UNF*DGE Your Marketing
The podcast where we talk about what really happens when marketing doesn’t go according to plan.
Browse episodes:
Type of Interview
Why Most Membership Models Fail and How to Fix Yours
EPISODE 120
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, we explore some of the biggest marketing missteps and lessons learned from years of business growth and reinvention.
The conversation highlights why relying on past successes can stall new offerings, how shifting market trends reshape product positioning, and the realities of selling memberships compared to high‑ticket programs.
A key theme is the importance of direct conversations with customers to understand what they truly need. You’ll hear insights on staying agile, testing bold ideas, and letting go of ego to evolve your business into something more profitable and aligned with your audience.
Why Credentials Alone Won’t Win You Clients
EPISODE 118
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, we're talking about the challenges business owners face when moving from structured industries into entrepreneurship, especially those coming from medical and academic backgrounds.
We’ll chat about why relying too heavily on credentials can hold you back, and how letting your personality and values shine makes your marketing more authentic (and effective!)
A big theme is the journey of self‑discovery; overcoming imposter syndrome, reshaping beliefs about value, and building an authentic personal brand.
You’ll hear how to move from rigid strategies to a more intuitive, authentic approach that makes marketing feel natural and even enjoyable. Expect real advice on embracing the process, leaning on support, and building the kind of business you actually want.
Marketing Blind Spots: What Happens When Clients Don’t Know You Exist
EPISODE 117
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell talks with Tina Larsson to explore the unique challenges of launching a consultancy in an industry where your audience doesn’t even know to look for you.
The conversation highlights early missteps; like assuming client needs, struggling to identify the right audience without a clear database, and realizing property managers weren’t the easy entry point they seemed at first glance.
A key theme is the importance of seeking support: Tina worked with SEO, LinkedIn, and speaking coaches to build visibility and confidence. She shares why listening to clients and committing to ongoing personal development are at the core of effective marketing.
You'll hear hard‑earned lessons on staying flexible, embracing continual learning, and tailoring marketing efforts for both business growth and personal success.
Trust Your Gut: Spot Marketing Red Flags Before It’s Too Late
EPISODE 113
In this episode of UNF*DGE Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell chats with Dr. Karen Finn about what really happens when your marketing isn’t delivering results. Karen talks about the challenges business owners face when relying on outside experts, the importance of owning your marketing data, and the tough calls—like knowing when it’s time to part ways with an underperforming provider. You’ll hear how trusting your instincts, asking the right questions, and pivoting at the right moment can change the trajectory of your business. You'll hear practical advice for navigating uncertainty, taking control of your numbers, and building confidence in your marketing decisions.
From Sales Struggles to Selling for Weirdos: How to Simplify Marketing
EPISODE 112
Join Kristi Mitchell and business coach Sara Torpey as they share the hard‑won lessons of launching a business the wrong way, and what it takes to turn things around.
In this episode, we dig into the pitfalls of marketing in isolation, the power of real human connections, and why simply talking to more people can accelerate growth. You’ll hear how honest feedback reshapes your strategy, why your offer isn’t for everyone (even those closest to you), and how resilience keeps you moving through inevitable marketing challenges.
Walk away with practical, actionable advice on building meaningful relationships, clarifying your audience, and simplifying your approach to growth.
Starting Over: Lessons in Leaving Corporate and Building a New Brand
EPISODE 109
Join Kristi Mitchell and Stephan Bajaio as they talk about the real challenges of transitioning from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship. Stephan shares his honest experience navigating LinkedIn’s shifting algorithms, rethinking audience targeting, and the ongoing struggle of defining a niche. They discuss how business owners can avoid pitfalls like relying too much on their old networks, the importance of setting boundaries with ideal clients, and leveraging personal expertise over shortcuts like AI-generated content. Walk away with actionable advice on building trust, creating utility-driven marketing, and embracing the messy evolution of business growth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.