn’s a seasoned consultant and non-executive director hailing all the way from Australia, bringing a wealth of experience in customer brand and marketing across diverse industries like banking, wealth management, insurance, retail, and government. To explain why she thinks it’s crucial for businesses to identify their niche Carolyn shared a personal story of working with specific niche markets like the police and emergency services, highlighting the power of understanding your audience to tailor messaging and develop products and services that truly resonate. She emphasizes the importance of connection and the ability to get into the heads of your customers for high retention rates.

Duration:00:11:51

#974 - A New Approach to PR

3/5/2024
Did you miss this conversation from my archive? Every business owner knows an article in the news can be a great boost to a business. The question is how do you get the media to notice you. My guest Mickie Kennedy explains it is not by sending another boring release about your product or service. You need to be creative, finding a unique angle. One way to do that is with a survey that uncovers an unusual data point or piece of information which might be the beginning of a great story. Another tip is to look for industry blind spots, things no one in the industry is writing about.

Duration:00:10:28

#973 - The Three Truths of Marketing

3/3/2024
I have been talking about marketing for a long time. And then funny thing? Although it is a big topic, managing marketing boils down to three simple truths. The first is that marketing hasn’t really changed in 50 or 60 years. The basics of marketing are about what they were half a century ago. What has changed are the tools. And that’s the second truth, there are always new tools on the horizon, new ways of doing things. And the third truth is that the most effective marketing is marketing that is authentic and unique to your brand, your business and to you. And so if you want to be successful, remember those three truths.

Duration:00:01:42

#972 What Drives Your Passion

2/29/2024
I had a chance to chat with David Ask, an accomplished entrepreneur and product development expert, to discuss the essence of creating a heart-centered business. As the leader of a mastermind group, David believes in the uniqueness of each person's spirit and soul. He encourages individuals to explore what lights them up and drives their energy. As the conversation unfolds, he reflects on his own journey, revealing his identity as a creative rather than a conventional entrepreneur. He stresses the importance of self-awareness and recommends reading impactful books and engaging with like-minded individuals to gain clarity on one's purpose.

Duration:00:11:00

#971 Influence Marketing

2/27/2024
I had a great time chatting with Jason Falls, a seasoned digital marketing thought leader, author, and speaker. The topic of our conversation was influence marketing, a topic often misunderstood by brands. While many people discuss the role influencers play in shaping buying decisions Jason brought a fresh perspective to the conversation, emphasizing the broader concept of influence marketing instead of fixating on individual influencers. He stressed the need for a holistic approach, urging businesses to understand their target audience thoroughly and explore both online and offline influencers. We discussed practical examples, like engaging with local community figures or PTA presidents, showcasing the versatility of influence marketing beyond social media. Jason offered valuable insights on working backward in the marketing chain, understanding customer needs, and seeking assistance from influencers or consulting services for effective implementation. Overall, the conversation provided a nuanced understanding of influence marketing, blending timeless marketing wisdom with contemporary strategies.

Duration:00:12:18

#970 A.I. Powered Video

2/25/2024
These days your audience wants bite size content. They're not going to sit through twenty or thirty minutes of video or read long blog posts. It's frustrating because you've got this long content, but it doesn't have to be. With the help of AI you can transform that long long post into a series of short social media posts. You can take cut that ten, twenty or thirty minute video into little thirty second sound bites. The little videos are just enough to hook the audience, get their attention and leave them wanting more. If you've been following me, you probably have noticed there's a lot more video in my feed these days. You may wonder how someone like me who's all by herself has time to do it all. Well it's easy. I'm using Opus Clip to get it done. It's a simple to use, affordable software product. Click the link if you're curious to try it for yourself. Go ahead create that long form content and let AI cut it down for you.

Duration:00:01:23

#969 Don't be Afraid of SEO

2/22/2024
​In this conversation, Bear Newman, a seasoned digital marketer and author with over 15 years in the field joined me for a conversation about SEO. If you’re like many business owners, SEO might be a bit of a mystery, and that’s why I’ve brought Bear in to help us demystify it. We kick off by addressing common fears around SEO and highlighting the importance of taking action rather than striving for perfection right from the start. Bear dives into the conversation, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding SEO. He urges a shift in mindset, emphasizing that getting started is more crucial than achieving perfection. We discuss practical tips for newcomers to the digital space, stressing the significance of regular content updates, understanding Google Analytics for effective tracking, and optimizing website design for better user engagement. Throughout our chat, he underscores the importance of metrics like bounce rate as key indicators of a website’s health and suggests tailoring websites to guide visitors toward specific actions aligned with business goals. Our conversation provides valuable insights into SEO strategies, covering topics such as consistently adding quality content, leveraging AI for content enhancement, and the critical role of tracking metrics for website performance.

Duration:00:10:08

#968 Start with a Process

2/20/2024
Your business does not happen by accident. You have to have processes and procedures in place to make sure that everything gets done when it’s supposed to. Does that sound a little overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be according to my guest Brittni Schroeder. She explains you are only one person, and systems help you streamline your activities and create processes you can share with others. The systems help you scale and handle more clients and bigger projects to grow your business.

Duration:00:09:03

#967 Get Rich Quick.

2/18/2024
Have you noticed that the internet is filled with people claiming to have made thousands of dollars online and they're willing to share their secrets to success with you all for the low low price of $199. The problem is the only people who get rich from that slick package solution are the people who create it. Why? because the system they create is right for them or it is generic and not right for you. Instead what you need to do is invest money spending time with someone who can look at your business and your goals and help you build a strategy that you can execute. Success in 2024 If you're looking for a quick hit the internet is filled with get rich quick schemes. If you're looking for a strategy for long term, sustainable growth, well that's going to take some time. SCHEDULE A 1 HOUR WORKING SESSION TO BUILD YOUR STRATEGY.

Duration:00:01:25

#966 Irrelevant Competitors

2/15/2024
In this insightful interview, I had a chance to chat with Anne Carden, about making competitors irrelevant by building a business that stands out. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and leveraging a business’s unique selling proposition or “sweet spot.” Anne explains every business, regardless of size, possesses a distinctive quality that can set it apart, emphasizing the need to position oneself around that expertise to become untouchable in the market. She provides practical examples of businesses she has worked with, such as a plumbing company and an auto repair shop, showcasing how they differentiated themselves by addressing specific pain points in their industries. She stresses the significance of backing up claims with social proof, such as testimonials and case studies, to build trust with potential clients. The conversation encourages business owners to think strategically about their unique strengths and how they can use them to make competitors irrelevant in their respective markets.

Duration:00:12:53

#965 - Discover the Secret to Getting a Customer to Yes

2/13/2024
In this episode of "More Than a Few Words," I had the pleasure of chatting with Susan Trumpler, the founder of Unstoppable Women in Business. We dove into the process of moving prospects from contemplation to a resounding "yes" and making the sales journey more comfortable. Susan emphasized the importance of understanding the prospect's pain points and aligning your solution with their immediate needs. We discussed the three crucial questions that need to be answered before a prospect can say yes. Once your prospect answers those three questions, it is easy to present a solution they will say yes too.

Duration:00:12:12

#964 Improve Landing Page Content

2/11/2024
You're spending a lot of resources to drive traffic. But are you converting traffic to prospects? If you're not getting people to fill out your conversion forms there are a few things you can do to improve the effectiveness of those pages 1. Don't oversell avoid bloated adjectives like awesome and amazing. Just stick to the facts. 2. While we're on the subject of facts, back up what you're saying with real proof. It gives you tremendous credibility 3. Use video to complement the images and text on the page. We are living in a video age 4. Add testimonials. Nothing gives you credibility like someone else saying just how great you are 5. Consider limited time offers create that sense of urgency Want to learn more? Check out: RANDOM STRANGERS TO RAVING FANS

Duration:00:01:31

#963 Match Your Strategy to the Stage of Your Business

2/8/2024
Let's face it, one of the challenges faced by most business owners is the absence of a clear rulebook for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. To shed light on the essential strategies for success, I invited Scott Ritzheimer, founder of Scale Architects, to share his tips for entrepreneurs, particularly the struggle to prioritize and manage tasks amidst a multitude of expert advice. Scott emphasizes the importance of understanding that there are seven specific stages of business growth and you need to tailor your strategies accordingly. Scott gave some great specific examples . Stage 2 - Startup Entrepreneur: At this stage, the focus is on finding a profitable and sustainable market. The key is to resist the temptation to constantly come up with new ideas and, instead, concentrate on identifying and tapping into a market that aligns with the business's goals. Leadership skills are less critical, and time management and focusing on necessary tasks become paramount. Stage 3 - Reluctant Manager: This stage is characterized by the realization that employees don't think, act, or own the business in the same way as the founder. It's crucial to identify and hire the right people for this stage, referred to as "operators." These individuals are skilled at getting things done efficiently and effectively, which is essential for managing a growing team. The challenge lies in distinguishing between "operators" and "processors" who may be overly detail-oriented, potentially slowing down processes. Scott recommends taking the Leadership Styles Quiz on the Scale Architects' website to identify the leadership style that aligns with one's business stage and needs.

Duration:00:13:36

#962 Be a Magnetic Speaker

2/6/2024
Chatting with Tina Bakehouse was like unwrapping a gift for anyone who’s ever hesitated to step into the spotlight. We explored the idea that public speaking isn’t just for natural extroverts. It is about discovering that inner magnetism within all of us. Tina, the author of “Discovering Our Magnetic Speaker Within,” brought her insights to the table, emphasizing that being magnetic involves intentional communication, encompassing words, voice, body language, energy, and overall essence. Tina’s three pillars – the Magnetic Mind, Message, and Mechanics – provided a roadmap for aspiring speakers. We kicked off with the Magnetic Mind, delving into temperament, authentic selves, and the power of introversion in public speaking. Tina shattered the myth that only extroverts make great speakers, highlighting the impact of leaders like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, who wielded quiet charisma. The message became our focal point, as Tina shared strategies for crafting compelling content, urging speakers to be audience-centered, embrace storytelling, humor, and find their unique vocal dynamics. Finally, we dived into Mechanics, the icing on the cake. Tina underscored the importance of intentional delivery, considering how it looks, sounds, and feels to the audience. She encouraged speakers to tap into different learning styles, catering to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. The significance of practice and a speaker ritual, working on both voice and body language, was a key takeaway. Tina’s parting words wrapped up the conversation beautifully, reinforcing that our words and essence are a gift to the audience, urging speakers to be audience-centered and change the world through their impactful messages. It was an insightful and empowering discussion that reminded us all that speaking is a gift we can share with the world

Duration:00:10:48

#961 Simple Email Tips

2/4/2024
Today I want to talk about email. Why email, when there are so many better ways to get people to pay attention to you? Because year in and year out people open their emails. So if you want to deliver messages to people who are interested in what you have to say email is still a great way to reach them Here are a few things you can do to improve the effectiveness of your email campaigns number If you've enjoyed these tips and want to find other resources for your email program sign up for our newsletter and we'll show you how it's done.

Duration:00:01:18

#960 - Zencastr and the Future of Podcasting

2/1/2024
In this conversation, I had a chance to chat with Josh Nielsen, the founder behind Zencastr, one of the top podcasting platforms. As the founder and CEO, he’s focused on the next level of podcasting, providing creators worldwide with an all-in-one platform. We delved into the current podcasting landscape, and Josh pointed out a trend he dubs the “tick-toification of podcasting.” Attention spans are shortening, and people are leaning towards bite-sized, consumable content, especially in the form of clips. It’s all about watching engaging snippets rather than committing to full-length shows. Josh emphasized the rising importance of video in podcasting. While the audio-only format has its charm, the audience is eager to see faces and make genuine connections. Video brings that extra layer of connection, making the audience feel more involved. We also touched on the power of AI in simplifying tasks. Zencastr’s AI, for instance, can analyze content, identify key moments, and generate clips tailored for various platforms. It’s not about replacing creativity but enhancing it, making podcasting more efficient and enjoyable. The conversation concluded with a glimpse into the future of podcasting. Josh highlighted the need for streamlining tools for podcasters, making the entire process seamless and accessible. The goal is to empower content creators to focus on what they do best – engaging conversations and captivating content – while the rest is seamlessly handled in one consolidated platform. So, if you’re a business owner eyeing a podcast or considering refining your existing one, it’s worth checking out the innovative tools that Zencastr has to offer. And when you are ready to start your podcast adventure, you can save 30% off your first month of Zencast. Just use the code I mention at the end of the episode and go to: zencastr.com/pricing

Duration:00:09:58