The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tommy Mello, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of a $220 million home services business operating across 20 states. As the author of Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins and host of The Home Service Expert podcast, Tommy has dedicated his career to helping others achieve business success by focusing on recruiting top talent, optimizing branding strategies, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. During our conversation, Tommy shared his journey of scaling a business from a small operation to an industry leader in the home services space. He emphasized the importance of investing in training, aligning core values, and leveraging performance pay systems to build a thriving team and long-term customer loyalty. Today we discussed: [00:00] Who is Tommy Mello? [02:14] Optimizing Recruitment and Service Quality [04:05] Branding Goes Beyond Your Logo [07:26] Motivating Employees to Perform [12:37] Recruiting vs. Creating A-Players [15:52] Using Marketing to Recruit More About Nick Bennett Tommy Mello's website - https://homeserviceexpert.com/ Connect with Tommy Mello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/ Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Ad Critter TV ads aren't just for the big guys! Ad Critter makes it easy and affordable to run connected TV ads that drive real results. Try it out for yourself at https://adcritter.com

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I tackle a critical topic that small businesses face today: the marketing leadership gap. Many small businesses struggle with disconnected marketing efforts, scattered strategies, and stagnant growth, not due to a lack of tactics but because they lack marketing leadership to tie it all together. As we look ahead to the future of marketing in 2025, I dive into why traditional solutions—like hiring agencies or fractional CMOs—often fall short and what businesses must do to implement a long-term marketing strategy that drives sustainable business growth. This episode uncovers how a marketing system combined with leadership can transform small businesses into scalable, successful enterprises. Today we discussed: [0:00] Opening [01:50] The Leadership Gap in Marketing [02:57] Why Marketing Leadership Matters [03:39] Steps to Fix Marketing Leadership Gap [08:48] Marketing Leadership as a Service Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle: http://oracle.com/ducttape

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Nick Bennett, a pioneering expert in B2B influencer marketing who's reshaping how companies approach digital marketing strategies. As a co-founder of TACK and author of B2B Influencer Marketing: Work With Creators to Generate Authentic and Effective Marketing, Bennett reveals the transformative power of authentic creator partnerships in today's competitive business landscape. The conversation uncovers a critical shift in B2B marketing: moving from traditional, corporate-driven approaches to a more human-centric, creator-powered strategy that drives real business results. Bennett's insights demonstrate how the right creators can become powerful catalysts for brand awareness, lead generation, and revenue growth. Today we discussed: [01:02] Who is Nick Bennett? [01:40] Defining Influencer Marketing in B2B vs B2C [03:51] Best Practices for B2B Marketing and Influencer Integration [06:48] Challenges and Misconceptions in B2B Influencer Marketing [08:48] Successful Product Launch with Influencer Program [11:34] Effectiveness and Authenticity in Influencer Partnerships [15:23] Navigating Global Influencer Marketing [18:47] Niche Focus and Controversial Content for Engagement More About Nick Bennett Nick Bennett's website - http://www.tackgtm.com Connect with Nick Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbennett1/ Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Ad Critter TV ads aren't just for the big guys! Ad Critter makes it easy and affordable to run connected TV ads that drive real results. Try it out for yourself at https://adcritter.com

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Stephanie Chung, a bestselling author and transformative leader with over 30 years of experience driving growth and building high-performing teams. Stephanie, a trailblazer in private aviation as the first African American woman to lead a private jet company, shared insights from her book, Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. Our conversation explored the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces, the importance of building bridges across differences, and actionable strategies leaders can use to foster inclusion and trust. Whether you’re managing diverse teams, navigating generational divides, or seeking tools to lead empathetically, Stephanie’s advice is a game-changer for today’s leaders. Today we discussed: [0:00] Opening [01:03] Who is Stephanie Chung? [01:40] Introduction to ALLY Leadership [03:12] Diversity in Leadership: Broadening the Conversation [05:09] Cultivating Cultural Intelligence and Effective Leadership [14:21] Overcoming Unconscious Bias Through Human Connection [20:16] Barriers and Benefits of Leading Diverse Teams [22:57] Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace More About Stephanie Chung Stephanie Chung's website - http://www.stephaniechung.com Connect with Stephanie Chung on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheStephanieChung/ Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle: http://oracle.com/ducttape

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including All It Takes Is A Goal. Known for his humor and actionable insights, Jon has addressed audiences worldwide, from Microsoft to FedEx, helping people unlock their potential and achieve lasting success. Our conversation dives deep into the pitfalls of goal setting, the common reasons people abandon their goals, and the proven strategies to overcome these challenges. Whether you're struggling to take the first step or sustain momentum, Jon's practical tips will inspire you to set achievable goals and make steady progress. Today we discussed: [01:02] Who is Jon Acuff? [03:36] Unique Approach to Goal Setting [05:11] Understanding and Utilizing Regret for Positive Change [07:07] Building Achievable Goals and Addressing Unequal Opportunities [10:39] Balancing Aspirational and Realistic Goals [10:29] Why You Should Unitask Instead of Multitask [14:58] Prioritizing Goals and Embracing Failure for Success [18:56] Overcoming Fear of Success and Learning from Failure More About Jon Acuff Jon Acuff's website - http://jonacuff.com Connect with Jon Acuff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy here: dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle: http://oracle.com/ducttape

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I discuss the marketing landscape heading into 2025. With years of experience helping businesses grow through strategic marketing approaches, I reviewed five transformative trends poised to disrupt how marketers, agencies, and organizations connect with audiences in 2025. These trends highlight the increasing role of AI, hyper-personalization, decentralized communities, and authenticity in crafting impactful strategies. I shared actionable insights on leveraging generative AI, exploring platforms like Reddit and Bluesky, and embracing customer-centric values to build trust and loyalty. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a marketing agency, these predictions offer a roadmap for navigating the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem in 2025. I Talk About: [00:48] Hyper-Personalization Powered by Generative AI [02:45] Decentralized Communities and the Shift Away from Traditional Social Media [04:43] Generative AI-Led Creative Production [07:50] AI-Driven Marketing Orchestration [09:42] Brand Marketing as the New Standard [11:14] AI Transparency and Consumer Trust [13:00] Closing Thoughts & Actionable Advice for 2025 More about John Jantsch: Check out John Jantsch's agency and consultancy Duct Tape Marketing at https://ducttapemarketing.com/ Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Get free stuff & sign up for his weekly newsletter - https://ducttapemarketing.com/dtmnews/ Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Michael Chad Hoeppner, a political communications expert, CEO of GK Training, and author of Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. Hoeppner is known for his work with high-profile leaders, including Andrew Yang, and as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. Our conversation dives deep into the art of effective communication, uncovering actionable public speaking tips and exercises to transform average speakers into confident, expert communicators. Whether you want to eliminate filler words, speak with intentionality, or learn how to engage an audience effortlessly, Hoeppner’s insights offer practical tools for anyone looking to become a better speaker and communicator. Today we discussed: [00:00] The Power of Questions [03:06] Feeling Seen and Self-Awareness [05:54] The Art of Listening [09:02] Engaging in Business Conversations [12:06] Intrapersonal Communication and Self-Reflection [15:03] Navigating Different Personalities [18:02] Conflict Resolution Strategies Michael Chad Hoeppner's website - https://dontsayum.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow! If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. Duct Tape Marketing podcast listeners can take a free test drive at oracle.com/ducttape

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jeannie Walters. Jeannie Walters is an award-winning customer experience expert, international keynote speaker, and Founder of Experience Investigators, a firm that helps companies increase sales and customer retention through elevated customer experiences. Trailblazing the movement from “Reactive Customer Service” to “Proactive Customer Experience,” Walters is the leading authority for improving employee and customer relationships. Walters is a founding member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association and a trusted advisor to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Orangetheory Fitness, SAP, Comcast, and JPMorgan Chase. As an educator, her LinkedIn Learning courses have inspired over 500,000 learners worldwide. A Certified Speaking Professional and proud Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, Jeannie has captivated audiences of tens of thousands across three continents with her expertise and insights. In this episode, we discuss the importance of understanding and improving customer experience—not service, experience! We also discuss the relationship between customer experience and marketing, the role of technology, generational differences in customer expectations, the significance of speed (how soon is "soon"?), and the necessity of building a customer-centric culture. Jeannie emphasizes the need for organizations to adopt a mindset focused on customer experience, implement effective strategies, and continuously test and adapt their approaches based on feedback. More About Jeannie Walters: Check out  Jeannie Walters' Website Connect with  Jeannie Walters on LinkedIn Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE. This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Amber Wright. Dr. Wright is a communication expert, coach, facilitator, and former communication professor. She empowers organizations to enhance the way people feel recognized, understood, and appreciated. As an executive coach and speaker, she guides leaders to express their highest selves with authentic authority and grace. Her popular TEDx Talk, “Ask Better Questions to Build Better Connections,” has inspired people around the world to become stronger communicators in their everyday lives. Dr. Wright has been featured in Fast Company, Essence, and Mashable, and is the creator of Can We Talk? Cards – 50 questions designed to take the guesswork out of small talk. We talk about the importance of asking the right questions to foster better connections and how self-awareness and active listening are crucial in effective communication, especially in business settings. Dr. Wright's emphasis on making others feel seen and heard and how thoughtful curiosity can enhance interpersonal relationships. Our conversation also touches on navigating different personalities within teams and strategies for resolving conflicts. More About Dr. Amber L. Wright: Check out Amber L. Wright's Website Connect with Amber L. Wright on LinkedIn Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Chase Jarvis. Chase Jarvis is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and one of the past decade’s most influential photographers. He’s created campaigns for major brands like Apple, Nike, and Red Bull, and directed Portrait of a City, earning an Emmy nomination. His fine art has been showcased globally, and he contributed to the Pulitzer-winning Snowfall story in The New York Times. As a tech innovator, Chase created Best Camera, the first photo-based social networking app, and wrote the bestseller Creative Calling. He also founded CreativeLive, an online learning platform acquired by Fiverr in 2021, where over 50 million students have honed their creative skills. In his new book 'Never Play It Safe'. We discuss the concept of Safety, strange as it may sound and the importance of attention in achieving success, overcoming self-doubt, the role of play in life, and the necessity of practice in mastering any skill. Chase emphasizes that the best experiences in life often lie beyond our comfort zones and that we must learn to pay attention to what truly matters to us. More About Chase Jarvis: Check out Chase Jarvis's Website Connect with Chase Jarvis on LinkedIn Grab a copy of Never Play It Safe: A Practical Guide to Freedom, Creativity, and a Life You Love  Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE. This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brandy Burch, CEO and co-founder of BenefitBay, a company innovating the employee health benefits industry through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). With a vision to make health benefits more accessible and customizable, Brandy has rapidly expanded BenefitBay and helped redefine how employers approach employee health coverage by ensuring fair and equal purchasing power. We discuss the evolution of employee health benefits, the advantages of ICHRAs for employers and employees, and the complexities involved in implementing these arrangements. From Tech-first inexperienced health benefit startups to the burden of having too many choices, Brandy Burch explains that DIYing health benefits internally is not all it's cracked up to be and giving employees a say in what benefits they choose from pets to fertility can be an enormous BENEFIT to seeking talent, as an agency. Brandy Burch also shares insights on risk management, the role of BenefitBay in the market, and the importance of personalization in employee benefits. The conversation also touches on the challenges female CEOs face in the insurance industry and the unique advantages of Kansas City as a tech hub for health benefits innovation. More About Brandy Burch: Check out Brandy Burch's Website Connect with Brandy Burch on LinkedIn Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE.

In this episode of the Duck Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sara Nay. Sara Nay is the COO of Duct Tape Marketing. She oversees day-to-day operations to support the growth of Duct Tape Marketing and the Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Network. She focuses on strategic planning, goal setting, and directing the company's operations in support of its goals. And on a personal note, she’s also my daughter—which makes me “Pop Pop” to her kids! In this episode, we change it up a bit as I become the interviewee. We explore my journey into entrepreneurship, why I started my own business, why I didn’t work for someone else (the answer will surprise you), my passion for small businesses, and the evolution of marketing over the years. I reveal lessons from my polar opposite parents and my former fears about running a business. We also dive into my favorite topic: the impact of AI on small businesses, the opportunities and challenges they face, and the importance of curiosity and innovation in business. I wrapped up with a glimpse into my future aspirations—what might life look like after Duct Tape? And I answered the timeless question: What’s my all-time favorite business book? Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE. This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duck Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Edelman, a seasoned digital transformation and marketing expert. As CMO, Edelman guided Aetna (now part of CVS Health) through becoming a digitally oriented, customer-centric brand. He built McKinsey’s Digital Marketing Strategy Practice and had leadership roles at BCG and Digitas. Repeatedly recognized by Forbes as one of the “Most Influential CMOs in the World” and by AdWeek as one of the “Top 20 Marketing and Technology Executives,” his work has attracted over 1.1 million followers to his LinkedIn blog. Currently, David advises top executives on AI and personalization. In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving world of personalization in business, uncovering the game-changing role of AI in redefining how companies connect with their audiences. Edelman emphasizes the importance of creating customer experiences at scale and the competitive advantage that effective personalization has. Edelman explores the advantages of personalization, while highlighting the ongoing challenges of overstepping boundaries—a pitfall many of us have encountered firsthand. He shares practical examples of how AI enhances customer interactions and tackles concerns about data privacy and the potential discomfort of overly personalized marketing. The conversation also touches on the challenges marketers face in content creation and the need for more thoughtful, effective communication strategies. Key Takeaways: Personalization is about creating customer experiences at scale. AI enhances personalization by analyzing customer data. The privacy factor in personalization must be managed carefully. 70% of consumers are comfortable with data use for value. Speed of learning is crucial for competitive advantage. Companies often have more data than they realize, but it's fragmented. AI can help integrate data from various sources effectively. Successful personalization can lead to increased customer satisfaction. Content should be bite-sized and easily digestible for consumers. Empowering customers with their data can enhance their experience. More About David Edelman: Check out David Eldelmen's Website Connect with David Edelman on LinkedIn Grab a copy of Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE. This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kory Kogon, Vice President of Content Development at FranklinCovey. With over 25 years of business expertise spanning frontline roles to executive leadership, she brings a deep understanding of how to apply FranklinCovey’s world-renowned content to drive success within organizations. Her insights into the strategies and principles for building exceptional leaders, robust systems, and winning cultures demonstrate how FranklinCovey’s blended learning solutions create real, practical impact—enabling the critical behavior changes needed for transformational results. She is a co-author of the #4 Wall Street Journal bestseller The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity, and Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager.  More About Kory Kogon: Check out Kory Kogon's Website Connect with Kory Kogon on LinkedIn Grab a copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click HERE - scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn! Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE. This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Itai Sadan, founder of Duda, a website builder designed for marketing agencies and small businesses. As a digital marketer since the birth of the internet, I remember Duda's early days. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of this website builder from a mobile-first solution to a comprehensive platform for responsive web design. Given how competitive the market is, Itai Sadan shares insights on the strategic shift to focus on web professionals and agencies. We also talk about the role of AI in enhancing agency efficiency and the unique value Duda offers compared to competitors like WordPress. Also, being one of this episode’s sponsors, Itai Sadan gives a Cohen Brothers explanation of the origin of the brand’s unique name.   Key Takeaways: Duda started as a mobile-first solution for small businesses. The platform evolved to support responsive web design. Focusing on web professionals helped Duda clarify its mission. AI is transforming how agencies operate and deliver services. Duda provides tools to enhance agency productivity and efficiency. The company emphasizes the importance of websites in marketing. Duda's support team offers 24/7 assistance to users. The platform integrates various tools to streamline website creation. Duda is committed to improving Core Web Vitals for better performance. The name 'Duda' is inspired by the film The Big Lebowski. More About Itai Sadan Check out Itai Sadan's Website: https://www.duda.co/ Connect with Itai Sadan on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/itaisadan Follow Duda on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/duda Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by: Duda - Today's episode is sponsored by Duda—the web design platform trusted by agencies to create beautiful, high-performing sites fast. Ready to impress your clients? Visit duda.co and start building something amazing! ActiveCampaign - Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today! https://www.activecampaign.com/free

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Argentina-based author Leigh Shulman. A writing mentor with two decades of experience under her belt. She founded The Inspired Writer Community, an online mentoring community for writers at any stage in their writing lives. Her bestselling book The Writer’s Roadmap: Paving the Way To Your Ideal Writing Life helps thousands find their way in the writing world. Her international writing retreat and website are listed as The Write Life’s top resources for writers, and her words have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Longreads, and Guernica, among others. Leigh lives with her family, where she writes and contemplates (like most writers do) about whether she’s the only person who doesn’t like Dulce de Leche. We discuss the profound impact of writing a book on business success, the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction and the role of coaching in the writing process. We also explore how books can serve as trust builders, the influence of AI on writing, and strategies for finding time to write amidst busy schedules. Key Takeaways: Writing a book acts as a calling card for businesses. A book can directly lead to client engagement and revenue generation. Books can amplify credibility and visibility in the market. Every business can benefit from telling their story through a book. Books are part of a continuous learning process. Setting clear goals for your book is essential for success. Writing solidifies your process and helps define your next steps. Feedback from readers and peers can guide future writing projects. Both fiction and nonfiction writing share common storytelling elements. Coaching can alleviate the challenges and self-doubt in writing. More About Leigh Shulman: Connect with Leigh Shulman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighshulman/ Grab a copy of The Writer's Roadmap: Paving the Way to Your Ideal Writing Life: https://amzn.to/4f8zluO Sign up for the Inspired Writer's Community: https://leighshulman.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle: http://oracle.com/ducttape Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marketing Hall of Famer and frequent guest, Seth Godin. A renowned expert in marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic philosophy, Seth shares his invaluable insights once again on our show. With over 30 years of experience and multiple bestselling books to his name, Seth and I dive into my favorite topic—STRATEGY. In this episode, we explore how both businesses and individuals can transform their strategic approach for greater success. In his latest book, This is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and a little anecdote about a chef, an electric car, and 30 years of veganism, he defines strategy as a philosophy of becoming and explains how understanding systems, the art of choosing customers, and competition can lead to long-term success. Seth Godin challenges conventional strategy ideas, emphasizing empathy and awareness of the systems influencing customers and competitors. His thoughts on building sustainable, intentional strategies are a must-have for agencies, entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to stop running around in circles and make a meaningful impact. More about Seth Godin: Seth Godin's Blog: https://seths.blog/ Add Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgodin/ Grab a copy of This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans: https://amzn.to/3Bwv31Z If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Steve Oriola, CEO of Unbounce. Steve Oriola is a tenured CEO with over two decades of experience scaling dynamic B2B SaaS platforms, including Act!, Constant Contact, Pipedrive, and Julius. He recently led Unbounce through the acquisition of Insightly CRM, in which the two companies effectively merged. We discuss the findings of a recent benchmark report on CONVERSION RATES. That’s right—we tried to get rid of email, but it looks like it has entered the chat again. Our conversation covers the importance of simplified copy, the enduring effectiveness of email marketing, the dynamics of mobile versus desktop conversions, and the rise of Instagram as a leading platform for conversions. We also cover the significance of writing at (if you can believe it) a lower grade level for better engagement, the nuances of industry-specific language, and the role of conversion-rate optimization in marketing strategies.

In this Duct Tape Marketing Podcast episode, I interviewed Micah Solomon, an expert on customer service, hospitality, and customer experience. He delves into the unique concept of anticipatory customer service and its powerful potential to enhance brand loyalty and drive business growth. He’s a bestselling author with a fresh perspective on how businesses can transform their customer service strategies to foster enduring loyalty. In his latest book, "Can Your Customer Service Do This?: Create an Anticipatory Customer Experience that Builds Loyalty Forever," Micah delves deep into the intricacies of customer service, making it an indispensable read for entrepreneurs eager to elevate their customer relations and propel business success. Key Takeaway: Anticipatory customer service is not just about reacting to a customer's needs but predicting them. By serving even the unexpressed wishes of customers, businesses can create an unparalleled customer experience that fosters brand loyalty and catalyzes growth. In an era where customers crave personalization and a touch of anticipation, this approach is a game-changer in the marketing and customer service sectors.   More About Micah Solomon: Discover the insights and strategies in Micah’s book, "Can Your Customer Service Do This, create an Anticipatory Customer Experience that builds Loyalty Forever" - https://amzn.to/46JtnfE Micah's website - https://micahsolomon.com/ Connect with Micah on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerguru/ This episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle. http://oracle.com/ducttape

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Tiffany Slowinski, an entrepreneur and co-owner of three successful franchises. Tiffany shares her journey in the franchise industry, insights on using the Culture Index to improve team dynamics, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. She discusses how data-driven information can transform business communication and productivity while addressing common misconceptions about leadership tools. Tiffany Slowinski emphasizes the need for buy-in from leadership and the role of self-awareness in effective team management. More About Tiffany Slowinski Check out Tiffany Slowinski's Website - https://www.teamsparkadvisors.com/ Follow Tiffany Slowinski on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyslowinski/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by: ActiveCampaignTry ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today!