Email marketing is not dead. Generic marketing is.

In this episode of the Live Local Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Sawsan Hamawandy, a B2B Demand Gen Leader, to talk about what actually works in modern B2B SaaS marketing, no fluff, just practical strategies, real testing, and lessons from the field.

Sawsan shares how she turned low-performing group product demos into use-case-based sessions that dramatically increased registrations, why email still converts when it is segmented and tested properly, and why sales teams often hold the best insights for content, SEO, and messaging.

We also talk about first-party data, customer feedback, raw and relatable B2B content, ABX campaigns, internal champions, and why marketers need to stop chasing polished perfection and start creating content that actually resonates with real people.

In this episode, we cover:-Why generic product demos often fail-How use-case demos can drive better registrations and sales follow-up-Why email marketing still works when done correctly-How to segment email campaigns and A/B test subject lines-Why sales teams should influence your content strategy-First-party data vs. expensive third-party intent data-How to use customer feedback to improve marketing and product direction-Building confidence through testing, experimentation, and internal champions

...and the name of her puppy, who was a behind-the-scenes part of the episode!Connect with Sawsan Hamawandy:Website: https://hownow.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sawsan-h/

Subscribe for more practical conversations with business owners, marketers, founders, and operators sharing what is working in the market right now: https://livelocalwarmmarketing.com

/#B2BMarketing #SaaSMarketing #DemandGeneration #EmailMarketing #MarketingStrategy #B2BSaaS #ABM #ABX #ContentMarketing #GrowthMarketing

How do you actually market a book in a way that builds trust, reaches the right audience, and creates long-term opportunities beyond just book sales?In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Bean, Book Marketing Expert at Book Launchers, to talk about what authors, entrepreneurs, speakers, and nonfiction creators often get wrong about book marketing.Sarah shares why marketing is not the same as sales, why your personal story matters more than ever, and how authors can stop chasing vanity metrics like bestseller lists and start building a strategy that supports their bigger goals.We also talk about how AI is changing marketing, why human connection is becoming even more valuable, and how authors can promote their books even without a massive budget.In this episode, we cover:00:00 — Intro to Sarah Bean and Book Launchers01:10 — Sarah’s publishing and entertainment background03:30 — What makes a nonfiction book stand out04:45 — Why the author’s personal story is part of the marketing07:20 — Marketing vs. sales: why authors need to understand the difference08:30 — How many touchpoints it takes to build trust today09:30 — Why AI makes human storytelling more important11:00 — How Sarah works with authors and marketing teams13:30 — How to market a book on a small budget15:30 — Using your book to create speaking, business, and brand opportunities17:00 — Why chasing “bestseller” status can be the wrong goal19:00 — How to choose the right media opportunities for your book21:30 — Work-life balance, creativity, and staying grounded25:30 — How Book Launchers helps authors write, publish, and market their booksWhether you are writing your first book, self-publishing nonfiction, building your authority, or trying to use a book to grow your business, this conversation will help you think more strategically about book marketing.Connect with Sarah Bean / Book Launchers:Website: https://booklaunchers.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/book-launchersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BookLaunchers @BookLaunchers  Subscribe for more conversations on warm marketing, storytelling, local business growth, referrals, visibility, and building authority without cold, pushy tactics.#BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AuthorMarketing #BookLaunch #BookLaunchers #SarahBean #NonfictionAuthors #PublishingTips #MarketingStrategy #AuthorBranding #BookPromotion #LiveLocalMarketing

Valorie Smith went from teaching elementary school to teaching people how to find and grow their money.In this episode of the Live Local Warm Marketing Podcast, she shares how Wealth with Valor was built on courage, persistence, and genuine relationships rather than cold tactics or paid ads.We cover her morning routine of gratitude, Bible study, and reviewing finances, plus the daily 6:00 a.m. networking meeting that keeps her pipeline full. Valorie breaks down her complimentary, judge-free financial needs analysis, how she spots money clients are spending unnecessarily, and how she tailors investment strategies to real goals.You'll also hear her marketing playbook: the art of "dripping" on prospects through consistent follow-up across text, email, and LinkedIn; spending 45 minutes to an hour every morning making connections and posting; and small personal touches like appreciation and birthday cards that keep clients feeling loved. She also explains how she rebuilt a national client base from scratch after moving to South Carolina, using Zoom and DocuSign to serve people anywhere.If you are a financial professional, coach, or local business owner who wants to grow through referrals and relationships, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use today.Connect with Valorie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorie-smith-6388275b/Website: https://www.wealthwithvalor.com/And if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#FinancialLiteracy #WealthBuilding #WarmMarketing #ReferralMarketing #RelationshipMarketing #FinancialCoach #SmallBusinessGrowth #LinkedInMarketing #NetworkingTips #LiveLocal #SouthernMaryland #MoneyManagement #WomenInFinance #FinancialFreedom #BusinessPodca

A self-proclaimed "data guy," not a creative, Bradley has to find the strategies, effective trends, and Google Evolution to help Tradespeople be found and grow their marketing. As the co-founder of Semantic Mastery, and one of the sharpest minds in local search marketing today.Brad went from working with his hands to building a lead generation empire, and this conversation covers exactly how he did it, what changed along the way, and what local service businesses need to know right now to stay competitive online.Some of the topics that I learned the most from is when we get into the 2019 Google Maps algorithm shift that wiped out 35 of his lead gen profiles overnight and how that moment completely changed his approach to SEO. Brad also breaks down why the old keyword game is dead, how entity-based search actually works, and what it means for local businesses trying to rank in 2025.We also talk AI and why Brad cut his team from 28 to 14 employees while growing profit margins by 16 percent. He'll tell you exactly how he did it without sacrificing content quality.This episode is packed with practical stuff including how to spot a "leaky bucket" in your lead process, why more leads are not always the answer, and how Brad uses cold email plus long-term nurturing to land tree service clients without ever being pushy.Topics covered in this episode:-Local SEO strategy for service businesses-Google Maps ranking factors, entity-based SEO vs keyword SEO-AI in content marketing, lead generation for contractors, white label SEO, link building strategy, tree service marketing-KPIs that actually matter, and how to stop chasing vanity metrics.And if you want more, connect with Bradley Benner:https://semanticmastery.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SemanticmasteryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleybenner/And if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#LocalSEO #SmallBusinessMarketing #LeadGeneration #SemanticMastery #TreeServiceMarketing #LocalSearch #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #AIMarketing #WarmMarketing #LiveLocalPodcast #GoogleMaps #LinkBuilding #SEOStrategy #ServiceBusinessMarketing

She was a successful dentist. Then one injury took it all away. Most people would have quit. Dr. Angela Mulrooney built four companies instead. Tune in to learn how to Future-Proof your business, how to package your genius, and how an identity architect can help you with all of that.In this episode of the Live Local Warm Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Angela Mulrooney, founder of Unleashing Influence and one of the most compelling voices in personal branding and identity architecture today. If you have ever felt boxed in by your industry, your background, or what other people expect from you, this conversation is going to hit different.Here is what we get into:-The career pivot nobody plans for, and how Angela turned a devastating setback into a launchpad -Why "blend in" is the worst marketing advice you will ever receive, and what happened to her business the moment she stopped taking it.-The concept of Identity Architecture and how connecting who you are with how you think is the actual key to becoming relevant again as a leader.-Her one "beastly goal per year" method and why doing more is usually the problem, not the solution.Let's learn about her Innovation House program, a personal branding AI tool that generates a 100-plus page brand playbook, and a Content Machine built for professionals who are not sure how to show up on video yet.Connect with Dr. Angela Mulrooney:Website: https://www.unleashinginfluence.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamulrooney/And if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#markettrends #businessgrowth #businessstrategy #marketingtips #marketingpodcast  @PodMatch_com ​

It is a common story for any entrepreneur: we get an idea, we work it into a product for our perfect client, and then wait...then wait a little more, and then we sit back and wonder what just happened. If you've hit a plateau in your business and feel like you're the bottleneck, this episode is for you. I sat down with serial entrepreneur, mentor, and author Jeremy Shapiro to talk about what it actually takes to move from solopreneur to business owner, and why working harder is not the answer.Jeremy breaks down his proven approach to scaling: build the system, hire for the role, then repeat the cycle. Simple on paper, game-changing in practice.I got to cover such topics as:-Why plateaus are inevitable and how to plan for them-The difference between marketing your "how" versus just your "why"-How niching down to your ideal client unlocks premium pricing-Using AI as a brainstorming co-worker, not a content machine-Testing ideas with MVPs before you go all in-Value based pricing and how confidence is a skill you can buildAnd More...Jeremy is the author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller "Your Business Growth Playbook," a practical framework for established business owners who've outgrown hustle and are ready to grow smarter.Connect with Jeremy Shapiro:Website: https://yourbusinessgrowthplaybook.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBusinessGrowthPlaybookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyshapiro/And if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#BusinessGrowth #ScaleYourBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessMarketing #WarmMarketing #BusinessCoaching #LiveLocalPodcast #SolopreneurToBusinessOwner #MarketingStrategy #BusinessMindset  @PodMatch_com ​

The Sales Architect: Jesse Mahle Redesigns Sales Strategy for Small Business Owners Most small business owners hate sales and Jesse built a career around fixing that.Jesse is the founder of Sebastian Lane Consulting, an outsourced sales management firm helping professional service providers build consistent, repeatable revenue systems without burning out their leadership. You will learn how Jesse pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow a sales operation when you have zero to ten salespeople and no time to waste. We talk about why Jesse calls himself a "sales architect," the costly promotional video mistake he made before he even knew what his business was, and why paid ads completely flopped for his service model. He works primarily with subject matter experts, including managed service providers, insurance firms, legal practices, and accounting companies. His brand is built around something rare in sales: making clients feel safe. This one is packed for any local professional who wants to sell more without taking on too much more in an already hustling business.*What You Will Learn:-What a "sales architect" actually does and how Jesse structures client engagements-Why subject matter experts like IT managed service providers are his sweet spot-The expensive marketing mistake he made before niching down-Why paid advertising failed him and what he does instead-How a 500-person email list outperforms a massive cold audience-How his brand identity was built specifically to lower a prospect's guard-Why remote work made him more profitable and what that means for his clients-How community and client values tie directly into his business modelConnect with Jesse Mahle:Website: https://sebastianlaneconsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-mahle-7651602b/Email: [email protected] Consultation: https://calendly.com/sebastianlaneconsulting/15minAnd if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#SalesStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #OutsourcedSales #SalesArchitect #SebastianLaneConsulting #WarmMarketing #LocalBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #SalesCoaching #ManagedServiceProviders

Physical products can go a long way to build your brand, to make you memorable, but you have to back them up with the right strategy. And that is exactly what Swire and I will be covering today, the nuisance of brand products. In this episode of the Live Local Marketing Podcast, Billy Sammons sits down with Swire Ho, also known as “The Promo Guy,” from @Garudapromo88 talk about referral marketing, warm leads, client retention, and how small businesses can grow by becoming more than just another vendor.Swire shares how his first referral changed the way he saw business, why follow-up is one of the most underrated marketing tools, and how knowing your client’s timing, preferences, and pain points can turn one-time customers into repeat clients and referral sources.You’ll learn how to:- Get more referrals without being pushy- Use follow-up to stay top of mind- Become a trusted resource instead of a replaceable vendor- Use CRM tools like HubSpot and Google Calendar to track client cycles- Stop targeting everyone and focus on the right niche- Break through digital noise with thoughtful physical touchpointsConnect with Swire Ho and Garuda Promo & Branding Solutions:https://www.garudapromo.com/And if this episode brought you value, then Live Local Marketing is right for you, visit www.LiveLocalWarmMarketing.com and learn more.#WarmMarketing #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing

Sometimes the obvious solution is also the best one for your business. And as Drewbie preaches to his audience, you just need to call the leads!In this episode of the Live Local Warm Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Drewbie Wilson, author, sales trainer, and founder of callthedamnleads.com, to talk about what actually builds a sustainable business. His proven systems, contagious mindset, and his inspiration to just show up with consistency.Drewbie shares how he went from the marketing world to becoming a hardcore sales guy who picked up the phone and turned dead leads into closed deals. He is the kind of guest who tells you the truth, and this conversation is packed with it.In this episode:-Why success is built on systems, not chance, and how to build ones that stick-Calendar discipline as a non-negotiable for protecting your time and your focus-What the "intrapreneurial mindset" is and why it might be your best path to freedom-How authentic video content builds trust in a world flooded with AI and deep fakes-The simple birthday video trick that builds relationships and boosts your confidence-How to use the "Why Not" question to clarify your brand and stand out from competitorsWhether you are a local licensed professional trying to grow without cold calling or a business owner looking to get out of your own way, this episode delivers real, actionable strategy.Connect with Drewbie Wilson:https://callthedamnleads.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8D6DQ9xzSM67bKGTGldWmALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbiewilsonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbieridesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleadsAnd if this episode brought you value, I teach salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#WarmMarketing #DrewbieWilson #CallTheDamnLeads #EntrepreneurMindset #SalesStrategy #AuthenticMarketing #ReferralMarketing #LocalBusiness #PodcastInterview #LiveLocalWarmMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #ContentMarketing #SalesTips #BusinessSystems #Entrepreneurship

What does it actually take to get your business in front of the right people? In this episode, I sit down with Melinda Jackson, founder of Melinda Jackson Public Relations (MJPR), a boutique PR agency based in Raleigh, NC.Melinda spent years at top PR agencies in Los Angeles working with celebrities and major brands before burnout pushed her to walk away and build something better on her own terms.We get into the real side of public relations, including why traditional media is declining, why press release newswires are mostly a waste of money, and why cold email outreach is still one of the most powerful tools a publicist has. Melinda also breaks down how she uses AI for research and client-specific GPT building without letting it replace the nuance that makes outreach actually work.In this episode:-Why big PR agencies overpromise and underdeliver-How cold email outreach outperforms press releases-Setting bold goals vs. small, safe steps-Using AI in PR without killing your credibility-How to build referrals through community and networking-The "VIP Day" model for entrepreneurs on a budget-Why podcasts and Substack are replacing traditional mediaConnect with Melinda Jackson:Website: https://www.melindajacksonpr.comPodcast: @UnhingedFounderAnd if this episode brought you value, I consult salespeople a technique to meet more referral partners and scale your business with a practical framework found at https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.com/courses#PublicRelations #PRStrategy #EntrepreneurMarketing #WarmMarketing #PodcastMarketing #BoutiqueAgency #MediaRelations #SmallBusinessPR #ThoughtLeadership #LiveLocalWarmMarketing @podmatch