#168: Getting Unstuck—How to Fund Your Startup When You're Strapped for Cash

If customers in your town are searching online for what you offer but can’t find you, you’re missing a huge opportunity. It’s like having a storefront without a sign. Local business owners know they need to show up in search results, but SEO can sound like rocket science—complex, overwhelming, and honestly, not what you signed up for. But what if there were a way to use SEO that’s straightforward, doesn’t eat up your time, and just works?   In the latest episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins bring on StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Rice to walk through 4 simple steps to help you boost your local SEO and make your business rise to the top online. Kelly breaks down SEO essentials with tips on building strong content foundations, connecting with the right customers, and driving valuable traffic—all without confusing technical jargon. Tune in to learn how these simple steps can help your customers find you faster and make sure your marketing works as hard as you do!   Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Rice directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kelly-Rice-Treefrog-Marketing.   --   Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!   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 doesn’t have to be complicated, but let’s be real—it’s easy to screw it up. You know your product or service is great, but your customers aren’t noticing. Why? Because you’re either blending in with everyone else or confusing your audience with messaging that’s unclear. It’s a tough balance: if you’re too creative, people don’t get it. If you’re too clear, it can seem dull. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot that balances creativity and clarity. So, how do you create a marketing message that sets you apart without confusing people?   In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins, joined by StoryBrand Certified Guide Director Macy Robison, kick off a brand-new series where they're "talkin' shop" with marketing experts from different industries. Macy explains how businesses can stand out by embracing what makes them unique while staying clear in their messaging. Whether you run a local business, nonprofit, or tech company, you’ll walk away with practical tips you can apply right away to help you clarify your message and attract more customers. Tune in to learn how to strike the balance between creativity and clarity so your marketing actually works.   --   Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!   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

Traditional productivity advice often assumes a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but for many people —especially those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits—that approach can actually slow you down. You may even feel ashamed of your inability to focus or stay organized, but the real problem might be that the traditional methods weren’t designed for you. Instead of forcing yourself into methods that don’t align with your natural strengths, it's important to recognize that you may need a different approach. So how do you work with your brain, not against it, to get things done?   In this week’s episode, hosts J.J. and April speak with licensed clinical professional counselor Isabelle Richards, an expert in ADHD and co-host of the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast. They explore how neurodivergent traits like ADHD can impact the way we work, especially in high-pressure roles like marketing. You’ll learn how to set up systems and environments that align with the way your brain works so you can thrive in your career and get more done with less stress. Tune in and get actionable strategies to help you harness your unique strengths without compromising your well-being.   Discover your path to getting things done and download your free Something Shiny ADHD Accommodations Finder at SomethingShinyPodcast.com/MMS.   --   Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!   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

Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!   --   Leading a business means constantly being pulled between competing demands. Should you focus on increasing profits or making a bigger impact? Should you embrace stability or push for innovation? When grappling with these either-or decisions, many people freeze up or choose one path at the expense of the other. But what if you didn’t have to pick? What if the best strategy is embracing both options?   In this week’s episode, Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with leadership expert Tim Arnold, author of Lead with AND, to explore how embracing “both-and” thinking can help you manage tension instead of trying to solve it. Tim breaks down 6 key tensions leaders face and practical strategies to navigate them, so you don’t have to feel like you’re always choosing between opposites. Listen in and learn how to ditch the binary thinking and start leading with a mindset that grows your team, your business, and your impact.   Discover where you stand on the Both/And Leadership spectrum as well as how to navigate the 6 key tensions. Get your free assessment now at LeadWithAnd.com and start leading with balance and clarity.   --   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

What does the Enneagram have to do with marketing? A lot more than you might think! Your Enneagram type shows how you process information, make decisions, and approach creativity. From perfectionism to overthinking, these innate tendencies directly impact your marketing approach. If you’ve had trouble connecting with your audience or executing a winning strategy, your Enneagram type could be the key. So how can understanding your Enneagram type make your marketing more effective?   In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are joined by Enneagram expert Ian Cron to explore how understanding your Enneagram type can transform your marketing. Ian breaks down each Enneagram type, highlighting the unique superpowers they bring to the table and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a well-versed pro, this conversation will empower you to tap into your authentic self. Listen in to discover your unique marketing superpower, improve your marketing, and make a greater impact!   Visit IanMorganCron.com to take his Enneagram assessment and order up a copy of The Story of You.   --   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

Money stresses us out. Whether you're a small business owner or just trying to manage personal finances, it can feel like you’re always juggling competing priorities. Should you be saving more? Investing in your business? Can you even afford to? Add in the weight of societal pressures, and it’s easy to see why 73% of Americans rank finances as their top stressor. But what if getting clear on your money values (not just the numbers) could help relieve the stress and guide your financial decisions?   In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with financial therapist Dr. Sonya Lutter, who combines financial planning with family therapy to show how aligning your finances with your core values can change the game. You'll learn why getting organized and understanding your true priorities helps reduce financial stress—both personally and in your business. Tune in for practical steps to align your financial decisions with your values and start making your money work for you!   --   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

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