[Cannabis Series & Top Agency Series] Mastering Cannabis Marketing With Michele Ringelberg of ThrivePOP

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and has run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. John has been the Host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast since 2012. He has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, from Peter Diamandis and Adam Grant to Gary Vaynerchuk and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25 Media, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners and generates ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Many companies struggle to decide whether to handle a project in-house or outsource it to an agency. This challenge often involves balancing core competencies, budget constraints, and internal resources. What factors should influence your decision when leveraging external expertise to improve operational dynamics and competitiveness? According to Dr. Jeremy Weisz, several steps exist to effectively navigate this dilemma. Begin by assessing whether the task aligns with your business’s core strengths; if it doesn’t, consider outsourcing for the necessary expertise. Next, evaluate the long-term costs, including any potential hidden opportunity costs. Finally, take a closer look at your internal resources and their ability to manage the task. Sometimes, outsourcing relieves internal strain and leads to better outcomes, especially when specialized skills are required. Tune in to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Co-founders of Rise25, about the decision-making process for outsourcing versus keeping projects in-house. They discuss key considerations such as cost comparison, the strategic importance of tasks, and how to leverage external agencies to build long-term relationships. Additionally, they touch on factors like client lifetime value, timeline management, and the impact on internal resources.

Noel Andrews is the Owner and CEO of JobRack, a platform dedicated to helping agency owners hire remote team members from Eastern Europe and South Africa. With a background leading large teams in the corporate world and his entrepreneurial experience, he has grown JobRack to facilitate over 2,000 hires and counting. Noel is passionate about finding the sweet spots in remote hiring and providing high-quality, culturally aligned talent to agencies looking to scale. His innovative approach to vetting, interviewing, and testing has made him an expert in the remote hiring process, offering both job board and hands-on services to suit different needs. In this episode… Hiring the right talent is a daunting task for many businesses, especially in the competitive markets of the US and Canada. What if there was a way to not only find highly skilled professionals, but also significantly reduce costs? How can companies ensure they're choosing the best candidates without spending countless hours on recruitment? Noel Andrews of JobRack has found the solution to this dilemma by focusing on remote hiring from Eastern Europe and South Africa. Noel explains how the excellent education systems, proficient English skills, and cultural alignment in these regions make them ideal for remote hiring. His company not only provides a job board for agencies to post listings, but also offers a comprehensive, done-for-you service. This service includes actively sourcing candidates, rigorous screening, and developing a shortlist tailored precisely to the agency's needs. Noel's approach ensures that clients find the perfect fit for roles ranging from software developers to account managers, all while navigating the complexities of remote hiring. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Noel Andrews, the Owner and CEO of JobRack, as they delve into overcoming challenges in remote hiring. Noel shares insights into the pitfalls businesses often encounter, such as rushing the hiring process and relying solely on resumés. He also discusses practical steps to refine job descriptions and attract top talent, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted job posting. The conversation covers his strategic shifts in team management and client engagement, providing valuable lessons for any agency owner looking to optimize their hiring strategy and build a strong, cohesive remote team.

Michele Ringelberg is the Owner and CEO of ThrivePOP, a digital marketing agency that specializes in the cannabis industry, as well as manufacturing and technology. Michele has been instrumental in helping B2B and B2C businesses scale by implementing marketing tactics that generate leads and traffic, and she boasts impressive credentials as a certified Hubspot Gold Partner, Google Ad Certified Partner, and WBENC-certified woman business owner. She leads a passionate and creative team of experts including marketing strategists, web developers, graphic designers, and social media professionals. Michele is also an active volunteer for the National Cannabis Industry Association's Advertising and Marketing Committee, bringing her expertise and dedication to the forefront of industry advancements. In this episode… Ever wondered how a company can pivot from one industry to another and find immense success? How does one go from managing IT services to becoming a leading marketing expert in the cannabis industry?  Michele Ringelberg shares her journey of transitioning from a traditional marketing landscape to focusing specifically on the cannabis industry. She explained how a fortuitous opportunity with an email campaign for a cannabis client led her to explore this emerging niche. Michele and her team quickly recognized a gap in the market. By attending trade shows like MJBizCon and learning the intricacies of the industry, ThrivePOP evolved to become one of the first agencies to specialize in cannabis marketing. Her approach included understanding the unique challenges and restrictions of the industry, which helped her craft tailored strategies that brought significant results for her clients. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Michele Ringelberg, Owner and CEO of ThrivePOP, about the evolution and strategic pivot of ThrivePOP into the cannabis industry. They discuss valuable insights about niching down and creating specialized services as Michele shares compelling aspects of her journey, including the pivotal trade show experiences, the importance of authentic marketing, and the role of partnerships in growing her business.

Robbie Hardy is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and the Founder and Chair Emeritus of xElle Ventures, a unique investment fund focusing on empowering female investors and supporting female-founded startups through debt financing. With a wealth of experience in both the startup ecosystem and corporate strategies, she has made significant contributions to the business world, including mentoring roles at Duke University and developing strategic solutions for Fortune 500 companies. Beyond her professional achievements, Robbie has authored books such as Upsetting the Table and Fed Up to Startup, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs toward success. Robbie’s innovative approach to investing and her commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship highlight her dedication to creating more inclusive opportunities in business. In this episode… Have you ever taken a leap of faith to follow your passion, even if it meant stepping away from security and into the unknown? Imagine building a company from the ground up, facing the trials of entrepreneurship head-on, and even resorting to unconventional methods to close the deal of a lifetime. What can drive someone to make such bold moves? Robbie Hardy, a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and investor, shares her unique story, highlighting a pivotal moment in her career that underscored the power of unconventional thinking. Having spent a considerable portion of her career in corporate America, Robbie transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding her first company and later engaging in angel investing focused on empowering female founders. Her tale of using an eight-ball during critical sale negotiations not only demonstrates her creative approach to business challenges, but also underscores the importance of agility and innovation in entrepreneurship.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Robbie Hardy to talk about her transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship and her commitment to supporting female founders. They delve into the significance of mentorship, the courage to take leaps of faith, and the impact of thinking differently. Robbie's experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, strategic innovation, and the importance of community and mentorship in achieving success. Through her books Upsetting the Table and Fed Up to Startup and her work with xElle Ventures, Robbie continues to inspire and support the next generation of women leaders and innovators.

Shimrit Lev is Co-founder and COO of Sweet Victory Gum, a company that produces functional chewing gum designed to help people overcome sugar cravings. With a background in nutrition based on Chinese medicine, her struggles with an eating disorder inspired her to develop tools to help others gain control over their sugar intake. Shimrit was also Co-founder and Marketing Executive of ShrinkMeApp, a comprehensive and supportive platform for individuals looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Gitit Lahav is Co-founder and CEO of Sweet Victory Gum. She is a serial entrepreneur with experience founding multiple companies and maintains a specific focus on the relationship between nutrition and psychology. Her health challenges, including a battle with cancer, ignited her passion for developing products that positively impact people's dietary habits. Gitit was also Co-founder and CEO of ShrinkMeApp. In this episode… Have you ever wished you could stop your sugar cravings with a quick, easy solution? Imagine chewing gum that removes the sweet taste from sugary foods and significantly reduces your desire for them. Could such a functional product exist? Serial entrepreneurs Shimrit Lev and Gitit Lahav dive into the birth of Sweet Victory Gum and their journey to create a unique product that blocks sweet receptors on the tongue. They discuss the health struggles that sparked their determination to help others gain control over sugar consumption, underscoring the power of using personal adversities to fuel innovative solutions. Shimrit and Gitit also share key decisions they've made for product development, distribution strategies, and how mentorship has played a significant role in their business growth. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Shimrit Lev and Gitit Lahav, Co-founders of Sweet Victory Gum, about creating a functional gum to combat sugar cravings. They discuss Sweet Victory Gum and its functional properties that help reduce sugar cravings, how a serious health diagnosis can lead to a transformative business idea, the product development journey of Sweet Victory Gum, and their unique approach to launching their product in the international market.

Yanik Deschenes, APR, LL.B. is the Founder and President of YPR Canada, a public relations agency with expertise in sparking organic word of mouth within relevant communities. He is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in communications and public relations. With a background in advertising and a focus on creating conversations, Yanik has helped elevate the brand equity of major organizations like Walmart, National Bank, Morgan Stanley, and MUJI. He's also Co-founder of C2 Montreal, a globally recognized conference on commerce and creativity, and a passionate tennis player who attributes much of his personal development to the sport. In this episode… Are you tired of the same old advertising strategies that don't make a difference? Have you ever wondered how a brand can organically generate buzz without the need for traditional advertising? What is the key to sparking genuine interest and conversation around a product or service? Yanik Deschenes, APR, LL.B., a seasoned communications and public relations professional, delves into successful media pitching and generating organic word of mouth. He reveals the insightful strategies behind YPR's successes and shares how they’ve helped elevate global brands without direct advertising. Yanik shows how brands can become central in the conversations that matter most to their industry. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Yanik Deschenes, Founder and President of YPR Canada, about strategies for brand storytelling and fostering word of mouth. Yanik shares the unique approach of YPR to generate word of mouth for clients, the three critical aspects of a successful story pitch in PR, and highlights from the Green Media Summit platform and C2 Montreal conferences.

Arti Sharma is the CEO and Co-founder of Measure Marketing, a company she started in 2008 after a 15-year tenure bringing thought leadership to various business sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Her company specializes in inbound marketing, account-based marketing, and other data-driven strategies. Passionate about mentoring and philanthropy, Arti serves on boards for various nonprofits and actively mentors young entrepreneurs. Her expertise in b2b marketing, especially in manufacturing and SaaS, has consistently led clients to define their ideal customer profiles and obtain substantial revenue growth. In this episode… In an ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses face the challenge of not just generating leads, but capturing the most profitable ones. As companies strive to navigate the complexities of digital marketing, the emphasis has shifted from mere lead generation to targeting and converting the right kind of demand. What does it take to attract, nurture, and efficiently convert the right leads? Arti Sharma of Measure Marketing delves into how her team approaches the challenges of not just attracting leads, but ensuring they are the right fit for the businesses they serve. With a unique blend of data-driven strategies and a keen eye for the ideal customer profile, Arti and her team have mastered the art of demand generation, capture, and conversion. By emphasizing the importance of understanding a business's most profitable customers and optimizing the buyer's journey from attraction to conversion, they have helped companies significantly increase their bottom line. From SEO to sophisticated data analytics and tailored marketing strategies, Measure Marketing's approach is all about aligning marketing efforts with a company's ultimate business goals. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Arti Sharma, CEO and Co-founder of Measure Marketing, as she discusses the importance of aligning company offerings with client needs, the evolution of services based on market demands, and the pivotal role of data in strategizing and measuring marketing success. Arti highlights the critical stages of demand creation, capture, and conversion, offering insights into how companies can navigate these phases effectively.

Dr. Maggie Yu, MD, IFMCP, is a holistic and functional family practice physician, the CEO at MY.MD Biotherapeutics, and the Founder of Transform Autoimmune Disease Naturally. For over 16 years, she has provided education and training on topics like longevity and reversing chronic diseases through various media platforms. With over 25 years of education and practice, Dr. Maggie has helped thousands of patients overcome chronic symptoms through a healing-centric education system that meets patients’ unique needs. She is also the author of 8 Out of The Box Ways to Transform Your Health. In this episode… Have you ever felt dismissed by the medical system? Imagine suffering from severe pain, hair loss, and brain fog so intense that conventional medicine offers no solutions other than antidepressants and dismissive explanations. What if there was a different approach that could finally make a difference? Dr. Maggie Yu delves into her transformative journey from debilitating health challenges to becoming a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar issues. She unravels the limitations of traditional medical practices and unveils the comprehensive strategies she uses in her functional medical program, Transform, which combines personalized data, detailed education, and live expert guidance to target root causes of chronic diseases. By embracing a broader perspective on health, specifically examining the intertwined roles of hormones, digestion, and autoimmune responses, Dr. Maggie has developed a winning formula for treating conditions traditional doctors deemed untreatable. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dr. Maggie Yu, MD, IFMCP, about her revolutionary approach to handling chronic health issues. Dr. Maggie discusses how Transform personalizes healthcare through education and expert guidance, the mistakes that led her to functional medicine, how hormone imbalances can be the root cause of various chronic symptoms, and the evolution of Transform health programs.

Aaron Conant is Co-founder and Chief Digital Strategist at BWG Connect, a leading platform for executive strategy and networking sessions. He is an e-commerce expert with over a decade of experience in digital commerce, providing advisory services to brands on Amazon sales strategies, retail media, direct consumer platform selection, and SEO. BWG Connect, in conjunction with BWG Strategy, has built an exclusive network of over 125,000 senior professionals and hosts over 2,000 virtual and in-person networking events annually. Before starting BWG Connect, Aaron was the Head of eCommerce Sales and Business Development at Perrigo and a research scientist at Pfizer. He is also the host of the Digital Deep Dive Podcast. In this episode… Are you struggling to find profitability in today’s saturated e-commerce market? With the constant evolution, rising advertising costs, and the increasing complexity of online retail, businesses are struggling to keep up. But what if there’s a way to harness the collective knowledge of industry leaders and cutting-edge tools to skyrocket your success? Aaron Conant, an expert in the e-commerce space, offers a deep dive into his experiences and the solutions to many e-commerce roadblocks. He shares how he pivoted from being a chemist to leading one of the most influential e-commerce networks, emphasizing how a love for experiments and a data-driven mindset fuelled his success. Aaron dispenses advice on how brands can increase profitability and seize underutilized opportunities in online spaces by utilizing forward-thinking tools and strategies. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Aaron Conant, Co-founder and Chief Digital Strategist at BWG Connect, about fostering collaborative learning and growing e-commerce entities. Aaron shares the valuable e-commerce networking opportunities at BWG Connect, its business model and approach to event sponsorship, the key concerns and pain points currently facing e-commerce brands, and the missed opportunities and low-hanging fruit for e-commerce growth.

Paul Tedesco is the President of Track, an industry-leading data technology analytics agency focused on data-driven marketing for clients like McDonald's, Kraft, Mercedes-Benz, and Samsung. With over 30 years of experience in marketing, Paul has been instrumental in the company's growth, expanding Track from eight employees to over 90 and securing long-term relationships with high-profile clients. In addition to his work at Track, Paul teaches customer value creation and marketing analytics in the MBA program of the Degroote School of Business at McMaster University. In this episode… Ever wondered how a marketing agency can remain relevant and innovative in today’s data-driven world? How do they balance the use of traditional methods like direct mail with cutting-edge digital strategies, and what lessons can be learned from the success stories of industry giants? Paul Tedesco delves into how the proper use of analytics and personalized messaging can transform a brand's relationship with its customers. He shares his journey from starting out in the sales world selling toilet paper to running marketing campaigns for giants like McDonald's and Samsung. Paul reveals the significance of retention, both of customers and employees, and how it has become the cornerstone of success for Track. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Paul Tedesco, President of Track, to discuss leveraging data-driven actions for market impact. The discussion delves into the intricacies of customer value creation, the logistical shifts in marketing analytics, and the potential of tailored experiences that cater to personal habits and needs. Paul's prowess as a seasoned marketer and educator shines through as he offers insightful takeaways that listeners can apply to their own marketing endeavors and personal growth.