Inside Marketing with MarketSurge

Today’s guest is someone who’s rewriting the rules for brand growth in one of the most misunderstood — and overlooked — corners of the internet: Reddit.Meet Danny Kirk, founder of ReddiReach, the bootstrapped agency that’s helped 500+ brands grow organically on Reddit while also future-proofing their visibility across AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.Danny isn’t just “doing Reddit.” He’s engineering how brands show up in the age of AI — through what he calls Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — and turning niche community discussions into real-world business results.If you've ever wondered:🔥 Why Reddit is one of the most powerful — yet ignored — channels in digital marketing 🔥 How AI search is reshaping visibility and what brands must do now 🔥 Why deep niche engagement beats “reach everyone” marketing 🔥 How Danny quietly built multiple 7-figure companies with zero outside funding…this conversation is going to hit you like discovering your competitor has been dominating subreddits for years.Let’s dive in.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Reddit as a Marketing Weapon — Why brands fear it… and why that fear is costing them growth • The Rise of AI Search — How AI scrapes Reddit and why GEO matters more than SEO ever has • Comment-Level Influence — The hidden layer of human interaction that AI ranks first • Ethical Reddit Marketing — Why honesty, rules, and community ethos are the real growth hacks • Finding Your Thousand True Fans — Deep vs. broad marketing and what actually scales • Building High-Focus Companies — Danny’s lessons from multiple successful exits • The Future of Community-Led Visibility — And why being early to AI search matters today • Tools That Matter — Including Danny’s favorite new edge: Peekaboo for AI search rankings🔗 Connect With Danny🌐 ReddiReach: https://reddireach.com 🔗 Danny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/🎯 Want MarketSurge-Style Growth?If you’re ready to scale smarter, louder, and with actual leverage — let’s talk. 👉 Book a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Inside Marketing with MarketSurge Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q 🎯 Book Your 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw 📢 SurgeCast Guest Placement: https://marketsurge.io/surgecast

In this episode, Reed Hansen sits down with Nisha Trivedi, one of the top-ranked MBA admissions consultants at MBA Mission, a LinkedIn Learning author, and a leading voice in business etiquette and professional communication.In a world dominated by hustle, automation, and speed, this conversation zooms in on what many businesses overlook — the art of communication, etiquette, and authentic storytelling — and how mastering these skills can elevate your career, personal brand, and leadership presence.Nisha has been featured in Poets & Quants, Bloomberg, and the Los Angeles Times, and she helps professionals and organizations communicate with clarity, civility, and confidence. Together, Reed and Nisha explore how strong brands and strong leaders earn trust — not through hype, but through intentional communication.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• What a personal brand really is (and what it’s not)• How authenticity plays a critical role in storytelling and leadership• Why vulnerability makes stories more persuasive — not weaker• How professionals can balance credibility with relatability• The role storytelling plays in MBA admissions and career growth• How business etiquette impacts trust, collaboration, and culture• Common communication mistakes professionals make (and how to fix them)• Why channel choice (email vs. phone vs. meeting) matters more than you think• How etiquette and clarity reduce conflict and improve workplace dynamics🎯 Key Topics Covered✅ Personal Branding — Defining the essence of who you are (and who you’re not)✅ Storytelling Frameworks — Turning experiences into authentic narratives✅ Vulnerability & Trust — Why perfect stories don’t persuade✅ MBA Admissions Insights — What decision-makers really look for✅ Business Etiquette — Practical rules for modern professional interactions✅ Leadership Communication — How clarity and civility elevate influence👤 About Our Guest: Nisha TrivediNisha Trivedi is a Senior Consultant at MBA Mission, where she helps applicants craft compelling, authentic stories for top MBA and graduate programs. She is also a business etiquette trainer, LinkedIn Learning author, and thought leader focused on helping professionals navigate modern workplace interactions with confidence and grace.Her LinkedIn Learning courses include:• Business Etiquette for the Modern Workplace• Business Etiquette for Gen Z• Social Cues No One Teaches You🔗 Connect with Nisha Trivedi💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishatrivedi/🌐 MBA Mission: https://www.mbamission.com🎓 LinkedIn Learning: Search “Nisha Trivedi” on LinkedIn Learning🧠 Business Etiquette Training: https://ntbusetiquette.com🚀 About MarketSurgeAt MarketSurge, we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder by turning marketing tools into systems — and systems into predictable growth.If you’re tired of guessing and want automation that performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/🎯 Book a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — and drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway.#InsideMarketing #BusinessEtiquette #Storytelling #PersonalBrand #LeadershipDevelopment #MarketingStrategy #MarketSurge

In today’s episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed sits down with Paul Leon — the powerhouse sales enablement trainer who’s transformed 500+ companies, influenced $100M+ in revenue, and built one of Apple’s Top 50 Management Podcasts, The Manager’s Mic.Paul went from self-described college dropout who never saw himself in corporate to MBA candidate, elite sales trainer, podcaster, and communication strategist. With a 4.9/5 workshop satisfaction score and a teaching style that blends psychology, sales science, and comedy, Paul shows teams how to communicate clearly, lead confidently, and close more business.This episode gets into why most companies have a broken sales process, how marketing and sales value props drift out of alignment, and how teams can fix all of it through clarity, structure, and volume.If you sell, lead, or market anything — this one is a masterclass.💡 What You’ll Learn:• Why most sales teams struggle with communication • The real reason your sales and marketing value props don’t match • How to craft a punchline-level value proposition buyers instantly “get” • The psychology behind how vs. why loops in sales & marketing • Why objections and obstacles are NOT the same thing • How to rewrite your scripts for clarity and confidence • Why volume + momentum matter more than “perfecting” your pitch • How Paul built a Top 50 podcast through grit, repetition, and consistency🎯 Key Highlights:✅ Value Proposition Mastery — Why your entire sales process breaks without a clear, shared value prop ✅ How/Why Loops — The simplest explanation you’ve ever heard on marketing vs. sales psychology ✅ Obstacles vs. Objections — And why confusing the two kills deals ✅ Volume Creates Confidence — Why most salespeople don’t do enough reps to improve ✅ Paul’s Story — From toxic corporate experiences to becoming a premier sales trainer🔗 Connect With Paul Leon🌐 Website: https://www.themanagersmic.com 📧 Email: paul@themanagersmic.com 🎙 Podcast: The Manager’s Mic (Apple Top 50) 🔗 LinkedIn: (add link if you’d like me to include it)🧠 Want to level up your marketing + sales systems?At MarketSurge, we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder. If you're tired of guessing and want automation that performs like a team of 10…🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

Inside Marketing with MarketSurge welcomes Jeff Greenfield — a 3x founder, analytics pioneer, and CEO/co-founder of Prova (getprova.com). If you’ve ever wondered why your marketing data says one thing while your financials scream something else, this episode is your intervention.Jeff has been fixing attribution chaos for decades — building companies that pioneered multi-touch attribution, created viewability standards, and cracked privacy-safe measurement long before the industry caught up.Today, he's on a mission to solve the biggest existential crisis in marketing:👉 There is no single source of truth — and it's costing brands millions.We unpack:Why Google, Meta, Amazon, Hulu all claim credit for the same saleWhat probabilistic, AI-powered attribution actually looks likeHow consumer behavior has shifted into apps + marketplacesWhy the future of search may live inside ChatGPTWhat marketers MUST do now to keep up with the next data revolution👉 Learn more about Prova: https://getprova.com👉 Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/📌 Episode Highlights00:00 — Why marketing data rarely matches financial reality04:32 — The “six vendors, one sale” problem09:10 — Multi-touch attribution explained in simple language13:55 — Why GA4, Meta, and Google all disagree17:40 — How Prova uses AI without relying on LLMs25:10 — Walled gardens, clean rooms, and the new fragmented internet34:20 — The rise of ChatGPT-based shopping40:00 — How marketers should prepare for the next 3–5 years45:55 — Where to find Jeff + free attribution certification🚀 STAY CONNECTED WITH MARKETSURGE🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 Twitter (X): https://x.com/marketsurging📅 Book Your Value or Free Coffee Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

Strap in, founders — today’s episode is a masterclass in building businesses that actually last. We’re joined by Rick Meekins, Managing Partner at Aepiphanni Business Consulting and host of the Relentless Pursuit of Winning Podcast — a guy who’s spent 20+ years helping founders stop running their businesses like a flaming circus and start operating like a well-engineered machine.Rick has helped leaders navigate growth, fix broken systems, and build companies that scale without the chaos tornado. And today? He’s dropping the exact mindset shifts and operational frameworks founders need to break out of reactive growth cycles.If you’re scaling fast, feel like you’re white-knuckling the handlebars, or want to build a company that wins today AND 10 years from now, this episode is required listening.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:🔥 Why Founders Stay Stuck in Reactive GrowthAnd how to get out of the cycle before your business becomes the world’s most stressful full-time job.⚙️ The “Engine” Model of OperationsRick breaks down how every business — from software to pool cleaning to light manufacturing — needs the same core operational principles to scale sustainably.👥 How Visionaries & Executors Can Actually Work TogetherAnd how Rick turns abstract founder vision into tactical, scalable systems.📈 How to Build a Company with Real LongevityNot a “cool idea” that dies when the founder gets tired.🎙️ Rick's Podcasting JourneyWhy he started Relentless Pursuit of Winning, how it fuels his business, and what every founder gets wrong about podcasting.🌟 The Big TakeawayA stable, scalable business isn’t magic — it’s engineered.🔗 Connect With Rick MeekinsWebsite: https://aepiphanni.com/ Podcast: https://rpowpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmeekins/ Big Scary Vision: https://bigscaryvision.com🔗 Connect With MarketSurgeWebsite: https://marketsurge.io Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654🎯 Want your marketing engine to run like a team of 10 without hiring a team of 10? Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

Today’s guest brings a refreshing — and much-needed — perspective to the world of PR.Meet Anna Tran, a values-driven PR strategist with 15+ years in sales and 7+ years in marketing, who’s built her career on one core belief:👉 Marketing creates attention.PR creates trust.And trust is what converts.Anna's approach to PR goes far beyond “get me in a magazine.” Her philosophy centers on purpose-driven storytelling, shaping narratives that actually mean something — and turning brand stories into momentum that compounds over time.In this episode, we dive into:✨ How PR connects the gap between traffic and conversion✨ Why trust is the missing ingredient in most marketing campaigns✨ What purpose-driven PR looks like (and why most companies get it wrong)✨ How to find your real story — even if you think you don’t have one✨ How to polish your narrative without losing authenticity✨ Why consistency in media visibility builds long-term authority✨ The future of PR in the age of AI — and what humans still do better✨ How to leverage major media placements for years of ROIIf you’ve ever wondered how to go from invisible to in demand, Anna lays out the roadmap.Let’s dive in.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• PR vs. Marketing — Why both matter and how they support each other• Purpose-Driven PR — Crafting narratives rooted in values and mission• Real Storytelling — How to shape your journey (even if it’s messy)• Reputation Management — Why credibility is earned, not assumed• Long-Term Leverage — Turning one media win into sustained authority• Entrepreneurial Growth — Anna’s lessons from building her own brand• AI in PR — The opportunities, the limitations, and the future🔗 Connect With Anna📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levelupwithanna🌐 Website: https://levelupwithanna.com/🔗 MarketSurge Links (Required for All YouTube Show Notes)🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q🎯 Book Your 15-Minute “Value or Free Coffee” Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw📢 SurgeCast Guest Placement: https://marketsurge.io/surgecast

Today, Reed sits down with someone who embodies the phrase “Just Keep Learning” — Justin Nolan, creator and host of the powerful JKL Podcast  @justkeeplearningpodcast   coach helping creators unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum.Justin doesn’t just talk about growth. He lives it.In this episode, we dig into:How the chaos of COVID sparked Justin’s podcast journeyWhy “everyone should have a podcast” (and why most people misunderstand that advice)How creators can stop overthinking and finally start publishingPractical confidence-building for entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone sharing their voiceWhat it really takes to stay motivated when your content isn’t getting traction… yetThe real difference between faking confidence and developing itAnd the branding mistakes Justin had to learn the hard way (including an impossible-to-find first podcast name)This conversation hits that sweet spot between mindset, skillset, and strategy — exactly why Justin’s work resonates with so many creators who want to build something meaningful.💡 Guest Links🎧 Justin’s YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@justkeeplearningpodcast🔗 Justin Nolan on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/justinnolan-justkeeplearning💬 Topics CoveredWhy podcasting is the new “write a book”Overcoming imposter syndrome (even at higher levels)Repetition, habits, and how professionals stay consistentThe real ROI of being a podcast guestWhy the world doesn’t have “too many podcasts” — just too many silent creatorsHow podcasting sharpens your thinking, messaging, and impact🎯 Want your own marketing breakthroughs?Smarter. Faster. Louder.That’s what we help you do at MarketSurge.🌐 Explore how we help businesses grow: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Inside Marketing with MarketSurge Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging🎤 Want podcast guest placement? https://marketsurge.io/surgecast📅 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee

💥 In this episode, Reed Hansen sits down with Len Ward — former Wall Street VP, digital marketing pioneer, and Managing Partner at Commexis — to break down what’s really happening at the intersection of AI, marketing, and business strategy.If you’ve been wondering whether AI is the next dot-com boom or just another tech bubble, Len’s been on both sides — and he’s here to share what business leaders need to know right now.🎙️ What You’ll Learn• Why today’s AI wave mirrors the dot-com boom — but is moving way faster • The shift from search & retrieve to solve my problem, and how it changes marketing forever • What AI workflow engineering is and how businesses are already using it • How vibe-coding is turning marketers into builders • The new role of the AI Pilot — and why every company will need one • Why most marketing departments won’t survive the next 24 months • How leaders can adopt AI without blowing up their org structure🔥 Key Takeaways✅ AI isn’t coming — it’s already restructuring how business gets done ✅ Companies won’t have a 25-year runway like they did with the internet ✅ AI workflows eliminate bottlenecks and multiply output ✅ Vibe coding lets marketers build tools once reserved for dev teams ✅ “AI Pilots” will become the most valuable roles in modern marketing🔗 Connect With Len WardWebsite: https://commexis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenward/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/lenwardNJ🌐 MarketSurge Links🚀 MarketSurge Main Sitehttps://marketsurge.io🎥 YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q📘 Facebook Business Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654👥 Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/💼 LinkedIn Pagehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 X (Twitter)https://x.com/marketsurging🎙️ Inside Marketing with MarketSurge Podcasthttps://marketsurge.transistor.fm/📅 Book a Strategy / Demo Callhttps://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

Welcome back to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — the show where real entrepreneurs unpack the unfiltered truth about growth, grit, and what actually works in marketing today.In this episode, Reed Hansen sits down with Jeremy Barker, CEO of Murphy Door, America’s #1 hidden door brand — a company that blew past $56 million, generated 1+ billion views, and grew 117% YoY… all from a product people didn’t even know they needed.But Jeremy’s story isn’t just about hidden doors, secret rooms, and viral videos. It’s about bankruptcy, resilience, reinvention, and the psychology behind products that people can’t stop watching.If you’ve ever wondered how some brands explode while others stall, this episode is a masterclass in creation, positioning, storytelling, and authentic customer-powered marketing.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• The true power of resilience — and how Jeremy bounced back from two bankruptcies • The birth of Murphy Door and how a firefighter built a category that didn’t exist • The “reveal factor” and why it turns average products into viral sensations • How to engineer attention (even in “boring” categories) • Why businesses fail at marketing — and how to avoid the race-to-zero price trap • How Jeremy turned customer honesty into a 41% conversion rate using PureBrand • The mindset shift every founder must make to build long-term success👉 Key Highlights:✅ The Hidden Door Hook: why the reveal creates unbeatable watch time ✅ The 360 Feedback Loop: how past customers fuel future conversions ✅ Scaling Through Transparency: why authenticity builds market-moving trust ✅ Micro Wins > Mega Goals: how Jeremy manages growth with daily course corrections🔗 Links Mentioned by Jeremy Barker:Murphy Door Website: https://murphydoor.com Jeremy’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/jbarker482 Jeremy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-g-barker Jeremy’s Website: https://jeremybarker.com Books by Jeremy Barker: • Founder Fallout • Before You Blow It • Ashes to Empires (Available on Amazon)PureBrand App: https://purebrand.io🚀 Grow Smarter, Faster & Louder with MarketSurgeWant strategy, systems, and automation that scale like crazy — without the guesswork?🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Strategy Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed sits down with the powerhouse herself — Breyel Banks: keynote speaker, confidence coach, founder of Queen Hood Finance, and the radical mind behind the RAD Methodology (Release, Align, Accomplish, Dream).If you’ve ever questioned your confidence, felt stuck in a pivot, or battled imposter syndrome while building something meaningful — this conversation is your shot of pure rocket fuel. 🚀Breyel’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention: • Dropping out of college… then returning for a psychology degree • Driving trucks across the country • Becoming a confidence and leadership keynote speaker • Empowering entrepreneurs and executives to show up authentically and lead boldlyThis episode uncovers: ✨ Why authenticity is a strategic advantage ✨ How the RAD Methodology helps you break mental barriers ✨ Why small accomplishments build unstoppable momentum ✨ How to beat imposter syndrome through action ✨ Why camera confidence is the new business essential ✨ And the #1 skill entrepreneurs MUST master in an AI-driven world (hint: it’s not tech)Breyel’s perspective is raw, relatable, and radically empowering — and yes, her baby makes a cameo. It’s perfection. 😄💡 Connect with Breyel BanksWebsite: https://breyelbanks.com Book a discovery call: Visit her site and mention Reed for a special offer LinkedIn: (insert link if you want me to add it) Podcast: Create and Grow Your Dream Business🔗 Stay Connected with MarketSurge🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📅 Book a “15-Minute Value or Free Coffee” Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee

This episode is PACKED with high-level insight AND hands-on, practical advice for marketers, founders, and content creators who want to stay ahead of the AI tsunami reshaping how brands communicate, convert, and grow.Today, Reed sits down with Maria Del Pilar Casal — an award-winning marketing executive with 15+ years crafting advertising campaigns for Unilever, Toyota, Verizon, and several global brands you definitely recognize. Pilar is known for creating campaigns that don’t just win awards — they move revenue.This conversation cuts through the noise and gets into:🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🔥 How AI Is Reshaping Consumer Behavior• Why Gen Z is now treating AI like a “third influencer” • How AI is transforming discovery, purchase decisions, and brand expectations • What AEO (AI Engine Optimization) means — and why brands must adapt fast🔥 What Small & Medium Businesses Can Do RIGHT NOW• Why AI may actually help SMBs more than big brands • Where AI fits best in your workflow (and where humans are still unbeatable) • How to identify gaps in your day and delegate them to AI🔥 The Content Formats Dominating 2025–2026• Video is king… but not in the way everyone thinks • When long-form content matters more than viral clips • How to turn one recording into 10+ pieces of content across every platform🔥 The Power of Collaboration• Why creators, influencers, and brand partners amplify results • How even small businesses can access creator marketing affordably • What makes micro/nano influencers more valuable than celebrities🔥 The Near Future of Digital Marketing• Why website traffic is about to drop (and why it’s not all bad) • The coming wave of AI-driven referrals and ads • Why email lists are about to become gold—again • How brands should diversify content + channels to stay resilient👤 Connect with Maria Del Pilar Casal👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariapilarcasal/ Pilar offers consulting, brand strategy, and content collaboration opportunities.📈 Ready to Scale Smarter, Faster, and Louder?MarketSurge helps businesses build growth systems that generate inbound demand, automate efficiently, and create content that converts.🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🎯 Book a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio

Looking to scale your B2B sales? Build a real outbound engine? Or finally crack B2B cold email that actually gets replies (and not just pity opens)?Then buckle up — this episode is your masterclass.This week, Reed sits down with Kevin Downey, a Kansas City–based recruitment leader and B2B growth strategist who has sent over 100 million emails, built multiple high-performing sales teams, and perfected repeatable systems for outbound lead generation.From his early sales days at Slazenger and Callaway to launching his own recruitment and outbound firm, Kevin breaks down — with zero fluff — how companies can scale smart, hire better, and drive predictable revenue with efficient, modern systems.And yes… he also reveals why your B2B cold email probably sucks (it's okay, we still love you).🎯 Episode Highlights🔥 The Entrepreneurial DNAHow growing up in a family of immigrant business owners shaped Kevin’s obsession with systems, work ethic, and owning the outcome.🔥 Lessons From 100+ Million Cold EmailsWhy most B2B cold outreach fails — and the simple cold-call-inspired shift that changed everything.🔥 The “Personalization Myth”Why obsessing over quirky personalization is killing your reply rates — and what actually moves the needle.🔥 The Tech Stack That Wins Right NowKevin reveals the real tools behind high-volume, high-deliverability, reply-optimized outbound campaigns.🔥 Commission-Only Sales TeamsHow he recruits, trains, and structures commission-only or hybrid teams — and which business models they fit best.🔥 Latin America Sales TeamsWhy LATAM is becoming a powerhouse for inside sales and SDR roles, and how to blend US + LATAM talent without breaking your ops.🔥 B2B Sales in the Age of AIWhere AI can help… and where it's still hilariously awful (sorry robots, call us when you can improvise).💬 Key Takeaways✅ Cold outreach only works if it mimics a cold call, not a cheesy nurture sequence ✅ Volume matters — most companies aren’t sending enough to get signal ✅ AI can enhance sales, but can’t replace human nuance (yet) ✅ LATAM sales hires offer huge ROI when structured correctly ✅ Every company should have ongoing prospecting — especially when markets get tough👤 Connect With Kevin DowneyWebsite & Contact → http://www.kevinmdowney.com🚀 Level Up Your Marketing & Sales SystemsIf you’re ready to scale smarter, faster, louder — with automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10 — MarketSurge has your back.🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🎯 Book Your 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio

In this episode, Reed sits down with Brian Gross, a 32-year veteran of PR, entertainment, and cultural storytelling. Brian has worked with some of the most iconic — and often infamous — names in music, pop culture, and media. From Rick Rubin to Gene Simmons, Vixen Media to Amarosa, Brian has been the guy behind the megaphone shaping how artists and brands show up in the world.You’ll hear how he went from a 17-year-old intern riding elevators with Rick Rubin……to launching BSG PR……to becoming the go-to publicist for edgy, unconventional, and high-impact clients.Brian shares unfiltered insights on the aggressive side of PR, why brands shouldn’t overthink their publicity strategy, and how today’s media landscape rewards boldness more than ever.If you want to understand the mindset behind modern publicity — and how to stand out in a chaotic content world — this one is packed.🧠 What You’ll LearnHow Brian accidentally launched his PR career thanks to a lucky phone callThe difference between strategic PR and aggressive PR — and why most brands need the latterWhy “trying stuff fast” beats overthinking every marketing moveThe one thing Gene Simmons taught him that changed his entire work ethicWhy AI won’t replace PR — but will challenge the industryWhy every brand, even “boring” ones, needs to outshine their competitionHow word-of-mouth has powered Brian’s 500+ client rosterWhy PR wins almost always come from taking creative risksWhy podcasts are one of the smartest discovery tools for any brand today💬 Memorable Quotes“You don’t hire a publicist and become famous the next day. This is a build.”“The worst thing that can happen in PR? Nothing.”“I’m not a gatekeeper — I want to find out what sticks just as much as my clients.”“PR requires fearlessness. Aggression is part of the job.”“AI will change things, but media still needs humans.”🔗 Connect With Brian GrossWebsite: https://bsgpr.comInstagram: @bsgprTwitter/X: @bsgpr🔗 Connect With MarketSurgeWebsite: https://marketsurge.ioFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeioTwitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurgingPodcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fmBook a strategy/sales call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

Welcome back to Inside Marketing With MarketSurge, your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies in the marketing game — hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge.Today, Reed is joined by Kirsten Graham, Business Growth Strategist and Co-Founder of Six Figure Business Coaching. With nearly two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs scale through smart outsourcing, Kirsten specializes in helping business owners unlock more freedom and profit by leveraging Marketing VAs, systemizing their business, and delegating the tasks that keep them stuck.In this episode, Kirsten breaks down exactly how small businesses can scale faster, double their income, and reclaim their time by hiring the right virtual assistant — and leading them the right way.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why entrepreneurs struggle with delegation — and how to fix it • What a Marketing VA is and why it’s one of the highest-ROI hires • How to set expectations, create SOPs, and build a successful VA workflow • Why outsourcing early (not late) is the real scaling advantage • Which tasks business owners should outsource first • The simple content strategy that fuels growth without burnout • The difference between managing tasks and leading people • How to avoid common outsourcing mistakes that waste time and money • How Kirsten and her team train VAs before placing them with clients🛠️ Resources MentionedSix Figure Business Coaching: 👉 https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.comThe Marketing VA Advantage: 👉 https://themarketingvaadvantage.com🧠 Connect With Kirsten GrahamVisit SixFigureBusinessCoaching.com to explore programs, training, and to book a call to determine which type of VA can help you scale the fastest.🚀 Grow With MarketSurge — Smarter, Faster, LouderWant to stay ahead of what’s actually working in marketing right now? 👉 Website: https://marketsurge.io 👉 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 👉 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/ 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 👉 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 👉 Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 👉 Book a Demo / Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffeeBecause your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess.🎧 Enjoying the Podcast?Hit Subscribe, drop a rating, and share this episode with a business owner who’s drowning in tasks and needs a VA yesterday.

In this episode, Reed sits down with Corey Morris — marketing leader, bestselling author, and creator of the START Planning Process, a framework helping businesses finally build a digital marketing plan that isn’t driven by guru advice, “best practices,” or random tactics.Corey’s book, The Digital Marketing Success Plan, breaks down a clear and repeatable system for building marketing strategy the right way — one that aligns goals, cuts waste, and gives businesses a plan they can actually follow, measure, and optimize.With 20+ years of experience, conference keynotes, agency leadership, and hands-on work across search, content, and strategy, Corey brings the rare combo of clarity + practicality in a marketing world that often feels like chaos.This episode is packed with actionable insights on:Why most companies don’t really have a marketing planThe problem with “tactics-first marketing”How the START model brings clarity to teamsHow AI is reshaping planning, content, and channel strategyWhy some channels appear to “not work” (but actually do)How to challenge assumptions, track ROI, and build a plan that evolvesAvoiding expensive mistakes before they happenHow founders and marketing leaders can operate with more confidence, direction, and alignmentIf you’re a founder, marketer, leader, or strategist who’s tired of guessing and ready to plan with precision — this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Corey Morris📘 The Digital Marketing Success Plan: https://thedmsp.com ⚡ Voltage Digital: https://voltage.digital💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• The START Framework: Strategy → Tactics → Application → Review → Transformation • Why planning isn’t sexy — but is absolutely essential • How to avoid wasted spend, bloated tactics, and misaligned goals • How AI is changing both planning and implementation • How to create accountability and agility inside a plan • What most companies get wrong about marketing ROI • The #1 mindset that separates effective marketers from chaotic ones🎯 Want to see what’s actually working in marketing?At MarketSurge, we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder — with systems that scale and automation that feels personal.🌐 Visit us at: https://marketsurge.io 📅 Book a Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee

In this episode, host Reed Hansen sits down with Kevin Hubschmann, founder of Laugh Events — the company redefining how teams connect through laughter, creativity, and community. Kevin shares how he turned his passion for comedy into a thriving business that’s helping organizations transform workplace culture, boost engagement, and make meetings fun again.From improv insights to leadership lessons, this episode dives into the surprising science of laughter and why humor might be one of the most underrated growth strategies in business.💡 What You’ll Learn• How laughter builds stronger teams and improves workplace communication • The behind-the-scenes story of growing Laugh Events from a living-room improv project into a nationwide corporate experience company • Why Kevin avoids calling it “corporate comedy” — and what that says about company culture • Practical tips for bringing more authentic connection and fun into your next team meeting or event • How experimenting, failing fast, and staying curious fuel both comedy and entrepreneurship🔗 Connect with Laugh Events🌐 Website: https://laugh.events 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laugh-events/🚀 About the ShowInside Marketing with MarketSurge gives you a front-row seat to the boldest business ideas and smartest marketing strategies shaping growth today. Hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, every episode breaks down what’s actually working in marketing — minus the fluff.🧠 Want to see how MarketSurge helps brands grow smarter, faster, and louder? 🎯 Book a 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🎧 Listen, Laugh & LearnWhether you’re a founder, marketer, or just someone who believes laughter belongs in the boardroom — this episode will have you rethinking what “team building” really means.🔗 Follow MarketSurge🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, we sit down with REBL Risty, founder of REBL Marketing and REBL Labs, to uncover how she’s shaking up B2B marketing with bold creativity, sharp strategy, and the smart use of AI.From getting laid off during the 2008 downturn to building a thriving agency and AI division, REBL’s journey is a masterclass in turning setbacks into springboards. We dive into:💡 How to align strategy with execution (and stop wasting time on “busy” marketing) 🤖 The right and wrong ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT for marketing 🎨 Why bold branding wins in “boring” B2B markets 💼 How corporate experience shapes entrepreneurial success 🔥 The real ROI of AI workflows and automations for service-based businesses🧠 Key Takeaways✅ AI isn’t here to replace you — it’s here to amplify you. ✅ Bold branding cuts through the noise — even in traditional industries. ✅ Automation ≠ emotionless. Done right, it personalizes your marketing. ✅ Going viral doesn’t mean going profitable — focus on strategy, not stunts.💬 Favorite Quote“Your job’s secure until you get let go. But when you run your own thing, you’ve got multiple fires going — one goes out, you light another.” — REBL Risty🎙️ Guest Links – REBL Risty🌐 Website: https://reblmarketing.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebristy/ 🤖 REBL Labs (AI division): https://rebllabs.ai🚀 MarketSurge & Podcast Links🌐 MarketSurge Website: https://marketsurge.io 🎙️ Inside Marketing with MarketSurge Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📅 Book Your “15-Minute Value or Free Coffee” Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee 💬 Book a Demo with Reed Hansen: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw📱 MarketSurge Social Links📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Tucker, Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist at Changescape Web, to unpack what it really takes to build a digital marketing system that drives predictable, sustainable growth — without wasting time or ad spend.Ken has spent years helping small and midsize businesses master SEO, content strategy, local search visibility, and marketing automation. Today, he shares his battle-tested framework for turning chaos into consistency — and turning clicks into real customers.If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to balance organic growth with automation, this episode is your roadmap to getting it right.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to design a marketing system that consistently delivers leadsThe biggest SEO and local search mistakes small businesses make — and how to fix themWhy marketing automation is the missing link between awareness and revenueHow to use content and reviews to dominate local visibilityThe key to balancing “done-for-you” and “do-it-yourself” marketing strategiesWhat every business owner should automate in 2025 to scale faster and smarter🧠 Key Takeaways✅ Marketing systems outperform marketing campaigns ✅ SEO and automation aren’t separate — they’re stronger together ✅ Consistency beats creativity when it comes to growth ✅ Your reputation is your marketing engine — nurture it daily🔗 Connect with Ken Tucker & Changescape Web📧 Email: ken@changescapeweb.com 🌐 Website: https://changescapeweb.com/ken-tucker/Learn more about Changescape Web’s services in SEO, automation, and marketing systems designed for sustainable small business growth.🌐 Connect with MarketSurge🚀 Visit: https://marketsurge.io 🎯 Book a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee 🎙️ Listen to More Episodes: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/marketsurging

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, host Reed Hansen sits down with Dr. Richard Kaye — a powerhouse in influence, visibility, and publicity.Dr. Kaye has spent over two decades helping entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders elevate their reach through profitable, powerful publicity. From being featured on PBS and ABC to helping clients appear in magazines alongside Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, Richard knows exactly what it takes to turn obscurity into opportunity.Whether you’re pitching yourself to podcasts, TV, or radio — or simply want to understand the difference between PR, advertising, and publicity — this conversation is packed with gold for anyone serious about becoming known, trusted, and in demand.💡 What You’ll Learn: • The difference between PR, advertising, and publicity — and why it matters • How to engineer repeatable publicity (not just get “lucky”) • Why credibility, visibility, and trust are the ultimate growth multipliers • The secret behind “prestige by association” — and how to leverage it • How to tell your story so producers, journalists, and hosts say: “I choose you.”👉 Key Highlights: ✅ How Dr. Kaye went from chiropractor to award-winning media strategist ✅ The #1 mistake most entrepreneurs make when hiring PR help ✅ Why your authenticity matters more than charisma on camera ✅ How to vet publicity professionals and avoid scams ✅ Real-world examples of how clients get featured on ABC, PBS, Binge TV, and even the NASDAQ Jumbotron📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth. If you want automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links 🌐 MarketSurge: https://marketsurge.io 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654🔗 Connect with Dr. Richard Kaye 🌐 Website: http://richardkaye.com/media 📢 Talk About Publicity: https://talkaboutpublicity.com 🏆 Top Talent Agency: https://toptagency.com

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, host Reed Hansen sits down with Dwayne “DJ” Sprague, CMO of Shopper Approved, co-author of Reputation King, and a globally recognized expert in behavioral science, trust, and brand reputation.DJ shares how your online reputation directly predicts your future revenue, and why mastering trust signals, reviews, and social proof could 7x your conversions. This isn’t fluff — it’s science-backed marketing you can actually apply.💡 What You’ll Learn: • The psychology behind how people decide to buy (and trust) • How reviews and social proof fuel conversion growth • The dark side of AI and fake reviews — and how to protect your brand • Ethical reputation management that builds long-term authority • How to turn behavioral science into marketing gold👉 Key Highlights: ✅ How Shopper Approved helps brands boost revenue by up to 7.5x ✅ Why your online sentiment predicts future sales and growth ✅ The surprising role of behavioral economics in brand success ✅ How to ethically dominate review platforms like Google, Bing & more📚 Resources Mentioned: • Shopper Approved → https://www.shopperapproved.com • Reputation King (book + download) → https://www.reputationking.com • Download the free digital + audio version → https://www.reputationking.com/download • DJ Sprague on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanesprague/ • Scott Brandley on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-brandley/ • Traffic and Conversion Podcast Network → https://trafficandconversionpodcast.com🎯 Connect with MarketSurge: 🌐 Website → https://marketsurge.io 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 🐦 X / Twitter → https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast → https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q 👥 Facebook Group → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/☕ Want to see how MarketSurge can help you automate reputation, nurture leads, and scale smarter? 🎯 Book your 15-minute “Value or Free Coffee” call → https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee