Running a business on sticky notes, late nights, and last-minute decisions? I’ve been there. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my operational other half and COO, Shawn Quintero, to share the behind-the-scenes journey of turning Next Step Social & Podcasting from a founder-dependent business into a scalable, framework-driven company.

We get real about what it takes to stop doing it all and start leading intentionally. From the CEO-COO relationship, to daily huddles, GWC evaluations, and how we use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to guide every move—we're pulling back the curtain on the systems and rhythms that power sustainable growth.

Whether you're a solopreneur with a team or a visionary ready to scale, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The turning point when we shifted from solopreneurship to a true business model
• How hiring for growth (not relief) changes everything
• What it really means to become a CEO vs. just being a founder
• Why EOS became our growth framework
• How we run our business with vision, data, and process clarity
• Daily huddle structure that keeps our team aligned and efficient

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling

00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling

00:03:00 Transitioning from Solopreneurship

00:06:00 Strategic Hiring and Systematization 

00:09:00 Understanding EOS and Its Components

00:12:00 Building a Strong Business Partnership

00:15:00 The Role of Vision and Delegation

00:18:00 Implementing Daily Huddles and GWC Test

00:21:00 The Importance of Complementary Skills

00:24:00 Maintaining Alignment and Communication

00:27:00 Scaling with Structure and Systems

00:30:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Visit Shawn Quintero online:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Matthew Rouse—author, agency owner, and AI startup founder—to talk about the real state of AI in business. Forget the hype—Matt and I dive into practical AI tools, how to build better automations, and how small businesses can scale smarter without sacrificing authenticity.

We explore:

• What AI is actually doing for businesses right now
• Creative AI workflows that go beyond social media posts
• Why automating your reporting could save you hundreds of hours
• How to train AI to support your team without replacing them
• The #1 automation every small business should implement before the year ends

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to AI and Job Security

00:30 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:00 Meet Matt Rouse: AI Expert and Entrepreneur

01:26 The Reality of AI for Entrepreneurs

06:18 AI Tools and Their Applications

14:03 Using AI for Creative Processes

18:32 Automating Business Tasks with AI

23:28 The Future of AI in Business

28:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt also shares insights from his book Will AI Take My Job Too?, plus his approach to building powerful AI agents and automations that actually move the needle.

Tune in to learn how to stop fearing AI—and start using it to make your business more efficient, impactful, and human.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to subscribe!

Visit Matt Rouse online:

Website: https://matthewrouse.com/

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

SMB Autopilot: https://smbautopilot.ai/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Take-Job-Predictions-Corporations/dp/B0CL9NWGGL

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and a personal branding strategist, to unpack what it really means to build an authentic brand in today’s AI-saturated world.

Kelly shares how she accidentally built her personal brand over 15 years ago, and how that journey led her to help other professionals turn their expertise into influence. We dive into the importance of authenticity, how AI tools like ChatGPT and Quso can elevate your voice—not replace it—and why your story still matters more than ever.

We also explore:

• What the “Authority X-Factor” is and how to find yours
• Why AI-generated content lacks the human touch
• How to use AI tools the right way for repurposing your content
• Whether writing a book still holds power in building thought leadership (spoiler: YES)
• Tactical tips to grow your personal brand using speaking, podcasting, and LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Branding

00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:54 Meet Today's Guest: Kelly Schuknecht

01:25 The Importance of Personal Branding in the Age of AI

02:36 Kelly's Journey to Personal Branding

04:14 Challenges in Defining Personal Brand

08:47 The Role of AI in Content Creation

14:56 AI Tools for Personal Branding

18:51 The Power of Writing a Book for Personal Branding

25:06 Getting Started with Personal Branding

28:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want to know if your personal brand is working for you? Take Kelly’s Thought Leadership Scorecard at twomilehighmarketing.com

Visit Kelly Kelly Schuknecht online:

Website: https://kellyschuknecht.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kellyschuknecht

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

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What does it really take to scale your business without losing your sanity?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my friend, business partner, and COO of Next Step Social & Podcasting, Shawn Quintero. Shawn pulls back the curtain on the systems, strategy, and mindset shifts that have helped us scale Next Step Social & Podcasting —and support clients doing the same.

We talk about:

• How to shift from founder-dependence to system-dependence
• What makes a marketing campaign actually work
• Why our VIP Day is a game-changer for businesses of all sizes
• What it takes to turn your podcast into a lead-generating machine
• The one business principle that will eliminate overwhelm

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction: Scaling Your Business

01:02 Meet the COO: Shawn Quintero

01:57 The Importance of Systems in Business

03:34 Challenges of Founder-Dependent Businesses

10:18 Strategic Incentives and Marketing Campaigns

12:53 VIP Day: A Game Changer for Businesses

17:14 Client Success Stories

21:20 Finding Clarity and Solving Problems

25:13 Looking Ahead: Scaling in 2026

26:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Whether you're a solo business owner or managing a full team, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the intentional design that drives real business growth.

Ready to take the next step? Book your VIP Day now at yournextstep.agency and let’s build your custom growth strategy.

Visit Shawn Quintero online:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

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I’ll be honest—most business owners and marketers I talk to think their tracking is dialed in… but they’re still flying blind. Why? Because they’re trusting platforms like Google or Meta to tell them what’s working.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Zeke Camusio, founder of Data Speaks, to talk about why your tracking pixels might be lying to you—and how to fix it.

Zeke breaks down the flaws in traditional tracking methods and shares a smarter, AI-powered approach to marketing attribution. We dive into the three pillars of unified measurement (media mix modeling, incrementality testing, and attribution) and how they help you make confident, data-driven decisions that actually move the needle.

Whether you’re spending $2K or $200K a month on ads, this conversation will help you:

• Stop wasting budget on campaigns that aren’t converting
• Understand how attribution really works across platforms
• Clean up your tracking for more accurate insights
• Learn how to implement AI-powered analytics without needing a data science team

It’s time to stop guessing and start scaling with accurate marketing data. You won’t want to miss this one.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Tracking Pixels

00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:59 The Inaccuracy of Tracking Pixels

01:43 Introducing Zeke Muccio and Data Speaks

02:30 Are Tracking Pixels Reliable?

05:03 Challenges with Tracking Pixels

08:21 Unified Measurement Framework

11:19 AI in Marketing Analytics

14:48 Practical Steps for Business Owners

17:32 The Role of UTM Tags and Pixels

22:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit Zeke Camusio online:

Website: https://dataspeaks.ai/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zekemuccio

Free tools: https://dataspeaks.ai/resources

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

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What if your website could generate leads while you sleep?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about what most business owners get wrong about their websites—and how to fix it. Wes shares his innovative approach to Search Everywhere Optimization, explains how to build an AI-proof content strategy, and breaks down how to make your website your #1 salesperson.

We also unpack:

• The future of SEO in an AI-powered search world
• Why your website’s design may be costing you conversions
• How to create content that gets picked up by AI and voice search
• Why human-first branding still matters—and how to lead with it

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Hardest Working Sales Rep

00:44 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:18 Meet Wes Towers: Embracing AI and Human Connection

02:37 The Importance of Your Website as a Sales Rep

06:31 Search Everywhere Optimization Explained

11:06 Practical Tips for an Effective Website

20:02 Leveraging AI While Doubling Down on Human Connection

22:03 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

If you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner who wants to future-proof your brand and actually see results from your website, this episode is your game plan.

Visit Wes Towers:

Website: https://uplift360.com.au/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uplift_360

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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When crisis strikes, will your business be ready?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Mike Swenson to uncover what every small and mid-sized business must know about crisis management. Mike shares his 30+ years of experience in public relations and walks us through a five-step framework for creating a crisis plan that actually works. From social media slip-ups to data breaches, we explore real-world scenarios that can put your reputation at risk—and how to protect it before it's too late.

We also talk about why a crisis communication plan should be considered part of your marketing strategy, not just your PR playbook.

• The biggest mistake small businesses make when it comes to crisis planning
• Why your credibility is your most valuable asset—and how to protect it
• The five must-have steps in a crisis management plan
• The importance of designating a crisis team (even if you’re a team of 5!)
• How communication can make or break your business during a crisis

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Facing a Business Crisis

00:45 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:23 Meet Mike Swensen: Crisis Management Expert

03:02 The Importance of a Crisis Plan

08:01 Steps to Create an Effective Crisis Plan

12:05 Real-World Examples and Lessons

18:25 Actionable Steps for Entrepreneurs

22:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how to prepare for the unexpected.

Visit Mike Swenson:

Website: https://crisistrak.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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If your business isn’t ranking on Google Maps, you might as well be invisible. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I am joined by local SEO expert Josh Thompson, founder of Bright Beam SEO. They dive deep into practical strategies that local business owners can implement today to rank higher in local search results.

Josh shares his powerful OCTBR SEO framework—Optimize, Content, Targeting, Backlinks, and Reviews—and explains why focusing on bottom-of-the-funnel searchers leads to real, revenue-generating results. From the future of AI in search to the simple tweaks you can make to your Google Business Profile, this episode is a masterclass for business owners who want to get found by customers ready to buy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Google Maps rankings matter more than ever
• The most common local SEO mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• The real deal on backlinks—and how to earn quality ones
• How to future-proof your business against AI-driven search
• Josh’s go-to SEO strategies for immediate visibility gains

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Google Search

00:29 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

01:06 Understanding Local SEO with Josh Thompson

02:19 The Importance of Google Maps for Small Businesses

05:49 SEO Strategies: Optimize, Content, Target, Backlinks, Reviews

09:38 Impact of AI on Local SEO

14:02 Building Effective Backlinks

19:26 Quick Wins for Improving Local SEO

22:28 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

Don’t miss this chance to turn Google into your best lead generator. Tune in now and walk away with a game plan for better visibility, stronger reviews, and more ideal customers.

Visit Joshua Thompson:

Website: https://brightbeamseo.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightbeamseo

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Bradford Carlton, an AI automation strategist helping entrepreneurs take back their time using low-code and no-code AI agents.

Bradford explains how AI agents—think “digital employees”—can handle repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and even replace entire job functions… all for pennies on the dollar. We discuss what platforms to start with (like Zapier, Make, and n8n), what kind of tasks to automate first, and how solopreneurs can scale without burnout.

If you're ready to delegate to tech instead of hiring more staff, this episode will show you the way.

What You’ll Learn:

• What AI agents actually are and how they work
• The difference between AI tools and AI agents
• How to get started with no-code/low-code automation (no tech skills needed!)
• Why this isn’t just about productivity—but profitability
• Why the future of entrepreneurship requires AI literacy

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 Introduction to the Ultimate Team Member

00:12 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:47 The Burden of Repetitive Tasks

01:31 Introducing Dr. Bradford Carlton

02:15 The Future of AI in Business

03:13 Understanding AI Agents

04:48 Real-World Applications of AI

05:48 Common Myths and Fears About AI

07:29 Getting Started with AI Automation

12:06 Practical Tools for AI Automation

14:14 The Future of AI Agents and Automation

16:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

19:33 Conclusion and Farewell

If you're a small business owner feeling buried in busy work, it's time to let AI step in. Tune in to this episode and learn how to turn hours of admin into a few clicks—and reclaim your time for what matters most. Subscribe for more future-focused marketing episodes every week!

Visit Bradford Carlton:

Website: https://www.bradfordcarlton.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradfordSCarlton

Free Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/automate-business-ai/about

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

#AIagents #businessautomation #entrepreneurmindset #lowcode #nocode #marketingautomation #AItools #smallbusinessgrowth #digitalproductivity #solopreneurtools #workflowautomation #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #timemanagement

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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I spoke with Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, to explore the often-overlooked risks and opportunities in building AI strategies for business.

Hunter shares expert guidance on:

• How companies can use AI without compromising sensitive data
• Why blindly plugging your proprietary info into ChatGPT is dangerous
• What a strong AI governance policy should include
• When open-source AI models are the better fit for your goals
• How to educate your team on safe and effective AI usage

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Risks of AI Data

00:28 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing

00:58 Today's Topic: Secure and ROI-Driven AI Strategy

01:19 Meet Hunter Jensen: AI and Data Science Expert

02:43 The Importance of Secure AI Tools

05:55 Steps to Implementing a Secure AI Strategy

06:37 The Role of AI Governance and Internal Tools

15:58 Custom AI Solutions for Your Business

18:58 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

24:23 Conclusion and How to Connect

They also dig into how machine learning supports predictive analytics, and the importance of fostering innovation within your company culture to fully leverage AI.

Whether you're a founder, CIO, or digital marketer, this episode delivers the tactical and strategic insights you need to build a secure, scalable, and ROI-positive AI roadmap.

Visit Hunter Jensen:

Website: https://www.barefootsolutions.com/

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

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:

Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/

Website: https://yournextstep.agency/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

#AISecurity #AIStrategy #Chatgpt

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