Starting a podcast is easy—but building one that shortens your sales cycle, drives high-ticket leads, and supports your business? That’s a different game.

In this episode, Katie sits down with Megan Dougherty of One Stone Creative to unpack the business strategy behind podcasting. They dive into podcast value math, why most shows fail to convert, and how to create episodes that become evergreen sales tools.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to design a podcast that fits your business goals
• Why 12-15 focused episodes might be more powerful than 100 inconsistent ones
• The real KPIs that drive ROI (hint: it’s not downloads)
• When (and how) to turn your podcast into a strategic referral engine

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Strategy Overview

01:08 Guest Introduction: Megan Doherty

02:06 Common Misconceptions About Podcasting

03:47 Designing a Podcast for Business Outcomes

05:10 Shortening the Sales Cycle with Podcasts

08:05 Entertainment vs. Business Podcasts

09:56 Measuring Podcast Success

13:54 Business Podcast Blueprints and State of Business Podcasting Report

21:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Want to create a podcast that does more than entertain? Visit podcastingforbusiness.com for Megan’s full blueprint. DM Katie on LinkedIn if you want help bringing your podcast strategy to life.

Visit Megan Dougherty online:

Website: http://podcastingforbusiness.com/

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

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-podcast-spotlight/id1801282981

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, host Katie Brinkley speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies and a seasoned attorney who helps startups and growing businesses navigate the tricky legal terrain of entrepreneurship. They dive into the most common legal mistakes founders make, such as skipping trademark registration, not having the right agreements in place, and relying too heavily on AI-generated contracts.

Jeff explains why legal protection isn't just for "later" and how foundational documents like founder agreements and offer letters can save entrepreneurs time, money, and stress down the road. From trademark myths to fractional legal teams, this episode is packed with actionable insights for small business owners ready to scale smart and safe.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why skipping trademark registration could cost you big later
• The difference between branding assets and trademark-worthy materials
• When and why to use founder agreements or offer letters
• Why AI-generated legal documents can hurt more than help
• How to plan your legal strategy based on where your business is headed

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

03:15 – Why trademarks matter more than you think

08:40 – Avoiding partnership disasters

14:00 – The AI trap: what not to DIY legally

20:00 – How to structure legal support as you grow

28:15 – What questions to ask during your first legal consult

34:00 – Closing thoughts and next steps

Ready to stop guessing and start protecting your business the right way?

Hit play on this episode and walk away with actionable legal strategies that every founder, coach, or creator must know. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your brand deserves to be protected from the start.

Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing for more expert-backed tips on growing your business with confidence.

And if you found this episode valuable, share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear this today.

Your business is worth protecting—start now.

Visit Jeff Holman online:

Website: https://www.intellectualstrategies.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Sara Nay—CEO at Duct Tape Marketing—to dive into a smarter, more sustainable way to grow your business with strategy-first content.

We’re talking about what most business owners get wrong when it comes to content, how the Marketing Hourglass can change the way you view your sales journey, and how AI and automation can elevate—not replace—your marketing.

Whether you're a solopreneur, service provider, or marketer stuck in the "post more!" cycle, this episode will show you how to simplify your efforts and focus on what actually moves the needle.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 7 stages of the Marketing Hourglass
• Why your existing clients are your greatest marketing asset
• How AI can help create smarter content (and where not to use it)
• How to use buyer behavior data to drive your next campaign

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Sara Nay

02:10 – What is the Marketing Hourglass?

06:45 – Common mistakes in content strategy

10:30 – How to use AI for smarter marketing

13:50 – Automating the customer journey

18:15 – Turning customers into referral machines

22:00 – Final advice for simplifying your strategy

Tune in now and stop creating content that goes nowhere!

Visit Sara Nay online:

Website: https://ducttapemarketing.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ducttapemarketingvideo

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been pouring money into Facebook ads with zero return or relying on Google only to end up buried on page three, it’s time for a shift. In this episode, I sit down with digital marketing veteran Marilyn Jenkins, founder of MJ Media Group, who’s been helping local businesses scale since before most people had email.

She breaks down exactly how local businesses are getting 14X ROI using streaming TV ads, how to target zip codes like a sniper, and why Google Business Profile is your make-or-break moment.

If you want your business in front of your ideal customer while they’re binge-watching Roku or Tubi, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Streaming TV ads are non-skippable and more cost-effective than you think
• You can target specific zip codes, languages, and behaviors
• Your Google Business Profile must be optimized before launching ads
• Local businesses—from real estate agents to home services—are seeing massive ROI
• Strategy without execution is just noise. Pick one thing from this episode and take action.

Timestamps:

00:03 – Why your digital ads aren’t converting

02:00 – Meet Marilyn Jenkins: Digital OG with 14X ROI results

04:08 – Why brand visibility is more important than ever

06:44 – Streaming ads are the new TV gold rush

08:40 – How to get started (even with a small budget)

10:05 – Targeting by zip code, language, and behavior

13:00 – The streaming networks you need to know

14:22 – Cost comparison: Streaming TV vs Facebook vs Google

20:53 – Biggest mistake small businesses make with TV ads

22:41 – Why your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable

24:12 – Final thoughts and how to get started

Here’s a challenge for you - audit your digital presence—starting with your Google Business Profile.

Follow Rocky Mountain Marketing and share this episode with someone still running ads without a plan.

Visit Marilyn Jenkins online:

Website: https://marilynjenkins.online/

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

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

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raise your hand if you've ever said, “I'll figure it out later.” Spoiler: later often turns into never—and as entrepreneurs, that’s a recipe for burnout. On today’s episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by business operations strategist Jessica Millhiser, founder of J Mills Consulting. With nearly two decades of experience in operations, leadership, and coaching, she’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs shift from reactive to strategic using her five foundational pillars: business identity, client experience, business organization, team growth, and strategic planning.

Whether you’re stuck in the weeds of your to-do list, unclear on your version of success, or overwhelmed trying to scale your team—this episode will help you design the business you actually want.

Grab a pen, because this one’s full of actionable wisdom that will get you out of your head and moving forward in real-time.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “business identity” is deeper than a mission statement—and how to embody it
• Jessica’s 5 Pillars for sustainable growth (and what most entrepreneurs skip)
• How defining your version of success leads to confident decision-making
• The truth about effective delegation and building the right team
• Strategic planning tips that help you stay focused (and stop chasing shiny objects)

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Katie’s 3 a.m. idea problem (sound familiar?)
• 01:45 – Meet Jessica Millhiser of J Mills Consulting
• 04:13 – What is your business identity, really?
• 10:39 – The 5 foundational pillars of sustainable growth
• 14:47 – Growing your team? Here’s what most founders miss
• 21:06 – Designing the business you want
• 24:53 – Actionable steps to take this week

This week’s challenge: Take 20 minutes to get one idea out of your head and onto paper—whether it’s a to-do list, a client journey map, or your version of success. Clarity comes from action.

If this episode brought you clarity, insight, or even just a deep exhale—please hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur.

Visit Jessica Millhiser online:

Website: https://www.jmillsconsulting.com/

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

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

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#RockyMountainMarketing #SmallBusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurshipTips #BusinessOperations #TeamGrowth #StrategicPlanning #BusinessSuccess #Podcast #BusinessOperations #ScaleYourBusiness #KatieBrinkley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s a question I’ve been asking clients—and myself: What if posting less actually gets you more traction?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m peeling back the curtain on how my team at Next Step Social scaled back on content volume, leaned into intentional engagement, and won two international creative awards in the process. This is the exact strategy that’s helping our clients spark real conversations, build trust, and turn community into conversions—all without posting every single day.

If you’re tired of the content treadmill, or if your current strategy feels like more noise than impact, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why high-volume posting is not the key to engagement
• The “Four Post Strategy” that changed everything for us
• How intentional content creates deeper connections
• What winning two Hermes Creative Awards means for content strategy
• Why it’s time to shift from chaos to connection in your marketing

Timestamps:

00:03 – Can posting less actually grow your business?

01:00 – Why you don’t need to be on all five platforms

02:20 – What is the Four Post Strategy?

03:45 – The results: more DMs, comments, and conversions

04:25 – How Next Step Social won 2 gold Hermes Creative Awards

06:00 – The real reason this strategy works

06:45 – Invitation to work with Next Step Social

Ready to simplify your content while growing your business?

Let’s talk strategy → yournextstep.agency

DM me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. Let’s connect!

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#IntentionalMarketing #ContentStrategy #SocialMediaGrowth #MarketingWithPurpose #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing #FourPostStrategy #SocialMediaSimplified #Podcast #HermesAward #EngagementStrategy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 You’ve been told networking is key to business growth—but if you're still relying on business cards and “just checking in” emails, you're doing it wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with Devin Sizemore, business strategist and creator of the Connection Expansion System, to break down:

• Why your current network isn’t sending you leads
• How to flip the script and actually enjoy networking
• A five-step meeting framework that turns strangers into superfans
• And the one mindset shift that will multiply your referrals (without selling)

Whether you're new to networking or a seasoned relationship-builder, this episode will help you transform your connections into consistent, qualified opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Most referral advice is customer-focused and outdated. Connection-focused networking wins in 2025.
• Asking for “ideal clients” adds friction. Instead, ask to be connected to strategic partners.
• Follow-up is everything—use Devin’s template to instantly stand out and add value.
• Networking meetings aren't for selling. They're for listening, learning, and leveraging.
• Real ROI in networking comes from consistency and controlling the flow of the conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why traditional networking isn’t working

02:00 – Meet Devin Sizemore & his connection-first mission

05:25 – The problem with referral marketing as you know it

08:00 – The wrong way (and right way) to follow up

12:00 – How to run a powerful 1:1 connection meeting

17:27 – Devin’s 4 go-to questions at every networking event

23:00 – How to know if your events are actually working

26:00 – Devin’s challenge: One message. One connection. One opportunity.

Like what you heard today? Share this episode with someone who's networking like it’s still 2015. And don’t forget to subscribe for more real-talk marketing conversations that drive real results. For Devin’s book + resources, head to ConnectionExpansion.com.

Visit Devin Sizemore online:

Website:https://devinsizemore.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#ReferralMarketing #NetworkingTips #ConnectionStrategy #MarketingMindset #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing #BusinessGrowth

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens if your podcast guest asks you to delete an episode after it airs? Or worse—if you get hit with a copyright notice for using a 5-second audio clip?

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, Katie sits down with renowned media and entertainment attorney Gordon Firemark—aka The Podcast Lawyer—to unpack the essential legal steps every podcaster needs to take to protect their content and business. Gordon breaks down everything from guest release forms to LLC setup, and even dives into how AI is changing the legal game for creators.

They recorded this conversation back in April 2025 at Podcast Movement Evolutions, but trust us—every insight is still just as relevant today.

Topics Covered:

• Why podcast guest release forms are a must
• The truth about using copyrighted music, viral clips & TikTok sounds
• When you should consider forming an LLC
• Why AI is creating new legal gray areas in podcasting
• Gordon’s best free tools to help podcasters stay legally safe

Don’t miss Gordon’s free resources:

PodcastRelease.com – Guest release template

PodcastPrenup.com – Checklist for co-host agreements

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Visit Gordon Firemark online:

Website: https://firemark.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#PodcastLaw #ContentCreatorTips #LLCForPodcasters #CopyrightForCreators #PodcastingTips #MediaLaw #GordonFiremark #KatieBrinkley #RockyMountainMarketing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when two Katies get together at Podcast Movement Evolutions? A conversation packed with practical, portable, and powerful content creation tips.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, live from Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago. Despite being on the road, we used Ecamm to record this episode—showcasing just how flexible and professional content creation can be when the right tools are in place.

Even though the event happened back in April 2025, the lessons are still gold.

• How creators are recording studio-level content anywhere, anytime
• Why simplicity and versatility make Ecamm the go-to platform for entrepreneurs
• The power of scenes, overlays, and profiles to create branded experiences
• Why Zoom no longer cuts it for modern podcasters
• How Ecamm plays well with AI tools to scale your content post-production

Whether you’re a podcasting pro or just getting started, this episode will show you how to make content creation way more fun—and a whole lot easier.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Katie Fawkes + why this chat matters

02:10 – Recording on the go with Ecamm (even in a booth!)

06:20 – Why creators need more than Zoom

10:45 – How scenes, overlays, and profiles level-up your production

14:15 – Making content creation fun again

18:40 – How AI tools pair with Ecamm to scale your reach

23:00 – Getting started without being a tech expert

26:35 – Lessons from the Podcast Movement crowd

30:10 – Final thoughts + how to try Ecamm

Visit Katie Fawkes online:

Website:https://www.ecamm.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecammnetwork

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#EcammLive #ContentCreationTips #PodcastTools #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #KatieFawkes #VideoMarketing #PodcastMovementEvolutions #DigitalMarketingTools #Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of feeling gross every time you try to “sell” your services? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to sell that way anymore.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Aleasha Bahr, sales expert, author of The Black Sheep Sales Method, and someone who has completely transformed my approach to selling. We caught up live at Social Media Week Lima to talk about a different way to close more clients—without scripts, pressure, or pretending to be someone you're not.

• Why traditional sales scripts are outdated and ineffective
• How to identify and attract the right clients (not just any clients)
• The secret to improving your close rate by doing less, not more
• Why being a better listener is the ultimate sales superpower
• How Aleasha’s “Black Sheep Sales Method” helps entrepreneurs sell with integrity

If sales has ever felt icky, awkward, or off-brand for you, this episode is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The truth about why most sales training feels gross

01:40 – How Aleasha’s approach changed my business

04:20 – What “fit-based selling” really looks like

07:45 – Why curiosity and listening close more deals

11:05 – The power of disqualifying the wrong leads

15:50 – Why your sales framework should match your business goals

19:30 – What to say when someone gives you a weird sales objection

24:00 – Can AI ever replace human sales conversations?

30:00 – Why your voice still matters—even in the age of automation

Grab Aleasha’s book: Black Sheep Sales: How to Win More Sales Without Acting Like a Douchebag - https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/

Visit Aleasha Bahr online:

Website: https://aleashabahr.com/

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

Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social Communications:

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

#BlackSheepSales #AleashaBahr #RockyMountainMarketing #KatieBrinkley #AuthenticSales #ServiceBasedBusiness #SalesWithoutSleaze #SocialSelling #EntrepreneurLife #Podcast #Sales

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