The Marketing Mentor Podcast

If you avoid the money conversation with clients, today's short episode is for you. In it, I share a simple way for solopreneurs and other creative professionals to change the way you think about money. This reframe will make it easier to talk to prospects and clients about it, to get their budget and to quickly weed out the ones who can't afford you. That way, you can stop wasting time on proposals and instead spend your time on the clients who can pay what you're worth. For more, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you feel exhausted from day after day of Zoom meetings, this episode is for you. Communications coach, Eleanor Handley, and I delved into the psychological aspects of what Zoom is doing to us and how we can use it to our best advantage. We'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

What role does integrity play in business? And how can you demonstrate yours to your clients? That's the topic of today's episode with veteran creative professional and photographer, Michael e. Stern. We'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're tired of 5-figure funnel fantasies, pointless lead magnets and the barrage of heartless, automated content, you'll love my conversation with Lisa Mullis of Paraphrase Communications, who respectfully disagreed with my recent rant to "forget funnels." You'll also learn a better way to use automation to delegate some of your marketing, without also delegating your authenticity. Find the "freebie" Lisa mentioned here. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Pitching yourself as a guest on the podcasts that your ideal clients listen to is one of the advanced content marketing strategies many Marketing Mentor coaching clients are using. And it can be very effective – when you do it right. In today's episode, I chatted with copywriter, Francis Nayan, who pitched himself for my podcast and it worked. Listen to find out why. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

In part 2 of my conversation with marketing strategist, Elke Giba, we talked about what it's like to close a 10 year old business to take a full time job and the importance of keeping your personal brand alive, especially on LinkedIn. (Listen to Part 1 here) If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Want to know what it's like to be an in-house marketer who outsources to creative professionals. In today's episode, Elke Giba, shares her experience of being on the other side of the table after 10 years of self-employment. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Is it cheating to hire someone to help you with writing or design if those are the services you offer? And should you tell your clients if you're not doing "all the work?" If you want to grow your creative business, you'll need to learn how to delegate -- not everything, but certain things. That's what Melanie "the Marketer" Deardorff and I discussed in today's episode. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

What is a designer who coaches? What kind of coaching can a designer offer? In today's episode, Sandra Koenig of BrandingHarmony.com shares her experience as a Brand Coach, just one example of the types of coaching many creatives are pursuing as they transition from doing the work for their clients to becoming more of a strategic partner to their clients. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

What happens to your creative business when a crisis in your personal life takes everything you have? In today's episode, Jeanine Davis of JL Davis Design shares what she's learned about how to take care of your clients, your marketing and, most important, yourself, when life happens. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Do you need a budget? In today's episode, Ean Murphy of Moxie Bookkeeping and Coaching answers that question and more. She breaks down all the financial jargon so everyone --- especially creative professionals -- can understand their money and keep more of it. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Strong client relationships are the sign of a healthy business. But how strong are your relationships with your clients? And how would you know? That's the topic of today's episode with veteran creative professional and photographer, Michael e. Stern. We'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

You were off to a great start. First quarter of 2020 was almost over and this was going to be your year! And then, well, you know what happened. Now your plans to launch or grow your creative business have been derailed. How should you respond? Is all lost? Of course not. Here's my take on how to handle the inevitable obstacles that test your resolve. (Adapted from an article originally published for AWAI. Read the article here.) And we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're wondering how to handle your money at this moment, whether you have a lot or a little, today's episode with Galia Gichon of Down To Earth Finance will help. Galia is a personal finance expert specializing in artists, entrepreneurs and freelancers and today we talk about how to strengthen your finances, no matter where you are on the spectrum of financial health. If you like what you hear, check out Galia's new online course, Woman's Compass, which starts May 5. And we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

This is the perfect time to be self employed and the perfect time to chat with someone who's been a successfully self employed creative for even longer than my 32 years. Michael e. Stern has seen it all and persevered through many many ups and downs. Today we talked about how he knows which clients to give up on and which ones deserve perseverance. We'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Whether or not you consider yourself a blogger, there are lots of reasons to use a blog for content marketing, and you don't even have to do it all that often. In this chat with Melanie the Marketer, (that's Melanie Deardorff), we discuss why it's worth making time for, even if you don't like to write. And if you didn't hear my recent semi-controversial episode with Melanie, listen to #387 Do you need fancy CRM software? I don't think so. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Get ready to breathe a sigh of relief because I don't think creative professionals and solopreneurs need any fancy CRM (customer relationship management) software to keep track of your clients and prospects. In this chat with Melanie the Marketer, (that's Melanie Deardorff), we discuss the simple strategy we both use instead. You may remember Melanie from Episode #371 when she shared the specific and practical ways generosity manifests in her everyday marketing. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Is a billboard an affordable marketing tool for a design firm or copywriter? Don't laugh it off. I spoke with Bart Bradshaw, host of the Built to Stay podcast, who educated me all about the latest in outdoor advertising. It's not as expensive as you think and depending on your niche, it could definitely make you stand out. Listen to our companion interview on choosing a niche. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're someone who relies more on your intuition than your reason, this episode is for you. I spoke with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, author of a new book called, Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters. We talked about one of my favorite topics, mental blindspots and cognitive biases, especially as they relate to creativity in business. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If distraction prevents you from reaching the goals you truly want to achieve, this episode is for you. I spoke with Nir Eyal, international best-selling author of a new book called Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. We talked about the simple yet powerful changes you can make to control your mind and use your time more effectively. You'll also find lots of bonus content on the blog. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you've had trouble picking a niche, this episode is for you. I spoke with Pamela Slim, business coach and author of the best-seller, Escape from Cubicle Nation and her latest book, Body of Work. We talked about how to develop the language to attract the right people and repel the wrong people to your business. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you love writing, writers and words, this episode is for you. I spoke with Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator and author of the new book, Read Books All Day & Get Paid For It, about the opportunity to become a book coach and her upcoming free online Business of Book Coaching Summit. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you suspect your marketing is still just too much about you, this episode is for you. I spoke with Adam Fairhead of Fairhead Creative and BuiltForImpact.net about his new book, Marketing Isn't About You, and about how to use personalized videos to get the attention of the clients you want to serve. If you like what you hear, get a free download at https://fairhead.net/ilise. Then, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you don't have clarity about the unique value you bring to your ideal clients, this episode is for you. I spoke with Lisa Mullis of Paraphrase Communications about the "Value Framework" she uses to help her clients package and position their "high value offers." If you like what you hear, read her guest blog post where you can download her Value Framework Blueprint. Also, listen to our previous podcasts on the "comparison trap" and being an "experienced newbie." Then, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and, one more thing, be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're tired of coming up with new marketing ideas all the time and you want a simple system that (almost) runs on its own, this episode is for you. I spoke with Susan Harper of Conference-Creative.com about her "marketing machine," which is generating enough work for her to outsource her marketing! If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you want longer relationships with clients (and fewer one-off projects), this episode is for you. I spoke with Ben Callahan, President of Sparkbox, about how, once inside a client company, his web firm "spreads like a virus" and how they use content marketing to attract clients who want long term partners. If you like what you hear, listen to my previous chat with Ben on the Sparkbox content marketing strategy, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you are always looking for ways to improve your productivity, this episode is for you. I spoke with Paula Rizzo, media trainer and author of the brand new, Listful Living: A List-Making Journey to a Less Stressed You, about how to use lists to improve your life and, ultimately, waste less time. Be sure to check out her blog and watch our recent video interview too. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you are overwhelmed and just can't get a handle on your to do lists (most of us have more than one), this episode is for you. It's an excerpt from a recent presentation by Andy Brenits, of Brenits Creative, on his self styled productivity process. Be sure to read his updated and detailed blog post here and listen to a previous podcast with Andy here. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you struggle when talking money with clients, this episode is for you. It's an excerpt from a recent workshop I gave for creative professionals on how to take more control over your business (and your pricing) by learning when and how to initiate the money conversation with confidence. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

In the latest episode, I got to chat with Ann Handley, best-selling author of "Everybody Writes," and the world's first Chief Content Officer. We bonded over our mutual obsession with email newsletters and talked all about how to write ridiculously good content and the art of curating content. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for Ann's newsletter, Total Annarchy, and for my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're feeling stuck, you'll get a lot out of today's episode with strategic copywriter, Danielle Z. Hughes, who generously shares how her business has grown in the short time since she started asking for (and getting) the help she needed. "Everything that has happened to me in the past year has been because I realized I couldn't and shouldn't go it alone." If you like what you hear, by all means, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor

In today's episode with Tom Ross, podcast host and CEO of DesignCuts.com, we talked about what he calls "the beautiful marriage that can be design and marketing," and how he and some of the members of his community are shedding the "starving artist" identity and learning to love marketing. Find him on Instagram @tomrossmedia. If you like what you hear, by all means, write a review, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and be sure to sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor

In today's episode with Melanie the Marketer, (that's Melanie Deardorff), we explore the idea of generosity as an antidote to that "salesy" feeling that is NOT an inevitable element when marketing your creative services. Melanie also shared the specific and practical ways generosity manifests in her everyday marketing. If you like what you hear, by all means, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and be sure to sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor

If you're thinking of trying podcasting, you'll enjoy my recent interview with Rob & Kennedy of ResponseSuite.com. We talk about podcasting as the ultimate marketing tool and they share their own podcasting strategy. Also, read my recent post on being an excellent podcast guest and then listen to my interview on their podcast, "3 Marketers Walk Into a Podcast." If you like what you hear, by all means, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and be sure to sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you're thinking of offering Facebook advertising as a service to your clients or wondering if Facebook's ads would be a good way to get clients, this episode is for you. In our chat, Lucas Lee-Tyson, a college student who runs GrowthCave.com, an agency that specializes in Facebook ads, shared how, how much and much more. If you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

One way to use generosity as a marketing tool is to treat your content marketing as a gift for your market. That's just one of the ideas from my second interview with Nick Usborne, who teaches a course on conversational copywriting. There was also some ranting about whether puppies are always click bait. You may remember Nick from Episode #360 earlier this year. You can still take advantage of his special offer: sign up here to get Nick's free guide and videos. Nick and I will both be speaking again at AWAI's Bootcamp, which is sold out but you can still register to attend virtually. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Are you wasting time on your least profitable clients? How much time do you spend hunting for things? Should you be charging for travel time? These are some of the questions I tackled with Corina Ludwig, President of FunctionFox.com, an online time tracking and project management software for creative professionals – and a sponsor of my latest Simplest Marketing Planner. Check out their free 14 day trial at FunctionFox.com/mm. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

In this very special podcast interview, I talked with Kevin Carroll, a HOW friend and past speaker, whom I met when he gave his PATH to Professional Presentations at SCAD recently. You can also see the highlight reel of his collaborations with creative partners (and fellow friends of HOW), Ann Willoughby/Willoughby Design/Gordon Mackenzie. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor. And use my promo code (MENTOR10) for 10% off your ticket HOW Design Live 2019 in Chicago, May 7-10 at howdesignlive.com.

Today's episode was originally recorded for the HOW Design Live podcast, but the information is relevant to my listeners too, so I'm reposting it here. I chatted with Bridget Watson Payne, Executive Editor for Art & Design at Chronicle Books. She's speaking on how to become an author as part of the Creative Freelancer Track at HOW Design Live 2019 in Chicago, May 7-10. Use my promo code (MENTOR10) for 10% off your ticket at howdesignlive.com. And if you like what you hear, we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Here's my latest chat with time lapse filmmaker, Michael e. Stern, who walks us through a recent "warm intro" he did for a big project and describes how he meticulously and patiently pitches the projects he wants. Find more of our chats here. And we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

For February I'm reading aloud another essay I love from the poet-philosopher, David Whyte, and his book of essays CONSOLATIONS: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. This one is on "courage" so much more important than confidence, which so many people claim not to have. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

This special episode is the audio version of Ilise Benun's new presentation, How to Get Better Clients with Bigger Budgets, hosted by Communo.com. (Watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/BSPKWDRE6Wg). It is, she outlines clearly and succinctly how the only 3 marketing tools you need work together to reinforce your message when you follow the Simplest Marketing Plan. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you want your words to sound more like your voice, today's episode is for you. It's a very "meta" conversation about conversational copywriting with Nick Usborne, who teaches a course on the topic. We covered the difference between authentic and conversational copy vs. fake and "chatty" style, plus what types of businesses this style is it right for (hint: those that want repeat sales and longer term relationships built on trust). And there was some ranting about why so many people don't speak plainly and clearly. Take advantage of Nick's special offer and sign up to get Nick's free guide and videos. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Here's something new for 2019: I'm reading aloud work that I love and that is influencing my work. First up is an essay called "Work" from the poet-philosopher, David Whyte, and his book of essays CONSOLATIONS: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

I'm kicking off 2019 with Ben Callahan, President of Sparkbox, whose web development firm has grown from 8 to 42 employees. Their winning bizdev strategy? Content marketing. In this episode, Ben shares details about the reality of an effective content marketing strategy and why it works. If you like what you hear, write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

This is my 15th episode with time lapse filmmaker, Michael e. Stern, who shares his proven strategies for dealing with tricky situations with prospects without losing your self-respect, from crazy demands to contract conflicts. If you like what you hear, find all 15 of our chats here. And we'd love it if you write a review, subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Ilise Benun talks with poet and coach to creatives, Mark McGuinness, about his new book, 21 Insights for 21st Century Creatives. (Download the book here.) The focus in this conversation is on important business insights for creative professionals, including how to get out of your own head, how and why to invest in yourself and how to take ownership of your work so you never need to worry about self-discipline. If you like what you hear, write a review and subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

If you are thinking of writing a book to market your business, listen to Ilise Benun's conversation with publishing veteran, Jane Friedman, on the difference between publishing for money vs. publishing for credibility, the myths about being an author, the rise of self publishing and, of course, how to get your book published. If you like what you hear, write a review and subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

Ilise Benun talks with Ryan Gill, co-founder of Communo.com, a new sharing economy platform for creative professionals, about what it really takes to be your own boss. And how his new platform attempts to address some of the challenges and facilitate business development and access to talent. If you like what you hear, write a review and subscribe on iTunes and sign up for Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor.

In the latest "Revolve Conference Speaker Podcast," Ilise Benun, of Marketing-Mentor.com, interviews Ali Schwanke, founder of Simplestrat, who will be speaking on "vanity metrics" at The Revolve Conference, a gathering of design, UX and marketing professionals this Nov. 12-13, 2018 in Charleston SC. Details here: http://revolveconference.com