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
Email Marketing Mistakes Holding You Back and How to Fix Them
Episode 74
Discover candid conversations around common email marketing mistakes, finding your authentic voice, and overcoming the fear of vulnerability with Kristi Mitchell and Joanne Homestead. They explore the importance of alignment in your marketing, share strategies for balancing how much you reveal about yourself, and explain why true connection with your audience starts with what feels right for you. Packed with practical tips on nurturing your email list, building trust, and making marketing less daunting, this episode uncovers actionable lessons for soulful business owners and coaches looking to make a genuine impact.
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.
Small Groups, Big Impact - How Personal Outreach Fuels Marketing Success
Episode 72
Join Kristi Mitchell and Kerry Dobson in Episode 72 of UnF*dge Your Marketing as they discuss the common marketing misstep of relying on passive market research through email newsletters, instead of direct outreach for feedback. Hear lessons about the power of personalized conversations, the importance of clarity in your ask, and how to cultivate genuine relationships for successful group programs. This episode highlights the value of quality, actionable insights over sheer numbers, and encourages transparency, vulnerability, and setting parameters when gathering feedback to fuel real growth.
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.
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.
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.
Staying True to Yourself in Marketing - Lessons from the Stage
Episode 66
In this episode of UnF*dge Your Marketing, host Kristi Mitchell chats with Ely Delaney, the "People Whisperer" and creator of the Follow Up Rockstar system. Ely shares a powerful story about a public speaking setback that pushed him to embrace his unique style instead of following advice that didn’t feel authentic. Themes covered include the importance of staying true to your core values in marketing, recognizing the difference between discomfort and misalignment, and why authenticity attracts the right clients. Listeners will gain valuable insights on learning from marketing missteps and how to show up as themselves to make a genuine impact.
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.
5 Marketing F*dges to Fix Before Year-End: Evolving Your Marketing Plan Over Time - Don’t Set It & Forget It
Episode 62
Learn why a “set it and forget it” approach to marketing can stall your growth, and discover the importance of treating your marketing strategy as a living, evolving process. Christy Mitchell wraps up her 5-part Q4 Kickstart series with actionable advice on how to regularly review, refresh, and optimize your marketing efforts—whether that’s quarterly, twice a year, or annually. Get inspired by real client stories, practical tips for setting review cadences, and ways to keep your messaging and tactics aligned with changing market trends and audience needs. Perfect for mission-driven service providers who want to finish the year strong and set themselves up for a successful future.
5 Marketing F*dges to Fix Before Year-End: Avoiding Costly Marketing Mistakes - Fixing Your Funnel Before Fueling Your Fire
Episode 61
Kristi Mitchell unpacks the "Magic Bullet Fudge," a common marketing mistake where business owners treat tactics like paid advertising or lead generation services as quick fixes for deeper marketing issues. She highlights the importance of building a strong organic marketing foundation—focusing on your website, email marketing, and social media—before investing in ads. Kristi shares real-world examples and actionable advice on how a solid, strategy-first approach is essential for sustainable business growth, urging listeners to move beyond shortcuts and invest in a holistic marketing plan.
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.