#167: Getting Unstuck—How to Find Your Tribe and Market to a Niche Audience

We all strive for success, but at what cost? Climbing the ladder often comes with unexpected challenges. As you work toward your goals, it’s easy to focus on the next milestone, only to realize that collecting more accolades leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled. Many high achievers find themselves grappling with stress, isolation, and a loss of purpose despite their accomplishments. Is it possible to chase your dreams without losing sight of what truly brings you joy and fulfillment?    In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins kick off a special series focused on maintaining mental and emotional health in the midst of success. They’re joined by Al Andrews, a counselor with decades of experience working with artists and high achievers. Al shares wisdom on how to stay true to yourself, avoid the pitfalls of fame and fortune, and find fulfillment beyond just career success. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way to the top, this conversation will help you reflect on your journey and ensure you’re building a life that’s meaningful and balanced.   Here's another great episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast you can listen to, especially if you're feeling on the edge of burnout #162: Let's Have a Heart to Heart—How Is Your Well-Being Affecting Your Creative Work? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000660290285   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Marketing for nonprofits can feel like a balancing act. You're juggling two distinct audiences—the people you serve and the donors who make it all possible. The challenge lies in crafting a message that speaks to both audiences without diluting your core mission. But when your messaging feels off, it’s easy to get stuck, unsure about what will make the maximum impact. So how do you find that sweet spot where your message resonates with everyone who matters?   In this final part of the Getting Unstuck series, host Dr. J.J. Peterson answers a question from a listener named Amy Murray, who wants to know how to use the StoryBrand framework to attract younger donors in a competitive nonprofit space. J.J. shares his insights on creating two brand scripts—one for your mission and one for your donors—and how to use them to connect with both groups effectively. He breaks down the steps to avoid common mistakes and get your marketing back on track. If you’re having trouble reaching your audience or need fresh ideas to improve your nonprofit’s messaging, tune in and get strategic tips you can start using right away.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your brand’s message failing to pack the punch you know it should? It’s easy to get stuck when you want to make a bold statement in your marketing but fear the potential backlash. Many business owners feel like they're holding back, worried that being too outspoken might turn people off. But this can water down your messaging, leaving you with a yawn-inducing brand voice and ineffective marketing. So how can you showcase your brand’s personality without the risk of alienating potential customers?   In this episode of our Getting Unstuck, host April Sunshine Hawkins responds to a questions from caller Holly Suter, founder of Masala Wala Chai, who’s grappling with this very issue. Holly wants to make a bold statement with her brand but is hesitant, concerned about crossing the line. April dives deep into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that Holly—and you—can use to confidently express your brand’s unique voice without turning off your audience. Tune in and get practical tips on finding the sweet spot between boldness and approachability to make sure your marketing resonates with the right buyers!   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You're sitting on a goldmine of knowledge—and you know you could package it up into an online course and help people. But every time you think about actually doing it, you hit a wall. You don't have an audience. You have no idea how to find people who'd actually pay for your course. It all feels too overwhelming, and you're starting to think it's just not worth it. But what if you could launch your course without having a huge following?    In this episode of the Getting Unstuck series, we're solving a conundrum from a listener named Robbie: how do you launch when you're starting from scratch? And we’ve brought in the big guns for an answer! Today, J.J. and April are joined by Amy Porterfield, the top digital course expert who's helped over 90,000 people launch their ideas. Amy divulges her proven strategies for building an audience, creating valuable content, and making your first sales – even if you don't have an email list. So tune in and get the confidence and clarity you need to get your knowledge out into the world!   Join Amy's upcoming Course Confident bootcamp at StoryBrand.com/CourseConfident.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your business feast or famine? Are you struggling to maintain consistent sales, even when you know there's demand? This is a common small business challenge—going from "everyone wants it" to crickets. So how do you keep the momentum going and turn those crickets into a steady hum of excited buyers?   As part of our Getting Unstuck series, today’s episode tackles a question from listener Tina Cusker, owner of La Cuisine, a boutique kitchen store with culinary classes. Tina's classes used to sell out months in advance, but when she reduced class frequency, customers stopped checking in. Hosts J.J. and April diagnose the issue and offer practical strategies that can be applied to any business. You’ll get valuable tips on reigniting interest, building anticipation, and keeping your audience engaged. Listen in and learn how to create a marketing system that keeps customers coming back for more!   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Your reputation is everything. It's the lifeblood of your business. But what happens when nasty rumors start to circulate? It can feel like an unfair fight. The fear, the uncertainty, the damage to your brand... it's a nightmare! And when your integrity gets called into question, it’s a gut punch and you may not be sure how to fight back. So what should you do?   In this week’s episode of our Getting Unstuck series, J.J. and April help caller Holly with this very issue. Holly is a business owner who's facing a wave of harmful rumors. Drawing on marketing psychology and crisis management, they'll share proven strategies for taking control of your narrative, overcoming objections, and transforming those rumors into a powerful story of triumph. Listen in and learn how to leverage the power of testimonials, build alliances with trusted community figures, and ultimately, position your brand as the hero that your customers deserve!   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand  

Being a scrappy entrepreneur is all about making the most of what you have. But when it comes to funding your business, it's easy to feel like you've hitting a brick wall. Financial realities can make your dream of starting a business seem unlikely, or worse: completely impossible. Have hope, heromaker! If you're bootstrapping your startup, you just need to know the right steps to launch without breaking the bank.    In this episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins respond to a question from listener Alonzo of Hourglass Productions. As a first-time LLC owner, he’s feeling stuck because he doesn't know how to fund his business. J.J. and April walk him through the steps he needs to take to get his business off the ground, including clarifying his message, creating an elevator pitch, building a website, and attracting investors. Tune in and learn how to fund your business without losing your shirt!   Need more clarity on how you can build out the ultimate marketing funnel for your business? Listen to our deep dive episodes below:   #148: The Power of a One-Liner to Unite Your Team and Transform Your Marketing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-a-one-liner-to-unite-your-team/id1569923210?i=1000649837792   #13: How to Create a Website that Works https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-create-a-website-that-works/id1569923210?i=1000535392375 #14: Why You Need a Lead Generator and How to Build One https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-you-need-a-lead-generator-and-how-to-build-one/id1569923210?i=1000536254780   #114: How to Write Nurture Emails (The Right Way) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-write-nurture-emails-the-right-way/id1569923210?i=1000625367118   #116: The Ultimate “Non-Salesy” Sales Email Formula https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000626928831   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand      

If you're targeting a niche market, reaching the right audience can feel tricky. Common marketing advice may work for some (or even most) companies, but it just doesn't seem to resonate with your unique customer base. For marketers and business owners in specialized industries, like tourism or art, success depends on connecting with a specific group of people—aka your "tribe"—who share distinct interests and needs. So how do you hone in your marketing efforts to really speak to your niche?   In this episode of Marketing Made Simple's Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins chat with Paula Larsson, owner of Uncomfortable Oxford, a company that offers unique walking tours in the UK. Paula shares her challenges in reaching her niche audience. Dr. JJ and April provide actionable advice on leveraging influencer partnerships and optimizing her website to attract and convert new customers. Listen  in and learn how to effectively market to your niche and attract your ideal buyers!   Want more insight into marketing to a niche audience? Go listen to episode #121: Media Magic How to Start Partnering with Influencers with StoryBrand Certified Guides Jo Caruana and Lauren Cockerell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-magic-how-to-start-partnering-with-influencers/id1569923210?i=1000630939733   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your marketing falling flat, even when you’re putting in the work and following all the best advice? You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and implemented the strategies, but you're still not seeing the results you want. It can be a frustrating puzzle, especially for those who’ve invested time and energy learning solid marketing frameworks like StoryBrand. So where might you be going wrong?   In today’s episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins conduct an in-depth website audit for Trace Hobson Training and Coaching. Trace, like many of our listeners, has been following StoryBrand principles but feels stuck with his website's performance. Through this live audit, J.J. and April offer specific, actionable advice on website structure, clear messaging, and CTA optimization. If you're struggling with your website or other aspects of your marketing, tune in and get expert insights to help you refine your strategy and get much better results!   You can see Trace's website and follow along with J.J. and April's coaching at TraceHobson.mykajabi.com.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you build it, they will come.” But that's simply not true when it comes to business. It actually takes a great deal of strategy and effort to get customers. And the stress of not having enough leads can crush anyone’s spirit, especially when you know your product is top-notch. Rest assured, the problem isn’t your product—it’s your approach to finding buyers. So what’s the secret to breaking through and filling your pipeline?   As we continue our Getting Unstuck series, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins tackle the head-scratching problem of lead generation. Hear from caller Bryton Nield of Dentist Partner Pros, who needs help reeling in potential new customers. With the help of the StoryBrand framework, J.J. and April reveal the secrets to creating an unstoppable marketing strategy that keeps prospects flowing in. Tune in and learn how to solve your lead generation woes and get the attention your business deserves!   --   Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand