the johnny renaissance files

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Results Rule—No Matter What: Building Your Marketing Plan for 2025

Hello, friends! It’s Johnny Renaissance here—ready to help you crush 2025 with a results-driven marketing mindset. As you sit down to map out your strategy for the new year, I want you to keep one simple truth in mind: results rule—no matter what.

The Results-First Mentality

Marketing legend David Ogilvy once grew frustrated with the advertising world back in the 1960s. Why? Because the industry became obsessed with awards for creativity and entertainment, often forgetting the core purpose of marketing—to deliver results.

That frustration still resonates today. Too many businesses get caught up in chasing trends or going viral, but as a small business owner, you don’t have the luxury of wasting money on campaigns that don’t perform. Testing and experimentation are part of the process, yes—but at the end of the day, if your marketing doesn’t produce tangible results, it’s time to reevaluate.

Be Entertaining—but Be an Expert

Let’s face it—attention spans are shorter than ever. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn demand entertaining content. If you’re boring, people will scroll right past you.

But here’s the kicker: entertainment isn’t enough. You’ve also got to be an expert in your field. Your audience needs to see you as someone who delivers real value and insights. That combination of expertise and engagement is what builds trust—and trust leads to sales.

As you step into 2025, think of your marketing as a balance between entertainment, education, and expertise. Deliver value in every post, every ad, and every conversation—and then track whether those efforts are driving the results you need.

Your Customer is King (and Pays the Bills)

Never lose sight of this: your customer is the one who puts real money into your bank account. Not your marketing team, not your creative agency—your customer.

Every strategy, every post, every ad should focus on addressing their problems, answering their questions, and helping them make decisions. It’s not about you—it’s about them. When you make the customer the hero of your marketing story, they’ll reward you with loyalty and sales.

Challenge Everything—Stay Flexible

Here’s another important point—never get stuck in one belief system. Marketing is an evolving game, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

Challenge your assumptions. Test new strategies. Be willing to pivot when the data tells you to. Creativity and adaptability are just as important as consistency when it comes to long-term success.

And most importantly—don’t get dogmatic. No single strategy, platform, or tool is the “one-size-fits-all” solution. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep focusing on results.

A Message for Funeral Homes (and Any Business Owners)

For those of you in the funeral business—or any small business—you might be looking ahead to 2025 and wondering how to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. If that’s you, let’s talk.

There are so many ways to get your message out there today—from social media to video marketing to partnerships and collaborations. The possibilities are endless, but the key is figuring out what works for your business and your audience. That’s where I can help.

If you’re ready to develop a strategy that delivers real results, reach out to me. Let’s start the conversation and make 2025 your most successful year yet.

Final Thoughts—Make Results Your North Star

As we head into the New Year, keep this mantra at the core of everything you do: Results Rule—No Matter What.

* Be entertaining.

* Be an expert.

* Focus on your customer.

* Stay flexible and keep challenging your approach.

And if you ever need help navigating this ever-changing marketing landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Here’s to a prosperous and results-driven 2025!

Johnny Renaissance, signing off from the holiday season. Happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing more of you soon!

record with Riverside

PS. This is one of the BEST things I EVER did for my marketing education…

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so, I just finished the exercise I’m about to share with you next. it could lead u to believe I’m crazy 🤓and that’s the first lesson in this story: be careful out there.why? because the world is full of “experts” handing out advice they don’t follow themselves. They’ll tell you how to run your small business, how to grow, how to thrive—all while doing the exact opposite in their own lives or having no real experience at all.so today, I’m not offering advice I haven’t lived. I’m sharing something that’s become a daily ritual for me, one that has been transformative.it all started with a LinkedIn post I read a few years back. The topic? Cold showers.At the time, it sounded miserable. The thought of voluntarily stepping into freezing water? Hard pass. Especially in the middle of winter here in WI. But the idea stuck with me. So, I decided to try it out—and now, years later, I’m here to tell you, it’s one of the most powerful habits I’ve ever adopted.Here’s how I do it:Every morning, I hit the gym, as I’ve done for years. Recently, my wife, Laura, suggested I add the sauna to my routine to boost energy in the mornings. I gave it a try, and after 10–15 minutes of heat, I end my session with a cold shower.Let me tell you, the cold shower is the game-changer.That first blast of freezing water hits like a shockwave. It wakes up every nerve, quiets any lingering aches, and completely shifts your mindset. Within seconds, your body stops thinking about the day ahead or the chill in the air and focuses on one thing: the now.On frigid Wisconsin mornings like today, that water is ice cold. I know those pipes are sitting underground, surrounded by snow. But over time, I’ve built up tolerance. Now, it’s something I genuinely look forward to. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll take it to the next level with a polar plunge into a frozen lake.Why do I love it so much? It’s not just the immediate energy boost (though that’s incredible). It’s the mental reset. That cold forces you to control your breathing, calm your mind, and face discomfort head-on. It’s a reminder that you can choose to lean into challenges instead of running from them.If you’re curious, I encourage you to try it for yourself. Start small—finish your morning shower with 10 seconds of cold water. Work up to longer stretches as you can tolerate it.And no, it’s not just about building grit. It’s about setting the tone for your day. It’s about choosing to step into something uncomfortable first thing, which makes everything else you face feel just a little more manageable.I’m just outside the gym now, watching the snow fall, ready to dive into a busy workday. This little ritual, as small as it seems, has become a cornerstone of how I show up—not just for myself but for everyone around me.So on this cold winter day, I wanted to share a piece of what’s been working for me. Give it a try, and let me know what you think.Thanks for tuning in. Stay warm, stay bold, and take care!

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🌍 “This is going to change everything.”

That’s what people said about the internet, smartphones, and electricity—and now, we’re saying it about AI. But here’s the thing I’ve been thinking a lot about recently: the everything we’re talking about might be closer than anyone thinks.

In my latest podcast episode, Carl Ashworth and I dive deep into the rapid advancements in AI, the skepticism, and the bold possibilities. Some in the field say, “It’s still far away.” Others argue, “It’s here, and we’re on the brink of something extraordinary.”

consider this…as Carl points out, a week before the Wright brothers’ first flight, an article declared humans wouldn’t fly for a million years. Seven days later, history proved them wrong.

I’m seeing the same pattern in AI today. Whether it’s ChatGPT pushing boundaries or advanced AI models being developed behind the scenes, the pace of progress is impressive. Conscious, super intelligent AI might not be science fiction anymore—it could be a possibility.

What does this mean for business? For society? For us as humans? For you in your business?

We look at a all of this in the latest episode. Whether you’re skeptical or excited, I promise this conversation will challenge how you think about the future.

🚀 What do you think? Are we closer to a paradigm shift than most people realize?

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

I just recorded a new podcast diving deep into what I believe is the secret weapon for funeral homeowners and preneed agents: grassroots, personality-driven marketing.

In this episode, I talk about:✅ The importance of preneed planning (and why families need YOU to start the conversation).✅ How funeral homes can compete with corporate giants by leaning into personalization and connection.✅ My trip to Philadelphia to bring back the Family Packet System—a proven tool for boosting appointments and closing more preneed sales.✅ Why grassroots marketing is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed—and how pairing it with cutting-edge tech can transform your business.

Plus, I share how my wife, Laura, and I are building an innovative aftercare program to help families navigate the journey after loss—and how it’s already making a huge impact.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need massive ad budgets or corporate muscle to succeed. What you need is you. Your personality. Your story. Your mission. And your willingness to connect with people in a way that no big business can.

If you’re a funeral homeowner or preneed agent looking to grow your business, create deeper relationships with your community, and build a legacy that lasts, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Listen now:

Ready to learn more about the Family Packet System or other tools I mentioned? DM me here or email me directly—I’d love to help you grow your preneed program!

#FuneralIndustry #Preneed #GrassrootsMarketing #SalesGrowth #IndependentFuneralHomes #Legacy

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if you’re not working on this inside your funeral home, you’re falling behind.

i can help you.

-john

https://www.goldenconsiderations.com/john-c-ashworth

click here to learn more about my podcasting software - i love it!! ..and people ask me about it all the time.

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🌟 What Is Life Asking From You? 🌟 ...on the journey to our inner light, we often ask, "What do I want from life?" but the real transformation begins when you can find the courage to ask, "What is life asking from me?"

this question has reshaped my approach to work, life, and service.it’s what fuels my passion for helping funeral homes thrive—by aligning my personal intrinsic talents with the world’s pressing needs.

i know... 'world' is a strong statement there but you have no idea how many people you're affecting - it's always more than you think and every single one of us has the opportunity to carefully place our own ripples in earth's pond.

from modernizing pre-need programs to leveraging cutting-edge AI, I believe the future is about combining heartfelt service with innovative tools. if your data is in drawers or if technology feels overwhelming, I hear you—but now’s the time to change that.

💡 2025 is right around the corner. Let’s start strong 💪. Whether it’s unlocking your pre-need sales potential, embracing AIand technology, or simply organizing data for a brighter future, it all begins today.

the funeral industry is evolving rapidly. those who adapt will lead. let’s have a conversation about how to make that happen for your business.

📣 let’s connect and grow together. drop me a DM or visit the archives at the ashflash.com

-John Ashworth

aka Johnny Renaissance (https://instagram.com/johnny_renaissance

click here to learn more about my podcasting software

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

Hey everyone,

if you’re not spending at least 30 minutes a day with AI, you’re leaving a powerful life-changing resource untapped…

this week, I had an eye-opening moment with AI. by pulling together the content I’ve created over the years—my blogs, LinkedIn, YouTube—it gave me new clarity about my expertise and purpose. it’s like having a sharp assistant help you see the big picture inside the context of your busy life and schedule. and it’s so important right now.

another nugget that stood out was the growing importance of corporate influencers. a concept I’ve championed for decades, and now it’s more relevant than ever.

🚀 The Rise of Corporate Influencers

In today’s world, people trust people. Real voices. Authentic stories. This trend is about empowering employees to represent their brand, creating trust and fostering deeper engagement that traditional marketing just can’t replicate.

get the entire post below on theashflash.com

💡 Why It Matters:

* Authenticity First: People connect with people, not faceless corporations.

* Social Reach: Platforms like LinkedIn amplify the personal touch, allowing employees to reach wider audiences.

* Business Impact: A well-supported influencer within your company can enhance trust, build goodwill, and strengthen your brand’s presence.

🎤 Why It’s Personal

Having helped funeral homes and other businesses modernize, I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling and personal branding can transform industries built on trust. Imagine a funeral director sharing heartfelt family stories or a young team member showcasing the work that happens behind the scenes. These authentic, human moments resonate deeply. There are already good examples of this out there. You can do it too…

Even in traditional industries like death care, there’s room to grow and engage in new ways. By encouraging employees to share their experiences and insights, you not only build trust but also create opportunities to stand out.

If this sparks your curiosity, or if you’d like help getting started, let’s connect. Together, we can craft strategies to fill the gaps in your marketplace and make your business stand out with authenticity and purpose. Whether you’re a funeral home or not.

Cheers to exploring what’s possible!

– Johnny Renaissance

#AI #PersonalBranding #CorporateInfluencers #SalesLeadership #Storytelling #Innovation

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theashflash.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.theashflash.com

what TikTok is teaching us about the the most dangerous number in business...ONE!that's right. the most dangerous number in business is one of anything.in this case, it's one platform replied upon exclusively to generate all or most of your business. i heard a number of these stories yesterday and they remind me of back in the day when google first chan…