In this solo episode, host Cary Weston dives into a key blind spot that sneaks into how businesses communicate: forgetting what it's like to be the buyer. Cary unpacks how the "curse of knowledge" and internal assumptions can create confusion, missed opportunities, and even unintentional friction in the sales process. Through real-life examples, including a hands-on workshop with a small business and a chat about sludge (a term lifted from a Freakonomics episode), Cary shows how objectivity and empathy are secret weapons in marketing. He also shares how tools like ChatGPT can help you see your business through fresh eyes.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

• The curse of knowledge is real: What's obvious to you may be totally confusing to someone new. That disconnect can cost you sales.

• Sludge slows everything down: From unclear files to clunky processes, anything that creates friction in the buying experience is worth removing.

• Empathy drives better marketing: Looking at your messaging from a first-time buyer's perspective helps you connect faster and more clearly.

ABOUT CARY WESTON

A certified marketing coach and former ad agency owner with over 25 years of experience, Cary works with business leaders and marketing folks who are tired of the confusion, wasted time, and second-guessing. He helps businesses make common-sense marketing decisions, so you get more out of the time, talent, and money you invest in marketing your business.

CONNECT WITH CARY

• Practical Marketing Podcast Website: www.PracticalMarketingShow.com

• ChatGPTExperiment Podcast Website: www.ChatGPTExperiment.com

• Cary's Consulting Website: www.CMWeston.com

• LinkedIn: Cary Weston on LinkedIn

MUSIC CREDITS

The instrumental music used in this podcast is called "StrivingForSuccess" by TimTaj.