Marketing Sucks

I love a good Instagram strategy, but I'll be the first to say you can't build a biz on socials alone. While social media is great for building awareness, your time and effort can be wiped out instantly by a tweak to the algorithm or an account suspension. Your email list is a revenue-generating asset you actually control, made up of people who want you in their inbox every week — so stop ghosting your audience and let's get that list poppin'!This week's short ‘n' sweet solo episode of Marketing Sucks explores how to create irresistible lead magnets people will happily trade their email for, with examples of what actually works and what to avoid. Tune in to learn what sets killer lead magnets apart from boring yawn-fests, the four boxes you need to check while creating them, and how to build opt-in forms that don't scare off or confuse potential leads.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to choose an impactful, hooky lead magnet title that makes people want to clickWhat needs to happen AFTER your new subscriber gets their freebieHow to get people on your list from your social media grid or feedPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro03:19  Benefits of email marketing05:03  All about lead magnets07:46  Choosing a good name & topic09:56  Making it easy to sign up12:53  Driving traffic14:00  Nurturing your list15:25  Selling via email16:29  Recap & your action itemLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Marketing Sucks - The Anatomy of a Perfect Marketing EmailMarketing Sucks- Let's Talk About Email Marketing—

Crappy networking sucks and we all know it. I hate it. You hate it. And we still push ourselves to do it. But here's the thing: networking doesn't have to be awful — and if you do it right, it can actually be a good time. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the lovely Deanna Seymour, queen of non-cringey networking. As the founder of vibrant online community The Playhouse, she's created a welcoming space for service providers that gives members a TON of tools and opportunities to promote themselves without feeling salesy. Love it!During our conversation, we get deep into the good, the bad, and the gross when it comes to networking, and how to make it feel GREAT. You'll discover why we need to stop with all the damn elevator pitches already (and what to do instead), how to break the ice with a bold wardrobe choice, and the trick to writing podcast guest pitches that make you look like a pro.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The secret introvert networking superpower (and why it's SO effective) How to get out of your own head and avoid giving weirdo pick-me energy at live eventsWhy so many online communities are anti-promo — and how The Playhouse does it betterPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Deanna Seymour is the founder of The Playhouse, a community for service providers that actively encourages members to promote themselves without feeling salesy. Unlike other communities, it has built-in visibility opportunities for members to grow their audience. With a mix of humor, empathy, and real talk, Deanna helps the folks feel more comfortable in their own skin so they can have fun growing a sustainable and profitable business. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Deanna Seymour03:32  Entrepreneurial journey06:13  Podcast pitching08:24  Bad v. good networking13:23  Introvert superpower18:32  What to do at in-person events25:10  Elevator pitches33:08  Nurturing connections39:46  Human-first approach43:40  “Share what ya got”46:11  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Deanna Seymourdeannaseymour.com linkedin.com/in/thedeannaseymour Instagram: @thedeannaseymour   The Playhousejointheplayhouse.com Dexgetdex.com —

Grief and loss change you in so many big and small ways that you never expected… and no one is immune. This week marks the 20th anniversary of my mother's passing, an event that has hugely and forever changed my life, my perspective, and my approach to business. Over the last two decades, I built (and sold) a million-dollar business, created a family, grew a community, wrote two books, launched a podcast, and more, all while carrying an invisible but heavy weight. In this solo episode of Marketing Sucks, I share 10 lessons grief taught me about showing up as an entrepreneur, mom, partner, and friend, including the importance of delegation and boundary setting, why you don't always need to be ‘on,' and why it's more than okay to take a break when you need to — it's actually essential. Note: this episode covers heavy subject matter at points, so please skip ahead if needed.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why authenticity is more powerful than perfection, and how to find a level of realness that feels comfortableHow to reject toxic productivity culture and do what works for you How to schedule things according to your energetic needs (without anyone noticing)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro03:45  Being ‘on'05:27  Your audience will wait06:37  Protecting your grief08:29  Productivity culture09:54  Energy-aligned scheduling11:22  Delegation12:29  Changing perspective13:52  Boundaries aren't optional15:21  Honouring your pain16:43  You matter more than metrics17:48  Your action items & outro—

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! In our quarterly mental health episode of Marketing Sucks, I'm joined again by the incredible Natacha Pennycooke for a deep dive into some of the biggest mental health issues faced by business owners. This time around, we're tackling juicy audience-submitted questions, like: How can I see myself as others do?How do I figure out what my emotional needs are?How do I create healthy boundaries — and actually STICK to them?Is my drive to succeed in business just high-functioning anxiety?How can I stop comparing myself to others on social media?How do I know if I'm addicted to work? What should I focus on first when dealing with loss?Tune in as we explore our love-hate relationship with influencers (and how to strategically unfollow them), the benefits of connecting with like-minded people, and the surprising power of a well-placed sticky note.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to ditch the social media comparison game, so you can stop feeling bad about yourself for no reasonHow to reframe the concept of boundaries (and stop feeling weird about setting them!)How to put yourself first and fiercely protect your non-negotiablesPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Natacha Pennycooke is a leader in workplace mental health, equity education, and psychological safety, a Mindset Coach, and an award-winning psychotherapist. With over 13 years of experience, she is CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy, a flourishing anti-oppressive, healing-focused, and trauma-informed private group practice.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Natacha Pennycooke03:55  Addiction to work07:41  Seeing yourself as others do12:24  Setting boundaries16:46  Social media comparisons24:02  Figuring out your emotional needs30:54  Anxiety or drive to succeed?39:01  Dealing with loss47:15  Therapy51:47  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Natacha Pennycookenatachapennycooke.com theacceleratedleader.com Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy, @natachapennycooke.ceo—

Sick of sending out emails every week without getting a single response, click-through, or sale? Before you hurl your laptop out the window and give up on email altogether, let me say this: email marketing, if done correctly, can have an ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. Not only is email one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, it's also one of the few channels that you can control. If Mark Zuckerberg decides to shut down Instagram tomorrow, there's not a damn thing you can do about it… but you'll always own your mailing list. So, let's turn it into your biggest moneymaker.This value-packed episode of Marketing Sucks reveals the anatomy of a killer marketing email, from subject line to signature. Join me as I break down the biggest email do's and don'ts so you can get the most bang for your marketing buck!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to find the right balance of storytelling and straight-up sales 3 things that a great marketing email will do and how to check those boxesHow to write attention-grabbing subject lines that aren't click-bait (and the #1 thing to avoid in your intro)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:11  Testing & email goals03:43  Subject line05:49  Email intro08:32  Email body 11:18  Language & structure12:44  Call-to-action14:47  Formatting & aesthetic17:23  Footer, compliance & recap19:04  Your action item—

Is your webinar habit slowly killing your business? While I'm all for learning, consuming too much advice online makes it HARDER for you to move forward and see results. Information overload doesn't just put you at risk of decision paralysis, it can trick you into believing you're being extremely productive when you're not actually turning tips into action. Think about it — how often do you actually put those course or webinar strategies to work in your biz?If you want to show up as a business owner instead of a hobbyist, you need to get out of avoidance mode and start doing the damn thing. In this tough love episode of Marketing Sucks, I reveal how signing up for a billion masterclasses keeps you playing small, and the simple deadline trick that'll help you shift from passive consumption into timely execution, so you can start getting REAL value from virtual summits and courses!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to free yourself from the insidious overthinking trapWhy you need to ditch the people-pleasing (and how this will help you find your true people) Why you should keep expiration dates in mind — and how accepting impermanence fuels motivation!Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro 02:28  Doing v. consuming03:44  Readiness isn't real 05:33  Why you hold yourself back07:06  Action beats overthinking09:05  Ditch people-pleasing & perfectionism10:28  Accept expiration dates12:08  Act like a big fish  12:42  Outro—

Hustle culture is more dangerous than you think. My guest on this episode of Marketing Sucks almost lost her life to the 24/7 grind… and walked away with some insights you NEED to hear. Ten years ago, Event & Brand Photographer and Burnout Coach Lyndsay Cormier was working multiple jobs and living on energy drinks when she experienced a terrifying burnout wake-up call that totally changed her life.Our conversation digs deep into the intense lessons Lyndsay learned, the ten-year healing journey that made her a bona fide overwhelm expert, and how you can reduce your risk of burning out. We also chat about her empathetic approach to brand photography and how she helps her clients get more comfortable about who they are so they can show up confidently.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Maladaptive coping mechanisms you want to avoid (and what to do instead)Lyndsay's 3 As for taking the right action in any situation, personal or professional   A simple exercise that'll help you get clarity on who you are, who you serve, and what makes you YOUPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: As an Event and Brand Photographer, Lyndsay Cormier has worked weddings and events for the last decade, and in the last three years has focused on businesses and brands to bring their vision to life through imagery while supporting them through the process. As a Coach, she works with clients on preventing and overcoming burnout and renewing their energy and motivation professionally and personally. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Lyndsay Cormier04:54  Pivoting to brand photography10:07  See it, feel it, be it13:59  Lean into YOU16:52  Lyndsay's burnout story20:10  Burnout lessons22:08  Coping mechanisms23:13  Boundaries29:40  Rest 30:46  Your action item33:00  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Lyndsay Cormieroffcenterphotography.mypixieset.com Instagram: @offcenterphotography, @lc.cormier—

Want to create webinars that get people fired up to buy all the things? As an avid learner, I've seen a ton of webinars. There are HUGE differences between the boring-ass presentations that just want to sell to me and the engaging, value-packed webinars that get me legit excited to pull out my card — and some of them may not be what you expect!In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I put my decade of experience in adult education to good use and reveal why your presentations haven't gotten the results you're looking for — and what you need to know to consistently create engaging, trust-building webinars that do what they're supposed to do! I explore the three types of learners showing up to your presentations, how to keep them from closing Zoom before your pitch, and a super-simple, high-impact framework for creating better webinars, programs, masterclasses, and mini-courses.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The biggest mistakes that may be costing you sales (and how to fix webinars that suck)Why you should pair your presentation with a downloadable worksheetMy simple formula for turning your webinar into a conversion machinePlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro03:05  Three types of learners05:04  Visual, auditory & kinesthetic learners07:37  Reaching visual learners 09:05  Reaching auditory learners 10:53  Reach kinesthetic learners 12:07  My presentation formula16:59  First webinar story19:34  Urgency, Q&A & mistakes22:02  Your action item23:29  Outro—

We need to bust the myth that women aren't good with money. Thanks to this BS belief, we have more trouble getting business loans and more anxiety about investing and financial planning. Here's the thing: we're actually better at managing money — so let's change the narrative and take control of our financial health!My guest for this episode of Marketing Sucks was named one of the Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth in Canada for two years running, one of the Top 50 Advisors in Ontario, and is the #1 person I want to talk to about ANYTHING finance! As the founder and owner of BlueRidge Private Wealth, Kerry Rizzo helps people and businesses uncover their best financial goals, minimize their taxes, and make smarter investing decisions. Listen in as this award-winning Sr. Investment Advisor shares the best steps female entrepreneurs can begin taking right now to build a strong foundation for long-term financial stability. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why money management is less complicated than we think and how to automate our savings effortsWhat it actually looks like to work with a financial advisor (and when to work with one!)Key mistakes women make when it comes to their finances — and why we're actually better stewards of money than men!Please rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Kerry Rizzo has worked for 3 of the top 5 financial institutions in Canada, receiving multiple promotions and awards. Since leaving corporate brokerage, Kerry founded BlueRidge Private Wealth, operating under the brokerage banner of Harbourfront Wealth Management. She also founded and owns Kerry Knows Money, a firm designed to empower financial education and financial independence with a focus on increasing female representation for investors and advisors.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Kerry Rizzo05:38  Kerry's journey09:54  First steps for financial stability 13:59  Get comfortable & have the conversation19:47  Working with an advisor24:46  Key mistakes27:22  Start early30:34  Your action item35:18  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Kerry Rizzoblueridgeprivatewealth.com kerryknowsmoney.com linkedin.com/in/kerry-rizzocfp Instagram: @KerryKnowsMoney TikTok: @kerryknowsmoney6 —

Do you have killer organization skills in your business — but cringe at the chaos in your kitchen or living room? This episode of Marketing Sucks is for bad-ass biz owners who need a little help to get their living space as uncluttered and streamlined as their Google Workspace.My guest is Britt Gaudio, owner and Head Nester of wellnested Living Co. As a professional organizer and decluttering coach, she helps busy people optimize their space, so they can focus less on stuff and more on what matters. Our conversation explores why entrepreneurs struggle with organization, the parallels between decluttering and marketing, why Britt's home edit content sets her apart from the crowd, and how she landed multiple hot collabs with some big-name influencers! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to find and maintain your right balance between function and aesthetic Your best first steps for organizing your space (and how to let go of clutter panic)Britt's brilliant and game-changing reframe of home and workspace clutterPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Britt Gaudio is a corporate escapee turned professional organizer and decluttering coach. As the Owner and Head Nester of wellnested Living Co., she strives to help busy parents, entrepreneurs, and professionals take back their space and reclaim their calm with in-home and virtual organization services.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Britt Gaudio04:10  Britt's clients07:06  Why we struggle with organization08:29  Why talk about clutter?11:23  Function, aesthetics & ‘decanting'16:41  Keep it simple18:53  Home edit content 22:59  Working with influencers27:49  Doing the work & being authentic31:14  Aligned giveaways33:01  First steps for organizing35:52  Don't tidy for cleaners 40:56  Action item & outroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Britt Gaudiowellnestedliving.ca Instagram: @well.nested.living Ultimate Decluttering Checklistwellnestedliving.myflodesk.com/ultimatedeclutteringchecklist Daily Reset Checklistwellnestedliving.myflodesk.com/dailyresetchecklist —

Think you can build a successful, sustainable business on social media alone? While social media is an amazing tool for business growth, it's unpredictable — and having a fabulous social presence won't protect you from losing your audience if a platform goes down, is bought by Elon Musk, or gets banned in your country. Alongside your social strategy, you need a strong website or landing page and an email list that YOU control.In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I'm joined by Andrea Krones and Kelley Gibson of the women-run graphic design and website development studio Inkling Design, which specializes in customized WordPress websites. We dive into the biggest website trends businesses cannot afford to ignore right now, the trick to crafting excellent user experiences that keep visitors from leaving your site, and how to audit your website to cut out the fat, filler, and fumbly navigation.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌When to use AI tools and when to invest in the human touch in your copy and contentThe anatomy of an effective and engaging homepage (and how to avoid awkward SEO bloat)Whether you should opt for a custom-designed website or use a templatePlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Inkling Design is a design & web agency helping heart-centered humans with their branding, websites, and marketing materials. The agency specializes in creating custom WordPress websites for service-based businesses on a mission to do good in their communities and beyond, and empowers others to take control of their branding and website with confidence so that they can stay in their zone of genius when it comes to scaling their business. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Andrea Krones & Kelley Gibson06:08  Reacting to social media changes10:24  AI tools & personal touch15:46  Home page experience17:48  User-centric design22:10  Website auditing28:16  My big website mistake30:21  Custom v. template32:47  Website price points36:33  Scaling your website later on 39:31  Action item & outroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Inkling Designinklingdesign.calinkedin.com/company/inkling-designInstagram: @inkling.design—

Hosting a podcast is a ton of work, but a high-quality show can be one of your most powerful marketing tools — for one thing, your episodes will outlive your Instagram Reels by YEARS.In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the amazing Emily Decloux of The Ultimate Creative, a Toronto-based podcast production company that helps small biz owners and subject matter experts share their voices and thought leadership via audio.During this high-energy conversation, Emily and I dive into the REAL nitty-gritty of hosting a podcast that doesn't suck (or make you dread plugging in your microphone). We talk about what a well-made podcast can do for your business, why AI is wildly overhyped when it comes to editing, and why you shouldn't set out to be the next Goal Digger if that's not your vibe.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌What you need to consider BEFORE you hit record on your first episodeExpert equipment recommendations that don't break the bank Simple recording tips that'll help you sound like a podcast rockstarPlease rate, review, and subscribe. Full disclosure: Emily is my podcast producer and I highly recommend her!Guest bio: Emily Decloux created her own career path by completely ignoring her gut instincts, realizing she needed to listen to them, and then following her passions. It's a little backwards but hey, she got here, right? Emily is the founder & CEO of podcast editing company The Ultimate Creative, 1/5th of the sketch comedy troupe Big Chick Energy, and a wedding and event producer under the banner The Joy Factor. She released a comedy music album called Take Your Life More Seriously under the name Emily Milling in 2022.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Emily Decloux03:18  Working with a newborn06:27  Boundaries10:56  What to consider before launching16:05  Authenticity & energy18:00  Prep, lead gen & listens21:08  Putting in the work26:16  Recording, equipment & tech tips35:36  Ideal episode length & content40:37  Interview & edit tips45:18  Ditch the script46:37  Podcasting trends50:10  OutroLinks mentioned:‌theultimatecreative.comInstagram: @emily.declouxMarketing Sucks: The Anatomy of a Perfect Marketing Emailbuzzsprout.com/2296686/episodes/16393762Yeti X Mic Pop Filteramazon.ca/Yeti-Mic-Filter-Foam-Winscreen/dp/B08F24HGKHBlue Yeti mic set-upyoutube.com/watch?v=gjNf94cwCsk&t=1sRiversideriverside.fmDescriptdescript.com—

Has the pandemic shift to doing EVERYTHING online left you feeling starved for IRL community? If unplugging from the digital world is on your to-do list, you'll want to listen to this episode of Marketing Sucks. My guest Palak Dave, known as the ‘Queen of IRL,' is the founder of the Embiria Social Club and an experience expert who has curated and hosted over 350 super-memorable community and media events. Palak is championing a movement towards everyday fulfillment and joy, and encouraging others to prioritize IRL moments and human connection over digital distractions. During our conversation, you'll learn what to expect from Palak's events (and why you NEED to check them out), how she hits the sweet spot when it comes to community-building and monetization, and why she's so driven to help other people live their lives fully.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Palak's signature 5-sensory approach to curating memorable and meaningful events Why adults often struggle to make connections — and how to open back up! How to build intentional everyday moments into your day (no matter how packed your schedule is)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Palak Dave is a mission-driven entrepreneur, experience expert, speaker, and author of Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now. Formerly an award-winning marketer at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival and Indigo Books and Music Inc., she began her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 by founding Embiria (meaning experience), which has evolved to Embiria Social Club — a community helping women feel more fulfilled in their everyday lives. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Palak Dave 02:51  Palak's journey 05:52  Palak's events09:52  Make an impression with intention11:04  Struggling with connection13:38  Drive for more connection17:16  After loss20:54  Everyday moments 27:59  Sustainable success & mental health33:57  Attending events as a shy person39:40  Action item & outroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Palak Daveembiria.ca Instagram: @paldave, @embiria 7 Levels Deep7levelsdeep.com  —

When you're a mom and a business owner, it's easy to feel stretched thin 24/7. If you spend your days juggling family, business goals, and self care (if you're lucky), it can feel like you're constantly falling behind and even failing. As a mom of two and entrepreneur of 20 years, I've done it all… and had the burnout to prove it. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I explain why the perfect work-life balance is BS — and how to make it all work anyway. Tune in as I share a few of my hottest hacks and strategies for boosting your productivity, handling your calendar, and setting solid boundaries, so you can take back control of your life.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌What we tend to neglect when we start to feel overwhelmed — and how to put some non-negotiables in placeA simple trick for scheduling meetings that won't waste your time (and getting rid of the ones that do)3 different boundaries you should be setting in your businessPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:26  No perfect balance03:30  Mom guilt04:49  Business with babies06:51  Setting your non-negotiables11:35  Time for yourself13:07  Scheduling meetings14:44  Blocking off your calendar17:07  Setting boundaries 22:04  Involving your family24:07  Impact over perfection26:17  Your action items—

Have you ever dreamed about building a brand that's bigger than you? In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the amazing Jessica Sennet, CEO of Mighty Mom, a fitness company that helps prenatal and postpartum women get strong and comfortable in their own skin. Jessica not only helps moms build new muscles, endurance, and confidence, she's also built a kick-ass franchising empire.In this no-holds-barred conversation, Jessica shares the accidental, non-linear entrepreneurial journey that took her from New York City acting auditions to boot camps in Toronto parks. We talk about how she made the shift from a personal brand to a scalable fitness biz with MAJOR franchise potential, the mindset challenge that almost knocked her off-course, and the business boot camp that made a huge difference.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How Jessica survived the Dragon's Den and turned rejection into strengthHow she grew and scaled Mighty Moms on her own terms Her secret weapon for moving through the franchising process with more easePlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Jessica Sennet is a CPT, Fit for Birth Corrective Exercise Specialist, Oh BABY Fitness Instructor, CORE + DRA Expert, and a graduate of many specialized workshops and seminars in Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:13  Intro01:16  Meet Jessica Sennet03:21  Accidental entrepreneurship07:38  Shift to Mighty Mom09:56  Non-linear path to success12:36  CEO mindset20:46  Dragon's Den26:15  Prepping & after the Den39:05  Power of vulnerability 46:46  Franchising process 56:34  Do what you love58:01  Benefits of franchising1:04:37  5k stroller walk1:06:37  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Jessica Sennetmightymom.ca Instagram: @mightymomjess, @mightymomtraining  —

A successful personal brand is the best business asset you can have, but trying to build one can leave you feeling like the Invisible Woman. You can post all the tips, tricks, hot takes and how-tos you want, but you won't see a strong ROI if your personal brand is weak — it's just not going to happen.If you're sick of showing up online every week, posting a ton of high-value content, and getting crickets in return, this week's episode of Marketing Sucks is for you. I dive deep into the nitty-gritty of building a strong and authentic personal brand that actually moves the needle. Listen now to learn what actually makes up your personal brand, how having a great one will supercharge your ‘like, know, trust' factor, and what “providing value” really means.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why you shouldn't be afraid to share more of your life onlineThe 3 biggest things that keep people from showing up online (and why you need to get over them)3 actionable steps to help you set the foundation for a killer personal brandPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro02:02  What is a personal brand?03:40  Sharing authentically 05:13  The visible CEO effect 07:21  Fear of judgment 10:14  Defining your core message11:17  Identifying your audience11:55  Consistency, sharing & engaging 13:57  Using your words 15:22  Making time   18:27  Your action item19:05  Outro—

Thinking about taking the plunge into paid ads? Wondering why your current campaign is falling flat? I got you. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Alvaro Berrios, founder of the digital marketing agency Alvaro Berrios Digital. As a leading expert in ad management, Alvaro helps his clients get mucho bang for their ad spend bucks. Tune in as we discuss ALL things paid ads — when to use them, how much to pay for them, how to know when you're ready for your first campaign, and how to avoid unethical ad agencies. Along the way, Alvaro shares his wild trial-by-fire intro to the world of Google and Facebook Ads, his #1 piece of advice for setting the budget of your first ad run, and why he turns away a TON of potential customers. This conversation is a value-packed paid ads primer that ALL business owners can learn from — don't miss it! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to know when you're ready for paid ads — and two things to have in place FIRST The key components of a successful campaign (and the metrics you'll want to track!)Your best-bet paid ads platform as a service-based business Please rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Alvaro Berrios is the founder of Alvaro Berrios Digital, a leading digital marketing agency. He's an expert in ad management across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube. Alvaro excels at creating strategies that boost audience engagement and drive sales.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:00  Meet Alvaro Berrios02:05  Alvaro's intro to ads06:19  Prepping for paid ads09:42  Start slow & set a budget12:39  The right platform & mindset16:17  Ethics in marketing18:57  Successful campaign components24:08  Boosting v. actual ads28:10  When to hire an ads manager31:31  Unethical agencies32:58  Ad trends37:16  Lay the foundation Links mentioned:‌ ‌Alvaro Berriosalvaroberrios.com/facebook-ads-rapid-launchInstagram: @imalvaroberrios YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCSmui7YHlQ0PepO1Y61s_QA —

Sick of sending out emails every week without getting a single response, click-through, or sale? Before you hurl your laptop out the window and give up on email altogether, let me say this: email marketing, if done correctly, can have an ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. Not only is email one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, it's also one of the few channels that you can control. If Mark Zuckerberg decides to shut down Instagram tomorrow, there's not a damn thing you can do about it… but you'll always own your mailing list. So, let's turn it into your biggest moneymaker.This value-packed episode of Marketing Sucks reveals the anatomy of a killer marketing email, from subject line to signature. Join me as I break down the biggest email do's and don'ts so you can get the most bang for your marketing buck!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to find the right balance of storytelling and straight-up sales 3 things that a great marketing email will do and how to check those boxesHow to write attention-grabbing subject lines that aren't click-bait (and the #1 thing to avoid in your intro)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:11  Testing & email goals03:43  Subject line05:49  Email intro08:32  Email body 11:18  Language & structure12:44  Call-to-action14:47  Formatting & aesthetic17:23  Footer, compliance & recap19:04  Your action item—

Turning lurkers into buyers takes a hell of a lot more than just a slick website or colour-coordinated Instagram grid these days. Bands that want to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond need to embrace a social-first mindset, which means rethinking social media's role in your brand's ecosystem, switching up how you connect with your audience, and knowing how to turn social feedback into marketing (and product development) gold.When you're hands-on and intentional in the way you show up and operate your business, you can consistently give your audience what they need from you — instead of just adding to the noise. Ready to sharpen your strategy, cut out the fluff, and become part of the conversation? This super-juicy episode of Marketing Sucks digs into the nitty-gritty of developing a social-first mindset that will help you see your best results in 2025!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌What consumers want to see and hear from you (and how to let ‘em have it)How and where to integrate social feedback into your overall marketing strategy 4 simple tips that will help you get started this weekPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro01:36  Social-first mindset & being hands-on05:06  Your brand ecosystem & social insights 08:33  What a social-first future will look like 10:42  Listen more & break the silos12:21  Authenticity13:31  Think long-term 14:28  Outro—

Your brand story is so much more than just a few paragraphs tucked away on your About page — it should guide your marketing strategy and shape the way you show up for your audience. Having a strong story helps you spark connections, build trust, and grow an engaged community that wants to work with YOU, specifically.As Senior Creative Director at Spin Master, my guest (and husband) Phil Ginther has helped shape the stories of big-name toy brands like Paw Patrol and Rubik's Cube. This episode of Marketing Sucks revisits our most popular 2024 conversation, which covered some of the biggest brand copywriting FAQs. Tune in to learn Phil's tried-and-tested tips for easy, consistent brand storytelling that connects, including a celeb-themed writing exercise that'll help you master the tone of your brand voice by zeroing in on the three adjectives that best describe it!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Easy ways to weave your story into your marketing (without making it about selling)How to lean into your brand's pillars and stay in your lane What you can learn from the brands that are absolutely crushing it!Please rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Phil Ginther is a Creative Director & Copywriter with over 14 years experience. He's currently a Senior Creative Director at Spin Master leading global brands such as Rubik's Cube and Hatchimals, and spends most of his day at play.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro02:33  Meet Phil Ginther03:50  Phil's business journey05:36  Leaving the daily grind07:44  Joining Spin Master10:35  “Know thyself & thy lane”12:33  Leaning into your pillars15:51  User-generated content17:03  Red Bull & Liquid Death19:29  Brand voice exercise24:30  Your action item27:24  Quick-fire questions28:27  Headphone story & outro—

While the third Monday of January has been called the most depressing day of the year, the surrounding weeks can also wreak havoc on your mental health. Many of us feel sad, tired, and unmotivated after the holidays, and the stress of our current economy can make these symptoms feel even worse. Your mental health has a direct impact on the health of your business. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I'm joined by brilliant psychotherapist and mindset coach Natacha Pennycooke to talk about the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye on during the winter months — and the mental health strategies that can help you kick off the New Year with less overwhelm! Tune in to learn how Blue Monday outgrew its gimmicky origins, why January is a mental health danger zone, and how to get seriously proactive about self care.  Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to recognize the signs that you may suffer from seasonal affective disorderHow to reduce (or even prevent) poor mental health outcomes in the winterHow to forecast and prepare for the ebbs and flows of your mental healthPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Natacha Pennycooke is a leader in workplace mental health, equity education, and psychological safety, a Mindset Coach, and an award-winning psychotherapist. With over 13 years of experience, she is CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy, a flourishing anti-oppressive, healing-focused, and trauma-informed private group practice.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Natacha Pennycooke01:41  Blue Monday 06:32  SAD & holiday stress09:55  Prevention & prediction tips16:17  Link between business & personal health19:45  Mental health as a moneymaker24:13  Investing in self care25:59  Activating states of rest29:59  7 types of rest & 5 closest people34:14  Check-ins & hell months37:37  Your action item38:42  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Natacha Pennycookenatachapennycooke.com theacceleratedleader.com Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy, @natachapennycooke.ceoWe Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman's Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers amazon.ca/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625 7 Types of Rest—

We live in a world that glorifies hustle, where 12-hour workdays get high-fives and everyone competes to be the one doing the most. But when we're constantly multitasking, we aren't creating space for ourselves to literally just BE — and this inevitably leaves us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and burnt out. While rest may be seen as unproductive, mental downtime actually fuels us… and gives our creativity a major boost. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Francesca Brunsden, a Mindset and Human Design Alignment Coach who works with women who are sick and tired of the status quo, living on autopilot, and putting their needs last. We talk about how being a mom of three young kids during the pandemic led her to carve out a unique niche, how she helps her clients get the most out of their mornings, and what it means to be in a state of sacred serenity. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to make space for productive rest during the day (while still getting things done) The power of environment when it comes to mental wellbeingHow to visualize a more relaxing life, carve out that intention, and then take ACTIONPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Francesca Brunsden is on a mission to help women guide themselves toward their goals while enjoying fulfillment in the day-to-day and practicing what it means to be relaxed in a world that promotes anxiousness. Through her group program and recently published journal, Diaries of a Relaxed Woman, she inspires women to find balance and joy. Francesca is an expat living in Toronto with her husband and three young children. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Meet Francesca Brunsden 02:34  Francesca's journey05:46  Pandemic pivot09:18  Sacred serenity12:04  Rest & productivity16:47  How to start a daily practice20:48  Morning ritual22:36  Power of environment26:19  Visualizing & setting boundaries31:57  Forgetting the “how” & taking action37:32  Your action item & outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Francesca Brunsdenfrancescabrunsden.com Instagram: @francesca_brunsdenDiary of a Relaxed Woman: A Daily Journal Practiceamazon.ca/Diary-Relaxed-Woman-Journal-Practice/dp/B0DH3S3D6Q —

Newsflash: “busy” is NOT the badge of honour people think it is. If you're sick of the grind and want to stop overcomplicating EVERYTHING, this episode of Marketing Sucks is for you. My guest is the fabulous Erin Binns, a multi-million-dollar real estate mogul turned bad-ass business consultant who runs the brilliant workshop The Simplicity Shift. Our conversation explores the different ways we make things harder on ourselves for no reason — and how to break through the BS that keeps us stressed. Tune in to learn how to let go of the pesky perfectionism that keeps you doing more than you have to, navigate the gendered energies of task division, exercise more control over your calendar, and manage client expectations, so you can simplify your life and focus on what really matters. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why we need to reject martyrdom and start asking for the help we need The trick to giving constructive feedback without making it weird How to build genuinely incredible client relationships (and throw killer events!)Please rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Erin Binns helps service-based businesses and corporations simplify operations, elevate client experiences, and create more meaningful connections. Her signature workshop, The Simplicity Shift, empowers busy professionals to streamline their schedules, creating valuable space in their calendars to focus on what truly matters. She has a unique gift for turning ideas into actionable, successful projects. If you've been struggling to bring a vision to life, Erin will help you break through, transforming your ambitions into reality.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:40  Meet Erin Binns03:00  From hotel sales to consulting06:41  Speaking on stage08:55  “Busy as a badge of honour”11:54  Rejecting martyrdom15:51  Self-awareness & feedback17:41  The Simplicity Shift23:25  Setting expectations27:50  Prioritizing the right things29:59  Building client relationships34:14  Gather Society37:59  Hosting an outstanding event45:31  Your action item47:33  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Erin Binnserinbinns.com Instagram: @erinbinns Gather Societygathersociety.ca Simplicity Shift Checklist—

While this episode of Marketing Sucks is dedicated to mompreneurs, it's packed with expert tips that will help any entrepreneur reduce the overwhelm and find energetic balance in their business. My guest is Certified Health Coach and bestselling author Chernell Bartholomew. Since experiencing burnout 9 years ago, Chernell has been on a mission to shift the focus in health from vanity to intentional energy, so you can feel connected to yourself and not crash every day at 1 pm. Our conversation dives DEEP into energy management and stress reduction. Tune in as we get real about the expectations of mompreneurship, the rise of crappy wellness trends (and what ACTUALLY works), and how to change the internal stories that keep you stressed out and guilty.BONUS: Chernell delivers a fabulous guided energy session that will connect you to your body and leave you feeling more grounded!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How guilt builds up in the body (and how to start releasing it) The most valuable lesson that Chernell teaches clients — and how to implement itThe big a-ha! moment that led her to launch her businessPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Chernell is a Certified Health Coach, award-winning Registered Massage Therapist, speaker, and two-time bestselling author. She is a wife, mom of 3, and the founder of the Energized Mom Method, her signature program where she moves moms and female entrepreneurs from burnout to next-level energy with ease. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro04:03  Meet Chernell Bartholomew07:06  Guided energy session10:30  Why she launched her business 12:39  Releasing guilt & asking for help 15:17  Energy management tips17:22  Changing the story22:07  Being intentional with time27:41  Diet trends32:30  Having more fun35:23  Crafting story38:56  Chernell's evolution42:54  Tetris & knowing your power47:19  Putting woo-woo into action  48:23  Your action item50:33  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Chernell Bartholomewvitalitymvmt.com/energized-mom-method Instagram: @chernell.energycoach —

In an economy where huge corporations rake in record profits as everyday people struggle, shopping small and local wherever you can is the right move. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Megan Munro, owner of the incredible purpose-driven retail boutique Caribou Gifts. The cool thing about Caribou Gifts is that Megan sources most of her goods from small businesses owned by Canadians, women, and POC, so you can feel great about your shopping choices when picking up baskets of goodies. During this conversation, we discuss Megan's journey from online-only to brick-and-mortar, map out her curation process, dig into why Q4 is such a crucial time for small business owners, and clear up some common misconceptions about small retail businesses (including the myth that they're always more expensive)!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The mindset trick that helped Megan kickstart some major business growth spurts The impacts that shopping small and local can have on your wider communityHow to discover (and support) your new favourite small businessesPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Guest bio: Megan Munro is a results-oriented, experienced leader, team builder, and entrepreneur at heart. She is the founder, owner, and CEO of Caribou Gifts, a retail store offering customized and unique gifts and gift baskets for all ages. Megan infuses her values and experience into Caribou Gifts by prioritizing the customer experience and focusing on supplier diversity, ensuring that at least 75% of their suppliers are Canadian, 50% are women-owned, and 25% are minority-owned.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Megan Munro02:13  Launching Caribou Gifts 03:54  Going brick-and-mortar07:32  Why support small businesses?11:53  Misconceptions about shopping small14:42  Curation process 19:14  Customer experience23:20  Wholesale tips27:09  Supporting small businesses29:34  Your action item & outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Megan Munrocaribougifts.ca Instagram: @caribougiftsLet's Get Your Products Sold with Heather Hirdmarketingsucks.buzzsprout.com/2296686/episodes/14638712-let-s-get-your-products-sold-with-heather-hird—

It's shockingly easy to miss the mark in your content and messaging. If you're always triggering people's FOMO, they'll eventually stop paying attention. Lean too hard on your analytics, and you won't create an emotional hook. The best marketing plan offers your audience a holistic experience - one that grabs attention no matter where they are in the customer journey. Because if you're not meeting your audience where they're at, you aren't giving them what they need from you in order to feel good about pulling out their credit card. This short and sweet solo episode of Marketing Sucks is packed with juicy psychological insights that'll help you make more sales without feeling sleazy. Listen now to discover the three key areas in the brain responsible for decision-making - and the science-backed marketing techniques that will help you appeal to each. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to layer different marketing messages to keep your sales steady over timeHow to balance storytelling with analytics and data-based selling How to trigger a sense of urgency while creating a feeling of safetyPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro01:49  Layering messages03:15  Neocortex04:47  Limbic system06:39  Reptilian brain08:43  Creating a holistic experience10:43  Your action item11:42  Outro—

“Going viral” is held up as a major accomplishment in the online world. With every post, we hope to grow our audience and thought leadership. But while getting new eyes on your content can be a big win, losing ALL control over your exposure and audience definitely has a downside. This became all too clear to me last month after one of my Reels went viral… and wound up pissing off a ton of men. Oops. Let's be real - there are a lot of jerks out there quick to share their unwelcome opinions, and being attacked for a viral post isn't pleasant. The endless notifications and negativity can be overwhelming, but there are things you can do to make it more manageable. Tune in as I share the fallout from my viral moment, how I reacted to it, and what the experience taught me.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌What you can do if your post is flooded with unwelcome comments and opinionsWhen to give yourself permission to stop engaging on your postHow to pick out (and block) the new followers you DON'T wantPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro00:53  The Reel05:13  The response07:28  Responding to comments08:43  Handling negativity10:51  Pruning your audience12:07  Value over virality13:17  Prepare for the unexpected & leverage the moment14:24  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌The infamous Reelinstagram.com/reel/DBOPm3UJXku —

While few business owners truly love digging into the back-end of their businesses, taking an honest, no-BS look at your numbers is the best way to uncover what's working for you… and what isn't. Scheduling a year-end marketing review will give you crucial insight into what you need to change to start getting the results you want - and REAL clarity on how to structure your marketing budget, set realistic goals, and take your strategic next best steps.In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I lay out four major reasons why a year-end review should be on your must-do list (whether or not you pay for marketing!) and how to get started. Tune in to learn how to assess the success of your campaigns, collabs, and customer experience - and turn your findings into marketing gold! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌What to ask yourself when going through your sales data How to pinpoint and track your best sources of engagement, so you can stop wasting time and money on bad investmentsHow and where to conduct a brand voice audit, so your messaging stays consistent and authenticPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro02:35  Why reviews are important04:16  Revenue growth06:05  Audience engagement07:12  Email marketing07:47  Paid ads08:38  Audience brand voice audit09:46  Customer journey & experience12:34  Take a break14:16  Goal-setting tips—

Two big questions are floating around the business world right now: how will marketing evolve in 2025? And, more importantly, what does that actually mean for my business? Thanks to market saturation and changing consumer expectations, brands will need to switch up their strategy to stand out and stop the scroll. But while many experts are hyping up sexy new tech as the 2025 game-changer, I see content, connection, and community playing a huge role in brand-building and revenue growth over the next 12 months.  Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes - this juicy episode of Marketing Sucks reveals my top five marketing predictions for 2025 (and what to implement in order to get your best results). You'll get my hot takes on paid influencers, boring Instagram posts, ethical marketing, social fatigue, and more! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why affiliate marketing will have a major moment in 2025 (and how to get a head-start)Why digital content will become more dynamic - and why random b-roll footage just won't cut it How to engage in the ethical branding your audience is starting to expect from youPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro01:23  Authentic reach04:05  Interactive & dynamic content06:04  Engage or miss out!07:50  Sustainable & ethical branding11:18  Mental health12:14  Your action item—

Too many entrepreneurs out there are suffering from an identity crisis and pretending to be something they're not. If marketing your business feels super hard, it may because you're forcing it — and because your efforts are unaligned with your unique gifts. Instead of twisting into a pretzel trying to fit someone else's mold, you need to identify and lean into your authentic superpowers in your businesses.Superpowers are more than just skills or talents. They're a combination of strength, experience, and perspective. When you know how to work with them, they can help you build your business with way more ease and confidence... and identifying your gifts is easier than you think. You'll walk away from this episode of Marketing Sucks with the tools you need to own your superpowers and start standing out in your market!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How I realized my superpowers (and how I wield them in my business!)A simple activity that will help you uncover your true superpower  How to apply your superpowers to your marketing and content strategyPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:19  My superpowers04:42  Finding your superpowers05:31  Why superpowers matter06:52  Superpower activity08:42  Applying superpower to strategy10:39  Your action item—

When you're making a big-ticket purchase, I'm going to bet that you check out three things: the features, the pricing, and the reviews. Very few people want to hand over their credit card deets without seeking out social proof… and that includes your prospective customers. If you've been wondering how to fill your website with glowing client testimonials, this episode of Marketing Sucks is for you! In this solo episode, I look at all things client feedback — how to get testimonials, why you need them, and where to use them. Tune in to learn how reviews can help you build your thought leadership, strengthen and refine your messaging, and massively boost your sales! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The best moments to ask for reviews from your customers The best channels for featuring your client testimonials How to help your customers craft powerful and effective feedback (and how to leverage negative reviews!)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro & statistics03:17  Why reviews matter05:37  Requesting reviews07:47  Best places for testimonials10:20  Turning reviews into social content12:10  Ads, testimonial libraries & user-generated content13:21  Leveraging negative reviews14:19  Your action item—

In a world of high-def images, the skincare industry is hotter than ever — and Asian skincare brands are one of today's biggest beauty trends. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with husband-and-wife team Peter Lee and Andrea Mourad, co-founders of the amaaazing Korean skincare brands Saranghae Skincare and Orora Skin Science, to dive into the nuts and bolts of building a successful beauty brand, from launching new lines to upleveling your e-commerce game.  During this juicy conversation, Peter and Andrea spill the story behind their incredible brands and the science behind their breakthrough bioactive formulations. Tune in to learn how they're facing the biggest obstacles faced by e-commerce brands today, and how they balance life and business as partners.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌A simple hack for getting customer feedback that'll help you identify product opportunitiesHow to win awards and earn recognition for your productsThe mindset shift that can help you find more joy in your life and workAfter you've listened to the episode, subscribe to Andrea and Peter's podcast Love, Saranghae!Please rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Andrea Mourad and Peter Lee are the co-founders of two award-winning Korean skincare companies: Saranghae Skincare and Orora Skin Science. Partners in life and business together, they are on a mission to share their journey through the exciting world of entrepreneurship, relationships, and the secrets behind achieving that coveted healthy glow.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Peter Lee & Andrea Mourad01:15  Story behind the brands04:18  Brand evolution07:11  Identifying gaps11:35  Biggest e-comm challenges15:46  Support the good brands!17:50  HumaColl2121:32  Winning product awards24:39  Believe in your products26:41  Balancing life & business29:26  Working abroad & mindset shifts34:24  Favourite products37:21  Upcoming launches Andrea Mourad and Peter LeePeter Lee & Andrea Mouradlovesaranghae.com [20% off the entire website with promo code GRINDSOCIAL20]Instagram: @lovesaranghaeskin Our favourite products:—

Happy World Mental Health Month! Entrepreneurs definitely need reminders to prioritize our well-being, especially as we move into winter (AKA the depression season). In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down once again with the one and only Natacha Pennycooke, award-winning psychotherapist and leader in workplace mental health and safety, to talk about our heightened risk of mental health issues during these sun-deprived months, and what we can do to stay healthy and protect our peace. Tune in to learn the physical and emotional symptoms you should watch out for (and what to do when you recognize them), how to cultivate some game-changing self-compassion, and why we all need to overcome the internal stigma that keeps us from asking for the help we need. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Common challenges we face during the winter months — and the 4 Ds that will help decrease your mental load!How your mind and body team up to slow you down when you ignore their signalsHow to build resiliency without hitting burnoutPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Natacha Pennycooke is a Leader in Workplace Mental Health & Safety, Mindset Coach, award-winning Psychotherapist, and CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy, a private group practice of therapists who help people struggling with fear and self-doubt, and who have been historically racialized and marginalized in their quest for success. As a Mindset Shift coach, she believes that understanding the power of the mind is key to unlocking and unblocking our greatest potential. As a consultant, she specializes in facilitating mental health strategies that incorporate wellness and inclusion for long-term growth and productive change. Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Welcome back, Natacha Pennycooke!03:11  World Mental Health Month04:27  Symptoms to watch for07:13  Common challenges & the 4 Ds11:18  Building resiliency14:34  Self care16:57  Cultivating self compassion21:57  Overcoming stigma26:42  Submit questions!27:16  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Natacha Pennycookenatachapennycooke.com theacceleratedleader.com Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy, @natachapennycooke.ceoWorld Mental Health Daywho.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day—

As summer comes to an end, many biz owners are getting ready to get back onto their socials, reconnect with their audience, and start working toward their year-end goals. What's the best way to come back online after taking a bit of a break — and how do you make it feel seamless for your followers?In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I reveal my best tips and strategies for showing up online again in an intentional and strategic way, from getting reacquainted with your audience to catching up on the hottest social trends you may have missed. Listen now to learn how to get back onto your socials in a way that feels good for you and your followers, cuts down on the overwhelm, and truly makes sense for your business goals. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌3 reasons why I decided NOT to show up on my business account over the summer  How to ease back into regular posting (and what your first Reel could look like!)How to renew your marketing with intention, so you can get the results you want without doing more than you need toPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:05  Redefining success03:44  Prioritizing life06:13  Explaining the break07:51  Marketing with intention09:00  Playing catch-up10:01  Choosing your schedule12:07  Action item & outro—

As entrepreneurs, we NEED time to slow down our businesses, reconnect with our loved ones, and recharge our batteries. Staycations don't always get the job done, as it's hard to fully relax when everyone around you is still ‘GO-GO-GO.' Maybe you dream about putting your biz on quiet mode and jetting off to a coast or cabin for the summer — but wonder what that actually looks like in practice (especially if you have kids). Thanks to my annual tradition of spending the summer in Portugal, I can give you a little sneak peek! This episode of Marketing Sucks marks the return of my first-ever guest: my husband, Phil Ginther. During this conversation, we look back on our summer living and working in Portugal — our fave moments, our big takeaways, and why we'll think twice before booking into another haunted hotel!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How we balance work, rest, travel, and kids while living in a different countryWhy you need to embrace flexibility and manage your expectations while abroad Why my work experience was different this summer (and the biggest lesson I learned)Please rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Phil Ginther is a Creative Director & Copywriter with over 14 years of experience. He's currently a Senior Creative Director at Spin Master leading global brands such as Rubik's Cube and Hatchimals, and spends most of his day at play.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:01  Meet Phil Ginther02:16  Slow down your vibe & environment 04:53  Phone use06:29  Favourite moment & Pousada da Serra da Estrela11:34  Restaurant story15:12  Work + travel + kids19:57  What set this summer apart23:25  Going into September26:51  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Pousada da Serra da Estrelaatlasobscura.com/places/miradouro-do-sanatorio —

Over the past couple of years, hustle culture has dipped in popularity in the online business space, and for good reason: it SUCKS. When we're burning the candle at both ends and not creating the space to take care of ourselves, we're not just hurting our health and well-being — we're hurting our businesses. If you want to thrive in all areas of your life, opting out of the 24/7 grind is a no-brainer. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, you'll learn how to assess whether you're suffering the impacts of hustle culture, and 3 simple tips that can help you ditch the hustle and create a healthier balance!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why toxic positivity and toxic productivity are so harmful How to let go of the guilt and embrace some much-needed downtimeThe trick to getting enough R&R during your work-week, so you always feel rechargedPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:56  Why I changed my mind02:45  What is hustle culture?04:33  Toxic productivity05:55  Assess the impacts of hustle culture07:48  Guilt mentality11:21  Apathetic attitude13:38  Toxic positivity14:14  Risk of illness16:01  Take more breaks17:53  Positive self-talk18:51  Make time for YOU20:52  Your action item21:48  Outro—

Psst, here's the secret they don't want you to know: you don't need to create brand new content from scratch every week to grow your business. When you get organized, strip down to the essentials, and build a practical marketing plan that actually fits your biz goals, you can stop wasting time on things that aren't making you any money — and start seeing REAL results. In this solo episode of Marketing Sucks, I share some of my juiciest time-saving content marketing hacks, designed to help you do the damn thing and make that money without the unnecessary time-sink and busywork. You'll learn how to take your content marketing back to the basics, with powerful action items that will get you started TODAY.Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to nail down messaging that sells your products on your desired timelineHow to get a ton of use out of a single piece of content (even if it's over a year old)The trick to launching with less stress, more delegation, and maximum automationPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:01  Planning your marketing & measuring impact04:33  Tweaking your messaging05:59  Timelines, delegation & automation10:16  Recap & story archive example12:33  Repurposing content14:07  Get organized15:14  Your action item16:00  Outro—

Are you a master of social media etiquette? Or are you unknowingly committing social media faux pas on the regular? While having an active online presence can build your audience and boost your sales, not all content is created equal - and social media missteps can irritate, confuse, or even repel your hard-earned followers.In this juicy episode of Marketing Sucks, I share a few common content mistakes that drive my inner social media strategist absolutely bonkers every time I scroll through my feed - and what you should be doing instead! Listen now to learn six major social media do's and don'ts that will help you elevate your social media presence, build a deeper relationship with your audience, and stop the scroll. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Why focusing on yourself is the least compelling way to get people interested in working with you - and what it actually means to “post valuable content”  How to take a social media break without ghosting your audienceWhy you should be spending WAY more time in your DMs (and commenting on other people's posts!)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro01:09  Avoid the I & “post valuable content”05:31  Respond to DMs08:25  Schedule life first, biz second12:49  Posting & ghosting13:48  Over-tagging16:22  Making it all about you17:07  Your action item —

Olá, meus amigos! This episode of Marketing Sucks comes to you from sunny Portugal, where my family and I will be living for the next three months. This has become our annual summer tradition, inspired by my childhood experiences of travelling to Portugal. While online businesses give you the freedom to work from anywhere, it isn't always a seamless transition! In this solo episode, I share the juiciest and most surprising insights I've learned from living and working in Europe, the shifts and boundaries that keep my biz running without burning me out, and some updates around what you can expect from the podcast over the next couple of months.  Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How I modify my office hours, content schedule, and expectations while working abroadThe harsh reality checks we experienced upon arrival - and how to make sure your new space is ready when you areHow to set your remote work boundaries on day 1 of client onboardingPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:04  Making business changes03:13  Shifting priorities & building community05:28  The slow pace of Portugal07:20  Reality checks09:07  Setting boundaries & expectations13:02  Discovering a new you15:48  Taking a content pause18:18  Podcast updates  19:50  Outro —

When you're used to doing everything in your business online, popping up at an event and networking face-to-face can feel like something out of the Twilight Zone - but some of the strongest brand-building happens offline. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the fabulous Amanda Leach, an accomplished entrepreneur and Realtor in the Greater Toronto Area, to talk about the magic that can happen when we shut down our laptops and meet up IRL.During this conversation, Amanda shares some truly brilliant strategies for turning community events into valuable referral sources, upgrading your listening skills, and keeping your chill when meeting your business idols. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Where Amanda sees the biggest wins from making in-person connectionsHow to master the art and science of the follow-up The #1 networking tip for introverted and socially anxious biz ownersPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: An entrepreneur for 18 years, Amanda Leach has landed in Real Estate and focuses on helping families upsize in the suburbs of the GTA. A wife and mom of two children and two puppies, she is busy balancing work and home life.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Meet Amanda Leach03:12  Where to find networking opportunities06:14  Following up10:18  Active listening tips13:23  Introverts & the socially anxious16:47  Arlene Dickinson & Grade 2 stories21:39  Amanda's brand-building results26:40  Your action item32:43  Quick-fire questions33:34  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Amanda Leachamandaleach.com Facebook: facebook.com/amandaleachrealestate Instagram: @amandaleachrealestate—

In a world where literally billions of people hop on Instagram every month, social media is an amazing tool for growing your audience, building your thought leadership, and selling your offers. But as crucial as social media is for modern biz owners, there's a major downside that we need to talk about.Here's the thing: you do NOT own your social media space. At any moment, your fave platform could have an outage that lasts for hours - or even days. If you want a channel that will always be under your control, you need to start building (and selling to) your email list, too.  Find the idea of email marketing intimidating? Don't worry - I got you! In this short and sweet episode of Marketing Sucks, you'll find five easy and effective email strategies that will help you start strong!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to organize and segment your list to maximize the value you deliverHow to write subject lines that stand out and get clicked (and gather the evidence through A/B testing)How to give your audience exactly what they want and expect from you, every time!Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:18  Start with an audit03:53  Segmentation07:05  Subject lines10:29  Providing value12:25  Optimize for mobile14:20  CTAs16:00  Your action item—

Being a female biz owner is like playing the entrepreneurship game on hard mode. Not only are we expected to juggle work and home in ways that men aren't, we tend to put more pressure on ourselves in both arenas. And when we're not our best selves, it can be REALLY freaking hard to Do It All™. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the amazing therapist and mindset shift coach Natacha Pennycooke to talk about entrepreneurship, boundaries, wellness, and whether “finding balance” is a real thing. This super-juicy conversation explores how to identify what you truly need to have the life you want, how to give yourself permission to prioritize yourself - and how to actually make it happen! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to communicate your needs to others clearly and effectivelyWhere to find a healthy support system in your 30s, 40s, and 50sHow to create a supportive, human-first culture in your businessPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Natacha Pennycooke is a leader in workplace mental health, equity education, and psychological safety, a Mindset Coach, and an award-winning psychotherapist. With over 13 years of experience, she is CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy, a flourishing anti-oppressive, healing-focused, and trauma-informed private group practice.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:13  Meet Natacha Pennycooke03:50  Mental health at work05:38  Building a healthy work culture08:19  Giving permission & scheduling self care12:02  List-making & delegation14:42  Support systems & communication18:45  Envisioning & acting on your future21:56  Fear zone v. growth zone24:42  Social media strategies for mental health29:24  Your action item30:28  Quick-fire questions32:17  Outro Links mentioned:‌Natacha Pennycookenatachapennycooke.comtheacceleratedleader.comInstagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy, @natachapennycooke.ceoMental Health at Workhbr.org/2021/10/its-a-new-era-for-mental-health-at-work—

When it comes to video, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about how you're going to deliver your message. But when you get creative with b-roll, you can communicate a lot without saying a single word.B-roll footage tells a story without the use of dialogue or text. When you see Reels set to the latest hit single showing people having a blast at a hot-ticket conference, giving a product demo, or offering a behind-the-scenes look into their creative process or morning work-out, you're looking at b-roll. Yup, those sun-soaked vacation shots also count!B-roll is great for breaking up long, monotonous shots of video and keeping an audience awake and interested, but it's also fantastic for telling an impactful story in a really short amount of time — all it takes is a little editing magic! In this episode of Marketing Sucks, you'll discover everything you need to know about using b-roll to keep your content fresh, dynamic, and engaging. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌5 main types of b-roll footage and how to use them effectivelyWhy you may already be sitting on a total goldmine of b-roll footage 5 types of shots to capture, how they work, and when you should use themPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro00:51  What is b-roll footage?01:49 Atmospheric b-roll02:56  Undirected b-roll03:54  Archival b-roll  05:01  Visual detail b-roll06:20  Storytelling b-roll06:58  Wide-angle shots07:46  Medium shots08:21  Close-up shots09:25  Over-the-shoulder view10:07  Tracking shots11:02  Checklist12:15  Your action item—

To niche or not to niche? A lot of biz owners and course creators resist the idea of really niching down. But the more you tailor your offer and marketing to a carefully chosen niche, the more they're going to check the boxes for those people who need you the most. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I chat with the incredible Megan Walker, a health and medical marketing expert who helps her clinician clients create killer healthcare courses. Over the last two decades, Megan has become a legit master of evolution and reinvention — and she has a TON of juicy insights to share when it comes to owning your niche!  Join us as we go deep into the nitty-gritty of developing a course, including what you need to consider BEFORE you get started. If building a program is on your to-do list, then you're definitely in the right place!Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The biggest things that people forget to include in their programs (and why you need them!)How to identify the niches and program ideas that will likely have the highest ROI Whether it's better to drip-feed course content or have it available all at oncePlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Megan Walker is a health and medical marketing expert with over 25 years' experience. Her big focus is teaching clinicians how to develop healthcare courses that create time and financial freedom while helping more people improve their health.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:13  Intro00:55  Meet Megan Walker02:19  Megan's business04:41  Finding your niche07:12  Gauging interest11:24  What to include in your program16:44  Improving your program19:07  Drip feed or all-at-once?21:04  Favourite tech26:03  AI31:12  Your action item35:25  Quick-fire questions37:13  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Megan Walkermeganwalker.com meganwalker.com/bot meganwalker.com/10waystosave Instagram: @meganwalkermarketsavvy—

Here's the thing about growing a business: you need to just get up and do the damn thing… even on those days when life feels hard. If you sometimes struggle to find the motivation to make your moves, you're not alone. Literally no one has their sh*t together all the time — not even the shiny business gurus posting branded Reels daily. But when grief enters the picture, doing the damn thing can sometimes feel impossible.Grief is a super-intense human experience that impacts all areas of our lives. Even if you're head-over-heels for the work that you do, grief can make it hard to even respond to your emails, let alone create content or continue a launch.This week's episode of Marketing Sucks explores how we can still show up in a healthy way when life feels very, VERY hard — while giving ourselves the grace and patience that we deserve.  Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌8 things that have helped me keep showing up even when things get really roughWhy you don't need to fake a smile for your audience (in fact, it can be better NOT to) How to set up necessary boundaries when you need to take a pausePlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro04:05  Share your experience 05:24  Take a break06:00  Schedule content07:09  Delegating responsibilities08:54  Limiting engagement10:12  Lean on your support systems11:10  Focus on meaningful content12:10  Make yourself a priority—

Have you ever followed a biz owner for years, loved their content, and finally started working with them… only to find that their offline personality is totally disconnected from the way they show up online? Yikes. It can feel like a Twilight Zone moment (and maybe even make you wonder what else they've been faking).In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Natalya Sebastian, creator of the super-popular PilatesBodyWorkout platform, to talk about how to keep it REAL (and sustainable) on your socials.Natalya has built an incredible business that allows her to live a fabulous life overseas. Tune in as we dig into how her authenticity helped her grow her audience, her biggest business mistakes and lessons, and what to do when the haters and trolls start coming out of the woodwork. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌The hidden areas where you may be wasting money in your businessWhy “good” content isn't dependent on getting a gajillion likes (and how reaching ONE person can make all the difference)Why women need to support other women — and why you should go ahead and pull off that audacious DM slidePlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Natalya Sebastian is a Pilates Transformation coach with over 20 years experience. She is a mom of two, an entrepreneur, and the creator of PilatesBodyWorkout.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro01:25  Meet Natalya Sebastian05:04  Do you even need a website?08:48  Building a social media following11:46  Keep it authentic & consistent13:50  Stop counting likes & followers17:41  Don't sweat the Stories18:31  Dealing with haters21:34  Women supporting women30:01  Control what you can  32:57  How we manage41:36  Maybe it's not about YOU44:59  Show up even in the sh*tty46:29  Your action item47:30  Quick-fire questions00:00  Outro Links mentioned:‌ ‌Natalya Sebastianpilatesbodyworkout.comInstagram: @pilatesbodyworkout—

How do you turn a total stranger into your latest happy customer? You meet them where they are in the customer journey… and give them exactly what they need in order to keep moving through it. This episode of Marketing Sucks is all about the five stages of the customer journey —  from ‘totally unaware' to ‘pulling out the credit card' — and how to let your potential customers know who you are, what you do, why you do it, and why they need you, without leaving them confused, skeptical, lost, or bored.Tune in for a ton of juicy tips that will help you tailor your content throughout your website and socials, so you can connect with your audience no matter which stage they're at! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How to keep people on your page and engaged as they learn about your brandThe most effective ways to leverage testimonials and user-generated content to get people ready to buyHow to create a sense of urgency (without being sleazy or slimy!)Please rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro00:50  The Unaware stage02:45  The Problem-Aware stage03:50  The Solution-Aware stage 05:41  The Product-Aware stage06:52  The Ready-to-Buy stage08:50  Recap09:37  Your action item—

Maybe you're at the point where you feel good about the Reels that you're posting… but how much time do you sink into creating them? If you're spending half a day putting together a one-minute video, you're not getting your best ROI. Even worse: spending hours making a Reel and then second-guessing yourself out of posting it at all! Let's make your next batch of Reels your best batch. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I walk you through my Ultimate Reels Checklist. Tune in to discover my no-frills guide to optimized, effective, and aligned video creation. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How we waste our time when it comes to video creation — and why you should stick to a 3-take limitA step-by-step guide to choosing your best topics (and how to approach them)A sneaky, time-saving wardrobe hack for batch Reel recordingPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro01:15   Organizing your time02:52  Topics, sub-topics & hooks04:47  Set, lighting & outfits05:33  Don't overthink it07:04  Your action item Links mentioned:‌ ‌Ultimate Reels checklistMarketing Sucks #13: You Can Get Better At Your Hooks —

Dori Adams is a former advertising creative, a brilliant storyteller, and the owner of one of the coolest businesses I've come across recently. Her shutterb platform connects business owners and event planners to a community of affordable smartphone camera creators (aka shutterbz) available to capture their events — absolutely genius!As a former corporate marketer who worked on multi-million-dollar TV spots for giant brands like Labatt, Dori had to switch up her thinking when it came to serving small businesses in the world of digital marketing. In this episode, we dig into the surprises that popped up during the start-up stage, her big business model pivot, and why you may want to hire a shutterb for your next event! Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌What Dori took from her corporate ad experience when building her biz (and what she left behind)How she evolves shutterb's packages to reflect current video content trends The wounds you can collect while in a male-dominated industry — and how to recover once you leavePlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Dori Adams brings a visionary leadership approach that is propelling shutterb into culture. With 15 years experience in advertising, Dori is creating a brand, culture, and community centred around storytelling through content.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro & meet Dori Adams03:26  shutterb creators06:49  Traditional v. digital marketing09:17  Launching shutterb11:11  Prioritizing joy, not fear15:04  Start-up surprises & pivots19:33  Evolving offers & bottlenecking23:41  Male-dominated industry recovery25:09  Say what you want29:43  What's missing in content33:20  Your action item35:46  Quick-fire questions Links mentioned:‌ ‌shutterb.co Instagram: @shutterb.coYou're Excited, Not Nervous. You Just Keep Telling Yourself That by Melissa Dahl —

In a world where everyone is completely addicted to scrolling, how do you stand out on the feed and grab their attention? By pulling them in with a killer hook.A great hook can get eyes on your Reel, get your email opened, or boost the stats on any other type of content you create. The problem? Creating hooks may be one of the hardest parts of marketing! They need to grab attention, but shouldn't be too click-baity. They need to be short and snappy, but still make people curious. They need to be relevant and entertaining. And if it doesn't make your audience want to engage in the conversation, it's just not a good hook. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I reveal how you can get better at coming up with fresh hooks that align with your brand and connect with your audience!   Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌Exactly what a hook does and why you need them in your contentThe benefits of creating your own personal hook style (and how to do it)What makes a GREAT hook — and 3 ways to know when you've nailed one!Links mentioned:‌ ‌50 Hooks Freebie: https://grindsocialmedia.mykajabi.com/50hooksPlease rate, review, and subscribe!Timestamps:‌ ‌00:11  Intro00:46  What is a hook?01:45  Effective hooks  02:36  Grab attention & spark curiosity03:59  Connection & reach04:54  Nailed it!  08:14  Your action item00:00  Outro —

There's nothing better than having a customer who gets you, loves what you do, and wants the world to know it. Once you have them, you don't want to let them go — so, how do you build strong client relationships with real staying power? My guest for this episode of Marketing Sucks is a total genius at nurturing customer relationships — and she's built a thriving business dedicated to helping her clients do just that! Fran Murray is the amazing founder and CEO of Fran Murray Co., a boutique gifting agency that champions female and BIPOC product-based businesses.During this conversation, we talk about why smart businesses go beyond phone calls and thank-you notes, the big lightbulb moments that totally shifted her business model, and how she's expanding the reach and prestige of small product businesses. Marketing sucks. Let's learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌How the fine art of strategic gifting contributes to long-term biz relationships and referrals How to curate your client's feelings as they open your gift box (no matter what it contains!)What Fran looks for when sourcing vendors — and why her application process is so strictPlease rate, review, and subscribe! Guest bio: Fran is a Food Network competitor, author, mom of four, as well as Founder & CEO of Fran Murray Co., a Canadian profit-philanthropic luxury gifting agency that helps high-ticket, service-based businesses nurture key relationships and support small businesses through relationships-based gifting strategies. Her dual mission is to bridge the revenue gap in female and BIPOC product-based small businesses while revolutionizing business practices from transactional to relational, creating lasting impact.Timestamps:‌ ‌00:12  Intro02:31  Meet Fran Murray04:46  Bread-crumb moments10:57  Sourcing new vendors13:09  Strategic gifting with Fran19:07  Curating feelings & experiences23:14  Gifting = marketing27:05  Authentic & memorable gifting29:07  Less transactional, more relational32:51  Your action item36:12  Quick-fire questions40:22  OutroLinks mentioned:‌ ‌Fran Murrayfranmurray.co Instagram: @franmurray.co —