More Than A Few Words

Every great story starts with a spark—an idea that captures attention and draws people in. But to tell a story that truly connects, you need more than just inspiration. You need a clear picture of your audience and the problem you’re solving for them. Whether you’re talking to customers, your team, or the world at large, a good story is your secret weapon for building relationships that matter. These conversations, full of practical tips and real-life example will help you unlock the art of crafting a great story.    Feedback in our listener survey indicated an interest in deeper dives on specific topis.  So what do you think?  Do you like the format?  I would love to hear from you!  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

You know the feeling - you're staring at a blank screen, desperately searching for inspiration. The creative well has run dry, and no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to come up with any fresh, innovative ideas. Been there, done that, right? Well, my friend, the solution is simpler than you might think. Just like your car needs gas to keep going, your creative engine needs a little fuel to really get revved up and running. So, how do you fill up that creative tank? Let me share a few of my favorite tips: Listen More, Talk Less  It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to spark new ideas is to actually talk less and listen more. You see, when you're constantly running your mouth, you're not leaving any room for new information to seep in. And trust me, you never know when that random tidbit of knowledge could be the missing puzzle piece you need to solve a thorny problem. So, practice being a better listener. Ask thoughtful questions, lean in, and soak up everything the other person i

If you’re trying to grow your business, one of the best places to go is where other businesses hang out—and that’s LinkedIn. But maybe you’re there already and just not getting the results you want. That’s exactly where Deanna Russo, founder of Leverage Up, comes in. Deanna took her LinkedIn following from a modest 400 to an impressive 30,000 and counting. She joined me to share her best tips for building a LinkedIn presence that actually works—no jargon, no gimmicks, just practical advice grounded in her own success. As someone who's been experimenting with LinkedIn myself, I couldn’t wait to learn more . Here’s what I learned from our conversation: Start with Your Profile Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a page—it’s your billboard. Deanna emphasized the importance of customizing your profile to speak directly to your target audience. Think of it as the foundation for all your LinkedIn activity; without a solid base, everything else wobbles. Understand the LinkedIn Triangle Deanna’s LinkedIn strategy revolv

As a small business owner or consultant, creating consistent marketing content can feel like yet another task on your already long to-do list. That’s why I invited Sally Loftus, an expert in human resources and organizational improvement, to share her practical approach to using themes to simplify content creation. By organizing her marketing around key topics tied to her work, she developed a system that keeps her messaging clear and aligned with her audience’s needs throughout the year.  Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a team, her tips are easy to adapt and implement. Key Points from the Conversation: Use Themes to Anchor Your Marketing: Sally structures her marketing around a few central themes tied to her expertise. This helps her create consistent, targeted content throughout the year that speaks to her audience's evolving needs. Adapt to Timing and Trends: By aligning her themes with seasonal shifts and key industry dates, Sally ensures her content stays relevant and timely, such a

On a cold rush hour morning, a good looking man, dressed in jeans and a baseball cap walked into a train station, carrying a violin case. He opened the case, dropped a few dollars in to encourage others to do the same.  Over the next 45 minutes, he earned less than $35 for his performance.  Most people simply walked by, barely stopping to listen to the classical violin piece, played flawlessly by the young man. Who was he?  Joshua Bell, one of the world’s most renowned musicians.  As part of a social experiment, arranged by a writer from the Washington Post, he played for 45 minutes to see what would happen.  The results are depressing.  More than 1,000 people walked by missing a chance to hear this amazing musician perform.  Depressing not just because they missed a once in a life time chance to hear Joshua Bell, but because their behavior is very typical of how we live our lives.  We get so focused on the end game; we miss so much along the way. So the lesson for today, is not strictly business. Take a few

What if managing your marketing was  more like hosting a party? That’s the premise behind the Party Principle, a concept Dave Charest of Constant Contact shared with me. As someone who loves both a good metaphor and a well-organized shindig, this approach clicked immediately. Social media becomes the lively main event, email is the cozy afterparty, and SMS? That’s your VIP lounge, reserved for your most engaged fans. Each channel plays its role, ensuring that your marketing not only entertains but also builds genuine relationships. The Party Analogy Social media is where your audience gathers, much like guests at a bustling party. It’s about meeting new people and sparking initial connections. From there, email brings a more intimate setting—your “afterparty”—where relationships deepen. SMS steps in as the exclusive VIP lounge, offering a direct, timely way to connect with your most loyal customers. Tailoring Content to Each Channel Avoid the mistake of treating all platforms the same. Just as you wouldn’t se

From The Archive -  Online advertising can feel like navigating a dense forest without a map—especially for businesses trying to sell nationally without the resources of big-name competitors. That’s why I invited Krystal Covington,  to share her expertise. Originally released in September 2022, Krystal's tips are still relevant today.  Together, we explored how businesses can use geo-targeting and smart collaborations to stretch their advertising dollars further and stand out in targeted markets. Here are the highlights of our conversation: Focus Your Efforts With Geo-Targeting Even for businesses that can sell anywhere, narrowing the focus to specific regions can make a big impact. Tools like Google Trends help identify where demand is strongest, allowing companies to allocate their budget effectively. For instance, a $500 geo-targeted ad campaign in high-interest areas can yield better results than a $3,000 national campaign competing against industry giants. Collaborations and Partnerships Pay Off Buil

I teach marketing at a local university, and this week I was talking to my students about Ansoff's Marketing Matrix. In this structure, he identifies four ways that you can grow your business. 1) Sell more of what you're already selling to your existing customers. 2) Sell more of what you're selling, but to new customers. 3) Develop a brand new product and sell that to your existing customers. 4) Sell a new product to a new group of customers. Of the four strategies, that last one, diversification is really hard to do because you're in uncharted waters with people who don't know and love you. So my recommendation if you're ready to grow, figure out whether you have a product that has broader appeal and you just haven't introduced people to it, or if your current customers are ready for something new. What did you think of the episode? I would love to hear from you.  Please take a quick minute to complete the listener survey I can create shows that  that keep you coming back, with a few laughs and a lot of pra

Whether you’re running a business, managing a nonprofit, or just trying to share your message with the world  a good story is the key to connecting with people. Stories bring ideas to life, giving them color and shape that facts and figures alone just can’t match. That’s why I was so excited to chat with Shaté Hayes .   She is a creative strategist with a fascinating background as a professional dancer and choreographer. Her career has been built on crafting stories—first on the stage and now as a tool for business leaders looking to inspire action. Our conversation was a wonderful reminder that, whether you’re working on a stage or in a boardroom, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit.  Here are the key takeaways from our chat:  Start by Collecting Your Puzzle Pieces Before you can craft a great story, you need to gather all the raw materials. Building a story is like assembling a puzzle—laying out data, testimonials, and even permissions to use specific anecdotes. The more pieces

 You probably don’t want to hear this. I’m going to do it SEO wrong. You’re spending all your time focused on what search engines want, worrying about stuffing your pages with keywords, inbound links, and outbound links. But search engines don’t buy from you, people do So I want you to think about SEO differently. Start focusing on content that answers questions real people have about your product and service. If you do that, and you do that, well, the search engines will pay attention. LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILDING YOUR OWN CONTENT BASED SEO PROGRAM

Sometimes, managing social media can feel like you are on a hamster wheel. As a small business owner you’re running fast, but it doesn't seem as if you are getting anywhere? In my chat with Peg Fitzpatrick, we focused on simple and practical tips.  From rethinking which platforms are worth your time to using Pinterest as a hidden traffic booster,  we covered a lot of ground in just 10 minutes   Here’s what Peg had to say: Skip TikTok—It’s Not Worth the Hassle Peg tackled TikTok head-on and made a great point: while TikTok can be fun, it’s also a huge time commitment. And with ongoing political concerns around the platform, it could disappear tomorrow. If you’re already stretched thin, focus on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts instead. Both offer the same short-form video format but require less time and carry fewer risks. It’s like choosing a dependable truck over a flashy sports car—you know it’ll get you where you need to go. LinkedIn: Your Secret Networking Goldmine LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunters

I know you own your own business. You're in there working it all the time, but I'm going to let you in on a secret, smart business owners don't do it alone, we. We find partners who are focused on the same markets and have similar objectives. Sometimes that's an interview on a podcast, and sometimes it's collaborating on a bundle. I wanted to know more about what makes bundles so effective, so I spent some time chatting with Jennie Wright,  co-founder of Many Bundles. Talking with her gave me new ideas for how to partner with others, bundle resources, and build stronger connections with audiences. Bundles and Summits: What's the Difference   - Summits are essentially collections of expert interviews shared over a few days, with contributors promoting the event to their audiences. Bundles, on the other hand, skip the interviews and focus on offering high-value products—like courses, masterclasses, or tools—available exclusively for the bundle's duration. Both approaches drive organic growth, giving participant

I've noticed lately that no matter what social platform I'm on there is lots of video.  There are video shorts and more video and more video. Obviously it's being driven by the rise of TikTok as every other platform is trying to get in on that short format and the shorts are great. They get a lot of engagement. And so it becomes a little addictive. The more you do, the more engagement you get ...  until you don't.  I have noticed everybody is doing it and all the video looks alike. So we are starting to see a little bit of video fatigue setting in. I've always been one to recommend going against the grain, but I'm not telling you to stop doing video. Clearly,  I'm doing video, but  I want you to do is mix it up. Start dropping more long form content into social media articles, for example longer introductions to your video. Then do something else. Take the extra five minutes, to edit your video into Canva or some other editing tool to put a distinctive frame around it. Make your video look different and avoid

Every message you send shapes your brand—make it count Chris Moore and I explored the importance of crafting communication that aligns with your company’s vision. Chris is a leadership expert who has spent over 25 years guiding both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses toward building strong, results-driven cultures. As he explains, every message you send—whether it’s to a customer, employee, or partner—has the power to shape how people see your brand. But how do you make sure those messages truly reflect your vision?  Here are the main takeaways: Vision Is More Than a Dream    We often think of our vision in terms of personal goals or financial success, but a powerful vision includes everyone it touches. When you expand your vision to benefit your customers and team, it becomes a shared mission, making it easier to bring people on board and turn that vision into reality. Communicate Consistently and Clearly    Business owners sometimes assume that repeating their message is overkill, but if you think y

Your vibe attracts your tribe. Show up with purpose every day. Chatting with Jaclyn Strominger had me rethinking what it means to build genuine connections with an audience. Her energy is infectious, and her insights are spot on. In her decades of coaching, she’s seen one thing over and over: real business growth isn’t about flashy marketing tactics or big ad budgets—it’s about the vibe you put out and the community you create. If you want people to buy from you, they need to feel drawn to your energy and know who you are at your core. Here’s what stood out to me most in our conversation: 1.Crafting a Magnetic “Vibe: We all radiate energy, whether we realize it or not, and that energy can either attract or repel. Building a community starts with putting out a vibe that feels welcoming, confident, and authentic. This isn’t about pretending to be upbeat all the time—it’s about intentionally choosing the energy you bring into interactions, especially on tough days. That consistent, positive vibe is what builds t

These days, content has jumped off the page. There are podcasts, there are videos and pros and cons to those formats. You don't have to worry about your grammar and your spelling. You can just talk and that's great. And, you can let a little bit of your personality come through. But there is a line.  As I listen to podcasts, I listen for that line. Is there a moment where they go from sharing a little bit of who they are, their sense of humor to just talking about themselves? So as you're creating content, especially if you're doing it for your business, you must watch that line. You don't want to be too stiff. Nobody wants to see that. But you also need to respect that your viewers are coming to you for information.  Make sure that you're balancing personality with content.  If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

Do you ever find yourself lying awake, thinking of all the things you need to do tomorrow? Elizabeth Louis, neuropsychology expert and mindset coach, has a solution. In this conversation  she breaks down why planning your day the night before is a game-changer, especially for high achievers who can’t seem to switch off.  Along the way she shares practical tools to stay focused, adapt to change, and, yes, finally get some good sleep. Here are a few of her best tips: Plan Your Day Before Bed: Instead of running through tomorrow’s to-dos as your head hits the pillow, jot down three to five tasks before you leave work. Not only does this clear your mind, but it primes your brain for a more relaxed, productive morning. Tap Into “Sensory-Based Thinking”: The brain’s quick, sensory-based thinking mode is four times faster than verbal reasoning. Planning ahead helps shift tasks into that mode, so your brain’s already working on solutions while you sleep. Be Adaptable: When your day goes sideways (as it does!), d

Sitting down with Robert Downey, CEO of Simply Be Found, I discovered a new way of looking at AI—not just as a marketing tool, but as a powerful sales ally. We dove into how AI can help small businesses boost their local SEO, streamline social media efforts, and make the most of website content. Robert’s insights on AI’s role in digital marketing made me think back to the early days of the internet. Back then, businesses were just dipping their toes into the online world, figuring out how it all worked. Now, though, it feels like the pressure’s really on. With AI reshaping the entire landscape, companies have to keep up with these changes—or risk getting left behind. Key Takeaways: Make AI Your Sales Partner: AI can enhance sales strategies, from drafting follow-up emails to refining content for better lead generation. But Robert emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement for genuine interaction. The SEO Pixel Advantage: Robert's SEO pixel is a game-changer, tracking real-time user beha

Some of the content that's doing really well on LinkedIn right now are the multi image posts putting together two or three related images and putting that in your feed like a carousel or just a collage really grabs the attention because it's different than the single images that everyone else is putting out there. Those multiple images allow you to tell a more complete story. The second thing that is dominating LinkedIn right now is video. Video, video. The beautiful thing is that you do not need to create video just for LinkedIn. You can use the same shorts that you're putting on YouTube and TikTok and Facebook and share them. On LinkedIn to create that brand exposure and deliver your message.    If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

I had so much fun welcoming back Kendra Corman back to the show.  An accomplished marketing strategist whose insights are as practical as they are powerful. Kendra’s worked with everyone from small businesses to global brands like Jeep, bringing her marketing expertise to a range of clients. Today, we dug into the ever-evolving world of AI and how it can be a real game-changer for social media and email marketing. Now, if you know me, you know my relationship with AI is complicated. I love the possibilities, but I’m a bit wary of giving up too much control, especially when it comes to my voice. But Kendra shared some great tips and tricks to get the best of both worlds—leveraging AI to streamline content creation while keeping it uniquely “you.”   Training AI in Your Voice: Start by “teaching” AI how you sound. Share real content, like podcast transcripts to help AI learn your unique tone. The result? Content that’s in your voice, whether you’re crafting a LinkedIn post, a Facebook update, or an email newsle