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What if AI isn’t saving you time… Not because it’s not powerful enough, but because you’re using it the exact same way as everyone else? If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT, asked it to write something, and thought “this is going to make everything easier”… only to spend the next 20 minutes fixing it, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. But you are missing the bigger shift. Because right now, most business owners are using AI to speed up the first draft. And that helps. But it doesn’t actually change how you operate. You’re still making every decision. You’re still editing everything. You’re still carrying the mental load. Which means you’re still the bottleneck. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m kicking off a four part series on AI, and we’re starting with the shift most people have not made yet. The difference between using AI as a content tool… and using AI like a CEO. Because those are two very different things. One gives you more to manage. The other gives you your time back. In this episode, I walk through: Why AI feels helpful but not transformativeWhat “ask and receive” mode actually looks likeWhy most AI generated content feels genericThe real reason business owners still feel overwhelmedHow AI should support execution, not just output Because the goal is not more content. It’s more capacity. Timestamps[00:00:00] – Why AI Isn’t Saving You Time (Yet) [00:01:30] – Using AI Like a CEO vs Just a Tool [00:03:00] – Why AI Isn’t Reducing Your Workload [00:04:30] – Shift: From Content Creation to Business Support [00:06:00] – Your Real Bottleneck: Capacity, Not Ideas [00:10:00] – Build Leverage Instead of Doing Everything Yourself [00:11:00] – What AI Support Looks Like for Business Owners [00:12:00] – Start Here: Your Anti-To-Do List Strategy [00:13:00] – From AI Beginner to Strategic Operator [00:14:00] – Next Step: Train AI to Think Like You Before you open AI again, do this first. Make a list of three things you do every single week that you never want to do again. Not someday. Not when you hire a team. Right now. That’s where AI should start helping. Because AI is not here to make you faster at doing everything. It’s here to help you stop doing the wrong things entirely. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had a video get views… but nothing actually came from it? No leads. No engagement. No real traction. And you’re left wondering—is this even working? Because here’s the truth: Views can be one of the most misleading metrics on YouTube. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down how to actually read your YouTube analytics—so you can stop guessing and start making strategic decisions that grow your business. Because YouTube gives you a lot of data. Views. Impressions. Click-through rate. Retention. And most business owners either: → Ignore it completely → Or obsess over the wrong numbers So let’s simplify it. You don’t need to track everything. You just need to understand what matters and what it’s telling you. In this episode, I walk through: Why views don’t reflect true performanceHow audience retention reveals what’s actually workingWhy your first 30 seconds matter more than anything elseThe role of titles and thumbnails in driving clicksHow to use impressions to diagnose your growthBecause if your content isn’t holding attention… it’s not building trust. And if it’s not building trust… it’s not driving business. Key TakeawaysViews alone don’t measure content effectivenessAudience retention is the strongest performance signalThe first 30 seconds determine viewer behaviorClick-through rate reflects packaging—not depthImpressions indicate distribution potentialTimestamps: [00:00:00] – Why Views Alone Don’t Grow Your Business [00:01:00] – The Biggest YouTube Analytics Mistake [00:02:00] – Why Views Are a Misleading Metric [00:02:45] – What Actually Matters: Watch Time & Retention [00:03:30] – How to Use Audience Retention to Improve Content [00:04:00] – Fix This First: Your First 30 Seconds Matter Most [00:04:30] – Click-Through Rate: Are People Even Clicking? [00:05:00] – Thumbnail & Title Strategy That Drives Growth [00:05:30] – Impressions: Why You Might Not Be Getting Seen [00:06:00] – How to Diagnose Your YouTube Performance Fast [00:06:15] – Stop Chasing Views—Start Building Trust [00:06:30] – The Only 3 Metrics You Need to Track [00:07:00] – Turn Analytics Into Real Business Growth If you’ve been focused on views… this is your moment to shift. Go into your analytics Find where people drop off And fix your first 30 seconds Because that’s where your growth actually starts. And if you want your content to do more than just get watched—if you want it to build trust, generate leads, and grow your business— You don’t need more content. You need better insight. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been watching the rise of AI video, there’s a good chance you heard about Sora and thought, this changes everything. And in many ways, it did. But now, with OpenAI shifting away from Sora as a standalone tool, a lot of people are asking the wrong question. It’s not: Why is this tool going away? It’s: What does this tell us about where marketing—and AI—is actually going? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down what this shift really means for business owners, content creators, and entrepreneurs trying to use AI effectively. Because this isn’t about one tool. It’s about a much bigger shift—from standalone tools to integrated systems. We’re moving away from a world where you use five different tools for five different tasks… into a world where everything lives inside one ecosystem. And more importantly, we’re moving from flashy possibilities to practical application. In this episode, I walk through: Why AI tools are evolving into ecosystemsThe difference between impressive content and useful contentWhere AI video actually fits into your marketing strategyWhy most business owners don’t consistently use AI toolsAnd how to think about AI as a support system—not the strategy itself Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Is Social Media Engagement Dying? [00:00:50] – 2025 Data: Where Engagement Is Dropping [00:01:30] – Why This Shift Is Actually Good News [00:02:00] – The Real Problem: Content Overload [00:02:40] – Why Standing Out Is Harder Than Ever [00:03:10] – How Algorithms Changed the Game [00:04:00] – You're Competing With the Entire Internet [00:04:40] – LinkedIn Strategy: Quality Over Likes [00:05:30] – What Happened to Threads (and Why It Matters) [00:06:10] – Vanity Metrics vs Real Business Growth [00:07:00] – Why Posting More Is the Wrong Move [00:07:40] – The Question Every Post Should Answer [00:08:10] – The 4-Post Strategy That Drives Results [00:08:50] – Engagement vs Relationships (Big Shift) [00:09:30] – The Only Metric That Actually Matters [00:10:00] – Build a Strategy That Survives Algorithms Because the businesses that win with AI won’t be the ones chasing every new tool. They’ll be the ones building systems that work—with or without them. If you’ve been jumping from one AI tool to the next… this is your moment to reset. Instead of asking, “What tool should I try next?” Ask: “How does this support my overall content strategy?” Because when your strategy is clear, everything changes. Your content becomes more consistent. Your workflow becomes more efficient. And the tools you use finally start working for you. Start with one piece of content this week—and focus on getting more value out of it. That’s where real growth happens. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you noticed your social media engagement dropping lately? Maybe your posts used to spark conversations… and now they feel like they disappear. If that’s happening, you’re not alone—and more importantly, it doesn’t mean your content stopped working. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down what’s actually happening across today’s social media landscape—and why engagement is shifting across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads. Because the real story isn’t that engagement is disappearing. It’s that the environment has changed. There is more content being created than ever before. More creators, more brands, more AI-generated posts—and all of it is competing for the same thing: attention. At the same time, platforms have shifted from chronological feeds to recommendation-based algorithms. That means your content isn’t just competing with people you follow—it’s competing with the entire internet. And when the game changes, your strategy has to evolve with it. In this episode, I walk through what’s driving these engagement shifts, how to think about platform changes more strategically, and what business owners should actually be focusing on moving forward. Because the goal of social media has never been engagement. It’s connection, trust, and relationships. Key TakeawaysEngagement is declining due to increased competition—not failureAlgorithms prioritize content beyond your follower basePlatform growth leads to normalized engagement ratesVanity metrics don’t equal business resultsStrategic content drives connection—not just visibility Timestamps[00:00:00] – Why Your Social Media Engagement Is Dropping [00:00:50] – 2025 Engagement Data (What’s Really Happening) [00:01:30] – The Truth: Social Media Isn’t Dying [00:02:00] – Why Content Is More Competitive Than Ever [00:02:40] – The Real Reason Your Posts Aren’t Performing [00:03:15] – Algorithm Shift: Competing With the Entire Internet [00:04:10] – LinkedIn Strategy: Quality Over Quantity [00:05:15] – Threads, Hype Cycles & Platform Burnout [00:06:10] – Why Engagement Metrics Can Mislead You [00:06:50] – Vanity Metrics vs Real Business Growth [00:07:20] – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make [00:07:45] – What Makes Content Actually Convert [00:08:10] – The 4-Post Strategy (Awareness → Action) [00:08:50] – Why Relationships Drive Revenue [00:09:20] – What to Do When Engagement Drops [00:09:45] – The One Question Every Marketer Should Ask If your engagement has dropped, don’t let it shake your confidence—use it as a signal to refine your strategy. Ask yourself: Is my content actually helping the right people take the next step? Because when your content is aligned with your audience, your offers, and your message… engagement becomes a byproduct—not the goal. And if you’re ready to move from random posting to a structured strategy that actually drives conversations, leads, and opportunities—that’s exactly where the real growth happens. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no shortage of conversations about AI right now. Everywhere you look, there’s a new tool promising to save you time, streamline your content, and simplify your marketing. But when I talk to business owners and entrepreneurs, I hear something very different. They’re using AI… but they’re not necessarily feeling more efficient. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m taking a step back from the hype to talk about what’s actually happening when AI meets real-world marketing. Because the issue isn’t whether AI works. The issue is how it’s being used. Too often, AI is introduced into a workflow without a clear strategy behind it. And when that happens, instead of saving time, it creates more decisions, more revisions, and more complexity. In this episode, I walk through where AI truly adds value in your marketing, where it tends to fall short, and how to think about using it in a way that actually supports your business goals. Because at the end of the day, tools don’t drive results. Strategy does. Key TakeawaysAI adoption is increasing faster than measurable efficiencyTools without strategy create more complexityAI is strongest in support roles—not leadership rolesContent still requires human perspective and directionStrategic clarity determines whether AI saves time Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Is AI Actually Saving You Time in Your Business? [00:00:45] – The Reality Behind AI Marketing Tools Today [00:01:30] – Why AI Without a Strategy Slows You Down [00:02:10] – The Overwhelm of Too Many AI Tools [00:03:00] – Why AI Content Still Needs Your Voice [00:03:40] – What AI Does Well for Small Businesses [00:04:20] – How to Use AI for Content Repurposing [00:05:00] – The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make with AI [00:05:50] – Why Strategy Matters More Than Tools [00:06:30] – Using AI to Scale Your Marketing Faster [00:07:10] – Focus on Strategy, Not Just More Content If you’ve been feeling like AI is adding more noise than clarity to your marketing… this is your sign to pause and reset. Take a step back and ask yourself: What is my strategy actually trying to achieve? Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever opened your podcast dashboard, looked at your downloads, and instantly judged whether your show was successful? If you’re like most podcasters, those numbers can start telling a story in your head. Sometimes it’s encouraging. Other times it’s discouraging. But here’s the problem: most podcasters misunderstand what their statistics actually mean. In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down how podcast analytics really work and why focusing on downloads alone can lead you to make the wrong decisions about your show. Key TakeawaysDownloads don’t necessarily equal listenersPodcast analytics come from multiple platformsListener retention reveals real engagementCompletion rate shows whether your content resonatesSubscriber growth signals long-term audience trustTimestamp:00:00 – Why Podcasters Misinterpret Their Analytics 01:05 – What a Podcast Download Actually Means 02:20 – Why Podcast Data Comes From Multiple Platforms 03:15 – Why Downloads Don’t Tell the Full Story 03:40 – The Three Podcast Metrics That Matter 03:55 – Listener Retention and Engagement 04:20 – Completion Rate and Content Quality 04:45 – Why Subscribers Are Your Most Valuable Audience If you’re an entrepreneur using podcasting as part of your marketing strategy, this episode will help you shift your perspective and start evaluating your podcast success the right way. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to create content that not only ranks on Google but actually converts customers? With search algorithms constantly evolving, AI reshaping how people discover information, and attention spans shorter than ever, the traditional content marketing playbook simply doesn’t work the way it used to. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media and author of Content Chemistry, to unpack what’s actually working in content marketing, SEO, and AI-driven discovery right now. Key TakeawaysQuality content beats high-volume publishingOriginal research strengthens SEO authorityLinkedIn newsletters can rapidly grow your audienceAI search is reshaping brand discoveryContent should support the sales process Timestamp: [00:00:00] – Introduction & Meet Andy Crestodina [00:02:45] – Biggest Content Marketing Shifts in 2025 [00:04:45] – LinkedIn Newsletters vs Email Lists [00:07:20] – Content That Actually Stands Out (Original Research & Thought Leadership) [00:10:20] – Why SEO Traffic Is Changing & The Rise of AI Search [00:14:20] – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) & AI-Friendly Websites [00:18:20] – Using AI for Content Strategy, Research, and Marketing [00:29:00] – Turning Content Into Sales & Higher Conversions Content marketing today isn’t just about ranking on Google. It’s about building trust, demonstrating expertise, and creating resources that help buyers make decisions. When your content answers real questions and supports your sales conversations, it becomes far more valuable than simply driving traffic. If you want to learn how to create content that ranks, resonates, and converts, this episode with Andy Crestodina is one you won’t want to miss. Visit Andy Crestodina's social media pages: Orbit Media Studios Website: https://www.orbitmedia.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrestodina/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt weird sliding into someone’s DMs? Let’s be honest — direct messages can feel personal. Almost intrusive. And with LinkedIn spam and automated bots everywhere, it’s easy to assume that DM outreach is sleazy. But what if I told you that the DMs are actually where the magic happens? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Jenna Larson, co-founder of GroupTrack CRM, to talk about how entrepreneurs can turn organic social media engagement into real revenue — without ads, without going viral, and without a massive following. And the results? Over $1.2 million in revenue last year — zero ad spend. We unpack: Why going viral is overrated for business growthHow to use DMs as a relationship-building tool (not a sales trap)The simple 3-step DM framework that increases response ratesWhy most automation tools fail without follow-upHow to track leads inside Facebook and Instagram without losing your mindThe exact message template that triples responses Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Why DMs Feel Awkward (But Drive Sales) [00:04:30] – $1.2M with No Ads or Viral Posts [00:08:05] – Why Automation Alone Doesn’t Convert [00:10:40] – The First DM You Should Always Send [00:16:00] – The 1-Line DM That Triples Responses [00:19:00] – How to Uncover Needs Without Being Pushy [00:22:00] – The Simple Follow-Up That Closes Sales [00:24:50] – How to Start DM Conversations with Small Audiences [00:28:40] – Turning 900 Followers into Revenue [00:31:30] – Where to Learn the Organic DM System If you’re tired of “post and pray” marketing, this episode will completely shift how you see social media. Because the truth is — you don’t need more followers. You need better follow-up. Visit Jenna Larson's social media pages: Website: https://www.grouptrackcrm.com/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-larson-41659827/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the algorithm disappeared tomorrow? What if Instagram shut down your account? What if LinkedIn throttled your reach? Would you still be able to reach your audience? In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Tracy Beavers, CEO and founder of Tracy Beavers Coaching, to talk about one of the most overlooked (yet powerful) marketing assets entrepreneurs have: your email list. Social media is visibility. But your email list? That’s ownership. Tracy and I unpack: Why social media is “rented land”The real financial risks of relying only on platformsWhat happened when Meta went down for 36 hoursHow to grow your email list organically (without burnout)Practical Facebook strategies for list buildingThe truth about lead magnets in 2026Why consistency beats complexity every time If you’re building your business on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok alone, this episode will shift your entire perspective. 5 Key TakeawaysSocial media builds visibility — email builds ownership.Even 400 subscribers is powerful when nurtured strategically.You only need one consistent weekly content system to grow your list.Lead magnets should include audio or video for stronger trust-building.If you don’t own your audience, you don’t own your revenue stream. Listen now and start building a marketing strategy that protects your business long term. Timestamps:00:00 The Algorithm Problem 00:49 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:19 Meet Tracy Beavers 03:05 Why Email Lists Matter 06:02 When Social Media Fails 08:01 Escaping Facebook Jail 11:22 Starting Small Is Okay 14:25 Email vs Social Media 15:54 Realistic List Growth Goals 17:33 Creating Weekly Content 19:27 The Lead Magnet Strategy 21:33 Facebook Growth Strategies 22:26 Personal Profile Power 25:20 Business Pages for Social Proof 28:19 Best Lead Magnets Right Now 31:48 Connect with Tracy 33:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 34:25 Closing and Subscribe Visit Tracy Beavers online: Website: https://www.tracybeavers.com/ Facebook Group: https://tracybeavers.biz/bacekatiebpodcast The Social Media Made Easy Guide: Create 90 Days of Content Topics in Only 30 Minutes!: https://tracybeavers.biz/90in30katieb Create Online Success Podcast: https://www.tracybeavers.com/podcast Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you thought you knew about social media marketing in 2026 was actually backwards? In this solo episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m breaking down the 2026 Social Media Content Strategy Report—and the data reveals something BIG. While 70% of marketers are prioritizing AI-generated content, consumers are asking for the exact opposite. They want real voices. Real connection. Real people. In this episode, I walk you through: Where brands are actually investing (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)Why Facebook is far from “dead”The rising importance of YouTube for product educationWhy TikTok only makes sense for certain audiencesThe massive disconnect between marketers and consumersHow to use AI for intelligence — not replacementWhat consumers truly want from brands in 2026 If you’re a business owner trying to figure out where to spend your time, energy, and marketing budget this year, this episode will save you from expensive mistakes. Timestamps: 00:00 Everything You Know About 2026 Social Media Might Be Backwards 00:51 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing + What We’re Unpacking Today 01:21 Where Brands Are Investing in 2026 (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook) 04:10 Facebook Isn’t Dead: Discovery, Service & Community (Plus What to Post) 05:57 Instagram’s New Role: Episodic Reels & Entertainment-First Strategy 07:15 YouTube’s Big Moment: Long-Form, Product Education & Video Podcasts 08:33 TikTok Reality Check: Gen Z, Search Behavior & Authenticity Wins 09:53 Quick Break: How NeXTSTEP Social Helps You Simplify Your Strategy 10:49 The AI Disconnect: Marketers Want Automation, Consumers Want Humans 12:18 Use AI for Social Intelligence (Not Just Content) + Why Podcasts Help 14:15 What Consumers Actually Want From Brands in 2026 (6 Must-Do’s) 15:59 Your 2026 Action Plan: Pick Platforms, Be Human, Engage More 18:38 Final Thoughts + Subscribe, Connect, and Get the Book Ready to simplify your strategy and amplify your results? Visit NextStepSocial.com to build a data-backed content strategy that actually works. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re feeling burned out on social media and tired of battling the algorithm, it’s time to consider building something you own—like Substack. In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Fuhs, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and Marine Corps veteran who’s gone all in on Substack. We unpack how this platform has evolved far beyond a newsletter and why it might be the most strategic move you can make in your marketing right now. Here’s what we cover in this episode: What makes Substack a powerful multimedia publishing platformHow to build a loyal email list without burnoutThe importance of owning your content and audienceCreative ways to repurpose your video, podcast, and written contentAvoiding common Substack mistakes that lead to early drop-offHow consistency and community create long-term marketing wins Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction to Substack and Its Relevance 01:10 Meet the Guest: Jim Fs 02:04 Jim's Journey with Substack 04:45 Exploring Substack's Features 09:05 Substack as a Multimedia Platform 14:38 Maximizing Substack's Potential 25:32 Common Mistakes and Best Practices 30:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 32:38 Outro and Call to Action Whether you’re a content creator, coach, or business owner, this episode will help you take control of your marketing strategy in 2026. Visit Jim Fuhs online: Substack: https://jimfuhs.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfuhs/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dealcasters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dealcasters/id1554420305 Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my business partner and COO, Shawn Quintero, to unveil something close to our hearts: our brand new podcast—Behind the Practice. We're pulling back the curtain on how we’ve evolved as an agency, and why this new podcast is more than just another show—it’s a strategic shift designed to serve the heart of our mission: helping health and wellness experts turn their practice into a powerful, revenue-generating brand. We dive into: The origin story of Behind the PracticeWhy we’re doubling down on podcasting in 2026Our vision for serving purpose-driven entrepreneursHow storytelling can scale trust and conversionsThe importance of niching down and building aligned media Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction and Announcement 00:34 Meet the Co-Owner: Sean Quintero 02:32 Behind the Practice: Concept and Purpose 03:48 Personal Stories and Impact 06:51 Target Audience and Unique Approach 09:11 Podcast as a Marketing Tool 24:32 Operationalizing Your Podcast 26:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you're in the health and wellness space or an entrepreneur looking to scale your visibility, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Ready to see what’s Behind the Practice? Tune in now and discover how a podcast can become your most powerful business asset. Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I break down one of the most critical changes we’ve seen on TikTok in a while. With new ownership under the U.S.-based TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, retrained algorithms, and updated Terms of Service, business owners and creators are rightfully asking: Should I still be investing time here? I walk you through what these updates mean, how to respond strategically, and the crucial distinction between your marketing content and your business assets. If TikTok is part of your growth strategy, this is a must-listen. 5 Key Takeaways: TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Shift: TikTok is now operating under a U.S.-based corporate entity, with ByteDance holding less than 20%. This impacts data governance and the algorithm retraining process.Retrained Algorithm, Real Impact: If your reach is fluctuating, it might not be your content—it’s the recalibrated algorithm learning new engagement priorities.New Terms of Service: TikTok now has broader content licensing language, explicitly allowing your content to be used for machine learning and platform improvement. This is standard across platforms but now more transparent.Don’t Use Social as a Storage Vault: Uploading high-value assets, drafts, or proprietary content to TikTok (or any platform) is risky. Treat your business content with strategy and caution.Build an Exit Ramp Now: Grow your email list, promote your podcast or YouTube channel, and make sure TikTok isn’t your only traffic engine. Don’t build on rented land. Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my partner-in-purpose (and co-owner of Next Step Social), Shawn Quintero, to break down how we’re using Lunch and Learn workshops to bring business owners and their teams clarity, confidence, and actionable results—without sales pressure or shiny-object overwhelm. As we kick off 2026, we’re leaning into education-first marketing and showing business leaders how to activate their teams, build trust through content, and show up consistently on social—organically and strategically. 5 Key Takeaways:Lunch and Learns aren’t new—but we’ve modernized the model to create immediate wins for business teams through actionable, in-person training.The Internal Influencer Strategy helps businesses leverage their own staff as the face of content—building more trust, more reach, and more results.Confidence is the biggest ROI. When teams feel empowered, they take ownership and drive brand visibility organically.It’s not a pitch. These workshops are designed for value-first connection and education—not upsells.Clarity beats complexity. We ditch bloated frameworks and instead provide simple, repeatable content strategies that any team member can start implementing that day. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Need for Clarity in Marketing 00:52 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing 01:21 Meet Sean Ero: COO and Co-Owner of NeXTSTEP Social 02:02 The Concept of Lunch and Learns 02:32 The Evolution and Impact of Lunch and Learns 03:27 Training Staff to Leverage Social Media 03:59 The Role of Internal Influencers 04:42 Hands-On Training and Immediate Results 05:36 Education-First Marketing Philosophy 06:10 Differentiating Our Lunch and Learns 06:48 Bridging the Education Gap and Accelerating Sales 09:29 Empowering Teams with Clarity and Confidence 12:20 Balancing Education and Sales 15:26 Building Trust and Relationships 20:28 Conclusion: The Power of Clarity and Relationships 21:29 Outro: Stay Connected and Keep Learning Visit Shawn Quintero online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://www.nextstepsocial.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with Lianna Patch, a conversion copywriter and comedian, to talk about what really makes content convert in 2026—humor, voice, and human connection. With so much AI-generated content out there, the businesses that win are the ones who sound like themselves. We dive into practical ways to make your copy more engaging, where AI fits into the mix, and why the funniest brands tend to be the most memorable. Key Takeaways:Safe copy is forgettable—don’t be afraid to polarize.Humor can be subtle and still powerful.AI can help draft but you need to inject voice and value.Specific copy sells—ditch vague industry buzzwords.Writing should be fun—because fun converts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Engaging Copywriting 00:51 Meet Our Guest: Leanna Patch 02:07 The Role of Humor in Marketing 03:21 AI vs. Human Copywriting 04:42 Using Humor Effectively in Copy 06:22 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 08:26 Practical Tips for Better Copywriting 18:06 Upcoming Workshop and Resources 23:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Whether you’re writing email funnels or social captions, this episode is your permission slip to sound like a human again. Visit Lianna Patch's social media pages: Website: https://punchlinecopy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannapatch Wanna have more fun on stage? https://punchlinecopy.com/speak-funny-training/ Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting: Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/ Website: https://yournextstep.agency/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.