Looking for actionable strategies in digital marketing, event promotion, and social media audience growth?

Want the inside story on the power of authenticity and resilience in business?

This episode is your go-to guide.

Key Takeaways:

• Event Marketing Secrets: How Benjamin leverages micro-influencers, geographic social media targeting, and eye-catching guerrilla campaigns to fill venues and drive ticket sales.
• Social Media for Local Brands: Strategic tips for building a hyperlocal audience, identifying authentic small-scale influencers, and creating content that gets people talking.
• Entrepreneurship with Adversity: Learn how overcoming dyslexia and health challenges shaped Benjamin’s fortitude, communication skills, and business approach—valuable lessons for anyone facing obstacles.
• Leveraging Technology: Discover the newest AI and assistive tools for learning differences and how they can level the playing field in business and education.
• Leadership & Team Management: Insightful discussion on building a team, delegating, setting code of conduct for event staff, and the importance of personal reputation in a service-driven business.

• Free Text to Speech & AI Voice Generator - ElevenLabs

I have one small favour to ask.

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Just search for Digital Marketing Stories

Welcome to another episode of Digital Marketing Stories.

This week, Jim talks to Joel Bondorowsky, a seasoned digital marketer and founder of PPC Designs, a boutique agency specializing in helping startups and e-commerce brands grow through paid media.

Introduced by a previous guest, Anton Shulke, Joel shares his journey from the early days of dial-up internet, when concepts like click-through rates and conversion rates were brand new, to building successful campaigns for well-known brands like Wix and similarweb.

Jim and Joel delve into the evolution of PPC advertising, navigating the shift from manual controls to AI-driven platforms like Google and Meta.

They discuss what’s gained and lost as algorithms take over, the impact on small businesses, and the critical importance of data-driven decision-making and signal quality.

Joel also opens up about his experiences as a speaker and educator, highlighting the value of sharing knowledge through events and training programs, and why real-world experience is still the best teacher in digital marketing.

Whether you're a marketing veteran or just dipping your toes into paid media, this episode is packed with insights on adapting to industry changes, managing client relationships, and using data to drive meaningful results.

Get ready for some practical advice, a touch of nostalgia, and a whole lot of digital marketing wisdom.

• Register Now and Start Your FREE Trial Immediately of Similarweb
• Semrush - SEO, keyword research

I have one small favour to ask.

Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.

Just search for Digital Marketing Stories

Are you a digital marketer, woman entrepreneur, or aspiring business owner aiming to make a real impact in the online world?

This episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Michelle Thames shares her inspiring journey from being fired to becoming a self-taught marketing powerhouse, all while building a thriving online community for women over the age of 42.

Discover why carving out your own lane and leveraging your existing skills is the key to sustainable business success - especially in male-dominated industries.

Learn how Michelle:

• Helps women monetize their expertise using social media, email marketing, and non-cookie-cutter strategies
• Builds tight-knit, supportive communities—through weekly coaching calls, exclusive webinars, mastermind events, and luxury retreats
• Utilizes short, fuss-free podcast episodes (more than 500 of them) to deliver value and practical tips you can implement right away
• Maintains authenticity and demonstrates her credibility by “being in the trenches” and leading by example
• Navigates challenges, pivots through economic changes, and finds fulfillment by pursuing passion over profit
• Experiments with new platforms like Substack to enhance audience engagement and monetization

Key Takeaways for Marketers & Entrepreneurs:

• The importance of visibility - how to get noticed, attract clients, and build your authority online
• How community-driven support accelerates learning, resilience, and business growth
• Why batching content, systematising networking, and taking care of your mindset are crucial for long-term success
• The vital need to build client relationships that are genuine, not just transactional
• Strategies for leveraging new digital platforms to boost reach and revenue

It's a great episode you don't want to miss it.

Tools Used To Help Make The Show

• Spotter Studio - The all-in-one YouTube Ideation Suite
• Castmagic
• Descript - Video editing, filler word removal
• Opus Clips - Create short video clips using AI

I have one small favour to ask.

Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.

Just search for Digital Marketing Stories

We are back with the start of Season 3 of Digital Marketing Stories

After a much-needed sabbatical, host Jim Banks returns with a fresh perspective and an exciting guest to kick things off.

Kirsten Graham, is the co-owner of Six Figure Business Coaching.

In this episode Kirsten shares her 15+ years of entrepreneurial experience, diving into the world of outsourcing, automation, and the power of video marketing for small businesses.

Kirsten reveals why she believes YouTube is just as crucial for business owners today as a website was back in the early 2000s, and how genuine video content can forge meaningful client connections—even before a handshake. Jim and Kirsten get honest about the realities of solopreneurship, overcoming the fear of being on camera, building authentic communities (online and off), and using evergreen content to consistently attract the right clients.

They also chat about the importance of staying hands-on with your finances, how to embrace support through outsourcing, adapting to the rise of AI, and the untapped value of maintaining an active email list.

Plus, the conversation touches on finding your voice as a content creator, market research secrets, the unexpected magic of podcasting, and why sometimes your best clients find you—not the other way around.

Whether you’re ready to scale to six figures or just getting started in your business journey, this episode is packed with stories, practical insights, and a few laughs to inspire your next chapter.

If you are an aspiring female business owner this is an episode not to be missed.

• Spotter Studio - The all-in-one YouTube Ideation Suite
• YouTube - Six Figure Business
• Instagram - Six Figure Business
• Six Figure Business Coaching
• Descript - Video editing, filler word removal

I have one small favour to ask.

Would you please follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Your support helps inspire me to get more guests to come and share their stories.

Just search for Digital Marketing Stories

Joe Rare is a serial entrepreneur and digital marketing expert from Montana.

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories Joe discusses the influx of people moving to Montana due to its portrayal on the TV show Yellowstone.

He shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his admiration for a successful business owner in his youth and reading 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' at 18.

Joe emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, his experiences with highs and lows, and his transition into real estate investment and digital businesses of which he has many.

He also delves into the significance of effective communication with virtual assistants, the impact of AI on business, and strategies for growth and maximising efficiency.

The episode concludes with Joe's insights on the cyclical nature of business and the value of learning from failure.

If you have any desire to understand how Virtual Assistants (VA's) can help grow your business this is a must listen to episode you need to listen to the very end of.

• The 4-Hour Work Week - Tim Ferris
• Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode, Jim welcomes Ben Jones, CEO of Titan Marketer, a YouTube advertising specialist based in Perth, Australia.

Ben shares insights into his company's focus on YouTube ads, the shift from consulting to a done-for-you agency, and his global recognition in the industry.

They talk about the effectiveness of different advertising platforms, and cast a critical eye on Performance Max campaigns and the advantages of YouTube ads for lead generation.

They cover targeting strategies, creative content processes, and the impact of AI on advertisers.

They talk about the evolving landscape of in-person events in a post-COVID world and the nuances of successful YouTube ad campaigns generally.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to harness the potential of YouTube advertising.

• Semrush

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode of Digital Marketing Stories, Jim interviews Peter Murphy Lewis, also known as Strategic Pete.

Pete discusses his background growing up in Kansas, working in Boston, and living in Chile.

He explains his work as a fractional CMO, including his transition back to the U.S. and how he helps companies scale, rebrand, and increase revenue within a six to 18 month window before disengaging.

They discuss common mistakes businesses make, such as hiring agencies without a strategy and struggling with attribution in B2B marketing.

Pete also shares insights on the importance of organic social media, using data-driven techniques, and the value of CEOs hosting podcasts.

The episode highlights Pete's approach to solving problems, working with a dedicated team, and pushing marketing efforts to new limits.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

Mike Vannelli, the creative director of Think Envy, shares his evolution in the creative industry.

He started his career in the competitive music video sector, working with significant artists like Wiz Khalifa and Three 6 Mafia before shifting to advertising and commercial production.

Vannelli discusses how his business adapted to COVID-19 by leveraging backlog and quick adjustments that allowed them to return to filming smoothly in Los Angeles.

We touch on the impact and future of AI in video production, particularly in scriptwriting and ideation, and the increasing demand for high-quality advertisement content over UGC (User-Generated Content).

Mike shares insights on managing a production studio, including monetizing unused studio space by renting it out for podcasts and other content creation.

He explains the importance of diversification and flexibility in client offerings and their method of transparent pricing and service innovation using platforms like Fiverr.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Digital Marketing Stories. 

In this episode Jim talks to Angela Tipton and Travis Franklin, cousins and business partners specializing in marketing for biotech and agricuture tech companies.

They discuss how they entered the business, the fast-paced nature of these industries, and the importance of understanding client strategies deeply before execution.

They touch on advancements in drone technology, AI, and automation, and how these technologies are transforming marketing strategies.

The discussion explores the ethical implications of AI, the long-term impacts of marketing, and the responsibilities of marketers in shaping societal narratives.

Angela and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of aligning with clients who share similar ethical values.

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks. 

In this conversational podcast episode, Jim talks to Chris Smith from Podtastic Audio.

Chris is a podcaster as well as a truck driver from San Diego. 

They discuss Chris's podcasting journey with his wife, the origin and success of his podcast 'Podtastic Audio,' and his experience balancing work life and podcasting. 

Chris shares insights on effective podcast hosting and guesting, including the importance of delivering value, having a clear message, and the benefits of a good story. 

The episode touches on the evolution of podcasting technology, challenges faced, and tips for improving audio quality. 

The conversation concludes with how Chris provides podcasting services for clients and his plans for the future, including writing a book.

• Descript - Video editing, filler word removal
• Notion - Podcast workflow and episode distribution

I have one small favour to ask, as you listen to the episode would you please follow the show on whichever platform you prefer to listen to podcasts on.

If you consume video podcasts then subscribe to the podcast over on YouTube Music is your best choice and you can subscribe to receive notifications of future episodes.

For audio, find and follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever else you listen, just search for Bad Decisions with Jim Banks.