Marketing Root Work Podcast

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Like a lot of small business owner, I've hired my share of expensive business coaches who promised me they'd help me build a six-figure practice in record time. 

The problem was, their amazing method worked for people like them, people who loved to sell and promote themselves. I would say what works for dogs (people who love to sell) doesn't work for cats (people who would rather crawl on broken glass than sell).

Inky the Cat is my humorous take on this experience. Enjoy!

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My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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If you're a heart-centered, mission-focused small business owner, it can be challenging to talk about what you do in a way that is clear, concise, and memorable.

This is one of the biggest concerns I hear from the people I work with.

And there is a lot of bad advice suggesting you create what is basically an elevator speech when you answer the question "What do you do?"

Please resist this advice.

A response that attracts ideal clients and elicits a "yes" is one that directly addresses an acute client need in a way that is heart-felt and authentic.

I talk about how to create a response that cuts through the noise in this podcast.

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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It's strange to me that we rarely talk about the importance of managing conflict as a marketing skill. After all, if marketing is about cultivating trust-based business relationships, addressing conflict seems more than a little important.

Here is how I handle (or avoid mishandling) inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings in a way that is in integrity for me and my business.

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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There are marketing phrases that are considered the "standard" for describing a particular activity that make my stomach clench.

One example is the term "Lead Magnet" which describes giving something valuable away in exchange for the person's email address.

I don't mind the idea behind the term, lead magnet. It's a great way to begin cultivating a relationship with people who might benefit from your services.

What bugs me is the term "Lead Magnet" is subtly dehumanizing and makes it sound like we need to use a little trickery to get people to take action. 

I feel the same way about terms like "Marketing Funnel", "Sales Pipeline", and "Onboarding."

I don't suggest we forbid these words. I'm not a fan of censorship. But I would sure like to see them go on a nice long vacation during which we find phrases that better express our values and worldview.

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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Today I’m sharing a recent talk I gave to a community of women business owners.

Topics I cover are:

• What makes word of mouth marketing so powerful.
• Why we don’t get as many referrals as we expect (when we know we have devoted fans)
• The six steps you need to put into place to open your flow of right-fit referrals
• The reason we don’t pay people to send us referrals (and what to do instead)
• How to take care of ourselves, our hearts and spirits (because word of mouth can take time to produce results)

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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Yes, you can find marketing activities you actually enjoy and create great results.

Here's my story of how I stopped doing marketing I hated to marketing I genuinely love.

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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Our culture tells us our success is all about pushing and striving. It's all on us and our individual effort.

But this ignores the incredibly powerful effects that our environments have on us.

Humans beings are highly sensitive and quickly adapt to the environments that surround us. Why not design your environments so they bring out the very best in your and in your business?

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My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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I know, the minute someone asks you who your idea clients are you immediately think of all the opportunities you'll lose by focusing on one or two different client types.

And I know, it can be hard to choose and define a niche when your niche is based largely on intangibles such as a person's beliefs or values.

Nonetheless, it's important you take steps to choose because the more clear your niche, the easier it is for people to refer right-fit clients your way!

In this podcast I share an easy way you can begin to narrow who your right-fit people are so they can find YOU!

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

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Despite the economic uncertainty, people are still buying things. They are still buying services with less tangible outcomes. I know coaches and therapists and healers who are doing quite well in 2025. Truly.

In fact, I’d argue that if you are offering deeply personal services to help and heal people they need what you offer even more.

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.

Send us Fan Mail

If you are a heart-centered, mission-focused business owner, it can feel more than a little daunting to feel seen by the people who want what you offer.

The online marketplace is cluttered and crazy. People who love to self-promote and deep-pocket corporations tend to get the most attention.

Which is why (surprise, surprise) I encourage you to leave social media and Internet surfing, and look to your referral network. To reach out by phone or email (even snail mail) and deepen those relationships. These are the folks who will recommend new business your way. They want to help you succeed!

If you find the Marketing Root Work podcast valuable, please become a subscriber! 

My mission is to change the way small business owners market themselves and it’s very important to me that I reach as many people as possible.