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
5 Marketing F*dges to Fix Before Year-End: Avoiding the Roller Coaster – Building a Stable Pipeline for Your Business
Episode 59
Discover actionable strategies to break free from the feast-or-famine cycle in your marketing. Christy Mitchell tackles the common pitfalls that come when client work takes priority and marketing efforts fall by the wayside. Learn how to maintain a consistent marketing presence—even during your busiest seasons—by creating a minimum viable plan, setting non-negotiables, and leveraging accountability to keep your pipeline healthy. Perfect for client-centered service providers who want to achieve sustainable business growth and avoid that dreaded rollercoaster.
5 Marketing F*dges to Fix Before Year-End: Escaping Random Acts of Marketing – How to Stop Winging It
Episode 58
Discover the most common marketing mistake holding businesses back—random acts of marketing without a clear strategy. Kristi Mitchell, a marketing strategist for mission-driven service providers, kicks off her Q4 Kickstart series by breaking down how to move from scattered efforts to a focused marketing plan. Learn how to use the marketing funnel framework (attract, convert, nurture, close) to organize, prioritize, and optimize your marketing activities, so you can finish the year strong and stop feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for business owners who want clarity, direction, and tangible results from their marketing efforts.
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.
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.
Surviving LinkedIn Lockout — Why Your Business Needs More Than One Platform
Episode 55
Miranda Von Fricken joins host Kristi Mitchell to share her journey from relying solely on LinkedIn for business growth to embracing a more diversified marketing strategy. Hear Miranda’s real-life marketing missteps, including her panic moment when she was unexpectedly locked out of LinkedIn, and how it inspired her to build her email list and expand her marketing ecosystem. This episode explores the importance of not putting all your eggs in one social platform basket, nurturing relationships beyond social media, and staying authentic in your marketing efforts. Perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for candid advice and actionable tips to un-fudge their marketing approach.
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.
Stop Stepping Over Your Best Marketing Opportunities
Episode 53
Join host Kristi Mitchell and guest Kris Ward as they unpack the common marketing missteps entrepreneurs make—especially those missed opportunities hiding in plain sight. Kris shares her journey from overworking to building a business that supports her life, and explains how overlooking seemingly "small" client questions can actually be a major differentiator. Discover strategies for connecting more authentically with your audience, the value of addressing misconceptions, and why it's crucial to align your business and marketing with the life you want to lead. Packed with actionable takeaways and memorable analogies, this conversation is a must-listen for any service-based business owner wanting to make their marketing (and business) work better for them.
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.
Why Live Launching Isn't for Everyone – Trusting Your Gut in Marketing
Episode 50
Kristi Mitchell interviews business growth strategist Michelle DeNio about her marketing journey, focusing on the highs and lows of live launching. Together, they explore why certain marketing strategies—like open-and-closed cart launches—might not feel aligned for every business owner, and how tuning into your energy and preferences can lead to more authentic and successful marketing. Michelle shares her transition to evergreen offers and emphasizes the importance of picking marketing tactics that are both effective and enjoyable. The conversation is packed with real advice on overcoming burnout, finding your unique approach, and building marketing strategies around what truly works for you.
Authenticity, Automation, and Analytics: Winning Strategies from 19 Years in Business
Episode 49
UnF*dge Your Marketing host Kristi Mitchell sits down with Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global, to explore the ups and downs of transforming marketing strategies in a tech-focused business. Allen shares his journey of consolidating multiple marketing systems into a single platform, the impact of data-driven decision making, and the power of streamlining processes for greater efficiency. The conversation highlights embracing imperfection, setting firm deadlines to drive progress, and the importance of authenticity and relationship-building in marketing. Listeners will gain practical insights on leveraging technology, evolving messaging for ideal clients, adapting nurture strategies, and keeping marketing fresh and effective through periods of change.
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.
How to Systematize Your Marketing Content with AI, Without Losing Authenticity
Episode 47
If you’re a business owner wondering how to leverage AI in your marketing without compromising authenticity and integrity, this episode is for you.
Kristi Mitchell shares her personal journey of initially resisting AI tools like ChatGPT because it felt inauthentic, like content scraped from everywhere else and not truly her own voice. But through experimentation and discovering smarter ways to integrate AI, she’s built a sustainable system that helps her create authentic, consistent content without burnout, huge budgets, or losing control.
Kristi walks you through her process of capturing ideas naturally using voice memos. She then turns those recordings into flexible content with smart AI-assisted tools, all while layering in her unique expertise and editing to stay real.
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.
Navigating Marketing in Uncertain Times
Episode 43
Kristy Mitchell shares raw, unfiltered thoughts on how business owners can navigate marketing decisions during times of economic uncertainty. Touching on lessons from the pandemic and today’s market instability, she explores the instinct to cut marketing budgets, the importance of adapting strategies, and how proactive, holistic marketing can set businesses up for long-term success. Christy encourages listeners to consider new opportunities for connecting with audiences, rethink traditional approaches, and make intentional choices that position their brands for growth—even in challenging times.
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.
Resisting Peer Pressure as a Business Owner: Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms
Episode 41
In this episode of "UnF*dge Your Marketing," Kristi Mitchell and Alison Ver Halen dive into the challenges and lessons of marketing missteps. They explore the pressure of following trends, like the use of Instagram for business, and discuss the importance of aligning marketing tactics with personal strengths and audience preferences. Alison shares her journey of experimenting with Instagram, the realization of its misalignment with her audience, and the benefits of focusing on platforms like LinkedIn. They emphasize the significance of authenticity, consistency over frequency, and the patience required to see results in marketing efforts. This episode is filled with valuable insights for business owners contemplating their marketing strategies.
Facing Zero Attendees: Lessons in Marketing Resilience
Episode 40
Join host Christy Mitchell as she welcomes Kaitlyn Rios to share her experiences in launching a nonprofit organization and the marketing challenges she faced. This episode uncovers valuable lessons learned from organizing virtual events with no attendees, the importance of starting your marketing efforts early, and the benefits of leveraging automation and consistency. Gain insights into overcoming self-doubt, embracing vulnerability, and the power of authentic connection in building meaningful relationships for your business.