Making A Marketer

In this engaging episode, hosts Megan Powers and Jen Larson take a further dive into the unpredictable world of podcasting and marketing. After a series of guest cancellations, the duo decides to turn the microphone back on themselves, sharing candid conversations about their current workloads, event planning, and the challenges of maintaining balance in a busy professional life.As they navigate their hectic schedules, the conversation touches on the importance of setting boundaries, the struggles of burnout, and the necessity of creating a structured routine to manage their diverse responsibilities. Megan and Jen also discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting, including the rise of video content and the impact of AI on creativity and marketing.Key Takeaways:- Embracing Flexibility: How adapting to unexpected changes can lead to meaningful conversations and insights.- The Importance of Boundaries: Strategies for managing workload and preventing burnout in a fast-paced environment.- Leveraging AI in Marketi

In this heartfelt episode, Megan Powers reconnects with the dynamic Jen Larsen (or Jen Cole, as many know her) after a significant hiatus from recording together. The duo reflects on the challenges and changes they've faced over the last few months, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and community support during tough times.As they catch up, Jen shares her personal experiences of navigating career shifts and the emotional toll of keeping everything bottled up. Megan, too, opens up about her own journey.Key Insights Include:- The Power of Vulnerability: Understanding that sharing struggles can strengthen bonds with your audience and community.- Building a Support Network: The necessity of leaning on friends and colleagues during challenging times instead of facing them alone.- The Importance of Consistency: How the duo plans to rekindle their podcasting rhythm, and engage their listeners more effectively.- Embracing Change: Both Jen and Megan discuss the shifts in their lives and how these experiences

This episode features an inspiring conversation with renowned photographer and author Scott Proposki, who shares his remarkable journey from the brink of losing everything during the pandemic to rebuilding a thriving business. Scott’s career highlights include shooting for National Geographic and the White House, but it was his radical pause during the pandemic that led him to create the Camera Focus method — a framework designed to help photographers build sustainable, system-driven businesses.We delve into Scott's insights on resilience, anticipation in photography, and the importance of storytelling in marketing. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned marketer, Scott’s experiences and practical tips will inspire you to navigate your own challenges with clarity and confidence.Learn About...- The Power of Anticipation: Scott discusses how anticipating moments can lead to capturing extraordinary photographs and successful business outcomes.- Building Trust: Learn how to establish credibility and

Re-release time! On this one we bring back Bri Seeley, an award-winning businesswoman (originally posted as episode 154--the final ep. of season 7). Bri shares her insights on maintaining balance while pursuing ambitious goals, the importance of a cohesive marketing strategy, and the evolving role of social media in business.As many of us are doing our planning for the new year, it's the perfect time to get some answers on how to approach our marketing strategies.Learn About...- Mindset Shifts for Success: Bri discusses the essential mindset changes that help entrepreneurs achieve high levels of success without diminishing their own worth.- Balancing Ambition and Well-being: Practical strategies for maintaining personal well-being while pursuing big business goals.- Holistic Marketing Approach: How to integrate various marketing elements into a cohesive strategy for more consistent and successful outcomes.- Data-Driven Decisions: The role of data in crafting effective marketing strategies and ensuring all ele

In this engaging episode Megan welcomes the incredible Tracy Stuckrath, an expert in event marketing and inclusion. Together, they explore the transformative experience of the Club Ichi Barefoot Business Retreat, a unique gathering that fosters peer-to-peer learning and community building among event professionals.Tracy shares her insights from the unique retreat, highlighting the importance of creating environments where attendees can connect, learn, and thrive. She discusses the concept of the "Spontaneous Think Tank," where participants contribute topics they want to learn about and share their expertise, creating a dynamic and collaborative learning atmosphere.Key Takeaways Include:- The Power of Community: Tracy emphasizes the value of building relationships and how retreats can enhance collaboration and support among entrepreneurs and event planners.- Reframing Self-Talk: She shared how she learned from Dr. Jess at the retreat how to shift your mindset from self-imposed limitations to intentions, helpin

In this reflective solo episode of Making a Marketer, host Megan Powers shares her journey through a whirlwind of travel, professional obligations, and personal milestones. As the incoming president of the San Diego chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Megan discusses the challenges of balancing leadership roles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the podcast.This candid conversation touches on the realities of leadership, emphasizing that it's normal not to have it all at once. Megan reflects on her commitment to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, celebrating 20 years of fundraising, and the importance of mentorship in the events industry.Key Themes:- Leadership Realities: Megan shares her experiences and insights on what it means to lead in a volunteer organization, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support.- The Importance of Mentorship: Discover how every member can serve as a mentor, shaping the future of the industry and fostering a sense of belonging.- Bala

*RE-RELEASE TIME* Episode 179 brings us back to 129 with Cass Cooper.Our guest on this one is a repeater - her episode was the 4th most downloaded all-time at the time of publishing this (episode 88 - on personal branding)! She knows her stuff and is an absolute delight.There is nuance in how we approach opposing views online. How we approach it with our marketing is even more nuanced."I think the biggest thing right now is we're in a really crazy space that we've never been in before, with everyone having access to so much information, so much misinformation, so much disinformation, that it is really, really hard for marketers to accurately and effectively not just target the group they want to speak to, but reach and break through."We get pretty deep about how marketers should look at inclusive strategy & language, authenticity, and awareness.Cass' Book Reco: Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika TulshyanOur guest:Cass Cooper is laser focused on bringing equity and inclusion to the IT Channel and Te

In the exciting kickoff of Season 9 of Making a Marketer, we welcome back the brilliant Goldie Chan, an award-winning branding strategist and author.This episode dives into the nuances of personal branding, especially from the perspective of introverts (which also apply to ambiverts and extroverts!). Goldie shares her insights on how to navigate the world of networking and visibility without feeling overwhelmed.With her upcoming book, "Personal Branding for Introverts," set to release on October 28, 2025, Goldie discusses the importance of owning your narrative and providing permission to be authentic in your branding journey.Learn About...- Defining Personal Branding: Goldie clarifies the difference between personal branding and reputation, emphasizing the story you tell when you’re in the room versus what others say when you’re not.- Strategies for Introverts: Discover manageable first steps for introverts to build a personal brand without feeling burn-out, including the importance of starting small and set

In this final episode of Season 8(!), we welcome back the incredible Kelly Noble Mirabella, a digital marketing expert renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing. With over a decade of experience, Kelly shares her insights on the evolution of chatbots and the unique art of chatbot copywriting, emphasizing the importance of creating conversational and engaging interactions.She has the ALL-TIME most downloads of this podcast with her first episode with us about chat marketing (by A LOT). She shares a little secret on this one... back in 2018 (yes, that's how long ago it was and it's still crushing it!), chatbots were not actually AI. But they sure are now!Learn About...- The Evolution of Chat Marketing: Kelly reflects on the journey from traditional chatbots to AI-driven conversational agents, highlighting how advancements in technology have transformed customer interactions.- Crafting Unique Chatbot Copy: Discover the key differences between chatbot copywriting and traditional copywriting, and learn how t

In this episode, we welcome back Jim Fuhs who has been on our show a few different times (including reunions). We dive deep into the world of Substack on this one. Join us as Jim shares his insights on how this platform can empower marketers and creators to build authentic communities and foster direct relationships with their audience (very different than other platforms!).Listen back to his other appearances...1st time on: Episode 69 (in 2020) with Tim Sohn - How to Build a Livestream Show with Tim & Kim2nd time on: Episode 111 (in 2022) with Chris Stone - Broadcast on Amazon Live with Chris Stone and Jim FuhsLearn About...- The Power of Substack: Discover how Substack offers a unique direct-to-creator connection that allows users to build relationships and communities, making it a valuable tool for marketers.- Engaging Your Audience: Jim discusses strategies for creating two-way conversations on Substack, emphasizing the importance of interaction and feedback in building a loyal subscriber base.- Conte

In this milestone episode 175 of Making a Marketer, we are thrilled to (finally) welcome Tony Christensen, co-founder of Brick Social, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as we explore the intriguing concept of "ugly ads" and why they can outperform polished campaigns in today's market.Scrappy? Solo creator? It is a WHOLE new world out there and you can get creative on ads AND organic - so many amazing tips unlocked on this one with Tony.Learn About...- The Shift in Ad Targeting: Tony shares insights on the transition from traditional interest-based targeting to a broader, creative-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging content that really resonates with audiences.- The Power of Creative Variety: Discover how incorporating a diverse range of ad formats— from polished videos to organic-looking posts— can unlock greater success in ad campaigns.- The Role of AI in Marketing: Learn how AI tools can streamline the ad creation process by analyzing customer data and gen

In this episode, we dive into the awesome world of events with two industry leaders, Tahira Endean and Dave Stevens. Join us as they share their insights on the intersection of AI and human connection in the event space, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world.Learn About...- The Role of AI in Events: Discover how event organizers are integrating AI to enhance personalization and streamline operations, while still prioritizing human connection.- Creating Joyful Experiences: Tahira discusses her new book, "Our KPI is Joy," and shares strategies for fostering joy in events, highlighting the significance of thoughtful design and genuine human interactions.- The Importance of Community: Dave shares insights on building authentic communities that foster meaningful connections, contrasting them with traditional associations, and emphasizing the need for open conversations on pressing issues.- Measuring Success Beyond Numbers: Explore innovative ways to measure the im

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Christina Garnett, a fractional chief customer officer and CX strategist, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of marketing and customer experience. With her extensive background in community-building and emotional intelligence, Christina discusses the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI and automation.Learn About...- The Human Connection in Marketing: Discover how the push for authenticity and emotional intelligence is becoming more vital as brands navigate the complexities of AI and technology.- Building Community: Christina emphasizes the significance of fostering genuine connections within teams and with customers, highlighting how these relationships can drive loyalty and enhance the overall customer experience.- The Role of Emotional Metrics: Explore why shifting focus from traditional quantitative metrics to emotional engagement metrics can lead to deeper insights and better customer relationships.- Overcomin

In this episode, we are excited to welcome a digital marketing expert to share her insights on leveraging YouTube for business growth. As the founder and fractional CMO of The Kast Agency, Desiree has a wealth of knowledge on creating effective marketing strategies that resonate with audiences and drive measurable results.Learn About...- The Evolution of Video Marketing: Discover how Desiree transitioned from traditional marketing to focusing on YouTube and the lessons learned along the way.- Long Form vs. Short Form Content: Understand the differences between long-form videos and shorts on YouTube, and how to effectively integrate both into your content strategy.- The Importance of Thumbnails: Learn how to create impactful thumbnails that capture attention and improve click-through rates, ultimately leading to greater engagement.- Building an Authentic Online Presence: Desiree emphasizes the need for marketers to share their authentic journeys, including both successes and challenges, to connect with their

In this episode, we were pumped to welcome ConRoy Smith! An absolute multi-hyphenate, he's a multi-talented actor, musician, and veteran fitness coach who shared his inspiring journey from professional athlete to the entertainment industry. With an extensive background in rugby and coaching, ConRoy shares how the discipline and resilience he cultivated in sports have shaped his approach to his acting career and the personal branding around all of it.Learn About...- The Transition from Sports to Acting: Discover how ConRoy made the leap from professional rugby to pursuing his passion for storytelling through acting, and the pivotal moments that guided his journey.- Embracing Your Personal Brand: Understand the importance of recognizing yourself as a brand, and how to cultivate an authentic presence in the entertainment industry.- The Role of Discipline: ConRoy shares insights on maintaining consistency and discipline amidst the unpredictable nature of acting, and how his athletic background supports his creati

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Cassie Tucker, a marketing strategist and storyteller, to discuss the art of pitching yourself effectively for a job, a project, being a podcast guest -- you name it. With a rich background in both agency work and now being out on her own, Cassie shares her insights on how to craft compelling pitches that resonate with potential clients and collaborators.Learn About...- The Power of Confidence: Discover why confidence is crucial when pitching yourself and how to build it through preparation and self-awareness.- Research is Key: Understand the importance of knowing your audience and tailoring your pitch to meet their needs and expectations.- Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: Learn how to create a concise and impactful personal story that highlights your unique value proposition.- Embracing Rejection: Cassie discusses how to handle rejection gracefully, and use it as a learning opportunity for future pitches.- Building Relationships: Explore the significance of nurturing c

In this episode, we are excited to welcome Susana Mendoza, a seasoned journalist and media contributor, to discuss effective strategies for reaching Spanish-speaking audiences. With over a decade of experience in major Spanish-language outlets, Susana shares her insights on navigating the complexities of the Hispanic media landscape and how brands can authentically connect with diverse Latino communities.Learn About...- The Hispanic Media Landscape: Get an overview of the current state of Hispanic media in the U.S., and understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for brands looking to engage this audience.- Cultural Nuances: Discover why treating the Hispanic market as a monolith can be detrimental, and how to tailor your messaging to resonate with specific communities based on their cultural backgrounds.- Building Relationships: Learn the importance of establishing genuine connections with local communities and grassroots organizations to foster trust and create impactful marketing campaigns.- Avo

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome the inspiring Lou Mongello, a Podcast Hall of Fame inductee and the founder and host of the WDW Radio podcast. Lou shares his remarkable journey from attorney to Disney expert, discussing how he transformed his passion for Disney into a successful multi-platform brand. With over 800 episodes of the acclaimed WDW Radio podcast, Lou dives into the essence of community building, authenticity, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters when on (or even considering) a podcast journey.Learn About...- The Journey of Podcasting: Gain insights into Lou's evolution from attorney to podcaster and how he navigated the challenges along the way.- Focus and Purpose: Understand the value of knowing your "why" and how it can guide your content creation and community engagement efforts.- Crafting Content: Lou shares his unique approach to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of creating content that resonates with both him and his audience.- Building Community: Learn stra

Re-release time! We are re-sharing some of our BEST shows that a.) New listeners just have to hear and b.) Long-time listeners can benefit from hearing again. This one with Dan is one of those."Feedback is a gift and as long as you’re willing to take it."--In this episode, we welcome the always insightful and delightful (and newly minted Certified Speaking Professional) Dan Gingiss, CSP, to discuss the powerful intersection of customer experience and marketing. Dan dives into how exceptional customer experiences can serve as the best marketing tool for businesses.Learn About...- The Essence of Customer Experience: Discover how customer experience encompasses every interaction a customer has with a brand, and why feelings play a crucial role in shaping perceptions.- Customer Service vs. Customer Experience: Understand the difference between customer service and customer experience, and how effective service can enhance overall brand loyalty.- The Impact of Social Media: Explore how social media has transformed

In this episode, we reunite with the incredible Michaela Alexis, a well-known LinkedIn trainer and personal branding expert, to dive deep into the transformative journey of networking without fear. With her new book, "No Fear Networking," Michaela shares her personal experiences with social anxiety and how she turned her challenges into opportunities for growth.Learn About...- Embracing Vulnerability: Discover how Michaela's journey with social anxiety led her to create the "No Fear Networking" challenge, encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones and connect authentically.- The Power of Small Interactions: Understand how simple acts, like complimenting a stranger, can have a profound impact on both your confidence and the lives of those around you.- Real-Life Networking Stories: She shares her memorable networking moments, including how a single connection changed her career trajectory, and led to publishing her book.- Navigating Online vs. In-Person Networking: Explore the differences between di