The Rainmaker Podcast

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.

How can you stand out in a crowded job market? Today I explore this question with Evan Weiner, diving into personal branding and career development in marketing.

We discuss the importance of owning your career narrative and advocating for yourself. From the impact of technology and the necessity of mentorship to the challenges of creating a unique brand identity, we also discuss the art of self-mastery and setting boundaries with clients.

Join us for an insightful conversation that will equip you with the tools and strategies to carve out your unique path in the competitive job landscape. Tune in and discover how you can elevate your career to new heights!

Learn more about Evan:

Evan brings 14 years of passion and dedication to the marketing practice, with experience architecting and leading marketing functions across agency, consulting, and in-house formats. Evan has enjoyed supporting a variety of industries, including technology and ecommerce, where he has held global marketing leadership roles with category leaders such as TrueCar and GoDaddy. In his global role at GoDaddy he contributed to a 150% increase in market capitalization through a full brand identity and architecture refresh, the launch of the GoDaddy Pro sub-brand, the launch of the GoDaddy Payments product, and a new social marketing center of excellence model.

Evan is also a passionate voice within the broader marketing ecosystem, namely through his status as an awards judge and editorial contributor with Adweek, as a lecturer at the University of Southern California and in the California State University system, and as an Advisor to Reaching Out MBA (501c3), the nation’s largest community of LGBTQ+ graduate students.

In addition, his many years of leadership experience has also enabled him to support marketing executives in developing themselves and their marketing programs through his speaking, workshop, and consulting programs.

Evan is a Los Angeles native (he used to surf competitively!), which has influenced the unique creative and cultural perspective he brings to his strategies. Evan holds an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at USC.

Evan's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evangweiner/

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.

Step into the world of marketing strategy and innovation with John Huntinghouse as we unpack their experience navigating the challenges of an uber-regulated industry. John, who comes from this challenging sector, shares his refreshing approach to building and leading successful teams, offering practical insights that defy industry norms.

We discuss how he overcomes regulatory hurdles to foster creativity and collaboration within his teams, challenging conventional thinking along the way. John shares his journey of finding a brand voice and reveals intentional strategies and mentorship moments that helped him break free from conformity and authentically amplify his brand's message.

This discussion not only highlights the importance of authenticity in marketing but also provides actionable advice for marketers aiming to navigate similar regulatory landscapes. Tune in to discover firsthand experiences, valuable lessons, and actionable strategies that promise to inspire and empower your marketing efforts.

Learn more about John:
John Huntinghouse is an award winning, VP of Marketing for TAB Bank. John has over 16 years of executive marketing experience, an M.B.A. from the University of Utah and has taught over 500 students at various colleges and universities and currently teaches at Weber State University. He loves spending time with his wife Kara, and his three kids Maya, Mason & Aubrey. He is a lover of all things pasta, the 49ers & anything that Ed Catmull writes.

John's Links:

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

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.

Ready to transform your understanding of marketing? Join us for a compelling conversation with marketing expert Michelle Thames!

Starting with social media complexities, the discussion evolves into an insightful exploration of leadership, entrepreneurship, and race. Michelle's candid approach leads to a truly transformative dialogue.

Learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, craft impactful messages, and appreciate the importance of diversity in marketing. Plus, get bonus tips on staying authentic. Don’t miss this must-listen episode!

Learn more about Michelle:
Michelle Thames is a marketing trailblazer, an acclaimed podcaster, and a trusted monetization strategist. With a passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, she has established herself as a dominant voice in digital marketing. 

Known for her innovative and effective marketing strategies, Michelle has been instrumental in driving the growth of startups into household names. She can transform businesses from obscurity to mainstream prominence by leveraging organic digital marketing strategies.

Besides her marketing work, Michelle is the creator and host of the highly-rated global podcast Social Media Decoded. Here, she breaks down complex social media strategies into comprehensible narratives, equipping businesses with the tools to thrive in the digital world.

Michelle is also the founder of the Elevate & Empower coaching group. This program equips ambitious women entrepreneurs with the know-how to increase their visibility, attract the right clientele, and monetize their skills using organic marketing.

Michelle brings a powerful blend of knowledge, strategy, and supportive mentorship to her work. Her mission is to guide you past roadblocks and help gain clarity on your journey to business success.

Michelle's Links:
Instagram: Www.instagram.com/michellelthames

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 you drowning in marketing advice? Data-driven strategies here, the latest social media trends there – it's enough to make your head spin. The truth is, that effective marketing goes beyond just following the latest fads. It takes a strategic approach that considers your unique audience and avoids the pitfalls of bias.

Join us as we chat with marketing guru Andy Crestodina, co-founder of a top marketing agency. We'll explore how to navigate the complexities of the field, craft data-driven strategies that get results, and achieve the perfect balance between the art and science of marketing. You'll also learn how to build a strong personal brand and avoid burnout in this ever-changing landscape. Ditch the guesswork and unlock your marketing potential – tune in today!

Learn more about Andy:
Andy Crestodina is the co-founder and CMO of Orbit Media, an award-winning 50-person digital agency in Chicago. Over the past 24 years, Andy has provided digital marketing advice to 1000+ businesses.

Andy has written 600+ articles on content strategy, SEO, GA4, AI and visitor psychology. These articles reach more than three million readers each year. He’s also the author of Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing.

Andy gives up to 100 webinars and presentations per year and is a frequent repeat speaker at many of the top national marketing conferences.

Andy's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrestodina/

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 you elevate your professional visibility and credibility in today’s online world? In this week's episode I am joined by the incredible Purna Virji, a former Microsoft luminary and current Principal Consultant, Content Solutions at LinkedIn. Together, we explore the power of thought leadership and uncover top strategies to boost your professional profile.

Purna offers her expert advice on maintaining a unique perspective and standing out authentically in a competitive landscape. Her insights are sure to be invaluable for both you and me. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge on enhancing your thought leadership.

Learn more about Purna:
Purna Virji is a globally recognized content strategist and author of the Goody Award winning book, High-Impact Content Marketing. She is currently the Principal Consultant, Content Solutions at LinkedIn. She previously led global learning and thought leadership programs for Microsoft and is also an award-winning former journalist. A regular top-rated international keynote speaker, Virji has been featured in publications including The Drum, TechCrunch+, TNW, Marketing Land and Adweek. She has been recognized as an Adweek Young Influential, the Search Personality of the Year by the US Search Awards and the most influential PPC Expert in the world by PPC Hero. Virji is also an Honored Listee on the Marquis Who's Who 2023 list.

Purna's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnavirji/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/purnavirji

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 you stand out in a competitive job market? We're exploring this question on employability with someone who helps underrepresented and traditional MBA candidates get into top programs and is here to share her practical advice to differentiate yourself in this crowded job market, Laura Nelson.

Throughout this episode we emphasize the importance of self-marketing during job searches, highlighting how demeanor and energy can influence interview success and the necessity of fitting into a team.

Plus, we also discuss the balance between leadership and technical skills in senior roles and offer strategies for navigating a competitive market, such as embracing flexible positions and creative compensation.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips that can help you shine in your job search and career development!

Learn more about Laura:
Laura has led a multifaceted career across the entertainment, tech, marketing, and consulting industries, with a particular focus on guiding MBA candidates toward their dreams. Early on, she discovered her passion for marketing and dedicated herself to learning more by networking, listening, pitching herself, and considering an MBA.

Despite facing numerous rejections, Laura persevered. Her transformative experience at the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business’s full-time MBA program built her business acumen, practical skills, network, and confidence. Concurrently, she began mentoring future MBA candidates.

Laura’s professional background and MBA admissions consulting experience uniquely qualify her to support both underrepresented and traditional candidates in their pursuit of admission to top programs.

Laura's Links:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraliznelson/

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 pivotal is the role of a fractional CMO in today's marketing landscape? Today I'm joined by expert John Jantsch to take a deep dive into this question. Our discussion covers the nuances of the marketing industry, including boundary-setting with clients, self-marketing challenges, and the efficacy of speaking engagements for client acquisition.

John discusses how he wants to see more authentic brand experiences and anticipates a trend towards more personalized marketing strategies. We also share insights on psychological development for understanding client behavior. Tune in and hear how we outline the importance of trust and mutual respect in business relationships.

Learn more about John Jantsch:

John Jantsch is a fractional CMO, speaker, and Wall St Journal best-selling author of Duct Tape Marketing, The Referral Engine, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur, and The Ultimate Marketing Engine. He is also the founder of the Duct Tape Marketing Agency Network, which trains and licenses independent consultants and agencies to use the Duct Tape Fractional CMO+ System. His keynotes and training motivate and engage audiences worldwide at industry and trade events.

John's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ducttapemarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ducttapemarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ducttape
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ducttapemarketing

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.

Ever found yourself frustrated with the maze of marketing tactics? Today I'm joined by Michael Barber, and we kick things off by venting about the trials and tribulations of marketing, but what unfolds will surprise you. As we journey through the discussion, we find ourselves shedding tears, not over marketing woes, but over the essence of humanity and leadership.

Michael shares his invaluable insights on the five essential attributes required to thrive as a leader in 2024. Trust me when I say, this isn't your average leadership advice. Michael's list is a game-changer, and you won't want to miss a single word.

So be sure to tune in and grab your notepad because this episode is packed with wisdom that will leave a lasting impact on how you navigate the worlds of marketing, leadership, and humanity. Get ready to build not just any legacy, but a meaningful and enduring one. Tune in now and let's explore together with Michael Barber.

Learn more about Michael:
Michael Barber is the Head of Global Marketing at Grow Schools. Before heading there to lead the marketing team, he worked with brands like MeUndies.com, Johnson & Johnson, Church & Dwight, Hass Avocado Board, and Ithaca College. His career began at Mighty Interactive, the agency founded by Jay Baer, and then he led teams at agencies like Sitewire, Nomadic Agency, and COHN before establishing his own consultancy, Barber & Hewitt. In late 2017, barber&hewitt joined Godfrey, one of the largest B2B agencies. Michael was named one of Marketo’s Fearless 50, an award recognizing the world's top marketers driving fearless marketing and digital transformation.

Michael's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljamesbarber/

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.

Dive into the captivating world of marketing strategy as we unveil the secrets behind the renowned Bullseye Marketing Framework with none other than Louis Gudema.

In this compelling conversation, we explore the transformative power of fractional CMO roles in today's dynamic marketplace, shedding light on how they've evolved over the years. From navigating the delicate balance of AI integration and trust to the often overlooked art of client discernment, Louis shares invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience.

Join us for a candid discussion that delves deep into the heart of marketing entrepreneurship, offering practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives for both seasoned professionals and aspiring marketers alike.

Learn more about Louis:
Louis Gudema is a fractional CMO for B2B startups and growth stage companies, and a mentor in MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service. Louis founded Magic Hour Communications, which provided marketing communications for major companies such as IBM and The Boston Globe. Then he led its pivot into a SaaS firm, growing it to one of the top firms in its national market before a successful exit. In his career, Louis has helped over two hundred B2B companies – from startups to the Fortune 5 — improve their business results. His "Bullseye Marketing," now in its second edition, was named One of the Best Marketing Plan Books of All Time by Book Authority, the 2023 Marketing/Branding Book of the Year by Goody Business Book Awards, and Finalist for Best 2023 Marketing Book from Book Excellence Awards. Louis speaks frequently on B2B marketing.

Louis' Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgudema/

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.