Marketing Matchmaker

The Marketing Power of Winning (and Leveraging) AwardsThis week, I'm diving deep into a conversation that's going to shift the way you think about marketing, especially if you've ever said, “I'm not big enough yet” or “Who am I to be winning awards?”I sat down with Karen Hall, founder of Reputation by Design, a global agency that helps business owners—yes, even solopreneurs—intentionally craft and amplify their reputation. We talked about how your reputation is your marketing, why external validation like awards matter more than you think, and how to stop leaving your visibility up to chance.Karen shared some inspiring stories, including solopreneurs who went from hesitant and hidden to confident and celebrated. And we hit a biggie: visibility. If fear of being seen has been holding you back, this episode will give you a whole new way to think about stepping into the spotlight.You'll walk away with:✅Why awards are a strategic marketing tool (not just a vanity play)✅How to start designing your reputation—on purpose✅What stops women from applying for awards (and how to shift that mindset)✅The connection between visibility and growth✅And yes, how a bottle of wine relates to your brand. (You'll get it when you hear it.)

The Real Reason Your Funnel Flopped (It's Not What You Think)Let's talk about it—because I've been where you are. You followed the strategy. You built the funnel. You launched the freebie, the emails, the ads. You did everything the experts told you to do. And still? Crickets.Here's the truth no one's telling you:Your funnel didn't flop because the strategy was wrong... it flopped because the business behind it wasn't aligned with you.In this episode, I'm getting real about my own journey—how I built a multi-six-figure agency because I thought I should. I followed the playbook, scaled the team, sold the services… and ended up completely burned out. Not because it didn't work—but because I was never fully bought in. It wasn't the business I actually wanted to grow.And that disconnect? It showed up in my marketing.I was forcing funnels for offers I didn't love.Creating content that didn't feel like me.Trying to scale something I didn't even want to keep.Sound familiar?If your funnel isn't converting, your content feels like a chore, and your sales process feels off—this episode is your wake-up call. It's time to stop building from “should” and start creating from want.Inside, I'm sharing:✅ The real reason marketing strategies fail (even the good ones)✅ Why your energy matters more than your email sequence✅ The key to connecting your freebie to your paid offer (no dead ends!)✅ How I shut down my agency and built a business that finally feels like mine✅ How to align your funnel with the business you actually want to scaleIf you're tired of pushing a business model or marketing that doesn't fit, this one's for you.Because no funnel, no ad, no strategy will work if the foundation is built on someone else's dream.You can also listen to the latest Marketing Matchmaker podcast

You Can't Scale What You Don't Track: Business Finances Made SimpleLet's get real: you didn't start your business to become a full-time accountant. But here's the truth—if you're not looking at your numbers, tracking your expenses, or understanding your cash flow, you're not building a business… you're building a financial mess.In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, I'm joined by small business finance expert Tanya Acumenko, and we're talking about something most business owners avoid like tax season—your numbers.Tanya breaks it all down without the boring financial jargon (hallelujah

Why Most Lead Magnets Suck (And How to Create One That Actually Converts)Let's be real for a second: most lead magnets are digital junk drawers.You download them with big hopes… and then they disappear into the black hole of your "Resources" folder, never to be seen (or used) again. And guess what? Your dream clients are doing the same thing with your freebie—if it's not built the right way.In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, I'm breaking down the hard truth: a pretty PDF doesn't equal leads. If your freebie isn't attracting the right people—or worse, it's not converting them into buyers—then you, my friend, have a lead magnet problem.But don't stress. I've got you.We're getting into the 5 simple (but powerful) shifts you need to make to turn your lead magnet from “meh” to money-maker. What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why solving too much (or too little) is killing your conversions✅ How to filter out freebie hunters and attract buyer✅ The key to connecting your freebie to your paid offer (no dead ends!)✅ What makes a lead magnet simple, fast, and actionable (hint: no homework required)✅ TWhy your email follow-up is where the real sales magic happensA lead magnet should be your best first impression—not a throwaway checklist. So if you're tired of freebies that go nowhere, this episode is your roadmap to creating one that pulls in perfect-fit clients and leads them straight into your sales funnel.

Why Emotional Intelligence is Your Secret Sales Tool - Episode 206Marketing is more than pretty posts and perfect funnels. If you're not dialed into your mindset and emotional intelligence, no amount of Facebook ads or fancy lead magnets are gonna move the needle. In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, I'm joined by the powerhouse Rhonda Parker Taylor—entrepreneur, author, and emotional intelligence expert—who's bringing the fire on how to grow a business without losing your mind, your balance, or your soul.Rhonda's journey from academia to entrepreneurship is packed with lessons, resilience, and straight-up real talk about navigating big transitions (career shifts, life pivots, you name it). We also dive into how emotional intelligence and storytelling are your secret marketing weapons—and yes, we get into why fiction might be the next genius move in your content strategy.

If You Can't Step Away From Your Business… You Don't Own It - It Owns YouYou started your business for freedom, to escape the grind, call your own shots, and finally have control over your time. So why does it feel like you're working more than ever? If your business can't run without you, you don't own a business, you own a job.In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, we're breaking down the invisible trap that keeps service-based entrepreneurs stuck in Operator Mode, constantly chasing clients, answering emails at all hours, and working themselves into exhaustion. More importantly, we're diving into how you can shift into Owner Mode and start building a scalable, profitable business that doesn't require you to be in the trenches 24/7. What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why most entrepreneurs unknowingly build themselves a job, not a business✅ The key shift from "Doer" to "Designer"—and how to start working on your business, not just in it✅ How to stop trading time for money and create scalable income streams✅ Simple automation and delegation strategies to free up your time✅ The Freedom Metrics every business owner should defineLoved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear this! And don't forget to subscribe and leave a reviewYou can also listen to the latest Marketing Matchmaker podcast

Introverts, This One's for You! How to Market & Network Without Burning OutThink you have to be an extrovert to succeed in business? Think again. If the thought of putting yourself out there makes you want to crawl under the covers (been there), this episode is for you.I'm joined by Stacey Chazin, founder of I Factor Leadership, who helps introverted professionals own their strengths and build successful careers—without pretending to be something they're not. We're diving deep into how introverts can network, market their business, and create content in a way that works for them.If you've ever:✅ Felt drained after traditional networking events✅ Struggled to stay visible online without burning out✅ Avoided marketing because it feels “too much”✅ Wondered how to leverage your introverted strengths for successThen this episode is packed with practical strategies just for you. We're ditching the “fake it ‘til you make it” nonsense and giving you real, introvert-friendly ways to build your business without exhaustion.It's time to own your midlife power move. Hit play and get ready to transform your mindset, your business, and your life.

More Content ≠ More Clients: Here's What to Do InsteadPosting every day but still not getting clients? You're not alone—and here's the truth: More content does NOT equal more sales. In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, I'm debunking the myth that posting constantly will magically bring in leads. If you're tired of posting just to post and want a marketing strategy that actually works, this episode is for you. Here's what you'll learn:✅ Why your content isn't converting (and what to do instead)✅ The 3 types of content that actually drive sales✅ How to stop chasing engagement and start attracting paying clients✅ A simple strategy to generate leads without burning out on social mediaYou can also listen to the latest Marketing Matchmaker podcast

Let's talk about midlife—because, guess what? It's not a crisis. It's a freaking revolution. In this episode, I sit down with Carrie Boatner, a midlife transformation coach, to tackle the myths, the mindset shifts, and the magic that happens when you embrace this stage of life.Whether you're feeling stuck in a career that no longer serves you, battling imposter syndrome, or wondering what's next now that the kids (or your corporate job) don't need you as much—this conversation is for you. Carrie shares how to ditch the “shoulds,” own your story, and create the life and business you actually want.Plus, we talk about the “Entrepreneur Witness Protection Program” (yep, it's a thing) and how to stop hiding and start showing up in your business like the badass you are.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why midlife is the perfect time to reinvent yourself✔️ How to break free from the expectations holding you back✔️ The secret to overcoming imposter syndrome (spoiler: you're not alone!)✔️ How to build a business and a community that supports you✔️ Why gratitude is the unexpected game-changer for growthIt's time to own your midlife power move. Hit play and get ready to transform your mindset, your business, and your life.

Stop Taking on the Wrong Clients! Here's How to Attract the Right Ones

How to Stop the Income Rollercoaster & Create Consistent Cash Flow

The Key to Long-Term Business Success

How to Take Control of Your Business Finances

How to Craft Messaging That Builds Trust and Drives Sales

Does your marketing feel like a never-ending to-do list, or are you following a clear, focused roadmap that's leading you toward your goals? In this episode of Marketing Matchmaker, we're tackling the difference between reactive, task-based marketing and a proactive, strategic approach. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making meaningful progress, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Here's what you'll learn: The pitfalls of reactive marketing and why it often leads to stress, inconsistency, and wasted effort. How to shift to strategic marketing by setting clear goals, understanding your audience, and aligning your tasks with your objectives. A step-by-step guide to building a marketing roadmap that delivers measurable results.

How Small Groups Can Supercharge Your Business

We're diving into the world of visibility with special guest Elizabeth Harr, managing partner at Hinge Marketing and author of The Visible Expert Revolution. Whether you're B2B or B2C, visibility is the key to standing out in a crowded digital marketplace and positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. If you're ready to stop being the best-kept secret and start getting noticed for what you do best, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you get there! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: What it means to be a Visible Expert and why expertise without visibility isn't enough. The foundational steps to build a powerful personal brand that connects with your audience. How to optimize your website and content strategy to become a magnet for your ideal clients. Connect with Liz: https://hingemarketing.com/ Link to book you've written: https://www.amazon.com/Visible-Expert-Revolution-Rainmakers-Superstars-ebook/dp/B0CC6KSHBD

Scaling Strategies for Business Owners Who Want Success and Sanity

The Secret to Building Trust Through Video Marketing

The Secret to Consistent Growth

Actionable, Engaging, Profitable: How to Create Courses That Convert

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Mindset Reset for Entrepreneurs

Ready to Run Ads? Here's What You Need to Know First

From Ideas to Action: Laura Watson's Toolkit for Faster Business Growth

The Ultimate Guide to Running Profitable Ads This Holiday Season

Unwrap a Stress-Free Holiday Season with These Business Tips - Episode 185

Finish the Year Strong: How to Leverage Q4 for Big Wins

How to Set Yourself Up for Success Next Year Part 2

How to Set Yourself Up for Success Next Year Part 2

How to Set Yourself Up for Success Next Year

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Walt Morgan's Path to Client Consistency

The Key to Marketing Success

Unlocking Your Competitive Edge with Jessica Sato's Big Idea Strategy

Q4 Marketing Tune-Up: How to Adjust Your Strategy for Year-End Success

The Leveraged Business: Fabienne Fredrickson's 8 Steps to a Million-Dollar Year

The Key to Consistent Growth Without the Overwhelm

Turning Prospecting into a Game

Analytics for Beginners: Ditch the Jargon and Measure What Counts

Unsticking Your Business with Jeremy Shapiro

Strategies to Keep Your Brand Top of Mind

Building an Authentic Personal Brand with Michelle McCarthy

Purpose-Driven Growth: The Importance of Your Why

Purpose-Driven Growth: The Importance of Your Why

Magnetize Your Life: June Edward's Secrets to Relationship Success

How to Skyrocket Your Business in 2024 - Part 2

How to Skyrocket Your Business in 2024 - Part 1

From Roadblocks to Rockstars

Summer Slump? No Way! How to Keep Your Marketing Momentum

Crafting Your Business Success Story

Wellness Insights with Chef Molly

Why Your Strategy Isn't the Problem