The Power of Expert Feedback in Improving Writing Skills

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Zach Kromkowski, co-founder of Sention, about the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses and marketing firms. Zach's cybersecurity journey began with a passion for problem-solving and a talent for turning ideas into reality. Blending intelligence, tenacity, and a love for community education, he simplifies cybersecurity through webinars, workshops, and consultations, helping MSPs and enterprises easily enhance their security. We discuss best practices for system hardening, managing security in a distributed workforce, and the significance of password management and compliance standards. The conversation also touches on the risks AI poses in cybersecurity and the necessity of implementing two-factor authentication and VPNs. Zach also emphasizes that adequate security doesn't require a large budget and offers practical steps businesses can take to enhance their security posture.   Key Takeaways Cybersecurity is crucial for marketing firms and small businesses. System hardening can be done without a large budget. Managing security in a distributed workforce requires clear policies. Google Workspace users should regularly review linked accounts. Password managers are essential for secure password storage. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a must for all software. SOC 2 compliance is a common standard for businesses. AI poses unique risks in cybersecurity that need to be addressed. Adding layers of security can deter potential attacks. Educating employees about security risks builds trust.   More About Zach Kromkowski: Add Zach Kromkowski on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/securityzachkromkowski/ Check out his Website - http://senteon.co/ Subscribe to his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@senteonCISBenchmarks   This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by: Active Campaign. Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode, I discuss my framework for creating a one-page marketing strategy called the Duct Tape Marketing Snapshot. The framework is divided into 3 core elements: brand strategy, growth strategy, and customer strategy. Within each component, I ADRE, such as mission, vision, values, ideal client definition, unique value proposition, marketing channels, lead capture, lead nurture, trust-building, lead conversion, customer onboarding, customer experience, customer retention, customer expansion, customer referrals, and partner referrals.     Key Takeaways The Duct Tape Marketing Snapshot is a one-page framework for creating a marketing strategy. The framework is divided into three core elements: brand strategy, growth strategy, and customer strategy. Each element has several components that must be addressed to create a comprehensive marketing strategy. The framework helps businesses simplify and organize their marketing strategy.   Chapters [00:00] Introduction to the Duct Tape Marketing Snapshot [02:24] The Three Core Elements of a Marketing Strategy [03:15] Addressing the Key Components of Brand Strategy [05:36] Building a Growth Strategy: From Awareness to Lead Conversion [09:48] Mapping the Customer Journey in the Customer Strategy   This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by the following: Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at Oracle. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Michael Mirau, a seasoned business coach and consultant specializing in family business coaching and business growth for middle-market companies and nonprofits. Michael Mirau shared insights from his newly released book, The Family Business Manifesto: A Roadmap to Peace in the Family and Prosperity in the Business. During this episode, Mirau dives deep into the critical challenges that family businesses face, such as balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. He offers actionable strategies to ensure leadership transitions are smooth and provide a roadmap for long-term business growth. Key Moments [00:00] Who is Michael Mirau and what are Family Business Dynamics [02:59] Challenges Unique to Family Businesses [05:57] The Importance of Healthy Relationships especially for family business [09:00] Navigating Leadership Transitions [ 12:01 ] Example of How to Compete as a Service Business [14:30] Intentional Succession Planning [18:50] How to connect with Mirau and resources for family businesses More about Michael Mirau GetThe Family Business Manifesto: A Roadmap to Peace in the Family and Prosperity in the Business: https://amzn.to/3TPJ2Gz Check out Mike's website: https://www.resultsimproved.com/michael-mirau Follow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemirau/ and X https://x.com/resultsimproved This episode is sponsored by Active Campaign - https://www.activecampaign.com/ducttape Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Go here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review."

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Debbie Howard. Howard is the co-founder and CEO of Senior Living SMART, a full-service marketing agency serving the senior housing industry. She and her partner, Andréa Catizone, have successfully grown the agency from a startup to a team of 40 employees over the past 12 years and recently celebrated by publishing her book Smarter(er) Marketing for Senior Living Communities.  During our conversation, we explored the essential strategies that senior living communities need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. We discussed the importance of using smart marketing automation, effective strategies for attracting the right prospects, and why your website is the most important asset for lead conversion. Chapters [00:00] Introduction and the senior living marketing boom [02:42] Understanding the SMART Marketing Framework [05:16] The Role of Strategy in Senior Living Marketing [08:35] Differentiation in a Competitive Market [12:49] Aligning Marketing and Sales Strategies [16:59] The Critical Role of Websites in Sales [19:56] Introducing Smarter Marketing Certification More About Debbie Howard: Grab your copy of Smarter(er) Marketing for Senior Living Communities - https://amzn.to/3zryqq2 Check out Debbie’s website - https://seniorlivingsmart.com/ Follow Debbie on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-howard-ab730b43/ This episode is sponsored by Oracle - http://oracle.com/ducttape Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Go here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode.

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Brian Gottlieb, founder of Tundraland Home Improvements and author of 'Beyond the Hammer'. He transformed a $3,000 investment into a multi-state enterprise with nearly $1 billion in lifetime sales. An inspirational business leader and Harvard Business School executive education alumnus, Gottlieb champions a leadership philosophy centered on strategy, empowerment, and consistent execution while founding charitable initiatives like “Windows for a Cause” and “Baths for the Brave”. We discuss Brian’s journey in building a successful business from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of belief in leadership, creating a positive company culture, and the impact of community initiatives. Brian shares insights on effective feedback techniques, the significance of employee engagement, and how to align a team around a joint mission. The conversation highlights the role of training and development in fostering a motivated workforce and the importance of understanding employee perspectives through stay interviews.   Key Takeaways Starting a business with limited resources can lead to innovative solutions. Belief in people is crucial for leadership and team success. Aligning a team around a joint mission enhances performance. Creating a positive employee experience is essential for retention. Feedback should be constructive and encouraging to foster growth. Stay interviews provide valuable insights into employee satisfaction. Company culture is shaped by the behaviors tolerated within the organization. Community initiatives can enhance employee engagement and brand reputation. Recruitment should focus on finding individuals who align with the company's mission. Training and development are crucial to building a skilled workforce.   More About Brian Gottlieb: Check out Brian’s website - https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fbriangottlieb.com%2F Follow Brian on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gottlieb-bb66094/ Grab a copy of Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams - https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Hammer-Approach-Leadership-Performance/dp/B0D53GL23L?crid Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tim Grahl, CEO and publisher of Story Grid. He discusses the process of writing and publishing books, emphasizing the importance of developing writing skills and receiving expert feedback. He also highlights the power of storytelling and the impact that books can have on readers.  Tim Grahl dedicates himself to helping authors craft better narratives and bring their work to readers. His expertise lies in applying the Story Grid methodology to fiction and nonfiction, guiding writers through creating compelling, well-structured stories. Under Tim’s leadership, Story Grid has become a valuable resource for authors seeking to refine their craft and successfully navigate the publishing landscape. His book, “The Shithead: A Novel in Fifty Songs,” is set to be released on the 19th of September this year.   Key Takeaways Writing is a skill that requires deliberate practice and expert feedback. Start by writing short scenes before attempting to write an entire novel. Books have the power to leave a legacy and impact readers. Expert feedback is crucial for improving writing skills. More About Tim Grahl: Add Tim Grahl on LinkedIn Check out his Website Grab a copy of The Shithead: A Novel in Fifty Songs Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts   Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please! Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Jay Schwedelson, a leading marketing expert in the US known for his research-backed approach. He’s the Founder of SubjectLine.com, a top-ranked free subject-line rating tool, and has tested over 15 million subject lines. Jay Schwedelson also founded GURU Media Hub, hosting the GURU conference, the world’s largest email marketing event, attracting over 50,000 attendees annually. His popular podcast, “Do This, Not That!: For Marketers,” is a top-rated marketing podcast in the U.S. Through Outcome Media, Jay’s team runs over 40,000 campaigns annually for top global brands. He’s been recognized as a top industry leader and inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. We discuss the importance of subject lines in email marketing and share tips for improving open rates. We also cover The significance of call-to-action buttons The timing of email sends ESPs' (Email Sending Providers) role The relationship between email and landing pages List hygiene and the impact of AI and privacy on email marketing   Key Takeaways: Subject Lines: Your subject lines are crucial for getting emails opened. Starting the subject line with a number or fully capitalizing the FIRST WORD can increase open rates, and using an ellipsis or a question mark at the end of the subject line can also pique curiosity. Call-to-action buttons: CTAs should be written in the first person to increase click-through rates. The language should focus on what’s in it for your recipient rather than what you want. Timing: We all know the timing of your email depends on the type and target audience. Newsletters do well at the start of the week, while offer-based emails may perform better on weekdays or weekends. Or do they? ESPs: The selection of an ESP should be based on your business’s specific needs. Different ESPs specialize in various types of email marketing, such as B2C or B2B. When you’re tempted to blame your ESP, ask if you chose wisely. Landing Pages: Email and landing pages should be closely connected. Emails should direct recipients to specific landing pages that are optimized for conversion. Social proof, such as testimonials, can make your landing pages more compelling. List Hygiene: List hygiene is essential for maintaining email deliverability. Hard bounces should be immediately removed from the list, and soft bounces should be monitored and removed after multiple occurrences. AI: AI is expected to significantly impact email marketing in the future. Apple’s iOS 18 will introduce AI-driven email bucketing, which will affect how emails are categorized and displayed on mobile devices.   More About Jay Schwedelson: Check Out his Website - https://jayschwedelson.com/ Visit Guru Conference - http://www.guruconference.com/ Add him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Joe Crisera, author of What Should We Do? How to Win Clients, Double Profit, and Grow Your Home Service Sales. He shares his journey from struggling home service contractor to helping thousands of contractors increase their revenue. The thoughtful and wholesome "don't worry about it" mentality almost bankrupted him once. In this episode, he shares how the key to profit isn’t cutting costs by cutting corners but by providing high-quality service and offering multiple options to customers. Joe Crisera introduces the concept of 'Pure Motive Service,' which involves providing solutions prioritizing: Quality Reliability Safety, and Health. He also discusses the significance of managing opportunities and anticipating future needs, offering practical advice for service professionals, and highlighting the role of marketing in delivering exceptional service.   Key Takeaways Providing high-quality service and multiple options can significantly increase revenue for home service contractors. The concept of 'pure motive service' involves providing solutions prioritizing quality, reliability, safety, and health. Managing opportunities and anticipating future needs are crucial for delivering exceptional service. Marketing plays a vital role in communicating the value of a service and building trust with customers. More About Joe Crisara: Add Service MVP on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/servicemvp/ Check out his Website - http://servicemvp.com/ Grab a copy of What Should We Do?: How to Win Clients, Double Profit & Grow Your Home Service Sales - https://amzn.to/3LwhNfD Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts

In this episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I talk about the elusive: Content. What it is, What it’s been, and where it’s going. In other words, Air, King, and now AI-generated? I refer to content not as a tactic but as the voice of strategy. But how can AI be used effectively in content creation? With the approach of producing 'Pillar Content' and breaking it into subtopics. The best use of many AI tools is to 'produce good content in the easiest way possible', which to me is video—producing and repurposing it into various formats. I also discuss the ‘Content Sprint Methodology,’ which involves using AI to generate additional assets based on the original content.   Key Takeaways Content is essential for building trust and authority. AI can be a valuable tool for content creation, but it is best used to generate ideas and enhance original content. Producing pillar content and breaking it into subtopics is an effective strategy for creating valuable and relevant content. Using AI to create videos and repurpose content can save time and effort in content production. The content sprint methodology involves starting with original content and using AI to generate additional assets. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-duct-tape-marketing-podcast/id78797836 scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about the episode. Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing/ Are you stuck trying to figure out your marketing strategy? Get Your Free AI Prompts To Build A Marketing Strategy HERE - dtm.world/freeprompts This episode was brought to you by: ActiveCampaign Try ActiveCampaign free for 14 days with our special offer. Exclusive to new customers—upgrade and grow your business with ActiveCampaign today!  https://www.activecampaign.com/promo/dtm?utm_source=thirdparty_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=DTM_promo Wix work in sync with your team all on one canvas, and reuse templates, widgets, and sections across sites. Create a client kit for seamless handovers and leverage best-in-class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites. https://www.wix.com/studio

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I aim to stir the pot in yet another solo show by sharing a distinct and uncommon point of view (or five) in marketing. I've never really understood the insane popularity of Simon Sinek’s 'Find your why notion.' I mean, it's been said before, right? Maybe even better. My why is: Why is that particular video so popular?! Regardless, Marketers often make marketing too complicated anyway. Fun fact: complexity in marketing is just disguised incompetence. Chasing trends is a recipe for failure, and you shouldn’t just repurpose your content but make it purposeful. I also draw special attention to the significance of customer experience as the true differentiator and the importance of measuring marketing effectiveness. Stick around for 10 minutes of me crossing the line between fact and opinion as I share all I learned in my experience in the industry in a few words of wisdom, all in one belief system that you can adopt to run your agency better.   Key Takeaways (Or What I Believe) Share a distinct and uncommon point of view about your business and its offerings to differentiate yourself in the market. Focus on solving your ideal client’s problems rather than just promoting your products or services. Create purposeful content and use marketing automation to personalize your interactions with customers. Build long-term relationships with customers and prioritize customer experience as the true differentiator. Measure the effectiveness of your marketing activities to avoid wasting time and money. Use data to gain insights and make informed decisions. Avoid unnecessary complexity in marketing and strive for simplicity and clarity.   Oracle Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at oracle.com/ducttape   Wix work in sync with your team all on one canvas, and reuse templates, widgets, and sections across sites. Create a client kit for seamless handovers and leverage best-in-class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites. https://www.wix.com/studio