The Heart of Marketing You with Erica Castner

Whether you're a seasoned speaker looking to enhance your skills, or an aspiring speaker taking your first steps into the spotlight, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you discover your speaking journey. Host Erica Castner shares her own experiences and lessons learned along her speaking path, including the importance of defining your speaking path and clarifying your speaking goals. She also emphasizes the need to identify your ideal expertise and provides tips on brainstorming speaking topics that will resonate with your audience. To wrap up the episode, Erica offers intentions and actionable steps to help you take control of your speaking path. If you've ever wondered how to streamline your speaking opportunities and achieve your biggest business goals, this episode is a must-listen. So grab your notebook and get ready to discover your speaking path on this exciting episode of The Heart of Marketing You Podcast! Here are a few key takeaways you'll learn: [00:02:50] Short preparation time is essential for effective speaking. [00:06:30] Building network, attracting influence, monetizing speaking opportunities. [00:07:47] Free guide helps align speaking goals and expertise. [00:13:51] Choose speaking topics aligned with the audience's needs. [00:16:20] Take action and practice to improve speaking. [00:19:01] Find relevant speaking gigs to make an impact.

In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that is relevant to so many of my clients - increasing your visibility in a crowded market. We all know how challenging it can be to stand out when there are so many others in our industry doing the same thing. But fear not, my friend, because I have some incredible strategies and insights to help you shine among the competition. Throughout this episode, I will be sharing a list of tried and tested tactics that you can implement to boost your visibility and create a lasting impact in your industry. Now, I want to make it clear that you don't have to do every single thing on this list. In fact, I encourage you to pick one or two strategies that resonate with you and focus on establishing consistent habits around them. By doing so, you will be able to make a significant impact on your brand awareness and attract the right audience. If you're ready to take your visibility to the next level, make sure to grab your pen and paper or head over to the Show Notes page at Ericacastner.com/153-2 for additional resources and references mentioned in this episode. So, without further ado, let's dive in and discover the strategies that will help you shine in a crowded market. Get ready to make your mark and be seen! Here are a few things I shared in this episode: [00:04:33] Tools to connect with customers and leverage social media for engagement and service. [00:08:16] Utilize other platforms to reach a wider audience. [00:10:27] Expand reach by targeting relevant industries and collaborating. [00:17:15] Illustration, infographics, and visuals need context and voice. [00:19:33] Creating transformation through visual content and personal connections.

If you want to improve your connection with your audience, your emotional intelligence level impacts your marketing efforts. In this episode, we uncover the power of emotional intelligence in building meaningful connections with your audience and fostering authentic relationships. Emotional intelligence, often called EQ, plays a significant role in marketing. It encompasses recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in ourselves and others. By harnessing emotional intelligence, we can effectively communicate, build trust, and create genuine connections with our audience. So, why is emotional intelligence crucial for marketers? Let's explore: Empathy: Developing empathy allows us to put ourselves in our audience's shoes. By understanding their needs, desires, and pain points, we can tailor our marketing messages to resonate profoundly and address their specific challenges. Empathy humanizes our marketing approach and fosters connections built on understanding and compassion. Self-awareness allows us to recognize our emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding how we come across others helps us adapt our communication style and build authentic connections. We can deliver genuine and relatable messages by being in tune with our emotions. Active Listening: Truly listening to our audience is a powerful way to demonstrate emotional intelligence. By giving our full attention, valuing their feedback, and responding empathetically, we create an environment where our audience feels heard and understood. Active listening helps us build trust and credibility. Effective Emotional Management: Marketing can be demanding and stressful, but emotional intelligence equips us with the tools to manage our emotions effectively. We can navigate marketing relationships gracefully and professionally by staying calm, composed, and empathetic, even in challenging situations. Emotional intelligence in our marketing efforts allows us to connect with our audience more deeply. It creates an environment of trust, understanding, and authenticity, fostering long-lasting relationships. Remember, by harnessing the power of emotional intelligence, you can elevate your marketing efforts and truly connect with your audience. Thank you for joining us today on "The Heart of Marketing You." If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast and share it with others seeking to become better marketers by embracing their authentic selves. 

If you want additional tips to help you gain more confidence in your marketing abilities, you're in the right spot. This episode reveals strategies to boost self-confidence and unleash your marketing potential.   Self-confidence is the cornerstone of success in any field, and marketing is no exception. It's the belief in your abilities, value, and worthiness of achieving your goals. Overcoming limiting beliefs, those thoughts that hold us back is essential for unleashing your true potential.   So, how can you gain more confidence in your marketing abilities? Here are some practical steps you can take: Recognize your strengths: Take inventory of your skills, knowledge, and accomplishments. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge your unique talents. Embracing your strengths boosts your self-confidence. Challenge your limiting beliefs: Identify the beliefs that limit your potential. Question their validity and replace them with empowering beliefs. Remember, your mindset plays a significant role in your marketing journey. There is a bonus exercise I share in the episode to help you challenge your limiting beliefs. Practice patience: Every skill you have takes time to happen. When learning new marketing skills, treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer a friend. Remember that mistakes and setbacks are growth opportunities.  Take small, consistent steps: Break down your marketing goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Each step you take toward your goals builds confidence and momentum. Celebrate your progress along the way. Check out Darren Hardy's book, "The Compound Effect." You unlock your true potential as a marketer by mastering self-confidence and overcoming limiting beliefs. Embrace your unique abilities and let your authentic self shine through your marketing efforts. Want some additional resources? Check out this list: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears Set up your Podcast Guest Directory Listing HERE

The foundation of being a great marketer stems from the connection between personal growth and marketing success. So often, we think the only thing that improves our marketing abilities is knowing all the tactics. Although "tactics" help, there are a few other qualities you need to have to connect with your audience and make you more "marketable" as a service provider. Here are a few practical tips to get you started: Start seeking more opportunities to market yourself - This doesn't mean you have to do more things. But what are you good at, and how many more of these opportunities can you "double down" on? Strengthen your skills – the more valuable you are in your industry, the more confident you'll be. Do you need to get a coach, certification, or other kind of training? If so, decide how to get that support sooner than later.  Build quality relationships - Build relationships with others to take the pressure off you to always be in self-promotion mode. Start with reconnecting with your existing network. There's an exercise included in this episode to reconnect with your network.   Work on you - This is so much more than self-care. When you become a better version of yourself, you attract better people and better experiences. Read personal growth books or invest in coaching or counseling. Want some additional support in building an excellent foundation for your marketing skills? Check out these resources: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears Set up your Podcast Guest Directory Listing HERE

In this episode of "The Heart of Marketing You," we explore the world of strategic partnerships and uncover where to find people you want to align with professionally. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss as your business growth depends on who knows you and how you can tap into the power of those connections.  Once you know who you're looking to connect with, plenty of channels exist to find them. This episode will teach you how these channels can lead to powerful partnerships that drive business growth and success.  Here's what you'll learn in this episode, "Where to Find Strategic Partnerships": Understand the significance of strategic partnerships in business growth Discover how industry conferences and events provide networking opportunities Leverage national professional associations and networks to find like-minded partners The best way to utilize online platforms and communities for effective networking Engage in collaborative projects and initiatives to foster strategic partnerships. Remember, strategic partnerships are crucial to business growth, so start exploring the various avenues for finding valuable partnership opportunities. Until next time, keep marketing with your heart! Once you've listened to the episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your biggest takeaway by leaving a review here. When you do this, it helps more people hear the podcast.  Other resources you might find helpful: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears Grab the free toolkit, "Position Your Expertise," HERE Sign up for the Free Masterclass "Branding Beyond Your Backyard"

In this episode, I'll share how to make the most out of your networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned networker or new to the scene, these strategies will help you elevate your networking game and make valuable connections. As you listen, some of this advice may sound counter-intuitive. However, if you stick with me to the end, these tips on how to make the most of your networking events will make more sense. Here's what you'll learn in this episode, "Making the Most Out of Your Networking Opportunities": The first thing to consider before you even walk into an in-person or virtual networking event How to identify professionals already talking and marketing to your ideal client and the value of finding events where they are hanging out The biggest assumption professionals make at networking events that ruin their reputation Two power questions that will make you appear more valuable and memorable How to end a conversation with those you want to stay in touch with at networking events. Once you've listened to the episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your biggest takeaway by leaving a review here. When you do this, it helps more people hear the podcast. Other resources you might find helpful: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears Set up your Podcast Guest Directory Listing HERE The Heart of Marketing You Podcast is for business owners and service professionals who want authentic and relevant marketing strategies to help them find, connect, and convert their ideal clients and build a dream team to support their business growth vision.

In this episode, we discuss five ways to market yourself for free. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner, these strategies will help you reach new audiences and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Although some of these strategies might seem like ones you've heard of before, I caution you to listen to this episode with a fresh perspective.  As you listen to the episode, consider the ONE strategy you'll use to promote your expertise for free rather than focusing on implementing all of them. With that said, focusing on one strategy will simultaneously help you develop plans to apply the other strategies mentioned in today's episode. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Tips for creating valuable content that showcases your skills and knowledge Why being a podcast guest is a great way to promote your expertise The secret to creating more engagement through your social media channel A strategy I use to build my email list and stay top of mind with an audience of your ideal clients The importance of building relationships and collaborating on projects that promote your expertise Once you've listened to the episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your biggest takeaway by leaving a review here. When you do this, it helps more people hear the podcast. Other resources you might find helpful: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears The Heart of Marketing You Podcast is for business owners and service professionals who want authentic and relevant marketing strategies to help them find, connect, and convert their ideal clients and build a dream team to support their business growth vision.

If you get in your head with your marketing efforts, this episode is for you. In addition to launching a new podcast episode, I am excited to share that were are rebooting the show with a new name, "The Heart of Marketing You". One of the major reasons we are renaming the show is that as much as "tactics" are important for your marketing goals, you'll get better results when you are authentic and can show your ideal clients that you care about their success. And, to get us started on a solid foundation with this message, this episode was created to get you out of your head (self-doubt) in your marketing efforts. Some of the reasons you get in your head with your marketing efforts are: You're not sure what to say You don't want to sound salesy You're afraid of other people's judgment Sound familiar? If so, you'll want to listen. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: A simple exercise to do when you lose your way with your marketing efforts (psst...this helps me get out of my head from time to time, also) What to say to get other people to connect with your message and expertise faster How to get others on board with your goals and aspirations so they can help you One of my favorite strategies I use to share my marketing message with more authenticity and how to connect with others in the process Once you've listened to the episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your biggest takeaway by leaving a review here. When you do this, it helps more people hear the podcast. Other resources you might find helpful: Expand Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank Stop Overthinking Your Professional Decisions Overcoming Your Visibility Fears The Heart of Marketing You Podcast is for business owners and service professionals who want authentic and relevant marketing strategies to help them find, connect, and convert their ideal clients and build a dream team to support their business growth vision.

If you're looking for ways to expand your brand awareness without breaking the bank, this "Voices of Impact" episode is for you. No matter where you are in your business-building journey, you can implement each of the tips I share in this episode starting today. Here are a few highlights I cover in this episode titled "Expanding Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank": How to identify other professionals who are already marketing to your ideal clients so that you can leverage each other's audience One of the most overlooked places to connect with influential professionals in your community Examples of "power collaborations" and how to use these to expand your brand awareness faster After you listen to this episode, tell me via email which one of these tips you will use to expand your brand without breaking the bank.

In this episode, we will explore how to identify and overcome the barriers holding you back, especially those related to self-limiting beliefs. We will discuss how to identify these beliefs and provide actionable steps to overcome them. Self-limiting beliefs can be a significant obstacle to achieving your goals and living your best life. By recognizing and overcoming these beliefs, you can break free from the barriers holding you back and live a more fulfilling life. Here are the viewpoints we'll cover: Definition of self-limiting beliefs and why they are harmful  Common examples of self-limiting beliefs The impact of self-limiting beliefs on your life and goals How to recognize when you are holding onto a self-limiting belief What is the Definition of self-limiting beliefs, and why are they harmful? Self-limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or beliefs about ourselves, our abilities, or our potential. These beliefs can prevent us from reaching our full potential and create a mental barrier holding us back from achieving our goals. Self-limiting beliefs are harmful because they can limit our growth, keep us in old patterns and behaviors, and prevent us from taking risks and trying new things. When we hold onto self-limiting beliefs, we often create a self-fulfilling prophecy where we unconsciously act in ways that reinforce our negative thoughts, reinforcing the negative outcomes we fear. Self-limiting beliefs can also lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, and insecurity. They can cause us to feel unworthy of success or happiness and keep us from taking the necessary steps to achieve our goals. What are some common examples of self-limiting beliefs? There are many types of self-limiting beliefs, which can manifest in different ways depending on the individual and their life experiences.  Here are some common examples of self-limiting beliefs: "I'm not good enough." "I'm too old/too young." "I'm not smart enough." "I'm not deserving." "I'm a failure." "I'm not creative." "I'm too busy." Here are some ways that self-limiting beliefs can hold you back: Limits your potential: Self-limiting beliefs create mental barriers that prevent you from exploring your full potential. When you believe you're incapable or deserving of success, you limit your ability to achieve your goals. Creates fear and anxiety: Self-limiting beliefs can lead to fear and anxiety, as you may worry about failure or not living up to expectations. This fear can prevent you from taking risks and trying new things. Affects self-esteem: Self-limiting beliefs can negatively impact your self-esteem, making you feel less confident and less deserving of success or happiness. Causes self-sabotage: When you hold onto self-limiting beliefs, you may unknowingly engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that reinforce these beliefs. For example, you procrastinate, leading to missed opportunities and stagnation. Limits growth and development: Self-limiting beliefs can prevent you from exploring new ideas, learning new skills, or pursuing new opportunities. This can limit your personal and professional growth and development. How can someone recognize when they are holding onto a self-limiting belief? Negative self-talk: Pay attention to the things you say to yourself. Do you often criticize or belittle yourself? Do you use negative language when describing yourself or your abilities? Avoidance or procrastination: Do you avoid certain activities or situations because you believe you're not good enough, smart enough, or deserving enough? Do you procrastinate or put off tasks because you fear failure?  Comparison to others: Do you often compare yourself to others and feel inadequate as a result? Do you believe others are more talented, successful, or deserving than you? Fear of failure: Do you avoid taking risks or trying new things because you're afraid of failing? Do you see failure as a reflection of your worth or abilities? Feeling stuck or stagnant: Do you feel you need to progress in your life or goals? Do you feel like you need help getting out of a rut or not living up to your potential? If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it may be a sign that you are holding onto a self-limiting belief.  Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and beliefs and identify any negative patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back. Want to UNLEASH your inner badass? Join me for the "She's Unstoppable" Experience.  Register for the "She's Unstoppable Experience" here!

In this episode, Erica discusses how to stop overthinking your biggest professional decisions and how to get more clarity on what's most important in achieving your goals. She also shares a few takeaways and examples she learned during a recent panel discussion she moderated for Dress for Success SW Florida.  Here are a few talking points discussed in this “Voices of Impact” episode: What are the root causes of overthinking? Why your overthinking tendencies are keeping you stuck How to take action, in spite of negative feelings or emotions How to plug into a community of female small business owners, service professionals, and creators who have a big vision to create impact and change Are you a female small business owner, service professional, or creator that has a big vision to impact more people with your work? If so, join us inside our free community, "Small Business | Big Vision" Collective. Join here.

In today's episode, we'll discuss getting more people into your sales funnel through speaking opportunities. If you want to expand your reach, there's no better way to get out there and share your message with a broader audience. But how do you tailor your presentation so that your audience goes from "listener" to "quality lead"? We'll be sharing tips and techniques for crafting a compelling personal branding message that resonates with your audience and helps you capture those valuable leads. Here are a few talking points discussed in this "Voices of Impact" episode: The most important thing to consider before you speak anywhere The best way to entice the audience to learn more about your services How to establish trust with leads so that they work with you sooner How to get a FREE 1:1 strategy call with Erica to help you "Master Your Message." Book here Listen to other episodes in this mini-series: Part 1 - “Determine Your ‘It’ Factor” Part 2 – “Get Others to Share Your Message and Sing Your Praises” Part 3 – “Crafting Your Authentic Message” Part 4 – “Overcoming Your Visibility Fears”

In this episode, we'll discuss the fears that often hold us back from fully embracing our brand message and being more visible. Whether it's fear of criticism, failure, or fear of the unknown, we'll discuss strategies for overcoming these fears and stepping into the spotlight with confidence. Get ready to take some actionable steps toward being more visible and making a more profound impact with your expertise. Here are a few talking points discussed in this "Voices of Impact" episode: The best approach to tackling your fears How to "flip the script" on negative feelings Whom to turn to for support when you need a pep talk Small steps to take to feel more confident Be sure to download the FREE "Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility and Build Audience" here. (There are a few tidbits in the guide that I need more time to cover outside the podcast episode's scope. So, grab a copy of this guide today. Listen to other episodes in this mini-series: Part 1 - “Determine Your ‘It’ Factor” Part 2 – “Get Others to Share Your Message and Sing Your Praises” Part 3 – “Crafting Your Authentic Message”

In this episode, we're talking about crafting an authentic personal brand message that resonates with your audience and helps you stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're a solopreneur, business owner, or aspiring leader, having a clear and compelling personal brand message is crucial to building trust, credibility, and influence. You'll also learn practical tips for creating and communicating your message in a way that feels like your personality. Here are a few talking points discussed in this "Voices of Impact" episode: What to say to your audience so that they "know, like, and trust" you faster Where to find inspiration to craft your authentic message How often should you be getting in front of your audience What to do when you start doubting yourself Be sure to download the FREE "Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility and Build Audience" here. (There are a few tidbits in the guide that I need more time to cover outside the podcast episode's scope. So, grab a copy of this guide today. Listen to other episodes in this mini-series: Part 1 - “Determine Your ‘It’ Factor” Part 2 – “Get Others to Share Your Message and Sing Your Praises”

In this episode, we'll discuss getting other professionals to share your brand's message with their audience. Getting other people to spread the word about your brand can be a powerful way to reach new audiences and increase your visibility. We'll explore some strategies for building relationships and partnerships with other professionals and some collaboration ideas. Here are a few talking points discussed in this "Voices of Impact" episode: Determine which industries complement yours and why you should be getting to know them. Where to find and connect with these industry professionals Ideas on how to collaborate with other people to leverage your marketing efforts How most collaborations and massive deals get formed Be sure to download the FREE "Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility and Build Audience" here. (There are a few tidbits in the guide that I need more time to cover outside the podcast episode's scope. So, grab a copy of this guide today. Listen to Part 1 of this mini-series “Determine Your ‘It’ Factor” here.

In this episode, we'll explore how to identify your personal brand's "it" factor and use it to your advantage in your career and personal life. Your brand is the unique combination of qualities, skills, and experiences that make you who you are, and it's an essential aspect of how you present yourself to the world. Your personal brand's "it factor" is something special that sets you apart and makes you memorable. It makes you stand out in a crowded market and helps you connect with your audience. Here are a few talking points discussed in this "Voices of Impact" episode: The most important thing you need to know before mapping out your visibility plan How to come up with "who" you need to be in front of How to set yourself apart from others in your industry? What are the best marketing methods for you? Be sure to download the FREE "Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility and Build Audience" here. (There are a few tidbits in the guide that I need more time to cover outside the podcast episode's scope. So, grab a copy of this guide today.

We have some exciting news to share about our podcast's upcoming season. After receiving feedback from many of you, we have decided to shift the focus of the "Voices of Impact" Podcast. Starting with our next season, we will be focusing on helping our listeners get more sales and build an audience through speaking opportunities. To kick off the new season, Erica has recorded a mini-series called "The Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility & Build an Audience”. This five-part series will cover how to: Determine your "it" factor Get others to share your message Craft your authentic message Overcome your "visibility" fears Capture quality leads with your speaking opportunities and content marketing efforts After this kick-off series, we will feature interviews with successful business owners and service providers. These leaders will give you ideas to help elevate your visibility so that you can build an audience, boost sales, and drive massive impact with your voice. Whether you're just starting to speak or looking to take your career to the next level, these new episodes will help you master the art of public speaking. Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait for you to join us on this exciting new journey. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming season of the "Voices of Impact" Podcast. Be sure to download the FREE "Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Visibility and Build Audience" here. (There are a few tidbits in the guide that I need more time to cover outside the podcast episode's scope. So, grab a copy of this guide today.)

Got a bold goal you want to "crush"? In this "Voices of Impact" episode, I  chat with Sara Mayer, the owner, and creator of Sara Mayer Consulting. Sara is your go-to expert on organizing your hectic days, weeks, and months into manageable, and functional chunks of work. She’s also the host of the Bold Goal Crusher Podcast. The main points Sara wants you to get from our conversation: Schedule time on your calendar every week to work toward your objectives, especially if they are challenging. Celebrate small wins as you achieve your goals. If you can get to the point where you've put in enough effort that it propels you forward, you'll be well on your way to achieving that goal and future ones. Sara's book recommendation is "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell Full show notes can be found over at https://ericacastner.com/136 Want to organically reach your ideal clients, beyond your local market? Download the FREE "Position Your Expertise" Toolkit over at https://ericacastner.com/toolkit  

In this episode, Erica shares what to consider before you apply to be a speaker. Although they are simple steps, They can make or break whether or not you land in-person or online speaking opportunities.