Sitting down with Robert Downey, CEO of Simply Be Found, I discovered a new way of looking at AI—not just as a marketing tool, but as a powerful sales ally. We dove into how AI can help small businesses boost their local SEO, streamline social media efforts, and make the most of website content.

Robert’s insights on AI’s role in digital marketing made me think back to the early days of the internet. Back then, businesses were just dipping their toes into the online world, figuring out how it all worked. Now, though, it feels like the pressure’s really on. With AI reshaping the entire landscape, companies have to keep up with these changes—or risk getting left behind.

Key Takeaways:

Make AI Your Sales Partner: AI can enhance sales strategies, from drafting follow-up emails to refining content for better lead generation. But Robert emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement for genuine interaction.

The SEO Pixel Advantage: Robert's SEO pixel is a game-changer, tracking real-time user behavior on your site and making instant updates to improve SEO. It’s like having a 24/7 SEO expert refining your content and making it work harder for you.

Website Revival: Far from being outdated, websites are central again as primary sources of business data for AI. Effective SEO, social media, and even local listings all feed off the information your website provides.

AI with a Human Touch: While AI can generate content, it still needs a human eye to review, adjust, and make it authentic. Robert likens AI to a calculator—it’s only as good as the input and oversight you provide.

Stay Engaged: AI isn’t set-and-forget. For best results, businesses should stay engaged with AI tools, guiding them to meet specific goals and adjusting output to maintain a personalized touch.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT ROBERT

Some of the content that's doing really well on LinkedIn right now are the multi image posts putting together two or three related images and putting that in your feed like a carousel or just a collage really grabs the attention because it's different than the single images that everyone else is putting out there. Those multiple images allow you to tell a more complete story.

The second thing that is dominating LinkedIn right now is video. Video, video. The beautiful thing is that you do not need to create video just for LinkedIn. You can use the same shorts that you're putting on YouTube and TikTok and Facebook and share them. On LinkedIn to create that brand exposure and deliver your message. 

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I had so much fun welcoming back Kendra Corman back to the show.  An accomplished marketing strategist whose insights are as practical as they are powerful. Kendra’s worked with everyone from small businesses to global brands like Jeep, bringing her marketing expertise to a range of clients. Today, we dug into the ever-evolving world of AI and how it can be a real game-changer for social media and email marketing.

Now, if you know me, you know my relationship with AI is complicated. I love the possibilities, but I’m a bit wary of giving up too much control, especially when it comes to my voice. But Kendra shared some great tips and tricks to get the best of both worlds—leveraging AI to streamline content creation while keeping it uniquely “you.”  

If this conversation has peaked your interest be sure to check out Kendra’s book, Mastering AI in Marketing Communications, which  goes even deeper, offering practical prompting tips for anyone looking to harness AI effectively without losing that human touch.

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

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If you've been around business as long as I have—or even half as long—you know the cycles are inevitable. There are highs, there are lows, and the real question is: how prepared are you for the downturns? That’s the heart of this conversation from my archive, with  than Matt Nettleton, a sales powerhouse and founder of DTB Sandler Training. Matt’s seen it all, from both the trenches and the boardroom, and he knows exactly how to help salespeople elevate their game. In fact, he’s the reason my own business took off years ago when he was my sales coach.

Here are just a few of the key points from our conversation: 

Maximize Your CRM: A CRM only helps if it’s used effectively. Make sure it’s tracking meaningful data and guiding your sales efforts—not just sitting idle.

Follow a Consistent Sales Process: Having a structured sales process moves prospects predictably from strangers to loyal clients. Don’t rely on luck; create repeatable steps for success.

Refine Your Story: Your story should resonate with your ideal clients. Know why customers choose you and use that narrative to build stronger, lasting relationships.

Prepare for Business Cycles: Sales isn’t immune to economic cycles. Anticipate downturns and use the right tools (CRM, process, and story) to protect your business when the market gets tough.

Know Your Target Audience: Understand your “elephants” and “squirrels.” Don’t chase big clients without the right resources, and don’t over-invest in smaller ones. Tailor your approach to fit each customer’s scale.

If you are like me, you work hard to get a prospect. There's marketing to get them interested and usually a series of conversations and proposal before you close the sale. So when you have an interested prospect, it is hard to let go, but sometimes you should.

Years ago I was approached by the marketing manager at a fairly large company looking to outsource some of their work to a smaller firm, like mine.

He was very impressed with his credentials and the fact that he had this big company behind him. Right from the beginning of our conversation he began to throw the weight of his company around. He was arrogant and quite honestly, a bit rude. I started out being polite, trying to overlook his rudeness. After a few minutes, however, my internal alarm began to sound. I realized our communication was not going to improve if we worked together.

The warning bells rang louder and louder in my head. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like his arrogance or his attitude or his unrealistic expectations that I would drop everything, and jump as high as I could whenever he called.

I agonized for a bit because I never like to turn a prospect away. But I remembered I went into business for myself so I could spend time doing work I enjoyed and with people I liked and respected. In the end, I sent him a nice note, thanking him and telling him there wasn't a good fit.

What I wanted to say was it was his approach, not the project that sent me running in the other direction. But I didn’t. He had been behaving like that for a long time, and he wasn’t going to change. I didn’t want to invest my time attempting to teach him a better way. It is like someone who eats with his hands on the first date. He isn’t going to be using silverware after the wedding.

So I lost a sale, but I wasn’t sad. I knew if I didn’t like him during the sales process when we were both putting our best foot forward, I would really dislike him as we began to work together. I didn't mind walking away from a bad fit because I knew there is always another prospect and another opportunity.

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

I had a chance to sit down with Facebook ad expert Carol Kabaale to demystify Meta's advertising platform. Whether you’re a social media newbie or someone who’s been burned by past ad campaigns, Carol offers practical advice on how to navigate the Meta algorithm and create ads that actually work. As an advocate for women entrepreneurs, Carol breaks it down step by step, making Facebook ads less intimidating and more accessible for business owners at any level.

Start with What’s Already Working

Pay to Play: Why It’s Worth It

Tackle Business Manager with a Plan

Target the Right People

Reels and Engagement Strategies

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In this episode from the archive, the topic is mentors, how to find one and how to be one. Why? Because even if we think that we're running our business' completely on our own it helps to have people to turn to for advice and information.

That is why I loved chatting with Kate Bradley Chernis,  about the transformative role of mentors in business. Kate’s journey—from rock-and-roll DJ to brand-building expert—has been guided by powerful mentorship insights that helped her stay true to herself while creating a company that maximizes social engagement. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:

A Safe Space to Fail

One of the most valuable aspects of mentorship is having a supportive environment where it’s safe to make mistakes. She emphasizes that true growth only happens when you’re allowed to fail and learn from it, and mentors play a crucial role in creating that space.

Embracing Authenticity

Kate’s mentors taught her the importance of showing up as her real self. Early in her career, she tried to fit into a “corporate” mold that didn’t resonate with her, only to realize that being genuine was far more effective. This lesson helped her shed pretenses and build authentic connections.

Constructive Criticism with Purpose

As a mentor, you need to deliver feedback that focuses on outcomes, not negativity.  Learning to approach critique as a tool for growth, helps team members develop without discouragement. 

Diverse Mentorship

Seeking mentors from various backgrounds, genders, and experiences. Rather than limiting yourself to similar-minded people, value guidance from those who challenge your perspective and expand your view.

Are you taking advantage of the LinkedIn newsletter tool? If not, you're missing a huge opportunity. Sure, you've been creating newsletters for years and you have your audience. But there are people you are connected to on LinkedIn who will never subscribe to your newsletter.

By taking that same content and moving it to this platform, you have an opportunity to deliver your message to a much wider audience, connecting and engaging with an entirely different group of people.

When you are using the LinkedIn newsletter tool your newsletter is delivered from LinkedIn. So you have that umbrella of a much larger organization backing and supporting your content.  In a way they are endorsing your message.

If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

In this conversation from my archive, I discussed the power of authenticity with Sasha Willis.  In all her ventures, Sasha’s authenticity shines, proving that showing up as yourself is the key to a resonant, successful brand. Here’s what she had to share on making authenticity your superpower:

Consistency Across Platforms

Professionalism Redefined

The “Like-Know-Trust” Factor

Social Media Isn’t Everything

Are you curious about the power of curiosity itself? If so, this conversation with Emily Aborn, an experienced copywriter, speaker, and podcast host, will draw you in. Emily shares her insights on the art of curiosity marketing—a strategy that builds intrigue by inviting people to wonder, engage, and connect deeper. In our interview, she unveils the process of creating content that is compelling, relatable, and keeps people coming back for more.

Key Takeaways:

Curiosity Marketing Defined: Emily describes curiosity marketing as the creation of a gap between what we know and what others are curious about. She emphasizes that striking the right balance between curiosity and clarity avoids confusion and keeps audiences engaged and wanting to know more.

Knowing Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s background is essential. Emily shares that by grasping what your audience already knows, as well as their challenges, you can build content that speaks directly to their interests and keeps them intrigued.

Four Types of Curiosity: Emily outlines four curiosity styles—fascinated, empathizer, problem solver, and avoider. These styles provide insight into how individuals engage with content. By identifying your audience’s curiosity style, you can create more tailored, compelling content.

The Power of Specificity: Using vivid, specific examples creates memorable and engaging content. Specificity resonates with readers by evoking real emotions and imagery, which, as Emily explains, is often what sets human-created content apart from AI-generated content.

Leaving Loops Open: Good content doesn’t close every loop or answer every question. By inviting readers to draw their own conclusions or reflect, curiosity marketing allows individuals to connect personally with content, making them eager for the next post, episode, or story.

Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions but about fostering a genuine connection that makes people want to return for more.

What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of practical tips along the way. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW