More than a Few Words

My guest today is Iris Goldfeder, founder of Gas Stove Creative. Iris and I are two out-of-sync New Yorkers who somehow ended up in Indiana, crossing paths in the small business community for years. But today, instead of swapping stories about pizza and city life, we’re talking about something every business owner faces at some point: the growing pains of change. Iris recently had a lightbulb moment—she’d evolved her business, but she’d forgotten to tell people! So while she had moved on to working with established companies, her network was still sending her the startups she used to serve. This realization kicked off a strategic shift, one that every business owner can learn from. How do you reposition yourself without alienating past clients? How do you make sure people know what you do now? And how do you avoid pricing conversations that make you want to bang your head against the wall? Communicate Changes Early & Often: Don’t assume people know your business has evolved. Proactively update referral partners, past clients, and your online audience. Use Video & Social Media: A simple video post explaining your shift can go a long way in reshaping how people think of your brand. Create Structured Packages: Offering clear service levels makes it easier for clients and referral sources to understand where they fit. Be Confident in Your Value: If a potential client balks at your pricing, they may not be the right fit. Stick to your worth and don’t be afraid to refer out. Learn From Every Experience: If you learn something, it’s not a mistake—it’s a lesson. And next time you shift, you’ll know to start the conversation sooner!

We’ve all done it—Googled ourselves or our businesses, only to find something outdated, inaccurate, or just plain wrong. And the scary part? Most people believe whatever Google tells them. If Google says you’re permanently closed (even when your business is booming), potential customers won’t bother double-checking. They’ll just move on. That’s why it’s so important to take control of what Google says about you. I sat down with Andrew Laws founder of Yeseo, to talk about how business owners can make sure Google gets it right—because if we don’t do it, who will? So how do you do that? Andrew Suggested: Google Isn't Always Right – While we rely on Google for information, even Google admits its results aren’t always accurate. This means businesses need to take control of their own online presence. Claiming & Maintaining Your Google Business Profile Matters – Business owners can significantly improve how their company appears online by ensuring their Google Business Profile is up-to-date and consistent across all platforms. Consistency Is Key – Small variations in how your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) appear online can confuse Google’s algorithm, making it harder for customers to find you. Engagement Builds Trust – Regularly updating your profile, responding to reviews (good and bad), and keeping business details accurate helps Google and potential customers see you as a reliable business.

Marketing is all about connections, but too often, we skip over the most important piece—people. Sure, we love talking about product, price, place, and promotion, but what about the humans behind the strategy? That’s why I brought back Dave Torrez, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, for a lively chat about the Four P’s of People—peers, pros, patrons, and promoters. Spoiler: your next marketing breakthrough might come from focusing less on what you’re posting and more on who you’re talking to. Peers Are Your Marketing Wingmen Think of your peers as your brainstorming buddies—the business owners and marketers walking the same path. Sure, they might be in your industry, but they’re not your competition. Instead, they’re allies who can share insights, lessons learned, and even a little encouragement. As Dave put it, peers can help you grow by sharing their own roadmaps to success. Pros: Your Marketing Role Models These are the businesses that make you say, “I want to do that someday.” Dave suggested following pros for inspiration—whether it’s how they craft campaigns or how they interact with their audience. Even better, engaging with their content can lead to new connections with like-minded people. Think of pros as your north star for what’s possible. Patrons Keep the Lights On Your customers are your patrons, the folks who not only pay the bills but also provide a goldmine of feedback. Whether you’re creating posts to entertain, educate, or answer their questions, keeping this group engaged can spark deeper loyalty. And when they engage with your content, their networks notice, bringing you closer to your next batch of clients. Promoters Are Your Secret Weapon Promoters are the people who sing your praises, often loudly and without being asked. They may not even be customers themselves, but they believe in what you’re doing and love sharing it with their communities. Dave reminded me that it’s worth nurturing those relationships—comment on their posts, cheer them on, and show them the love they show you. Remember, success isn’t about shouting your message into the void. It’s about listening, building relationships, and connecting with the people who matter most to your business. Dave Charest Dave Charest is the Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, the online marketing leader trusted by millions of small businesses. In his role, Dave acts as an educator and an advocate for small business leaders, marketing professionals, and nonprofits by providing practical marketing advice to help them achieve their goals. He is a dynamic leader, speaker, creator, and award-winning marketer who strives to inspire small businesses by simplifying the complex world of online marketing. Dave also hosts the Be a Marketer podcast, a 2024 Webby Awards Honoree.

Tina Bakehouse is living proof that even the best teachers are always learning. As an intuitive communication coach, she’s built a reputation for helping others communicate with confidence and authenticity. But as she shares in this conversation, her early days in business were filled with valuable lessons—especially about getting clear on her offers. Like many of us, Tina learned that trying to be everything to everyone only leads to confusion. It’s a little like showing up at a potluck with five half-baked dishes—your guests won’t know where to start, and chances are, nothing gets devoured. Here are some key insights from Tina’s journey: For business owners juggling multiple products or services, Tina’s journey is a reminder that less is often more. Get clear on your offer, tailor it to the moment, and align your work with what fuels your energy. When you do, success stops feeling like a chaotic balancing act and starts to flow naturally. Tina Bakehouse is passionate, experienced, intuitive communication consultant & coach, storyteller, creative, and NEW AUTHOR of the book Discovering Our Magnetic Speaker Within.

A few years ago I sat down with Wayne Mullins, founder of Ugly Mug Marketing, to dive into his unique “3-5-3” formula for turning your website from a static space into a real business driver. If you missed the original release of this episode, you want to be sure to catch it now. His approach is all about honing in on what users need, and it starts with capturing attention in the first three seconds. The truth is, visitors aren’t "browsing" anymore—they’re "hopping" from one page to the next, and you need a hook to keep them around. Next up are the five critical questions to ask on every page. Who’s visiting this page? What’s the exact action you want them to take? And maybe most importantly, why would they take that action, from their perspective? This exercise of stepping into the visitor’s shoes can completely transform how each page is designed to serve them. The final three elements, or “three C’s,” of effective design wrap it all together: composition, contrast, and content. Wayne’s big takeaway here? Lead with the content. Instead of designing for looks first, start with what you’re trying to communicate, then build the design around it. Simple and actionable tips like these make the 3-5-3 formula a powerful way to evaluate your site and start getting better results right away. If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

Sometimes, as business owners and marketers, we get so wrapped up in what excites us about our products or services that we lose sight of what matters to our audience. That’s exactly what Brad Koch, a coach and business strategist, discovered the hard way. Brad talks about what went wrong as he shared a story of a marketing campaign that fell flat—and the lessons he learned about crafting messaging his customers really cared about. Key Takeaways: Shift the focus to your audience’s needs. Brad’s original campaign focused on features and specs that excited his team but didn’t address the real pain points of his target audience. The "aha" moment came when he realized his messaging needed to solve his customers' problems, not highlight his product’s capabilities. Be the guide, not the hero. Effective marketing positions your customer as the hero of the story and your business as the guide who helps them succeed. Clarity beats complexity. Trying to say everything in your marketing only dilutes your message. Narrow your focus, be clear, and trust that a simple, specific message will have more impact than a long list of features. Get an outside perspective. Brad emphasized the value of fresh eyes. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a coach, or an external consultant, feedback from someone outside your organization can help you see what your audience sees—and spot the gaps you’re too close to notice. Actionable Insights: Before launching your next marketing campaign, ask yourself: Learn more about Brad And if you have enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out all the resources for small business owners at More than A Few Words

We've all been there, when a great idea turns out to be, well, not so great? We’ve all been there, right? That lightning bolt moment where we think, “This is it! This is the idea that’s going to change everything.” And then reality sets in. To share her own “What Was I Thinking?” moment, I’ve invited my friend Jen Edds, the head brassy boss at Brassy Broadcasting Company. Jen had a vision of launching a daily podcast—short, punchy, and everywhere. But just before jumping in, she took a step back and asked herself the tough questions: Was this the right show? Was this sustainable? And most importantly, was this for her audience? What she discovered might just save you from your next over-ambitious content plan. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready for some laughs, lessons, and a little tough love on making your marketing work for you. Key Takeaways: Just because an idea is exciting doesn’t mean it’s the right fit—evaluate sustainability before diving in. Content should serve your ideal audience, not just chase algorithms. Marketing your content is just as important as creating it—don’t forget to promote! Be flexible! You can always pivot and adjust your content strategy as you learn more about what works. Whether you’re launching a podcast, writing a blog, or creating video content, Jen’s story is a reminder that strategy matters more than sheer volume. And sometimes, the best decision is to scale back before you burn out. Jenn Edds is the Head Broad in Charge at the Brassy Broadcasting Company

Let’s face it—if you’ve been in business for a while, you’ve got knowledge people would pay for. Years of experience, hard-won lessons, and insights that could save someone else time, money, and frustration. But turning that wisdom into a profitable business? That’s where things get tricky. It’s not enough to just “know stuff.” You need a structure, a system, and a way to package your expertise so that it delivers real transformation—not just another downloadable PDF gathering dust on someone’s hard drive. That’s exactly what Mary Henderson and I tackled in this conversation. She breaks down why the wisdom economy is booming and how experts can build e-learning businesses that are more than just scattered courses and offers. The key? Start with a strong foundation. Instead of jumping straight into selling, take the time to unpack your full inventory—your skills, experiences, and even personal challenges—because that’s where real value lies. Then, create a framework that simplifies complex ideas, delivers results, and ultimately builds a business that can scale. If you’ve ever thought about monetizing what you know, Mary offers a roadmap to get started. Focus on solving a macro-level problem, define who you serve (beyond a single niche), and build a structured path that leads clients to real outcomes. Because in the end, people don’t just pay for information—they pay for transformation. About Mary Henderson Mary Henderson is an internationally recognized Online Business Coach and Digital Business Specialist, helping clients build personal brands. Mary helps Service Based Business Owners, Coaches, and Consultants systematize, digitalize, and commercialize their knowledge, wisdom, and skills into a scalable and profitable online business and brand so they become an authority in their niche or industry. Mary Henderson has 20+ years’ experience building 7 and 8-figure businesses and building high-performance sales teams in the IT sector and 15 years delivering online solutions for large and small businesses. She has been featured in many publications and is regarded as a thought leader in the Digital sector. Mary’s point of difference is her Personal Branding technology, a SaaS Platform that can define a person’s brand essence with the precision that can be applied across all communication touch points. She is also the founder of Lights Cameras Action an end-to-end coaching program that delivers tangible outcomes. When you engage with Mary Henderson, you access 39,000+ hours of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in Personal Branding, client profiling, lead generation strategies, online course development, sales leadership, content development, and digital acumen. Mary embraces technology and social media in a big way, and her followers are growing daily. Mary is a heart-centered, compassionate, and tenacious entrepreneur who thrives on human transformation and witnessing people fulfill their dreams.

As a business owner, decision-making comes with the territory. But some people do it better than others. What sets them apart? That’s what I talked about with Andrea Liebross, a business and life coach who helps female entrepreneurs think and manage like CEOs. She shared insights from her book She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and Into the Extraordinary, breaking down what it really takes to be a big thinker. 4 Steps to Thinking Big Choose Your Thoughts Intentionally Your thoughts aren’t fixed—they’re options. Andrea compares them to hors d'oeuvres at a party: you get to pick what you consume. If a thought isn’t serving you, swap it for one that leads to confidence, determination, or action. Identify the Real Problem We tend to blame external factors—bad timing, the economy, difficult clients—when, in reality, the real issue is often our own discomfort. Avoiding hard decisions because they make us uneasy only keeps us stuck. Embrace Uncertainty Business ownership comes with unknowns—there’s no getting around it. Instead of waiting for perfect clarity, big thinkers move forward despite uncertainty, knowing they’ll never have all the answers. Find Support Entrepreneurs don’t have the safety net of a boss or corporate structure, which makes a strong support system essential. Whether it’s mentors, coaches, or peer communities, surrounding yourself with the right people helps navigate challenges with confidence. Big thinking isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making decisions based on where you want to be, not where you are. If you’re ready to think bigger, Andrea’s book She Thinks Big is a great place to start. You can find it at shethinksbigthebook.com.

In another of my continuing What Went Wrong series I chatted with Tracy Brinkman, a business success coach, podcast creator, and host of the Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast. Tracy shared a story that every business owner can relate to: the time he created something he was certain people would love—only to be met with silence. Years ago, Tracy poured his heart into developing a goal-setting seminar. He thought he had all the pieces in place—a clear concept, valuable insights, and a hungry audience. But when he launched, there wasn’t a ripple of interest. Why? Tracy realized he had skipped the most crucial step: asking his audience what they actually needed. It’s a classic trap. Like Tracy, many entrepreneurs try to appeal to everyone, believing that casting a wide net will bring in more fish. But in reality, it’s the focused approach—speaking directly to a specific audience—that truly resonates. Tracy's story is a powerful reminder that vague messaging and generic offers often get lost in the noise. His hard-won lesson? Focus on a niche. The smaller your target, the sharper your message, and the more likely you are to connect with those who matter. For Tracy, this meant shifting from talking to “all entrepreneurs” to addressing parents balancing corporate jobs and side hustles. He found that by narrowing his focus, he wasn’t just reaching people; he was solving their specific problems, turning listeners into raving fans. Whether you’re starting a podcast, launching a product, or marketing your services, Tracy’s journey is a great example of why less is often more. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical tips, be sure to check out The Dark Horse Entrepreneur podcast! And if you are looking for more resources for your business check out all the Tools at More than a Few Words

Using AI to add a neighborhood feel to your marketing may sound contradictory, but it’s possible when approached with the right mindset and structure. In this conversation with Peter Murphy Lewis, a fractional CMO and founder of StrategicPete.com, we explored how AI can actually make your messaging more authentic and personal. Peter shared actionable strategies for turning AI into a trusted assistant that speaks in your voice and resonates with your audience. Key Points from the Conversation: Ask the Right Questions: Start by compiling questions that generate the best AI responses. Document both the questions and the resulting answers to build a repeatable process. This is like creating a cheat sheet for future prompts that keeps your AI interactions consistent and productive. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop clear instructions for different content types, whether it's a LinkedIn post, newsletter, or blog. Think of this as choosing the right outfit for the occasion—what works for a networking event is different from a casual weekend gathering. Define Your Voice: Record yourself answering key questions about your business, approach, and audience. This raw audio becomes an invaluable resource to train AI to mimic your voice and tone. It also makes fantastic content for marketing if you’re up for a little editing. Tailor Communication to Different Audiences: Just as you adjust your language and attire depending on the crowd, your messaging should adapt too. Peter highlighted the importance of speaking differently to a private equity client versus a startup founder while staying true to your core personality. Select the Right Tools: Peter recommended several AI and marketing tools. His advice? Keep experimenting, but maybe limit the subscriptions to avoid upsetting your spouse! Actionable Takeaways: About Peter Murphy Lewis Peter Murphy Lewis, founder of StrategicPete.com and seasoned fractional CMO, steps in when CEOs are swimming in data but struggling to convert it into growth. Known for his dynamic approach and hands-on expertise—built from scaling and selling companies across continents—Peter specializes in turning metrics into revenue across industries like travel, software, media, banking, and even zoos. With two TV shows and documentaries to his name, Peter’s credibility in driving impactful narratives is unmatched. Supported by his team of 15 specialists, he partners with clients to break through growth barriers, establish powerful strategies, and leave behind a self-sustaining marketing system.

I know you think you know everything there is to know about LinkedIn, but trust me—there’s always more to learn. That’s exactly what I found when I chatted with Sam Swirsky, a LinkedIn coach and writer who’s helped some of the biggest content creators build hyper-engaged fan bases. He shared actionable advice on how small business owners can do more than just collect followers—they can cultivate real, engaged communities on the platform. Key Takeaways and Actionable Insights: Engagement is a Two-Way Street: Comment thoughtfully, respond to messages, and create posts that invite genuine discussions. Make your audience feel seen and valued—relationships build loyalty. Try This: Start or end your next post with a question that sparks conversation. Avoid Engagement Pods: They might give you vanity metrics, but they won’t build meaningful relationships or generate business results. Try This: Focus on interacting authentically with five new people every week. Go Live (Even if it Scares You): Whether live or pre-recorded, streams are a great way to showcase expertise and start meaningful conversations. Try This: Plan a 10-minute live session with 3 talking points. Invite a colleague or client to keep the conversation natural. Sharpen Your Profile: Be specific about who you help and the results you deliver. Try This: Review your profile headline—does it clearly state your offer? If not, rewrite it with a focus on outcomes. Consistency Beats Perfection: Showing up regularly builds trust. Aim for good, not flawless. Try This: Commit to posting at least once a week, even if it's a simple post sharing a lesson learned or industry tip. Whether you're fine-tuning your profile or experimenting with live streams, the key is showing up as your authentic self and focusing on meaningful connections. Those relationships are the foundation for real growth on LinkedIn. LEARN MORE ABOUT SAM He has been a LinkedIn coach & writer since 2021 & have worked with many of the largest creators on the platform, including: Justin Welsh (Currently ranked as the #1 creator on LinkedIn), Alex & Leila Hormozi, & Tasleem Ahmad Fateh who recently named me as the “Hardest Working Creator” on LinkedIn. My specialty is in growing a hyper-engaged fanbase for businesses & founders.

In every sales conversation, there comes that moment when you're so excited about what you do, you want to share everything you know. But that is often a mistake, as Janice Porter, a LinkedIn trainer and relationship marketing strategist explained in our conversation, for the What Went Wrong Series Janice found herself giving away premium insights during free webinars and initial consultations. Like many of us who started as educators, her natural instinct to teach was getting in the way of building a sustainable business. During our conversation, Janice shared her journey of learning to balance generosity with strategy, walking the fine line between offering value and undervaluing your own work. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion: Stop Giving Away the Store - The key is to give enough value to demonstrate expertise while leaving room for clients to want more. Finding Balance in Presentations - Instead of solving every problem upfront, focus on sparking curiosity. Let potential clients see what you can do without showing them how to do it all themselves. Master the Art of Listening - Whether you’re pitching a product or networking, ask thoughtful questions and tailor your responses to what the other person truly needs. It’s not about overwhelming them with information but finding the right “hook” to keep them engaged. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for the Sale - Set expectations early in a conversation, like letting prospects know you’ll be discussing next steps, makes that final question feel natural instead of pushy. Actionable Takeaway If you find yourself “giving away the store,” step back and evaluate how much value you’re offering in your initial interactions. Practice holding back just enough to leave clients curious, and don’t shy away from asking for the sale. Balance teaching with selling, and you’ll see your efforts turn into results. Looking for more resources for your business - check out all the tools at MoreThanaFewWords.com

If you’ve been playing around with ChatGPT to write a few social posts or even draft a blog, congratulations—you’re off to a good start. But let’s be honest, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this conversation with Stephen Lewis, a seasoned marketer and head of Sydney-based agency Tailist, we explore how to make ChatGPT your marketing partner rather than just a copy assistant. With insights drawn from years of experimenting with AI tools, Stephen shares practical advice on turning ChatGPT into a research powerhouse, a strategic consultant, and a creative collaborator for your business. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation: ChatGPT as a Research Tool: Most people think ChatGPT just mimics human writing, but it's also a brilliant research assistant. Since it has "read" countless blog posts, forums, and articles, it can provide deep insights into audience preferences, fears, and motivations that people might not even admit in a traditional interview. Ask Better Questions: If you want valuable answers, start asking ChatGPT more thoughtful questions. For example, don't just ask why your target audience might want to buy your product—ask about the reasons they wouldn't admit to their friends or the hidden objections holding them back. Turn ChatGPT into a Consultant: Instead of treating ChatGPT like a task-driven assistant, let it ask you questions. Stephen emphasizes how this two-way conversation can reveal what's missing in your messaging and strengthen your overall marketing strategy. Synthetic Data for Customer Personas: ChatGPT can simulate interviews with your ideal customers, offering insights that are surprisingly comparable to real-life focus groups. This synthetic data can help you craft more accurate and compelling customer personas. It's a Partnership: AI isn’t magic—it’s a partnership. To get the most out of ChatGPT, you need to know what to ask and be ready to collaborate actively. Stephen describes this approach as "working in partnership" with the tool rather than expecting it to hand over all the answers effortlessly. Ready to take your AI game up a notch? Stephen even offers a resource called the "Clarity Engine" to help business owners solve their biggest marketing problems with ChatGPT’s help. It’s a great next step if you’re eager to see just how much more this tool can do for your business.

E-mail marketing has changed, and so must your approach if you want to reach your audience in 2025. I chatted with MV Braverman, founder of Inbox Welcome, to talk about e-mail deliverability—a topic often overlooked but absolutely essential. While we all obsess over catchy subject lines and beautiful designs, none of that matters if your e-mails never make it to the inbox. MV shared practical advice to help you understand deliverability and improve your results. Here are a few of the key takeaways: Authentication is Non-Negotiable To combat spam, providers like Google and Yahoo now require senders to authenticate their e-mails. Tools like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC ensure your e-mails are verified and trustworthy. But here’s the catch: while platforms like MailChimp can help you authenticate campaign emails, that’s only part of the puzzle. MV recommends a comprehensive setup covering all your email streams—like invoices, auto-responders, and proposals. Reporting Matters DMARC doesn’t just verify your emails—it also provides detailed reports about where your emails are landing (inbox vs. spam) and how they’re being perceived by providers like Microsoft. These insights are invaluable for spotting problems early. Focus on the Reader’s Experience Your emails should be accessible, mobile-friendly, and readable in both light and dark modes. MV pointed out that ignoring dark mode—a preference for up to one-third of email users—can make your emails nearly impossible to read. Don’t Rely Solely on Images While image-only emails may look appealing, they’re a disaster for accessibility. Many readers (including me!) block images by default, and with AI tools summarizing content, text is more important than ever. Always include descriptive, clear text in your emails. What You Can Do: Email marketing isn’t just about what you say—it’s about making sure people actually receive it.

I sat down for a conversation with Vince Warnock, an 11-time bestselling author and one of Adobe's top 25 marketers in the world. But what made our chat truly special wasn't his impressive credentials - it was his willingness to share his biggest mistakes and what he learned from them. Main takeaways from our conversation: 1. Even accomplished professionals battle imposter syndrome. Vince shared how he sabotaged his first book launch by canceling major media interviews with Forbes and Entrepreneur because that inner voice kept telling him he wasn't good enough. The lesson? Those feelings are normal - even Seth Godin and other marketing giants experience them. 2. The key to managing self-doubt isn't eliminating it - it's building a support network. Vince learned to surround himself with people who understand these challenges and can step in before self-sabotage takes hold. As he put it, "Imposter syndrome isn't bad. What's bad is what you choose to do with that information." 3. Lead magnets need strategic alignment. Vince attracted 30-40,000 signups with a free marketing tools guide, but these leads weren't interested in his actual services. He transformed his approach by creating content that guides potential clients through their journey - from choosing what book to write, to learning how to write it, to getting help with the writing process. The big lesson here? Success isn't about avoiding mistakes - it's about learning from them and building systems to handle challenges better next time. Whether it's imposter syndrome or marketing missteps, the path forward is through honest self-reflection and smart adjustments to your approach. Actionable Takeaways: - Before your next big launch or project, identify 2-3 trusted mentors who can support you when self-doubt creeps in - Review your lead magnets: Do they attract people who want what you actually sell? - Create a clear path from your free content to your paid offerings - When collecting information from prospects, only ask for what you truly need right now - Build your marketing funnel around solving your customers' real barriers and challenges at each step Looking for more conversations and ideas for your small business? Check out www.morethanafewwords.com

I love podcasts! As a host and a guest, I’ve seen firsthand how they spark connections, showcase expertise, and open doors to new opportunities. But being a podcast guest isn’t just about showing up—it’s about building relationships, adding value, and promoting your appearance long after the recording ends. That’s why I was so excited to chat with Angel Tuccy, who knows the podcasting world inside and out. With 15 bestselling books and a knack for connecting hosts and guests through her Need a Guest Facebook community, Angel shared some practical, no-nonsense advice on how to make the most of podcast guesting as a marketing strategy. Key Points from the Conversation: Quality Over Quantity in Podcast Pitches: Instead of cold-emailing dozens of podcast hosts, focus on building genuine relationships. Engage with hosts by listening to their shows, sharing their content, and interacting meaningfully before pitching yourself as a guest. Promote Your Appearances: Don’t let your podcast interviews fade into obscurity. Angel suggests creating a Google spreadsheet to track your appearances and repurposing the content through blog posts, social media, and email campaigns to keep the buzz alive long after the episode airs. Be Relatable and Authentic: Great podcast conversations aren’t perfectly polished—they’re human. Be ready for unscripted moments, embrace the quirks of live dialogue, and let your personality shine through. Add Value to the Audience: Whether it’s sharing actionable insights or telling stories that resonate, focus on providing meaningful content that helps listeners. This builds trust and encourages them to follow both you and the podcast host. Leverage Communities Like Need a Guest: Joining networks where podcast hosts actively seek guests can dramatically improve your booking rate. Being part of a vetted community often leads to more natural connections and opportunities. Your Next Steps: If you enjoyed this conversation sign up for our newsletter at MoreThanaFewWords.com - There you will find hundreds of conversations, just like this, along with white papers, webinars and so much more.

Consistency, Community, and Credibility There’s this common myth that as a business owner, you’ve got to do it all. LinkedIn can feel overwhelming, but today, Nina Froriep debunked that myth and showed us how to simplify and thrive on the platform. Her approach is a breath of fresh air—practical, doable, and built for business owners who’d rather spend time serving clients than battling algorithms. Key Takeaways: Consistency Beats Frequency: Posting once a week at the same time and day yields better results than flooding the platform randomly. Think of it as training both the algorithm and your audience—regularity builds recognition. Engagement Builds Credibility: Your LinkedIn feed is a virtual business card. Posts with thoughtful comments and genuine engagement show potential clients and collaborators that you’re active and respected in your field. Small Groups, Big Impact: Nina’s LinkedIn engagement group thrives because members prioritize reciprocity and accountability. They comment on each other’s posts within an hour, creating authentic connections and visibility. Invest in the Process: Paid groups tend to see higher participation. People value what they pay for, and Nina’s group offers more than just engagement—it’s a supportive community with resources and learning opportunities. Actionable Next Steps: If you’re ready to elevate your LinkedIn strategy, connect with Nina Froriep on LinkedIn to see how her approach could work for you. Looking for more resources for your business? Check out the MTFW Resource Page

You know that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve been ignoring great advice or giving up on something that actually worked? We’ve all been there, myself included. That’s why I loved this conversation with Matt Nettleton. As my most frequent podcast guest, Matt brought his signature blend of insight and candor to our “What Went Wrong?” series. Together, we revisited the missteps that taught us valuable lessons—like ditching a successful accountability group, setting goals that feel more like a prison sentence than a roadmap, and stubbornly resisting good advice. If you’ve ever tripped over your own decisions, this one’s for you. Actionable Takeaways Want to hear the full conversation and laugh along at our shared “oops” moments? Tune in to this episode—it might just save you from making the same mistakes! Look for more: https://podfollow.com/more-than-a-few-words

When I was Vice President of Creative Services at Conseco, we were always out of literature for key products. In the insurance business literature is all you have to sell, so these outages would cripple our sales team. Out out of stock list was routinely close to 300 different items and climbing. While we had numerous meetings on the subject nothing ever changed. So I stopped talking about procedures and policy and asked a simple question "If our goal was a back order level of 100 what would we do?" Defining a specific target, instead of vague "get better" gave a focus to our discussions. Every day we knew exactly how far we were from our target. As an added incentive, I offered to take the print team to any restaurant in town if we reduced our back orders to 100 by September. 1. The date gave us the sense of urgency we needed to keep this in the forefront of our discussions. We kicked off every production meeting with a brief conversation about the back-order list and the ideas started flowing. We instituted a "red flag" for any project associated with back order items. Every team, editors, designers, writers and account executives agreed if a red tag landed on their desk it was their first priority. Slowly the numbers started to improve; We posted the daily results on the way so we could see our progress in real time. . On September 1, we went to lunch at Cafe Nora. There are several important lessons for small business owners in this story: