AMA RIFF Podcast

In this episode, AMA MKE President Michele Tonkovitz riffs with Celia Faye Meisel about the dynamic partnership between sales and marketing teams.   Turn up the volume and get ready to explore insights, advice, and ideas on how collaboration on strategies, personal brand development, leveraging customer insights, and nurturing lead can significantly impact a company's success and help close more details.   Be sure to also connect with Celia Faye Meisel, Sales Growth Consultant and Creator of the "More Method": https://celiafayemeisel.com/ https://www.moremethod.com/3-things https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-faye-meisel https://www.instagram.com/celiafaye.meisel https://www.facebook.com/CeliaFayeMeisel   Book a 20-Minute Exploration Call to see what sales growth can look like for your business this year.

Our AMA Riff guest Justin Metzger is really a jack of all trades ... and knows what it takes to run an AMA-zing press room during a trade show. Learn, connect and grow when you listen to Justin's public relations advice. Plus, get inspired by his tales about starting his own T-shirt business and voiceover work.   You can find Justin here: Email: justin@metzgerandsons.com Shirt website: metzgerandsons.com Voice etc website: metzgermidwest.com

Tom Graybill from Trimarq Communications, Inc. once again talks to AMA Milwaukee President Michele Tonkovitz. In the last conversation with Tom, he explained the importance of video as a marketing tool. Today he shares the hidden joys and benefits of networking—a practice that got lost during the pandemic and is now returning with a renewed spirit. Some of us love it, some of us dread it, but networking is essential for meeting new people, deepening relationships, and building your brand. Most of us blindly walk into these events with a vague goal of collecting a set number of business cards, but there's so much more we need to know to make networking work for us. As Tom visits area colleges, he offers helpful tips on making those vital connections in the working world. Listen and learn: ✅ Where to look for the people you want to connect with ✅ Why networking is a practice that never ends ✅ What your goal should be at every event ✅ How a good impression can bring you referrals Reach out to Tom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomgraybill/ or via email at tom@trimarq.com, or visit his company's website at trimarq.com. RIFF Hosts: Michele Tonkovitz michele@greenonioncreative.com Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so how much more meaningful is a quality video? Find out as you listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Tom Graybill of Trimarq Communications, Inc. Through the media production company that he has been a part of for over 20 years, Tom helps his clients put their best foot forward with effective audio-visual communication. He explains why video is the most important marketing tool in your business arsenal, giving you the opportunity to present your business precisely as you wish. As the viewer watches up to an average of one minute of video, this medium has been proven to be a powerful means of conveying your message--and Tom shares how the little details make all the difference. Some key conversation points: ✅ When to go professional versus DIY ✅ Establishing a budget for video production ✅ Crafting the message you want Reach out to Tom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomgraybill/ or via email at tom@trimarq.com, or visit his company's website at trimarq.com. RIFF Hosts: Michele Tonkovitz michele@greenonioncreative.com Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com

We all know music moves people's bodies, hearts, and souls. But it also inspires them to spend their money. Today as I talk with Leonard Novati, you will hear an inspiring story of how this software engineer/deejay from Tanzania turned his love of African music into a growing business venture. Creator of user-friendly music app Afro Charts, Leonard has found a way to not only share the unique sound of African music with the world, but also provide a platform for independent artists. As he worked to bring the app to life, the entrepreneur continued to work full-time and he faced the obstacles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. You will hear how though it wasn't always an easy road for Leonard, his passion served as the driving force he needed to bring his dream to fruition—and the same can be true for you. We will discuss: Finding your target audience The importance of effective marketing How to preserve as you pursue your vision And more Reach out to Leonard on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardnovati/ or via email at Leonard.novati@afrocharts.com. RIFF Hosts: Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com

It's a new year and we're returning with new guests! Meet Milena Dlugi, the owner of a virtual assistant company Milena Elite LLC and also our most recent AMA Board secretary. Offering a wealth of insight, skill, and experience, she shares life lessons we all can learn from. Listen as she details how she relocated from Poland to the United States shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and came to a personal crossroads. Working fulltime for a local company, Milena felt something missing and wanted to pursue her passion of venturing out on her own. After finding inspiration through local networking events, she started Milena Elite which allowed her to bring two of her dreams—creating a company and helping others—to life. We also talk about: How having a virtual assistant can give you your life back Effective ways to market yourself and your business Why networking and building relationships are the keys to success The importance of finding a work-life balance Reach out to Milena on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/milena-dlugi/ or at milena@milenaelite.com   RIFF Hosts: Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com  

#18 Hey everybody…and welcome to 2022. In this first episode of the new year, Michele and I sit down with Lindsay Golder.    Lindsay has a TON of experience in marketing. She has worked on both the agency as well as the client-side of things. And now she has decided to go it alone with her own business: Tillandsia Marketing. She shares the meaning of the name in the episode.    We also hit on:    How she got into the business.  How she decided to go it alone and start her own agency.  The importance of your network and how to reach out when you need them. (Great stuff) And the 4 things improvisational theater can teach you about marketing. (Even better stuff)   We loved talking to Lindsay and we hope you enjoy the episode as well. Let us know.    Reach out to Lindsay on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaygoldner/   RIFF Hosts:    Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com   Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com Interested in learning more about the AMA...head over to: https://www.amamilwaukee.org/ Music by: VJ Memes   RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern

#18 We are back with the Riff and this is a great one to start off 2022. We have an amazing sit-down with Emily Lopez.    Emily is a Senior Channel Marketing Manager. She is also the founder and president of Elo Consulting Group.   Elo is a marketing agency that provides sales & marketing coaching, strategy development, and group collaboration for women who are launching, expanding, or rebranding their business.    In this episode, we learn the strategy and tactics entrepreneurs need to embrace to get some wins in 2022. Spoiler alert: her advice on networking is spot on!   To learn more about Emily check her out at: https://www.flowithelo.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elopezmarketingmanager/ RIFF Hosts:    Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com   Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com Interested in learning more about the AMA...head over to: https://www.amamilwaukee.org/     Music by: VJ Memes   RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern

#17 If you want to win in business in 2021 and beyond… you're going to need to know LinkedIn. It's such a powerful tool why wouldn't you want to use it more effectively to get more leads, build your brand, find the job you want?   And all it takes is about 15-20 minutes a couple of times a week!    But here's the catch.    If you're doing it wrong -- then you are just flushing time away because it won't deliver the results you are looking for. Enter Clarene Mitchell.    Clarene is The LinkedIn Results Ignitor a coach and trainer for entrepreneurs and C-level executives. In her words this is how she puts it:    I change the trajectory of lives and businesses with my comprehensive, results-oriented LinkedIn coaching and training.   She is the creator and host of a LinkedIn Live show called Imposter Syndrome Disrupted. A show that is on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month on LinkedIn.  But wait...that's not all.    She is also the founder and owner of TCM Communications.    And what's cool about Clarene... is she started her business in 2017, ok. She was already far along in her career. So for all those listening that think it's too late to start a business or a side hustle...it's not.    We also want to welcome Michele Tonkovitz to the pod. Michele will be a regular guest moving forward.    This is a good one. So settle in and take notes.    RIFF Hosts:    Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com   Pat McGovern pmcgov@gmail.com

Today I'm talking with Chris Ertel. Chris is a brand and creative strategist. He focuses on providing the key insights needed to help brands stand out in this hyper-competitive environment we all find ourselves in.    I love this topic. Love talking about this and digging in because branding is such an important piece of the marketing puzzle. I believe it's the foundational element for any business.    And yet…   And yet…   So many companies get it wrong. They think of branding as a logo or color treatment in a brochure or on a website.    When in reality...your company's brand is the only thing is the moat that can hold off your competition.    Chris is a great guess because he was totally comfortable with going into the weeds about his process for identifying the brand story. This podcast along with the pod with Kate DiLeo are both Masterclasses on the topic.    I hope you enjoy! And please hit subscribe!    

This is a first for AMA RIFF because we are talking sales.   In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Myrter. Michelle is a sales coach, trainer, entrepreneur and B.A.N.K. expert.    Wouldn't it be great to understand, almost immediately, the type of person you are dealing with? Like any person. New friend. Co-worker. Relative. New business prospect. Literally, anyone.    Wouldn't it be great to know what they need? How they react? And how to connect with them in order to develop a better, deeper relationship.    Of course it would be!! And that's what B.A.N.K. does.   B.A.N.K stands for Blueprint, Action, Nurturing and Knowledge. This system does fall into the area of personality systems. Think Myers Briggs or DISC -- but what I find unique about B.A.N.K are two things.    First, it puts the focus on the other person.    In other words, It allows you to understand the person you are dealing with and what type of personality they have.. how they make decisions. And what are their hot buttons?   Two, and here's where your mind is going to get blown away…   This system can help you analyze the person and determine their B.A.N.K. personality type in...wait for it...90 seconds.    Insane, right?    In this show, Michelle and I get into:   

Here's my sit-down with brand strategist extraordinaire, Kate DiLeo. Kate is also the founder and CEO of Ennobble.    What does she do? Well, one look at her website and you know right away: She builds brands that win more work!   I love that. Simple. Clear. And to the point.   And she does this by focusing on three specific things.    Your tagline: What you do.  Your Value Prop: How the company is going to solve your pain points.  Differentiation -- How are you different from your competition.     DiLeo is amazing. Full of energy, passion, hustle, and smarts. What a powerful combo. I loved this interview and walked away with a ton of insights.  I know you will as well.    Have a listen and then follow the pod.    To connect with Kate, reach out to her on LinkedIn. Or visit her site: https://ennobble.com/   To learn more about the American Marketing Association--Milwaukee Chapter visit our website: https://www.amamilwaukee.org/   If there are topics you would like us to cover...let us know.    Music by: VJ Memes   RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern. Connect with Pat at pmcgov@gmail.com

Richard Hanson is the Marketing Manager at Children's Wisconsin. For those not familiar with this organization...Children's is dedicated to the health and well-being of children. It's a cool organization and Richard is a key member of their marketing team.    In this interview we riff on:   

Jamie Andrzejewski is the Founder and Owner of Nourish Natural Products.    What is Nourish?  Well, it's a full line of wellness products designed for your body, mind, and home. All organic. All made with all of the good stuff!  And her business is on

Brian Piper is the Director of Content Strategy at the University of Rochester. Under Piper's guidance, the University experienced a 60% growth in organic traffic the first year. And after 3 years saw a 200% increase in organic traffic. That equates to 400,000 visits just to their news content page.  Tell me what school is out there that doesn't want to achieve these results?!! If you're in the higher ed space...this is a must listen to episode. But this isn't just for those in higher ed. Any content marketer out there will get a TON of great takeaways.  Here's what we cover: ✅ How to create small wins ✅ What type of content works at pulling in undergrad students ✅ What's the #1 social channel for undergrad students ✅ How to balance the right content for all different target audiences ✅ The importance of aligning content with the overall strategic direction of your business ✅ The key metrics you need to focus on ✅ What to look at in Google Analytics  ✅ And Brian even provides a list of his favorite tools to help he uses on a daily basis  Brian has created a great reputation in this space and is available for presentations and consultation. To find out more contact him at:    Brian Piper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/ Brian Piper Website: https://www.brianwpiper.com/   Reach out to Pat McGovern: pmcgov@gmail.com   Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern

The world of marketing is changing almost daily. So...can you teach it?  In this episode, I have a fascinating sit-down with Steve Brewer. Steve is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Carroll University. He shares with us his thoughts on:  How to teach marketing in today's world. How recent grads can gain an edge and get a career in marketing.  What most businesses get wrong when it comes to marketing.  What other non-business classes students should consider taking.  And Steve shares his thoughts on what higher education is getting right and where higher ed is going in the future.  PLUS Martha Carrigan rejoins the pod to give us her take on what's going on with hiring and the economy. Martha always has something interesting takes and I thought it would be a nice complement to the interview with Steve.  Enjoy the pod! Please hit subscribe! The book Steve is reading.  Reach out to Steve at: sbrewer@carrollu.edu   Reach out to Martha at: martha@bigshoesnetwork.com   Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern 

Pat has a sit-down with the amazing cheerleader, Martha Carrigan. Martha is the President and CEO of Big Shoes Network. A job board focused on serving those in marketing, advertising, and graphic design.  They cover how the business got started, what kept it going, and how a simple idea helped to differentiate their brand.  In addition, Martha shares some of the recent trends she has been observing as we move out of lockdown and the mar-comm world looks ahead.  If you are interested in learning more about the AMA Milwaukee Chapter head on over to: www.amamilwaukee.org   If you would like to connect with Martha email her at: martha@bigshoesnetwork.com  Or call her landline at: 414.962.4222 Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern 

Storytelling is so important and yet few companies are actually good at it. So, in this episode, I have a sit-down with Betsy Radue and we go through how to become a better storyteller.  We cover things like:  How to get to know your customer -- the critical first step. The different types of stories you can tell.  What are the different elements that makeup storytelling. And the one key ingredient every story has to have.  Betsy is just pure gold. Not only does she have a great vibe. She has such an impressive background working at: Kohler, GMR, Palermos Pizza, and now as the Director of Digital at Stella & Chewys.  If you're in marketing, you need to have a listen. Enjoy the show and please hit subscribe when you're done.  Budweiser Super Bowl Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_3lITiK_Q Betsy's Favorite Billy Joel Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_3lITiK_Q Interested in learning more about the AMA head on over to www.amamilwaukee.org   Connect with Betsy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyradue/ Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern

Try and spend more than a minute with Rachael Bush and not smile. I dare ya. It can't be done. This woman has an amazing energy that I wish I could bottle! And as soon as she starts talking you can't help but put on a smile.  And on top of that great energy, Rachael Bush has a great story to tell.  About a year ago she made the leap and began running her own business, Mova Business Solutions. Her company has a simple mission: help others make deadlines! LOVE THAT! Think of Rachael as the Swiss Army Knife of business. Have a problem...chances are she has the solutions. What I like about her approach is her willingness to get in and really tackle a problem for her clients. And there's no problem too big...or too small for her to handle.  In this sitdown, we go into her background from college. How she made the leap from employee to business owner and her approach to helping out small business owners that get stuck and are unsure what to do or who to turn to. Spoiler alert small business owner...ask for help.  Have a listen to the awesome Rachael Bush and try not to smile. It can't be done! If you think you would like to start a conversation with Rachael, reach out to her at:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelbush/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/mova-business-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movabusiness/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOVA_Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movasolutions/ Email: info@movasolutions.org   Please subscribe to the show. Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern

In this episode of AMA RIFF, we mix things up a bit. My sit-down is with Laura Markz. Laura is the founder of Laura Markz LLC -- a company focused on helping entrepreneurs kickass not kiss ass. We meet up to talk about her upcoming presentation to the AMA on the 18th of February from noon to one. Link to the event below.  Face it, the marketing world has changed...forever. The same strategy and tactics don't work like they once did. Leaving marketers to ponder...what's next? Laura shares some of her thoughts on this and gives us a little taste of what's coming up in her presentation.  I'm a big fan of her work and what she has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time. So have a listen and remember to sign up for the entire presentation. And those attending will receive a free marketing guide on how they can be more effective moving forward.  Sign up for here: Creative New Strategy for Automating & Scaling Your Revenue Online   Connect with Laura here: https://www.lauramarkz.com/ Instagram: Larura Markz   Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern 

Dana is an Account Supervisor Supervisor at GMR -- one of the largest experiential events agencies in the world.  She is also the VP of Membership for the American Marketing Association -- Milwaukee Chapter.  And in this episode, we sit down to talk about the AMA and the SPECIAL membership drive going on right now. If you're looking for a time to join the AMA -- this is it.  During our drive, you can get a full year with all the benefits for...wait for it...just $119. C'mon, how can you say NO? Have yourself a listen and then sign up. Here's the link: https://mailchi.mp/amamilwaukee/membership-drive Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern 

In this episode, my sit down is with Jen Wirtz author of the book Recalibrate. I loved, loved, loved, this interview with Jen. She has one of those big personalities that welcomes you in like a nice comfy blanket.  In our interview, we hit on a bunch of topics including her struggles, her gains. How she went about writing her book. And her thoughts on marketing and promoting her personal brand. There are a couple of sound bumps in the recording...just roll with it. It's 2020 after all. Enjoy!   You can find out more about Jen at: jenwirtzrn.com.    SPECIAL FREE OFFER: For AMA RIFF Podcast listeners, get the Introduction and First Chapter for free by going here:  Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern RIFF Host: Pat McGovern 

Pat Miller is a cool dude with a great story. A long-time radio guy, Pat made a pivot in his career. He now spends his time help providing marketing help for small businesses. But don't get hung up on the word small. What Miller provides spans any size operation.  I got a chance to sit down with Idea Coach and we riffed on a whole host of topics. For a small business owner or marketers supporting small businesses, this is a great episode full of resources. We even mix in a little cooking talk as well.  Thank you so much for your time. If you like please subscribe to AMA RIFF.  To find out more about Pat Miller and the communities he has developed got to his website at: https://www.patmillerideacoach.com/ Music by: VJ Memes RIFF Artwork: Emma McGovern

In this episode of the RIFF podcast, I have a great sit down with Jennifer Hensley. Jennifer is the owner of Playmaker Coaching and Consulting. She specializes in helping her clients uncover and, more importantly, articulate their value proposition.  And in a world where there is soooo much competition. Be different is more important than being better.  I really enjoyed this interview with Jennifer. And was very impressed with her focus on executing and putting a process in place that can deliver results. If you are in a small to medium-sized business looking to get to the next level -- take a listen to this podcast.  To get in touch with Jennifer visit here: https://playmakercoach.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hensley/ For more information about the AMA Milwaukee Chapter visit:  https://www.amamilwaukee.org/ Please leave a review and let us know what you think.

Welcome to the first episode of AMA RIFF. This episode is a sit-down with Michele Tonkovitz the founder and owner of Green Onion Creative. We riff on a number of topics from storytelling, to trade shows and how to run and operate a successful agency. Enjoy the show.  Contact Info: Michele Tonkovitz: michele@greenonioncreative.com Pat McGovern: pmcgov@gmail.com  AMA Milwaukee Chapter: amamilwaukee.org Music: Blind Love Dub By VJ Memes