Send us a text

UK's top public speaking coach and author of Just F*cking Say It!, Susie Ashfield, breaks down how to create messages that actually stick: simple, unexpected, vivid, and easy to retell. 

I’ve been a fan of Susie’s for years, so I was delighted when she agreed to be the closing speaker at my Mini Marketing Marathon in August. In this conversation, she pulls back the curtain on what really builds confidence on stage and in front of the camera, and how to land one clear message your audience won’t forget.

🔹Most experts struggle with the curse of knowledge: they know too much and jump straight into the deep end instead of landing one clear, simple message.

🔹Your message should pass the “eight-year-old test”: if an eight-year-old can’t understand it, it’s probably too complex.

🔹To grab attention, build in something different or unexpected so the brain takes a “mental screenshot” of your message.

🔹Make data tangible: turn abstract numbers into concrete images (like stadiums full of fans) so people can actually feel the scale.

🔹Public speaking gets easier by doing it, not avoiding it. Confidence comes from repetition, practice, and preparation, not from waiting until you “feel ready.”

🔹Everything should come back to your key message and your “why”:
 → Why are you doing this (inform, entertain, persuade, sell)?
 → If your audience remembers only one sentence, what should it be?

📌 Grab your copy of Just F*cking Say It on Amazon today Click here 

Yes, this is an affiliate link so I might make a small commission. 

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Staying on top of content creation is a struggle. I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone who has extra time. Certainly not a business owner or entrepreneur like me. 

In this solo episode, I take you through a simple, adaptable workflow that can help you create more content without stress overload. And how to share that content across a variety of social media platforms without feeling overwhelmed. 

Top Takeaways

🔹Choose one format, write three tips and record 15.
🔹Pick one problem and choose the format.
🔹Record for 15 to 25 minutes.
🔹Grab three to five B-roll clips from the footage.
🔹Add a mix of voiceover and text on screen.
🔹Post one clip on LinkedIn (50 words, a slide or less).
🔹Repurpose one clip on Substack as a note.
🔹Combine a couple of clips and takeaways for a Substack post.

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Staying consistent with video content, especially if you're not comfortable on camera, can be challenging. This is why many content creators rely on B-roll footage to transform everyday life into shareable stories that viewers relate to.  

In this solo episode, I share tips and techniques for gathering and creating posts using B-roll (aka raw footage), like using overlays and music, and easy-to-use video templates. 

Top Takeaways

🔹Document, don’t perform—capture real moments to reduce pressure and ship more. 

🔹Think in 3 simple ideas: what you’re doing, where to place the phone, what to show or tell.

🔹Turn clips into posts with one format: text-on-screen, voiceover with b-roll, or screen demo.

🔹Hook fast (first 1–3 seconds); keep caption lines short.

🔹Length guardrails: 7–20 seconds for quick tips; up to 60–90 seconds if you’re teaching.

🔹Voice over and music. Use no-lyrics tracks and keep music low so speech is clear. 

🔹Real-life example works: “Mission Grill Possible” turned a rainy grill into a high-engagement post.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Documentation
00:44 Transforming Everyday Moments into Content
01:05 Creating Engaging Video Posts

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Consistently creating engaging content is a struggle. That’s exactly why one of our Mini Marketing Marathon panels tackled it head-on—how to create strategically, stay visible, and avoid burnout with simple systems you can actually maintain.

I was delighted when Sara Clay, LinkedIn Coach, Kendra Corman, AI Marketing Expert, and Renee Lindo, Personal Stylist,  agreed to join me for the Content Without Chaos panel. They shared the strategies, tools, and workflows behind showing up every week—how to pick clear angles, capture small moments, repurpose smart, and measure lightly so momentum doesn’t stall.

🔹Pick a content bucket (problem you solve) and post one idea—don’t overpack it.

🔹Document, don’t perform: capture real moments and add one useful takeaway.

🔹Use AI with your own transcripts/examples so drafts keep your voice.

🔹Repurpose across channels; no one sees everything the first time.

🔹Set personal sharing lines and be consistent with them.

🔹Treat LinkedIn like a room: say hi, add value, keep it human.

🔹Track a few basics (views, saves, replies) in your own sheet weekly.

🔹Choose one primary platform you enjoy; protect handles elsewhere.

🔹One post = one point. Break big ideas into multiple posts.

🔹Tools that help: transcript/clip tools, simple editors, and reusable templates.

The panelists

Kendra Corman - AI Marketing Expert - LinkedIn Profile

Renee Lindo - Executive Image Stylist - LinkedIn Profile

Sarah Clay - LinkedIn Coach - LinkedIn profile 

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Wondering if being a podcast guest will boost your visibility and brand? The answer is YES!!! But only if the show is a good fit for you. 

Being invited to be a guest on a podcast can be flattering, but it's essential to evaluate the show before jumping on board. In this solo episode, I share how to see if the show is a good fit, and a few reasons why it might be better to launch your own show.  

Top Takeaways

🔹Make sure that the audience is a good fit for you.

🔹How to vet a show before you say yes.

🔹Only 43% of podcasts even reach eight episodes.

🔹Don't assume you'll get questions in advance or not.

🔹Don't assume podcasts are audio only, most are recorded on video.

🔹Why you should consider hosting your own show.

🔹Value of having a mix of solo and interview episodes.

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Running out of content ideas? Think you have nothing to say? You're not alone. 

A while back, I asked my network what keeps them from posting on social media.  

The top answer? They don’t know what to say.

If that sounds familiar, I created this for you. In this solo episode, I share 10 simple content ideas you can adapt and use to create posts consistently, without overthinking what to share next.

 Top Takeaways
 🔹Not knowing what to say is the #1 reason people don’t post content

 🔹Fear of judgment and feeling awkward on camera are close behind

 🔹Start with simple content ideas you can customize for your business

 🔹Share your own business mistakes to make your content relatable

 🔹Event-related posts (before or after) are easy and effective

 🔹“How-to” content is one of the fastest ways to build authority

 🔹Behind-the-scenes posts satisfy curiosity and build trust

 🔹Myth-busting content helps position you as an expert

 🔹Themed days (Motivational Monday, Tips Tuesday, etc.) can spark consistency

 🔹You don’t need original ideas—just your unique perspective 

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Thinking like a marketer isn’t about flashy tactics—it’s about basics, mindset, and using simple strategies that connect your ideal audience to your business. You’ll hear why “marketing” means the activities that bring customers to you, how the 4 Ps fit in, and how to apply it with a clear, customer-first lens. 

I’m delighted to share this session from my good friend, colleague, and marketing coach Brenda Meller. Although, the original Think Like a Marketer* presentation was done on video I know you'll pick up tons of tips and techniques from this audio version. 

Takeaways

🔹 Good marketing speaks to a clear ideal audience, is memorable, and unique—don’t just notice it, ask why it works. 

🔹 Marketing = activities that connect customers to you (with the classic 4 Ps: product, price, place, promotion). 

🔹 Aim for intentional marketing (a plan and roadmap) vs. unintentional (the 404-page problem). 

🔹 Shift into a customer-first mindset: write to one person; use “you/your” language so messages land. 

🔹 Always create a bridge to the future: tell people exactly what to do next (simple, specific CTAs). 

🔹 Surprise and delight: own mistakes, invite feedback—and reward people who help you improve. 

🔹 Engage your community and spell out the action you want (likes, comments, replies). 

🔹 Be an idea generator for others; small, thoughtful suggestions create memorable brand moments. 

🔹 Marketing is learnable—treat it like practice (think yoga): steady reps build skill and confidence. 

* Think Like a Marketer was part of the LIVE 4-hour Mini Marketing Marathon on September 11, 2025

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Are you ready to make your social media videos more professional without spending a lot more time or money? You might be surprised how easy it is.  

In this solo episode, I share 5 easy ways to level up the quality of your social media videos. It's not about spending hours editing or a ton on equipment. It's about being intentional with your video creation process. 

Top Takeaways

🔹Making videos more polished doesn't require fancy equipment.

🔹Using a script or notes can streamline the recording process.

🔹Cutting dead space improves viewer engagement.

🔹Camera angle affects how confident and approachable you appear.

🔹Using a simple strategy can reduce anxiety and improve delivery.

🔹Investing in an external mic significantly enhances audio quality.

🔹Recording one line at a time saves time during the editing process.

🔹Most people are more forgiving of poor video than poor audio quality.

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Staying consistent with video can be a challenge. Particularly on days when you're not camera-ready, don't have any time, or are just not in the mood.

In this episode, I share how to shift the way you think about video creation from performance to documentation. This means capturing real moments through B-roll footage and using templates to streamline the video creation process.

Top Takeaways
🔹Most people treat video like a performance
🔹Documenting captures what's already happening
🔹B-roll footage is perfect for everyday moments
🔹Templates can save time creating polished videos
🔹Using templates isn't cheating; it's smart
🔹Documenting can take the fear out of recording video
🔹People want real moments, not perfection
🔹Planning helps eliminate "what do I post?"
🔹Start building a B-roll library today

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...

Send us a text

Not surprisingly, I get asked "how to" questions about video all the time. In this solo episode, I share the 3 questions I get asked the most by consultants, entrepreneurs, and businesses that want to use video to build online visibility. 

During the session, I talk about what equipment you actually need (it's not a lot) and how to save time during the video creation process. I also explain my 14-day BOCA method you can use to become more comfortable on camera. 

Takeaways

🔹People often feel uncomfortable on camera due to overthinking.

🔹The BOCA method involves recording short videos daily for 14 days.

🔹Consistency in video creation leads to improvement over time.

🔹It's normal to dislike how you look or sound on video.

🔹A smartphone is sufficient for recording short videos.

🔹Investing in an external microphone enhances audio quality.

🔹Poor audio quality is less forgivable than poor video quality.

🔹Recording one line at a time saves time and reduces editing.

🔹Using a script or notes can streamline the recording process.

🔷 Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: htt...