Rocky Mountain Marketing- Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

What if AI isn’t saving you time… Not because it’s not powerful enough, but because you’re using it the exact same way as everyone else? If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT, asked it to write something, and thought “this is going to make everything easier”… only to spend the next 20 minutes fixing it, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. But you are missing the bigger shift. Because right now, most business owners are using AI to speed up the first draft. And that helps. But it doesn’t actually change how you operate. You’re still making every decision. You’re still editing everything. You’re still carrying the mental load. Which means you’re still the bottleneck. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m kicking off a four part series on AI, and we’re starting with the shift most people have not made yet. The difference between using AI as a content tool… and using AI like a CEO. Because those are two very different things. One gives you more to manage. The other gives you your time back. In this episode, I walk through: Because the goal is not more content. It’s more capacity. Timestamps [00:00:00] – Why AI Isn’t Saving You Time (Yet) [00:01:30] – Using AI Like a CEO vs Just a Tool [00:03:00] – Why AI Isn’t Reducing Your Workload [00:04:30] – Shift: From Content Creation to Business Support [00:06:00] – Your Real Bottleneck: Capacity, Not Ideas [00:10:00] – Build Leverage Instead of Doing Everything Yourself [00:11:00] – What AI Support Looks Like for Business Owners [00:12:00] – Start Here: Your Anti-To-Do List Strategy [00:13:00] – From AI Beginner to Strategic Operator [00:14:00] – Next Step: Train AI to Think Like You Before you open AI again, do this first. Make a list of three things you do every single week that you never want to do again. Not someday. Not when you hire a team. Right now. That’s where AI should start helping. Because AI is not here to make you faster at doing everything. It’s here to help you stop doing the wrong things entirely. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had a video get views… but nothing actually came from it? No leads. No engagement. No real traction. And you’re left wondering—is this even working? Because here’s the truth: Views can be one of the most misleading metrics on YouTube. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down how to actually read your YouTube analytics—so you can stop guessing and start making strategic decisions that grow your business. Because YouTube gives you a lot of data. Views. Impressions. Click-through rate. Retention. And most business owners either: → Ignore it completely → Or obsess over the wrong numbers So let’s simplify it. You don’t need to track everything. You just need to understand what matters and what it’s telling you. In this episode, I walk through: Because if your content isn’t holding attention… it’s not building trust. And if it’s not building trust… it’s not driving business. Key Takeaways Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Why Views Alone Don’t Grow Your Business [00:01:00] – The Biggest YouTube Analytics Mistake [00:02:00] – Why Views Are a Misleading Metric [00:02:45] – What Actually Matters: Watch Time & Retention [00:03:30] – How to Use Audience Retention to Improve Content [00:04:00] – Fix This First: Your First 30 Seconds Matter Most [00:04:30] – Click-Through Rate: Are People Even Clicking? [00:05:00] – Thumbnail & Title Strategy That Drives Growth [00:05:30] – Impressions: Why You Might Not Be Getting Seen [00:06:00] – How to Diagnose Your YouTube Performance Fast [00:06:15] – Stop Chasing Views—Start Building Trust [00:06:30] – The Only 3 Metrics You Need to Track [00:07:00] – Turn Analytics Into Real Business Growth If you’ve been focused on views… this is your moment to shift. Go into your analytics Find where people drop off And fix your first 30 seconds Because that’s where your growth actually starts. And if you want your content to do more than just get watched—if you want it to build trust, generate leads, and grow your business— You don’t need more content. You need better insight. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been watching the rise of AI video, there’s a good chance you heard about Sora and thought, this changes everything. And in many ways, it did. But now, with OpenAI shifting away from Sora as a standalone tool, a lot of people are asking the wrong question. It’s not: Why is this tool going away? It’s: What does this tell us about where marketing—and AI—is actually going? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down what this shift really means for business owners, content creators, and entrepreneurs trying to use AI effectively. Because this isn’t about one tool. It’s about a much bigger shift—from standalone tools to integrated systems. We’re moving away from a world where you use five different tools for five different tasks… into a world where everything lives inside one ecosystem. And more importantly, we’re moving from flashy possibilities to practical application. In this episode, I walk through: Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Is Social Media Engagement Dying? [00:00:50] – 2025 Data: Where Engagement Is Dropping [00:01:30] – Why This Shift Is Actually Good News [00:02:00] – The Real Problem: Content Overload [00:02:40] – Why Standing Out Is Harder Than Ever [00:03:10] – How Algorithms Changed the Game [00:04:00] – You're Competing With the Entire Internet [00:04:40] – LinkedIn Strategy: Quality Over Likes [00:05:30] – What Happened to Threads (and Why It Matters) [00:06:10] – Vanity Metrics vs Real Business Growth [00:07:00] – Why Posting More Is the Wrong Move [00:07:40] – The Question Every Post Should Answer [00:08:10] – The 4-Post Strategy That Drives Results [00:08:50] – Engagement vs Relationships (Big Shift) [00:09:30] – The Only Metric That Actually Matters [00:10:00] – Build a Strategy That Survives Algorithms Because the businesses that win with AI won’t be the ones chasing every new tool. They’ll be the ones building systems that work—with or without them. If you’ve been jumping from one AI tool to the next… this is your moment to reset. Instead of asking, “What tool should I try next?” Ask: “How does this support my overall content strategy?” Because when your strategy is clear, everything changes. Your content becomes more consistent. Your workflow becomes more efficient. And the tools you use finally start working for you. Start with one piece of content this week—and focus on getting more value out of it. That’s where real growth happens. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you noticed your social media engagement dropping lately? Maybe your posts used to spark conversations… and now they feel like they disappear. If that’s happening, you’re not alone—and more importantly, it doesn’t mean your content stopped working. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down what’s actually happening across today’s social media landscape—and why engagement is shifting across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads. Because the real story isn’t that engagement is disappearing. It’s that the environment has changed. There is more content being created than ever before. More creators, more brands, more AI-generated posts—and all of it is competing for the same thing: attention. At the same time, platforms have shifted from chronological feeds to recommendation-based algorithms. That means your content isn’t just competing with people you follow—it’s competing with the entire internet. And when the game changes, your strategy has to evolve with it. In this episode, I walk through what’s driving these engagement shifts, how to think about platform changes more strategically, and what business owners should actually be focusing on moving forward. Because the goal of social media has never been engagement. It’s connection, trust, and relationships. Key Takeaways Timestamps [00:00:00] – Why Your Social Media Engagement Is Dropping [00:00:50] – 2025 Engagement Data (What’s Really Happening) [00:01:30] – The Truth: Social Media Isn’t Dying [00:02:00] – Why Content Is More Competitive Than Ever [00:02:40] – The Real Reason Your Posts Aren’t Performing [00:03:15] – Algorithm Shift: Competing With the Entire Internet [00:04:10] – LinkedIn Strategy: Quality Over Quantity [00:05:15] – Threads, Hype Cycles & Platform Burnout [00:06:10] – Why Engagement Metrics Can Mislead You [00:06:50] – Vanity Metrics vs Real Business Growth [00:07:20] – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make [00:07:45] – What Makes Content Actually Convert [00:08:10] – The 4-Post Strategy (Awareness → Action) [00:08:50] – Why Relationships Drive Revenue [00:09:20] – What to Do When Engagement Drops [00:09:45] – The One Question Every Marketer Should Ask If your engagement has dropped, don’t let it shake your confidence—use it as a signal to refine your strategy. Ask yourself: Is my content actually helping the right people take the next step? Because when your content is aligned with your audience, your offers, and your message… engagement becomes a byproduct—not the goal. And if you’re ready to move from random posting to a structured strategy that actually drives conversations, leads, and opportunities—that’s exactly where the real growth happens. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no shortage of conversations about AI right now. Everywhere you look, there’s a new tool promising to save you time, streamline your content, and simplify your marketing. But when I talk to business owners and entrepreneurs, I hear something very different. They’re using AI… but they’re not necessarily feeling more efficient. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m taking a step back from the hype to talk about what’s actually happening when AI meets real-world marketing. Because the issue isn’t whether AI works. The issue is how it’s being used. Too often, AI is introduced into a workflow without a clear strategy behind it. And when that happens, instead of saving time, it creates more decisions, more revisions, and more complexity. In this episode, I walk through where AI truly adds value in your marketing, where it tends to fall short, and how to think about using it in a way that actually supports your business goals. Because at the end of the day, tools don’t drive results. Strategy does. Key Takeaways Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Is AI Actually Saving You Time in Your Business? [00:00:45] – The Reality Behind AI Marketing Tools Today [00:01:30] – Why AI Without a Strategy Slows You Down [00:02:10] – The Overwhelm of Too Many AI Tools [00:03:00] – Why AI Content Still Needs Your Voice [00:03:40] – What AI Does Well for Small Businesses [00:04:20] – How to Use AI for Content Repurposing [00:05:00] – The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make with AI [00:05:50] – Why Strategy Matters More Than Tools [00:06:30] – Using AI to Scale Your Marketing Faster [00:07:10] – Focus on Strategy, Not Just More Content If you’ve been feeling like AI is adding more noise than clarity to your marketing… this is your sign to pause and reset. Take a step back and ask yourself: What is my strategy actually trying to achieve? Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever opened your podcast dashboard, looked at your downloads, and instantly judged whether your show was successful? If you’re like most podcasters, those numbers can start telling a story in your head. Sometimes it’s encouraging. Other times it’s discouraging. But here’s the problem: most podcasters misunderstand what their statistics actually mean. In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down how podcast analytics really work and why focusing on downloads alone can lead you to make the wrong decisions about your show. Key Takeaways Timestamp: 00:00 – Why Podcasters Misinterpret Their Analytics 01:05 – What a Podcast Download Actually Means 02:20 – Why Podcast Data Comes From Multiple Platforms 03:15 – Why Downloads Don’t Tell the Full Story 03:40 – The Three Podcast Metrics That Matter 03:55 – Listener Retention and Engagement 04:20 – Completion Rate and Content Quality 04:45 – Why Subscribers Are Your Most Valuable Audience If you’re an entrepreneur using podcasting as part of your marketing strategy, this episode will help you shift your perspective and start evaluating your podcast success the right way. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to create content that not only ranks on Google but actually converts customers? With search algorithms constantly evolving, AI reshaping how people discover information, and attention spans shorter than ever, the traditional content marketing playbook simply doesn’t work the way it used to. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media and author of Content Chemistry, to unpack what’s actually working in content marketing, SEO, and AI-driven discovery right now. Key Takeaways Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Introduction & Meet Andy Crestodina [00:02:45] – Biggest Content Marketing Shifts in 2025 [00:04:45] – LinkedIn Newsletters vs Email Lists [00:07:20] – Content That Actually Stands Out (Original Research & Thought Leadership) [00:10:20] – Why SEO Traffic Is Changing & The Rise of AI Search [00:14:20] – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) & AI-Friendly Websites [00:18:20] – Using AI for Content Strategy, Research, and Marketing [00:29:00] – Turning Content Into Sales & Higher Conversions Content marketing today isn’t just about ranking on Google. It’s about building trust, demonstrating expertise, and creating resources that help buyers make decisions. When your content answers real questions and supports your sales conversations, it becomes far more valuable than simply driving traffic. If you want to learn how to create content that ranks, resonates, and converts, this episode with Andy Crestodina is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt weird sliding into someone’s DMs? Let’s be honest — direct messages can feel personal. Almost intrusive. And with LinkedIn spam and automated bots everywhere, it’s easy to assume that DM outreach is sleazy. But what if I told you that the DMs are actually where the magic happens? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Jenna Larson, co-founder of GroupTrack CRM, to talk about how entrepreneurs can turn organic social media engagement into real revenue — without ads, without going viral, and without a massive following. And the results? Over $1.2 million in revenue last year — zero ad spend. We unpack: Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Why DMs Feel Awkward (But Drive Sales) [00:04:30] – $1.2M with No Ads or Viral Posts [00:08:05] – Why Automation Alone Doesn’t Convert [00:10:40] – The First DM You Should Always Send [00:16:00] – The 1-Line DM That Triples Responses [00:19:00] – How to Uncover Needs Without Being Pushy [00:22:00] – The Simple Follow-Up That Closes Sales [00:24:50] – How to Start DM Conversations with Small Audiences [00:28:40] – Turning 900 Followers into Revenue [00:31:30] – Where to Learn the Organic DM System If you’re tired of “post and pray” marketing, this episode will completely shift how you see social media. Because the truth is — you don’t need more followers. You need better follow-up. Visit Jenna Larson's social media pages: Website: https://grouptrackcrm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-larson-41659827/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the algorithm disappeared tomorrow? What if Instagram shut down your account? What if LinkedIn throttled your reach? Would you still be able to reach your audience? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Tracy Beavers, CEO and founder of Tracy Beavers Coaching, to talk about one of the most overlooked (yet powerful) marketing assets entrepreneurs have: your email list. Social media is visibility. But your email list? That’s ownership. Tracy and I unpack: If you’re building your business on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok alone, this episode will shift your entire perspective. 5 Key Takeaways Listen now and start building a marketing strategy that protects your business long term. Timestamps: 00:00 The Algorithm Problem 00:49 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:19 Meet Tracy Beavers 03:05 Why Email Lists Matter 06:02 When Social Media Fails 08:01 Escaping Facebook Jail 11:22 Starting Small Is Okay 14:25 Email vs Social Media 15:54 Realistic List Growth Goals 17:33 Creating Weekly Content 19:27 The Lead Magnet Strategy 21:33 Facebook Growth Strategies 22:26 Personal Profile Power 25:20 Business Pages for Social Proof 28:19 Best Lead Magnets Right Now 31:48 Connect with Tracy 33:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 34:25 Closing and Subscribe Visit Tracy Beavers online: Website: https://www.tracybeavers.com/ Facebook Group: https://tracybeavers.biz/bacekatiebpodcast The Social Media Made Easy Guide: Create 90 Days of Content Topics in Only 30 Minutes!: https://tracybeavers.biz/90in30katieb Create Online Success Podcast: https://www.tracybeavers.com/podcast Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you thought you knew about social media marketing in 2026 was actually backwards? In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down the 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report—and the data reveals something BIG. While 70% of marketers are prioritizing AI-generated content, consumers are asking for the exact opposite. They want real voices. Real connection. Real people. In this episode, I walk you through: If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where to spend your time, energy, and marketing budget this year, this episode will save you from expensive mistakes. Timestamps: 00:00 Everything You Know About 2026 Social Media Might Be Backwards 00:51 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing + What We’re Unpacking Today 01:21 Where Brands Are Investing in 2026 (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook) 04:10 Facebook Isn’t Dead: Discovery, Service & Community (Plus What to Post) 05:57 Instagram’s New Role: Episodic Reels & Entertainment-First Strategy 07:15 YouTube’s Big Moment: Long-Form, Product Education & Video Podcasts 08:33 TikTok Reality Check: Gen Z, Search Behavior & Authenticity Wins 09:53 Quick Break: How NeXTSTEP Social Helps You Simplify Your Strategy 10:49 The AI Disconnect: Marketers Want Automation, Consumers Want Humans 12:18 Use AI for Social Intelligence (Not Just Content) + Why Podcasts Help 14:15 What Consumers Actually Want From Brands in 2026 (6 Must-Do’s) 15:59 Your 2026 Action Plan: Pick Platforms, Be Human, Engage More 18:38 Final Thoughts + Subscribe, Connect, and Get the Book Ready to simplify your strategy and amplify your results? Visit NextStepSocial.com to build a data-backed content strategy that actually works. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re feeling burned out on social media and tired of battling the algorithm, it’s time to consider building something you own—like Substack. In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Fuhs, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and Marine Corps veteran who’s gone all in on Substack. We unpack how this platform has evolved far beyond a newsletter and why it might be the most strategic move you can make in your marketing right now. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Substack and Its Relevance 01:10 Meet the Guest: Jim Fs 02:04 Jim's Journey with Substack 04:45 Exploring Substack's Features 09:05 Substack as a Multimedia Platform 14:38 Maximizing Substack's Potential 25:32 Common Mistakes and Best Practices 30:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 32:38 Outro and Call to Action Whether you’re a content creator, coach, or business owner, this episode will help you take control of your marketing strategy in 2026. Visit Jim Fuhs online: Substack: https://jimfuhs.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfuhs/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dealcasters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dealcasters/id1554420305 Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my business partner and COO, Shawn Quintero, to unveil something close to our hearts: our brand new podcast—Behind the Practice. We're pulling back the curtain on how we’ve evolved as an agency, and why this new podcast is more than just another show—it’s a strategic shift designed to serve the heart of our mission: helping health and wellness experts turn their practice into a powerful, revenue-generating brand. We dive into: Behind the Practice Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction and Announcement 00:34 Meet the Co-Owner: Sean Quintero 02:32 Behind the Practice: Concept and Purpose 03:48 Personal Stories and Impact 06:51 Target Audience and Unique Approach 09:11 Podcast as a Marketing Tool 24:32 Operationalizing Your Podcast 26:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you're in the health and wellness space or an entrepreneur looking to scale your visibility, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Ready to see what’s Behind the Practice? Tune in now and discover how a podcast can become your most powerful business asset. Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down one of the most critical changes we’ve seen on TikTok in a while. With new ownership under the U.S.-based TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, retrained algorithms, and updated Terms of Service, business owners and creators are rightfully asking: Should I still be investing time here? I walk you through what these updates mean, how to respond strategically, and the crucial distinction between your marketing content and your business assets. If TikTok is part of your growth strategy, this is a must-listen. 5 Key Takeaways: TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Shift:Retrained Algorithm, Real Impact:New Terms of Service:Don’t Use Social as a Storage Vault:Build an Exit Ramp Now: Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my partner-in-purpose (and co-owner of Next Step Social), Shawn Quintero, to break down how we’re using Lunch and Learn workshops to bring business owners and their teams clarity, confidence, and actionable results—without sales pressure or shiny-object overwhelm. As we kick off 2026, we’re leaning into education-first marketing and showing business leaders how to activate their teams, build trust through content, and show up consistently on social—organically and strategically. 5 Key Takeaways: Lunch and Learns aren’t new—but we’ve modernized the modelThe Internal Influencer StrategyConfidence is the biggest ROI.It’s not a pitch.Clarity beats complexity. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Need for Clarity in Marketing 00:52 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:21 Meet Sean Ero: COO and Co-Owner of NeXTSTEP Social 02:02 The Concept of Lunch and Learns 02:32 The Evolution and Impact of Lunch and Learns 03:27 Training Staff to Leverage Social Media 03:59 The Role of Internal Influencers 04:42 Hands-On Training and Immediate Results 05:36 Education-First Marketing Philosophy 06:10 Differentiating Our Lunch and Learns 06:48 Bridging the Education Gap and Accelerating Sales 09:29 Empowering Teams with Clarity and Confidence 12:20 Balancing Education and Sales 15:26 Building Trust and Relationships 20:28 Conclusion: The Power of Clarity and Relationships 21:29 Outro: Stay Connected and Keep Learning Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with Lianna Patch, a conversion copywriter and comedian, to talk about what really makes content convert in 2026—humor, voice, and human connection. With so much AI-generated content out there, the businesses that win are the ones who sound like themselves. We dive into practical ways to make your copy more engaging, where AI fits into the mix, and why the funniest brands tend to be the most memorable. Key Takeaways: you Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Engaging Copywriting 00:51 Meet Our Guest: Leanna Patch 02:07 The Role of Humor in Marketing 03:21 AI vs. Human Copywriting 04:42 Using Humor Effectively in Copy 06:22 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 08:26 Practical Tips for Better Copywriting 18:06 Upcoming Workshop and Resources 23:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you’re writing email funnels or social captions, this episode is your permission slip to sound like a human again. Visit Lianna Patch's social media pages: Website: https://punchlinecopy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannapatch Wanna have more fun on stage? https://punchlinecopy.com/speak-funny-training/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m diving into something that’s been on every entrepreneur’s mind this year: do goals still matter in 2026? The world is changing fast, and with the rise of AI, shifting priorities, and burnout creeping in, it’s easy to lose sight of your direction. But here’s the truth: goals still matter—when you know how to set them right. I’ll share how to: directional goals Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Embracing the Uncertainty of Goal Setting 00:38 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:08 The Reality of Goal Setting in 2026 04:29 The Importance of Writing Down Goals 09:33 Setting Directional Goals 10:34 Marketing Goals for 2026 11:39 Behavior Goals: The Key to Consistency 14:23 The Role of AI in Achieving Goals 20:28 Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Time and Staying Focused 21:54 Conclusion and Call to Action If you’re looking to reclaim your focus, strengthen your strategy, and finally commit to what matters this year, this episode is for you. Let’s reset your strategy for 2026 and start taking aligned action—together. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2025 wraps up, I’m taking you behind the data to reveal the top 10 most downloaded episodes of Rocky Mountain Marketing this year—and the biggest theme that kept emerging: trust-first strategy over trends. In this year-end special, you’ll hear from brilliant guests like Gordon Firemark, Megan Dougherty, Mike Swenson, Lisanne Murphy, Sarah Nay, and more. We cover everything from building trust in the age of AI, creating human-first content, crisis-proofing your brand, to leveraging SEO and podcasting for sustainable growth. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by marketing "shoulds"—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and get strategic. In this episode, you'll learn: Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Intentional Marketing 00:21 Introduction to Rocky Mountain Marketing 00:51 Year-End Review: Key Insights from 2025 02:18 Top 10 Episodes Countdown: Legal Protection for Podcasters 05:54 Podcast Blueprints for Business Success 08:54 Crisis-Proofing Your Brand 11:45 Transforming Your Website into a Sales Machine 15:29 Sustainable Growth Strategies for Small Businesses 18:19 Using Psychology to Attract Dream Clients 20:40 Finding Clarity and Passion in Entrepreneurship 21:37 Getting Your Local Business on Google's First Page 25:25 Human-First AI Marketing with Mike Monte 29:06 Turning Cold DMs into Warm Conversations 33:54 Trust-First Marketing Without Posting Every Day 38:44 Final Thoughts and Year-End Reflections Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this recap is packed with timeless advice to guide your 2026 strategy. Hit follow and subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss the powerful conversations we have coming next year! Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let me guess—you didn’t start your business to spend hours copying and pasting, chasing down leads, or drowning in admin work. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Allton, Director of Partner-Led Growth at Agorapulse and founder of The AI Hat, to uncover how AI can truly give you back your most valuable resource: time. We break down how to move beyond using AI just for content creation and explore how it can reduce “admin drag,” support revenue-driving activities, and elevate your strategic thinking. Mike shares what revenue architecture really means and how solopreneurs and sales teams can use AI to scale smarter—not louder. If you’re ready to reclaim your schedule and protect the human side of your business, this episode is your roadmap. What You’ll Learn: revenue partner Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The AI Time-Saving Revolution 00:34 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:04 The Real Opportunity with AI 01:46 Introducing Mike Alton: AI and Revenue Architecture 02:37 Understanding Admin Drag and AI Solutions 05:23 The Role of AI in Sales and Marketing 08:12 Implementing AI: Practical Steps and Benefits 18:57 Revenue Architecture: Integrating AI into Processes 25:18 The True ROI of AI: Time and Trust 33:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Ready to take back your time? Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing and never miss an episode packed with strategies to scale your business with purpose—and less stress. Visit Mike Allton's social media pages: Website: https://theaihat.com/connect/ Agorapulse: https://www.agorapulse.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeallton Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes some creators cut through the noise while others just… fade into the scroll? In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jay Acunzo, international speaker, storytelling coach, and the mastermind behind the “resonance over reach” philosophy. Jay has worked with brands like Google, HubSpot, and ESPN—and today, he shares what really helps coaches, creators, and business leaders connect with their audience in a meaningful, profitable way. We talk about how to uncover clarity in your message, why most “signature talks” miss the mark, and how you can structure your communication to inspire change—not just attention. If you’re trying to grow your thought leadership, book speaking gigs, or create content that sticks, this conversation is a masterclass. What you'll learn: Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effortless Attention 00:27 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 00:58 Introducing Jay Acunzo: Master of Clarity 06:43 The Importance of Public Speaking 14:12 Crafting Memorable Stories 19:19 The Four Beats of Storytelling 19:54 Align: Understanding Your Audience 20:07 Agitate: Highlighting the Problems 21:00 Assert: Presenting Your Solution 21:32 Invite: Engaging Your Audience 22:36 The Importance of Personal Branding 23:14 Finding Your Unique Speaking Voice 24:28 The Role of Authenticity in Speaking 25:59 Developing and Refining Your Ideas 28:37 Practical Tips for Nervous Speakers 31:17 The Power of a Creative Practice 33:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Tune in now, and let’s help you build a message that actually moves people. Visit Jay Acunzo online: Website: https://jayacunzo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-stories-happen/id1736586770 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jayacunzo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to stop doing it all yourself and build a high-performing team? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, Katie Brinkley sits down with Shawn Quintero, COO and co-owner of Next Step Social & Podcasting, to share exactly how they scaled a remote team that runs on clarity, collaboration, and strong company culture. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Real Challenge in Business 00:45 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:19 Meet the COO: Sean Quintero 02:38 The Importance of Hiring and Onboarding 04:01 Building Effective Systems and Culture 05:27 Managing People: Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence 06:35 Making Tough Decisions: Letting Go and Hiring Right 15:16 Onboarding and Training: Setting Up for Success 20:09 Addressing Performance Issues 24:03 Creating a Positive Remote Work Culture 29:10 Conclusion: People Are People 30:20 Outro: Subscribe and Stay Connected If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or agency owner who’s tired of bottlenecking your business, this is the episode that will help you step fully into your leadership role. Don’t miss it—hit play now and discover what it takes to scale your team with confidence. Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.