This episode features an inspiring conversation with renowned photographer and author Scott Proposki, who shares his remarkable journey from the brink of losing everything during the pandemic to rebuilding a thriving business. Scott’s career highlights include shooting for National Geographic and the White House, but it was his radical pause during the pandemic that led him to create the Camera Focus method — a framework designed to help photographers build sustainable, system-driven businesses.

We delve into Scott's insights on resilience, anticipation in photography, and the importance of storytelling in marketing. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned marketer, Scott’s experiences and practical tips will inspire you to navigate your own challenges with clarity and confidence.

Learn About...

- The Power of Anticipation: Scott discusses how anticipating moments can lead to capturing extraordinary photographs and successful business outcomes.

- Building Trust: Learn how to establish credibility and connect with clients by sharing your unique story.

- Sustainable Business Practices: Discover the foundational pillars that every creative business must have for lasting success.

- Overcoming Challenges: Scott shares his personal journey of resilience and the importance of having a supportive coach during tough times.

Our Guest...Scott Proposki is a renowned photographer and author whose career spans decades shooting for National Geographic, the White House, and major brands & clients worldwide. When the pandemic erased his photography business almost overnight, he chose a radical pause—three years away from social media, clients, and commerce. In that quiet, he re-examined what truly matters and why so many photographers struggle. Building on his 2019 book "Camera Focus," Scott created the Camera Focus Method™, a business growth framework that helps photographers build lasting, system-driven businesses that support their lives. Today, he mentors photographers to rebuild, grow, and launch with clarity everywhere.His podcast: "The 3 O'Clock Coffee Podcast" - which he also made a book from: HERE.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 183, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

Re-release time! On this one we bring back Bri Seeley, an award-winning businesswoman (originally posted as episode 154--the final ep. of season 7). Bri shares her insights on maintaining balance while pursuing ambitious goals, the importance of a cohesive marketing strategy, and the evolving role of social media in business.

As many of us are doing our planning for the new year, it's the perfect time to get some answers on how to approach our marketing strategies.

Learn About...

- Mindset Shifts for Success: Bri discusses the essential mindset changes that help entrepreneurs achieve high levels of success without diminishing their own worth.

- Balancing Ambition and Well-being: Practical strategies for maintaining personal well-being while pursuing big business goals.

- Holistic Marketing Approach: How to integrate various marketing elements into a cohesive strategy for more consistent and successful outcomes.

- Data-Driven Decisions: The role of data in crafting effective marketing strategies and ensuring all elements work together seamlessly.

- Emerging Trends: Bri's take on the future of digital marketing and the critical trends entrepreneurs should pay attention to.

- Actionable Steps for Overcoming Overwhelm: Immediate steps entrepreneurs can take to gain momentum and clarity in their business ventures.

Our Guest...Bri Seeley - Bri is a TEDx speaker and award-winning businesswoman known as the entrepreneur coach. She helps highly ambitious female entrepreneurs bring their most unrealistic goals to life without overworking or sacrificing their well-being. Bri's work has been featured on Good Morning America, the Today Show, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and more.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 182, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this engaging episode Megan welcomes the incredible Tracy Stuckrath, an expert in event marketing and inclusion. Together, they explore the transformative experience of the Club Ichi Barefoot Business Retreat, a unique gathering that fosters peer-to-peer learning and community building among event professionals.

Tracy shares her insights from the unique retreat, highlighting the importance of creating environments where attendees can connect, learn, and thrive. She discusses the concept of the "Spontaneous Think Tank," where participants contribute topics they want to learn about and share their expertise, creating a dynamic and collaborative learning atmosphere.

Key Takeaways Include:

- The Power of Community: Tracy emphasizes the value of building relationships and how retreats can enhance collaboration and support among entrepreneurs and event planners.

- Reframing Self-Talk: She shared how she learned from Dr. Jess at the retreat how to shift your mindset from self-imposed limitations to intentions, helping to reduce shame and foster a more positive approach to personal and professional goals.

- Food Safety and Inclusivity: Tracy discusses her mission to ensure that events are safe and inclusive for ALL attendees, addressing dietary restrictions and accessibility needs are essential to create memorable experiences.

- The Role of Neurodiversity in Events: Tracy highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity and how event professionals can design spaces that accommodate diverse needs, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included.

Our Guest...Tracy Stuckrath is a passionate advocate for food safety and inclusion in the events industry through her business Thrive Meetings. With over 15 years of experience, she helps organizations create menus that cater to diverse dietary needs and ensures that all attendees feel safe and valued. Tracy's expertise extends to consulting on event design, focusing on accessibility and the overall attendee experience. Check out her weekly podcast, Eating at a Meeting!

A fun, quick chat everyone can benefit from!

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this reflective solo episode of Making a Marketer, host Megan Powers shares her journey through a whirlwind of travel, professional obligations, and personal milestones. As the incoming president of the San Diego chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Megan discusses the challenges of balancing leadership roles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the podcast.

This candid conversation touches on the realities of leadership, emphasizing that it's normal not to have it all at once. Megan reflects on her commitment to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, celebrating 20 years of fundraising, and the importance of mentorship in the events industry.

Key Themes:

- Leadership Realities: Megan shares her experiences and insights on what it means to lead in a volunteer organization, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support.

- The Importance of Mentorship: Discover how every member can serve as a mentor, shaping the future of the industry and fostering a sense of belonging.

- Balancing Act: Megan discusses the challenges of juggling professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and the passion for delivering valuable content to listeners.

- Call for Engagement: Megan invites listeners to share their thoughts on leadership and suggest future guests to enhance the podcast experience.

This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder that while the path of leadership can be demanding, it is also rewarding. Join Megan as she prepares for an exciting year ahead and looks forward to bringing more inspiring content to the Making a Marketer community.

Our guest...Do you know me? :) The latest bio - Megan Powers is an accomplished marketing and events strategist with over two decades of experience in event production and execution. A strategic marketer and technologist, she excels in producing impactful face-to-face experiences that boost brand awareness and drive sales growth. She has been working on Oracle's Global Events team in sponsorship operations since 2023. Megan founded her business Powers of Marketing in 2013 and she hosts/facilitates digital and in-person events for her client Chief Wine Officer. She is a natural-born facilitator who puts her curious mind to work as a podcaster, hosting and producing this podcast since 2017.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

*RE-RELEASE TIME* Episode 179 brings us back to 129 with Cass Cooper.

Our guest on this one is a repeater - her episode was the 4th most downloaded all-time at the time of publishing this (episode 88 - on personal branding)! She knows her stuff and is an absolute delight.

There is nuance in how we approach opposing views online. How we approach it with our marketing is even more nuanced.

"I think the biggest thing right now is we're in a really crazy space that we've never been in before, with everyone having access to so much information, so much misinformation, so much disinformation, that it is really, really hard for marketers to accurately and effectively not just target the group they want to speak to, but reach and break through."

We get pretty deep about how marketers should look at inclusive strategy & language, authenticity, and awareness.

Cass' Book Reco: Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan

Our guest:Cass Cooper is laser focused on bringing equity and inclusion to the IT Channel and Tech by building inclusive cultures and removing bias from institutional processes. As the DEI Community Leader at The Channel Company, Cooper assists organizations as they create cultures that thrive in business because of their inclusivity. She’s an expert chaos whisperer, assisting leaders as they make sense of the cultural complexities of bias and exclusion. She builds on what teams do well, while filling in the gaps of what’s unknown to streamline processes to create healthy corporate cultures and increase a sense of belonging. Cooper knows that data-driven change management is the key to inclusion, because when organizations know better, they do better. Cooper received her BA in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University, Chicago, and a Master of Human Relations, Inclusive Leadership, from the University of Oklahoma. Her 20 years as an award-winning sales, events, and hospitality professional has fueled her passion for people, processes, and organizational culture. Her superpower is making sense of what may feel like chaos, while developing business practices that put people at the center. The future of successful businesses hinges on their organizational ability to maintain a space where their members are seen, valued, respected, and protected. Cooper is an avid reader, podcast consumer, and mom to one tiny human and many plants.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In the exciting kickoff of Season 9 of Making a Marketer, we welcome back the brilliant Goldie Chan, an award-winning branding strategist and author.

This episode dives into the nuances of personal branding, especially from the perspective of introverts (which also apply to ambiverts and extroverts!). Goldie shares her insights on how to navigate the world of networking and visibility without feeling overwhelmed.

With her upcoming book, "Personal Branding for Introverts," set to release on October 28, 2025, Goldie discusses the importance of owning your narrative and providing permission to be authentic in your branding journey.

Learn About...

- Defining Personal Branding: Goldie clarifies the difference between personal branding and reputation, emphasizing the story you tell when you’re in the room versus what others say when you’re not.

- Strategies for Introverts: Discover manageable first steps for introverts to build a personal brand without feeling burn-out, including the importance of starting small and setting realistic goals.

- Networking Tips: Goldie shares effective networking strategies that introverts can use to connect authentically, including how to prepare conversation starters and the power of body language.

- Protecting Your Energy: Learn how to maintain boundaries and energy while showing up for your audience, even when feeling vulnerable.

- The Journey of a Cancer Survivor: Goldie opens up about her personal experiences and how they have shaped her approach to vulnerability and confidence in her branding.

Our Guest...Goldie Chan is an award-winning branding strategist, author, and speaker with over a decade of experience. Known as the "Oprah of LinkedIn" by Huffington Post, she leads strategy at Warm Robots, working with Fortune 500 executives. A recognized LinkedIn Top Voice, her content boasts over 80 million views. Goldie is a top-rated LinkedIn Learning Instructor and ex-Forbes writer, and she has penned a book: "Personal Branding for Introverts." Her past roles include digital strategist at Legendary Entertainment and being on the Board of Directors at the Producer's Guild of America. Reach out to her for speaking engagements or brand partnerships through goldiechan.com.

• Scoop up her book - HERE.
• Listen to her past Making a Marketer episode - Personal Branding on LinkedIn - Episode 145 - season 7.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 178, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this final episode of Season 8(!), we welcome back the incredible Kelly Noble Mirabella, a digital marketing expert renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing. With over a decade of experience, Kelly shares her insights on the evolution of chatbots and the unique art of chatbot copywriting, emphasizing the importance of creating conversational and engaging interactions.

She has the ALL-TIME most downloads of this podcast with her first episode with us about chat marketing (by A LOT). She shares a little secret on this one... back in 2018 (yes, that's how long ago it was and it's still crushing it!), chatbots were not actually AI.

But they sure are now!

Learn About...

- The Evolution of Chat Marketing: Kelly reflects on the journey from traditional chatbots to AI-driven conversational agents, highlighting how advancements in technology have transformed customer interactions.

- Crafting Unique Chatbot Copy: Discover the key differences between chatbot copywriting and traditional copywriting, and learn how to create a conversational tone that resonates with users.

- Understanding Customer Psychology: Kelly discusses the significance of knowing your audience and tailoring chatbot conversations to meet their needs, enhancing the overall customer experience.

- The Role of Humor in Chatbots: Explore how incorporating wit and humor can elevate chatbot interactions, making them more memorable and enjoyable for users.

- The Future of AI in Marketing: Kelly shares her excitement about emerging technologies in AI, including voice replication and image analysis, and how these innovations will shape the future of chatbot experiences.

Prior shows:

• Episode 23 – AI Chatbots – Conversation as a Marketing Tool – all-time most downloaded episode! By a lot.
• Episode 82 - How to Succeed with Chat Marketing

Our Guest...Kelly Noble Mirabella, a seasoned digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience, is the driving force behind Stellar Media Marketing. Renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing, Kelly excels at crafting content and digital marketing strategies. She co-authored "Digital Etiquette for Dummies" and collaborates with high-profile brands like Ecamm, AgoraPulse, ManyChat, and OutBoundEngine on various projects. Stellar Media Marketing offers content and social media marketing, AI chat automations, and consulting services tailored to meet client needs, helping them achieve clarity and success in their marketing endeavors.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 177, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we welcome back Jim Fuhs who has been on our show a few different times (including reunions). We dive deep into the world of Substack on this one. Join us as Jim shares his insights on how this platform can empower marketers and creators to build authentic communities and foster direct relationships with their audience (very different than other platforms!).

Listen back to his other appearances...

1st time on: Episode 69 (in 2020) with Tim Sohn - How to Build a Livestream Show with Tim & Kim

2nd time on: Episode 111 (in 2022) with Chris Stone - Broadcast on Amazon Live with Chris Stone and Jim Fuhs

Learn About...

- The Power of Substack: Discover how Substack offers a unique direct-to-creator connection that allows users to build relationships and communities, making it a valuable tool for marketers.

- Engaging Your Audience: Jim discusses strategies for creating two-way conversations on Substack, emphasizing the importance of interaction and feedback in building a loyal subscriber base.

- Content Creation Strategies: Explore the various post types available on Substack, including newsletters, videos, and podcasts, and learn which formats beginners should prioritize.

- Monetization Opportunities: Learn about the different ways to monetize your Substack, from paid subscriptions to affiliate marketing, and how to create bonus content that resonates with your audience.

- Lessons from the Field: Jim shares valuable lessons learned from his experience in digital marketing and live streaming, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community in today's digital landscape.

Our Guest...Jim Fuhs is a Marine Corps veteran turned digital marketing strategist. He’s the President and COO of Fuhsion Marketing, and brings over 20 years of military leadership into the fast-moving world of content creation, livestreaming, and strategy. Jim co-hosts the award-winning "Dealcasters Live" on Amazon, and he's known for combining military precision with marketing innovation to help brands grow smarter. From the battlefield to the broadcast booth — Jim’s got a playbook for building authentic communities, and on this show he has shared how Substack can be your secret weapon.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 176, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this milestone episode 175 of Making a Marketer, we are thrilled to (finally) welcome Tony Christensen, co-founder of Brick Social, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as we explore the intriguing concept of "ugly ads" and why they can outperform polished campaigns in today's market.

Scrappy? Solo creator? It is a WHOLE new world out there and you can get creative on ads AND organic - so many amazing tips unlocked on this one with Tony.

Learn About...

- The Shift in Ad Targeting: Tony shares insights on the transition from traditional interest-based targeting to a broader, creative-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging content that really resonates with audiences.

- The Power of Creative Variety: Discover how incorporating a diverse range of ad formats— from polished videos to organic-looking posts— can unlock greater success in ad campaigns.

- The Role of AI in Marketing: Learn how AI tools can streamline the ad creation process by analyzing customer data and generating effective ad concepts, making it easier for marketers to stay ahead.

- Balancing Brand Consistency and Experimentation: Tony discusses strategies for maintaining brand identity while embracing the need for variety and experimentation in ad creative.

- Lessons from the Trenches: Reflecting on his experiences, Tony emphasizes the importance of standing firm on marketing strategies that work, even when faced with pushback from clients.

Our Guest...Tony Christensen is a digital marketing expert and co-founder of Brick Social, an agency known for crafting high-impact ad campaigns that have generated hundreds of millions in sales for brands willing to break the mold. With a focus on creative innovation and data-driven strategies, Tony empowers businesses to enhance their marketing efforts and achieve remarkable results. Connect with Tony on social media at @tonydoesads and explore his work at Brick Social.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 175, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we dive into the awesome world of events with two industry leaders, Tahira Endean and Dave Stevens. Join us as they share their insights on the intersection of AI and human connection in the event space, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world.

Learn About...

- The Role of AI in Events: Discover how event organizers are integrating AI to enhance personalization and streamline operations, while still prioritizing human connection.

- Creating Joyful Experiences: Tahira discusses her new book, "Our KPI is Joy," and shares strategies for fostering joy in events, highlighting the significance of thoughtful design and genuine human interactions.

- The Importance of Community: Dave shares insights on building authentic communities that foster meaningful connections, contrasting them with traditional associations, and emphasizing the need for open conversations on pressing issues.

- Measuring Success Beyond Numbers: Explore innovative ways to measure the impact of events, focusing on emotional engagement and participant happiness, rather than just financial metrics.

- Lessons Learned: Both guests reflect on surprising lessons from the past year, emphasizing the continuous opportunity for growth and learning in the ever-evolving event landscape.

Our Guests...Tahira Endean is a dynamic leader in the events industry, known for tackling complex challenges with skill and enthusiasm. Specializing in creating engaging and transformative experiences, she leverages over three decades of expertise in event design and strategy. Tahira holds a Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership, enabling her to combine technology and human connection to foster meaningful dialogue and innovation. At BCIT, she educates the next generation on event strategy, while her role at IMEX involves crafting immersive spaces for global professionals. Through The Strategy Table and the Accessible Disruption Podcast, she facilitates collaboration and amplifies voices of change. Tahira is passionate about creating environments that surprise, inspire, and transform, supported by a family that shares her commitment to impactful work.Tahira's latest book: “Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust" and her first show on the Making a Marketer podcast was called "Transformative Events: Marketing is Your Partner" - check it out (top 30 out of 174!).Dave Stevens is a transformative force in the event industry, renowned for crafting events that inspire meaningful change. As a leader at Club Ichi and Co-Founder of Olympian Meeting, he champions authentic connections and blends wellness with sustainable event strategies. His role as a founding Standards Advisor for Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) underscores his dedication to embedding wellness principles into global standards. Recognized as a 6x Fittest Male #EventProf and a Harvard-certified Wellness Coach, David elevates industry standards through his podcast and leadership roles, fostering environments where people, planet, and performance flourish in unison. He also hosts a podcast himself called “Return on Wellness.”

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 174, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **