In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by early-stage companies in scaling their sales efforts.

We explore the disconnect between sales and marketing, the importance of understanding buyer behavior in the digital age, and the need for effective pipeline management. The discussion also covers the role of founders in transitioning to sales leadership, the importance of hiring the right sales leaders, and the potential benefits of outsourcing sales functions. We emphasize the need for clear metrics and KPIs to measure success and the importance of aligning sales and marketing strategies for better outcomes.Chapters00:30 Introduction to Sales Forecast Challenges03:34 The Role of Founders in Scaling Sales06:20 Marketing Misalignments and Lead Generation Issues09:15 The Disconnect Between Sales and Marketing11:53 Pipeline Management and Qualification Challenges14:53 Sales Team Dynamics and Incentives17:48 Hiring Effective Sales Leadership20:37 Outsourcing Sales Functions23:27 Key Metrics for Sales Success26:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fraunfelder/To connect with Suprit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suprit-patel-a752914/To schedule a strategy call with Sure Oak: https://sureoak.com/strategy-call

Is AI killing content marketing? In this episode of the Sure Oak Podcast, Nick and serial entrepreneur Tom Winter break down how AI is reshaping SEO, the role of LLMs, and the vital strategy you need to thrive.

They discuss the evolution of search engines, the role of LLMs, and the importance of quality content in the age of AI. Tom emphasizes the need for a structured approach to content creation, leveraging AI tools while maintaining high standards of EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). The conversation also touches on the challenges of AI-generated content and the future of search engine interactions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI Content and Marketing Expertise03:02 The Evolution of SEO and AI Content Creation06:05 Understanding LLMs and Their Impact on Content Creation08:55 The Shift in Search Engine Dynamics with LLMs11:48 Retrieval-Augmented Generation: A New Approach to Data14:33 Google's Strategy Against LLM Scraping17:02 The Future of LLMs and User Interfaces21:15 Navigating Human-Computer Interaction22:20 AI Search and SERP Overlap24:00 The Challenges of AI in Crisis Situations26:20 Strategies for LLM Optimization28:42 SEO vs. Generative Engine Optimization32:29 The Rise of AI-Generated Content35:54 Defining Quality in Content CreationContact Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fraunfelder/Contact Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-winter/

In this conversation, Mack Mitchell, CEO of Campfire.Social shares his journey as a storyteller and chief marketing officer, emphasizing the importance of family, authenticity, and the power of storytelling in marketing. He discusses his experiences in the army, working with leadership experts, and the evolution of his career in digital marketing. The conversation delves into the significance of personal stories in business, the role of faith in entrepreneurship, and the need for genuine connections in a digital world.Chapters00:00 The Journey of a Storyteller06:33 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing13:00 Navigating the Digital Landscape with Authenticity18:54 The Role of Faith in Business28:16 Building Relationships Through StorytellingTo contact Mack Kitchel:   / mack-kitchel  https://campfire.social/To contact Nick Fraunfelder:   / nick-fraunfelder  https://sureoak.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Nick, Leona, and Kyle discuss the evolution of Elation Health, the impact of AI on healthcare and SEO, and the importance of quality content in a rapidly changing digital landscape. They explore the challenges of YMYL content, the role of social media in SEO, and the significance of agency partnerships. The discussion emphasizes the need for a user-driven approach to content creation and the importance of adapting strategies to meet the demands of a competitive market.

Kyle Stevens and Leona Rajaee lead organic/SEO marketing at Elation Health, one of the fastest growing healthcare SaaS companies in the nation. They share their experience growing Elation and their strategies to win content dominance in today's AI dominated environment.

Takeaways

• Elation Health was founded to address real problems in healthcare.
• AI is transforming the landscape of SEO and content creation.
• Quality content is essential for success in healthcare SEO.
• The healthcare industry is highly competitive, requiring innovative strategies.
• Collaboration between content and technical teams enhances effectiveness.
• Understanding the audience is crucial for effective content marketing.
• Agencies should align closely with client goals and needs.
• Social media influences SEO and content consumption patterns.
• AI tools can enhance productivity but should not replace expertise.
• Future-proofing strategies must adapt to ongoing changes in technology.

TImestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Elation Health and Its Founders

02:48 The Evolution of Healthcare Technology

05:45 Navigating the YMYL Space in Healthcare

08:35 Website Strategy and Future-Proofing

11:30 Using AI in Content Creation

13:58 Quality vs. Quantity in Content

16:50 The Role of Social Media in SEO

21:11 The Evolution of Content Consumption

23:40 Navigating Tools and Metrics in SEO

28:27 Future-Proofing Content in an AI-Driven World

33:16 Collaboration and Synergy in SEO Strategy

36:55 Choosing the Right Agency Partner

To find Nick Fraunfelder: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fraunfelder/

To find Kyle Stevens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylestevens/

To find Leona Rajaee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonarajaee/

In this conversation, Mike Nelson, Founder of Really Good Emails and Head of Growth at BeeFree, shares his extensive experience in email marketing, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of owning email lists. He emphasizes the significance of design and relationship building in email marketing, as well as the role of AI in simplifying processes. The discussion also touches on the future of email marketing and the impact of creator communities.

Connect with Mike:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelevan/

https://beefree.io/

https://reallygoodemails.com/

Takeaways

• Mike Nelson has been in the SEO and email marketing space for nearly 20 years.
  

• Email marketing became a top revenue channel for his business due to its predictability.
  

• The importance of owning email lists is crucial for building direct relationships with customers.
  

• Design plays a significant role in email engagement and should be consistent with brand identity.
  

• Building relationships with subscribers is more important than just growing a list.
  

• AI can help streamline email marketing processes, but should not replace the human touch.
  

• Engaging content is key to keeping subscribers interested and responsive.
  

• The email marketing landscape is constantly evolving, requiring marketers to adapt.
  

• Community and collaboration are essential in the email marketing space.
  

• The future of email marketing will involve more personalization and targeted content.
  

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Mike Nelson and His Journey

02:47 – The Evolution of Email Marketing

08:12 – The Importance of Owned Lists

11:20 – Transition to Be Free and Its Offerings

14:07 – Design and Relationship Building in Email Marketing

18:30 – The Role of AI in Email Marketing

24:24 – The Future of Email Marketing and Creator Communities

In this episode of the Sure Oak podcast, Nick is joined by Michael Sengbusch and Suprit Patel, experts in product management and marketing, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of UI/UX in AI. They discuss the following key topics:

Key Topics Covered:

• The impact of Perplexity's new AI browser, Comet, and its potential to challenge industry giants like Google.

• How AI is evolving to be more than just a tool, becoming a companion to assist in personal and professional tasks.

•  The rise of companion AIs and how they could replace traditional browsers and redefine how we interact with technology.

• Exploring the line between assistants and companions, and how AI could become a personalized part of your daily routine.

• Discussing the potential of AI hardware and even brain implants, and how these innovations could change the future of tech.

Perplexity Comet Introduction: https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-comet

Google Gemini Live in Chrome: https://chromeunboxed.com/google-is-officially-bringing-gemini-live-to-the-chrome-browser/

OpenAI Browser News: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/openai-release-web-browser-challenge-google-chrome-2025-07-09/

 Additional Resources:

• Raunchy Grok companionshttps://share.google/Ub6iosrdJ6criVluS

• Meta’s Wristband for Controlling Computers With Hand Gestureshttps://share.google/fitxpO1BnYycaeLXD

• Meta acquires voice startup Play AI https://share.google/OwWtgLqGZrAf4EgEL

• Jack Dorsey’s new apphttps://share.google/rKfjluqzu5y7FMCVs

Timestamps:

SummaryNick Fraunfelder interviews Jeff Tucker, Senior Director of SEO at SoFi, where he shares his unique journey from studying psychology to leading SEO and earned media at SoFi. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple product lines, the evolving landscape of organic search, and the impact of AI on SEO strategies. Tucker emphasizes the importance of authority and trust in the financial services sector and offers insights into future trends in search engines and content generation.

To find Jeff Tucker : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavidtucker/

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from psychology to marketing can be beneficial.
• Understanding stakeholders is key to managing multiple products.
• SEO requires patience and long-term thinking.
• AI is changing the way we approach content and SEO.
• Trust and authority are crucial in competitive markets.
• Content must be deeper and more thorough to rank well.
• The future of search is conversational and user-focused.
• Google's algorithms are evolving, creating new opportunities.
• Engagement on social media can enhance organic reach.
• SEO is not dead; it is adapting to new technologies.

Chapters

00:00 From Psychology to SEO: A Unique Journey

03:03 Navigating Multiple Product Lines and Stakeholders

08:51 The State of Organic Search in a Changing Landscape

16:03 The Role of AI in SEO and Content Generation

21:49 The Importance of Authority and Trust in SEO

27:00 Future Predictions for SEO and Search Engines

In this conversation, Nick and interviews Nicole MacLean of Composely to discuss the evolving landscape of content marketing, particularly in relation to AI and SEO. They explore the importance of creating valuable content that cuts through the noise in a saturated market, the role of human touch in AI-generated content, and the metrics that matter in measuring success. They also highlight common mistakes in content strategy and provide tactical takeaways for effective content creation.

Takeaways

• Content is not dead; it fuels many aspects of marketing.
• Cutting through the noise is essential in today's content landscape.
• Understanding SEO basics is crucial for ranking on more complex topics.
• AI can assist in content creation but requires human oversight.
• Traffic and clicks may decline, but engagement metrics are more important.
• Marketers need to educate their teams about changing metrics.
• Setting clear expectations for content creators is vital.
• Different skill sets are needed for writing, editing, and strategy.
• Using AI tools can enhance content but should not replace human creativity.
• Focusing on audience value is key to effective content marketing.

To Contact Nicole:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/

https://www.compose.ly/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:17 The Importance of Content in SEO

06:20 Cutting Through the Noise in Content Creation

09:18 Navigating AI and Search Engine Changes

12:14 The Role of Authority and Expertise in Content

15:14 Metrics and Measuring Success in Content Marketing

18:13 Future Trends in SEO and Content Strategy

22:44 Embracing AI in Content Creation

27:23 Common Mistakes in Content Strategy

31:17 The Importance of Brand Voice

33:14 Leveraging Human Expertise in Content

34:47 Optimizing Content for AI and SEO

38:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Summary

Host Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Seth Turnoff, founder of Custom Medical Marketing, to discuss the challenges and strategies in healthcare marketing. He emphasizes the importance of identifying high-value patients, the rise of consumerism in healthcare, and the need for a seamless patient experience. Seth shares insights on leveraging data for targeted marketing, the role of social media, and the impact of AI on marketing efforts. He highlights the significance of building trust with patients and the human element in healthcare marketing.

To Contact Seth:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethturnoff/

https://custommedicalmarketing.com/

Takeaways

• Seth Turnoff is a patient acquisition specialist and founder of Custom Medical Marketing.
• CMM focuses on driving ideal patient visits for specialty medical practices.
• Identifying high-value patients is crucial for physicians to avoid burnout.
• Consumerism in healthcare is rising, leading to increased patient expectations.
• Healthcare marketing requires a multi-faceted approach, not just one solution.
• The patient experience should be as seamless as possible to build trust.
• Data-driven marketing helps target the right audience effectively.
• Building trust with patients is essential for successful marketing campaigns.
• Social media is a powerful tool for engaging potential patients.
• AI can enhance marketing efforts but cannot replace the human touch.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Seth Turnoff and Custom Medical Marketing

05:40 The Importance of High-Value Patients

11:38 Challenges in Healthcare Marketing

18:37 Building Trust Through Relevant Messaging

24:45 The Importance of Patient Experience

33:38 The Role of Personal Connection in Healthcare Marketing

42:06 Navigating Patient Acquisition and Retention

Summary:

In this conversation, Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Cody Prentice, founder of Elevate DDS, shares his journey from Chicago to Whitefish, Montana, and the inception of his dental marketing agency. He discusses the challenges dentists face in marketing, the importance of effective website design, and the metrics that matter most in measuring success. Cody emphasizes the significance of building relationships with clients and the evolving landscape of SEO, particularly with the rise of AI. He provides practical tips for dentists looking to enhance their local presence and offers insights into budget allocation for marketing efforts. Throughout the discussion, Cody reflects on the joys and challenges of running an agency, highlighting the personal connections formed with clients and the responsibility that comes with delivering results.

Takeaways

• Cody Prentice moved from Chicago to Whitefish to start his agency.

• Elevate DDS focuses on dental marketing, finding a niche in the industry.
• Local clients are easier to work with than Fortune 500 companies.
• Dentists often struggle with marketing due to lack of business training.
• Websites should be designed with lead generation in mind.
• SEO and PPC are crucial for dental practices to attract new patients.
• AI is changing the landscape of content creation and SEO.
• Building a strong local presence is essential for dentists.
• Budget allocation should favor Google Ads for immediate leads.
• The long-term benefits of SEO can lead to significant ROI.

Chapters

00:00 Cody Prentice: From Chicago to Whitefish

01:39 The Birth of Elevate DDS

04:46 Understanding Dental Marketing Challenges

06:12 Common Mistakes in Dental Websites

09:11 Measuring Success: Reporting and Analytics

12:34 The Role of AI in Dental Marketing

17:46 Navigating Local SEO Strategies

21:51 Automating Patient Engagement

25:07 Balancing PPC and SEO Strategies

29:16 Understanding Marketing Budgets for Dentists

31:56 The Long Game of SEO

34:07 The Joys and Challenges of Agency Ownership

Reach out to Code and Elevate DDS:

https://www.elevatedds.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/codycumminsprentice/