In this episode of The Field Guide, host Peter sits down with social media manager Ivy Moore to unpack what it really takes to run a successful social media account for your business in 2025.

With years of experience managing social channels for consumer brands, retail, and now the champagne importer fatcork, Ivy shares practical insights on:

• Why social media still matters for brand legitimacy and discoverability.
• How to choose the right platform (and why focusing on one is better than spreading yourself thin).
• Building community and engagement instead of chasing vanity metrics.
• Campaign examples that show the power of behind-the-scenes storytelling.
• Step-by-step advice for business owners just starting out, including defining your customer, clarifying your purpose, and creating a content calendar.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a local business owner, Ivy and Pete's discussion offers a clear, practical guide to making social media work for you.

Bianca D’Alessio is no stranger to high stakes and high standards. As the star of HBO Max’s Selling the Hamptons, New York’s top-ranked real estate broker, and founder of one of the nation’s most successful brokerage teams, she oversees a jaw-dropping $10 billion portfolio. But in her new book, Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact, Bianca reveals that real success is about becoming the kind of person who can thrive, lead, and inspire through any season.

In this candid conversation, Bianca shares the powerful shift to leading with intentions and focusing on who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve. 

She dives into her concept of “teamship,” the art of co-creating life with the companions who shape our journey, and opens up about the transformative role of authenticity and gratitude in her career and personal growth. From reality TV vulnerability to business resilience, Bianca’s story is a masterclass in building a life with depth, purpose, and staying power.

Connect with Bianca:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancadalessio/# 

Website: biancadalessio.com

In this episode, we dig into the grassroots world of "rock bag marketing." Yes, literally dropping a rock and a business card in a plastic bag on someone's driveway. Peter unpacks the bold, low-budget tactic and explores whether its shock value outweighs the brand risks.

But the story doesn't stop there. Tune in for a smarter, classier alternative: door hanger marketing. Learn how high-quality, hyperlocal, and trackable print pieces, combined with branded vehicles and boots-on-the-ground hustle, can drive real results without the littering or the side-eye from your HOA. If you’re a local business looking to grow, this one's for you.

In part two of Don’t Be Afraid of the Numbers, Peter and Emily break down Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)—the essential metric that shows what your customers are really worth over the long haul. From calculating LTV step-by-step to using it as a compass for sustainable growth, they turn intimidating math into strategic insight you can actually use.

Packed with real-world examples—from HVAC tune-up packages to auto shop loyalty perks—you’ll learn how smart businesses increase lifetime value without overspending. Plus, discover how LTV ties back to Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and why tracking both is critical to building a healthy, profitable business. If you’re ready to market smarter and grow with intention, this episode is your must-listen field guide.

In the kickoff to our Don’t Be Afraid of the Numbers mini-series, Peter and Emily break down the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)—the single, powerful metric that ties together your marketing spend and sales performance into one clear, no-fluff number.

You'll learn how to calculate CAC step-by-step, why it matters more than you think, and how it reveals the health of your marketing and sales pipeline. Peter shares real-world examples (including a 10-year client success story) and gives practical advice on reducing your CAC through smarter ad spending, better sales follow-up, and even pricing strategy. Plus, we share a free CAC tracking tool to help you take action immediately.

If numbers make you nervous, this is your safe zone. Tune in, get empowered, and start making data-driven decisions with confidence.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Midkiff, Vice President of Architextures, to trace an extraordinary 45-year journey in specialty construction. From transforming a modest family business into a leader in acoustic wall systems, Mark shares pivotal moments—from breakthrough projects to the delicate art of delegation and succession planning.

Hear how a father-son handoff and a heartfelt philosophy of kindness have helped shape a resilient, respected brand in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

After 13 years as “bizmktg.com,” we finally secured the name that always felt like ours—BizMarketing. In this episode, Peter and Emily share the behind-the-scenes story of our rebrand, what prompted the change, the near-miss with "Get BizMarketing," and why sometimes it’s better to be clear than clever. 

If you're a business owner thinking about a rebrand—or even just refining your brand—this episode offers practical insight. We break down what triggered our change, the process we followed, lessons we learned, and why clarity in branding matters more than being clever. 

Peter sits down with Stephen Steers, author of "Superpower Storytelling," to explore the power of storytelling in sales and business. Stephen, who combines his experience as a sales consultant and stand-up comedian, shares his journey from near-death construction worker to successful entrepreneur, and reveals his proven frameworks for effective storytelling in business.

Stephen shares the three hidden stories every business possesses—and how to use them to win customers. He also details his "Magnificent Seven" reasons why people buy, and the four essential questions to ask before telling any story. He offers practical insights on how to conduct effective sales calls, emphasizing the importance of making emotional connections while keeping the prospect – not the seller – as the hero of the story.

Whether you're in B2B or B2C sales, this episode provides valuable techniques for improving sales conversations, building better relationships, and crafting compelling stories that resonate with your audience.

Stephen also shares a generous offer for listeners: a free sales call review and access to his call script template at stephensteers.com/podcast.

Peter showcases how he used Google’s NotebookLM, an AI tool that simplifies podcast creation. The first part explains the process of generating a podcast episode using NotebookLM, where he pulled information from various sources, including YouTube videos. He highlights how the tool synthesizes content based on specific prompts.

The second part features the podcast created by NotebookLM, centered on Allan Dib's book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan. Peter discusses key marketing strategies for small business owners, including identifying the ideal customer, crafting effective messaging, and developing a lead capture system.

Join them for practical insights and actionable steps that can help drive business growth and improve customer relationships.

In this episode of Biz & Life Done Well, Peter sits down with Michael Thompson, author of "Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out." Michael shares his journey from a shy, stuttering child to a successful career coach and author.

Key topics they discussed:

- Michael's background and motivation for writing "Shy by Design"
- The power of curiosity in personal and professional growth
- Building meaningful connections through small, intentional actions
- Embracing one's natural tendencies rather than trying to fit a preconceived mold
- Strategies for networking and relationship-building, especially for introverts
- The value of lifting others up as you progress in your own career

Michael weaves in personal stories that bring his principles to life. He shared one story about a meeting with an influential author that illustrates the unexpected impact of perseverance and kindness in networking:

This story beautifully encapsulates Michael's message about the power of authentic connections and the importance of not giving up after initial setbacks.

Michael's book, "Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out" offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and embrace their introverted nature while making a lasting impact in their personal and professional lives.

Find the book on Amazon [link]
Michael Thompson's Website