The Rainmaker Podcast

Ever wonder what it’s really like to go viral overnight? In this episode we get the inside scoop from Nicole the Intern, the mastermind behind the social media account that exploded to hundreds of thousands of followers in just six months—and even grabbed the attention of Gary V.

Nicole shares her journey from intern to internet sensation, revealing the hidden struggles behind her viral success. We dive into the pressures of being known as "Nicole the Intern," the weight of representing the Smash Army, and how her identity evolved behind the scenes. From mental health challenges to breaking through stigmas in the professional world, this conversation is raw, real, and eye-opening.

Tune in for an honest dialogue about navigating viral fame, personal growth, and the reality of success in the digital age.

Learn more about Nicole:

Nicole Wingard is a young professional from Dallas, Texas working for the fastest growing beverage company in the world, SMASHD! A new face to the marketing world, Nicole helped lead an explosive social media campaign with her boss Mike and the whole team at SMASHD that accrued over 500,000 followers in a span of 60 days. In her free time Nicole competed in the Miss Texas Organization for the last four years where she placed in the top five twice and completed over 300 hours of community service. When she is not working, Nicole enjoys trying new coffee, anything outside, spending time with family and friends, dogs, and good food.

Nicole's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestmarketingstrategyever

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

How can a creative social media campaign turn a brand into a viral sensation? This week, I am joined by SMASHD CEO Mike Chambers, one-half of the masterminds behind a buzz-worthy marketing campaign for the non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Mike's insights on one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history are captivating. Mike shares how their unconventional strategy—featuring Nicole smashing cans with a baseball bat—captivated audiences and skyrocketed their follower count.

We explore the hurdles of brand recognition, the organic rise of their audience as the "Smash Army," and the crucial role of authenticity in building a community. This really is one not to be missed.

Learn more about Mike:

CEO @ SMASHD and the Founder @ Bang Bang Media.

Mike's Links:

Website: https://smashd.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chambers-mike/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Ann Handley, a renowned leader in the world of content marketing. Discover the inspiring journey that led her to become Chief Content Officer and learn why this title was more than just a personal branding move.

In this episode, Ann shares her insightful perspective on leadership, defining it as a delicate balance of speaking your truth, being open to others, and maintaining humility. She explores the importance of embracing your leadership identity and its impact on your organization.

Learn about the challenges marketers face in defining their leadership roles and the constant evolution of the marketing landscape. Ann emphasizes the need for clarity, empowerment, and a touch of inspiration, fun, and authenticity to truly embody the role of a leader.


Learn more about Ann:
Ann Handley is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author focused on helping businesses worldwide escape marketing mediocrity to ignite tangible results. Her work has appeared in Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Chicago Public Radio, and the Financial Times. IBM named her one of seven people shaping modern marketing. More than 50K people subscribe to her popular email newsletter.

She is the world’s first Chief Content Officer, a principal at training and education company MarketingProfs, and a regular speaker at events globally.

Ann is also a mom, dog person, and writer. Her favorite food is kale salad. But don’t hold that against her.

Ann's Links:

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

Website: https://annhandley.com/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Are personalized services more valuable than scalable group programs in today's business world? Today, I'm joined by Kierra Conover, and we explore the growing shift from broad, scalable programs to one-on-one, tailored business services. Kierra shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the increasing demand for deeper, more personalized client relationships.

We discuss the struggles in finding customized support, which inspired Kierra to develop a service model centered on individual client needs. We also cover the importance of data-driven decisions, strong project management, and clear support structures for business success, emphasizing the rising value of personalized services in today's market.

Learn more about Kierra:

Kierra Conover has worked for large brands like Banana Republic and Gap leading the True Hues diversity campaign and directing all departments to efficiently execute this campaign. This campaign led her to win a Shorty award as well as be featured in Forbes. Kierra is passionate about a brand truly being represented from one team to have them help structure teams as well the data driven marketing plan. Kierra uses her large brand experience to help entrepreneurs receive the support they need to grow their business to execute highly successful and data driven launches as well as a long term CMO.

Kierra's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klc.thestudio/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Feeling overwhelmed by social media's complexities? Want to build a thriving business while staying true to yourself? You're in the right place. Today, I'm joined by the extraordinary Kary Perry, a social media expert who's helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape.

From overcoming self-doubt to mastering effective social media strategies, Kary shares her invaluable insights. We'll dive into practical tips to help you stand out, connect with your audience, and build a loyal following. Plus, we'll discuss the importance of mental well-being in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. Discover how embracing your authentic self can be the key to unlocking your business potential.

Learn more about Kary:

Kary Perry is a Social Brand Coach and founder of Social From Scratch who flipped the script on her 15 years of marketing experience into multiple six-figure businesses, all by harnessing the power of social media. Her vast experience in attraction marketing and social selling is backed by her MBA from Georgia Tech, years of consumer insights for billion-dollar brands at Procter & Gamble, and nearly a decade as a successful serial entrepreneur.

However, success did not come easily for her. She believes that it wasn't until she stopped marketing her business and started building her brand that she truly began growing. Now she's dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs build intentionally authentic social brands that lead with value and close with trust. Her goal is to help you attract, connect and convert your followers to clients by connecting versus selling, so you can work less, live more, and have fun doing it.

And to prove it, she recently closed her 13k follower account to start from scratch and teach women entrepreneurs exactly what it takes to grow a profitable social brand in 2021.

Kary's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialwithkary/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Megan Hansen, the powerhouse behind "Megan the Dietitian," didn't start her career in a lab coat. Her journey from bartending to building a successful nutrition business is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping women.

In this episode, Megan shares the blueprint for her nutrition empire. Discover how she carved a niche in the competitive women's health industry, leveraging her unique approach to metabolism and weight loss. We dive into her secrets for building a loyal audience, turning social media followers into paying customers and scaling a nutrition business.

Megan also shares invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, maintaining authenticity in a saturated market, and creating a sustainable business model. Get ready to be inspired as Megan reveals the strategies that have propelled her to the forefront of the nutrition industry.

Learn more about Megan:

Megan Hansen is a dietitian, author, single mom, and the founder of Metabolism Makeover—a nutrition coaching business with a focus on weight loss and metabolic health. Megan went from being in debt to building a 7-figure business with a community of over 40 dietitians and 7000 past and present clients.

Megan's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.the.dietitian/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Amber Lilyestrom is not your average sports marketer. From her college days to leading her own company, she's defied expectations at every turn. In this episode, Amber shares the secrets behind her success, from the importance of strong relationships to the thrill of skydiving a game ball. Discover how she navigated the challenges of the sports industry, balanced a demanding career with family life, and ultimately redefined what it means to be a leader in sports marketing.

She'll share how setbacks fueled her determination and how she turned obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the sports industry, this episode offers invaluable insights and a front-row seat to the mind of a true marketing maverick.

Learn more about Amber:
Amber Lilyestrom is a business mentor, branding expert, author and speaker renowned for her expertise in business energetics and brand alchemy. Her work has been featured by Forbes, Entrepreneur, SUCCESS, Tony Robbins’ & Dean Graziosi’s Mastermind.com, Mindvalley and Working Mother Magazine. As the host of The IGNITE Your Dream podcast and author of books, Master Your Money Mind & Paddle Home, Amber empowers her clients to achieve quantum leaps in their businesses.

Through her transformational programs, business energy readings & mentorship experiences, Amber has served thousands of lives worldwide and helps her clients realize more meaningful results, leveraging a balanced approach to life and business expansion. Her introspective methods serve as a catalyst for profound transformation and powerful activation within organizations, small businesses and beyond.

Amber spent 10 years working in higher education as the Associate Athletic Director for Marketing & Strategic Initiatives at the University of New Hampshire prior to launching her business. She played an integral role in managing and expanding the UNH Wildcats brand, where she taught sports marketing and mentored student interns. She was also recognized as one of the top sports marketing professionals in the US before she left to launch her company in 2014.

Amber's Links:

Instagram: instagram.com/amberlilyestrom

Website: https://amberlilyestrom.com/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

How can a personal challenge like jaw fatigue transform into a groundbreaking product? Today, we talk with Sachin Patel, CEO of ROCKJAW®️.

Sachin recounts his journey from facing a personal challenge to creating a product that enhances jawline aesthetics. We explore the nuances of influencer marketing, the sacrifices essential for entrepreneurial success, and the financial realities of brand building.

Sachin highlights the importance of authenticity and relentless effort while I share pivotal moments from my own career. This episode provides inspiring insights into the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship and innovative marketing strategies.

Learn more about Sachin:
Founder of ROCKJAW®️, and head of marketing

Sachin's Links:

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

Website: www.rockjaw.co.uk

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Feeling stuck in your content marketing role? Dreaming of that next promotion? This episode equips you with the tools to navigate the content marketing career ladder. Today's episode features Megan Morreale, a content marketing expert whose journey took her from aspiring journalist to working with industry leaders like SEMrush and Reddit.

Discover how to leverage your existing skills for promotions, decipher job descriptions to find the perfect fit, and transition from a content marketing specialist to a leadership role. Plus, gain valuable insights into the evolving content marketing landscape, explore effective career growth strategies, and learn how to develop the leadership skills employers seek.

Don't miss this episode, whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out! This conversation equips you with the knowledge and tools to climb the content marketing career ladder.

Learn more about Megan:

Former Head of Content Marketing @ Reddit.

Megan's Links:

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

Website: https://www.meganmorreale.com/

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

In today's digital world, where customers flock to social media with questions and concerns, social media customer care is no longer a nicety, it's a necessity. Join me as I chat with Brooke Sellas, founder of B Squared Media, about the most effective social media strategies for proactive customer interaction.

We dive into the future of social media marketing, exploring the exciting potential of AI to enhance customer experiences. Brooke also shares her insights on the importance of a customer-centric approach and the dedication required to excel in both social media marketing and public speaking.

Learn more about Brooke:

Brooke Sellas is shaping the future of digital marketing one conversation at a time. As an award-winning CEO, she's the visionary behind B Squared Media, a boutique digital marketing agency that's redefining 'social care' for industry giants like Brother International, Endless Pools, and BCU. With her groundbreaking 2022 book, "Conversations That Connect," she's charting a course for authentic digital interactions. Dive into her insights on the Marketing Agency Show podcast or from one of two courses she teaches at the University of California, Irvine.

Brooke's Links:

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

Connect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/

If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/

If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.