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
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.
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.
Master the Marketing Basics, Then Find the Right Execution Partner
Episode 76
Join Kristi Mitchell as she chats with Barbara and Elisa of Homemade Events about their marketing journey, sharing the real struggles and lessons they faced while scaling their event planning business. This episode highlights the importance of understanding your own marketing strategy before outsourcing, how investing in your own education pays off, and the value of building trust with partners and yourself. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should hire out your marketing or learn the ropes yourself, this candid conversation is packed with practical takeaways to help you grow your business.
Contracted for Results, Delivered Disappointment: Navigating Provider Expectations
Episode 71
On this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell sits down with mindset coach Suzanne Longstreet to uncover the real-life challenges entrepreneurs face when hiring marketing support. Suzanne opens up about her personal experience navigating a health crisis while trusting a marketing professional who ultimately failed to deliver. Together, Kristi and Suzanne explore the importance of clear expectations, aligning on deliverables versus outcomes, and learning from setbacks. The conversation covers communication pitfalls, the value of measurable results, and how letting go of perfectionism can empower business growth—essential insights for any business owner seeking better marketing partnerships.
Strengths-Based Business & Marketing: Amplify What Makes You Shine
Episode 69
Heather Kay joins host Kristi Mitchell to share her marketing journey, focusing on lessons learned from hiring a marketing consultant and navigating clear deliverables. Topics include the importance of setting strong expectations, effective communication, and the value of identifying your strengths to make a bigger impact. Heather and Kristi discuss strategies for leveraging personal talents, the power of networking, and avoiding common pitfalls when outsourcing marketing tasks. This episode is packed with practical advice for service-based business owners who want to avoid marketing mishaps and create collaborative partnerships that drive results.
Why Clear Agreements Matter: Learning from a Misaligned Partnership
Episode 68
On this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell sits down with video expert Dan Bennett to unpack a tough lesson from a misaligned agency partnership. Dan shares his experience with hiring too soon, the pitfalls of in-kind service trades, and what happens when communication and boundaries aren’t clear. Together, they discuss the importance of setting milestones, holding vendors accountable, and learning to give yourself grace when things go sideways. If you want real stories and practical advice for avoiding marketing mishaps, tune in for candid conversation and actionable takeaways.
How Real Stories (Not Bots) Build Trust and Business Growth
Episode 67
Renee Frojo joins Kristi Mitchell to share a candid story about a social media outsourcing mishap that threatened her brand’s reputation. They discuss the risks of outsourcing engagement, especially when using low-cost services or AI tools, and why authentic, personal interaction is key for building trust online. The conversation offers practical advice on what marketing activities to keep in-house, how to shift your mindset to enjoy marketing, and the importance of telling your own story to connect with your audience. Listeners will walk away with actionable tips for creating genuine engagement and avoiding common marketing pitfalls.
Burned by Bad Marketing? Tips for Choosing Partners Who Deliver
Episode 65
Kristi Mitchell welcomes marketing expert Ben Albert for a candid conversation about common marketing mistakes business owners face, especially those who've been burned by flashy but ineffective marketing providers. Together, they unpack the dangers of one-size-fits-all solutions, the importance of trust and hands-on, tailored marketing strategies, and how to spot red flags when hiring a marketing partner. You’ll also hear practical advice on evaluating potential marketing vendors, questions to ask during discovery calls, and ways to build genuine value before making a hiring decision. This episode is all about helping business owners avoid marketing missteps and find approaches that truly align with their unique needs.
When “Handing It Off” Fails: How to Take Back Your Marketing
Episode 64
Join host Kristi Mitchell as she chats with growth expert Mara Whitener about the often-overlooked pitfalls of outsourcing marketing and the importance of operational clarity for CEOs. Mara shares hard-earned lessons from her own journey, including the challenges of finding the right marketing support, the consequences of vague messaging, and the value of customizing solutions to fit your unique business. Discover why you can't just “hand off” your marketing, how to get your content to sound like you, and actionable advice on building systems that let you grow your business on your own terms. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to move beyond word-of-mouth growth and take control of their marketing.
Patience, Persistence, and Picking What Works: An Interior Designer's Journey
Episode 63
Award-winning interior designer Cristiana Crin joins host Kristi Mitchell to share her candid experiences navigating the challenges of marketing her business, Perpetuum Designs. From learning hard lessons about costly website and SEO mistakes to the importance of self-advocacy and patience, Cristiana reflects on the realities entrepreneurs face when hiring marketing providers. Key themes include the need for due diligence with vendors, aligning marketing tactics to your business model, and building resilience in the face of setbacks. This episode is a valuable listen for business owners seeking practical lessons and inspiration on overcoming marketing pitfalls.
Building Relationships, Not Robots: Winning Clients Without Losing Yourself
Episode 56
Discover some of the biggest marketing missteps business owners make when outsourcing, with guest Darnell Brown sharing his firsthand experience hiring a marketing agency for cold outreach. Key topics include red flags to watch for when agencies promise guaranteed results, why "cut and paste" messaging can backfire, and the impact of automation versus authentic, human connection. Darnell and host Kristi Mitchell offer actionable advice for creating genuine relationships, tailoring your outreach, and embracing a more thoughtful, human-centered marketing approach in the age of AI.
Integrity Over Income: The Truth About Marketing Recommendations
Episode 52
Join host Kristi Mitchell and guest Maria Platusic as they explore the importance of integrity and customization in marketing. They discuss common pitfalls business owners face when working with marketing providers, the dangers of one-size-fits-all solutions, and how to ask the right questions to ensure your unique needs are met. Discover actionable advice on building trust with marketing experts, choosing sustainable strategies, and finding the right fit for your business’s long-term goals. Perfect for mission-driven service providers seeking authentic, client-centered marketing guidance.
From Summit Stress to Business Growth: Lessons From Investing Before You’re Ready
Episode 51
Lisa Mallis joins Kristi Mitchell to reflect on early business mistakes, the challenges of marketing to the wrong audience, and the consequences of taking on projects outside your zone of genius. They explore the importance of investing in the right support, learning from setbacks, and trusting your instincts as an entrepreneur. The conversation highlights real-life lessons about niching down, evolving your ideal client, and balancing ambition with staying true to yourself and your values.
Overcoming Cookie-Cutter Marketing: Finding Your Authentic Voice
Episode 48
Ashley Cox joins Kristi Mitchell to share candid stories about her early marketing missteps—including investing in overly rigid, cookie-cutter marketing programs that didn’t fit her unique business or voice. Together, they explore lessons in overcoming overwhelm, finding authentic strategies that align with your personality, and letting go of “shoulds” and shame in business. Tune in for honest insights on building a marketing approach that feels good, leverages your strengths, and creates real connections.
Redefining Marketing: Ditching Cold calling for Relationship Building
Episode 46
Ashley Carlson, founder and CEO of Elevate Virtual Business Solutions, joins Kristi Mitchell to share her journey of redefining marketing after leaving the corporate world. Together, they explore the shift from traditional, numbers-driven marketing to a more authentic, relationship-based approach that feels aligned and sustainable for small business owners. Key themes include overcoming the intimidation of marketing, finding strategies that match your strengths, the power of human connection, and the importance of delegating tasks to stay in your zone of genius. Ashley also highlights how outsourcing content creation can maintain authenticity while reducing overwhelm, and how genuine connection and founder-led content help businesses grow.
Aligning Expectations: The #1 Secret to Successful Marketing Projects
Episode 45
Join Kristi Mitchell and guest Seth Goldstein, a digital marketer and podcaster, as they unpack some of the most common marketing mistakes business owners make—especially around misaligned expectations and project delays. They discuss the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and realistic timelines in successful marketing partnerships, as well as how being strategic with website and content planning can make or break your results. Plus, they highlight why having fun with your marketing and maintaining flexibility in budgets and deliverables leads to more rewarding projects. Perfect for service-based businesses looking to un-fudge their marketing approach and build stronger relationships with their marketing providers.
Breaking Free from the “Guru Trap” to Build Authentic Business Growth
Episode 44
Norma Frahn joins Kristi Mitchell to share her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, highlighting the pitfalls of “being gurued” by one-size-fits-all business advice and marketing strategies. Norma and Kristi discuss the importance of building a business and marketing approach rooted in your own values, vision, and strengths—rather than blindly following industry “experts.” Hear Norma’s lessons learned from building two businesses, tips for regaining clarity and intentionality in marketing, and practical advice for finding the right kind of support as a small business owner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to market with authenticity, stay aligned to their goals, and filter out the noise of empty marketing promises.
Investing in Your Business: Tips for Making the Right Choice
Episode 42
In this episode of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," hosts Kristi Mitchell and Toby Myles explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when investing in their business. They discuss the importance of recognizing where to invest first and how to evaluate whether an investment aligns with your current needs and expectations. The conversation highlights real-life experiences of hiring coaches and service providers, emphasizing the value of trust, clear expectations, and the lessons learned from both successful and less-than-ideal investments. Plus, the episode touches on the impact of consistent content marketing and the often-hidden audience of "lurkers" who become clients when they're ready.
Navigating Marketing Tools and Tactics: Finding What Really Works for Your Business
Episode 39
Kristi Mitchell and Bradley Mendel discuss the journey of overcoming marketing challenges in a service-based business. They explore the importance of aligning marketing strategies with personal interests to enhance authenticity and engagement. The conversation highlights the value of video content for building the know, like, and trust factor with clients. They also mention the trials of using marketing providers, software limitations, and the critical need for consistent, strategic marketing efforts to achieve long-term results. Bradley emphasizes the significance of referrals, educational outreach, and the ongoing pursuit of effective marketing solutions tailored to the financial industry.