Why emotional marketing—and authentic storytelling—bring donors and customers back, again and again.

In this value-packed episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, host Karen Vick sits down with marketing leader Adam Ortman to reveal what truly makes your marketing, messaging, and fundraising campaigns unforgettable. Are you struggling to stand out amid the year-end rush or Giving Tuesday? Wondering how to build deeper connections and keep supporters coming back? Get ready for a practical, human-centric blueprint that’s tailor-made for service-based small businesses and nonprofits.

Join us to:

• Learn how to craft messages that resonate and inspire action

• Gain donor retention strategies that actually work

• Explore cost-effective ad tools (including step-by-step advice for beginners!)

• Discover easy, real-world ideas for showing appreciation and building community

• Hear why listening to your customers is the #1 growth strategy most organizations ignore

Small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and marketers—if you want marketing that’s mission-driven and heartfelt, you’ll find the advice and inspiration you need right here.

#emotionalmarketing #storytelling #nonprofitmarketing #smallbusinessmarketing #donorretention #marketingstrategy #GivingTuesday #digitalmarketing #brandconnection

In this episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick welcomes Adam Ortman — consumer psychologist, CEO, and founder of Kinetic 319 Marketing, a Denver-based marketing and advertising agency rooted in consumer psychology. Adam shares his insights on leveraging psychological principles for more effective nonprofit marketing and fundraising, drawing from his experiences with clients ranging from big names like Nike, American Express, and the American Red Cross, to small and midsize nonprofits.

Key points discussed in this episode:

 What is consumer psychology, and how does it influence purchasing, donating, and brand interaction?  Why people give: The personal, emotional, and empathetic drivers behind donations of time, money, and support.  The critical role of empathy—how people want to see themselves reflected in the causes they support.  Common nonprofit marketing mistakes, including the “projection fallacy” (assuming decision-makers’ preferences reflect the wider audience) and “compassion fade” (how big numbers can actually decrease giving).  The four pillars of trust: Authenticity, Empathy, Relevancy, and Consistency—for nonprofit and small business marketing alike.  Practical steps for small businesses and nonprofits to discover what their audience actually cares about—through surveys, feedback, and focus groups.  Harnessing the power of AI tools (like ChatGPT) to easily craft effective surveys and question prompts.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Kinetic 319 Marketing: https://kinetic319.com/

• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

• Google Forms (for easy customer/donor surveys): https://www.google.com/forms/about/

• Microsoft Forms: https://forms.microsoft.com/

• ChatGPT (for writing survey/interview questions): https://chat.openai.com/

  
  

Next steps & actions for listeners:

 Ask your customers or donors what matters to them! Whether you use a formal survey, a quick email, or a simple conversation—dig deeper for specifics and look for patterns in their feedback.  Chunk your goals into achievable milestones. When fundraising, share the big vision but highlight the realistic steps donors can help achieve.  Focus your communication: Be authentic, empathetic, relevant, and consistent to build trust and stronger relationships.  Don’t be afraid to leverage technology! Use AI tools to help you shape targeted questions and streamline outreach.

Subscribe for future episodes and more marketing and branding insight for service-based small businesses and nonprofits!

 The Guiding Brands Podcast: https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

Leave a review & share this episode with a fellow nonprofit or small business owner who’d benefit from a bit of marketing psychology!

In this motivating episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick welcomes Christine Blosdale: podcast strategist, media coach, and author of Podcastonomics. Christine shares practical tips for starting a podcast as a powerful marketing tool for small businesses and personal brands. They dive deep into how to land guest spots on meaningful podcasts—even without a big budget. 

 Why podcasting is a superpower for brands:

• Break down barriers to reach audiences worldwide

• Build expert authority, credibility, and visibility

• “If you’re not seen and heard, you’re not hired.” – Christine

 How to get started with your own podcast:

• Collaborate with an experienced podcaster or coach for guidance

• Invest in quality tools, especially a good microphone 

• Learn the basics: cover art, podcast name, editing, and publishing

• Overcome “imposter syndrome” and simply start

 DIY Podcasting Tips:

• Christine’s book Podcastonomics, walks you through every step

• Don’t skimp on sound quality

• Use simple, affordable editing tools

• Market your show once it’s live—creation is only the beginning!

 Becoming a guest on podcasts:

• Build a strong media kit that showcases your expertise & suggested topics

• Personalize your outreach—listen to the show and reference it when contacting the host

• Use platforms like PodMatch, PodPitch, and Matchmaker.fm to connect

• Practice your speaking skills (video, Toastmasters, etc.) so you shine on air

• Leverage social media, networking groups, and personal connections

 Monetizing & Marketing Your Podcast:

• Cleverly promote your own products/services in your podcast ad breaks

• Seek sponsors among your own network or local businesses

• Use podcast analytics and lead magnets (like quizzes!) to measure results and grow your email list

•  Podcastonomics: Unlocking the Secrets of Profitable Podcasting for Beginners by Christine Blasdale

  ⁠— http://bit.ly/42SZWZc

•  Christine’s Website & Discovery Calls:

  ⁠— https://expertauthoritycoach.com

•  Take Christine’s Expert Authority Quiz

  ⁠— https://expertauthorityquiz.com

•  Podcast Guesting Platforms:

  ⁠— https://podmatch.com

  ⁠— https://podpitch.com

  ⁠— https://matchmaker.fm

•  The Guiding Brands Podcast:

  ⁠— https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

• Start your podcast now: Don’t wait for perfection or a big budget—use what you have and learn as you go.

• Get booked as a guest: Build a compelling media kit and start reaching out authentically.

• Practice your speaking: Create short videos, rehearse conversations, and join speaking groups—your confidence will grow.

• Market smart: Promote your own services and use analytics/lead magnets to track success and build relationships.

• Connect with Christine: Book a free discovery call & take her expert authority quiz to find out where you stand.

“Get seen, get heard, and get hired!” 
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Guiding Brands Podcast and leave a review. See you next week!

Key points to note from the Conversation:Tools and Resources To Help You on Your Podcasting JourneyKey Actions & Next Steps:

Welcome to a new season of The Guiding Brands Podcast! Chief Guide Karen Vick is joined by Christine, a branding and authority coach known for her dynamic personality, 25+ years in media, and expertise in broadcasting and business growth. Christine shares how she helps women entrepreneurs worldwide find their voice, define their brand, and shine as thought leaders—whether through podcasts, websites, or personal branding.

Key Discussion Points
 Christine’s Journey

• Broadcasting background: radio in Los Angeles, writing for America Online & MSN

• Shifted focus to supporting women entrepreneurs, especially coaches, solopreneurs, and thought leaders

• Realized the importance of giving clients what they need—not just what she wants to offer (e.g., expanding beyond only podcast creation services)

 The Power of Podcasting

• Podcasting as a key visibility tool—but not the only one

• Importance of aligning your brand and message with your audience’s real needs

• Podcast guesting: a powerful way to build searchability, authority, and reach new audiences, even if you don’t start your own show

• Podcast content can be strategically repurposed into books, blogs, and courses

 Branding Tips for Entrepreneurs

• YOU are the brand: Authenticity and relatability matter most

• Don’t strive for perfection—taking action and learning from mistakes leads to mastery

• Embrace failure as a natural part of the growth process

 Podcast Format & Approach

• Variety works: from micro-podcasts (5 min) to traditional interviews

• Short attention spans make bite-sized episodes highly effective

• Series or seasonal formats are valid—your show doesn’t have to last forever!

Resources Mentioned

• Christine’s podcasts (including "The Micro Podcast on Podcasting")

• The value of email, social media, and blogging—but how podcasting can help you stand out

• Example of "It’s Time to Pray" (1-minute daily podcast Karen listens to)

Connect with Christine

http://www.expertauthoritycoach.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-blosdale-579697168/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristineBlosdale

Podcasts: https://www.christineblosdale.com/mypodcasts

Connect with The Guiding Brands Podcast
 https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

Next Steps / Actions Suggested
 For Listeners:

• Consider guesting on podcasts in your industry before committing to hosting your own

• Experiment with micro-episodes if you’re intimidated by long-form content

• Show up authentically, focus on bringing value—not just selling

• Repurpose your podcast content for books, blogs, or courses

• Don’t wait for perfection—start, learn, and grow as you go!

 For Potential Podcasters:

• Remember, your podcast doesn’t have to be video or an hour long; audio-only and short formats are great options

• Use podcasts as a strategic networking tool to connect with others in your field

• Think of podcast episodes as assets—potential chapters in a future book or stand-alone pieces for marketing

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Thank you for listening and see you next week! 

Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick is joined by Nicole Johnson, the multifaceted founder of Digital Made Simple. They dive into the fascinating world of knowledge commerce, exploring how entrepreneurs can monetize their expertise and create passive income by sharing what's 'between their ears.' Tune in to discover how you can transform your unique skills and experiences into valuable offerings for your audience. 

Key Points Discussed:

• Introduction to Knowledge Commerce:

  Understanding the concept of monetizing your knowledge and skills. 

• Journey of Nicole Johnson:

  From chemical engineering to a digital marketing strategist, bringing a unique operational perspective to branding and design. 

• Importance of Knowledge Commerce:

  Explored its potential to generate passive income and discussed its major forms such as online courses, podcasts, and masterminds. 

• Marketing and Branding:

  Strategies to effectively market knowledge-based products, ensuring they are well-packaged and targeted to the right audience. 

• Challenges and Opportunities:

  Common challenges entrepreneurs face in entering the knowledge commerce space and the opportunities presented by technology and AI. 

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Online Course Platforms:

  Udemy, Teachable, Skillshare for hosting online courses. 

• Social Media for Promotion:

  Importance of social media in promoting and marketing your courses. 

• Nicole Johnson's Special Offer:

  Done-for-you course outline template with a coaching session.  Visit

  Digital Made Simple - DFY Course

  
  

Next Steps:

• Connect with Nicole Johnson:

  • YouTube

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • LinkedIn

• Michelle’s Offer: Unlock potential in knowledge commerce with Nicole’s special $289 offer for a DFY course outline and coaching session! Limited time only. 

Action Items:

• If you're inspired to transform your knowledge into a digital product, reach out to Nicole for a comprehensive strategy session.

• Visit the website for more insights and grab the offer while it's available.

  
  

Closing: If you find value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with your network. Your support helps us continue bringing insightful conversations to the forefront of business development. 

 The Guiding Brands Podcast:guidingbrandspodcast.com

Thank you for listening! We look forward to guiding you in the next episode. 

In this insightful episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick sits down with Damion Parsons, the Founder of Size Wise Closet Coach. They discuss the intersection of marketing, technology, and personal styling and how Damion's innovative approach is transforming how we think about our wardrobes.

Guest: Damion Parsons

Key Points:

Resources Mentioned:

sizewiseclosetcoach.com

@SizeWiseClosetCoach

@SizeWiseClosetCoach

SizeWiseClosetCoach

Next Steps:

Action Items for Listeners:

Don't miss out on this episode, filled with valuable insights on personal branding through fashion and technology. Subscribe to The Guiding Brands Podcast and leave us a review!

Follow The Guiding Brands Podcast:

Thank you for tuning in! See you next week!

In today's episode of the Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick sits down with Sherri, a seasoned content creator and writer. Sherri is the brilliant mind behind the podcast Mature Allure, where her mission is to remind everyone that age is not a limitation but a celebration of life's unique journeys. 🌟

🎧 Key Points Discussed:

Sherri's background in media, beauty, and content creation, and the inception of her podcast, Mature Allure. 📚✨

Overcoming branding challenges and standing out in a niche market despite initial pushbacks. 🎨🚀

Sherri's approach to selecting guests and the importance of covering diverse topics relevant to mature women. 🗣️🌍

Sherri’s transition from losing jobs to becoming a full-time podcaster, supported by her husband. 💼➡️🎤

The exciting upcoming nonprofit, As We Age, focusing on mental health, addiction recovery, and financial freedom for midlife women. 🌱💪

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Mature Allure

📌 Follow Sherri:

🌐 Mature Allure IG

🌐 ⁠Mature Allure X

📅 Next Steps & Suggestions:

Karen suggests subscribing to Sherri's newsletter for updates and insights on living your best mature life. 📰📬

Sherri encourages listeners to explore passions and consider creating their own podcasts. 🎙️✨

Thank you for tuning in to this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to the Guiding Brands Podcast and leave a review. 🌟🔔

Subscribe & Follow:

🌀 The Guiding Brands Podcast

Let’s continue guiding, inspiring, and branding together! 🌟

Welcome to the latest episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast! In this insightful episode, our dynamic host, Karen Vick, delves into a topic that transcends traditional business discussions. Joining us is the remarkable Dr. Maxine A. Roddock, affectionately known as Dr. Max, a licensed clinical psychologist renowned for her expertise in the mind-body connection and commitment to mental health. Today, we shift our focus from marketing strategies to the crucial realm of self-care and achieving balance—particularly for business owners who often neglect their well-being amidst their professional responsibilities. Dr. Max shares her wisdom, drawn from a rich tapestry of professional experience and personal ethos, guided by faith and a profound dedication to helping individuals cultivate fulfilling balanced lives.

👩‍⚕️ Guest: Dr. Maxine A. Roddock (Dr. Max)

🗝️ Key Points:

🧘‍♀️: Dr. Max emphasizes the importance of balance in life and warns about the negative impact of prolonged imbalance.

📝: Regular self-check-ins to understand emotions and identify joy as a crucial component for maintaining balance.

🌱: Neglecting oneself is likened to neglecting valued things, highlighting the need for personal care.

❤️: Daily moments of joy are indicators of balance; the absence of joy signals imbalance.

💸: Balance helps avoid neglecting important areas like finances by preventing excessive indulgence.

📖: Self-care and rest are rooted in biblical principles and not just secular ideas.

📱: The constant engagement demanded by social media can disrupt self-care and balance.

🏢: Tailored advice for business owners to maintain personal well-being amidst demanding schedules.

📚: Dr. Max offers a 16-week course focusing on holistic balance, launching early next year.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

[email protected]

@designyourmaxlife

: Combines humor with comprehensive strategies for balancing finances, emotions, physical health, and spirituality.

🔄 Next Steps/Actions:

🔍: Start with an honest assessment of your self-care practices and daily schedule.

➡️: Implement small, easily manageable changes to build confidence before tackling bigger challenges.

🚧: Practice saying "no" to better establish and protect personal and professional boundaries.

🌸: Incorporate simple acts like napping, walking, gardening, or listening to enriching podcasts as natural stress relievers.

📝: Consider enrolling in Dr. Max's 16-week course to gain comprehensive strategies on achieving balance.

🎙️ Subscribe and Review:
Don't forget to subscribe to The Guiding Brands Podcast and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more insightful content to help guide your brand's journey.

✨ Until next time, stay balanced and take care of yourself!

You can follow The Guiding Brands Podcast for more episodes at:
⁠https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

In this episode of the Guiding Brands Podcast, host Karen Vick is joined by SEO expert Brandie Erisman to discuss local search engine optimization and digital marketing strategies for small businesses. Karen and Brandie talk about what SEO and Google Business Profile are and share Google Business Profile best practices, the importance of maintaining an active online presence, and how effective SEO strategies can significantly improve your local visibility.

Brandie, an experienced SEO professional with a background in journalism, shares valuable insights and practical tips for small businesses looking to leverage Google’s tools to attract more local customers. She emphasizes the significance of providing accurate business information and engaging with customer reviews. This episode offers actionable insights to enhance your online presence and drive more traffic to your business.

Whether you own a bakery, restaurant, or plumbing service, this discussion provides invaluable advice on navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. Tune in to learn how to optimize your business profile, stay ahead of SEO trends, and ensure your business stands out in local search results.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding what SEO is and how it can benefit your business.

Why it's crucial and how to optimize it for better visibility.

The importance of responding to reviews and keeping your business profile updated.

Pitfalls to avoid in your SEO strategy

Success stories that showcase the impact of a well-managed profile.

Brandie also discusses the significance of professional management for small business owners who may lack the time or expertise to manage their online profiles effectively. With the right strategies and tools, your business can achieve a visible and credible online presence, essential for thriving in today’s competitive market.

#LocalSEO #SmallBusinessMarketing #GoogleBusinessProfile #DigitalMarketing #SEOtips

Check out the links below for more resources and to connect with Brandie Erisman:

[email protected]

Brandie Erisman on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Guiding Brands Podcast for more expert advice and marketing insights tailored for small businesses!

In this insightful episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, your host Karen Vick sits down with Jerry Martinez to discuss the fast-evolving landscape of OTT advertising and how small to medium businesses can leverage it to stay relevant and competitive. With over 11 years of experience in TV, OTT, and digital advertising, Jerry shares invaluable tips and stories.

🌀: Importance of integrating new ways to consume information for staying relevant.

📈: Tips on starting marketing efforts and the benefits of partnering with experts.

🌍: Jerry’s company based in South Florida also handles campaigns across other states, like Ohio.

💬: How paying close attention to customer reviews can shape marketing strategies.

🧠: Karen shows her interest in OTT advertising and expresses a willingness to collaborate.

📞: Details provided for reaching Sunray Media.

🎉: Encouragement to subscribe and review the podcast.

🌞:

Sunray Media Website

📲:

Instagram Profile

📱: Available on Sunray Media’s website.

💼: Start incorporating OTT into your marketing strategy with a focus on targeting and retargeting.

🤝: Look into partnerships with marketing consultants like Jerry for expertise and better scaling.

🎓: Regular training sessions to keep staff informed and aligned with marketing strategies.

📞: Ensure your business can handle queries and calls efficiently to capture every opportunity.

🔔 Subscribe and Leave a Review: Help us grow the Guiding Brands community by subscribing and leaving your valuable feedback! Visit us at: 🌐 The Guiding Brands Podcast

Key Points Covered:Resources Mentioned:Next Steps/Actions: