Duct Tape Marketing

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Brian Gottlieb, founder of Tundraland Home Improvements and author of 'Beyond the Hammer'. He transformed a $3,000 investment into a multi-state enterprise with nearly $1 billion in lifetime sales. An inspirational business leader and Harvard Business School executive education alumnus, Gottlieb champions a leadership philosophy centered on strategy, empowerment, and consistent execution while founding charitable initiatives like “Windows for a Cause” and “Baths for the Brave”. We discuss Brian’s journey in building a successful business from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of belief in leadership, creating a positive company culture, and the impact of community initiatives. Brian shares insights on effective feedback techniques, the significance of employee engagement, and how to align a team around a joint mission. The conversation highlights the role of training and development in fostering a motivated workforce and the importance

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tim Grahl, CEO and publisher of Story Grid. He discusses the process of writing and publishing books, emphasizing the importance of developing writing skills and receiving expert feedback. He also highlights the power of storytelling and the impact that books can have on readers.  Tim Grahl dedicates himself to helping authors craft better narratives and bring their work to readers. His expertise lies in applying the Story Grid methodology to fiction and nonfiction, guiding writers through creating compelling, well-structured stories. Under Tim’s leadership, Story Grid has become a valuable resource for authors seeking to refine their craft and successfully navigate the publishing landscape. His book, “The Shithead: A Novel in Fifty Songs,” is set to be released on the 19th of September this year.   Key Takeaways Writing is a skill that requires deliberate practice and expert feedback. Start by writing short scenes before attempting to write

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Jay Schwedelson, a leading marketing expert in the US known for his research-backed approach. He’s the Founder of SubjectLine.com, a top-ranked free subject-line rating tool, and has tested over 15 million subject lines. Jay Schwedelson also founded GURU Media Hub, hosting the GURU conference, the world’s largest email marketing event, attracting over 50,000 attendees annually. His popular podcast, “Do This, Not That!: For Marketers,” is a top-rated marketing podcast in the U.S. Through Outcome Media, Jay’s team runs over 40,000 campaigns annually for top global brands. He’s been recognized as a top industry leader and inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. We discuss the importance of subject lines in email marketing and share tips for improving open rates. We also cover The significance of call-to-action buttons The timing of email sends ESPs' (Email Sending Providers) role The

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Joe Crisera, author of What Should We Do? How to Win Clients, Double Profit, and Grow Your Home Service Sales. He shares his journey from struggling home service contractor to helping thousands of contractors increase their revenue. The thoughtful and wholesome "don't worry about it" mentality almost bankrupted him once. In this episode, he shares how the key to profit isn’t cutting costs by cutting corners but by providing high-quality service and offering multiple options to customers. Joe Crisera introduces the concept of 'Pure Motive Service,' which involves providing solutions prioritizing: Quality Reliability Safety, and Health. He also discusses the significance of managing opportunities and anticipating future needs, offering practical advice for service professionals, and highlighting the role of marketing in delivering exceptional service.   Key Takeaways Providing high-quality service and multiple options can significantly inc

In this episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I talk about the elusive: Content. What it is, What it’s been, and where it’s going. In other words, Air, King, and now AI-generated? I refer to content not as a tactic but as the voice of strategy. But how can AI be used effectively in content creation? With the approach of producing 'Pillar Content' and breaking it into subtopics. The best use of many AI tools is to 'produce good content in the easiest way possible', which to me is video—producing and repurposing it into various formats. I also discuss the ‘Content Sprint Methodology,’ which involves using AI to generate additional assets based on the original content.   Key Takeaways Content is essential for building trust and authority. AI can be a valuable tool for content creation, but it is best used to generate ideas and enhance original content. Producing pillar content and breaking it into subtopics is an effective strategy for creating valuable and relevant content. Using AI to create videos a

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I aim to stir the pot in yet another solo show by sharing a distinct and uncommon point of view (or five) in marketing. I've never really understood the insane popularity of Simon Sinek’s 'Find your why notion.' I mean, it's been said before, right? Maybe even better. My why is: Why is that particular video so popular?! Regardless, Marketers often make marketing too complicated anyway. Fun fact: complexity in marketing is just disguised incompetence. Chasing trends is a recipe for failure, and you shouldn’t just repurpose your content but make it purposeful. I also draw special attention to the significance of customer experience as the true differentiator and the importance of measuring marketing effectiveness. Stick around for 10 minutes of me crossing the line between fact and opinion as I share all I learned in my experience in the industry in a few words of wisdom, all in one belief system that you can adopt to run your agency better.   Key Takeaways (O

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I do a solo show exploring the misconceptions surrounding the role of the Fractional CMO. As businesses increasingly seek scalable marketing leadership, the demand for fractional CMOs has surged. But not so much the supply. Yes, there is some interest, but there’s a lot of noise and confusion surrounding this idea. People want to learn and are learning by doing but don’t feel quite there yet. If you’re one of those people reading this, Are you ready to put that title on your LinkedIn profile? More so; What does it mean to be a Fractional CMO? What are the skills required? How can this role significantly impact your agency’s growth strategy?   Key Takeaways: Strategic Thinking: A fractional CMO must lead with strategy, developing comprehensive marketing plans aligned with business objectives. This approach ensures that every tactic and channel contributes to the company’s long-term goals. Leadership: Many businesses lack strategic marketing leadership

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Andrew C. M. Cooper, author of 'The Ethical Imperative: Leading with Consciousness to Shape the Future of Business,'. We discuss the importance of ethical leadership and the impact of the pandemic on business practices. He emphasizes the need for companies to care about their employees and the issues that their employees care about. Andrew Cooper also explores turning in business and the cyclical nature of societal challenges. He suggests that companies should authentically align their actions with their values and navigate the balance between doing the right thing and the potential cost. Cooper also discusses the educational potential of virtual and mixed reality in understanding complex societal issues.   Key Takeaways Ethical leadership is crucial in shaping the future of business Companies need to care about their employees and the issues that their employees care about Authenticity is key in balancing the potential cost of doing the rig

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jeff Walker, a renowned expert in product launches with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Jeff Walker is best known for his groundbreaking strategies, which have contributed to multiple successful launches totaling over $1 billion in revenue. His deep understanding of market psychology and product positioning has made him a go-to authority for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to achieve lasting success. In this episode, he discusses the reasons behind the highly anticipated revision of his book Launch. He explores why an update was necessary and what it takes to launch a successful product—from the initial concept to post-launch strategies. "We discuss the importance of timing, customer engagement, and the psychological triggers that can make or break a product’s entry into the market. Whether you're a salesperson, a coach, launching a new product, or looking to revamp your current strate

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Sean Malone, a leading expert in the sales industry and a pioneer in leveraging direct messaging (DM) as a powerful tool for high-conversion sales. With the shift in consumer behavior and the increasing saturation of traditional sales channels, Sean Malone sheds light on why DMs are quickly becoming the new cold calls and how sales teams can harness this untapped powerhouse to drive better results. He explains that integrating DMs into your sales-management strategy could be the key to unlocking more personalized, efficient, and successful sales processes.   Key Takeaways We’ve all experienced the declining effectiveness of traditional cold calls, but have we explored the potential of DMs as a high-conversion sales tool? DMs might just be the final frontier for your business sales strategy. Sean Malone and I discuss DMs, which are emerging as a critical component of modern sales-management strategies.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I’m doing a solo show. I will talk about the marketing strategy pyramid and how it offers a comprehensive view of an integrated marketing approach that never ends. By refining and strengthening your strategy based on its core elements, you can effectively compete and dominate in your market. Key Takeaway: The marketing strategy pyramid provides a robust framework for developing a comprehensive strategy. The pyramid consists of three primary layers: brand strategy, growth strategy, and customer strategy, all built upon the foundation of your overarching business strategy. Brand Strategy: Focus on identifying your ideal customer, refining your messaging to solve their biggest problems, and ensuring your visual identity supports your brand promise. Growth Strategy: Employ tactics to attract, build trust, and convert prospects into customers. This includes content creation, advertising, and communication strategies that

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Kevin Rains, an expert in the hospitality industry and founder of Dappled Light Adventures, a company specializing in creating unforgettable retreat experiences. Kevin Rains is renowned for his innovative approach to hospitality and ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary destinations. His insights offer a comprehensive guide to building and managing successful business retreats. Kevin Rains' extensive experience with hospitality and retreat management provides listeners with practical tips and advanced techniques to enhance their retreat offerings. He explains the importance of understanding guest needs, the role of personalized experiences, and creating a welcoming environment that encourages relaxation and connection. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their business retreats and achieve outstanding results.   Key Takeaways We’ve all considered a business retr

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed AJ Wilcox, a LinkedIn Ads expert and founder of B2Linked, a company specializing in LinkedIn Ads account management. Wilcox is renowned for his in-depth knowledge of LinkedIn’s advertising platform and his ability to optimize ad campaigns for maximum ROI. His insights provide a comprehensive guide to transforming clicks into clients through effective LinkedIn Ads strategies. AJ Wilcox’s extensive experience with LinkedIn Ads offers listeners practical tips and advanced techniques to enhance their B2B marketing efforts. He explains the nuances of LinkedIn’s advertising tools, the importance of targeting the right audience, and how to create compelling ad content that resonates with professionals. This episode is a must-listen for marketers leveraging LinkedIn Ads to drive business growth and achieve substantial results.   Key Takeaways I know we've all clicked on a Facebook ad or two before, but have we

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Kelly Campbell, a trauma-informed leadership coach and the author of Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing. Kelly Campbell specializes in guiding leaders to integrate trauma awareness into their leadership styles, fostering supportive and effective team environments. With a deep understanding of how unprocessed trauma can influence behavior and leadership dynamics, They offer an interesting perspective and a novel lens for transforming workplace culture.   Key Takeaways What is Trauma, and do we have enough (that’s right) enough of it? Kelly Campbell defines trauma as “unintegrated energy and information" that overwhelms the nervous system, affecting how leaders respond to stress and interact with their teams. We discuss the critical role of trauma-informed leadership in creating a supportive and innovative work environment. By acknowledging and addressing personal and collect

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jodi Wellman, an expert in positive psychology and author of You Only Die Once: How to Make it to the End with No Regrets. Wellman is known for her unique approach to living a life free from regrets by embracing our mortality and using it as a catalyst for meaningful change. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on how to live a life that is not only full but astonishingly alive. Jodi Wellman’s journey into existential exploration and positive psychology provides listeners practical tools and motivational strategies for making the most of every moment. She emphasizes that confronting our mortality can lead to a profound shift in prioritizing and approaching our lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more intentional and regret-free life.     Key Takeaways You're only young once, says John Craige, but I often wonder: How often are you old? Alluring, yet taboo. Compared to other cultures, On this side of the planet, we’re usua

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jesse Wroblewski, the founder and CEO of a New York-based marketing agency and the author of Marketing for Supervillains: Diabolical Tips on Differentiation, Decommoditization, and World Domination. He has close to 30 years of experience in the marketing industry and has been featured in prominent media outlets like Rolling Stone and Fangoria. Known for his offbeat yet practical approach, he shares proven differentiation strategies that help businesses stand out in any market.   Key Takeaways Jesse Wroblewski highlights the importance of adopting a supervillain mindset to differentiate your brand. He explains that smaller businesses should use creativity and wit to compete with more prominent, established brands rather than trying to outspend them. He emphasizes the value of polarization in marketing, stating that being loved by a few is better than being mediocre to many. He also introduces his “univer

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Darcy Luoma, an expert on leadership and personal development. Author of Thoughtfully Fit® and Certified Speaking Professional, Darcy Luoma is a highly sought-after coach and speaker who has worked with over five hundred organizations in forty-eight industries to create high-performing people and teams. The concept of "Thoughtfully Fit" is a framework designed to help individuals and teams enhance their performance and navigate challenges with greater agility. This episode is packed with rare insights on transforming any agency’s leadership approach by integrating thoughtful practices into your daily routines and organizational culture. Key Takeaways Darcy Luoma explains the “Thoughtfully Fit" framework, emphasizing self-awareness, agility, self-management, and building stronger interpersonal relationships.  Our conversation provides practical tips for integrating the "Thoughtfully Fit" principles into your daily leadership practices. These

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Doug Davidoff, the founder and CEO of Lift Enablement and the author of The Revenue Acceleration Framework. Dough Davidoff brings over 20 years of experience advising small and mid-market companies focused on significant growth. Known for his no-nonsense approach, he combines real-world research with systems design to develop effective business and growth strategies. In our conversation, Doug Davidoff defined the concept of hypothesis-driven growth and explained how businesses can leverage this approach to turn data into revenue. Key Takeaways Dough Davidoff emphasizes the importance of hypothesis-driven growth, where businesses form hypotheses, test them, and learn from the outcomes to make data-driven decisions. He distinguishes between speed and velocity, highlighting that true progress comes from moving in the right direction. A strong Rev Ops function is crucial for optimizing revenue generation,

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Stephanie Sammons, a certified financial planner and accomplished singer-songwriter. Sammons shares her unique journey, from a successful career in financial advisory to embracing her passion for music. Her story exemplifies how following one's passion can lead to unexpected synergies and a more fulfilling professional life. Key Takeaways Stephanie Sammons shares her journey of embracing her “passion” (as most people in the industry detest calling it) for music alongside her financial planning career, highlighting the courage needed to pursue dreams at any age. She discusses balancing her dual careers, the transferable skills between financial planning and songwriting, and the importance of community support in both fields. She emphasizes creating space for creativity through daily routines, illustrating how integrating passion into professional life can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched career. More About Stephanie Sammons Check out he

In this Duct Tape Marketing Podcast episode, I interviewed Shannon Susko, a strategic business coach and author renowned for her innovative Metronomics framework. Her expertise lies in transforming businesses through her unique growth operating system, helping leaders achieve sustainable growth and balance. Beginning with the Metronome effect, in our conversation, Shannon Susko reveals how the Metronomics framework can revolutionize the way CEOs and leadership teams approach growth, strategy, and execution.   Key Takeaways Like a Metronome, the CEO sets the speed of things. Shannon Susko’s "Metronomics Framework" transforms businesses by bridging the gap between strategy and execution, emphasizing the role of CEOs as consistent leaders and fostering cohesive, accountable leadership teams. This growth operating system focuses on setting long-term visions, breaking them into short-term goals, and utilizing a behavioral accountability platform to maintain team alignment and productivity. By navigating the three