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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with Nathalie Doremieux, co-founder of a family-run tech and e-learning business, to discuss how artificial intelligence can help accelerate business results and amplify impact—without losing the human touch.

Nathalie shares her 20-year entrepreneurial journey from Silicon Valley software engineer to e-learning innovator, and how she began integrating AI into her business long before it became mainstream. 

Together, she and Kendra explore:

AI as a Problem-Solving Tool

• Why you should start with identifying the problem before choosing a tool
• How Nathalie and her husband created an AI tool to make course replays searchable—boosting engagement and client results
• The importance of focusing on outcomes and client success, not just shiny new tech

Finding the Gaps in Your Business

• How to spot inefficiencies and pain points in your customer journey
• Using data, testimonials, and client feedback to identify opportunities for AI integration
• Why success metrics should focus on transformation and retention—not just revenue

Human + AI: A Powerful Partnership

• How to combine AI’s analytical power with human creativity and empathy
• Why AI works best when used to personalize and connect rather than replace human interaction
• Nathalie’s “Podcast Lead Flow” tool—using AI to analyze podcast episodes, generate personalized listener follow-ups, and turn audiences into leads

Marketing Lessons Learned

• The importance of running structured marketing experiments—test, measure, and iterate
• Why “imperfect action” beats waiting for perfection
• How clarity in what you measure helps drive smarter marketing strategies

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

• Start with the why—AI is only as good as the problem it’s solving
• Use AI to enhance, not replace, human experience and connection
• Embrace experimentation: marketing and innovation are both art and science

Whether you’re an online course creator, podcaster, or small business owner curious about integrating AI, this episode will help you reframe how to use technology strategically—without losing the heart of your business.

Connect with Nathalie:
Website: https://themembershiplab.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliedoremieux/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568147271872

🎧 Tune in to learn how to combine AI’s power with your human creativity to scale faster and smarter.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with Amir Elion, founder of Think Big Leaders and a global expert on innovation and AI strategy. Together, they unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming innovation, marketing, and the way businesses think about creativity and efficiency.

Amir shares his journey from leading innovation initiatives at Amazon Web Services to helping organizations around the world use AI to scale ideas faster and smarter.

🚀 The New Face of Innovation

• AI as a Catalyst for Innovation – Why Amir believes AI doesn’t replace creativity—it amplifies it.
• Systematic Innovation – How innovation is more science than magic, with best practices, methodologies, and even ISO standards.
• Scaling Creativity with AI – How AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can help teams ideate, prototype, and role-play with personas 10x faster.

💡 AI in Marketing and Business

Amir shares real-world examples of how companies are applying AI to streamline marketing processes and drive efficiency:

• Automating SEO and Content Workflows – How a gaming company now processes and localizes thousands of new titles using AI-powered workflows.
• Smarter Marketing Research – Why tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude have become Amir’s personal “research assistants.”
• Avoiding the ‘AI Slop’ Trap – The importance of human oversight, editing, and providing examples to teach AI your brand’s tone and standards.

⚠️ The Risks and Responsibilities of AI

• “Human in the Loop” Principle – Why every AI workflow still needs human review, editing, and approval.
• Ethical and Compliance Challenges – How organizations can balance innovation with data privacy and risk management.
• Three-Tier Risk Model – Amir’s framework for identifying low-, medium-, and high-risk AI use cases to guide safe adoption.

🧰 Tools and Tips for Getting Started

• Don’t try every AI tool—pick one or two and learn them deeply.
• Master your tools before scaling: tweak settings, explore model options, and learn how to “squeeze the lemon.”
• Start small, focus on use cases that save time and amplify creativity, not replace human input.

🧭 Lessons from Amazon on Innovation

Drawing from his time at Amazon Web Services, Amir reveals how Amazon’s “Working Backwards” approach fuels innovation:

• Start with the customer, not the product.
• Write an imaginary press release describing your future product before you build it—if it’s not clear and compelling, you’re not ready to launch.
• Always focus on delighting the customer, not just building something new.

🎯 Amir’s Biggest Marketing Lesson

Amir admits his biggest mistake was falling in love with the product instead of the customer. Early in his VR/AR startup days, he focused on selling technology rather than solving customer pain points—a mistake that taught him the importance of clarity, audience insight, and consistency.

🔑 Key Takeaways

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman tackles one of her biggest marketing pet peeves — believing that artificial intelligence can replace truly knowing your audience. With AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini becoming everyday marketing helpers, many professionals are skipping the fundamentals of understanding their customers. Kendra explains why that shortcut leads to bland, ineffective content and what to do instead.

The Problem with Skipping the Basics

• Many marketers use AI to generate content without doing the essential groundwork of understanding their audience.
• AI tends to “make you happy” — it tells you what you want to hear, not necessarily what your target market is actually thinking.
• When you rely solely on AI, you end up with generic, emotionless copy that fails to connect.

Understanding Your Audience: The Real Marketing 101

• Knowing your audience isn’t just about demographics — it’s about visualizing the person you’re talking to.
• Kendra shares a story about working with a local business that used detailed data to build realistic customer personas—down to shopping habits, lifestyle, and motivations.
• You don’t need expensive software to do this. Start by thinking about your favorite client and what makes them unique.

How to Really Learn About Your Audience

• Skip the surveys—people edit themselves when writing responses.
• Have real conversations with your audience instead. 

Ask questions like:

• What’s keeping you up at night?
• What frustrates you most about your business or life?
• What do you wish you had a solution for?

These conversations give you the exact words and emotions that resonate with your audience — words you can later feed into AI for far more powerful results.

Using AI the Right Way

• Once you understand your audience, AI becomes a powerful tool — not a replacement for human connection.

AI can help you:

• Brainstorm ideas and refine your voice
• Draft faster and polish existing content
• Create consistent, audience-specific messaging

The difference between “Write me an email” and “Write me an email for this audience, in this voice, about this problem” is night and day.

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• AI isn’t the enemy — but it’s not magic either.
• You are the strategist. AI can only amplify what you already know.
• Know your audience better than anyone else, and your marketing will never sound forced or fake.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, this episode will challenge you to return to the roots of great marketing: understanding people.

👉 Grab Kendra’s free “Define Your Dream Audience” guide and start using real audience insights to make your AI tools work for you — not the other way around.

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From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with Berlyn, founder of Planted Marketing and creator of The Greenhouse community, to explore what it truly takes to build a strong and sustainable brand in today’s digital-first world. From simplifying your marketing strategy to embracing what works best for you, this conversation is full of practical insights for business owners at every stage.

The Evolution of a Modern Marketer

Berlyn shares her journey from photographer to agency owner—how creativity, curiosity, and a desire to make an impact led her to launch Planted Marketing in 2020 and later, The Greenhouse in 2025. The Greenhouse supports solopreneurs and small business owners in the DIY phase of marketing, helping them grow confidently with practical strategies and community support.

Building a Strong Brand Foundation

We dive into the three essential pillars every business needs before they dive headfirst into digital marketing:

• Clarify Your Brand Identity: Beyond logos and colors—define your mission, values, and why. Putting this on paper creates alignment across everything you do.
• Own Your Online Space: Your website is more than a link in bio. It’s your home base for traffic, email collection, and long-term growth.
• Create a Marketing Wheel: Don’t rely solely on one channel. Develop a balanced strategy across multiple touchpoints—like SEO, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or email—so your business doesn’t collapse if one channel falters.

Simplifying the Marketing Process

With endless platforms and strategies available, Berlyn emphasizes the importance of choosing what fits your strengths:

• Do you love creating videos? Lean into Reels or TikToks.
• Prefer writing? Focus on blogs or newsletters.
• Thrive in conversation? Build through networking and community events.

Consistency, not ubiquity, is the goal. You don’t have to be everywhere—just show up where you enjoy creating.

Community as a Growth Engine

Community building, both online and offline, is a key growth driver. Berlyn highlights:

• Using social media as a nurturing tool—not just for visibility but for deepening relationships.
• Engaging authentically through DMs, comments, and Threads to strengthen visibility and trust.
• Creating systems to stay connected beyond initial meetings—through intentional engagement, coffee chats, or follow-up messages.

Email Marketing: The Underrated Powerhouse

Both Kendra and Berlyn agree—email is your most valuable marketing asset.
Social media algorithms change, but your email list is yours to own. It’s the most reliable channel for building ongoing relationships, sharing updates, and staying in front of your audience.

The Rise of AI in Discovery

Berlyn shares a surprising trend: businesses being found through ChatGPT search—even without formal SEO strategies.

Her advice? Make sure your keywords and messaging are consistent across all platforms. Even a single optimized landing page can make a difference in how AI tools surface your brand.

Key Takeaways f

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Shayna Davis, host of The Influence Economy, to talk about why podcasting is more than just a visibility tool—it’s a powerful way to position yourself, land bigger opportunities, and turn influence into profit.

Shayna shares her journey of podcasting for over five years, growing her show into the top 3% of all podcasts worldwide, and how she uses it as a cornerstone strategy for credibility and corporate client acquisition. Together, we dive into the shift from being “just visible” to being intentionally profitable in your business.

We explore:

The Influence Economy

• Why influence is no longer just for celebrities.
• The difference between visibility for visibility’s sake and visibility that creates real, tangible results.
• Why so many entrepreneurs—especially women—are living beneath their profit potential.

Podcasting as a Positioning Tool

• How a podcast can become the “modern-day media vehicle” to reach bigger and better buyers.
• Why a podcast without a business model is just a hobby.
• The unique credibility podcasting brings when working with corporations and media.

Building an Ecosystem Around Visibility

• How to pair your visibility strategy with the right monetization methods.
• Why bigger opportunities often come from corporate contracts and sponsorships.
• The importance of building a transcendent brand that extends beyond your niche.

Practical Lessons for Marketers

• Why being “busy” is not the same as being scalable or sustainable.
• The myth of consistency—and why you need to be consistent at the right things, not just anything.
• Why clarity beats cleverness when it comes to messaging.

Key Takeaways

• Visibility without strategy doesn’t equal profitability.
• Podcasting offers unmatched positioning and credibility when done intentionally.
• Your broader brand positioning matters—frame your expertise in a way that has mass market appeal.
• Don’t just be consistent—be consistent with the right strategy, at the right time.

Connect with Shayna:

Links to Book: Unchained: Breaking Free from Broken Marketing Models: How Small Businesses Can Finally Take Control of Their Marketing, Lead with Strategy, and Scale with AI: 

https://unchainedmodel.com/

https://a.co/d/6aLtopF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynarattler/

Whether you’re considering starting a podcast, refining your visibility strategy, or looking for ways to land bigger clients, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to think beyond visibility and into sustainable profitability.

Are you ready to transform your visibility into real results? Tune in now and learn how to leverage podcasting as your most powerful positioning tool.

Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to dive deep into the connection between business strategy, marketing execution, and the evolving role of AI.

Sara shares her journey from intern to CEO over her 15 years at Duct Tape Marketing and offers powerful insights on why strategy must always come before tactics and technology. Together, we explore how small businesses can future-proof their marketing and teams in an ever-changing digital world.

The Foundation of Effective Marketing

• Why business strategy must drive marketing strategy
• The “Marketing Strategy Pyramid”: business, marketing, and team strategy layers
• How to align marketing goals with revenue, mission, and values

The Role of AI in Modern Marketing

• Why AI is a tool, not a replacement—and how to introduce it without fear
• Common mistakes businesses make when adopting AI without strategy
• Exercises to help teams identify tasks AI can support vs. areas to develop human strengths

Shaping the Future of Marketing Leadership

• The growing divide in the marketing industry: AI adopters vs. AI skeptics
• Why agencies and consultants must shift from execution to leadership and strategy
• How AI allows more focus on creativity, empathy, and critical thinking

Mapping the Customer Journey

• Introducing the Marketing Hourglass: know, like, trust, try, buy, repeat, refer
• How businesses can identify gaps and opportunities along the customer journey
• Why great client experiences naturally lead to stronger referral business

Lessons Learned in Marketing

• Why “more” is not always better when it comes to channels and tactics
• The importance of focusing on what works and making it sustainable
• How simplifying your approach reduces burnout and creates consistent results

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Start with strategy before adding tactics or tools.
• Use AI to support—not replace—human creativity and leadership.
• Focus on where your audience is and what’s sustainable for you.
• Great client experiences lead to natural referrals and long-term growth.

Connect with Sara Nay:

Links to Book: Unchained: Breaking Free from Broken Marketing Models: How Small Businesses Can Finally Take Control of Their Marketing, Lead with Strategy, and Scale with AI: https://unchainedmodel.com/

Amazon: https://a.co/d/6aLtopF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saranay/

Whether you’re a small business owner overwhelmed by technology or a marketing consultant navigating the rise of AI, this episode will help you rethink your approach and focus on what truly matters.

👉 Ready to align your marketing with your business goals? Tune in and learn how to lead with strategy for long-term success.

Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman dives into a common challenge many business owners face: the constant pursuit of new leads at the expense of nurturing existing relationships. Drawing from multiple client experiences, Kendra shares why hiring another salesperson isn’t always the answer—and how email marketing can be a game-changing solution.

We explore:

The Burnout of Always Chasing

• Why relentless networking can drain your time and energy
• The hidden costs of depending on a salesperson to replicate your passion
• How inconsistent follow-up causes valuable connections to slip through the cracks

The Power of Nurturing

• Why your best salesperson will always be you
• How email marketing bridges the gap between networking events and lasting relationships
• The difference between one-to-one meetings and building relationships at scale

Making Email Marketing Work for You

• The importance of writing like you’re talking to one person—your ideal client
• How consistency (weekly or bi-weekly emails) keeps you top of mind
• Using stories, examples, and even AI to make the writing process easier
• Why “B+ work” and consistency beat waiting for perfection every time

Key Takeaways for Business Owners

• Great relationships beat relentless hustle—every single day
• Systems will always outperform people when it comes to consistency
• Email marketing is not automation—it’s relationship building at scale
• Staying visible and top of mind means being the first call when clients are ready

Whether you’re an introverted business owner tired of nonstop networking or a leader wondering if you should hire a new salesperson, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach. Instead of chasing, learn how nurturing your existing connections through email marketing can transform your business.

Are you ready to stop chasing and start nurturing? Tune in now and discover how consistent, authentic communication can help you grow without the burnout.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Eric Smith, President & COO of Incremental Media, to explore the world of podcast advertising and how businesses can leverage it effectively.

Eric shares his journey from Vox Media to building Incremental Media’s podcast division from the ground up. We discuss:

The Evolution of Podcast Advertising

• How podcast ads connect to traditional marketing like package inserts
• Why host-read endorsements deliver stronger trust and engagement
• The rise of podcasts as a core channel for brands seeking diversification

Demystifying Podcast Attribution

• Why promo codes only tell part of the story
• How tools like Podscribe bring digital-style tracking to podcasts
• Understanding the real ROI of podcast campaigns

Finding the Right Fit for Brands

• Why “considered purchases” outperform impulse buys
• How niche podcasts often deliver stronger results than large shows
• The importance of testing across multiple categories—not just your own industry

Getting Started with Podcast Advertising

• Practical steps to launch a test campaign
• Budget flexibility and how to avoid overspending
• Why partnering with experts can help you identify the right shows

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Storytelling and authenticity make podcast ads powerful
• Data and attribution tools are critical for measuring success
• Diversification matters—sometimes the best-performing shows aren’t what you expect

Connect with Eric Smith:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-smith-a0a07b54/

Website: https://www.incrementalmedia.com/

Whether you’re a small business owner curious about podcast advertising or a seasoned marketer looking to diversify your media mix, this episode offers valuable insights into harnessing the power of podcast audiences.

Are you ready to explore how podcast advertising could transform your business? Tune in to learn how to navigate this fast-growing and effective marketing channel.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Alex Love—VP of Marketing and Communications, adjunct professor, and co-host of the podcast Mastering the Art of Failing. We dive into her unexpected journey into marketing, the lessons learned from failure, and the art of building small but mighty teams.

Alex shares how her career evolved from writing grants at a nonprofit to leading marketing teams and teaching the next generation of marketers. We explore:

The Power of Learning and Teaching

• Why a love of learning keeps marketers adaptable and relevant
• How Alex turned her passion for education into a teaching role at GW
• The challenges (and joys) of engaging students who just want to “check the box”

Lessons in Failure and Resilience

• The rise and fall of Digital District, a pioneering social media community
• Why Alex considers it both her biggest success and her biggest failure
• How failure becomes fuel for future opportunities and growth

Building and Leading Lean Teams

• Why relationship-building is the secret weapon of small marketing departments
• The importance of hiring for ambition and drive over technical skills alone
• How to communicate that no single marketer can “do it all”
• Why outsourcing and specialized support free teams to focus on strategy

Creativity, Risk-Taking, and Viral Wins

• How one “crazy idea” born on a dog walk turned into an award-winning campaign
• Why sometimes the riskiest ideas resonate the most with your audience
• Redefining what “going viral” really means for niche organizations

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Marketing is as much about relationships as it is about tactics
• Lean teams thrive when curiosity and problem-solving lead the way
• Failure is inevitable—but also invaluable in shaping future success
• Sometimes the boldest, quirkiest ideas lead to the greatest impact

Whether you’re a solo marketer, part of a lean team, or leading communications at a larger organization, this conversation is full of insights into how to stay creative, scrappy, and resilient in an ever-changing landscape.

Connect with Alex Love:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslove/
Website: https://rivasolutionsinc.com/

🎧 Ready to rethink failure and lean into creativity? Tune in now to hear Alex’s inspiring journey and actionable lessons.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Zack Zeller, an expert in email marketing, AI, and copywriting. We dive into the evolving role of email as a marketing powerhouse—why it’s still one of the most effective strategies for businesses today and how to do it well.

Zack shares how his journey began by accident, sending daily emails to support his college’s fitness club (without the pizza bribes). From there, he built a thriving career working with major names like Jay Shetty, Jordan Belfort, and Agora, discovering firsthand the power of consistent, high-value email communication
.

The Power of Email Marketing

• Why email remains the single tactic that works for nearly every business
• How even a small list of 600 can generate $15,000 in a month
• Why sending three emails a week hits the sweet spot for most businesses
• The underrated role of email in building deep relationships versus the fast reach of social media

Using AI the Right Way

• Why AI can speed up content creation but can also push you backwards if misused
• The “dirty sponge” effect of repetitive, low-quality AI-driven content
• How Zack uses AI to track patterns, test subject lines, and refine campaigns
• Why real expertise, experience, and thought leadership must still shine through

Real Results from Real Campaigns

• A client with just 600 subscribers who saw $15K in sales in 30 days
• An agency owner whose daily emails turned $3K into $181K in just 90 days
• How nurturing leads over time (30, 60, 90+ days) consistently drives 4–5x more sales

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Don’t fear being “salesy”—the problem is usually not enough marketing, not too much
• Email accelerates the know, like, and trust factor
• Consistency, case studies, and valuable insights are what make your emails worth opening
• The sales question changes from if they’ll buy to when they’ll buy

Whether you’re sending monthly newsletters or considering moving to three times a week, this episode will show you why email marketing is still the backbone of lasting success.

Are you ready to rethink how often and how well you’re showing up in inboxes? Tune in and discover why email may be the most valuable marketing channel you’re not fully leveraging yet.

Connect with Zack:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackzeller22
Website: https://thisshouldntwork.com/test

Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?

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From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain.

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