Podcast appearances and mentions of lorraine ball

Sixteen years ago, my very first podcast conversation was with my sales coach Matt Nettleton. So, naturally, when Matt came back to More Than A Few Words, we talked about how the fundamentals of good sales haven't changed all that much. Matt and I agree that when you're starting a business, a qualified prospect is often anyone with a pulse, a checkbook and the ability to fog a mirror. And that's okay. You have bills to pay. But eventually, you need to get a little pickier. We have talked for years about customers as deer, moose and elephants. The problem is, too many salespeople spend their days chasing squirrels and rabbits while trying to hit goals that require much bigger game. And then there's the really big elephant. What happens when you land a customer that's actually too big? Matt shared the story of a client preparing to chase an opportunity that would increase revenue by 50% in about 60 days. Sounds fabulous, right? Except they didn't have the people, cash or capacity to deliver. They walked away, found two customers that were a much better fit and ended up growing 30%. Sometimes saying no really is a growth strategy. In this episode of More Than A Few Words, Matt Nettleton and I talk about knowing who belongs in your sales pipeline, giving yourself permission to let bad prospects go and why the customers who got you here may not be the customers who take you where you want to go. And yes, after sixteen years, we're still talking about deer, moose and elephants.   ***************************************************** About Matt Nettleton For Indianapolis Business Owners Tired of the Revenue Roller Coaster | I Build Sales Engines That Forecast Accurately | Sandler-Certified | My Clients Have Closed $3.2B+ in New Sales | Book a 30-Min Diagnostic Call Matt is also the host of the Default Profitable podcast, where I interview successful small business owners and share valuable insights, tips, and trends on starting and running a business. I am a certified instructor of Sandler Training, Extended DISC, PeopleBest and OMG Profile. I specialize in sales organizational assessment, sales process development, and leadership programs. More Than a Few Words More Than a Few Words is a bite-sized marketing podcast for people who want practical ideas they can actually use. Each episode cuts through the noise with smart conversations about what's working, what's changing, and every now and then, what went wrong. Hosted by marketing strategist Lorraine Ball, the show has been serving up marketing ideas with no fluff and no jargon since 2010. Like what you hear? Follow More Than a Few Words so you never miss a conversation. https://morethanafewwords.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/

For years, Sunday nights had a routine. Around eight o'clock, I'd start thinking about Monday. Emails. Client requests. Deadlines. That one surprise waiting to derail my plans before I'd even had my first cup of coffee. Like a lot of business owners, I figured the answer was simple. Work a little harder over the weekend and get ahead. It never worked. The more I worked, the longer my to-do list seemed to get. Instead of feeling prepared, I felt like I was starting every week one step behind.   What finally made a difference wasn't anything I did on Sunday. It was what I started doing on Friday. Back then, Friday afternoon became protected time. No meetings after one o'clock. No "just one more call." Instead, I spent a couple of hours wrapping up the week so Monday had a much softer landing. The first stop was my inbox. I've always been an Inbox Zero fan, not because it's trendy, but because I don't like loose ends. I answered what I could, delegated what I should, and filed the rest. When I shut my computer down, there wasn't a pile of unanswered email waiting for me on Monday. Then I reset my workspace. There was a lot less paper than there used to be, but somehow receipts, notes, and sticky notes still multiplied during the week. A quick cleanup on Friday saved me from hunting for things on Monday morning. Next came my task list. I collected ideas all week long. Friday was when I decided which ones deserved my attention. Some became projects. Some were delegated. Others quietly disappeared because they really weren't that important after all. One habit made an even bigger difference. When I had a good idea that simply wasn't right for right now, I didn't leave it sitting on my list making me feel guilty. I scheduled it to come back in three or six months. If it came back and still didn't make the cut, I knew it wasn't as important as I thought. Finally, I planned my weekend. Yes, I usually checked in on work at some point. That's life when you're running a business. But I decided ahead of time when I'd work and, just as important, when I wouldn't. Walks, dinner with friends, and family time all went on the calendar, too. If I didn't plan my downtime, work happily filled every available minute. The best part was that Sunday nights lost their grip on me. I knew what was waiting on Monday, and I knew it already had a place on my calendar. These days, I don't have the pressure of running a business anymore, but I still protect Friday afternoon. I clear my desk, close the open loops, and head into the weekend knowing Monday won't be waiting to ambush me. Some habits are worth keeping, even after the job changes. What about you? Do you have a Friday routine that makes Monday easier? I'd love to hear about it. And if you'd like to compare notes, you can book an Office Hours conversation at morethanafewwords.com/officehours.

I want to talk about upselling, and when it actually works against you. Most smart companies have a core product and a menu of add-ons. The really smart ones know not to throw every extra at a customer the minute they say yes.  You listen first. You find out what they need. Then you decide which add-ons make sense. The other day, I stopped at Hardee's and ordered a hamburger. No cheese. What followed felt like an interrogation. Did I want a combo? A drink? A pastry? Was it a number one? A number seven? Meanwhile, I kept repeating the same thing: "I just want a hamburger." By the end of the conversation, I wasn't hungry. I was annoyed. And that got me thinking. Are you doing the same thing to your customers?  Are you so focused on selling the extras that you stop listening to what they actually came to buy? Don't get me wrong. Add-ons are a great way to increase revenue. But only when they're relevant. Offering everything to everyone isn't a sales strategy. It's the business equivalent of that drive-thru speaker that won't stop talking. Before you pitch the upgrade, ask yourself a few questions. Does this solve a problem the customer has already mentioned? Have I explained why this add-on matters? Am I offering it at the right point in the conversation? And here's one more thing to consider. Are customers asking for services or features you don't currently offer? Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn't another upsell. It's paying attention to what people are trying to buy. The goal isn't to sell more stuff. The goal is to help customers get more value

Marketing Lessons Everywhere Here's the thing about marketing—lessons are everywhere. You just have to know where to look. Sometimes it's in the obvious places, like watching how competitors roll out a campaign. Other times it's less obvious. Like standing on a floating dock in Santiago, staring at a mussel farm. There, I learned that mussels grow best when they have room. The farmers pull up the ropes, remove the ones that aren't thriving, and separate the rest so they can mature. The smallest, youngest mussels are placed where the water is richest, giving them the best chance to grow. Business works the same way. Sometimes, you have too many clients. You're trying to serve everyone, but no one's getting your best. You may need to “thin the herd” and let go of clients that drain your time and energy. Create space for your best customers to grow with you. And when you do, you'll have more time to nurture the next generation, the new leads with potential to become long-term, loyal partners. Not every client is worth your attention. Some are just taking up space. And some, like those thriving mussels, are ready to become something really special

Welcome to More Than a Few Words, a marketing conversation.  And today… I'm celebrating a milestone. This is episode number 1200. Yes, twelve hundred conversations, monologues, ideas, and probably more than a few opinions along the way. My mother always said I was born talking, so honestly, this shouldn't surprise anyone. But still… 1200? That feels like it deserves a moment. Because milestones matter. They're not just numbers. They're markers along the road. Little signposts that say, “Hey, look how far you've come… and maybe take a minute to think about where you're going next.” And I've been doing exactly that. I've been digging back into the archives, listening to some of those early episodes. Cleaning them up a bit. Cringing occasionally. Smiling a lot. And over the next few days, I'm going to share a few of those with you. Looking back is useful. It gives you a chance to celebrate what worked. The ideas that landed. The moments where you got it right, maybe even by accident. But it also gives you a little distance from the things that didn't. And let's be honest, there were a few. But they weren't failures. They were experiments. And with a little time and perspective, it is easy to see not just what didn't work, but why. That's the real value of a milestone. It gives you the space to step back and see the bigger picture. And then… to turn around and look ahead. Where do you want to go next? Sometimes the next step is a pivot. A new offer. Letting go of something that no longer fits. What new ideas are calling your name? What projects have been sitting on the back burner just waiting for a little attention? Or maybe… everything is working exactly the way you want it to right now. And that's okay too. There's no rule that says you have to change everything just because you hit a milestone. But either way, don't let the moment slip by unnoticed. You don't have to wait for 1200 episodes. Maybe your milestone is five years in business. Or 100 podcast episodes. Or your first big client. Those are big deals too. Celebrate them. Pause long enough to recognize what you've built. Decide what comes next. And set your sights on the next milestone when you will have a A chance to reflect, to celebrate… and to reimagine what comes next.

Are Your Headlines Putting Readers to Sleep? (Let's Fix That.) I've been thinking a lot lately about the polite little headlines we keep sending out into the world—you know, the ones that tiptoe into a reader's feed, whisper “excuse me,” and then wonder why no one pays attention. This month, I'm diving into the power of bold, spicy, “oh-no-she-didn't” titles that make readers stop mid-scroll. Because if we want people to actually read what we write, we might need to ruffle a feather or two. Ready to stir the pot with me? Why Negative Titles Win (Even When Everyone Says They Want Positivity) Here's the not-so-secret secret: people are drawn to headlines that poke at their fears or frustrations. Negative titles stand out in crowded feeds because they tap into emotions folks already feel but haven't said out loud yet. Sure, I could have called this piece “5 Ways to Improve Your Blog Titles,” but… yawn. If your goal is to be memorable, negativity—used thoughtfully—is your new best friend. Your Language Might Be Way Too Nice (And Nice Is Boring) Let's talk about limp headlines built from words like improve, tips, and common mistakes. They blend right into the beige wallpaper of the internet. Meanwhile, words with a little edge—like hate—stop readers cold. One of my most successful content series ever was built around “Why People Hate Your Website.” That one tiny word did all the heavy lifting. Edgy phrases don't fit every brand, but when they work… oh, they work. Fear-Based Headlines: Your Audience Notices Them (Because They Can't Help It) If edgy makes you nervous, fear can still be your friend. Terms like failure and waste are irresistible because they trigger that little “uh-oh” moment in the brain. Think of titles like “Is Your Sales Team Wasting Your Marketing?” or “Don't Waste Time Trying to Be Good at Social Media.” They grab attention because they speak to real anxieties—whether it's the marketing–sales tug-of-war or the social media fatigue we all secretly carry. Negativity Is a Tool… Not a Lifestyle As much as I love a headline that hits like a splash of cold water, too much negativity starts to feel like, well… spending a whole week with someone who only complains. Mix it up. Pepper in the punchy stuff, but save the truly bold language for when it matters most. A little goes a long way. Your Turn: Go Write a Negative Headline Go ahead—try it. Add a little bite, a little edge, a little “oh no, they didn't.” And because I refuse to end this newsletter on a dire note… Have a lovely day!

No one had it all mapped out, and that's exactly the point. In this episode, my guests open up about what it really looked like to take messy, imperfect action and build something meaningful anyway. From uncertainty to confidence, these are the lessons you can't learn from a blueprint… only from doing. If you've been waiting to feel “ready,” this conversation will shift everything.Our guests todayLorraine Ball is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and the voice behind More than a Few Words a marketing podcast. She brings big ideas down to earth with practical tips, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of real-world experience. www.MoreThanaFewWords.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/Tabbin Almond, Author, podcast host and alcohol freedom coach, Helping people-first organisations enhance performance and wellbeing by redefining alcohol's role  - through stigma-free consultancy, education and personalised support. www.WineToWaterCoaching.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tabbin-almond/Frank King, Suicide Prevention Speaker, Writer for Tonight Show, Speaker and Comedian. Turning his long dark journey of the soul into 13 TEDx Talks, sharing his lifesaving insights with corporations, and associations. www.HowToMakeMoneySpeaking.com, www.MentalHealthComedian.comTom Matzen is a world-renowned business strategist, serial entrepreneur, international speaker, and mentor to mission-driven authority entrepreneurs around the globe. With a remarkable track record of launching 94 businesses, including 11 that scaled to seven figures and beyond, Tom has spent nearly four decades helping leaders transform their expertise into high-impact, high-profit ventures. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommatzen/Pink! Video-Podcast Interviewer of Business Leaders/Executive Producer/CEO/Curator/Ai Strategist. I went from hobby podcaster to professional video-podcaster in 2020 now 500+ interviews and a real business. https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinkcloud9/Carmen Skipworth, AI Strategist & Global Leadership Advisor | International Author and Speaker | Business Development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenskipworth/Your HostAngel Tuccy, is the author of Author-licity, showing authors how to become the obvious choice in your industry,  create ongoing publicity and new revenue streams with a book in one hand and a guest microphone in the other. Grab her Visibility Blueprint at www.VisibilityBeforeBreakfast.com

It started the way so many good ideas do, in conversation. Jen Edds, Lisa Mitchell, CFI, and I started talking about creating something different. Not another conference. Not another room where people talk at you. We wanted a space where smart women could actually talk with each other. And then, on March 26, we did it. This conversation is a bit of a celebration, a look back at what happens when you take an idea out of the group chat and bring it to life. Because honestly, that leap from “we should” to “we did” is where most ideas stall out. Here's what stuck with me. Takeaways: • Pick one thing and go all in I'll admit it, even as a marketer, I needed this reminder. One clear call to action, one place to send people. When everything matters, nothing stands out. Simpler really is smarter. • Borrow boldly and share freely Some of the best ideas in the room weren't “original.” They were tested, tweaked, and passed along. That's the magic. Less guarding, more sharing. We all get better faster. • Real conversations beat polished presentations We kicked things off by talking about what we'd messed up. And just like that, the walls came down. No posturing, no pretending. Just honest lessons and a lot of “oh good, it's not just me.” • Create the room you wish existed Don't wait for an invite. Build your own table. We kept it local, kept it small, and invited a mix of people we knew and people we didn't. • Let the agenda breathe Instead of locking into a rigid schedule, we let the group shape the conversation. People voted on topics, and the discussion flowed from there. It felt more like a conversation and less like a conference. • Community doesn't end when the event does The real opportunity is what happens next. Staying connected, sharing resources, continuing the conversation. That's where the long term value lives. If you're listening and thinking, “I wish I'd been in that room,” you might get your chance. We're doing it again on June 11. Reach out. Raise your hand. Pull up a chair. Because the next great idea might be yours, and it deserves a room like this.   Links to our podcasts: Jen Edds https://brassybroad.com/podcast/ Lisa Mitchell https://divorcecurious.buzzsprout.com Lorraine Ball www.morethanafewwords.com   Everyone else in the room. .These are all podcasts you should check out Ally Brettnacher https://athletebouquets.com/pages/the-podcast Amanda Smith https://shareyourgenius.com/ Ericka Young, AFC®, CFEI® www.forbetterandworth.com Iris Goldfeder https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cookbook-recipes-for-marketing-business-success/id1627107453 Jennifer Denney

When I moved from Texas to Indiana one of the things I loved best was the color of the seasons. Spring brings bright pastels which morph into the rich greens of summer. Then comes fall with the bring oranges, yellows and a few shades of brown. The only exception is winter filled with dreary colorless days which seem bland bland when compared to the vibrancy of colors throughout the rest of the year. I think that is why I appreciate  evergreen trees and the bright spot of colors they bring all year long. Just as these wonderful trees bring consistent color to my yard, evergreen content brings spots of color to a marketing calendar. What is Evergreen Content?  Evergreen content, unlike seasonal content or breaking news, this information is always relevant to your readers. Frequently asked questions, simple how-to blog posts, or product reviews make great evergreen content. These posts can be researched and written well in advance and be ready whenever you need some fresh content Start with the questions customers ask Look in your email folder for those long answers you have already written. This is a great starting point for a blog post. If one customer has the question, others will as well.  And these posts tend to index well on Google, as prospective customers search for answers. Include Key Words Brainstorm a list of keywords you want to rank for. Use a keyword tool such as Google Trends or Google Search Console to find alternatives and ideas. Look for niche words and phrases. which will have a better shot at rising to the top because there will be less competition Quality over Quantity If you want your post to stand the test of time, you can't just slap up a 500 word article and call it a day. If you do, another article will come along pretty quickly and knock you down. Take extra time when you write evergreen content. Research the topic, add unique examples, and your perspective. Create an article which isn't just another “5 Ways to Do This….”. Update Your Evergreen Content  I know, I said this would be the kind of blog post that would stand the test of time, it wouldn't age and it would live on forever. All of that is true, but if it is a great traffic draw for your website, go back occasionally and add new content, a different image, and maybe a new CTA to keep it fresh.  

I am going to be honest right from the start. This is a rant. A friendly one. But still a rant. I'm a geek at heart. I love shiny tools, clever plugins, little bits of tech that make my marketing life easier. But lately it feels like some of my favorites have decided to test me. Really test me. It started with my email marketing platform quietly turning off a third-party API I relied on. Their decision, fine. But maybe a heads up would have been nice. Instead, I spent four months wondering why new subscribers were suspiciously quiet. Turns out, the connection was dead. And I only discovered it while building a completely unrelated page on my website. When I reached out to support, they casually mentioned they don't use that interface anymore. Terrific. Then my chatbot decided to hallucinate. I asked it to summarize an interview and create a teaser. Simple request. Except it thanked a guest who wasn't even in the conversation. Not even close. I have no idea where it found that name. Apparently, creativity is a little too free these days. And just when I thought I had hit my quota for weird tech behavior, the tool I use to make reels took a detour. This is the tool I trust to pull clean little snippets and generate accurate captions. Instead, it rewrote my perfectly articulate guest into something that sounded like bro speak. She deserved better. I deserved better. The whole episode deserved better. So yes, this is a rant. But it is also a reminder. No matter how good a tool is, no matter how long you have trusted it, you still need to double check. Tools change without warning. Interfaces break. Technology goes off the rails. And if you are not paying attention, your marketing can end up in a ditch you did not see coming. Takeaways Check your tools regularly. Even the ones you think are rock solid. A quick test can save months of missing data or embarrassing surprises. • Never hand over your voice completely. AI is helpful, but it is not infallible. Review everything before it goes into the world with your name on it. Because in marketing, the only thing worse than tech that fails is not noticing it failed. More than a Few Words - Marketing Conversation  A bite-sized marketing podcast that cuts through the noise and delivers actionable ideas, with no fluff and no jargon.

There was a time when conferences felt a little bit magical. You'd show up, coffee in hand, and before the first session even started, you'd be deep in a hallway conversation that changed how you thought about your work. Those little moments, sitting on the floor near an outlet, laughing over lunch, that's where the real magic happened. But somewhere along the way, that magic started to fade. Big events got flashier. More sponsors, more VIP packages, and a lot more “networking opportunities” that felt like thinly disguised sales pitches. It stopped being about connection and started being about clout. I found myself missing the kind of conversations that left me inspired instead of exhausted. So, with a few fellow podcasters, Lisa Mitchel and Jenn Edds, we started dreaming about something smaller, more human. A gathering for women behind the mic who aren't chasing followers but chasing meaning. That's how Beyond the Mic was born. Not a conference, but a conversation. A cozy afternoon in Indianapolis this March, no panels, no presentations, just 10 or 15 women sharing stories, scars, and the lessons they've learned along the way. We'll talk about the messy parts of podcasting, burnout, creativity, community, and how we can keep making something meaningful, one episode at a time. So if that sounds like your kind of magic, come join the conversation at talkbeyondthemike.com. Because maybe the best conference isn't in the ballroom, it's in the hallway, over coffee, between two people who get it.   Join me for Beyond The Mic in Indianapolis on March 26  - https://talkbeyondthemic.com

Send us a textA 15-year podcast doesn't happen by luck. It starts with a single nudge—in Lorraine Ball's case, an intern suggesting, “You like to talk… you should have a podcast”—and evolves through experiments, misfires, and a relentless focus on what truly serves listeners. We trace that arc with Lorraine as she shares how an iPhone and Blog Talk Radio turned into a durable content engine that fuels speaking, community, and business growth.We dive into the early lessons from live call-ins and why she pivoted to recorded conversations to protect pacing and quality. Lorraine breaks down the difference between authenticity and aimless chatter, showing how to be yourself while respecting the listener's time. She explains how purpose anchors a show—whether the goal is booking talks, nurturing a local network, or driving leads—and how calls to action should change as your strategy does. We talk platform choices and why her community hub lives on LinkedIn, not in a Facebook group that drains energy.You'll hear a practical blueprint for repurposing: transcripts into blog posts, one-minute audiograms, AI-assisted summaries, thematic bundles, and timely re-releases that revive evergreen episodes. Lorraine shows how to turn interviews into articles, newsletters, and even a collaborative book that sparked cross-promotion and long-term relationships. We also look ahead: more video, but with stronger branding and less cookie-cutter styling; audio staying vital because multitasking is real life; and hosts who win by delivering clear value, consistent quality, and a strong point of view.If you want your show to outlast trends, this conversation gives you the tools: define your audience, align each episode to a purpose, make your best ideas live twice, and always end with a meaningful next step. Subscribe, share with a fellow creator who needs focus, and leave a review with one takeaway you'll implement this week. What will you repurpose first?Connect with Lorraine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/Websites : lorraineball.com (Personal)morethanafewwords.com (Company)Support the showGot a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:askcarl@carlspeaks.caIf you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/get-started/Never miss an episode! Subscribe wherever you get your podcast by clicking here:https://communicationconnectioncommunity.buzzsprout.comFollow us on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-solutions-made-simpleFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/Follow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/podcastlaunchmadesimpleFollow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/carlrichards72

How do you establish meaningful milestones in your business? For years I treated my business plan like a glorified spreadsheet, a place to park projections and hope the numbers magically pointed me in the right direction. It took me longer than I care to admit to realize a plan without milestones is a lot like taking a road trip without those familiar green highway signs. You may get somewhere eventually, but you will spend a lot of time wondering if you missed your exit three miles back. The trick is to start with honest, challenging and absolutely measurable goals. I learned this the hard way. In one of my earliest ventures, I confidently announced we were going to grow. That was it. Just grow. Predictably, no one knew what that meant, least of all me. Was I talking about five new clients or fifty? Without specifics, we drifted instead of charging ahead. Once I began treating my goals like real mile markers, things changed. I set targets I could count, track, and celebrate. I tied them to timelines that forced me to make decisions instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Suddenly the business plan felt less like homework and more like a map with clear directions and a few helpful rest stops along the way. Those measurable markers shape your timelines, clarify who is responsible for what, and give your budget a backbone. They turn vague intentions into a plan you can follow. So here is my question for you. How do you set milestones that keep your business moving in the right direction?  

Welcome to 2026. This week is exciting for a lot of reasons. It's the beginning of a new year, which means I get to close the book on last year and start fresh.  I will be bringing along what worked and letting go of what didn't. This week is also special because on January 7, I'll be marking a big milestone: the 16th anniversary of this podcast. It's kind of hard to believe I've been talking that long, but my mother would not be surprised. She always said I was born talking. While the show has gone through plenty of iterations, one thing has stayed consistent, a focus on creating great marketing insights for marketing professionals. I've changed formats over the years, but in the last few, I've settled into a rhythm that really works. That said, after 15 years of talking about marketing, I'll admit I was getting a little bored with just the tech and the tools and the tools and the tech. So last year, I launched a series called What Went Wrong, where I interviewed marketing professionals about campaigns and programs that didn't turn out quite the way they hoped. Those candid conversations became some of the most popular episodes last year, and What Went Wrong will absolutely continue in 2026. I'm also taking More Than a Few Words out of the studio this year with some in-person interviews, and I'm even working on a local podcaster conference here in Indianapolis. More details on that soon. I'm really looking forward to connecting with my audience in new ways, and one of my favorite tools for that is SpeakPipe. You can head over to morethanafewwords.com/contact to drop me a note or record a one-minute message. I'm hoping to include some of those messages in episodes throughout 2026. There's more to come, so stay tuned.

We all have closet bullies. Those are clothes that don't fit, don't flatter, or just don't feel right anymore. But we hang on to them anyway, hoping someday they'll magically work. Every time we open the closet, there they are, reminding us of money wasted or goals unmet. Turns out, my marketing to-do list had a few bullies of its own. Projects I meant to start. Brilliant ideas that just never made it off the page. Every time I saw them, I felt a little guilty. So I did what I did with my closet, I cleaned house. Some ideas were great… for someone else's business. Off they went. Others? I pushed them a few months out, with a note to myself: if I'm still not ready then, it's time to let them go for good. And you know what? The minute I cleared out those marketing bullies, I felt lighter. I could actually see the projects that mattered — the ones that fit my business right now. Here's your takeaway: Clear the clutter. If an idea or project has been hanging around forever, either commit or cut it. Make room for what fits. When you drop the guilt and the “someday” tasks, you'll have the space — and the energy — for marketing that actually works. So, what's bullying your marketing list? Maybe it's time to tell it to hit the road. If you've enjoyed this conversation, if it's prompted an idea or a question, I'd love to hear from you. Hop over to https://morethanafewwords.com/contact.  Drop me a note or better yet, record a quick message. Maybe I'll even include in an upcoming show.  

Lorraine Ball is an Entrepreneur. Author. Professional speaker. Host of More than a Few Words. She spent decades in the trenches—building businesses, surviving boardrooms, and navigating marketing mayhem—so when she talks shop, it's from real-world experience, not recycled theory. Join my PodFather Podcast Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Start Your Own SKOOL Communityhttps://www.skool.com/signup?ref=c72a37fe832f49c584d7984db9e54b71 Join our Brain Fitness SKOOL Grouphttps://www.skool.com/brainfitness/about #podcasting #podmatch #LorraineBall====================Join Podmatch ⁠⁠ https://www.joinpodmatch.com/roy⁠Speaking Podcast Social Media / Coaching My Other Podcasts ⁠ https://bio.link/podcaster ⁠====================Bio of Lorraine BallAfter spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion to help small business owners succeed Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in workshops around the county, and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words. She brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.In her spare time, she loves to travel, and take photos.  What we Discussed: 0:00 Who is Lorraine Ball01:20 How did she Start a Podcast 15 years ago03:55 Why her show is now 10 mins06:00 Her Hosting Platforms that she used08:30 Using Ai for your Podcast10:03 Using Opis Clips for Reels11:30 Creating the Graphic for the Episode14:40 Early to Podcasting Late to Video16:00 Tube Buddy Vs VIDIQ18:25 What is the One thing to Explode my Podcast19:45 You can Re-upload Videos and get more downloads21:20 Ensure you put the Podcast on lots of Platforms22:35 You do not need to pay to add your RSS Feed to other Platforms24:00 We are Trying Substack for our Podcasts28:05 Using Facebook for your Podcast29:30 Do you Start your own Group or Participate31:30 Be Selective in the Groups and constantly clean it up32:30 Ensure you update your social med ia links quarterly35:00 Both the Host and Guest must Promote37:35 Series on What Went Wrong38:30 Having your Guests in a Book45:30 People charging a lot of money to be part of a book48:10 How does she organise her Podcasting week52:35 If you have PodFade you can release older shows How to Contact Lorraine Ballhttps://morethanafewwords.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/https://x.com/MTFWPodcasthttps://ph.pinterest.com/lorrainefballhttps://www.youtube.com/@MTFWPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/themtfwpodcast/___________________

Brands are personal. AI is not. So how do you use a tool that has no feelings, no experiences, and no voice of its own to help you build a brand that feels deeply personal and unmistakably you? It starts long before you ever open ChatGPT. Define Your Brand Before AI Touches It  Before you hand anything over to AI, take time to define your brand yourself. Ask: Who are my customers? What do they think about me now? What do I want them to say about me? That clarity becomes your North Star. Otherwise, you're just asking AI to aimlessly generate words without direction. Audit What the Internet Thinks  Once you know who you think you are, find out what the internet thinks you are. Instead of Googling your name or company like we used to, go to ChatGPT and ask: “What is the brand perception of [Your Name or Company]?” “What is [Brand] known for?” “What do people say about this brand online?” Then compare what comes back with your original vision. That's where the human part of branding kicks in. You have to decide: Do I adjust my message to match this audience, or do I refine my audience to match my message?  That's not a whim—it's a business decision. Know Who's Actually Buying  Forget what you want to be true. Who's actually opening their wallets? Sometimes your real buyers don't match your target persona or AI's assumptions. Analyze the overlap and decide: Who do I really want more of? Who do I actually have now? You can't market to everyone. Pick your lane.  Define Your Voice  Next, upload three pieces of your own writing—blog posts, service pages, whatever—to ChatGPT and ask: “If you were another AI tool writing for this brand, how would you describe this tone and voice?” That gives you a practical, data-driven description of your style—something you can reuse for consistency across content. Once you've defined both your customer persona and brand voice, everything you produce should be filtered through those two lenses.  Clarify Your Unique Value  Now get specific about what makes you different. Ask: What problem do I solve? What pain does my customer feel? Why do they come to me instead of someone else? You can even ask ChatGPT to analyze common pain points for your audience—but always check it against what your actual customers tell you. That becomes the foundation for your positioning statement—your internal compass for marketing, not a fluffy public mission statement. Analyze Competitors  Then, ask AI for a competitive analysis within your market or niche—set clear parameters like geography or audience size. Use that list to identify where you stand, what gaps you can fill, and how to differentiate. Test, Measure, Adjust  Finally, make changes slowly. Update your copy, tweak your visuals, and every few months, check: Am I attracting the right audience? Is engagement improving? Are leads getting better quality? That's how you use AI without losing yourself in the process.  REMEMBER:  You can't outsource identity—AI refines it, not defines it. Use AI as a mirror, not a mask. Always verify what AI says about your brand with real human data. Voice + audience clarity = consistent brand growth. Branding is evolution, not automation.

Do you remember marketing meetups? Not the polished, sponsor-filled kind. I mean the scrappy, “grab a coffee and chat” kind. No agenda. No name tags. Just people who geek out over marketing gathering to swap stories, ideas, and maybe a slice of pizza. Then  social media distracted us.  It was easier to post on Twitter and LinkedIn from the comfort of your bet then it was to get out of bed and come to a networking even . Then along came  COVID... well, it cleared the calendar completely. And somehow, we never bounced back… I missed those conversations. So I posted a note on LinkedIn and Instagram,  and an event on : “I'll be at my favorite coffee shop, Friday 3–5. Join me?” No RSVPs, no pressure. Just show up. I was prepared to sit outside enjoy my coffee and read my book, but ... at 3:05, someone showed up. An old friend, I hadn't seen since Covid, then along came someone who used to frequent the marketing meet ups.   And that was it.  The three of us, two hours, one fantastic conversation about work, marketing trends, life, and everything in between.  My two friends had never met, so the connection was a win.  Randy, was hoping to find a place to test his stand up comedy, and I got him hooked up.  And me, I learned a great way to use Chat GPT to improve my vacation planning.  So what did I learn with my little Marketing meetup experiment.   I probably need to invite more people directly and send a reminder the day before. But honestly? The magic wasn't in the headcount. It was in the connection. Will I do it again? Absolutely. Before it gets too cold to linger outside with a latte and good company. If you are in Indy, maybe you want to drop by and if it is too long, plan your meet up. Start small and have fun!

I had a conversation with Deanna Russo, LinkedIn pro and founder of Leverage Up, about one of those ideas that sounded great in theory—but fizzled out in practice. Her LinkedIn group community was supposed to be the perfect extension of her one-on-one coaching work. But in the end, it didn't quite land the way she hoped. Deanna built a network of over 30,000 followers on LinkedIn, so she knows a thing or two about creating connection. But even with that experience, launching a paid online community turned out to be harder than expected. She tried different formats. Played with cadence. Offered recordings. Bundled it with coaching. Unbundled it. But the reality was clear: the group wasn't growing, and more and more people kept asking for one-on-one support. Sometimes, the business speaks for itself. And it's not saying “try harder”—it's saying “try something else.”   Key Takeaways from Deanna's Story If it's not growing, it's not working. Pay attention to where your customers naturally gravitate. If one offer is thriving while another flounders, don't split your energy trying to force both to succeed. Running a community is a full-time job. You need structure, support, and likely a second set of hands. A community isn't just a cheaper version of coaching—it's a different product entirely. Be careful with “easy yes” pricing. A low price point can feel generous, but if people can get similar content elsewhere for free, you're training them to overlook the value you bring. Don't confuse content with connection. Just because people watch, read, or listen doesn't mean they're ready to join or engage. Broadcasting and building community are not the same thing. You can walk away and still win. Deanna's weekly LinkedIn Audio show gave her visibility—but when it became more burden than benefit, she stepped back. That created space for what's working now: one-on-one coaching and organic LinkedIn engagement that's deeply human. More than a Few Words is a marketing podcast for marketing pros and beginners, who are building businesses, leading brands, and doing it all without the marketing BS. Hosted by Lorraine Ball, each episode is a quick hit of practical advice, candid conversations, and marketing truth bombs from pros who've been there. No hype. No hustle culture. Just smart ideas you can actually use — whether you're running a business from your kitchen table or corner office. Subscribe for new episodes, expert interviews, and marketing tips with just the right mix of sass and strategy. Visit https://morethanafewwords.com for more resources and downloads Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn

I am going to start this marketing monologue with a story.  I'm going to start with a story. I was about four years old and I went into a bakery with my dad. And while he was ordering breads and pastries, I was standing there looking in the glass counter at these beautiful pastries. Eventually, my dad looked down and he says, Lanie, do you want one? Yes, Daddy. So the woman reaches behind the counter and she gets me a Charlotte Russe. Now, if you're not from New York, you may not know what a Charlotte Russe pastry is. It's a little piece of pound cake stuffed inside a tube about the size of a toilet paper roll filled with whipped cream. And then on the very top, there's a cherry. She hands it to me, and I say thank you—because I was a very polite child. I ate the cherry off the top and as we were leaving, the pastry falls to the ground. Before I had a chance to say anything, the woman came running out from behind the counter and said, Don't cry, sweetie, I'll get you another one. Lanie, do you want another one? Yes, Daddy. And so the woman gave me another pastry. This time, as we were leaving, I ate the cherry off the top, and—yep—you guessed it. I dropped the pastry on the floor. Why did you do that? my father asked. And I probably should mention right about now that my dad was not a patient person. I said, I only wanted the cherry. What we had was a failure to communicate. My dad was talking about pastries. I was talking about cherries. Anyone who has spent time with children knows this feeling—talking about something and realizing halfway through the child has no idea what you mean. That's because children come into a conversation with a smaller worldview. They don't have the same vocabulary, experience, or context. So they focus on the parts that make sense and miss the bigger picture. But here's the thing: adults do the exact same thing. Every networking event, every pitch, every sales call—people nod politely while you talk about your process, your platform, or your proprietary system… but if you're not speaking their language, they check out. They're thinking about their next meeting. Or dinner. Or pastries. So how do you keep them with you? How do you connect, especially when your work is a little technical or complex? Here's how: 1. Simplify your message. Strip out the jargon. Ditch the 12-step framework. Lead with the cherry—the one irresistible thing you know they'll understand and care about. 2. Use familiar comparisons. Find a metaphor, an analogy, something from their world. Talk about what you do the way you'd explain it to a 10-year-old—without being condescending. Just clear. 3. Test your message before the real thing. Before your next networking event or client meeting, practice explaining what you do to a non-marketing friend. Or your kid. Or even out loud in the mirror. If you can't make it land simply, it's too complicated. 4. Lead with benefits, not process. You help clients get more leads, increase visibility, or stop spinning their wheels online. That's what they want to hear. The platform, the tools, the magic—save that for later. 5. Watch for confused faces—and adjust. If someone looks puzzled or politely disengaged, pause. Ask a question. Reframe. Don't just keep steamrolling through your pitch. That's how pastries get dropped. The bottom line? If you want better conversations and better results :Say less. Make it clearer. Make it about them. And when you do, you just might walk away with more sales, more referrals… and the occasional cherry on top. If this sparked an idea or reminded you of your own “cherry on top” moment, I'd love to hear about it. Hit the “Let's Chat” button on all my social profiles or drop by morethanafewwords.com.

This week on Revenue Rehab, Brandi Starr is joined by Lorraine Ball, an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing leader. Together, they break down how Lorraine transformed a marketing department plagued by constant resignations and instability into a high-performing, fully retained team. They discuss Lorraine's decisive strategies, including team realignment, personalized work scheduling, and proactive leadership that delivered measurable savings and capacity gains. If you're looking for actionable ways to create aligned, resilient revenue teams, this episode is for you.  Revenue leaders who've been in the trenches share how they tackled real challenges—what worked, what didn't, and what you can apply to your own strategy. These episodes go beyond theory, breaking down real-world implementation stories with concrete examples, step-by-step insights, and measurable outcomes.  Bullet Points of Key Topics + Chapter Markers:  Topic #1: Diagnosing and Addressing Team Turnover Crisis [03:40]  Lorraine Ball shares how she inherited a department where “one person a week at least was quitting,” creating massive instability and high recruiting costs. She quickly identified the root cause as a culture treating employees as interchangeable parts. Lorraine's first step was to get to know individual team members and match roles to their strengths, directly tackling the source of ongoing resignations.  Topic #2: Implementing Flexible Work Structures for Creatives [09:29]  Recognizing that rigid schedules were a poor fit for her creative team, Lorraine sat down with groups and asked, “If you could set your working hours… tell me what works for you.” By introducing customized schedules based on team input, she increased productivity and morale while extending team coverage. Within 12 weeks, this shift played a decisive role in eliminating turnover and stabilizing departmental output.  Topic #3: Achieving Tangible Financial and Operational Gains [20:17]  Lorraine outlines clear metrics from her changes, noting, “We were probably spending about $10,000 a month on recruiting fees. So right off the bat, we were saving $100,000.” She further highlights how retention enabled the team to reduce marketing backorders from 300 to zero and freed up capacity to find new revenue opportunities, connecting people-focused change with direct business results.   Key Learning or Action Item  If you had it to do all over again, what's one thing you'd do differently? Lorraine said she would have involved her senior team leaders more in the beginning instead of tackling everything on her own. By engaging them earlier, she believes they could have solved problems and moved through challenges faster.  The Big Win  By rebuilding team structure and culture, Lorraine Ball reduced marketing department turnover from 100 percent annually to zero for 18 months, saving over $100K in recruiting costs and creating a team so efficient they had surplus capacity.  Links:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themtfwpodcast/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MTFWpodcast/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MTFWPodcast   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lorraine-Ball/author/B0C1J55B3H   Website: https://morethanafewwords.com/   Subscribe, listen, and rate/review Revenue Rehab Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts , Amazon Music, or iHeart Radio and find more episodes on our website RevenueRehab.live.

What Went Wrong: I Was Talking to the Wrong Audience After years of interviewing guests about their marketing mistakes, I decided it was time to turn the microphone on myself. This solo episode of More than a Few Words dives into one of my biggest missteps—fifteen years in the making. When I launched More than a Few Words, I imagined it as a smart marketing resource for small business owners. I was running a digital agency, working with contractors, lawyers, and local service pros. Naturally, I figured a podcast could attract more of them. The idea seemed solid. The conversations were interesting. The episodes were sharp and useful. But there was one little problem. My audience wasn't listening. Turns out, the folks I built the show for—the small business owners—weren't looking for deep dives into marketing trends or strategy debates. That's why they hired me in the first place. They wanted solutions, not theory. So even though the podcast was fun to make and attracted listeners, those listeners weren't potential clients. The show didn't generate leads. It didn't grow the business. It just... existed. What I'd Do Differently I wish I'd paused sooner to really look at who was tuning in. Because the people showing up every week weren't roofers or accountants—they were marketers. Women like me. Creative professionals building their own businesses, trying to balance their love of marketing with the pressure of proving it works. So I've finally stopped pretending this is a business podcast for business owners. More than a Few Words is for marketers. For the curious, the committed, and the occasionally overwhelmed. For the ones who love what they do, but still sometimes wonder if they're getting it right. It's a space for real conversations—not just highlight reels—and stories that show what happens when things go sideways. If that sounds like your kind of show, hit subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.     

How do you pack big ideas into a bite-sized podcast episode? Lorraine Ball reveals her secrets for creating powerful, engaging 10-minute shows your listeners will love. Learn to prep guests, tighten your content, and keep audiences hooked every time by tuning in!   WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why guest preparation is key to shorter episodes Effective tools for simplifying your editing workflow How to craft clear, concise podcast episodes The importance of prioritizing your audience's time Benefits of focusing on one clear takeaway per episode   RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED PodMatch Opus Clips Canva ChatGPT ABOUT LORRAINE BALL Lorraine Ball is an entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and marketing educator with more than 40 years of experience in both corporate and agency settings. After spending too many years in Corporate America, she left the bureaucracy, glass ceilings, and bad coffee to build and run her own marketing agency for 19 years before selling it, then followed her passion to help small business owners succeed. Today, she's the founder of Digital Toolbox and host of the bite-sized marketing podcast More than a Few Words, sharing creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience in workshops, college classrooms, and every episode. In her spare time, she loves to travel and capture photographs.   CONNECT WITH LORRAINE Website: Lorraine Ball | More than a Few Words  Podcast: More Than a Few Words | Apple Podcasts and Spotify Facebook: More than a Few Words Instagram: @themtfwpodcast YouTube: More than a Few Words  LinkedIn:  Lorraine Ball Amazon: Lorraine Ball CONNECT WITH US If you are interested in getting on our show, email us at team@growyourshow.com. Thinking about creating and growing your own podcast but not sure where to start? Click here and Schedule a call with Adam A. Adams! Subscribe so you don't miss out on great content and if you love the show, leave an honest rating and review here!

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful podcast that stands the test of time? Today, guest Lorraine Ball shares her extensive journey in podcasting, starting from her initial curiosity in 2009 to the evolution of her show, 'More Than a Few Words.' She discusses the challenges and changes in podcasting formats, the importance of technology, and the dynamics of co-hosting. Lorraine emphasizes the significance of communication, the art of being a good guest, and the value of reusing content effectively to reach a broader audience. This week, episode 204 of Podcasting Unlocked is about podcasting strategies and tips! Entrepreneur, author, professional speaker, and host of More than a Few Words, Lorraine brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation. Leaning on her experience as a business owner and former corporate executive, she delivers solid, usable content in a style that will motivate your audience to action.In this episode of Podcasting Unlocked, Lorraine Ball is sharing the importance of clear communication between guests and hosts and actionable steps you can take right now to repurpose your content to reach new audiences. Lorraine and I also chat about the following: Understanding the right podcasting format for you by trying new things.The dynamics and challenges of co-hosted shows.Tips for being a good podcast guest.Collaborating with guests to create meaningful conversations.Don't forget to head over to https://morethanafewwords.com/ to access Lorraine's podcast, resources, and more!Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on turning your podcast listeners into leads and to hear even more about the points outlined above. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Podcasting Unlocked at https://galatimedia.com/podcasting-unlocked/ CONNECT WITH LORRAINE BALL:LinkedInMore Than a Few WordsInstagramCONNECT WITH ALESIA GALATI:InstagramLinkedInWork with Galati Media! Work with Alesia 1:1Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Selling a business wasn't part of Lorraine Ball's original plan. But after nearly two decades of running her marketing agency, Roundpeg, she knew it was time for a change.Rather than walking away entirely, Lorraine kept the pieces she loved — her podcast, “More Than a Few Words”, and her consulting work — while selling the rest. “The day you start [your business], you need to think about your exit,” she says on Be A Marketer. “You want to build a business that someone will want to buy.”On this episode of Be A Marketer, host Dave Charest sits down with Lorraine to explore the key lessons she's learned along the way. She shares why answering customer questions is one of the most effective ways to improve marketing, how business owners should plan for their exit strategy from day one, and why automation is essential for filtering and prioritizing leads.As a longtime Constant Contact Partner, Lorraine also dives into how marketing automation and email segmentation have helped her streamline her efforts, engage her audience more effectively, and deliver personalized experiences that drive results.Additional Resources:Email Marketing Automation SoftwareClick Segmentation FeatureConstant Contact IntegrationsConstant Contact Partner ProgramsMeet Today's Guest: Lorraine Ball of More Than a Few Words☕ What she does: Lorraine is a marketing strategist, Constant Contact Partner, and host of the More Than a Few Words podcast. After nearly two decades running her agency, Roundpeg, she transitioned into consulting, helping businesses refine their marketing strategies and improve their results.

In this eye-opening episode, successful agency owner Lorraine Ball reveals why she deliberately kept her business small for 19 years - and how that decision led to a profitable exit. Learn why the common "grow or die" mentality might be killing your business, and discover how staying small can actually increase your profitability and freedom. Perfect for entrepreneurs feeling pressured to scale, this episode challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical strategies for building a more valuable, systematic business without sacrificing your life in the process. https://DarkHorseSchooling.com/Newsletter

Meet Lorraine BallAfter spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion to help small business owners succeed.Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words.She brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.Highlights00:00 Welcome to the Social Capital Podcast01:12 Introducing Today's Guest: Lorraine Ball02:11 Three Essential Marketing Questions04:00 Classifying Your Competitors07:19 Aligning Objectives with Marketing Tactics11:07 Advice to My 20-Year-Old Self12:32 Host Interview and Final Thoughts15:30 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationGiveawayRandom Strangers to Raving FansThis self-paced program explains how to step prospects through your sales funnel, converting random strangers into raving fans.Connect with LorraineMore than a Few WordsLinkedIn

I've noticed lately that no matter what social platform I'm on there is lots of video.  There are video shorts and more video and more video. Obviously it's being driven by the rise of TikTok as every other platform is trying to get in on that short format and the shorts are great. They get a lot of engagement. And so it becomes a little addictive. The more you do, the more engagement you get ...  until you don't.  I have noticed everybody is doing it and all the video looks alike. So we are starting to see a little bit of video fatigue setting in. I've always been one to recommend going against the grain, but I'm not telling you to stop doing video. Clearly,  I'm doing video, but  I want you to do is mix it up. Start dropping more long form content into social media articles, for example longer introductions to your video. Then do something else. Take the extra five minutes, to edit your video into Canva or some other editing tool to put a distinctive frame around it. Make your video look different and avoid the fatigue. If you need a little help or some suggestions let's chat  - https://morethanafewwords.com/office-hours/   If you've enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

After spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings, and bad coffee to follow her passion for helping small business owners succeed. Today, this successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms, and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words.00:00 - 00:16 "I have often heard people say, well, I have these two communities and I will tell you that if you have two distinct communities, two totally different worlds that can use your product, that's fine. But each campaign needs to attract one.” — Lorraine Ball00:17 - 00:35 Welcome to Peppershock Media's Marketing Expedition Podcast00:36 - 01:35 Lorraine's Background01:36 - 09:45 Marketing Essentials Moment: Rise of Video Marketing09:46 - 12:05 Lorraine, welcome to the show!12:06 - 14:00 Three Key Elements for a Marketing Plan14:01 - 15:39 Identifying Your Customer15:40 - 17:39 Understanding Your Competitors17:40 - 20:11 Defining Your Marketing Objectives20:12 - 28:24 Success Story28:25 - 29:10 How do you know if your business is keeping up with all the tools, tips, and trends that will keep your marketing on the cutting edge? Join us Thursday, January 16th, 2025 for our annual interactive workshop, New Marketing Trends for the New Year!29:11 - 36:00 Encouraging User Engagement and Content Creation36:01 - 39:00 The Power of Contests for User-Generated Content39:01 - 42:02 Understanding Zero Click Strategies42:03 - 44:39 Creating Engaging Short-Form Content44:40 - 50:58 The Importance of Direct Messaging for Links50:59 - 55:24 Advice for Students Entering the Workforce55:25 - 55:49 How to connect with Lorraine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/)55:50 - 56:37 Thank you so much, Lorraine! Share this podcast, give us a review, and enjoy your marketing journey!56:38 – 57:23 Join The Marketing Expedition Community today! - themarketingexpedition.com#MarketingPodcast #CustomerInsights #TargetAudience #CustomerFocus #ZeroClickSearches #SocialMediaMarketing #NicheMarketing #FreshMarketingStrategy #MarketingTips #MarketingExpert #VideoMarketing #MarketingJourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you pricing your products or services with confidence and clarity? If not, you may be missing out on growth opportunities and profitability.In this Live With The Pricing Lady episode, I sit down with the talented Lorraine Ball—marketer, business consultant, and entrepreneur—to explore how strategic pricing can transform a business. Together, we delve into what it means to price confidently, understand the market, and communicate true customer value.Lorraine shares her journey from the corporate world to running her own business, detailing how she refined her pricing models and strategies for better results. This conversation is packed with practical advice on setting prices that resonate with your customers and drive your business forward.Tune in to uncover actionable insights that could help you make better pricing decisions today.About this Episode's GuestMeet today's guest, Lorraine Ball, a passionate marketing strategist and founder of MTFW, LLC. After years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to bureaucracy, glass ceilings, and (as she likes to say) bad coffee, to pursue her true calling—helping small business owners succeed. Today, she's a successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker who shares her vast marketing knowledge with business owners across the country.Join us in this episode as we dive into Lorraine's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and explore her unique, practical approach to marketing.Recommended book:Made to Stick by Chip and Dan HeathHow to Reach Lorraine:LinkedIn: https://morethanafewwords.com/Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/What to Listen out for:02:39 Lorraine's Background and Superpowers07:38 The Importance of Pricing Strategy14:20 Challenges in Pricing and Overcoming Them20:39 Understanding Your Market and Customer24:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways*********Reach Out, Connect or Book a Call with JaneneGet started improving your business. Sometimes it's difficult to know where to begin. I suggest you Download the the self assessment Pricing Scorecard (www.thepricinglady.com/pricing-scorecard). Get a view of what's working and what's not working when it comes to pricing in your business. Figure out where to start making improvements.Get in touch with Janene. If you've got a question that needs answering, a challenge you're facing or you have suggestions for future topics or guests, let me know. Contact Janene (https://thepricinglady.com/contact/)Transform your business and life. My business is about helping you build a better business. One that's profitable and where you can confidently charge for the value you deliver. Let's see how we can work together. 

If you're seeking practical marketing advice from someone with real-world experience, Lorraine Ball is here to help. With decades of expertise in both corporate and small business marketing, she assists business owners in cutting through the noise and evaluating their current marketing strategies to create actionable, realistic plans. If your marketing efforts feel stuck, book a working session with Lorraine for an unbiased assessment of your website, social media, content marketing, or email campaigns. She'll help you outline a sustainable strategy and evaluate options for your next business move. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/

One of the questions that I get asked on a regular basis is, what's the best marketing platform? Where should I be spending my limited marketing dollars and time? And every time I hear that question, I think about something my boss said to me way back in my corporate days. Rick told me  a mediocre idea executed well would outperform a brilliant one executed poorly every single time. And I really took that message to heart.  It has been the basis of my marketing through my whole career.  So my advice to you as you're trying to find that one perfect platform, stop! Stop looking for the one perfect marketing venue and instead find one thing to execute perfectly. Looking for some help on developing your execution plan? Give me a buzz. I'd love to work with you.  https://morethanafewwords.com/office-hours/  

Wouldn't it be nice if we all just got along. That might seem like a good idea but it really isn't. You can't eliminate conflict completely. and you shouldn't. Well-managed conflict actually cultivates discussions and create opportunities to uncover new and innovative solutions. Accept conflict as a natural part of your relationship with employees and with all of the people in your life. It isn't necessarily good or bad.  It can be very healthy if the conflict occurs when people have different ideas on how to solve a problem and they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. The conflict resolution process leads to open and honest conversations often about more than just the issue on the table. It can be messy and it might take time to work through some of the conflicts but the end result is going to be a great solution.   If you've enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

Join us in this insightful episode with Lorraine Ball, a seasoned marketing strategist, as she shares her journey from corporate life to running and selling a successful digital marketing agency. Lorraine discusses the importance of understanding your customer, identifying competitors, and setting clear business objectives. Learn how to build a business that can run independently and ultimately be sold, while also creating a sustainable revenue model. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to scale and sell their business effectively. To connect with Lorraine, visit her website: https://www.morethanafewwords.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 Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx 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 our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 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 Thank you to our advertisers on Spotify. Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2024 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support

What do you want people to say about you when you're not in the room. What do you want them to tell people. who are looking for someone who does what you do? All of those comments add up to your personal brand. Now a lot of business owners are under the misconception that somehow they control their brand. But they don't. Your brand is something that exists in the mind of your customers.  All you can do is influence it with your marketing messages and your actions and over time you will create a brand representative of who you are. Looking for more resources on branding and positioning?  Start with the position statement workbook 

The Importance of Marketing in PodcastingIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show," host Josh Elledge interviewed Lorraine Ball, a seasoned podcast host, marketing strategist, and the founder of "More Than a Few Words." Their discussion explored the nuances of podcast marketing, industry trends, and practical strategies for businesses aiming to boost their marketing efforts. This blog post will distill the key insights and tips shared by Lorraine Ball, offering a comprehensive guide for podcasters and marketers alike.Lorraine emphasized the critical importance of understanding your audience as a foundation for any successful podcast marketing strategy. Conducting audience research through surveys, social media polls, and analytics tools can help gather data on your audience's demographics, interests, and listening habits. Building a strong, recognizable brand for your podcast is also essential. This involves developing a unique value proposition and ensuring consistent branding elements like podcast artwork, intro music, and episode format align with your brand identity.Lorraine discussed leveraging social media and the rise of video content as powerful tools for promoting podcasts. Tailoring content for each social media platform and engaging with your audience through comments, discussions, and interactive content like polls and Q&A sessions can significantly boost your reach. Additionally, incorporating video by recording video versions of episodes and creating short clips for social media can increase engagement. Lorraine also highlighted the importance of SEO for podcasts and email marketing, suggesting keyword research, providing transcriptions, building an email list, and sending regular newsletters to keep your audience engaged.About Lorraine Ball:After spending too many years in Corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to the bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion helping small business owners succeed. As an entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, she shares what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms and in her weekly podcast More than a Few Words. Every conversation is filled with creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience. About More Than A Few Words Podcast:It started as a conversation with friends. When someone would drop by the office, I would pull out my iPhone and record a bit of banter. From those first, informal interactions with local marketing professionals, authors, and entrepreneurs, More than a Few Words, a marketing podcast was born.Over the last fourteen years, there have been conversations with marketing celebrities, professionals and business owners like you. There were some laughs and lots of good information along the way. Today, the ten-minute conversations are heard by business owners around the world looking for practical tips and a little bit of marketing inspiration.And now, there is a book. More than a Few Written Words is extension of those conversations with some of my favorites guests from around the globe, sharing their expertise in a new format. I hope you enjoy reading this essay collection as much as I enjoyed assembling it. 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 Lorraine Ball at https://morethanafewwords.com/host-lorraine-ball/Check out Lorraine Ball on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/Don't forget to...

I love email .  It is not that I love getting email in my inbox. But I love email as a marketing tool.  There are a lot of people who say things like "email doesn't work" or "it's passe"  They argue there are all sorts of other tools. you can use that are so much more effective. Well,  I agree,  other tools do exist, but there are some things email does better than any other tool.  When I have permission to send you  an email we have an interaction that is one on one in your inbox.  There are no distractions. Even if it's only a few seconds I'm the only thing you're paying attention to. People open emails every single day.  They may ignore social media, taking a break from Tik Tok but too much of their life is still wrapped up in their email . So if you've got a marketing message. You need to be thinking about delivering it in an email. If you've enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might've missed and other resources for your business :  https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

So today's marketing minute is a bit of a rant. Every day people reach out to me on LinkedIn, offering to help me grow my business. I'm sure they genuinely believe (not) they can help me. I'm just not interested. Don't get me wrong, it isn't because I think I am the leading authority on every subject and have nothing else to learn. I object to their sales process, targeting anyone with a key word in their bio. Don't be someone I will hate!  Before you reach out and offer your services to me or anyone else on LinkedIn look at my career path and my experience. Consider where I am on my journey to make sure you are offering a relevant solution. That will make your marketing efforts more productive. I've been podcasting for 15 years and I have released one thousand episodes. I don't need tips on how to start or promote a podcast. If I haven't figured it out by now, I never will. Ask questions about what I'm working on or struggling with before you dive in with your solution. I ran a digital agency for 19 years, so your five years of experience does not impress me.  And I sold three years ago, so I don't need your lead generation, or while label services for my clients.  Your books and training courses all sound fabulous (maybe not) but I have been teaching marketing to college students and business owners for more than 30 years. So, no,  I don't need a free pass to your introduction to marketing workshop.  Your solution is not for everyone. That's ok. Find people who fit the profile of a typical buyer and approach them. Don't waste your time, creating less than great impressions on the wrong people. Not sure how to find your ideal client? Well I can help that!

Laura Templeton dropped by for a conversation about using AI to build your brand. , an author and international speaker, discusses using AI to build your brand with Lorraine Ball. At first, the idea might sound a bit out there, but Laura dives into how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can be customized to reflect your brand's voice and values. Laura explains the concept of "custom instructions" in ChatGPT, where you can teach it about your brand, your audience, and your preferred tone. She likens it to teaching a child; it takes patience and guidance to get it right so the tone doesn't feel stiff or overly casual. With practice and clear feedback, ChatGPT can generate valuable content for various purposes, such as website copy, social media posts, blogs, and lead magnets. Laura stresses the importance of reviewing and editing the generated content to ensure it aligns with your brand's message and style. The conversation also touches on SEO concerns, with Laura reassuring that ChatGPT can be beneficial for SEO as it understands your brand's keywords and can incorporate them naturally into the content it generates. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out my other chat with Laura - BETTER NETWORKING RESULTS

On episode #218 of The Author Factor Podcast I am having a conversation with Lorraine Ball, an entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker with 4 books to her name, including The Science of Marketing. Lorraine has dedicated her career to demystifying marketing for the everyday entrepreneur. Lorraine's impact is tangible and inspiring. From her early struggles with imposter syndrome to confidently offering her book as a testament to her expertise, she has exemplified the power of leveraging authorship in business. Lorraine's approach to using her book as a conversation starter and credibility builder serves as a valuable strategy for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their authority.During our conversation, Lorraine shared the significance of understanding the purpose behind writing a book and the strategies for using it to open doors for speaking engagements and attract prospective clients. Her insights on promotional tips, including the idea of sharing book chapters as podcast episodes, offer practical guidance for new authors.Learn more about Lorraine Ball  by visiting MoreThanaFewWords.com.For more details about our short, helpful book publishing program, visit BiteSizedBooks.com.

Join us as Lorraine Ball tackles the age-old question: Is email marketing dying?With her wealth of experience and keen insights, she breaks down common myths surrounding email marketing and reveals the value it continues to offer in today's digital landscape.We also explore the concept of repurposing content for email marketing, uncovering innovative strategies for repackaging existing content to engage with your audience on a deeper level.Lorraine's practical advice and real-world examples offer actionable insights for enhancing your email marketing strategy and driving meaningful results.Tune in to this enlightening episode of Digital Journey to gain exclusive access to Lorraine Ball's expert guidance on email marketing. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Lorraine's wisdom is sure to inspire and empower you to elevate your email marketing game and achieve unparalleled success.You can reach out to Lorraine at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineball/or listen to her podcast "More than a Few Words"Support the show

Unlock the secrets to successful marketing with Lorraine Ball on the Find Your Leadership Confidence Podcast!

Welcome back to the Inner Edision podcast. In today's episode, we have a special guest, renowned marketing expert, Lorraine Ball. We delve into an engaging conversation about the balance of AI and human input in content creation, with Lorraine revealing how she uses Chat GPT to jump-start her creative process. Lorraine's journey from corporate America to launching her own agency provides fascinating insight and might serve as an inspiration for those dreaming of walking a similar path. We explore the personality traits entrepreneurs often share and the candid reality of business failures, including some of Lorraine's own. We will address the process of evaluating business direction, where we discuss Lorraine and Ed's respective experiences with their podcasts and how those ventures have contributed to their current businesses. Stay tuned as we dive into Lorraine's teaching background, her unique approach to marketing, and the lessons she's learned from her career. Do not miss this fun and enlightening conversation. So without further ado, let's get started. Follow Ed on all social media outlets @EdParcaut Need more information? Please visit https://www.edparcaut.com #InnerEditionPodcast #LorraineBall #EdParcaut #Entrepreneurship #AIContentCreation #GPTChat #BusinessFailures #PivotingBusiness #PublicSpeaking #MarketingStrategies #MisfitToys #CulturalReferences #PersonalInteraction #LearningFromMistakes #MoreThanAFewWords

Do you struggle with marketing? You know you have great ideas but you can't implement them the way you want them.  In this episode, Jaryd Krause invites Lorraine Ball and she will share her insights on marketing so you can grow your business and generate profits.  Lorraine transitioned from a corporate career to pursue her passion for helping small business owners. As an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker, she shares her marketing expertise through presentations, college lectures, and her podcast, "More than a Few Words." Lorraine's insights are rooted in creativity, practicality, and extensive real-world experience. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys photography and traveling in her spare time. In this interesting conversation, they delve into the best content marketing strategies. The difference between old school traditional marketing and digital marketing The two most important things the best marketers focus on And why is focusing on those two things in their business and marketing what gets them the maximum amount of profit? They also discussed how using other people's content can make you more money in your business. Paid marketing vs. content marketing, which one should you go for? Lastly, Lorraine will also share stories of businesses she's worked with and how they've collected a lot of business from giveaways and competitions. Do you want to be a great marketer? Then, this episode is perfect for you! Start watching this video and learn valuable marketing insights.     Episode Highlights 07:06 What do the best marketers have in common? 12:09 How can digital marketers survive adversity? 20:36 How do you measure their total ROI and cost of content marketing?  25:36 Social Media Marketing vs. Content Marketing 28:26 Things that the best marketers are doing right 40:00 Building human connection is very important for a marketer. Key Takeaways ➥ "Customer-centricity" is a fundamental concept in marketing that means putting the customer at the center of all business decisions and strategies. Successful marketers prioritize customer-centricity by understanding and addressing the specific needs, preferences, and problems of their target audience or customers. ➥ It is important to understand where customers are in their buyer's journey and the value of conversions over high click-through rates. Lorraine emphasizes the need to consider the entire customer journey, from initial engagement to conversion, and to focus on metrics like open rates, engagement rates, and customer acquisition. ➥ People often forget to factor in the costs of content marketing when measuring the return on investment (ROI) of paid advertising campaigns. Lorraine discusses the opportunity cost of spending time on content creation instead of directly selling and suggests that content marketing should be tracked as an expense. About The Guest After spending too many years in corporate America, Lorraine said goodbye to bureaucracy, glass ceilings and bad coffee to follow her passion to help small business owners succeed. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker who enjoys sharing what she knows about marketing in presentations to groups around the county, in college classrooms and in her weekly podcast, More than a Few Words.She brings creative ideas, practical tips, and decades of real-world experience to every conversation.In her spare time, she loves to travel and take photos.     Connect with Lorraine Ball  ➥ Podcast - https://morethanafewwords.com ➥ Amazon Author Page - https://bit.ly/LorraineBallAuthor ➥ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MTFWPodcast   Resource Links ➥ BOB SEO service - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/seo-services/ ➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com ➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/ ➥ Market Muse (Content Marketing Software) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3X0jZiD ➥ Page Optimizer Pro (SEO tool for optimizing web pages) - https://bit.ly/3wQCzin *This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast episode of "More than a Few Words," host Lorraine Ball interviews Geoffrey Klein, a story expert, TEDx speaker, and content producer, about creating captivating content. Klein's new book, "The Content Beast," serves as a guide to crafting remarkable content. The conversation revolves around the challenge of making content stand out and the art of storytelling. Klein suggests that a key element of compelling content is understanding and catering to the audience. He introduces the concept of the "eleventh commandment": knowing your audience. Instead of making content solely about oneself or the business, it should be geared towards the audience's needs, interests, and pain points. Klein proposes a simple yet powerful storytelling structure called the "Story Pad," which includes the elements of Pain (beginning), Answer (middle), and Difference (end). By identifying the audience's problems, offering solutions, and illustrating the transformative impact of those solutions, content can resonate more effectively. The podcast emphasizes that effective content creation involves understanding your target audience's pain points, delivering relevant solutions, and highlighting the positive change that comes from using your product or service. Klein emphasizes that storytelling is a powerful tool for engagement, urging content creators to avoid self-aggrandizement and focus instead on relatable, audience-centered narratives. This approach can help content stand out and truly connect with the hearts and minds of the intended audience. Look for Geoff's new book: 

Welcome to the Evolvepreneur (After Hours) Show I am your Special Host Mechelle McDonald Join me today where we dig deep with our guests and get you the best concepts and strategies to fast-track your business. My very special guest today is Lorraine Ball ... Lorraine Ball discussed her career journey, from teaching English in Israel after college to starting and eventually selling her own marketing business. A highlight was how she learned the importance of regularly evaluating her business to improve processes and prepare it for a potential sale. This included recognizing which parts only had value to her personally versus what could continue without her. The conversation provided valuable lessons on building a sustainable business and having an exit strategy in place.

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered what it takes to lead a team effectively while also championing innovation? Well, in our latest episode, William had a conversation with Lorraine Ball, a powerhouse entrepreneur, podcast host, and speaker who has some compelling insights to share on leadership. We discussed her personal journey to leadership, emphasizing the critical role of leaders as 'protectors' and 'resource providers' for their teams. Lorraine brought in her unique perspective on how to foster an environment where creativity thrives and risk-taking is embraced, not feared.From Lorraine's leadership prowess to her masterful marketing strategies, the second part of our conversation will make you rethink the way you approach marketing. We explored the untapped potential of user-generated content and the magic it can weave in propelling business growth. Lorraine dished out some brilliant examples and creative ideas on how to leverage this tactic effectively. But the learning didn't stop there. We also delved into the power of email marketing and the importance of a clean list. Plus, we discussed how LinkedIn's Creator mode can be a game-changer for professionals and how transparency can be used as a tool to understand a business better. Listen in for a whirlwind ride through leadership and marketing strategies that could very well be the key to your business success!Digital Toolbox is an online marketing community for business owners.  Filled with tools, tips, training programs, and real-time discussions you will find the answers to all your digital marketing questions.  So, if you are interested in taking a do-it-yourself approach to digital marketing or you simply want to be knowledgeable enough to ask the right questions before hiring a professional, become a member today.  Head over to https://digitaltoolbox.club/digital-marketing-tools/Support the Show.Join Dr. William Attaway on the Catalytic Leadership podcast as he shares transformative insights to help high-performance entrepreneurs and agency owners achieve Clear-Minded Focus, Calm Control, and Confidence. Free 30-Minute Discovery Call:Ready to elevate your business? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Dr. William Attaway and start your journey to success. Special Offer:Get your FREE copy of Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference. Connect with Dr. William Attaway: Website LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube

Like many business owners I defined myself as the founder of my company, Roundpeg.  Lorraine Ball and Roundpeg were intricately linked.  The fact that the business was originally an outgrowth of my personality got lost along the way. I became an outgrowth of the business.  That was fine for 20 years until I sold Roundpeg. Suddenly that cornerstone of my brand was gone. So I've spent the last two years realigning, adjusting and figuring out who I am and what my brand is. The funny thing is that I have come to the conclusion that who I was when all of this started is exactly who I am today. My brand is the sum total of what I know about marketing and what I've done as a marketing professional over of these years. This is a lesson for every business owner.  Never lose sight of the that you are your brand.