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
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
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.
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.
Finding Focus: How to Simplify Your Marketing and Get Results
Episode 77
Kristi Mitchell chats with Susan Harper, founder of Sharper Creative, about the realities of building a marketing strategy for service providers who have grown through referrals and relationships. Key themes include learning from marketing missteps, navigating the overwhelm of choosing platforms like LinkedIn, rebranding challenges, the value of repurposing content, and experimenting with creative outreach such as direct mail. Listeners will hear candid lessons about focusing on the right audience, managing bandwidth, building sustainable systems, and finding ways to stand out in a crowded attention economy.
Creating Your Unique Signal: Standing Out in an AI-Powered World
Episode 73
On this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Steven Larmer joins Kristi Mitchell to talk about how business owners and coaches can avoid common mistakes when using AI in their branding and marketing. They explore why alignment and authenticity matter in building a memorable brand, and discuss the dangers of relying too heavily on AI-generated content without infusing personal perspective and truth. The conversation highlights lessons learned from real-world marketing experiments, the importance of genuine connections, and practical advice for creating content that truly reflects your brand’s unique voice.
Why Marketing Pros Need Outside Help Too - Lessons from the Field
Episode 70
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, Kristi Mitchell chats with Anne Gillespie about the common marketing mistakes business owners make, especially around strategy and execution. Anne shares valuable lessons from her years running Fix and Form and 10 to Launch, emphasizing why even marketing professionals should hire external help for their own marketing and branding. The conversation highlights the importance of solid strategy before jumping into execution, the differences between graphic and copy-focused social media management, and using AI tools to streamline workflows without losing the human touch. Listeners will pick up practical tips on hiring, leveraging strengths, and building stronger brands.
Bridging the Gap: Turning Brand Clarity into Powerful Website Copy
Episode 57
Kristi Mitchell sits down with award-winning copywriter and brand messaging consultant Beth Knaus to talk about the biggest mistakes business owners make when redoing their websites. They unpack the crucial difference between brand assets and actionable messaging, why strong copy and authentic voice matter, and common pitfalls of relying solely on AI for website content. Beth shares actionable advice on finding your unique voice, connecting brand, design, and copy, and the importance of continuously evolving your marketing and messaging. Whether you're refreshing your website or just starting your business, this episode is packed with expert insights on creating genuine, effective marketing communications that attract your ideal clients.
Humanizing Your Brand—Why Storytelling Wins in Marketing
Episode 54
This episode highlights the increasing importance of storytelling in marketing and why it's crucial for business owners to connect authentically with their audience. Kristi Mitchell shares practical ways to weave personal and business stories into marketing efforts, emphasizing how genuine storytelling builds trust and engagement. The discussion also touches on overcoming hesitation to share personal experiences and offers encouragement to use simple, strategic approaches for attracting and nurturing ideal clients. The core message focuses on using storytelling to humanize your brand and create meaningful connections without overcomplicating your marketing.
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 Marketing Frustration to Clarity: Finding the Right Support
Episode 35
Explore the journey of Hayden Orme, founder of Handled by Hayden & Co, as she shares her experiences with authentic branding and the significance of aligning marketing strategies with core values. Understand the challenges faced in outsourcing marketing execution and the lessons learned about trusting one's instincts in business decisions. This conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, the impact of timing on business strategies, and the value of expert collaboration to achieve business growth and holistic success.
Beyond Company Posts: The Power of Personal Content in B2B Marketing
Episode 31
In this episode of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," host Kristi Mitchell engages with Jared Gibson, co-founder of Outworks, to explore strategic marketing tactics for professional services and SaaS industries. The discussion revolves around the transformative power of founder-led content on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and making strategic marketing a priority. Jared shares insights into creating impactful LinkedIn content, the role of personal branding in building trust, and the challenges of being consistent with content creation. The conversation highlights the significance of prioritization, adapting to new marketing trends, and leveraging video content as a key differentiator in B2B spaces.
Opening Up Creative Boundaries in Marketing to Produce the Best Results
Episode 30
This episode of UnFdge Your Marketing* features a candid conversation with Jill Peterson, the founder and chief growth strategist at Clover Insights. Key themes explored include the challenges and lessons learned in developing a visual brand identity, the importance of open communication and collaboration with marketing providers, and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone to foster growth. Jill discusses the journey from initially using a friend's help for her logo to engaging a professional team and the insights gained from allowing creative freedom. Tune in to hear practical advice on how to effectively work with creative partners to achieve the best results for your brand.
Avoid Marketing Pitfalls – Expert Tips With Melissa Henry
Episode 3
In this episode of “Unf＊dge Your Marketing,” join Kristi Mitchell and Melissa Henry as they delve into the importance of authenticity in branding. Melissa shares her journey from shedding her corporate CPA persona to creating a genuine brand that resonates with core values. They discuss the significance of foundational brand strategy, the pitfalls of unrealistic marketing promises, and the necessity for business owners to actively engage in their marketing efforts. Tune in for insights on refining your brand and making impactful, strategic decisions for lasting business growth.