MAPPED OUT

Ready for a quick flight? This week, Lauren and Aurrie dive into personal branding and why becoming your own marketing asset is crucial whether you're a founder, business owner, or marketing team member.

Connect With Us:

@mappedoutpod | mappedoutpod.com

Meet Your Hosts:

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 130+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Ready for your next marketing destination? Don't forget to subscribe to Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or part of a team, your long-term success comes from positioning yourself as an invaluable asset. In this episode, Lauren and Aurrie break down how to move beyond simply completing tasks to creating genuine value that makes you irreplaceable. Discover the frameworks, mindsets, and practical strategies that transform you from a vendor into a success partner – without burning yourself out in the process.

Episode Highlights

• [00:03:14] Hot take: Alignment matters more than skill set in 90% of business relationships
• [00:10:29] Three levels of value creation: task completion, problem solving, opportunity creation
• [00:13:17] The anticipation factor: why the most valuable people are proactive, not just responsive
• [00:15:12] Creating "value receipts" - documenting your impact without self-promotion
• [00:20:00] The success partner mindset vs. the vendor mindset
• [00:31:10] The growth rotation strategy: 70% core value, 20% adjacent skills, 10% future trends
• [00:35:42] Why being the smartest person in the room is never the end goal

What You'll Learn

• How to identify and communicate your unique value proposition
• The framework for moving from task completion to opportunity creation
• Ways to document your impact without awkward self-promotion
• Strategies for evolving your value as technology and markets change
• How to recognize when misalignment is creating resentment and toxicity
• The growth rotation strategy for continuous professional evolution
• Methods for embedding yourself in client and team success
• Practical techniques to assess and enhance your irreplaceability

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Resources Mentioned

• Berkeley Sweetapple (legal services for online businesses, and this week's sponsor! Use code MAPPEDOUT for 25% off contract templates at https://berkleysweetapple.com/)
• 10X is Easier Than 2X (Book referenced for time-blocking framework)
• Who Not How (Book mentioned from previous episode)
• Value receipts (Methodology for documenting impact)
• ChatGPT (AI tool for executive summaries and content enhancement)

Connect With Us

Have questions about becoming a more valuable asset in your business or for your clients? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com for more episodes and to connect with us.

Share your value statement on LinkedIn and tag us (@mappedoutpod) with #MappedOutPodcast for a chance to win a gift card or future merch!

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#MappedOutPodcast #ValueCreation #BusinessStrategy #MarketingStrategy #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #SuccessPartner #ClientRelationships #ValueProposition

Ready for a quick flight? This week, Lauren and Aurrie take a mid-season break to share three game-changing books that are reshaping their views on business ownership, leadership, and life.

What's On The Radar:

• Who Not How: Why procrastination isn't laziness but a sign you need the right "who"
• The Gap and The Gain: Breaking free from gap mentality to celebrate your wins
• 10X Is Easier Than 2X: How doing less can actually help you achieve exponential growth
• Reading Recommendations: The suggested reading order for maximum impact

Key Insights:

• Procrastination signals a need for the right person to help, not a personal failure
• Finding the right "who" eliminates micromanagement and creates mutual value
• Your mindset before bed significantly impacts your success the next day
• High-performing individuals often do less, not more, by focusing on what truly matters
• Measuring backward (your gains) rather than forward (the gap) transforms your perspective

Map Check:

1. From 10X Is Easier Than 2X: Identify one task on your to-do list that's keeping you in a 2X mindset and eliminate it
2. From Who Not How: Choose one thing you're struggling with and ask "who can help me?" instead of "how do I do this?"
3. From The Gap and The Gain: Write down three wins from the past 90 days to focus on how far you've come

Connect With Us: @mappedoutpod | mappedoutpod.com

Meet Your Hosts: 

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 75+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Ready for your next marketing destination? Don't forget to subscribe to Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Teaser for next episode: Join us to discover how to make yourself the most valuable asset while leading a team or running a business!

Tired of abandoned content calendars and posts that get three likes from your mom (sweet, but not the target audience right)? In this episode, Lauren and Aurrie break down how to create a content plan that actually drives results instead of collecting digital dust. They share practical strategies for defining content pillars, focusing on quality over quantity, and planning in 30-day chunks that will save your sanity while keeping your marketing fresh and effective.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00:32] Introduction to content planning and overcoming shiny object syndrome
• [00:02:20] Why most content plans fail: they're built for marketers, not actual humans
• [00:04:04] Breaking free from rigid posting schedules and focusing on quality
• [00:05:41] Understanding content pillars and how they organize your marketing
• [00:07:25] Defining your content goals: awareness, engagement, leads, or conversions
• [00:08:19] The importance of actually knowing your audience (not just thinking you do)
• [00:13:58] Which metrics actually matter vs. vanity metrics you should ignore
• [00:18:29] Why email signups are the new currency (and better than followers)
• [00:22:46] Planning in 30-day chunks to save your sanity and stay strategic
• [00:31:31] The one core idea, five formats approach to content repurposing
• [00:34:12] Signs your content plan is a dumpster fire and when to burn it all down
• [00:38:15] Examples of creative content that drove unexpected results

What You'll Learn

• How to define meaningful content pillars that drive your business goals
• Why quality trumps quantity when it comes to content creation
• The truth about metrics that matter vs. vanity metrics
• How to speak directly to your audience instead of talking to yourself
• Methods for planning content in 30-day chunks instead of chaotic weekly plans
• Strategies for repurposing one piece of content into multiple formats
• Warning signs that your content strategy isn't working
• Why being consistent matters more than being perfect

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Resources Mentioned

• Berkeley Sweetapple (legal services for online businesses, and this week’s sponsor! Use code MAPPEDOUT for 25% off your contract templates at https://berkleysweetapple.com/)
• Many Chats (automated DM program)

Connect With Us

Have questions about your content marketing? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com for more episodes and to connect with us. Tag us in your content (@mappedoutpod) and we'll repost it!

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#MappedOutPodcast #ContentMarketing #ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #ContentPlan #ContentCreation #SocialMediaMarketing #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #DigitalMarketing

Ready for a quick flight? This week, Lauren and Aurrie share examples of how consistent marketing pays off—even when you think no one's listening.

What's On The Radar:

• Eight-Year ROI: How one prospect finally converted after following Brand Good Time for 8 years
• Content Consistency: Why you shouldn't give up on your newsletter, even with minimal engagement
• Repetition Works: The importance of repeating key messages (even when you're sick of saying them)
• The Full Funnel: Exploring client retention and lifetime value on the other side of the marketing funnel

Key Insights:

• People may be engaging with your content even when they're not actively responding
• It can take multiple touchpoints for your message to sink in—most people are just skimming!
• Don't assume everyone remembers your previous content—repetition is powerful
• Sometimes the biggest opportunities are with existing clients, not just new acquisition

Map Check:

Go back six months, assess your top-performing content, and find ways to repurpose it. That social carousel that performed well? Turn it into a reel, static post, or video content. Keep consistent with your content for the next 90 days and watch what happens.

Connect With Us:

@mappedoutpod | mappedoutpod.com

Meet Your Hosts:

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 130+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Ready for your next marketing destination? Don't forget to subscribe to Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Teaser for next week: Join us for a deep dive into content marketing strategies!

Ever feel like you're doing everything and not getting leads? In this episode, Lauren and Aurrie break down the entire marketing funnel from top to bottom, sharing real examples that show exactly how brands move customers from awareness to purchase—and beyond. Whether you're struggling with brand awareness, nurturing leads, or turning one-time buyers into repeat customers, we've got your map to navigate each stage of the funnel.

Episode Highlights

 [00:01:11] Why the funnel still matters (despite what "new age" marketers say)
 [00:02:15] Viewing your funnel as an hourglass (what happens after purchase)
 [00:04:32] Top of funnel strategies: Focus on awareness, knowledge, and interest
 [00:08:12] How many touchpoints it really takes before conversion (hint: 6-8 is on the low end)
 [00:11:23] Middle of funnel deep dive: Nurturing leads who know you exist
 [00:14:34] Creative lead magnets that actually work in 2025 (beyond basic downloads)
 [00:19:50] Retargeting strategies that move people through your funnel
 [00:21:19] The real conversion rates you should expect at each funnel stage
 [00:26:11] Bottom of funnel: Turning transactions into experiences
 [00:33:17] Why retention marketing deserves more of your attention
 [00:40:02] How to measure success at each funnel stage
 [00:44:00] Warning signs your funnel is broken (and how to fix it)

What You'll Learn

• How the marketing funnel applies to both B2B and B2C businesses
• Why your audience might need up to 21 touchpoints before converting
• The difference between top, middle, and bottom funnel tactics
• Creative lead magnet ideas beyond standard PDF downloads
• How to use journey-focused content that segments your audience
• Why community building is critical for retention
• Real metrics to track at each funnel stage
• Signs your funnel is broken and how to fix it
• How to simplify an overcomplicated marketing funnel

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Resources Mentioned

• Brand Checklist and Messaging Guidelines Document
• Video Ask (chatbot tool)
• Little Sleepies (customer community example)
• Goody (gifting platform example)
• Hiya Vitamins (customer experience example)
• Wild Bird (touchpoint example)

Connect With Us
Have questions about your marketing funnel? Our DMs and emails are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com to submit your questions for our Flight Deck segment where we'll dive deeper into your specific funnel challenges.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#MappedOutPodcast #MarketingFunnel #CustomerJourney #MarketingStrategy #LeadGeneration #CustomerRetention #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #SalesConversion

Ready for a quick flight? This week, Aurrie's flying solo while Lauren's on vacation to break down the AI summary tools that are revolutionizing how we capture and use information.

What's On The Radar:

• Meeting Transcripts & Recaps: Deep dive into Otter and Fathom for automated meeting notes
• Content Repurposing: How PodSqueeze transforms long-form content into social-ready clips
• Time-Saving Tips: Ways to free up your team from unnecessary note-taking

Resources Mentioned:

• Fathom
• Otter
• PodSqueeze
• Claude

Today's flight is brought to you by Juliet Wine. Ready to check all the boxes with sustainable, female-founded wine that contains zero sugar per glass? Visit DrinkJuliet.com and use code MAPPEDOUT for 15% off your purchase. No corkscrew, no pressure - Juliet is always ready to pour when you are!

Map Check: 

AI summaries = less busy work, more focus. Start by auditing your workflow to see where these tools could make your collaboration smoother.

Connect With Us: @mappedoutpod mappedoutpod.com

Meet Your Hosts:

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto
Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks
Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 130+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Ready for your next marketing destination? Don't forget to subscribe to Mapped Out wherever you get your podcasts.

Lost in the tech tools maze? We've got your map! In this episode, Lauren and Aurrie break down exactly what tools you need (and don't need) to run an efficient marketing operation. From project management essentials to AI tools worth the investment, we're sharing our real-world experience with building tech stacks that actually work.

Episode Highlights
[00:01:18] The evolution from basic tools to robust tech stacks 

[00:03:55] The real cost of tech tools (what we actually spend monthly) 

[00:08:34] Project management tools that are worth the investment 

[00:20:43] ROI measurement: When tools replace admin work 

[00:37:22] The truth about contractors vs. employees 

[00:42:00] Team tech-adoption techniques that actually work 

[00:54:13] When (and how) to break up with a tool

 [00:59:32] Our biggest tech wins and fails

What You'll Learn

• Why going "free only" with tools will limit your growth
• How to build an efficient tech ecosystem that scales
• The exact tools we use for project management, client communication, and team collaboration
• Real numbers on tech stack investment (we spend $1000-1500/month!)
• How to avoid common tech stack mistakes
• Practical ways to measure tool ROI
• Smart strategies for training teams on new tools

Today's Episode Sponsor: Copper

Transform your sales process with Copper CRM! Use code MAPPEDOUT for 15% off your first year of an annual plan at copper.com.

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Resources Mentioned

• Monday.com
• Slack
• Google Drive
• HoneyBook
• Calendly
• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Copper CRM
• Dashlane
• Toggl
• Gusto
• Grammarly

Connect With Us

Join the conversation and share your tech stack wins with us! Tag us using #MappedOutPodcast and let us know your biggest takeaways from this episode.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#MappedOutPodcast #MarketingTools #TechStack #BusinessTech #MarketingStrategy #AgencyLife #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #ProductivityTools

Welcome back to MAPPED OUT! In this episode of The Flight Deck, our 10-minute minisode, we’re answering your burning questions about the 30/60/90-day framework. This structured approach helps you set marketing goals by quarter and execute with clarity. Whether you're fine-tuning your organic social strategy, launching paid ads, or refining your email marketing, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:16] Recap: 30/60/90-day framework overview
• [00:01:11] Why you need to download the 30/60/90 framework chart
• [00:02:21] Setting marketing goals: Organic social, email marketing, SEO, partnerships, and paid ads
• [00:03:43] How to break down goals into needle-moving efforts, maintain, build, tweak, test, and parking lot
• [00:07:36] Why organic social media consistency is key
• [00:08:59] The build phase: Crafting an effective email marketing funnel
• [00:11:35] How to tweak and optimize your email marketing strategy
• [00:14:28] Testing & the parking lot method: Honoring bandwidth while prioritizing strategy
• [00:15:41] What’s next? Mastering the marketing funnel

What You'll Learn:

• How to create a structured 30/60/90-day marketing plan
• The difference between needle-moving efforts and maintenance tasks
• How to strategically build and tweak your marketing initiatives
• The importance of testing and tracking marketing performance
• How to prioritize new ideas without getting overwhelmed

Meet Your Hosts:

👩‍💻 Lauren Loreto
Founder of Brand Good Time, Lauren specializes in helping disruptive, founder-led brands break through the noise with bold, strategic marketing.

• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto

👩‍💻 Aurrie Hicks
Founder of Hopson Rae, Aurrie has over a decade of experience developing marketing strategies and managing brand identities for 130+ clients.

• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aurriehicks

Resources Mentioned:

• 📌 Download the 30/60/90 Framework Chart: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10wYzPEWwh6R4xGEjjKoqvTuyCxlzO3DjH6YNrAGWDdc/copy

🎯 MAPPED OUT Moment (Your Homework!) 

Before your next team meeting, do this: 

✅ Download the 30/60/90 framework chart
✅ Identify one needle-moving effort for the next 30 days
✅ Categorize your current marketing efforts into maintain, build, tweak, test, or parking lot

Connect With Us: 

Join the conversation and share your marketing journey with us! Tag us on Instagram @mappedoutpod using #MappedOutPodcast and let us know your biggest takeaways. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review – your feedback helps us continue delivering value-packed episodes!

📩 Questions? Topic requests? DM us @mappedoutpod! 

#MappedOutPodcast #MarketingGoals #BusinessStrategy #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #GoalSetting #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship

When your ideas are tapped out, we've got more! Welcome to the FIRST episode of MAPPED OUT – your GPS to breakthrough growth. In this premiere episode, we're diving deep into the world of goal-setting that actually moves the needle for your business.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:01] Welcome to Mapped Out - Your marketing GPS 

[00:01:42] Meet Lauren: Founder of Brand Good Time, content marketing & web design expert 

[00:02:34] Meet Aurrie: Founder of Hopson Rae, bringing corporate & agency expertise 

[00:03:30] The serendipitous Instagram connection that started it all 

[00:08:11] Why most marketing goals fail (hint: it's not about ambition) 

[00:11:08] Using AI as your team member, not your crutch 

[00:20:43] The game-changing framework: Needle Moving Matrix 

[00:24:17] How to gamify your business goals with a Bingo strategy 

[00:28:53] Building the plane while flying it: an actionable example 

[00:37:22] When to "fire fast" on failing strategies

What You'll Learn

• Why traditional goal-setting often fails and how to fix it
• How to connect marketing KPIs to real business outcomes
• A practical framework for organizing your marketing priorities
• Creative ways to maintain team accountability
• Crisis-proofing your marketing strategy
• How to pivot without losing momentum

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Specializes in content marketing and web design
• Takes a full-funnel approach to marketing
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime
• LinkedIn: in/laurenloreto

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• 7+ years of agency ownership
• Expert in digital content, organic social media, and branding
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae
• LinkedIn: in/aurriehicks

Resources Mentioned

• 10X is Easier Than 2X (Book reference)
• ChatGPT
• Claude AI

Connect With Us
Join the conversation and share your marketing journey with us! Tag us on IG @mappedoutpod using #MappedOutPodcast and let us know your biggest takeaways from this episode.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#MappedOutPodcast #MarketingGoals #BusinessStrategy #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #GoalSetting #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship