Foster Web Marketing Podcast

Marketing isn’t about doing just one thing. To have a truly successful strategy, you must learn how to balance a variety of systems and keep them running smoothly. It’s critical to have a plan and find ways to repurpose and reuse content. Simone DeLoach, marketing director at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis in Florida, said, “It’s not just about getting the client. You have to keep the client.” Simone talked to Tom about all the things the firm does to stay connected to current and former clients. Simone suggests spreading out your branding and using digital marketing to its fullest. Are your strategies working for you? Find out how Simone helps establish the firm as an authority so clients turn to them, no matter what type of legal issue they’re facing.

Regularly adding content is the most important thing you can do for your website. It may be challenging, but it’s definitely worth the time you put into it. Writing may not be your strong suit, but you don’t have to go it alone. Trent Semler, senior digital marketing strategist at FWM, says, “The more bait that you lay, the more that you’ll catch.” Trent talked to Tom about a variety of content generation tools he uses to help his clients come up with ideas for their websites. Trent suggests looking at everything, figuring out what’s in demand, and what will get you the most traffic. Are you struggling to keep your content fresh? Find out how these tools work and how they can boost your SEO.

As a business owner, you have to manage a variety of issues on a daily basis. However, if you hire the right people, they’ll do most of the work for you. You need to give them the freedom to come up with their own solutions and not be afraid to share them with you. Dr. David Weiman, a psychologist and leadership consultant from Pennsylvania, uses the GROW model to encourage alternative solutions thinking. Dave talked to Tom about how using this method leads to faster, more efficient organizations. Dave tries to make an impact at the highest level he can by coaching executives. Does your team feel empowered to give you their suggestions? Find out how the GROW model works and how it can help your practice.

Nobody said marketing is easy. But there are tools that can help you along the way. Email marketing is a critical piece of a successful business strategy. Toby Crandall, chief technology officer at Foster Web Marketing, said, “An email reputation is a lot like your credit score.” Toby and Tom talked about exciting new upgrades to the email dashboard in DSS that will dramatically improve delivery for clients. Toby said other systems look at addresses after an email is sent, but FWM looks at them upfront before they can actually hurt your reputation. Are your emails being read and getting to the right people? Find out how these DSS changes will improve your email score and open rates.

It’s easy to let negativity weigh you down and sidetrack your plans. But there are silver linings everywhere if you take the time to look for them. Now is the time to stay connected and reach out to people who think like you. Rem Jackson, owner of Top Practices, says, “You can’t be prosperous if you’re not happy.” Rem talked to Tom about his new podcast and how prosperity is a function of marketing, management, and mindset. Rem says, “You can’t do this on your own. I don’t care who you are.” Who do you rely on to help you through tough situations? Find out why Rem believes it’s important to surround yourself with people who support you, lift you up, and push you.

Business owners know it takes inventiveness and flexibility to find success. Some highs and lows are expected, but a pandemic can throw everything off. But it’s offering a welcomed chance to really analyze what’s working and what’s not. Ed Littlejohn, lawyer and owner of Littlejohn Law in Ohio, says, “It’s the small businesses, we are what makes America great. And, we’re going to bring America out of this.”  Ed talked to Tom about how he’s helping other local businesses with their marketing efforts. Ed has shifted his focus to becoming a better business owner. What changes are you making to adapt and overcome this crisis? Find out how Ed is managing his growth, while still keeping his service top-notch.

Most people have dreams and a vision of what they want for their businesses and their lives. However, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes we get wrapped up in helping others, and we put ourselves and our plans on hold. Danny Izquierdo, lawyer and owner of Izquierdo Law in Florida, went through some rough years and says, “I wasn’t thriving. I was just surviving.”  Danny talked to Tom about his struggles and how he’s changed his way of thinking, as well as his marketing. Danny says, “I don’t think you’re ever ready for anything in life. You just have to take a step, then another one.” What are you doing to make your dreams a reality? Find out how Danny’s using a positive mindset and creative marketing to achieve his goals.

Community-oriented marketing campaigns take time to plan, develop, and launch. Many different groups have a hand in making them successful. When a pandemic hits, should you keep moving forward with the project? Wes Gralapp, a lawyer with NBA Law Firm in Louisiana, says it was an easy decision to continue because “We’re on the side of the people when we do what we do.” Wes talked to Tom about how the firm’s distracting driving campaign helped them become part of many local families’ homes. Wes says, “Change is inevitable, positives come from negatives.” How will your business change going forward? Find out what Wes thinks practicing law will look like in the future.

Night shift ER doctors often see patients suffering from a variety of traumas. Many won’t admit it, but these conditions are usually related to alcohol and drug abuse. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness often spur use disorders and lead to poor coping methods. Dr. Christopher Sendi, an addiction specialist in Virginia, says, “Boredom and unstructured time are the kiss of death when it comes to addiction.” Christopher talked to Tom about how addiction starts at a young age and hijacks your decision-making skills. Christopher works with his patients to retrain their brains and gives them the tools to live a healthier lifestyle. What methods do you use to get through life? Find out how Christopher helps his patients turn their lives around.

Many businesses have drastically changed how they do things. Employees are working from home, relying on technology to conduct meetings and appointments. In a world that is anything but ordinary, some are still delivering an in-office experience via video. Van Smith, attorney and owner of Smith Strong in Virginia, believes the entire process has to be authentic and as close to business as usual as possible. Van talked to Tom about how he and his team are trying to maintain normalcy and balance in their offices.  Van says, “Invest in quality, authentic relationships with people you trust, admire, and respect. Life is too short not to do that.” How are you coping through this crisis? Find out how Van’s structure and strategies have kept his business on track.

Doctors and lawyers get extensive educations before they start practicing. But, how to run a business isn’t something they’re usually taught. Many have mentors or coaches to show them the way, keep them focused, and hold them accountable. Dr. Peter Wishnie, podiatrist and owner of Family Foot & Ankle Specialists in New Jersey, says, “Most of us know what we need to do, but sometimes we need to be reminded.” Peter and Tom talked about how a positive mindset brings clarity and how visualizing your goals helps you achieve them.  Peter suggests making a list of the things you’re good at and passionate about, so you can focus on doing them first. What items would make it on your list? Find out about Peter’s new book and how he helps others learn to manage their practices effectively. Purchase Dr. Wishnie's Book: https://amzn.to/2xKDYfy

There are some things in life that are hard to explain. It’s easy just to accept what you’re told and believe you have all the answers. But, do you truly know the real story and have all the facts? Bill Voss, lawyer and entrepreneur, says, “You need to do your homework and make your own decisions.” Bill and Tom talked about aliens, ancient history, Atlantis, and questioning the curiosities of life.  Bill says, “The worst thing anybody could ever believe is that we know it all.” Do you take a step back and do your research? Find out why Bill thinks it’s so important to know the story behind the story.

Businesses of all sizes have been affected by this pandemic. It has forced many to make tough, emotional decisions. Unfortunately, for many employers, these decisions include staffing changes. Jason Abraham, managing partner of Hupy and Abraham, says, “Bigger isn’t always better when you’re in the middle of a pandemic. It can be quite scary.” Jason talked to Tom about how “unbelievably hard” it was to lay off 85 of his 200 employees. Jason also talked about how he’s marketing to his employees to make sure they feel safe and informed of what’s to come. What are you doing to show your staff how much you care? Find out how Jason is already bringing back most of his team, while also reevaluating their marketing strategy.

It’s hard to list all the things we’ve lost over the past few months. We’ve lost count of the many ways our lives have changed. But, what about all the things we’ve gained? Dr. Andrew Schneider, podiatrist and owner of Tanglewood Foot Specialists in Houston, says getting back into content writing full time “has brought back joy to my business that I’ve been missing.” Andrew talked to Tom about his love for marketing and how he’s been able to spend more time on his business.

As business owners, we like to stay on the cutting edge and try new things with our marketing. However, most of us have those tried and true methods that continue to bring in leads. Now’s the time we realize the importance of our follow-up campaigns when it comes to keeping things going. Charley Mann, chief marketing officer of Great Legal Marketing, says firms that did the most work ahead of time and had systems in place are doing better than others right now. Charley and Tom talked about how diversifying your marketing will lead to long-term success. Charley suggests being authentic in everything you do and steering clear of generic marketing. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Find out Charley’s tips for networking and building successful referral relationships.

In the days before the pandemic, it was so easy to put things off and think, “I’ll do that later.” Now, everything has changed, and we can’t get to those things like we planned. As a small business owner, you worry about who you’re going to disappoint and all those who depend on you. Somnath (Som) Sikdar, co-owner and instructor of Dragon Gym, says, “We’ve definitely had to evade and dodge, but now we’re throwing some counter punches.” Som and Tom discussed how he’s switched to virtual classes and training via Zoom and other digital services. Som has used the constraints and restrictions to come up with better solutions to market his business. What changes have you made to keep things going? Find out what Som’s doing to expand his reach nationally.

Now is a time to acknowledge the situation we’re in, and develop a realistic mindset to get through it. It’s a time to start thinking differently, and not fall back to our same old ways. Pennsylvania attorney Dave Frees says the people who are paying attention to all the changes will adapt and go further than those who stick to their routines. Dave and Tom discussed that currently, marketing is about personal connections—not business connections. Dave suggests “placing small bets” and figuring out what people want and need, instead of shifting all of your attention to one thing. Are you still communicating with your clients, or have you stopped doing business? Find out Dave’s tips for showing genuine concern for your list.

As business owners, you know how hectic and busy life can be. However, this pandemic has forced many to slow down and take a step back. It’s time to get creative and think of other things you can do even if they’re out of your comfort zone. Florida attorney Adam Rossen says, “Most of marketing is coming up with crazy ideas and just doing it.” Adam talked with Tom about how he’s reaching out to other businesses and lawyers to determine how they can help each other, then sharing what he learns on social media. Adam urges everyone to seize this opportunity and be appreciative of what you have. How are you adapting the way you do business? Find out why Adam thinks “it’s grow or die” right now.

Jim Keller, attorney and partner at Keller & Keller, says, “If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of your clients.” Jim and Tom discussed how he’s been able to keep all of his people employed at the firm’s three locations. During this time, Jim has seen leaders emerging within the firm. They’ve taken it upon themselves to step up and make sure all team members remain well-connected while working from home. Jim believes preparation is key, and he plans to be better and stronger coming out of this crisis. How are you using this time to make sure you’re ready for what the future holds? Find out how technology and optimism can make it easier to adapt to change.

In any relationship, communication should be a priority. And, as a business owner, you should be consistent and proactive in your messaging. You need to be sure you’re staying in constant contact with your list. Brian Kurtz, author and owner of Titans Marketing, says, “ignoring your list is like ignoring your family.” Brian and Tom talked about how every conversation is not a sale, but a chance to connect with clients on a more personal level. Brian believes in delivering value all the time, and says, “now is the time to over deliver.” What advice or extra things can you provide that will differentiate you from your competition? Learn about some unique ways to make sure your list doesn’t forget about you.