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20 episodes with fractional cmos
10 episodes with fractional cmos
3 episodes with fractional cmos
2 episodes with fractional cmos
2 episodes with fractional cmos
2 episodes with fractional cmos
When does it make sense to bring on a Fractional CMO, and what should you expect from one? In this episode, Asia and Kim dig into the ins and outs of Fractional CMOs: what they do, when to hire one, how they're different from heads of marketing or full-time CMOs, and the biggest risks and rewards founders should know. Asia also reflects on her current work as a Fractional CMO and shares how she approaches structure, team-building, and strategy without getting stuck in the weeds. Got a question you'd like Asia to unpack on the podcast? Record a voicemail here. Chapters (00:02:05) - Fractional vs. full-time: what's the difference and when does each make sense?(00:03:30) - A CMO's core responsibilities: budget, strategy, and team.(00:05:30) - You don't need a team in place already to hire a CMO, but you do need budget and runway.(00:07:00) - Heads of marketing often get hired like CMOs, but they're not the same.(00:11:45) - A head of marketing thinks in channels, whereas a CMO thinks in markets, products, and investment strategy.(00:13:45) - Product marketing, demand gen, hiring, retention, and outsourcing are important parts of a CMO's responsibilities.(00:16:15) - Attribution and analytics, even if it's messy, is something that a CMO should take ownership of.(00:21:30) - You might need a CMO if you're making investments that aren't paying off and no one's connecting the dots.(00:23:15) - Trial periods are worthwhile when you're hiring for a CMO role since hiring the wrong person in a c-level role is costly.(00:26:50) - There are different types of CMOs, some are more visionary and others are more operational.(00:33:15) - The biggest thing to monitor with a fractional role is if marketing falls behind because there isn't a full-time leader.(00:36:00) - Less time can lead to more focus. A great fractional CMO will have a high level of clarity about priorities.
Not every small business needs a full-time CMO—but every business needs a solid marketing strategy. In this episode, Anna + Selena break down what a Fractional CMO is and why this role can be a game-changer for growing businesses.They'll chat about how Fractional CMOs help bridge the marketing strategy gap, bring high-level expertise without the full-time cost, and offer flexible, scalable support for companies that need more than just execution.✨ What you'll walk away with:A clear understanding of what a Fractional CMO doesHow hiring one can boost your marketing resultsWays to know if your business is ready for one☕ Whether you're scaling up, launching something new, or just ready to get out of the marketing weeds—this quick chat is for you. Tune in!Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/tHMxqZ1I6Gk?si=Fxwy-GYW4AvS4qh7Blog Show Notes: https://annaandselena.com/fractional-cmo-101-what-a-fractional-cmo-is-and-how-they-make-a-difference-in-your-marketing/Toolkit: Grab our Business Clarity Snapshothttps://annaandselena.com/business-clarity-snapshot/Letʻs be Inbox Besties.https://annaandselena.com/email/Find us both atwww.annaandselena.comFind Anna:www.nomadabout.comwww.facebook.com/iamnomadaboutwww.instagram.com/iamnomadaboutLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadlarson/Find Selena:www.thehauoli.comwww.facebook.com/thehauoliwww.instagram.com/thehauoliLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-conmackie/
Maximize Results, Minimize Stress: The Fractional CMO Solution | Smells Like Money Podcast
Today, host Eitan Koter brings a relaxed conversation with Sarah Carusona, an e-commerce growth consultant known for her work with top D2C brands. Sarah's experience spans from her time at OluKai—where she played a key role in shaping marketing strategies—to her current work as an independent consultant.Sarah has managed large media budgets for a variety of brands, including Alpha Lion, Sunny Within, and more. In her talk with Eitan, she explains that success isn't about pouring money into ads. Instead, it's about focusing on a few key performance numbers that really move the needle. She shows how a balanced mix of organic content and smart paid advertising can lead to real improvements.Throughout the episode, Sarah talks about setting up simple yet effective systems that guide customers from the first click to the final purchase. She covers topics like tracking the right metrics and understanding customer behavior without getting lost in the details.Eitan and Sarah keep the conversation friendly and easy to follow, much like two friends sharing what has worked for them. Listeners will walk away with clear tips to boost their online store's performance and manage marketing channels more efficiently.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/ Vimmi LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunications Guest: Sarah Carusona, eCommerce ConsultantSarah Carusona's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-carusona-531b35126/ Takeaways:Sarah transitioned to consulting to have more control over the marketing ecosystem.Fractional CMOs can provide significant value to brands by offering expertise without the cost of a full-time hire.
In this episode of Let's Talk Marketing with NDUB, Nathan Webster speaks with Amanda Farley, CMO of Aimclear, about the critical role of fractional CMOs in driving growth and scaling businesses. They discuss the importance of strategic alignment in marketing, the necessity of effective systems and attribution, and the value of data-driven decision-making. Amanda emphasizes that marketing should be viewed as an investment and highlights the significance of clear communication and reporting. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in marketing and the need for businesses to adapt as they grow. Guest Name: Amanda Farley Title: CMO Company: Aimclear Expertise: Amanda Farley is a marketing tour-de-force who is helping to define what “integrated marketing” means to investor-backed brands in the AI era. Website: aimclear.com Social: linkedin.com/in/amandafriedt Watch the full podcast on YouTube. NDUB Brand | NW & Associates, LLC | Conference: https://letsconnectpnw.com/
Ever wondered what a Fractional CMO does? Andy Culligan dives into the fascinating world of Fractional CMOs. He walks us through his career journey and explains how his role has become a game-changer in today's fast-paced marketing landscape. Andy discusses the benefits of hiring a Fractional CMO compared to a full-time employee and shares valuable insights for businesses aiming to adapt quickly. He also offers his perspectives on the SaaS market, highlighting the importance of speed in marketing and the evolving dynamics shaped by AI and shifting buyer behaviors. About Andy Culligan Andy Culligan is a marketing leader specializing in revenue growth and scaling SaaS businesses. With close to a decade of experience in both marketing and sales, Andy excels as a Fractional CMO, CRO, and Marketing Advisor. He is known for his straightforward approach to Account-Based Marketing (ABM), aligning marketing and sales teams to drive commercial success. Andy has held key marketing leadership positions at multiple SaaS companies including, Emarsys (acquired by SAP), Exponea (acquired by Bloomreach) & Leadfeeder (now Echobot). He focuses on personalized marketing strategies that create meaningful touchpoints, ultimately boosting revenue for his clients Time Stamps 00:00:18 - Meet Andy Culligan: Career Journey 00:00:39 - From SDR to Fractional CMO 00:02:58 - Growth and Challenges in SaaS Marketing 00:06:43 - Benefits of Hiring a Fractional CMO 00:12:40 - The Importance of a Marketing Plan 00:14:07 - Evergreen Marketing Tactics 00:19:33 - The Role of Speed in Marketing 00:20:45 - Future of Marketing and AI Impact 00:23:51 - Quickfire Questions: Marketing Advice 00:29:31 - Advice for Aspiring Marketers 00:32:05 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information Quotes "Speed is something that's important to a lot of companies." Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO "If it's not working for you, then it's not working for me." Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO "If you know your niche, nail it." Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO "A lot of companies don't have a plan." Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO "Creativity always wins." Andy Culligan, Fractional CMO Follow Andy: Andy Culligan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-culligan/ Andy's website: https://andyculligan.com/ Follow Mike: Mike Maynard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/ Napier website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ Napier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/napier-partnership-limited/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions about the latest in Marketing B2B Tech and connect with us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes. We'd also appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Want more? Check out Napier's other podcast - The Marketing Automation Moment: https://podcasts.apple.com/ua/podcast/the-marketing-automation-moment-podcast/id1659211547
In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," the host Gary Miles, a seasoned attorney with 45 years of experience, welcomes Katherine Wilson and EJ Stern, experts in law firm marketing and business development. They discuss their innovative venture offering fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services tailored for small to mid-sized law firms. Katherine and EJ highlight the benefits of this model, which provides high-level marketing expertise without the financial burden of a full-time executive. They share insights on branding, leveraging digital platforms, and the importance of authentic client engagement, offering practical tips for law firms to enhance their marketing efforts. Katherine enjoys helping clients exceed their goals and empowering attorneys and marketing professionals with the tools they need to succeed. Katherine has led large cross-function projects and teams in many market-facing initiatives, including multiple firm rebrands and brand identity platforms, website and digital development, multi-channel marketing campaigns, marketing and business development strategic plans, and thought leadership campaigns. She has significant experience leading marketing and business development functions, designing efficient department processes, managing vendor relationships and budgets, and leading large cross-firm initiatives that intersect with executive leadership and firm administrative departments. EJ advises law firms and lawyers on how to effectively expand their business and generate greater revenue. She is recognized for her ability to quickly assess challenges and develop and implement solutions. EJ has nearly 20 years of experience leading strategy, business development, marketing, and lateral integration for the legal industry. As a business development coach, she is adept at helping lawyers cultivate, retain, and grow their client base. EJ served as US Head of Client Development for Clyde & Co and Associate Director – Business Development Coaching for Troutman Pepper (f/k/a Troutman Sanders). She previously held marketing positions at Steptoe & Johnson and Proskauer Rose, as well. Defining Fractional Law Firm CMO (00:04:03)Benefits of Fractional CMO for Firms (00:05:37)Access to Diverse Skill Sets (00:08:19)Challenges in Law Firm Marketing (00:10:27)Common Mistakes in Law Firm Marketing (00:11:27)Customizing Marketing Strategies (00:13:35)Indicators for Needing a Fractional CMO (00:16:07)Approach to Branding for Law Firms (00:18:46)Building a Brand Foundation (00:19:41)Purposeful Branding (00:20:23)Meaningful Branding (00:20:35)Business Development Coaching (00:21:14)Understanding Client Needs (00:21:29)Building Authentic Relationships (00:22:18)Long-Term Business Development (00:22:46)Client-Centric Approach (00:23:27)Active Listening Skills (00:24:21)Current Trends in Legal Marketing (00:26:05)Leveraging Social Media (00:26:17)Authenticity in Marketing (00:30:13)Vulnerability in Professional Sharing (00:30:57)Investing in Fractional Marketing Services (00:33:12)Balancing Law Practice and Business Growth (00:36:40)Focusing on Existing Clients (00:38:23)Diverse Expertise in Marketing Services (00:38:51) Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call
Welcome to HempAware Podcasts, where we're diving deep into the fascinating world of hemp marketing. In this episode, hosts Chris and Jenny explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing hemp businesses in today's dynamic landscape.We'll introduce you to HempAware, a niche marketing agency specializing in the hemp and cannabis industries, and discuss their claim of "hempowering" sales through targeted marketing strategies.With insights into navigating regulatory hurdles and standing out in a crowded market, Chris and Jenny examine the agency's use of Fractional CMOs and content marketing to grow hemp businesses. We'll also delve into the expertise of Tyler Hoff and Dodee Schmitt, the seasoned "hempsters" behind HempAware, and consider the potential for a truly hemp-powered future. Whether you're a hemp enthusiast or new to the industry, join us as we unpack the stories and strategies shaping hemp marketing today.Key Points Covered in this HempisodeCertainly! Here's a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the podcast transcript, organized with sub-topics:Introduction to Hemp MarketingImportance of hemp marketing.Hemp marketing's unique challenges and current relevance.Introduction to HempAwareDescription of HempAware as a marketing agency.Focus on their niche in hemp and cannabis industries.Claim of helping increase sales.Challenges in Hemp MarketingStigma and perception issues.Legal and regulatory challenges.Increased competition in the market.HempAware's Marketing ApproachEmphasis on targeted marketing.Importance of finding and resonating with the ideal customer.Fractional CMO OfferingExplanation of fractional CMO concept.Benefits for smaller hemp businesses.Expertise in the Hemp IndustryIndustry-backed expertise advertised by HempAware.Specific mention of Tyler Hoff and Dodie Schmidt.Proof of SuccessMention of a case study with BulkHempWarehouse.com.Success metrics such as traffic and sales growth over 10 years.Content Marketing StrategyOfferings like blog posts and articles.Discussion of the risks and challenges due to restrictions and censorship.Standing Out in Hemp MarketingThe importance of storytelling and branding.Balancing professionalism with creativity ("Hempster" persona).Adapting to Digital ChangesHow HempAware approaches new digital platforms and challenges.The role of real-time testing on BulkHempWarehouse.com.Comparative Market StrategiesDifferences between marketing raw materials like bulk hemp seeds versus finished products like CBD skin care.Emotional and Visual Appeal in MarketingImportance of creating an aesthetic experience.Necessity of commanding attention and overcoming skepticism.Vision of a Hemp-Powered FutureAmbitious goal of HempAware to reach 108,000,000 people and companies.Challenges beyond marketing such as legislation and infrastructure.Final Takeaways for ListenersReminder...
Tired of marketing strategies that don't deliver results? On this episode, we reveal the three key strategies that fractional CMOs like Jadis Tillery use to drive growth in private equity-backed companies. Jadis, the Fractional Chief Digital Officer at ikwe, has worked with over 125 private equity and venture capital-backed companies, transforming their marketing strategies and driving growth. She shares real-world examples of how her approach has led to significant results and she and Jeremy discuss how to align your marketing efforts with business objectives and take actionable steps toward success.Tune in to learnHow fractional CMOs bring senior-level expertise and strategic insight, differentiating them from freelancers.Why data management and compliance are critical for businesses preparing for fundingHow a fractional CMO can help bridge the gap between investors and marketing teamsWhy defining a clear scope of work is crucial for successful fractional engagementsHow AI can streamline operations and enhance marketing strategies–Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.
Ready to revolutionize your marketing leadership - and your copywriting? Join Barbara Rozgonyi, host of Growing Social Now, fractional CMO, and marketing transformer, with special guest Dean Waye, host of the Fractional CMO 90 Day Win podcast and master of first-impression copywriting. Get the keys to unlock strategies that will change your marketing, your business, and your world!
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview(ed) Angelo Ponzi. This week, we´re going to be re-gifting you your favorite episodes! Angelo Ponzi is a marketing and branding strategist who works with small to middle-market companies as their Fractional CMO. His company, Craft, focuses on three strategic pillars for success: Insights, Brand, and Plan. These pillars are to develop effective and efficient programs for building enduring brands and sustainable business growth. Key Takeaway: Fractional CMOs, besides being a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses, contribute to long-term growth through strategy development, messaging refinement, and navigating marketing challenges. Angelo highlights the importance of balancing new business endeavors with client service when operating one's agency. Staying actively engaged in networking and marketing efforts is essential to remain present in the fractional CMO arena and seize potential opportunities. More About Angelo Ponzi: Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeloponzi/ Angelo's website - https://www.craftmarketingandbranding.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts
Joseph Frost is an influential speaker, visionary thinker, and accomplished entrepreneur. With his innovative fractional and decentralized leadership model, Joe is reshaping the future of work. As the co-founder of yorCMO, he is dedicated to creating the ultimate platform for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) to provide impartial marketing expertise to all clients. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Joseph Frost about how fractional CMOs are changing the business landscape. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: - How many businesses hit a growth ceiling because they lack strategic marketing skills. - Why business owners should avoid relying on tactical marketers or biased agency strategies. - How the fractional model offers an affordable solution for businesses needing high-level strategic guidance. - Why word-of-mouth and referral-based marketing is important for professional services. - How yorCMO acts as the first strategic marketing leader for its clients, setting the foundation for future growth. Connect with Joseph: Guest Contact Info X @yorCMO Instagram @yor.cmo Facebook facebook.com/yorcmo LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/yorcmo Links Mentioned: yorCMO.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today I have a fascinating discussion lined up for you as I sit down with marketing expert and founder of Duct Tape Marketing, John Jantsch, to unpack the growing popularity of Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (fCMOs).John and I explore how the pandemic and the rise of remote work have accelerated this trend, enabling Fractional CMOs to collaborate with multiple startups simultaneously and offer them critical strategic leadership. John shares insights from his recent survey on Fractional CMOs and offers a deep dive into the shifting landscape of marketing agencies. We discuss the importance of strategic thinking over mere tactics, the transformative role of AI in the industry, and the current challenges of scalability in the traditional Fractional CMO model.You'll also hear about the advantages of a hybrid approach for businesses aiming to enhance their marketing strategies. Whether you're a business owner considering fractional marketing leadership or a marketer interested in this career path, our conversation is packed with valuable insights. So, join us as we navigate the evolving world of marketing strategy with the expertise of John Jantsch.GUEST LINKSConnect with John on LinkedInDuct Tape Marketing WebsiteLearn More: Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinforgrowth Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/ Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/freebies/ Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com
It's no secret that the CMO tenure continues to shorten. A tough SaaS economy and higher demands for the role have led to an explosion of fractional CMOs hitting the market. with many senior SaaS marketers jumping off the full-time ship in favor of focused work across more than one brand. In this episode, Andy Culligan, fractional CMO, breaks down the benefits and barriers to fractional work - both for the marketers and the companies hiring them - and the type of SaaS companies that are best positioned to hire fractional roles.
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I do a solo show exploring the misconceptions surrounding the role of the Fractional CMO. As businesses increasingly seek scalable marketing leadership, the demand for fractional CMOs has surged. But not so much the supply. Yes, there is some interest, but there's a lot of noise and confusion surrounding this idea. People want to learn and are learning by doing but don't feel quite there yet. If you're one of those people reading this, Are you ready to put that title on your LinkedIn profile? More so; What does it mean to be a Fractional CMO? What are the skills required? How can this role significantly impact your agency's growth strategy? Key Takeaways: Strategic Thinking: A fractional CMO must lead with strategy, developing comprehensive marketing plans aligned with business objectives. This approach ensures that every tactic and channel contributes to the company's long-term goals. Leadership: Many businesses lack strategic marketing leadership, especially in the $3 to $30 million range. A fractional CMO fills this gap by advocating for the customer and aligning marketing efforts with the broader business strategy. Technical Skills: Besides strategy, a fractional CMO must possess strong technical skills to advise on and implement marketing technologies that optimize operations and enhance efficiency. Industry Knowledge: A fractional CMO needs a broad understanding of various industries and extensive marketing experience. This knowledge allows them to tailor strategies that resonate with different market segments. Data-Driven Decisions: The ability to analyze data and set measurable KPIs is essential. A fractional CMO must demonstrate the impact of marketing initiatives on the company's bottom line, proving their value through continuous improvement. Strategy First: Lastly, Strategy First! Every engagement should start with a well-defined marketing strategy that aligns with the business's objectives. This strategy-first mindset allows Fractional CMOs to provide clear direction and measurable results, setting the stage for successful marketing initiatives. This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by: ActiveCampaign Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today! https://www.activecampaign.com/promo/dtm?utm_source=thirdparty_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=DTM_promo Wix work in sync with your team all on one canvas, reuse templates, widgets and sections across sites. Create a client kit for seamless handovers and leverage best in class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites. https://www.wix.com/studio Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts
John Lyons is a fractional CMO. This might mean that he's a fraction of a CMO and that he's either very small or only does a fraction of what a CMO usually does. Well, that's what I think when I see the title "Fractional CMO" - Oh, it's a thumb-sized CMO doing 10% of the CMO job. But, in this chat, John puts me straight while also sharing his thoughts on why B2B service-based companies - especially agencies - struggle with marketing. And John gives us a brief mental health update because, last time we spoke on Sweathead, John shared a lot about his battles with a mental health crisis. You can find John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpaullyons/ You can find details about our upcoming masterclasses and accelerator here: http://www.sweathead.com
Elevating Your Brand: The Impact of Hiring a Fractional CMO In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show," host Josh Elledge engaged in a compelling conversation with Jessica Shirra, a fractional CMO for seven-figure brands and the founder of Navi, a boutique fractional CMO agency. They explored the unique advantages of hiring a fractional CMO, the specialized services provided by Navi, and the transformative impact these services have on businesses. This blog post distills the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide listeners and readers alike.A fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a marketing executive who works with companies on a part-time basis, providing high-level strategic guidance without the full-time commitment. This role is particularly beneficial for businesses that need expert marketing leadership but may not have the resources to hire a full-time CMO. Jessica Shirra's agency, Navi, specializes in working with six and seven-figure brands, particularly those with digital products such as membership subscriptions, courses, and e-commerce. Navi's approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making and comprehensive business assessments, ensuring that marketing strategies are tailored to align with the business's goals and resources.One of the significant benefits of hiring a fractional CMO, as shared by Jessica, is the relief it provides to founders and CEOs, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their business. Navi's professionalism and elevated standards have been praised by clients, resulting in overall business improvement. Ideal clients for Navi are established businesses with sufficient revenue or funding, an adequate marketing budget, and existing marketing support to implement the strategies developed by the fractional CMO. For businesses looking to elevate their marketing efforts without the commitment of a full-time executive, exploring the services of a fractional CMO like Jessica Shirra from Navi could be a transformative step in their growth journey. About Jessica Shirra:Jess Shirra is a Fractional CMO, and the founder of Fractional CMO School. Her days are spent supporting her 7-figure clients, helping them grow their membership + course businesses. Additionally she mentors other marketers to launch and grow their own Fractional CMO business. With more than 15 years in the field, she's led marketing for both high-growth startups, well-known global names like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Jenna Kutcher, Strava, and Deloitte to name a few. Jess' philosophy is rooted in customer-first marketing, which she believes makes marketing and sales effortless and cultivates fiercely loyal brand advocates. She upholds that the key to true excellence is focusing on doing fewer things, but executing them exceptionally well.About Navi:Navi is a boutique agency offering Fractional CMO and contract marketing services to high-growth D2C brands on a fractional and project basis. We specialize in marketing for memberships, online education, high-ticket digital offerings, and e-commerce.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Navi website athttps://www.jessicashirra.com/Check out Navi on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hire-a-cmoCheck out Jessica Shirra on LinkedIn athttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/jessicashirraDon't forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank
Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Operation Agency Freedom! I'm your host, Chris Martin, and today, we are diving into the evolving landscape of strategic marketing leadership with none other than John Jantsch, the founder of Duct Tape Marketing. With over 25 years of industry experience, John shares invaluable insights on why businesses are increasingly recognizing the need for a well-crafted strategy to navigate tough times. In this episode, we discuss the rising prominence of the "fractional CMO," a role that's reshaping how agencies and businesses approach marketing strategies. John elucidates the benefits of leading with strategy, especially in an era where AI-driven tools are commoditizing traditional marketing services like content creation and SEO. We'll explore how agencies can reposition themselves as trusted advisors by offering fractional CMO services and focus on building long-term client relationships. John explains the cost-effectiveness of this model compared to hiring full-time employees and delves into the strategic role of a fractional CMO in orchestrating marketing efforts. Whether you're a business owner, a freelancer, or running an agency, this episode is packed with strategies to help you improve your marketing efforts and generate quality leads. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to providing high-value services and making the right recommendations to build unshakeable trust with your clients. Don't forget to subscribe and connect with us on social media for more insights from industry leaders like John Jantsch. Let's dive in!
In this Shoot the Moon podcast episode, we have special guest and marketing guru Mark Coronna. This conversation centered around the importance of marketing for tech-enabled services companies, with a focus on prioritizing marketing, creating a unique value proposition, and investing in growth strategies. Mark and Ryan discuss the benefits of fractional marketing executives, including providing immediate expertise and improving marketing and sales alignment. They also highlighted the challenges of aligning business strategy with marketing strategy, selecting and implementing the right technologies, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the critical role of marketing in driving long-term growth and valuation for midsize businesses.good marketing = profitable growth = good valuation!If you can listen to this episode and change your thinking a little bit, that is the goal! MEET MARK CORONNA & AUTHENTIC BRANDAuthentic® is a community of Fractional CMOs who help growing businesses Overcome Random Acts of Marketing® and confidently take the next right step to build revenue. Mark Coronna is Authentic's Chief Development Officer, and his driving goal is to work with businesses to create profitable growth through "full-stack" marketing programs which start with a differentiated strategy and market position and end with excellent go-to-market execution and strong financial results. You can reach Mark at mark.coronna@authenticbrand.com Listen to Shoot the Moon on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Buy, sell, or grow your tech-enabled services firm with Revenue Rocket.
In today's episode, host Tyler Chisholm is joined by Michael Gaudet, Principal of Eighty Twenty CMO, to discuss the world of fractional work and its unique advantages for businesses and professionals. Michael shares his meticulously developed playbook for launching his business, emphasizing a hyper-niche model and the importance of delivering outsized value in specific use cases.This episode is sponsored by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Michael Gaudet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcgaudetEighty Twenty CMO's Website: https://www.eightytwentycmo.comEighty Twenty CMO's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eighty-twenty-cmoCollisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
In this engaging episode of Joey Pinz Disciple Conversations, guest MJ Patent delves into the strategic role of marketing for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). MJ shares invaluable insights on the significance of early marketing integration, the Bowtie Model for growth, and the benefits of fractional CMOs. Key highlights include:Marketing as a Strategic Function: MJ emphasizes the need for MSPs to view marketing beyond mere execution, focusing on strategic positioning and customer representation.Building Relationships and Community: The discussion highlights the importance of community involvement, relationship-building, and seeking actionable strategies from industry events and vendors.Fractional CMOs and the Bowtie Model: MJ introduces the Bowtie Model for expansion and discusses how fractional CMOs can provide essential guidance for MSPs not yet ready for a full-time CMO.Listeners will gain actionable strategies to elevate their marketing efforts, build stronger community ties, and drive business growth.
If you want to future-proof your agency's success and stability, now is the time to become a fractional CMO. For those unfamiliar with the term, fractional CMOs are hired for their strategy first and execution second. It's a client-agency relationship built on trust that you know their industry deeply and can execute your strategy to provide a high ROI to your client. The pandemic paved the way for having this hyperfocus on one specialization and highlighted the need for agencies to be trusted thought leaders in their niches. This week's guest, John Jantsch, is teaching us how to become fractional CMOs and what it takes to build that deeper trust with clients. Join us to learn the data behind John's ideas and how to position your agency as a fractional CMO. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How the pandemic shifted the need for strategy and consulting Shifting to strategy over execution can help find right-fit clients Fractional CMOs are up 60% as an add-on service Clients want their agencies to have deep knowledge of their industry The two distinct types of fractional CMO — and which one you should be Showing up as part of your clients' team to build trust Building trust through strategic partnerships, referrals, and thought leadership The growing emphasis on first-party data for agencies
Join us on this episode of Making Sales Social as we delve into the world of fractional CMOs with our guest, Rajat Kapur. Discover how fractional CMOs offer a strategic advantage for small businesses, tackling challenges from internal communication to digital presence. Learn how to vet and leverage these seasoned professionals to align marketing strategies with business goals, ensuring success and growth. Tune in for valuable insights on maximizing the potential of your marketing efforts.
Eulerity Presents The Darwinian Times: Survival Of The Nimblest
Ever wondered what it takes to become a Fractional CMO? And what exactly is one, anyway? Hear from three pioneering women who are redefining the marketing game as Fractional CMOs. We'll explore their journeys to the top, unpack the biggest needs facing brands today, and discover why fractional executives might just be the future. Special thanks to our guests Brooke Budke, Founder & CEO of Momentum Brands, Liane Caruso, Founder of helloCMO, and Katherine LeBlanc, Founder of Franchise Fractionals and Owner at Apollo CMO.
Max's first try at an "Ask Max" episode! Answering questions that were asked after his first event in NYC on Feb 29, 2024... Max shares his marketing strategy & playbook to grow a HR SaaS, his takes on hiring a Fractional CMO, how to market women's jewelry to men, and more! If you would like to submit a question for a future episode or just share feedback on this episode, DM him here or drop him an email at max@marketingmax.io Enjoy the episode! **Please consider following this podcast & sharing this episode if you got even 1 penny of value from it Say hi to @MarketingMax You can sign up for Max's newsletter here
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I go solo and dive into the trend in the marketing consultancy agency world that is: Fractional Chief Marketing Officers or CMOs. This episode is a must-listen for business owners, marketing professionals, and consultants seeking a game-changing approach to business growth. Key Takeaways: I explore the game-changing concept of Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), highlighting its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional hires. Emphasizing the importance of leading with strategy, I challenge the conventional project-based approach to marketing, advocating for a transformative focus on strategic direction. By intentionally evolving the customer journey, businesses can position themselves for sustained growth in 2024 and beyond. Tune in to discover how embracing Fractional CMOs and prioritizing strategy-first methodologies can revolutionize your marketing approach and drive long-term success. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode please consider rating and reviewing the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts
John Jantsch, marketing consultant and bestselling author, demystifies the complexities of marketing for small businesses. With insights from his renowned book, "Duct Tape Marketing," John presents the importance of a systematic viewpoint, involving both strategic frameworks and the need for experimentation. He underlines the role of a fractional CMO in orchestrating diverse marketing efforts into a cohesive strategy that aligns with business objectives, ultimately providing us all with actionable advice to refine our marketing practices and grow our businesses effectively.Chapters:00:00:00 - Meet John Jantsch: Marketing Maven Behind 'Duct Tape Marketing'00:02:31 - The Power of Fractional CMOs in Transforming Your Marketing00:04:45 - Is a Fractional CMO Worth It? 00:07:15 - The Strategic Edge: Integrating a Fractional CMO into Your Business00:12:30 - Maximizing Marketing ROI with a Fractional CMO Approach00:16:28 - Breaking Down the Costs: Investing in a Fractional CMO00:19:09 - Navigating the Hurdles: Tips for Hiring the Right Fractional CMO00:24:25 - Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and How to Apply Them to Your Business Growth StrategyLINKS AND RESOURCES:LinkedInDuct Tape MarketingWikipediaJohn on Twitter / XJohn on InstagramThe Self-Reliant Entrepreneur on MediumDuct Tape Marketing by John JantschThe Referral Engine by John JantschSEO for Growth by John JantschThe Ultimate Marketing Engine by John JantschThe Self-Reliant Entrepreneur by John Jantsch7 Essential Stages of Total Online Presence by John JantschThe Commitment Engine by John JantschDuct Tape Selling by John JantschTier 11 JobsPerpetual Traffic on YouTubeTiereleven.comSolutions 8
In this episode, we explain everything you need to know about Web3 fractional CMOs. We cover what a fractional CMO does for Web3 companies, how they work, how (and how much) they charge, and why they might be a good fit for your Web3 business. 0:05 - What a Web3 Fractional CMO is 0:57 - What does a Web3 Fractional CMO do? 2:29 - Benefits of hiring a Fractional CMO 3:45 - How Fractional CMOs bill clients Find us online: Website: Coinbound.io Ty on Twitter (X): x.com/tydanielsmith Coinbound on Twitter (x): x.com/coinboundio
I sat down with Camilla Craven, fractional CMO. We discuss the mechanics of what it means to be a fractional CMO, the pros and the pitfalls of the role, the stage of businesses that get the most value from a fractoinal resources, why starting in agency world is major benefit, betting on luxury in bull and bear markets and why customer loyalty is incredibly but incredibly powerful. ………….
Hello, and welcome to another episode of IMpulse: The Influencer Marketing Podcast. I'm your host, Prateek Panda, VP of Marketing at Phyllo. Today, it's my pleasure to welcome Rajat Kapur, Founder and CEO of &Marketing, a company that handles outsourced marketing projects for businesses. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us as we discuss the role and benefits of hiring a fractional CMO and the unique value &Marketing brings to smaller businesses. Rajat highlights the importance of having a fractional CMO who provides strategic leadership and is integrated with the client's team. The conversation also delves into B2B influencer marketing and the importance of building authentic relationships; we wrap up by exploring the role of AI in marketing.
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I go solo and explore into the world of Fractional Chief Marketing Officers or as I like to call it fCMOs. This episode is a must-listen for business owners, marketing professionals, and consultants seeking a new, different and more nimble approach to their business growth. Key Takeaways: Explore the game-changing concept of Fractional CMOs, highlighting the growing trend and its appeal to business owners seeking strategic marketing direction. In this episode I emphasize the cost-effectiveness of this model, comparing it to traditional Chief Marketing Officer hires. The importance of leading with strategy, challenging the conventional project-based approach. The episode encourages your business to evolve their customer journey intentionally, emphasizing the transformative impact of strategic marketing. By embracing Fractional CMOs and prioritizing strategy-first methodologies, businesses can navigate the evolving marketing landscape and position themselves for sustained growth in 2024 and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Financial Freedom for Physicians with Dr. Christopher H. Loo, MD-PhD
Join us in this enlightening episode where we dive deep into the world of marketing with Doug Reifschneider, a seasoned marketing expert and Partner at Chief Outsiders, the largest fractional CMO firm in the USA. With over 30 years of experience, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into the evolving landscape of marketing. In our conversation, Doug demystifies the often-confusing world of marketing, breaking it down into layman's terms. He draws from his extensive background working with big franchised businesses, where he honed his skills in both "little m" and "Big M" marketing. Doug explains the critical differences between these two approaches - from the execution of local advertising and promotional tactics to the development of overarching brand strategies and propositions. This episode is crucial for anyone looking to understand why strategy is key in avoiding what Chief Outsiders terms as 'random acts of marketing'. Doug elaborates on this concept and introduces us to the Growth Gears, a framework designed to help businesses steer clear of random marketing practices and build a robust growth engine. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a business owner, or simply intrigued by the art and science of marketing, this podcast offers valuable lessons and actionable strategies. Doug's expertise as a fractional CMO provides a unique perspective on how to leverage marketing for business growth and sustainability. Discover more about Doug's journey and insights by visiting his profile on the Chief Outsiders website, and connect with him on LinkedIn for a deeper dive into the world of strategic marketing. Episode Focuses: "The Growth Gears": Understanding the Mechanics of Business Growth "Fractional CMOs": The Game Changers in Today's Marketing Landscape "Stop Random Acts of Marketing": Crafting a Strategy-Driven Approach To connect with Doug, visit his website: https://www.chiefoutsiders.com/ Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show. Do your due diligence. Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx Thank you to our sponsor, CityVest: https://bit.ly/37AOgkp Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://financial-freedom-for-physicians.ck.page/b4622e816d Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 Join our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=87512799 Join our Spotify Community: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/subscribe Thank you to our advertisers on Spotify. Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2024
Blunt Business delves into the concept of Fractional CMOs and Prioritizing Marketing Strategy and Execution with Laurie Parfitt, CEO & Principal: of LKP Impact Consulting. Laurie works with cannabis and consumer products companies on brand strategy/design, consumer insights, and commercial go-to-market strategy. Parfitt's background includes experience in large-scale, integrated cross-channel marketing and experience campaigns, including a background in traditional marketing, category development, and sales strategy in an omnichannel environment.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I'm doing a solo show, and I'm gonna talk about how Fractional CMOs are becoming increasingly popular among business owners and marketing agencies. Key Takeaway: Strategy is one of the most essential elements to running a successful business today. Whether you are a business owner or a consultant, who doesn't understand why your marketing is not working the way it should, the Fractional CMO model could change your business. Fractional CMOs help companies and business owners develop strategic marketing plans in a more cost-effective solution as they are not full-time employees, but they have the expertise of a seasoned marketing executive. They will develop the marketing activities through strategic planning that could improve the relationship companies have with their clients, as they are able to understand better how to guide the perfect customer journey. Topics I Cover: [01:15] Introduction to the trend of Fractional CMOs [04:34] Why hiring Fractional CMOs is an appealing idea? [05:28] The role of a CMO in an organization [05:50] Comparing the cost of hiring a full-time CMO and a fractional CMO [08:55] How fractional CMOs focus on developing strategy [10:41] The importance of the Customer Journey Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please! Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by ActiveCampaign. Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Sign up for a 15% discount on annual plans until Dec 31, 2023. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today! activecampaign.com/promo/dtm?utm_source=thirdparty_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=DTM_promo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Nicole Bernard, a seasoned marketing professional with an impressive legacy that includes stints at Microsoft and collaborations with big names like REMAX and Venus Williams. We dive deep into the transformative realm of the Fractional CMO, uncovering the nuances and potential it holds for modern businesses. With Nicole's first-hand experiences and insights, we explored how this Fractional CMO trend is not just a fleeting fad but a strategic maneuver that's reshaping the contours of business leadership in today's dynamic landscape. Key Takeaway: The rise of the Fractional CMO marks a significant shift in the way businesses perceive leadership roles. Companies, by opting for a Fractional CMO, are not just seeking to cut costs but are keen on leveraging the diverse expertise and perspectives these professionals bring. Operating across varied industries, Fractional CMOs offer a fresh, tailored approach, helping businesses to be more agile, adaptive, and strategic in their planning Questions I ask Nicole Bernard: [00:46] What exactly is a fractional CMO? How would you briefly describe this role to someone unfamiliar with it? [01:28] In your opinion, what type of business is the ideal fit for a Fractional CMO? Specifically, what might be missing in such a company that you can fulfill? [02:36] Do you find that the market is starting to wake up to both the need for strategy? [03:42] Can you define the specific responsibilities and boundaries of a Fractional CMO? [04:40] In your role, how often do you find yourself involved in the actual implementation? [05:20] Could you shed some light on your business model? How do you handle tasks that might go beyond what you personally offer? Do you collaborate with a team or partners? [06:14] One challenge of the Fractional CMO model is essentially selling your time. How do you avoid this? [07:30] Is it challenging to define a clear scope for clients regarding what they can expect from a Fractional CMO? [09:25] What are some potential pitfalls associated with this model? [10:43] How has adopting the Fractional CMO title influenced your relationship with clients? [11:50] Have you noticed any changes in client relationships over time, perhaps in terms of duration or their reliance on you? [12:48] Upon starting with a new client, are there specific initial steps you consistently follow? [14:11] In terms of educating clients, how does this role differ from traditional agency models? [15:10] A traditional CMO often has the task of building a team. In your experience, do you often work with companies lacking strategic hires, and do you assist in team building? More About Nicole: See how you can work with Nicole - https://nb.marketing/ Listen to the Bubbles and Biz Podcast - https://nb.marketing/podcast Connect with Nicole Bernard on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesbernard/ Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy, Download now: dtm.world/freeprompts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#94 Grab your favorite pint glass and belly up to this little piece of gold. Kurt and Pat sit down with Tim Fitzpatrick. Tim is an entrepreneur and founder of Rialto Marketing – an agency that provides marketing consulting and fractional CMO services for B2B companies. We cover:
Your company is growing, you're getting too busy to do everything yourself, and you're wondering if it's time to hire a fractional or full-time COO. How do you determine if your company is ready? What do you need to do to get your organization prepared for this big step? What skills does the owner need to make this new arrangement work, and what skills does the COO require to succeed? What are the disadvantages of hiring a manager on a fractional basis? Is hiring a fractional COO just a way to save money, or are there some hidden organizational benefits, too? Join Meny and Ben Wolf, the founder of Wolf's Edge Integrators - the largest Fractional COO firm in the world - as they answer these and many other questions. It's an episode that might permanently change the way you think about upper-level management and the way you integrate executives into your company. [00:01 - 07:29] How to Prepare for a New Management Structure • Ben introduces Wolf's Edge Integrators, the largest fractional COO firm in the world Check out his book Fractional Leadership • Fractional executive leadership democratizes access to high-caliber talent for companies of all sizes • How technology and COVID have accelerated the use of fractional COOs [07:30 - 14:27] The Challenge of Making the Mental Jump From Doer to Leader • Having a great leadership team requires having great leaders at the top of the organization • an essential skill for business owners is the readiness to let go and not need to micromanage everything • When hiring C-level executives, it is vital to have the right people in the right seats • Leaders need to make the mental jump from doer to leader to be successful. [14:28 - 21:18] Creating Clarity for Successful Leadership • Leaders need to create a clear picture of the outcome and provide coaching, metrics, and accountability Avoid jumping in and doing tasks for people rather than coaching them • To decide which role to take, identify which activities give you energy and which ones drain it • When hiring a COO, take time to define the role and other roles in the organization clearly [21:19 - 28:43] Understanding When to Hire a Fractional COO vs. Full-Time • Understanding the need for a COO and determining if it should be fractional or full-time is key • Fractional CMOs typically give an estimate of how much time their accountabilities will take • Working with recruiters to find the right person and elevating someone internally are other options [28:44 - 35:50] How to Find the Right Fit for Your Fractional COO Role • CEOs should be clear about the role and measure it using behavioral-based questions The COO should not be a clone of the CEO but bring in different perspectives • Fractional roles can work if you set expectations and measurables are clear • You should avoid helicopter management as it masks people and processes issues [35:51 - 46:06] Closing Segment • Fractional roles still provide flexibility and availability for emergencies • Ben on the rapid-fire questions Want to connect with Ben? Follow him on LinkedIn. Head to Wold's Edge Integrators and let the business run itself! Key Quotes: “One key skill is the ability is the readiness to let go and not need to micromanage everything. But it's only a skill that can be implemented when you have the right people in the right seats.” - Ben Wolf "A good manager leader is able to set up clear measurables and expectations in a meeting cadence with each person or with each team so that they can effectively manage those people or manage those teams on an episodic basis.” - Ben Wolf Connect with Ptex Group: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve in business. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Running a small business comes with its fair share of challenges, and let's be honest, marketing and branding often top that list. We've all been there, trying to figure out where to put our resources to get the word out effectively.However, there's a solution that has been gaining traction – hiring a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). But what exactly is a Fractional CMO, and how can it help your small business succeed?We've got just the person to break it all down for us today – our very own marketing expert, Kelly Rice. Kelly and I usually co-host this show, but today, I have the absolute pleasure of interviewing Kelly about a significant part of her role at Treefrog – being a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer for our clients. We'll dig deep into why small businesses are turning to Fractional CMOs, how this could be the missing piece in your marketing puzzle, and Kelly's personal experiences in helping businesses level up with strategic marketing advice.If you're hoping to up your small business marketing game and build a thriving brand, this episode is your golden ticket. Join us and find out how a Fractional CMO can give your business a big boost.Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:The role and benefits of a Fractional CMOCommon marketing pitfalls small businesses faceThe process of integrating a Fractional CMO into your teamOther Mentioned Links & ResourcesEpisode 103: The Best Marketing Strategy for Small Businesses: The Flywheel Marketing Method: https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/best-marketing-strategy-small-business-flywheel-marketing-methodLearn how to choose & use keywords to improve your Google rankings:https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/keywordsGet access to this free mini-course - Marketing Guiding Statements:https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/marketingguidingstatementsEnjoy 35% off one year of HoneyBook: https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/honeybook-coupon-codeLearn more about Treefrog services:https://www.treefrogmarketing.comJoin the Priority Pursuit Podcast Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/179106264013426Follow Treefrog on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/treefrogmarketingFollow or DM Victoria on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/victorialrayburn
Marketing Leadership Podcast: Strategies From Wise D2C & B2B Marketers
On this episode, Dots Oyebolu sits down with Neal Schaffer, Fractional CMO at NealSchaffer.com. Together they dive into the world of fractional CMOs and how they're shaping the future of modern business.Neal shares his wealth of experience, highlighting how companies can effectively utilize a fractional CMO and navigate their relationships with agencies for optimal growth.Key Takeaways:[09:47] A business's most significant untapped resource for content creation is its employees, who should be empowered to contribute.[16:41] While navigating evolving marketing technologies, marketers must prioritize their core objectives and ensure tools, such as AI, align with company goals.[21:12] Fractional CMOs bring significant expertise from working with various industries and can be advantageous for companies not wanting a full-time commitment.[34:12] The role of a fractional CMO: bridging gaps and owning strategy.[38:14] The risk when agencies lead strategic decisions, and how a fractional CMO can bring alignment.[39:17] The need to prioritize collaboration over individual egos.Resources Mentioned:Neal Schaffer -https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealschaffer/NealSchaffer.com | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/nealschaffer/NealSchaffer.com | Website -https://www.nealschaffer.com/Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast -https://podcast.nealschaffer.com/Insightful Links:https://cmox.co/what-is-a-fractional-cmo/why-hire-fractional-cmo/https://www.square2marketing.com/blog/fractional-cmos-and-digital-agencies-how-to-get-them-to-work-togetherhttps://www.digitalmarketer.com/blog/fractional-cmos-marketing-ai/Thanks for listening to the Marketing Leadership podcast, brought to you by Dots Loves Marketing. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#PodcastSEO #PerformanceMarketing #PodcastAds #MarketingStrategy #MarketingIntelligence #PaidMedia
In the ever-evolving realm of marketing, finding the right strategies to fuel growth can be a challenge, whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger organization. Aimee Schuster is an expert at marketing the invisible. This means services over products. She has spent the last 25 years helping B2B organizations to build, advance, and energize their lead generation. She is all about getting leads into their business so they can continue to grow. Aimee also founded Bandwidth Strategy: A fractional CMO and COO consultancy to help growth-stage organizations drive the right leads into their funnel. Aimee began her career in legal marketing. She saw this wave of digital marketing coming and knew that lawyers were not going to be the first to adapt. She was going to be an early adapter though. This propelled her to start her first business, which she grew and sold before moving into her next career phase. She then stuck to helping business-to-business companies with marketing and growth. Which eventually turned into owning her company: Bandwidth Strategy. She has learned so much over her incredible 25-year career in this industry. And she is sharing them with us today. The strategies we talk about in this episode just might help you prioritize where you want to spend your marketing time, sales time, branding time, and dollars in various marketing activities. This is such a fun conversation that you don't want to miss it. Don't forget to let me know what you think by leaving a comment, tagging me on Instagram (@ ambermccue), or even leaving a review wherever you listen to the Podcast. In this episode, we chat about: The power of SEO How long does it take for SEO to work What is a fractional CMO? Where to focus to see an ROI? How Improv just might improve your business Mentioned in this episode: Aimee's Business Connect with Aimee on LinkedIn Right on Time Episode with Amanda Warfield
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Angelo Ponzi. He is a marketing and branding strategist who works with small to middle-market companies as their Fractional CMO. He explains how Fractional CMOs besides being a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses, contribute to long-term growth through strategy development, messaging refinement, and navigating marketing challenges. More About Angelo Ponzi: Connect with Angelo on LinkedIn. Angelo's website. Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy: Download now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, Mike Volkin. He is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, marketing consultant, fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Army veteran, and author of 7 books. In addition, he has built and sold 6 of his own companies. As a marketing leader, he specializes in helping businesses scale, particularly ones that help people, animals, and the environment. The Fractional CMO model is a smart solution for companies that may not require a full-time CMO but still need strategic direction and are seeking tailored strategic insights. Mike highlights that it is important to consider a balanced approach to marketing channels based on the available resources and staff skills, focusing on a few channels that can provide significant ROI. More About Mike Volkin: Mike's website If you're a marketing agency, looking for a marketing strategy: Your Marketing Expert Learn More About The Agency Intensive Certification: Learn more Take The Marketing Assessment: Marketingassessment.co
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview JP Maroney. He is a seasoned business strategist and Fractional CMO with over three decades of entrepreneurial experience. He is known for his strategic prowess, serving powerhouse clients like Wells Fargo and Century21, as well as growing companies, often as a Fractional CMO, Chief Strategic Officer (CSO). JP explains how Fractional CMO can be a cost-effective solution for businesses to access top-level marketing expertise without the burden of hiring a full-time executive. JP highlights the importance of framing services in terms of results and outcomes, focusing on the value delivered rather than just the hours worked. More About JP Maroney: Follow JP on social media: @jpmaroney JP's website. Check out JP's Youtube Channel. Learn More About The Agency Intensive Certification: Learn more Take The Marketing Assessment: Marketingassessment.co
Hear why robust, targeted marketing is the wisest investment you can make Want to get energized about how to effectively market your business and present it to the world in the best possible light? Listen to my interview with Melea McRae, a “fractional chief marketing officer.” What's that, you ask? According to Melea, it's when companies like hers (Crux) “joins with an in-house team to execute on a strategy and provide additional bench strength for marketing departments.” As you'll hear, Melea is on the cutting edge of what it takes to stand out amidst the clutter today and persuade potential buyers to want to connect with you. Listen, learn and share! Watch and listen to our conversation here Some important points for you to consider from our conversation today Do you really feel the marketing people you're working with understand your business? It's all about how to differentiate your message so that you're standing out of that sea of sameness. There's so much competition in every industry today. It's easy to start a business, but really hard to grow it to that next level and scale it if you're not making a wise marketing investment. What happens when marketing and sales can align is magic: rowing in the same direction, singing the same song, sharing information back and forth. “You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.” Melea's company teaches the sales team how to make the horse drink. Leadership is the most important thing. CEOs must align their brand with the company's brand. Key takeaway: You better believe that younger purchasers and new potential buyers are going to research your company The people you want to reach are going to do their research. How? Online. They're going to look at your website. They're going to read your blogs. They'll look at what recent PR you've garnered. They want to know how you describe your services. Does that align with the perception they have of you? Is there consistency throughout your website? Then they're going to follow you on your social channels. Remember, they care as much about your culture, how you treat your employees, and your social responsibility as how profitable you are. How are you giving back to the communities that have helped you be successful? Therefore, you need to use social media to reflect your brand through your culture, your philanthropic efforts, how you care about DEI, and how you incorporate all of that into your brand. How to find Melea There are multiple ways you can connect with Melea: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and her website Crux. For more on why marketing is key to a sound business strategy, check these out: Podcast: Mark Schaefer—Are You Ready For The Marketing Rebellion? Podcast: Patrick Van Gorder—Ready For The Right Data-Driven Digital Marketing Strategy To Expand Your Business? Podcast: Dave Summers—How Can You Build Your Digital Brand Effectively? Additional resources for you My two award-winning books: Rethink: Smashing The Myths of Women in Business and On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Our website: Simon Associates Management Consultants Read the transcript of our podcast here Andi Simon: Hi, welcome to On the Brink with Andi Simon. I'm Andi Simon, your host and your guide. And as you know, my job is to get you off the brink. And I love to do that by bringing you people who are going to help you see, feel, and think in new ways. People often ask me, why do I say that? We decide with the eyes and the heart, and then the head gets involved. And unless you realize that, then you really don't understand how we make decisions. And sometimes we overanalyze the data and we think we know we're making wise decisions. Melea is laughing and she's smiling at me. So I brought you a wonderful woman today who's going to help you understand the new age of marketing. It's a time of fast change, but the old issues about how do I tell my story and how do I create a brand and how do I get to the customers who need me, whether it's through inbound marketing or online search, or is it the website or is it social media? And how do I know that the dollars I'm spending are being used wisely by this collaboration I have with my agency? That's her story. Let me tell you who she is and why it's important to listen to her. Melea McRae is founder and CEO of Crux KC and co-founder and CEO of Crux-Accelerator. Now she's going to tell you where KC is as well. She's a marketing strategist, 25 years of B2B and B2C experience in leading client-facing marketing departments where she earned the reputation of an insightful brand strategist. She's formerly the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at the Greater KC Chamber. I'm assuming that's Kansas City. Yes, it's Kansas City, one of my favorite places to work, and she's led the organization's marketing and business development offices. In 2016, she made the entrepreneurial leap and launched her own marketing firm, Crux KC, a certified women-owned business providing in-house marketing for small to midsize clients, combining the leadership of a fractional CMO with a marketing department as a service model to provide simple, smart and affordable full funnel marketing solutions. She builds marketing, communications and business development strategies for clients and positions them for sustainable growth. She also, in 2019, co-founded its sister company, Crux Accelerator, with an emphasis on sales, coaching and leadership development paired with marketing to positively impact revenue growth. I don't think I have to tell you much more about why I've selected her to come on today, other than the times they are changing and it's time to think about very important subject marketing and sales. And Melea, thank you for coming today. I appreciate you being here. Melea McRae: Andi, thank you so much for having me. Lovely to be a part of this. Andi Simon: Would you tell the audience about your own journey? I can read the facts, but you know, this is about the feelings and I have a hunch you can give it a personality all of its own. Who are you and how'd you get here? Melea McRae: Great question. Great setup. So I made that entrepreneurial leap in 2016 with a belief that there had to be a better way to service small to mid-market companies. Since then, we have really evolved in terms of working with larger companies as well. I'm a firm believer that all the marketing roles apply, as long as you really understand the audience that you're trying to reach, right? So we do consider ourselves to be industry agnostic here at Crux. We work with all shapes and sizes, from startups to global companies. We are fractional. I would say a fractional chief marketing officer meets an in-house team to execute on that strategy and provide additional bench strength, if you will, for marketing departments that are pretty well staffed or if they have certain gaps in their abilities, knowledge gaps, we will come in and fill those holes. But in many cases, Andi, we are the marketing team outsourced, where these clients simply hand us the keys and we drive. I was doing my executive project during my executive MBA at Rockhurst University here in Kansas City and I really wanted to research the trends that were happening in the advertising, the traditional advertising industry. When I left the Greater KC Chamber as our chief marketing officer, I did a brief stint with a local, what I call traditional ad agency. And I've always been on the client side. So I saw red flag after red flag on how I would do it differently if it were my own, how I would lead with transparency, about transparency and billing. For example, transparency and communication. Wait, wait, how much would you say that was gonna cost? We actually like our clients, we cheer for our clients. Nothing brings me greater joy than when a client fills out their org chart and they write their client's CMO is the Crux fractional CMO that's working on their account. So we really have this mentality because I've been that client. Like I said, I think like the client, I don't think like the agency. I think what I've noticed is what happens with a lot of agencies, Andi, is great people, great creatives, right? And I know several of them that have built really amazing agencies and businesses, but they are creatives and they lead with creative. So part of what we say at Crux is, there's no fluff. Our tagline is “Everything you need, nothing you don't.” We jump in, we understand that client's business. We understand their business goals. We build a marketing strategy to align with those goals, and then we hit the go button and we're off and running. And so there isn't that creative fluff with us. We just get to the point, that's the name: Crux. Andi Simon: A client can have a lot of hope. Hope is a lousy strategy. I've been there. Melea McRae: Hope is a lousy strategy. I have worked with so many CEOs. I belong to CEO peer groups through my background with the Chamber. I'm pretty highly networked in Kansas City with a lot of various civic organizations and CEO peer groups and things like that, and I find myself doling out a lot of free advice and I'm happy to do so because I'm very pro business, I'm really pro small business. I feel like we have to stick together. Small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in the US. I think it represents about 44% of the total economy. So they're the backbones of our communities. And I can't tell you the number of times I've had phone calls from friends that are business owners and they've made maybe not a wise marketing investment. They found themselves without a lot of money and with very little traction towards their business goals. So I do a lot of free education with those individuals. I simply tell them, If it sounds too good to be true, first of all, it probably is. Do you really feel like the people that you're working with understand your business? There's no such thing as a one hit wonder. We know that the key is consistency. Content is still king, as you and I know in terms of fueling your digital presence and storytelling. It's all about how do you differentiate your message so that you're standing out of that sea of sameness. And let's face it, there's so much competition in every industry. It's really easy to start a business, but it's really hard to grow it to that next level and to start to scale that business if you're not making a wise marketing investment. I actually launched Crux-Accelerate for that very reason. I was working with a lot of startups. I'm really embedded in the startup community here in Kansas City. And I would watch if they would be funded. They get that first round of angel investment funding and they were out of money by month six or seven because nobody was building the pipeline from a sales perspective. We were building the marketing machine behind the scenes. But if you've got nobody following up with those leads, and nobody that can really even tell that story of how their brand is differentiated, it's really hard to close up sales. So that was really the genesis of the sister company to Crux called Crux-Accelerate. Andi Simon: Well, you know, I'm laughing because many, many years ago I was an executive at a hospital and we did marketing. I had marketing under me among other things. And we did a big campaign for some new doctors only to discover, because we created a separate telephone number so we could measure the calls coming through, if there weren't any appointments being made. So I went to the office manager and she said, Well, we don't answer that phone because we don't have any time for a new company. And I said, Oh, the 450 calls came through so he's going to wonder what marketing has done. And actually you have to pick up the phone and answer it. Now, those were the days where the phones were still phones, and we could still measure what it was. But, you know, without measures, without data, you can't evaluate anything. And it is a big empty hole that you're putting money into for what now. I'll also be honest and transparent that we were HubSpot partners for many years; now we're Inbound Marketing folks. We understand that Google has changed the way people search and buy things. So we're content mavens, like you said. And while I love social media, I love my website, I love the content, and I love picking up new clients who find me, download my white papers, do my YouTube stuff, and come and say, I need you. So marketing, yes. Is it the world that we're in? Yes. But you also have skills and services that take a young company that needs to build its story and help you get there. Talk to us about a typical kind of client, either an early stage or a maturing one. Melea McRae: Yeah, I would say, typically we're working with entrepreneurs. So they're at some sort of a growth stage, an inflection point within that company's journey. And so, yes, sometimes it's a newer company that they're ready to push the gas in terms of a marketing investment to really start to fuel sales leads. Sometimes it's more of a legacy brand that has maybe been stagnant for a while. And again, they're ready to pour some gasoline on the fire and increase their marketing efforts as well. So really any age and stage of the client is the right fit for us, as long as they're open-minded to understanding what a smart marketing investment can do for them. So we bring that chief sales or chief marketing officer to the equation that's going to build a strategy based on what does the competitive landscape look like? How is their website currently performing for them? How is digital performing? Are they getting any PR hits? PR is that kind of secret sticky factor sauce for us and clients. We do really well internally at just mining for what are those newsworthy stories that we can pitch on their behalf and that fuels social, that fuels the website. That's with content. If those are little golden nuggets when we can nail those, even case studies. Sharing those success stories through email marketing, you know. So yeah, things like that just really work to fuel business growth for clients. And that's our vision statement honestly: fueling business growth for clients and opportunities for our team. And we live that motto every day here at Crux. Andi Simon: Thank you. Tell me a little bit more about has the intersection or the adversarial relationship between marketing and sales changed? Melea McRae: Yeah. So it needs to change. I would say in many organizations, they're still on two different paths. The sales team tends to go rogue, and the marketing team tends to abide by the brand guidelines and all the rules that apply and try to reel them in. What happens when marketing and sales can align however, is magic. If you can get them rowing in the same direction, singing the same song, they're sharing information back and forth, the salesperson is saying, Hey, this is what we're hearing out in the field, and it's really this message point is really resonating with my audience. Then the marketing can fuel that internally with social campaigns or email campaigns or do a blog, a thought leadership piece on why this particular company does this thing really well. And again, just hit those points with an explanation point, quite frankly, and put it out there in terms of content. So if they can work hand in hand, it really is magical in terms of what can result. And so that was really the genesis of Crux-Accelerate. We come in with Chief Sales Officers that become sales coaches for internal sales teams. So they'll coach the teams up through a six month curriculum where it's a group training session followed by individual executive coaching with a chief sales officer. There's a lot that goes into this, but we infuse a lot of marketing tactics, understanding what marketing is really doing behind the scenes to help you generate those leads. We're explaining to them the difference between brand marketing and building that awareness with demand marketing and generating those leads and then show: are you appropriately following up with those leads. There's an old saying for marketers: we can lead the horse to water, but we can't make the horse drink. We're teaching the sales team how to make the horse drink. And we're infusing things like personal brand and the art of networking. I do a presentation for Rockhurst University and some other organizations called the Art of Networking: just teaching them that networking equals connections and it's building relationships and how you can help them so that you're paying it forward and they're going to return that favor and it's the long play. So there's a lot of that infused throughout this curriculum, but we're pretty excited about really where Crux-Accelerator is headed right now. Andi Simon: Well, you know, I had a client in Texas and he had great sales guys. Only problem was that the folks they sold to retired and the two who were replacing them were 35 year olds and they don't pick up the telephone, so the outbound sales call folks had nobody to sales call because nobody picked up the phone. So when we did our research, the new 35 year olds said, Don't they know that we don't answer phones? We're not going to buy over the phone, we search. Or we talk on our forums, or we go to our network, but our buying journey is a different one than the old guys who retired. So my client says, So what will I do with my great salespeople? I said, They should be lead follow ups. You need to get a website that isn't a brochure. But it's full of reasons why and that turns into interest in qualified leads who your sales guys can now follow up with. It's different, but the leads should be coming to you as opposed to you, because nobody is going to answer those telephones. That's not the way it's going to work anymore and until you come to terms with them, you don't realize the integration between the web and the social and the sales. Those four sales guys knew what they knew and the habits were great, but that's not the way it was going to buy and it was flooring to him. Really? How many people are coming to my website? Yes, but they're not staying. I can tell you how many are actually staying, where they're staying, what they're looking at. I can tell you a whole lot about your website and it's not functional. It was very unsettling. Like welcome to the whole new world, welcome to the digital age. We coach CEOs all the time on the days of cold calling are dead. You know, there are Sierras out there that are still holding their sales team accountable for KPIs that are, how many daily phone calls have you made? Well, you're right. No one. Do you pick up the phone? I don't pick up the phone anymore. I don't even know why I have a phone on my desk. I never answer it. Quite frankly, nobody buys that way anymore. They are in charge of their purchase pattern, and they are influenced. So by stories, I want you to talk more about stories, because the human being lives a story in their mind. It's an illusion of their reality, welcome to the world. And they only relate to things that match that story. And if you're out of sync with them, they don't even see it. So tell me about your branding and your brand storytelling, because I think it's an essential part of a marketing campaign that's often overlooked. Melea McRae: Oh, completely essential. In fact, when I launched Crux, we were really known as a content shop, and storytellers really followed by strategy. Over the years, over the last seven years, we've really established bench strength and all the other marketing tactics and expertise that we've needed, but we started out as storytellers, so huge advocate of storytelling working. And it goes back to content being king. So let's take thought leadership for example. People are going to follow you on your LinkedIn network or whatever channel, Instagram, whatever you prefer, based on the fact that they're relating to the content that you're sharing. So for Crux, for our voice, for example, I do a lot of blogging, a lot of thought leadership, and I always try to tie it back to some sort of an analogy or some sort of a story that's happened to me in my past, and then I relate it to a topic or a trend, and I have garnered a really nice following as a result. Well, we do this for all of our clients. I have CEOs that will say to me, You know, it's not leadership that's really important. Oh my gosh, it's the most important thing. Because again, it's establishing that CEO's brand or whichever leader in the company, it doesn't have to be the CEO, and it aligns their brand with the company's brand. This is who people do business with: people. This is who I'm doing business with, and this is what makes them an expert on this particular topic. And then when you're telling it in storytelling form, you know, 800 words, it's a fun quick read, and you can pull quotes out of that and use it in your social media posts, you can maybe tie a PR story that relates back to the thought leadership piece and you can pitch that to the media. Maybe it came out of a case study, a success story and something that went really well successful with your clients. Let's capture that. Let's grab their testimonials, let's push that out through a case study that might also spawn the idea for a thought leadership piece on that particular win. What made that a win? So there's so many ways that you can repurpose that content as well, but it truly is what differentiates a brand. It's what makes you stand out. It is what those younger purchasers are looking for now. They want that content and they're going to do their research. And how are they going to do their research? Online. They're going to look at your website. They want to read those blog articles on your website. They want to look at what recent PR have you garnered. How do you describe your services on the site? And does that kind of align with the perception that they had? Is there consistency throughout? And then they're going to follow you on your social channels. Really oftentimes anymore, Andi, they care as much about, new potential buyers of your products and services, care as much about your culture and how you treat your employees, your social responsibility. How are you giving back to the communities that have helped you be successful, in terms of what it is that you're offering in terms of a product or service. So social media is just another way to reflect your brand through your culture, through your philanthropic efforts, through how you care about DEI, how do you incorporate that into your brand? We do a lot of work with our clients now around what we call employer branding, because recruitment, we're all still searching for and finding the best talent. And it goes both ways. You're trained to reach those potential clients, but you're also trying to reach those potential candidates. So this is how you can use thought leadership. This is how you can use your culture in terms of attracting both of those audiences. Andi Simon: I'm curious, I was interviewing someone today for a podcast who's an expert in LinkedIn. With the Twitter changes and Instagram's growth and Facebook's role, the common question I get is, Well, which ones do you do? Which ones do you look at? And I figured I might ask you, the marketing expert, which ones for which people to do what things, because they aren't identical by any means. Melea McRae: And they should not be identical. It depends on the audience. The audiences that you're trying to attract, where are they? So if it's a younger demographic, maybe it's TikTok, it's definitely Instagram. Twitter has kind of lost its appeal for a lot of B2B businesses, but I look at Twitter as headlines. So if you're just scanning headlines, that's a good way to use Twitter. Facebook is still really powerful, many demographics in terms of various audiences, and it always performs better than I think it's going to. That's really the power of using one's own network as well. Like, I'm in a lot of Facebook groups with women who mean business in Kansas City, the Casey Chambers and civic organizations that I'm in. So that's a great way to get certain messages out where my brand is tied back to the company brand. But my number one network for Crux is LinkedIn. We do a lot of business to business marketing. And so that's what I would recommend for anyone that's doing a lot of B2B marketing, but you have to really look at the other channels and how they can benefit you in terms of reaching the audiences that you're trying to reach. Andi Simon: And for LinkedIn, it has become a marketplace that I'm finding, excuse me, not particularly pleasant. If I have one more person who wants 15 minutes of my time to sell me one more thing that I'm not interested in. I'm trying to remain true to my brand and my story. That's what my client this morning, who was doing a podcast with us, said, If you turn it into a marketplace, go for it. But it is not a good marketplace. You're better off investing in content on your website and attracting people who are searching for you, as opposed to trying to push it out like a cold call. And that's what it feels like. And they don't know if I'd be interested or not, but I'm sure you would be. And here's 15 minutes of my time. Hit, click this link. No, no, no. And I say, LinkedIn, what have you become? Melea McRae: Yeah. That is unfortunate. I would agree with you. I'd probably get hit up by 15 of those a day, but the power is to the user. So I can go and just x on all of those and not accept them. It's making it harder and harder to lead through. And for an old school networker like myself, it kind of encourages me or re-encourages me to go to more of those networking events, having more of the face-to-face content. I was probably at six different networking events just last week, Andi, and got a stack of business cards. People still use business cards and still hand them out. I try to make networking events a game, and I try to give myself permission to leave after I get three business cards. That's something I teach my students as well. And then you follow up with that personal email. You kind of jot something down on the back of them, a memory point. Maybe they're traveling to Costa Rica next week or whatever it is, and you send them that little follow up or don't ever underestimate. I almost find that a bit joyful, you know, it's a real person with a business, a business card. It's like real, it's tangible. Andi Simon: Which reminds me to redo my business cards. I'm almost out. Melea McRae: Can help you with that, Andi! Andi Simon: I will get back in touch with you. I could use a fresh look. It's been three years since we were out enough to worry about them. And, now I gave them out at an event I was at all weekend and I realized they've getting awfully old-looking, time for a fresh look. But in any event, this is such fun as you look to the future. Somebody ranked our podcast among the top 10 futurist podcasts. So I'm a futurist now and I am a futurist. Well, the question is, what do you see coming next? Melea McRae: You know, I think that we've had a lot of people try to knock off this model of being that marketing department as a service, as you will. I think that the traditional ad agency model is dying. I think that they're having to rethink, again, how you partner with the client, how you really dive in deep and learn their business and use marketing to propel that growth for the client, customize those marketing strategies and those engagements. There is no such thing as a one size fits all. So I definitely see that changing. I think what protects Crux a little bit in that regard is, it's hard to bring a fractional chief marketing officer to the equation if you've never been a chief marketing officer. And I have, and I've homegrown this talent and a lot of agency owners have been creative. And so I think it's hard for them to make that switch. You can't just put on a CMO hat and say, I'm a CMO today. So I think that we are going to see more of that probably. Fractional CMOs is a very highly searched word on the internet. So that's a buzzword that's really taken off. I will be interesting to see what happens with AI, ChatGPT, and you know, how people are utilizing that for writing versus kind of more of the old school. Really understand your brand voice and write to your brand voice. I think, you know, AI can get people maybe 60% to 70% of the way there, but you still need that writer and editor that's going to polish it and put it in that brand voice. But I know that's definitely on the horizon. Podcasts are huge, what we're doing today. We're doing a lot of podcasts for our clients. We're doing them ourselves internally at Crux. And it's another way in live video, audio form, to tell those client success stories and let your client or your prospect or your key stakeholder get their message out, just like you're doing for me today. So that is definitely a hot trend that we're seeing with clients. And video, video, video, video. Use it. You have to use it on social, you have to use it on your website. Google loves video so it's just utilizing, kind of pulling all of those marketing levers in the way that it's really going to fuel growth and attract those audiences for the clients that we serve or for your own company. If you're a CEO listening to this, how are you making sure that you're working with a partner that's pulling all those levers in the right way for you? And that's definitely a trend, because clients are getting more sophisticated as well about marketing techniques, as they should, which is great. Andi Simon: One last question before we wrap up. The buyer's journey is taking, in some cases, longer and longer. They are spending more time evaluating and evaluating and are most uncomfortable from what I've seen in making a quicker judgment. That buyer's journey that we used to look at in terms of filling the funnel and how long it took to get down to an actual purchase. The discomfort people have come from. Many of them are buyers who are younger and the management system isn't clear. The risks are high, they're not quite sure. It's not IBM. You used to buy IBM because it was IBM, and there is no similarity in many things that you're purchasing. I have one client who keeps buying software that doesn't work particularly well and I laugh after a while because he buys on a less expensive side and the more innovative side, but not necessarily the more functional side. But he takes a long time to decide and then is sure. I don't know if you're familiar with the Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz's book, about the paradox of choice. So many choices we don't make, and then when we make them, we return them or we're unhappy with them or we should have bought something else. And I do think it's part of the culture of today, which makes buying and managing and measuring challenging. Is this similar to what you're finding? Melea McRae: It's interesting, we have a really good close rate with our prospective clients. It runs around 70%. Now, I will say in Q1 of this year, we saw people signing contracts less. Q2 though, it's been bubbling up again. I think back to your IBM analogy, it really speaks to the brand reputation that you have developed. And so, for us, PR, and awards and that recognition has gone a really long way in terms of elevating the Crux brand in and around Kansas City. And we have clients all over the country. But, when they're searching for us, because everybody's out there researching, and it can delay a decision or it could speed up a decision. So they're researching Crux and they're saying, Oh, Inc. Magazine, best workplaces, that's cool. Um, champions of business with the Kansas City Business Journal, based on things like how you treat your employees. I always encourage our clients to take a look at those awards in their area, and it's kind of like a great way to get some PR, through the award recognition as well. That really elevates that brand and builds that brand trust with your potential buyer. So if you're really placing an awareness on that in terms of your marketing solution, I do think that can go a long way to speeding up that buyer's decision. They trust you, they're going to buy from you. Andi Simon: Well, you know, in some ways it credentials you as being a third party that says you're great, and even if the product isn't great, you have a great place to work. So that must mean the product is good. I mean, there's sort of all kinds of interesting links to it. This is such fun. My last question for you, usually I say that people remember the end better than the beginning. So are there one or two or three things you'd like our listeners to remember so they can find Crux as their solution? What would it be? Melea McRae: I would say, remember the power of storytelling in terms of elevating and differentiating your brand in your marketplace. I would say content is king, so make sure that you are utilizing fresh content on your website, understanding those keywords that people are using to search you and you're incorporating that into your digital presence. You're incorporating that into your blog post. You're understanding the importance of thought leadership. And I would say when you do make that marketing investment, make sure that the organization, the agency or marketing firm, or we call ourselves a UN agency that you're partnering with, really takes that time to dive in and understand your business. They're not going to be able to build that customized marketing strategy for you if they don't. Andi Simon: This has been a lovely conversation about something near and dear to my heart, but I don't get to talk about it very often because nobody talks about marketing very often, I must tell you. But here's a wonderful woman in a wonderful agency. Might be in Kansas City, but it takes care of the world and it would help you see, feel, and think about yourself and your business in new ways. And so give them a call. Where can they reach you? Melea McRae: They can find me at cruxkc.com or findyourcrux.com. Andi Simon: Terrific. Terrific. And I bet we can find you on the internet, on social, on the web. It's going to be fun to see what happens. You're gonna push this out and I want to know what the data tells you about a podcast and what it can do for you. I've had too many podcasts. We have a lot of data. It's been fun. Let me say goodbye. Thank you for all of you who come. Remember, pre-order my new book. It comes out September 26th and the more pre-orders Amazon loves. So it's called Women Mean Business. And it's on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And it is going to be a great book. It looks gorgeous. There are 102 women in there who give you their wisdom. And some of those wisdoms are, we say, as we look at the book, turn a page and change your life. So you ask yourself, what could Lily Ledbetter tell you? Or what could Christie Hefner tell you? Or what could Carol Toll who runs UPS share with you? What can successful women help you do in ways that you might not without hearing them? And it's a beautiful book. So I thank all my folks who are in it, but I'm really happy to share it and a little pre-order would make me happy. So we'll see whether this podcast can generate some. In any event, goodbye. Have a great day and take care for all of you who have come. Thanks again. See you soon. Bye-Bye now.
When it comes to building business partnerships, finding the perfect fit is paramount. When brands align in terms of personality and values with their partner agencies, the synergy created paves the way for seamless collaboration and increases the likelihood of achieving success.In this episode, Jordan West sits down with special guest Behdad Jamshidi, expert marketing consultant and founder of CJAM Marketing. They dive deep into and share invaluable insights into the world of marketing agencies. Bee shares his experiences and expertise and uncovers the secrets to successful agency-client relationships. Listen and learn in this episode!KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEWhen hiring an agency, it's important to find the right match in terms of personality, values, and level of involvement desired.Setting clear expectations is crucial for effective marketing partnerships. Unrealistic expectations regarding marketing ROI can lead to failure. Building a brand takes time and a comprehensive marketing strategy using multiple channels.Profit sharing can be beneficial in agency-client relationships.Consider the agency's level of experience and expertise before hiring.It's okay to hire multiple agencies or contractors to fill in gaps in specific areas.Self-reflection is necessary for businesses that have struggled with multiple agency partnerships.Fractional CMOs can be valuable for brands without internal marketing resources.Different levels of agencies exist, from freelancers to large agencies, and selecting the right one depends on the business's needs and revenue level.Recommended Tool:ClickUp https://clickup.comStreak https://www.streak.com Recommended Book:The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Kogahttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-courage-to-be-disliked Today's Guest:Behdad Bamshidi, also known as Bee, is an engineer-turned-marketer from Canada. During his time working at TELUS where he provided business consulting services to companies ranging from 50 to 1000 employees, he realized the disconnect between marketing agencies and business professionals, leading him to start his own business helping small businesses with marketing strategies such as websites, Google Ads, and SEO. However, he soon grew tired of doing websites alone and decided to find partners to collaborate with. His main goal now is to connect businesses with the right marketing partners who understand both business and marketing, bridging the gap between the two disciplines.Connect and learn more about Bee and CJAM Marketing here: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi Website: https://cjammarketing.com/ Get 5 Offers for 2 Products (10 in total) along with 10 highly engaging tried and true creatives, 30 captivating headlines, descriptions, and ad texts sent to you for only $99. Go to https://www.upgrowthcommerce.com/offer and order now - this offer is only available for a limited time.We love our podcast community and listeners so much that we have decided to offer a free eCommerce Growth Plan for your brand! To learn more and how we can help, click here: upgrowthcommerce.com/grow Join our community and connect with other eCommerce brand owners and marketers! https://www.facebook.com/groups/secretstoscalingpodcast
This is the first discussion about what we have termed "Headless categories", category names that have just appeared and been adopted without any really heavy strategic thought behind them. On this episode we discuss the "Fractional Leadership" category. Fractional CMOs, Fraction CIOs, etc... Is Fractional the correct category name or is there a more appropriate term to capture the comprehensive value provided by top-shelf, um, fractional leaders. (it even feels wrong to say it). Bridgio CEO Paul Jones brought us the headless idea and joins us to discuss the fractional conundrum. He is well-qualified, as Bridgio is a strategic referral network for start-up brands stocked with, um, fractional talent. (You can get a sense of the direction this conversation takes.) Thanks to Paul for the excellent topic and interesting insights. -DRMG
Mosheh has done marketing for many startup businesses over the years and has learned a lot from those experiences. He now runs a fractional CMO firm (don't worry, we define what that means) and is pushing the use of ChatGPT and AI as powerful tools in the marketing world. In this episode, he also tells us his key tactic for a successful mentor relationship. Episode Highlights:Mosheh has worked for many startup companies over the years, from a virtual currency startup to a software and medical device company. He always envisioned himself in that working environment, the entrepreneurial one. After passing on neuropsychology and legal as potential career paths, he landed on marketing. He appreciates how it blends together left and right-brained thought work. For him, a mentor is someone who has experience in the career you are in and can help guide you in your path. Scheduling, planning, and adhering to a one-on-one meeting with your mentee is imperative to a successful relationship. A mentor should also diplomatically give honest feedback in a way that is direct and truly helpful. Finally, mentors should be open to feedback from their mentees and truly implement change based on that information. Mosheh believes ChatGPT and AI are powerful tools at our disposal. They will be abused like all tools before them, but they can be used responsibly to improve efficiency and performance for almost every business. We need to focus on being human and learning to work with AI because we are humans, and it never will be. Episode LinksMosheh - LinkedInMosheh - TwitterGrwth.coProduct Market Fit PodcastAppleSpotifyFollow The Digital Marketing Mentor: Website and Blog: thedmmentor.com Instagram: @thedmmentor Linkedin: @thedmmentor YouTube: @thedmmentor Interested in Digital Marketing Services, Careers, or Courses? Check out more from the TDMM Family: Optidge.com - Full Service Digital Marketing Agency specializing in SEO, PPC, Paid Social, and Lead Generation efforts for established B2C and B2B businesses and organizations. ODEOacademy.com - Digital Marketing online education and course platform. ODEO gives you solid digital marketing knowledge to launch/boost your career or understand your business's digital marketing strategy.
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I'm doing a solo show, and I'm gonna talk about how Fractional CMOs are becoming increasingly popular among business owners and marketing agencies. Resources I mention: Duct Tape Marketing Learn More About The Agency Intensive Certification: Learn more Take The Marketing Assessment: Marketingassessment.co This Duct Tape Marketing Podcast episode is brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.
“…This just provides more flexibility for really top-notch marketers to live the life that they want.” Arlyn Davich is an entrepreneurial executive with a proven track record of building and scaling consumer-tech businesses as a startup Founder/CEO (PayPerks...Allswell...ShopShops) and Fortune 50 Intrapreneur at companies like Walmart. She specializes in direct-to-consumer strategy, brand building, demand generation and digital acceleration. She's currently building her latest venture, Little Fish: a company that deploys top-tier executive talent, on a fractional and interim basis, to grow early stage e-commerce businesses. Skip the intro: 00:03:59:58 Questions and topics we covered include: What is a Fractional CMO? The types of businesses that benefit the most from working with a Fractional CMO. Why is there more demand for Fractional CMOs, what has changed in the market? What is Little Fish's role in the Fractional CMO landscape? What type of companies does Little Fish work with? How to build a marketing team from scratch. How to manage up to the CEO, as a marketing leader. What it takes to become a CMO (before transitioning to a fractional role)? What are the advantages and disadvantages when it comes to becoming a Fractional CMO? How should Fractional CMOs evaluate opportunities with new clients? And more! Say hello to Arlyn via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlyndavich/ You can connect with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennysoto/
Revenue Generator Podcast: Sales + Marketing + Product + Customer Success = Revenue Growth
The fractional CMO role is becoming increasingly popular across many industries, from startups to established corporations. With the increasing popularity of digital marketing, many industries are turning to fractional CMOs to manage their marketing strategies. Listen to Sheila Kloefkorn, CEO and President of KEO Marketing, as she discusses how to scale companies with fractional CMOs. Show NotesConnect With:Sheila Kloefkorn: Website // LinkedIn The Rev Gen Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterI Hear Everything: IHearEverything.com // LinkedIn // TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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