Marketing Smarts artwork

Marketing Smarts

306 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratings

From brand-building and marketing veterans Anne Candido and April Martini comes a podcast committed to cutting through all the confusing marketing BS so that you can actually understand how to take action and change your business today. They deep-dive into topics most would gloss-over, infusing real-world examples from their combined 35+ years of corporate and agency experience. They tell it how it is so that whether you are just starting out or have been in business awhile, you have the Marketing Smarts to immediately impact your business.

Entrepreneurship Business Marketing
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Episodes

Quick Hits: Becoming a Freelancer - Part 2

August 11, 2022 04:06 - 22 minutes

You have the tools in place to go out on your own. Now, we’ll give you the operational and promotional aspects to think about and put into action. From creating your logo to creating engagement, here’s the rundown of what to focus on when becoming a freelancer. Check out the full episode here: https://www.forthright-people.com/podcast/episode/3def08d5/becoming-a-freelancer-part-2

How to Self-Promote without Sounding Arrogant

August 09, 2022 03:44 - 47 minutes

Let’s face it - you deserve a pat on the back. Many pats. But giving yourself credit and praise is often awkward and uncomfortable. How do you self-promote without putting people off? We’re here to help you shout your wins from the rooftops! In this episode, you’ll learn how to flatter others as you promote yourself, emphasize the effort behind the accomplishments, and volunteer to teach others an area you excel at. Hear how to nail that performance review, be proud of your accomplishments, a...

Quick Hits: Becoming a Freelancer - Part 1

August 04, 2022 04:40 - 18 minutes

Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and gear up your side hustle or are taking the leap and leaving your corporate job, we give you the first 5 steps to take some of the guesswork out of this uncertain territory. Make sure to catch the complete list in the full episode here: https://www.forthright-people.com/podcast/episode/1fe508d5/becoming-a-freelancer-part-1

Do I Really Need to Hire a Marketing Team? with Jeff Reynolds, Reynolds+Myers

August 02, 2022 03:59 - 1 hour

Marketing, marketing, marketing. It’s everywhere you look, and we all know it’s important to growing your business. But who should actually do the marketing? Should you do it yourself or hire a marketing team? We believe a marketing team can be a phenomenal addition to your team - they’ll ensure you’re staying up to date with the ever-changing marketing world, they see the world differently than the rest of your organization, and they can even teach marketing to the rest of your team. Speakin...

Quick Hits: How to Effectively Leverage Email Marketing

July 28, 2022 02:29 - 4 minutes

Defining the role of email marketing - which usually plays one of three roles - is key to your success. How do you give your customers and clients value and keep them coming back for more? This Quick Hit brings you a glimpse of our episode featuring Kelsey Johnson from AWeber on how to effectively leverage email marketing. Listen to the full episode here: https://www.forthright-people.com/podcast/episode/2fa2f158/how-to-effectively-leverage-email-marketing-withkelsey-johnson-product-marketing...

How to Find Happiness at Work

July 26, 2022 03:06 - 53 minutes

Happiness at work - is it really possible? You bet! And it can improve lots of other areas of your life, as well. The hard part is making the changes needed to find that happiness. In this episode, you’ll learn the top ways to be happier at work, based on our collective perspective and different experiences across the industry. Hear how to surround yourself with the right people, make it about more than the actual day-to-day work, find outlets and interests outside of work, and strive to alwa...

Quick Hits: How to Write a Compelling Blog

July 21, 2022 04:04 - 4 minutes

If you think you can just write your blog and not do anything else to gain traction and attention, you have come to the right place! There are tried-and-true actions to take to give you and your blog credibility and grow your followers. Listen to this Quick Hit for a brief overview of what you need to be doing before listening to the full episode here: https://www.forthright-people.com/podcast/episode/25f7b22d/how-to-write-a-compelling-blog

How to Leverage Audio Marketing with Nora Sudduth, Co-Founder of Hello Audio

July 19, 2022 03:33 - 1 hour

You’re listening to this, so you’re familiar with audio marketing. But really - another marketing channel?! It better be worth it. Audio marketing can open so many doors for you and your business when done right. There are just some key decisions to make: public or private podcasting? Audio or video? What should you talk about? We have you covered, as this week we welcome guest Nora Sudduth - Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Hello Audio - to share her audio brilliance and answer your q...

Quick Hits: The 4 Elements of Every Successful Social Strategy

July 14, 2022 01:44 - 22 minutes

Many have taken to social channels to compensate for other channels that may have been cut off to COVID. Add this to the folks who were already there and now we have mass chaos. Unfortunately, most businesses have been sucked into the chaos versus rising above it and being heard. The secret to successful social channels? A brand-led social strategy. In this quick hit, we give you the 4 elements of every successful social strategy - which will become your playbook to build an engaged audience ...

How to Build a Highly Effective Marketing Team with Tim Parkin, President of Parkin Consulting

July 12, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

This week our focus is on the importance of building your marketing team and continuing to evaluate the team structure that will set your business up for success. When hiring new team members, yes it is important to consider their skills and what they can bring to the table individually, but don’t forget how crucial it is that they fit in with the team as a whole. We welcome Tim Parkin, President of Parkin Consulting, to share his expertise and shine the light on how best to build a strong te...

Quick Hits: Embracing Conflict

July 07, 2022 04:00 - 11 minutes

Coming from opposite sides of the proverbial marketing tracks, we share a common truth: the best marketing work comes from the most functional teams. Not the teams who like each other the most, which is a common misconception. In this quick hit, we share one of our ‘In the Trenches’ topics: what to do if you are a leader who tends to fear conflict? For more insights, catch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3OwHagB.

What Happens When Brand Truly Leads Business with Steve Robinson, Former CMO of Chick-Fil-A

July 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

If you’ve listened to us for any amount of time, you know how much we believe in building a strong brand and cultivating it from the ground up to carry your business to the heights you aim for. There are many reasons the big brands we know and have grown to love have become the success stories they are. In this episode we welcome Steve Robinson, former CMO of Chick-Fil-A, who shares his wisdom on how leading your business with brand can lead to success.   And as always, if you need help in bu...

Quick Hits: What is Personal Branding?

June 30, 2022 04:00 - 7 minutes

You know we think personal brand is paramount to building your business in a big way. We break down the basics of personal brand, what exactly it means, and why it is so important to begin working on yours if you haven’t already. Make sure you listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3Hi4r2b.

The 4 Biggest PR Myths that Can Blow Your Marketing Campaign

June 28, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes

Navigating the PR world can be a challenge especially when your results fall short of your expectations. The kind of PR we are referring to here is ‘earned media’, something that gets you coverage without having to pay for it. With so many channels out there from TV to social media influencers, we highlight 4 myths we have seen in our many years in the business. Don’t forget to listen to complimentary episodes as you align on your PR needs and goals: 4 Key Components of a Successful PR Campai...

Quick Hits: Creative, unlike art, needs to be objective (vs. subjective)

June 23, 2022 04:00 - 8 minutes

In this quick hit, you’ll hear from Steve Leder, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Badge Design who joins us in discussing the important topic of creative strategy. We often talk about the importance of a brief because it gets everyone on the same page. In terms of design, it is imperative that the brief translates into a creative strategy that the entire team can get on board with from the get-go to produce the desired result. This speaks from the lens of “art vs. design” and the differe...

How to Tell Compelling Stories that Get Attention with Mike DaRe, Managing Director of Smarts Agency

June 21, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

In this episode we welcome guest Mike DaRe, Managing Director of Smarts Agency, who like us, knows the difference between telling a story and telling a compelling story that gets attention, which is the story your audience longs to hear! We often talk about making an emotional connection with your audience across all of your marketing channels, and this topic is no different. Consumers can see straight through a story that is inauthentic and created for the sake of having an original origin, ...

Quick Hits: Lead Gen in this New World

June 16, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes

The ways you have generated leads in the past are likely suffering or at the very least, have drastically changed due to the pandemic. Especially if you relied on big events, foot-traffic or live patronage. Yes, we are returning to life as we once knew it, but certain types of events and exposure have changed maybe forever. This means you need to pivot. In this quick hit episode, we give you 4 lead gen strategies that are working for businesses like yours. You can find the full length episode...

How to Thrive as a Female in a Male Dominated Work Environment

June 14, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutes

While the world and workforce has changed vastly over the years, we still find that it is still dominated by males. This episode is not about feminism but meant to highlight the fact that there is still struggle for women to rise to the top where the seats are most often occupied by old, white men. We have built ourselves and other women up along our journey and want to share how you can do the same with some specific points that could go a long way in yours.  And as always, if you need help ...

Quick Hits: Are you Working too Much in Your Business Versus on Your Business?

June 09, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes

Over the past couple of years, you may have found yourself in the “doer” role more often than you’d like or should be. If you are working IN your business more than ON your business, then who is? If you have found yourself in the weeds and you need assistance to pull yourself out, this is the Quick Hit for you. For more insights, you can find the the full length episode here: https://bit.ly/3BnWMxE.

How to Effectively Evaluate Candidates to Get the Right Fit

June 07, 2022 13:07 - 1 hour

We have found ourselves in an environment where hiring can be challenging. Finding quality candidates can be even more difficult. Hiring is not an exact science by any means, but there are strategic steps you can take to set your company up for success. If you haven’t already listened to Ep 34: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Quality Employees, make sure you go back and download for additional help in your hiring process.  And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Sma...

Quick Hits: Success is about Feeling at Peace with the Life You Choose

June 02, 2022 04:00 - 6 minutes

Success means something different to everyone, but most of us equate being successful with wealth and recognition. We get caught in the grind to consistently achieve and get more, more and more. Success also includes feeling at peace with the life you choose. We often lose sight of the fact that we do have choices, whether we like them or not. We need to take responsibility for the choices we make to have peace with your life and the success that brings. For more insights, you can find the th...

The Essentials of a Successful PR Stunt

May 31, 2022 04:00 - 54 minutes

Not all those in the PR world love the idea of a stunt (more on this inside the episode!) Do they work? Sure. They are intended to wow and when done well, for the right brand, they can deliver the desired reaction from consumers. A drama filled stunt can provide excitement, but there also needs to be a level of engagement which requires you to do your homework and planning BEFORE the stunt takes place. We invite you to listen to tried and true measures to take if you are flirting with the ide...

Quick Hits:4 Signs You Are Ready to Be an Entrepreneur

May 26, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes

Being an entrepreneur takes courage and determination, but also a plan. If you find yourself dreaming about doing your own thing, GREAT! But there is so much more you need to know and prepare for before pulling the trigger and leaving your day job. We will discuss 4 signs you are ready to take the leap and also address some of the things we have learned on our journeys and wish someone had shared with us. You can find the full length episode with 'in the trenches' real life examples here: htt...

How to Effectively Leverage Email Marketing w/Kelsey Johnson, Product Marketing Manager at AWeber

May 24, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

We welcome guest Kelsey Johnson, Product Marketing Manager at AWeber to discuss the importance of effective email marketing. Key word here is EFFECTIVE! Utilizing email in your marketing campaign is a savvy move, but the “set it and forget it” attitude won’t get you very far. This episode is a bit more tactical designed to give you an outline on what to focus on to drive more business your way. If you haven’t already developed your marketing campaign to understand your target as well as where...

Quick Hits: 4 Monumental Website Mistakes

May 19, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes

One of the first ways people vet your business is by doing a “Google Search”. Your website is critical to the first impression you are giving to your potential consumer. In this quick hit episode, we give you 4 monumental mistakes businesses make on their websites which sabotage their conversion and things to put into action avoid them in the future. You can find the full length episode with 'in the trenches' real life examples here: https://bit.ly/37O9GKW.

How to Translate your Brand’s Tone-of-Voice into Messaging

May 17, 2022 04:00 - 58 minutes

This episode is designed to assist you in the next step of executing your brand and all the challenging and scary things that it brings with it! You have defined your brand character, developed your TOV and next comes the messaging. But what does that entail exactly? Bringing to life the brand you have spent countless hours creating can give you an “OH $^!t” moment, but don’t worry. We have you covered and will give you the tools you need to develop your plan so you can put it into action! If...

How to Write a Compelling Blog

May 10, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes

Anyone can have a blog and it seems like they do! Having a quality, productive blog provides much value to your business, but there are tried and true tips to follow to ensure you are producing content that actually drives business your way. We often talk about how important POV and tone are and your blog content is a prime example of this. Remember, a blog is a marketing channel and should be given the time and attention as other avenues.   And as always, if you need help in building your Ma...

4 Relationship-Limiting Mistakes Clients Make - The Insider Edition

May 03, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes

As promised, this is our rebuttal to Episode 76, Business-Limiting Mistakes Agencies Make. If you haven’t had the chance to listen, download and catch it after today’s show. This time around, we look at what the client can put into action to create a better relationship with the agency, which not only produces better work, but a smoother, more enjoyable process for all involved. Relationships can be tricky, but we have you covered with specific actionable steps to take for positive outcomes. ...

How to Position Yourself for Promotion

April 26, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

You’re working really hard, making connections with the ‘right’ people so you should be getting close to a promotion right? Well, it’s not always that clean and simple. The road to promotion is one many of us have traveled in our careers. We discuss it often with our coaching clients and want to give it to you straight in this episode. Based on our evaluation of candidates for promotion, we shed light on how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success and more quickly than the approa...

4 Business-Limiting Mistakes Agencies Make - The Insider Edition

April 19, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

If you’ve listened to us any length of time, you know we love to give sneak peaks ‘under the tent’ of both the corporate and agency worlds.  This episode takes a deeper dive into things we have touched on in the past, but think they are important enough to touch on again. You are likely never to hear them from clients and if you do it’s most likely too late.  Join us as we discuss mistakes you may be making and give you the tools to correct and move forward.   And as always, if you need help ...

Simple Tips for Upping your Customer Service

April 12, 2022 04:00 - 51 minutes

In today’s environment and across many industries, finding employees is a challenge. Finding employees that provide good customer service can be seemingly impossible. The desire to provide your clients or customers with the best experience should not be cast to the side. Instead, focusing on a few simple tips for upping your customer service can have a lasting impact on your businesses success.  And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesitate to reach out to ...

The Importance of Brand in the B2B Space with Dave Necessary of Gardner Business Media

April 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

More often than not, brand identity in the B2B space is overlooked and the lack of attention and action is a huge miss. We are NOT suggesting you stop everything to build your brand. Whether you need to take a look at the 3 foundational questions to set your brand up for success and build alongside what you are already doing, or are just getting started, join us and special guest Dave Necessary of Gardner Business Media and gain insight to how you can improve your brand presence in the B2B sp...

4 Big Mistakes Women Leaders Make in Managing other Women

March 29, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

As we acknowledge and celebrate Women’s History Month, we take this opportunity to narrow our focus on an area we have seen and experienced some struggle with. Women managing other women. What if we not only trailblazer the path, but kept it open and made it wider for those who follow? Join us as we dive into some key points you can avoid to help those you manage not only reach their goals but exceed them.    And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesitate to...

How to Effectively Manage Ego on Your Team

March 22, 2022 04:00 - 53 minutes

Not all ego is negative. The right amount of ego can be a benefit and can come across as confident, successful and adds to a person’s “swagger”. This is NOT the type of ego we talk about in this episode. The ego we reference is the type that gets in the way of the team, the work, etc. Being the leader with one of these personalities in a position above you comes with some difficulty, but there ARE strategies you can implement to make this person easier to navigate and work with.  And as alway...

The Truth on How to Get Hired as an Influencer

March 15, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes

Being an influencer has grown from a hobby to a lucrative business for many. Platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram have given celebrity status to everyday people seemingly overnight. Is this all about luck or being at the right place at the right time? Not entirely. Becoming an influencer that actually gets hired comes by following certain truths. Join us as we discuss what these are and start creating opportunities you may be missing out on. And as always, if you need help in building your...

How to Select an Agency in Today’s World With Guest Scott Lucas, Managing Director of Sterling Brands

March 08, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

The agency world is ever changing making it even more important to know what exactly to look for when choosing the right one for you and your business. With the changing environment also comes different expectations. Join us as we welcome friend and special guest, Scott Lucas from Sterling Brands. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at: Forthright-People.com. FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/forthrightpeople.marketingagency INS...

4 Key Questions that Lead to Insightful Consumer Research

March 01, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

Creating a connection to your consumer/ customer/ client is something we talk a lot about. It is a key element in creating brand love. Consumer research can seem like a massive undertaking, but doing your due diligence by engaging your consumer in a unique fashion can deliver value and shape your business. And be sure to review Ep 35: 4 Techniques for Defining and Engaging your Target Consumer with Jennifer Knoeppel of Nascar. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts,...

4 Common Mistakes People Make when Naming Your Business, Brand or Product

February 22, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes

Creating the name of your business, brand or product is one of the most stressful times for entrepreneurs. Launching your ‘baby’ out in the world is both exciting and anxiety ridden. It’s one of those “Oh sh*t” moments knowing this is for real! Which also makes naming very emotional, which unfortunately can lead to poor decisions. Join us as we discuss what not to do when naming your business, brand or product.  And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesitate...

How Well are you Practicing Vigilant Leadership?

February 15, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

Leading from afar is a position we will most likely be finding ourselves in for a while. Over the past couple of years, you may have found yourself in the “doer” role more often than you’d like. If you are working IN your business more than ON your business, this is the episode to help you dig yourself out of the weeds. For those who want a deeper assessment, we have a virtual consultancy module to aid you on this. Just go to our “shop” page on our website: forthright-people.com And as always...

Reframing What Success Looks Like

February 08, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

Success means something different to everyone, but most of us equate being successful with wealth and recognition.  We get caught in the grind to consistently achieve and get more, more and more. While there is nothing wrong with having nice cars, homes, and being able to get a table at the hottest restaurants, there is more to the journey of being successful. And sometimes changing our focus can also change how successful we feel. We invite you to listen as we discuss how you may change your...

How to Hold Others (And Yourself) Accountable

February 01, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

As we are all aware, COVID has impacted nearly every facet of our lives. The workforce is one of the major ones! From the lack of willing employees to overpaying for warm bodies, it is more important than ever to hold ourselves and our employees accountable. If we don’t, we compromise our culture making it harder to bring in and retain quality talent. Building a workplace people are proud to be a part of leads to them taking pride in their work which leads to success for everyone.  And as alw...

4 Questions to Help you Refresh Your Personal Brand in 2022

January 25, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

New Year, New You! We all know the flood of trends, and usually tricks, to overhaul our lives that come with a new year. Resolutions tend to fail because people look for a quick fix and try unsustainable methods to make big changes in a short amount of time. The way to make sure your resolutions translate to true, lasting life impact is by addressing them in context of your Personal Brand. We discuss 4 questions for doing just that.   And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing...

How to Manage not Wanting to Become a Manager

January 18, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes

Have you ever come across people in management who, let’s be honest, should never manage people? Many of us can say, YES! The truth is, not everyone is cut out to be a manager and that’s okay. So often, people find themselves on a career path that leads directly to a management position when they are perfectly happy in their current role as a doer. Join us as we discuss how to carve out your own path to success without the trajectory to manager. And as always, if you need help in building you...

Leveraging Your Community to Build Your Brand

January 11, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

On this episode, we welcome Mike Brown, Founder and CEO of Rebel Mettle Brewery, one of our favorite Cincinnati spots. We talk a lot about how crucial the three brand questions are: Who am I? How am I different? Why would you want me? Getting this right from the beginning is important to allow your community to know who you are. Mike talks about how their success is as much about creating community within Rebel Mettle as much as it is about integrating into the Cincy community. These and many...

How do you Know it's Time to Fire an Employee

January 04, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

People decisions are hard to make for many managers and leaders. Other than obvious egregious misconduct, making the choice to fire an employee can be difficult. So often, team members are kept on especially if they are a high performer, when they should really be let go. Rather than keeping someone on the payroll that could be harming your team, listen in and learn how to clearly identify when it’s time to say good-bye. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t...

How to Successfully Transition from a Doer to a Manager

December 28, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour

So you’ve found yourself on the path or have landed a new role as a manager versus the doer. Congratulations! Now what? How do you transition from one role to another without abandoning your responsibilities? How can you manage the transition without micromanaging? How do you define your new role? How do you get it all done successfully? We give you the tools you need to move into your new role while leaving your previous responsibilities in good hands.   And as always, if you need help in bu...

Deciding How Much of Yourself You Should Bring to Work

December 21, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour

“How can I bring more of myself to work?” We get this question a lot. In fact, it can sometimes feel like we have two personalities, one at work and one in our personal lives. But really, the goal isn’t to fuse these like many people think. Instead, it is about how to find a space for yourself within the culture, letting yourself shine while still respecting the company’s culture and staying true to yourself. Join us as we navigate the appropriate steps to take to achieve the balance...and be...

How to Successfully Lead When You are not the Leader w/ Scott Mautz, author, keynoter and founder of Profound Performance

December 14, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes

In this episode, we welcome Scott Mautz, Founder of Profound Performance and popular author, keynote speaker and our prior business coach! Oftentimes, we think we need to be the named leader in order to lead. This is far from the truth! Being a part of a team comes with many perspectives and having a strong influence over the team drives leadership. Join us as we dig into how to be a leader even without the title. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesita...

4 Key Components of a Successful PR Campaign

December 07, 2021 05:00 - 52 minutes

A PR campaign should be an essential part of every business’ marketing effort. PR (public relations, or earned media) can 1) Build credibility through third-party endorsement, 2) Drive awareness and engagement of your latest news, and 3) Create searchable content and links that help with SEO. Join us for this episode as we give very specific guidance in how to develop a compelling campaign and the watch-outs to avoid. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t he...

How to Successfully Vet a Marketing Agency

November 30, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour

Whether you have or haven’t yet vetted an agency for your business, there are strategies to implement to ensure a more successful relationship. Unfortunately, we have seen a lot of scammers out there take advantage of businesses. To avoid being one of them, join us as we approach this discussion from two perspectives: the corporate side and the agency side. And as always, if you need help in building your Marketing Smarts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at: Forthright-People.com.

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