UNF*DGE Your Marketing
The podcast where we talk about what really happens when marketing doesn’t go according to plan.
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Type of Interview
Cut the Noise – Practical Tips for Attention-Grabbing Messaging
EPISODE 107
This conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Emily Aborn centers on what to do and NOT to do when fighting for your audience’s attention in a noisy world. Learn why clarity, energy, and authenticity are essential for engaging messaging, and discover practical strategies for crafting focused content that keeps people coming back. If you’ve struggled to keep your audience engaged or wondered how to stand out amidst constant digital noise, you’ll find actionable tips and relatable stories in this episode.
From FOMO to Focus: How to Use AI Intentionally in Your Business
EPISODE 106
Explore the real-world challenges of integrating AI into marketing strategies and why a thoughtful approach matters more than ever. This conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Marisa Cali focuses on business owners rushing to adopt new AI tools without assessing alignment or having a clear strategy, leading to a sea of sameness and lost authenticity. Discover why slowing down, staying mindful of your brand’s identity, and blending human expertise with AI tools creates better, more sustainable results. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by pressure to implement the latest tech trends, these honest lessons will help.
From Overwhelm to Organized: Small Business Marketing Lessons
EPISODE 105:
If marketing your business feels overwhelming and unpredictable, this conversation is for you! Hear candid lessons from Meg Tyo, a social worker and photographer, on overcoming the chaos of “winging it,” building sustainable marketing routines, and staying visible even when motivation is low. This conversation focuses on how planning, clarity, and realistic expectations can make marketing less stressful and more effective - even if you don’t have a traditional business background. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep showing up when you’re juggling multiple roles, you’ll find practical tips for finding consistency and permission to focus on what works for you.
How Losing a Dream Client Fueled a Major Marketing Shift
Episode 104
Discover the challenges of building a personal brand while working under another company’s umbrella, and learn how to overcome the common pitfalls of relying on someone else’s marketing presence. This conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Ali Raymer focuses on the journey from being “just a photo on a website” to building a bold, authentic brand that attracts the right clients. Kristi and Ali discuss developing content strategy, finding your ideal audience, and embracing resilience when marketing doesn’t go as planned. If you’re navigating your own brand clarity, feeling boxed in by someone else’s brand, or ready to take ownership of your marketing, you’ll find valuable lessons in this conversation.
Speed to Lead: The Overlooked Secret to Closing More Sales
Episode 103
Discover the crucial lesson of "speed to lead" as this conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Abi Asija focuses on how responding quickly to new leads can make or break sales opportunities. Hear about the impact of rapid follow-up, the costly mistake of missed connections, and why trust is built through timely communication. The discussion explores actionable strategies for service businesses to increase show-up rates, build stronger customer relationships, and boost revenue through improved response times. Perfect for business owners ready to optimize their sales process and avoid common pitfalls.
Failing Forward: How a Workshop Flop Fueled Better Marketing
Episode 102
Join Kristi Mitchell and Ron Klinger as they explore what happens when marketing an event doesn’t go as planned. Ron Klinger shares candid lessons from a recent workshop promotion, discussing the pitfalls of relying too much on existing relationships, the importance of audience feedback, and how timing can make or break your marketing efforts. Discover practical strategies for learning from marketing missteps and moving forward with a growth mindset.
Why Most SEO Investments Fail and How to Fix It
Episode 101
Learn about the critical importance of foundational marketing before investing in SEO. This conversation focuses on common mistakes business owners make, such as trying to drive traffic to a website that isn't ready to convert and not having a clear understanding of their target audience. We explore why content quality and consistency matter, and why setting realistic expectations for organic growth is essential for marketing success. Learn more about the value of collaborating with true SEO professionals during website setup and the benefits of treating content as a multi-channel asset.
Celebrating 100 Episodes: Top Marketing Lessons Learned
Episode 100
To celebrate 100 episodes, Kristi Mitchell reflects on the lessons learned from 99 honest conversations with business owners about their marketing mistakes. In this solo episode, she shares the three key lessons that consistently arise in successful marketing turnarounds and the mindset shift needed to view failures as growth opportunities.
Refreshing Your Brand: From Marketing Autopilot to Authentic Visibility
Episode 99
Join Kristi Mitchell and Rachel Allen as they share real-life lessons from years of marketing, including the struggle of marketing your own business, evolving your brand identity, and overcoming the fear of visibility. Hear how embracing authenticity, refreshing outdated strategies, and reconnecting with your network can reinvigorate your marketing efforts. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hesitant to show up as yourself in your business, this episode is for you.
When Corporate Habits Hold Back Your Marketing
Episode 98
Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, Mark Stern shares hard-won marketing lessons, mindset shifts, and the unexpected journey that led to founding Custom Box Agency. Hear candid stories of early business missteps, how listening to customers sparked product innovation, and practical advice for staying focused in a fast-changing business landscape. Discover why niching down, seeking mentorship, and tuning into your audience are crucial for long-term growth.
Lessons from a Failed Mass Messaging Campaign
Episode 97
Jon Goehring, founder of Story Trust Media, sits down with Kristi Mitchell to discuss a marketing misstep and the lessons he learned from using mass messaging campaigns with purchased lists. The conversation explores why building genuine relationships and prioritizing quality over quantity is crucial for high-trust, service-based businesses. Jon and Kristi share practical strategies for outreach, sustainable business growth, and creating value-driven content.
Stop Chasing Shiny Objects: Aligning Marketing Tactics with Your Values
Episode 96
Discover the real challenges of marketing when impatience and shiny new tactics cloud your strategy. Humaira Akhter shares her candid experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, why lead generation shortcuts rarely work, and how self-alignment and leveraging existing networks are crucial for growth. Kristi and Humaira explore the importance of trusting your instincts, the risks of abandoning effective foundations, and practical ways to get clear on what really works for your business.
Avoiding Messaging Fails: Building Strategy Before Writing Copy
Episode 95
Discover the real stories behind common marketing missteps, how skipping strategy leads to wasted time and money, and why understanding your client’s language is crucial for conversion. Kristi Mitchell and Elle Rosselli discuss the dangers of relying on assumptions instead of client research, share actionable advice for building a messaging strategy, and reveal how to use authentic client conversations to drive business growth.
Stop Losing Business: Nail Your Message, Attract the Right Clients
Episode 94
Discover the real impact of messaging clarity and consistency on your business as Hersh Rephun joins Kristi Mitchell to discuss common marketing mistakes and how clarity in your message can lead to authentic growth. Learn why simply increasing visibility isn’t enough, and how ensuring consistency across all channels helps you avoid confusion and missed opportunities. Hear practical advice for aligning your brand, especially if you’re multi-passionate or transitioning roles
When Facebook Ads Flop: Hard Lessons in Marketing
Episode 93
Join Kristi Mitchell as she sits down with sales psychologist, Nancy Zare, to unpack marketing mishaps, specifically the lessons learned from failed Facebook ad campaigns. They highlight the temptation of passive income tactics, the importance of understanding analytics, and why marketing is never a "one trick pony." Listeners get actionable advice on testing strategies, learning from mistakes, and why it’s crucial to lean on experts instead of going it alone. If you're figuring out where to focus your marketing efforts or wondering about the realities behind paid ads, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on building authentic connections.
Finding Your Business Identity: AI Tools vs. Real Experts
Episode 92
Explore the real challenges of marketing as Kristi Mitchell interviews Alan Lamparella about the early days of his business and lessons learned from relying on AI instead of experts for branding. Discover why personal connection and human expertise lead to better results, and how trusting your gut can lead to success. Perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners navigating the complexities of modern marketing.
Why More Isn’t Always Better: Smarter Ads and Marketing Spend
Episode 91
Discover the biggest marketing mistakes business owners make when it comes to ad placement, messaging, and budget strategy. Guest Lindsey Laughlin and host Kristi Mitchell share their approach to audience-focused marketing, using real examples from client work. Learn how to avoid spreading your budget too thin, create strategic campaigns, and build lasting customer relationships. If you're tired of generic ads and want actionable advice for smarter marketing, this episode is for you.
When AI Goes Too Far: Protecting Authenticity in Your Marketing
Episode 90
Discover what can go wrong when AI tools are used for online engagement without transparency. Kristi Mitchell and Rachel Platt discuss a real-world LinkedIn interaction gone awry, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and how to manage automation without losing the human touch. You'll learn the crucial lessons every business owner should keep in mind when building digital relationships and outsourcing marketing activities.
I Messed Up: What Happens When You Own Your Marketing Mistakes
Episode 89
Discover how Kristi Mitchell turns personal marketing mishaps into powerful lessons for business owners. She openly shares real examples of mistakes with livestreams and email marketing, highlights the importance of authenticity and transparency, and explains how owning up to mistakes can actually build stronger trust with your audience. If you want to grow your business through genuine connections, this episode is for you!
Avoiding Expensive Marketing Mistakes: Strategy First, Tactics Second
Episode 88
Discover why so many small and midsize business owners mistake marketing activity for real strategy, and learn how to simplify your approach for sustainable growth. Kristi Mitchell and Shay Prosser share practical examples of common marketing missteps, like misaligned lead magnets and over-complicating tactics, and offer actionable advice for building strong marketing foundations rooted in clarity and intentionality. You'll walk away with tips for focusing your efforts, knowing your true audience, and when to seek expert guidance so you can avoid burnout and get better results.