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
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 Hear how embracing authenticity, refreshing outdated strategies, and reconnecting with your network can reinvigorate your marketing efforts.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.
From Bland to Brilliant: Transforming Your Testimonials
Episode 87
Discover why most testimonial strategies fall short and how authentic customer stories drive real business growth. Neil Carroll and Kristi Mitchell explore the hierarchy of testimonials, actionable tips for capturing impactful feedback, and methods to turn client insights into powerful marketing assets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your testimonials to the next level, this episode offers practical advice to boost trust and credibility for your business.
Beyond the Sizzle: How to Pick a Marketing Agency That Listens
Episode 86
Marketing strategist, Kristi Mitchell, sits down with Lance LeFort, owner of LeFort Talent Group, to discuss lessons learned from years of hiring and working with marketing agencies. They explore the importance of healthy skepticism when evaluating agency promises, why true listening sets successful partners apart, and how one-size-fits-all solutions can often miss the mark for unique businesses. Lance LeFort shares real stories from managing recruitment and marketing efforts, highlighting the value of trust, personalized approaches, and having clear guarantees in agency agreements. Listeners will gain practical advice on vetting marketing providers, ensuring agencies understand their specific needs, and protecting themselves with strong contracts and realistic expectations.
From Google Ads Overload to Smart Outsourcing: A Data-Driven JourneyFrom Google Ads Overload to Smart Outsourcing: A Data-Driven Journey
Episode 85
Serial entrepreneur Jeremy Shapiro joins Kristi Mitchell to talk about the dangers of relying too heavily on a single marketing channel and the importance of data-driven decision making in business. They discuss real-life lessons from scaling ad campaigns, navigating diminishing returns, and the pivotal moment when bringing in outside experts made all the difference. Listeners will walk away with practical advice on hiring, tracking key metrics, and diversifying lead sources to reduce risk and support business growth.
Why Your New Website Isn’t Getting Traffic – Common Mistakes and Solutions
Episode 84
In this episode of UNF*DGE Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell interviews Greg Mandile, a digital marketing expert with decades of web experience. They break down common misconceptions about launching a new website, especially the false belief that traffic will come automatically. Key themes include the importance of maintaining and optimizing your Google Business listing, using SEO strategies that fit your budget, and ensuring consistency across online directory listings. Greg Mandile also shares tips on vetting website providers, asking the right questions, and building a strong collaborative relationship for website success. Perfect for business owners who want actionable advice on driving real traffic and avoiding costly web mistakes.
The Power of Alignment: Why Your Lead Magnet Isn’t Converting
Episode 83
Discover how to avoid one of the most common marketing mistakes business owners make with lead magnets and sales funnels. Lisa Klein shares her journey from health coaching to business strategy, highlighting the importance of aligning your freebie with your core offer so you attract leads who are ready to buy. Kristi Mitchell and Lisa Klein break down actionable tips on creating strategic, high-converting lead magnets, building effective nurture funnels, and making sure your audience is the right fit for your services. Packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and honest reflections, this episode is a must for any business owner looking to optimize their marketing strategy and get better results from their list building efforts.
Solving the Sales-Marketing Disconnect – Real Stories and Solutions
Episode 82
This episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing features a conversation between Kristi Mitchell and Adam Rojas about the critical need for alignment between marketing and sales teams. Key themes include the pitfalls of disconnected messaging, the importance of unified customer-centered communication, and practical strategies for fostering collaboration between internal teams and external agencies. Adam Rojas shares real-world examples from his work with founder-led and early-stage companies, highlighting how misalignment not only impedes growth but also affects customer satisfaction and delivery. Listeners will walk away with actionable advice on bridging the gap between marketing and sales, ensuring their messaging resonates from first contact to final sale.
Stop Talking About Yourself! How to Build a Client-Centric Brand
Episode 81
Join Kristi Mitchell and Kim Marie McKernan as they explore the biggest branding mistakes business owners make, why skipping brand strategy can derail all your marketing efforts, and how embracing authentic, conscious marketing leads to real results. They discuss the importance of understanding your client's perspective, the danger of chasing shiny new tactics, and the power of feedback from your best customers. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing leader, this episode is packed with practical tips to build a trustworthy, standout brand and create marketing you actually enjoy.