In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell welcomes Bryan McDonald to discuss the nuances of marketing strategy and the importance of realistic expectations. Bryan, known for his expertise in sales and helping businesses reach their revenue goals, shares a candid story about the pitfalls of using Facebook ads when his audience wasn’t there. He emphasizes that not all leads are created equal and highlights the necessity of identifying where prospects genuinely engage.

Key takeaways include the value of hiring someone who can iterate and improve a strategy over several months and focusing on prospects rather than following the crowd. Bryan advises trusting experts who test and refine processes—and cautions against quick-fix promises. Connect with Bryan at mcdonaldbryan.com for more insights into authentic sales approaches.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell welcomes Selena and Anna to discuss common marketing mishaps and the importance of building trust and authenticity in business strategies. As dynamic entrepreneurs and co-founders of a business partnership born out of collaboration and support for fellow entrepreneurs, Selena and Anna emphasize the significance of overcoming fear of new strategies while trusting marketing experts. They advocate for patience in marketing efforts, stressing the need for multiple touch points to truly engage audiences.

The duo highlights the importance of clear communication, cautioning against using overly unique language that might confuse potential clients. They emphasize that marketing should be fun and stress the need for adaptability and open-mindedness in trying new tactics. To connect with Selena and Anna, visit their website at annaandselena.com or find them on LinkedIn.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi Mitchell engages with Chanelle Yarber, CEO of Bright Girl Media, in a candid discussion about the iterative nature of marketing and maintaining authenticity. Chanelle shares her personal journey with hiring an outside marketing agency and underscores the significance of staying true to her brand while understanding her audience deeply.

She offers valuable advice on selecting the right marketing partners and cautions against promises that seem too good to be true. The key takeaway from the episode is the crucial need for authenticity in marketing, knowing your audience and resisting the temptation of quick fixes can pave the way for genuine success.

To connect with Chanelle Yarber, visit her on LinkedIn or check out her website at www.brightgirl.media.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi Mitchell sits down with Jared Gibson, co-founder of Outworks, to discuss the importance of prioritizing personal branding and creating impactful LinkedIn content. Jared shares his journey from occasional LinkedIn poster to a strategic content creator and highlights how consistent, founder-led content can differentiate businesses in highly competitive SaaS and professional services sectors.

Jared provides practical advice on overcoming discomfort and making content creation a priority, helping businesses to build trust and remain top-of-mind with potential clients. Kristi and Jared also discuss the challenges many business owners face, including not prioritizing marketing strategies and the importance of authentic storytelling.

Key insights from this episode:

• The power of LinkedIn for B2B businesses and the need for founder-led content.
• Overcoming the initial discomfort to establish a consistent content strategy.
• Transforming personal experiences and stories into content that resonates and inspires.
• Creating a content culture within organizations to enhance both marketing success and recruiting efforts.

Takeaways:

• Begin incorporating personal insights and experiences in your content to build stronger connections.
• Prioritize content creation as a core business activity to drive long-term success.
• Embrace discomfort and remain consistent to see transformative results over time.

Connect with Jared Gibson on LinkedIn or via email at [email protected]

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi is joined by Jill Peterson, founder, and chief growth strategist, for a candid conversation about marketing missteps and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Jill shares her journey of evolving the visual brand of her business, addressing the challenges and growth that came from stepping outside her comfort zone.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The importance of recognizing one's core strengths and seeking expertise for areas where improvement is needed.
• Jill's experience of revamping her visual brand, highlighting the significance of openness and the impact it has on creativity.
• The process of selecting a marketing provider that aligns with your company's vision and cultural fit.
• Communicating effectively with marketing partners to foster collaboration and superior results.
• How growth often occurs when stepping outside familiar boundaries and embracing new challenges.

Jill Peterson is the founder and chief growth strategist known for her transformative leadership across several domains, including marketing, strategic planning, and client management. Her ability to drive impressive growth and streamline operations makes her insights on creative branding and company development invaluable.

Website: Find Your Clover

Tune In to Learn:

• How to let go and allow experts to shine in their roles.
• The significance of keeping an open mind and its role in business growth.
• Tips on navigating the visual branding process, especially for new businesses or rebranding efforts.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell chats with Lori Sussle Bonanni, founder of Elssus communications consultancy, about common marketing language mistakes and how to communicate more effectively.

Key takeaways include:

• Write like you talk: Keep language natural and conversational rather than using corporate jargon
• Remove unnecessary filler words and be concise
• Avoid false urgency in marketing messages - be genuine about limited-time offers
• Pay attention to grammar and proofreading, even when using AI tools
• Consider tone and writing style as part of brand standards
• Be mindful of outdated or potentially offensive language
• Focus on ensuring your intended message reaches your intended audience

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi Mitchell talks with Darleen Priday, Director of Business Development for Peachtree VA and founder of DP Consults, about marketing mistakes and lessons learned.

Key topics include:

• The challenges of transitioning from referral-based business to strategic marketing
• The relationship between sales and marketing functions
• Learning from a DIY Google Ads experience gone wrong
• The importance of having solid organic marketing foundations before investing in paid advertising
• Why clarity in messaging and target audience is crucial
• The value of working with experts rather than trying to do everything yourself
• Why consistent execution over time (3+ months) matters in marketing
• The benefits of getting outside perspective on your marketing and business strategy

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this solo episode, host Kristi Mitchell delves into the importance of having a strategic marketing plan in place before diving into specific marketing execution tactics. Kristi highlights the pitfalls of jumping straight to getting a new website or hiring a social media manager without a comprehensive marketing strategy.

She introduces the concept of the marketing funnel, emphasizing the need to address four key stages: Attract, Convert, Nurture, and Close.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for service-based business owners who have relied on referrals and word-of-mouth but are now looking to take their business to the next level with a more strategic approach to marketing.

Whether you're reflecting on the past year's successes and challenges or planning for growth in the coming year, Kristi's insights will help you build a solid marketing foundation to generate sustainable and consistent leads.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of starting with a strategic marketing plan.
• Understanding the four stages of the marketing funnel.
• Why piecemeal marketing tactics often fail to deliver expected results.
• The benefits of investing in organic marketing foundations like SEO, email marketing, and lead magnets.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi is joined by special guest Laura Wright, where they unravel the "magic secret" to successful marketing: consistency. Tune in as Laura shares a compelling story of a client who achieved remarkable results by sticking to a steady marketing strategy, ultimately gaining 21 new clients and generating $275,000 in revenue.

The conversation dives into the balancing act between consistency and ongoing evaluation to refine marketing efforts effectively. Kristi and Laura emphasize the value of making small adjustments while maintaining overall consistency, drawing on Laura's analogy of holding a magnifying glass to catch smoke.

Listeners will hear how consistent marketing, even when it seems ineffective, can keep businesses visible to potential clients who may engage later. Laura discusses the phenomenon of "lurkers" and the importance of planting seeds that will mature over time.

The episode touches on the need for a "purposeful pause" to reevaluate marketing strategies, advocating for quality over quantity in activities. Laura and Kristi also explore the significance of having a clear strategy and understanding your ideal clients before plunging into extensive marketing efforts.

This episode is packed with practical advice, including a unique approach to focusing on why a strategy works instead of if it is working, fostering a positive outlook on business efforts. Laura wraps up by talking about her free book "No Woman Down," available on her website, which offers exercises aimed at boosting business growth.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, Kristi sits down with Amy Foley, co-founder of Inbound Back Office, to discuss the importance of diversifying marketing strategies beyond referrals. Amy shares her entrepreneurial journey, revealing the challenges she faced when her business, originally built on referrals, began to see a decline. Together, they explore the lessons learned, strategies for implementing effective marketing plans, and the significance of proactive marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• The danger of relying solely on referrals for long-term business sustainability.
• The benefits of diversifying marketing strategies to include multiple avenues of lead generation.
• Insights on the balance between focusing on a few effective marketing tactics and avoiding spreading oneself too thin.
• The role of a marketing consultant vs. an agency and how each can provide unique advantages.
• Practical advice for business owners on implementing consistent marketing efforts before they become a necessity.

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Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com