Advertise on podcast: Market Like It's Hot

What if the thing holding your business back isn't your marketing, but the way you're showing up? Rachyl Kershaw, founder of Greater Columbus Consulting and the architect behind the Confidence Lab Annual Summit, joins us to talk about why it's time to stop performing success and start actually living it. Rachyl has a gift for cutting through the noise, asking the questions most people are afraid to ask, and helping high achievers get real about what's holding them back. In this episode, we get into the personal brand you're building whether you realize it or not, and what you're communicating when you're not paying attention to it. We talk about how to tell when your brand is actually you versus a version you think people want to see, and whether there's such a thing as being too polished. We also dig into why pricing is often a confidence issue, how to tell a pricing problem from a confidence problem, and what your price says about you before anyone ever works with you. Rachyl also shares where to start if you're uncomfortable being visible, what role confidence plays when you're marketing something before you have all the proof, and what practicing confidence actually looks like in business. Plus, what to examine about the way you're showing up before you spend another dollar on marketing. We also hear what's planned for the Confidence Lab on November 5 and who needs to be in that room. Connect with Rachyl Kershaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachylkershaw/ Learn more about Greater Columbus Consulting: https://greatercolumbusconsulting.com/ Learn more about Confidence Lab: https://confidencelab.org/ Need help with your marketing? Visit us at https://thecultofrebel.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, branding, and business.

The answer isn't louder marketing or bigger budgets. It's better storytelling, stronger community, and experiences that connect people to your mission in a meaningful way. That's the case Stephanie Matthews makes in this episode. Stephanie is the Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz, a nonprofit redefining what arts education can look like. After more than 20 years as an award-winning photographer and creative director, she moved into nonprofit leadership, where she's using visual storytelling, cross-sector partnerships, and programs like Jazz Lab to connect jazz, STEM, and creativity for the next generation. In this episode, we get into how her background in visual storytelling changed the way she thinks about marketing a mission, what nonprofits often miss when telling their own story, and how to market something people might not immediately understand. We also talk about what makes one nonprofit's brand memorable while another fades into the background, how to inspire people emotionally without it feeling like a constant ask, and what jazz's principles of improvisation and listening teach us about leadership and marketing. Plus, the one storytelling principle that's held true across documentaries, campaigns, live performances, and nonprofit work, and where a nonprofit with almost no visibility should focus their time over the next year. Connect with Stephanie Matthews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemmatthews/ Learn more about A Tribe for Jazz: https://www.atribeforjazz.org/ Need help with your marketing? Visit us at https://thecultofrebel.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, branding, and business.

Events shouldn't be a one-night success story, they should be a springboard for long-term relationships. Lisa Wein, CSEP, founder of LW Events, joins us to break down what most organizations get wrong about that mindset and when post-event strategy actually needs to start. In this episode, Lisa shares how nonprofits can use events to tell their mission instead of just hosting another fundraiser, what's changed after 20+ years working inside nonprofit events (including a trend that's disappeared and one organizations should be embracing now), and how she intentionally designs the moments a donor should feel before they leave a gala. We also get into the real time investment behind nonprofit events (500 to 1,500 hours to produce), how to think about the ROI of outsourcing versus keeping it in-house, the subtle details that signal professionalism at any event, and where a small nonprofit with a limited budget should invest first. Connect with Lisa Wein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wein-csep-0053558/ Learn more about LW Events: https://www.lweventscbus.com/ Need help with your marketing? Visit us at https://thecultofrebel.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, branding, and business.

Your network really is your net worth, and no one proves it better than LaChandra Baker, founder of LBB Edutainment and self-described "Conduit for Connection." In this episode, LaChandra joins us to talk about how relationships, not just strategy, drive real business growth. We get into how she landed on the name LBB Edutainment and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market, why she calls herself a "Conduit for Connection" instead of a consultant or coach, and how to actually connect relationship-building to revenue when people write it off as just "nice to have." We also cover what builds instant credibility (and what quietly damages a personal brand), what authentic leadership looks like beyond the buzzword, and why being a mentor and "community auntie" has helped her business rather than distracted from it. If you have the skills but no visibility, LaChandra shares the first three things to do in the next 90 days to change that. Connect with LaChandra Baker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachandrabbaker/ Learn more about LBB Edutainment: https://www.lbbedutainment.com/ Need help with your marketing? Visit us at https://thecultofrebel.com/ Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, branding, and business.

Random acts of marketing might keep you busy, but that doesn’t mean they’re moving your organization forward. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, Yasmine and Izzy break down the difference between marketing activity and an actual marketing strategy. Posting more, sending more emails, and creating more content won’t deliver better results if there’s no clear goal, consistent direction, or plan behind it. We’re talking about: 🔥 Why “just post more” is not a marketing strategy 🔥 The problem with promoting an event at the last minute 🔥 Why pretty content doesn’t always perform 🔥 How constantly changing direction wastes time and money 🔥 The importance of testing, tracking, and learning from your results 🔥 How clear guidelines help you say no to random marketing requests 🔥 Why someone needs to truly own your organization’s marketing 🔥 How social media, SEO, and your website work together to build trust If your marketing feels like a collection of disconnected tasks, this episode will help you take a step back, create a real strategy, and stop wasting resources on things that aren’t working. Want to take a closer look at your own marketing? Download our complimentary marketing worksheet at myrebelmarketing.com/checklist. Subscribe for more honest marketing conversations, practical strategies, and absolutely no marketing nonsense. #MarketingStrategy #ContentMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #NonprofitMarketing #MarketLikeItsHot

When everyone owns marketing, no one really owns it. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, Yasmine and Izzy break down what happens when nonprofit marketing becomes everyone’s responsibility. Missed deadlines, mixed messaging, endless committee feedback, and the loudest voice in the room making decisions are usually signs that no one has clear ownership. We’re talking about: 🔥 The difference between contributing to marketing and directing it 🔥 Why marketing committees struggle to make decisions 🔥 What happens when leadership treats marketing like a list of tasks 🔥 How to keep “Steve from finance” from controlling the strategy 🔥 The right and wrong ways to use AI in your marketing 🔥 How clearer roles and processes can prevent marketing chaos If your nonprofit’s marketing feels scattered, inconsistent, or stuck in an endless approval process, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more honest marketing conversations, practical strategies, and absolutely no marketing nonsense. #NonprofitMarketing #MarketingStrategy #NonprofitLeadership #DigitalMarketing #MarketLikeItsHot

Experiential marketing is changing the way small businesses attract customers, build relationships, and stand out from the competition. In this episode of Market Like It's Hot, Yasmine Robles sits down with Asia Smith, founder and CEO of H&H Luxury Events, to explore why memorable customer experiences have become one of the most effective marketing strategies available today. As the entrepreneur behind Columbus' only GlamBot, luxury photo booth experiences, and the innovative Signature Sketch experience, Asia shares how she's bringing big-city event technology to Columbus while helping businesses create moments people can't stop talking about. Whether you're planning a networking event, fundraiser, conference, customer appreciation event, or product launch, this conversation is packed with practical marketing ideas that can help you create more engagement and a stronger return on your event investment. In this episode, you'll learn: Why experiential marketing creates stronger brand awareness than traditional advertisingHow interactive event technology can increase customer engagementWays to capture leads and build your email list during eventsHow networking and strategic partnerships helped grow H&H Luxury EventsWhy innovation and market research are essential for staying aheadHow businesses can create memorable event experiences without an unlimited budgetThe importance of nurturing relationships long before someone becomes a customer About Asia SmithAsia Smith is the founder and CEO of H&H Luxury Events, a Columbus-based company transforming ordinary events into unforgettable experiences. Through luxury photo booths, Ohio's only GlamBot, and the Signature Sketch experience, she's helping businesses and organizations create interactive moments that increase engagement, strengthen brands, and leave lasting impressions. Connect with Asia 🌐 https://hhluxuryevents.com 📱 Follow @hhluxuryevents on Instagram and social media to see the latest event experiences and innovations. Free Marketing ResourceWant to know if your marketing is actually working? Download Rebel Marketing's FREE Marketing Checklist and discover the biggest opportunities to improve your website, social media, SEO, email marketing, and more. 👉 https://www.myrebelmarketing.com/checklist If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Market Like It's Hot, leave a review, and share it with another business owner looking for smarter ways to grow their brand. Keep it spicy. Never settle for boring.

What makes someone actually remember a brand? In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, Yasmine Robles and Izzy Dadosky sit down with Artina Promotional Products Vice President of Marketing Art Bouzounis to talk about the surprising staying power of promotional products in a world dominated by digital marketing. From branded tumblers and event giveaways to employee recognition and activation stations, Art shares why tangible marketing still creates stronger emotional connections, deeper brand loyalty, and longer-lasting impressions than many businesses realize. The conversation dives into: Why promotional products are more than “free swag”The psychology behind tangible marketingHow branded merchandise impacts employee culture and retentionWhat makes a giveaway memorable instead of forgettableWhy trust and relationships still drive long-term business growthHow family businesses survive and evolve across generationsThe future of promotional marketing, AI, and customer experience Art also shares insights from helping brands create meaningful touchpoints for nearly 35 years through one of Columbus’ long-standing family-owned businesses. If your organization is investing heavily in digital marketing but overlooking physical brand experiences, this episode will change how you think about marketing strategy. Learn more about Artina Promotional Products Explore more episodes and free marketing resources from Rebel Marketing

You can have great marketing. You can have demand. You can even have leads coming in. But if your backend is a mess… your business will hit a ceiling. Fast. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, we sit down with Devin Lee, systems strategist and self-proclaimed “systems magician,” to break down the real reason so many businesses struggle to scale. Spoiler: it’s not your marketing. It’s what happens after someone says yes. What We Cover: The biggest signs your systems are holding your business backWhy “scrappy” stops working (and when it’s time to level up)How poor systems quietly destroy your client experienceWhere businesses create friction without realizing itThe easiest systems to implement first (without overwhelm)How to automate without sounding like a robotWhy onboarding is make-or-break for trust and retentionThe real connection between marketing, operations, and growth Real Talk Moment: “Growth without systems is just stress with better branding.” Who This Episode Is For: Service-based business owners ready to scaleFounders stuck at capacity with no room to growAgencies and consultants juggling too many clientsAnyone whose backend feels… chaotic Key Takeaway: Systems are not about being corporate or rigid. They’re what give you the freedom to grow without everything falling apart. Resources & Links: Connect with Devin: https://www.devinlee.com/ Inbox Zero Hero: https://www.devinlee.com/mini-systems#inboxzerohero If your marketing is working but your business still feels messy… that’s your sign. Grab your free marketing worksheet 👉 myrebelmarketing.com/checklist and figure out what’s actually working vs. what’s quietly breaking your growth. Join the Conversation: What’s one process in your business that feels chaotic right now? Tell us on LinkedIn, we want the real answers. Final Reminder: Stay strategic. Stay efficient. And stop trying to scale chaos.

You can have a strong brand. You can have great marketing. You can even have people lined up to work with you. But if your customer experience falls flat… none of it sticks. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, we sit down with LaZendra Danforth, owner of Konfetti Carts and Studio D Meetings & Events, to break down what actually separates businesses people forget… from the ones they rave about. And here’s the kicker: most businesses think they’re doing it right. They’re not. What We Cover:Why “being nice” is NOT customer serviceThe small mistakes that quietly kill client trustHow poor communication loses you business (fast)The difference between a good experience and an unforgettable oneHow to turn difficult clients into loyal advocatesWhy retention is more valuable than constant lead chasingHow customer experience becomes your strongest marketing channelSimple ways to improve your client experience this week Real Talk Moment:Your clients won’t remember every detail… but they will remember how you made them feel. Who This Episode Is For:Service-based business ownersAgencies and consultants juggling client expectationsEvent planners, creatives, and hospitality prosAnyone tired of chasing new clients instead of keeping great ones Key Takeaway:Marketing gets people in the door. Customer experience is what keeps them coming back and telling everyone else. Featured Business:Want to create an experience people actually remember? Check out Konfetti Carts: www.konfetticarts.com @konfetticarts (Luxury ice cream experiences for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations that don’t feel… basic.) Rebel Marketing:If your marketing is working but your clients aren’t sticking… you don’t need more leads. You need a better experience. Grab your free marketing worksheet 👉 myrebelmarketing.com/checklist Join the Conversation:What’s one experience that made you never go back to a business? Or one that made you rave about it? Tell us. We’re watching! Final Reminder:Stay strategic. Stay memorable. And stop losing clients after you worked so hard to get them.

Burnout isn’t just about working too much… it’s about how we’re expected to work. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, we sit down with Ashley Burton-Mims, Founder and CEO of Emerald & Rose Consulting, to unpack what burnout actually looks like for founders, leaders, and mission-driven teams. With nearly 20 years of Fortune 500 leadership experience and a unique lens as a postpartum doula, Ashley breaks down why burnout isn’t a personal failure… it’s a systemic issue. We get into: Why hustle culture is still harming founders and teamsThe real reason mission-driven leaders burn out fasterHow visibility and marketing expectations contribute to exhaustionPractical ways to set boundaries without hurting growthWhat sustainable leadership actually looks like in real lifeHow to build a business that supports your life… not replaces it If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still feel depleted, this conversation will shift how you think about success, productivity, and leadership. Key Takeaway: You don’t need to work harder. You need systems, boundaries, and support that actually match your capacity. Who This Episode Is For: Founders and business owners feeling burned outNonprofit and mission-driven leadersMarketing and operations leaders juggling too muchAnyone trying to grow without sacrificing their well-being Resources & Links: Connect with Ashley: https://linktr.ee/emeraldandrosellc Learn more: https://www.emeraldandrose.com/ If this episode made you rethink how you’re showing up in your business, don’t stop there. Grab your free marketing worksheet at 👉 myrebelmarketing.com/checklist and figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what to fix next. Let’s Keep It Real: Connect with us on LinkedIn and tell us… What’s the worst piece of marketing advice you’ve ever followed? Final Reminder: Stay strategic. Stay a little spicy. And don’t settle for burnout disguised as success.

Being good at what you do is not always enough. If your brand presence does not clearly reflect your expertise, people will scroll right past you. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, Yasmine and Izzy sit down with Teah Ojeda, founder of The Scene Creative, to talk about personal branding, brand photography, visibility, and why so many founders think they are showing up more clearly than they actually are. Teah breaks down the difference between a polished brand and a performative one, why perfect branding is overrated, and how to build a visible presence that actually matches your expertise. She also shares what visual storytelling really does for a business, why brand photography goes far beyond headshots, and what holds entrepreneurs back from being seen. If your brand feels inconsistent, invisible, or like it is not matching the level of business you know you are capable of, this episode will hit home. In this episode, we cover: Why some founders are less visible than they thinkThe gap between being capable and being clearly perceivedWhat personal branding actually meansThe biggest misconception people have about authentic visibilityWhy brand photography matters more than everHow to show up consistently without burning outThe power of repurposing content instead of constantly creating from scratchOne branding decision that can change the trajectory of your business Connect with Teah: Website: https://scenebyteah.com/ Instagram: @the_scene_creative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierrahojeda/ Want to sanity-check your marketing before you spend another dollar or another late night guessing? Grab our complimentary Marketing Worksheet, built for founders who want a quick, clear way to review what is working, what is wasting time, and what to fix next. Download it at https://www.myrebelmarketing.com/checklist. If you want to talk strategy, connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrebelmarketing/and send us your hot take or your biggest marketing question.

Getting paid to speak is not just about being talented. It is about being findable. In this episode, Quinn Conyers, internationally recognized event emcee and keynote speaker, breaks down what actually gets speakers booked in 2026. We talk LinkedIn as a search engine, speaker positioning, recommendations, and how to leave “breadcrumbs” that prove you are who you say you are. Plus, Quinn shares her luxury language framework so you stop accidentally discounting yourself in conversations, proposals, and pitches. In this episode: How Quinn landed her first paid speaking gig What “visibility beats ability” looks like in real life LinkedIn profile upgrades that make planners take you seriously The language shifts that elevate your pricing and your presence Why you do not need to “find” your voice, you need to turn it up Connect with Quinn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnconyers/ Website: https://quinnconyers.com/ Want to sanity-check your marketing before you spend another dollar or another late night guessing? Grab our complimentary Marketing Worksheet, built for founders who want a quick, clear way to review what is working, what is wasting time, and what to fix next. Download it at https://www.myrebelmarketing.com/checklist. If you want to talk strategy, connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrebelmarketing/ and send us your hot take or your biggest marketing question.

Burnout isn’t a calendar problem. It’s a system problem, and your body is keeping receipts. In this episode of Market Like It’s Hot, Yasmine Robles sits down with Elizabeth Wangugi Etienne (aka The Business Witchdoctor), wellness event and retreat planner and the creator of The Nap Concert, a live acoustic jazz experience where you literally take a nap. We talk about the sneaky signs of burnout in high-performing founders (hint: it’s not just “being tired”), why caffeine and “extra calories” can be red flags, and how leaders can stop treating exhaustion like a badge of honor. Elizabeth breaks down her idea of longevity leadership, thinking in 10-year batches instead of quarter-to-quarter panic, and shares practical, low-cost ways to reduce team burnout without turning into the company therapist. Then we get into what everyone’s curious about: what actually happens at a Nap Concert. From the healthy, digestion-friendly spread to the sensory cues designed to calm the nervous system, Elizabeth walks through the end-to-end experience, why it works as a new kind of networking, and how organizations can bring the Nap Concert or a full Nap Festival to their teams. If you’ve been trying to market like it’s hot while your nervous system is waving a white flag, this one’s for you. The Nap Concert Information: https://www.the-nap-concert.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebizwitchdoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebizwitchdoc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebizwitchdoc/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebizwitchdoc Grab our complimentary marketing worksheet at https://myrebelmarketing.com/checklist and connect with us on LinkedIn. DM us what you’re sick of in marketing. We might feature it.

Shay Nelson, founder of MSN Law Office, breaks down the contract red flags she sees constantly, why templates and AI can backfire, and what clauses founders misunderstand the most. We talk trademarks (name vs logo), when you actually need an attorney, and how to hire your first employee without accidentally creating a legal mess. Practical, clear, and a little bit spicy. About Shay Nelson: Prior to venturing out on their own, Maritza “Shay” Nelson spent 7 years at two of the nation’s largest law firms as an associate in their respective litigation groups. Shay then decided that practicing law could be about more than how many hours could be billed and now works almost exclusively on a flat fee basis. Clients range from start-ups to growing businesses and non-profits with nearly 100 employees across a wide variety of industries. Maritza is a proud graduate of Howard University, where they received their Bachelor of Arts in Political Science summa cum laude before going on to The University of Texas School of Law for their Juris Doctorate. In addition to running a thriving law firm, Shay is actively involved with the state and local bar associations. In their spare time, they are a struggling blues-rock guitar and bass player and avid sci-fi and fantasy reader. Find Shay: Website: https://msnlawoffice.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@msnlaw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-law-office-of-maritza-s-nelson-llc Instagram: http://instagram.com/msnlawoffice Want to sanity-check your marketing before you spend another dollar or another late night guessing? Grab our complimentary Marketing Worksheet, built for founders who want a quick, clear way to review what is working, what is wasting time, and what to fix next. Download it at https://www.myrebelmarketing.com/checklist. If you want to talk strategy, connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/myrebelmarketing/ and send us your hot take or your biggest marketing question. The Rebel Hour Join us for a live, no-fluff strategy session where you can ask real questions, get real answers, and finally fix what’s not working with your marketing. Whether you’re stuck on content, confused by SEO, or spiraling over your site, this is your space to vent, troubleshoot, and walk away with the next steps you can actually use. Submit your question ahead of time or grab the mic live. It’s bold, it’s unscripted, and it’s built for small businesses ready to grow. Stay in touch and get the latest updates by following us on: Instagram: @myrebelmarketingLinkedInYouTubeFacebookRebel Marketing Copyright 2026 Rebel Marketing