In this episode of Zee Marketing Podcast, Jacob Birn, founder of Addictive Research, explains how his new platform helps brands gain deep insights into their target markets by engaging real people to provide their feedback on ads and products. Participants enter raffles and other contests in exchange for their opinions, allowing businesses to collect meaningful data on consumer preferences and behavior, and make smarter marketing and product decisions.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-sh3xChnDa8

Connect with Jacob Birn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-birn/

Learn more: https://addictiveresearch.com/

Tanya Thorson is a marketing strategist and consultant who has worked with major brands like L.L. Bean and Lands' End. She is the founder of StrategiX Consulting and the co-author her new book, Get Off Your (M)ass!: Introducing B2A Business-to-(A)nyone Marketing, Reimagined, a book she wrote with her husband.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DS1fWR7ODjo

Connect with Tanya Thorson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyathorson/

Buy your copy of "Get Off Your (M)ass!: Introducing B2A Business-to-(A)nyone Marketing, Reimagined": https://www.amazon.com/Get-Off-Your-ass-Business/dp/B0FDPXXVWB

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ReRMaMgkcmw

Ed McDonough is a seasoned direct response copywriter and marketing strategist who helps businesses craft persuasive messaging that drives results. As the founder of ECE Marketing Services, he has worked with entrepreneurs and companies to refine their offers and increase conversions.

Ed is the author of the new book, Leveraging Buyer Psychology for Copywriters, which reveals the underlying forces that shape purchasing behavior and shows you exactly how to harness them in your copywriting.

Known for his clarity, empathy, and results-driven approach, Ed teaches business owners how to create copy that not only sells but builds trust. When he's not writing or coaching, he enjoys sharing practical marketing tips through workshops, podcasts, and his social media content.

Connect with Ed McDonough: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmcdonough/

Buy your copy of Leveraging Buyer Psychology: https://www.amazon.com/Leveraging-Buyer-Psychology-Copywriters-McDonough/dp/B0DQDC82PB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VIP97FA46LEI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KcOFeL4ZXa2Euga49XfRCNlKL7nxWwcwzvlo2SRwMvcUxKonq3jHN_3B_6WtfQF25xb06FSbRV1rAAvWE28qUQ.VeoXfEHIL-oydaM1_ENUB-I1X5qAZA0kj58nOK2WztI&dib_tag=se&keywords=leveraging+buyer+psychology+for+copywriters&qid=1752526647&s=books&sprefix=leveraging+buyer+psychology+for+copywriters%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-1

Lou Diamond is a Sales & Leadership Coach, 2x Best-Selling Author, Podcaster, Keynote Speaker, and the founder of Thrive Loud, a podcast production studio that teaches entrepreneurs and executives how to turn their podcasts into "pod cash." Lou has worked with Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street titans, and thought leaders to help them communicate more effectively and make lasting connections.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZL-Q9k5K12Y

Connect with Lou Diamond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thriveloud/

Learn More: https://www.thriveloud.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Njma6I0OhjM

Pallavi Pande is a mompreneur and the visionary founder and CEO of Dtocs, a Portland-based, minority and woman-owned (MWBE) company that creates stylish, 100% compostable tableware crafted from naturally shed Areca palm leaves that is sustainable, eco-friendly, and plastic-free. Pallavi's first name roughly translates to "leaf" in Sanskrit. Fond childhood memories of dining on banana leaves in India, helped inspire Pallavi to create Dtocs.

True to Pallavi's mission of "People, Planet, Parties," Dtocs is a sustainable tableware brand rooted in Pallavi's Indian heritage and driven by a mission to reduce single-use plastic. Her products combine stylish, functional design with a strong dedication to environmental and social impact. According to Pallavi, her products appeal to people who care not only about what's on their plates, but what's in their plates. Founded in 2019, the brand delivers elegant yet eco-conscious alternatives to single-use plastic and paper products—everything from plates and bowls to patented straws—designed for both everyday use as well as upscale events. Sold on Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, and in local markets, Dtocs has captured attention far and wide, earning the prestigious NEXTY Award for Innovation at the Natural Products Expo East and being named a finalist in Shark Tank's audition rounds.

According to one article dated May 1, 2024, Dtocs had achieved $1.8 million in cumulative revenue since 2019 and the company reported having sold 10 million palm leaf tableware units at that point in time.

Pallavi has also been honored as a 2023 Influential Businesswoman and an AI Innovation Excellence Award recipient, recognized on the INC 250 Female Founders list, and most recently awarded the Clearco 2025 AAPI Ecommerce Excellence Award, which spotlights Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) founders in the e-commerce space. Under her leadership, Dtocs has secured a place in SEED SPOT's Retail Brand Accelerator and has been celebrated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a CO‑100 Customer Champion.

Dtocs' mission goes beyond sustainability. By sourcing materials from rural India, the company empowers local farmers and artisans—particularly women—while supporting educational and vocational initiatives through partnerships like Anmol Sahara and "Greater Than PDX" in Portland.

Tune in as Pallavi shares her journey from occasionally dining on banana leaves in her native India to building a BIPOC and women-empowered, eco-conscious ecommerce brand that blends purpose, sustainability, and cultural pride.

Learn more: https://dtocs.com/

Coupon Code: dtocs20 – for 20% off and free shipping on any order on the website

Connect with Pallavi Pande: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-pande-bb5abb1b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palpande/?hl=en

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pdxmommies/

We often think of content creation as something related to the marketing department, but content creation is also necessary for crafting e-learning modules that nurture employee engagement and buoy retention as part of a learning and development (L&D) strategy.

My guest, Elisa Cruickshank is an instructional designer and the founder of EC‑Designs for Learning. Elisa specializes in creating engaging and effective learning experiences tailored to her clients' needs. With a strong passion for education and a deep understanding of instructional design principles, she collaborates closely with organizations to develop customized training programs, e-learning modules, and educational materials that drive results.

Elisa draws on over a decade of experience in banking, finance, and learning & development to create impactful e‑learning solutions that empower and engage teams. As the driving force behind EC‑Designs for Learning, she specializes in developing engaging webinars, e‑learning courses, and software training that help organizations thrive.

In this episode, we discussed the impact e-learning has on organizations and how an L&D-forward approach creates a culture of growth, retention, and employee engagement.

With expertise spanning instructional design, course management, ILT/VILT (Instructor-Led Training/Virtual Instructor-Led Training) delivery, and both soft and technical skills training, Elisa crafts immersive experiences that resonate. Her clients—ranging from Nestlé Health Science and McLane Company to PolyGen Pharmaceuticals—praise her ability to "go beyond the basics," delivering "impactful courseware on time and to budget," and being "a joy to work with."

Watch on YouTube:

Connect with Elisa Cruickshank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-c/

Learn more: https://ecdlearning.com/

Azriel Ratz is a Facebook ads expert, the founder of Ratz Pack Media, and host of the Facebook Ads Kingdom Podcast. Azriel Ratz has done Facebook ads management for fashion and apparel brands around the world. He also created the "Facebook Ads Mastery" course in 2017.

In this episode, we talked about top Meta (Facebook and Instagram) ads strategies to help you drive more revenue to your business. Toward the end of the show, we received a most unwelcome interruption from a ballistic missile attack — all caught on video (and audio), but Azriel far from bombed. This episode is jam-packed with strategic advertising insights from start to finish.

Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V-5QAjqRu5I

Connect with Azriel Ratz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azrielratz/

Learn more: https://ratzpackmedia.com

Facebook Ads Kingdom Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by stand-up comedian and public speaking expert, Jenn Lederer, and we delve into the fascinating parallels between stand-up comedy and business presentations. Jenn shares how lessons from stand-up comedy—like structure, timing, and audience connection—can be applied to business and keynote speaking, and how those skills translate in both directions. We also explore how to find your own authentic voice, how boundaries can be a springboard for creativity, and the importance of reading the room to understand your audience. Jenn also offers insight into how anyone can tap into their creativity and craft a unique story that resonates.

Whether you're speaking in front of a crowd or delivering a business pitch, this episode will help you refine your delivery, own your story, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. These skills can help you build your personal brand or make a stronger impression during a presentation or networking event. Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, authenticity, and the art of public speaking and presenting!

About our guest:

Jenn Lederer is a comedian, keynote speaker, and consultant known for blending humor with business insights. Jenn specializes in helping individuals and businesses master the art of storytelling to create authentic connections and make an impact on their audiences. Whether performing on stage or advising clients, she empowers people to embrace their unique voices, foster creativity, and build meaningful relationships.

Using her signature COMEDIAN'S FORMULA, she helps clients master the art of effective communication and become go-to experts in their fields. Jenn's unique blend of comedy, business insights, and coaching has made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, delivering impactful workshops on effective communication. Lederer's work has been featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, and comedy clubs throughout New York City.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HLuZGTNz3xw

Connect with Jenn Lederer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennlederer/

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

Learn more: https://www.jennlederer.com/

Jenn's Google Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC20zO2BFR8&ab_channel=TalksatGoogle

production company. Previously, C.A. Green worked on major film and television productions for big media organizations, including NBC, ABC, and Netflix. He now owns his own company and makes promotional videos mainly for non-profits and small businesses. In this episode, we talked about his journey of working in the film industry before striking out on his own and how he balances freelancing with his values and obligations in his personal life.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I3-9YBvb7j0

Connect with C.A. Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-a-green-70b88618a/

Learn more: https://www.behindthebeardmedia.com/

A lot of people think cold calling is dead. John Waller disagrees. John Waller is a true, old-school salesman and the founder of The OnHold Experience, a company that produces audio recordings that promote your business to your customers over the phone while they're waiting on hold. John's been selling since he was a kid growing up in England in the early 1960s trading bubble gum for toy cars – something that he paid dearly for as you'll find out.

Undeterred by that early childhood incident, he's since led a successful sales career spanning decades, selling insurance and phone headsets before he got into selling on-hold messages. While a big fan of cold calling, John has also incorporated newer tactics into his sales process such as LinkedIn and attending virtual networking groups to set up "warm calls" and build relationships that lead to numerous referrals and new business.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b22mr7UTn7Y

Connect with John Waller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallerjohntheonholdguy/

Learn more: https://www.theonholdexperience.com/