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Mark DeVito has spent more than two decades helping organizations, from federal agencies to political campaigns to global brands, figure out who they are and how to tell that story with authenticity. As managing director and head of brand strategy at SKDK, he's built a career on the idea that strategy and storytelling aren't separate skills, they're the same skill. In this episode, Mark joins Eric to talk about what's actually changing in marketing right now, how brands can stay relevant as search and discovery evolve, and why the fundamentals that build trust matter more than ever. It's a conversation full of hard won lessons from working inside some of the most complex organizations around, plus a few good stories along the way. Links Mentioned in the show: linkedin.com/in/mark-devito-skdk _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________ 00:38 Show Intro and Guest Bio 02:19 Warmup Jokes and Rebrand Connection 04:19 Epic Hair and Storytelling 06:14 Mark's Career Journey 12:38 What SKDK Does 15:47 Personalization Microtrends and AI 18:22 Branding in Government Bureaucracy 24:09 Advocacy Reputation and GEO 31:33 Is Marketing Still Relevant 35:33 Creativity Meets AI 36:54 Authenticity Wins Audiences 38:23 Finding Stories Everywhere 42:46 Research That Reveals Truth 45:44 Polling Scale and Samples 48:07 Why Your Response Matters 50:12 What Exec Directors Fear 54:19 Start With Business Goals 57:16 Earned Media in Heyday 59:47 Agency Life and Perspective

Touda Bentatou oversees new customer onboarding at Novi AMS and has spent years helping associations navigate one of their most consequential decisions — building the right tech stack. She joins Eric to talk through how to evaluate software without getting it wrong, what a real member communication plan looks like when change is coming, and the frameworks she relies on to keep projects from going sideways. She also brings a grounded take on AI that one-person teams will appreciate — less hype, more practical. If your current setup is creating more work than it saves, this conversation is worth your time. Links Mentioned in the show: https://www.noviams.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/touda-bentatou-4a93193b https://ctme.caltech.edu/artificial-intelligence-tools-for-everyone-online.html _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii   _____________________________________ 5:40 Choosing the Right AMS: Building a Requirements Rubric 14:27 When You Actually Need an AMS (and the ROI) 20:32 What a Great AMS Can Do For You 28:24 Automating Your Tech Stack with Zapier & AI 35:20 Managing Change: Rollout & Member Surveys 44:33 The Soft Launch Strategy  46:42 AI Is a Task Stealer, Not a Job Stealer 52:14 The RADIO Framework & Choosing the Right AI Model 1:00:15 Training AI to Sound Like You & Final Takeaways

Dan Mall spent 28 years in the design and marketing world, ran his agency Superfriendly for 10 years with a bench of 700 contractors and only one full-time employee, and now coaches other agency owners on building a business that supports the life they actually want. He joins Eric this week to talk about what solo marketers can do when they're under-resourced, under-heard, and still expected to deliver results. This in-depth conversation covers everything from managing up and establishing real accountability with leadership to measuring success with the right frameworks to hiring contractors the right way to what to do when there's no budget to work with at all.    Links Mentioned in the show: https://danmall.com/ www.youtube.com/@DanMallTeaches https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmall/ _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________ Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________ Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii   _____________________________________ 01:22 Dan Mall Origin Story 02:21 Superfriendly Name Story 03:22 Partner Feedback Advantage 05:57 Marketing Teams of One 07:54 Managing Up and Allies 12:26 Scrappy Wins and ROI 16:47 Measure What Matters 19:01 OKRs for Awareness 22:02 Timeframes and Scoring 26:17 Benchmarks and Reality 30:12 Boss Reality Check 31:59 Accountability Framework 35:17 Yes Under Conditions 36:54 Five Whys Without Fight 38:40 Borrowing Boss Authority 40:11 Why Questions Trigger Power 42:06 Parenting Lessons Managing Up 44:54 Definition of Done Framework 48:14 One Project Focus Bet 51:06 Vision Retreat Planning 53:13 Hiring Contractors Playbooks 01:02:09 No Budget Find Leverage 01:07:38 Proving Value Beyond Role 01:15:17 Where to Find Dan

In this episode, Mike sits down with Ashley, the producer behind the Marketing Team of One, who took on exactly that kind of project — rebuilding a friend's website using AI and no formal web background. The AI delivered something that looked great. But looking great turned out to be the easy part. What she ran into was an order-of-operations problem that no tool could solve for her. This one is for anyone who has ever assumed that better tools would make the hard parts easier — and learned otherwise.   Links Mentioned in the show:  www.kingthekind.com _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii     01:35 Ashley Takes On AI 02:54 Prompting Claude Mockup 04:44 Why Site Needed Update 09:39 Building Before Interview 11:26 Mike Critiques Copy First 13:13 Beige Aesthetic Output 18:38 StoryBrand Structure Reset 20:07 Interview Transcript Copy 22:16 Design Hierarchy ADA Tips 25:52 Lessons Better Workflow 32:26 AI Reality Check

Too many dashboards. Not enough clarity. Knowing which numbers actually matter and which ones are just noise can make or break how leadership sees your work. Eric and Mike introduce a simple three-tier metrics pyramid that brings order to the chaos. One number at the top for the CEO. A handful in the middle for reporting. And a deeper set for you, the practitioner, to optimize against. They also cover how to push back when leadership chases shiny ideas like TV commercials, and why the baselines on vanity metrics are shifting faster than ever. Less confusion. More focus. Better results. _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________ 00:43 Why Metrics Matter 03:46 One Number That Counts 05:47 The KPI Pyramid 07:22 Awareness and Leads 11:16 Vanity Metrics Trap 12:32 LinkedIn Impressions Example 16:29 Reporting to Leadership 18:04 Baselines Are Shifting 26:01 TV Commercial Reality Check 30:12 Better Tests Than TV 32:15 Awareness Campaign Intake

Eric and Mike take a closer look at the conference experience through a design lens, breaking down the details that separate an event people rave about from one they quietly endure. From the moment attendees walk through the door to the conversations they have in between sessions, there's more intention (or lack of it) behind that experience than most people realize. They get into what actually makes people feel welcome, the small decisions that have an outsized impact on networking, and some surprisingly simple ways to create a memorable atmosphere without blowing the budget. If you're planning an event of any size, or just trying to understand why some conferences stick with you and others don't, this one is worth your time. _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________   00:48 Conference Lens 02:20 Theme First Impressions 04:29 Wayfinding Signage Wins 05:58 When Signage Fails 07:57 Design For Nervous Attendees 11:29 Name Tags Matter 15:17 Conversation Starters Games 17:03 Gamified Name Tags 18:07 Flair And VIP Badges 19:00 Designing The In Room Experience 22:13 Lighting Texture On A Budget 25:42 Stage Backdrops For Social Sharing 28:28 Case Study Elevate Conference 31:58 Feedback Loops And Data 33:30 First Time Attendee Takeaway

A "perfect" website is a moving target, and most people building one alone are working without a map. In this episode, Eric and Mike break down the full set of considerations that go into a website that actually works, the ones that get a lot of attention and the ones that quietly determine whether a site holds up over time. Some carry more weight than others, and getting them right doesn't require a big team or an unlimited budget. The conversation covers what to prioritize, what can wait, and a few reminders that perfection is less about checking boxes and more about the people the site is built for. _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii     01:04 What Makes a Perfect Website 05:11 Know Your Audience First 06:47 Website Copywriting Basics 08:39 User Experience and Journeys 10:53 Design That Does No Harm 13:27 Accessibility Essentials 15:52 Privacy and Compliance Rules 18:10 Speed Hosting and Optimization 21:25 Page Weight Reality Check 22:47 Hosting Impacts Speed 24:03 Responsive Design Basics 27:21 Navigation For Bigger Sites 29:58 Make Updates Easy 33:44 Search Visibility Strategy 38:23 Integrations And Reliability 41:14 Maintaining The Perfect Site 42:43 Final Takeaways And Wrap

What separates a presentation that lands from one that loses the room — and how do you even know which format to reach for first? In this episode of Marketing Team of One, hosts Eric and Mike get into the weeds on something they see walk through their studio door nearly every day: the deck. Inspired by a previous episode with the team at Duarte, they break down the presentation formats most people haven't considered, and why skipping the foundational questions is exactly how you end up with something that works for no one. They cover how format should follow function, what to ask before you ever touch a slide, and how to make the hard editing decisions that most of us struggle to make when we're too close to our own content.    Links Mentioned in the show: https://www.duarte.com The previous MTo1 episode mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/TttpfT2CzNQ _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________ 00:00 Setting Up the Scene 00:32 Introduction to the Podcast 01:12 Meet the Guests: Cameron Flett and Ryan Orcutt 01:49 Background of Duarte 03:25 Ryan's Journey to Duarte 05:38 Cameron's Journey to Duarte 13:09 The Importance of Presentation Design 26:13 Coaching and Delivery Techniques 33:37 Live Audience vs. Virtual Presentations 33:48 Choosing the Right Presentation Platform 34:57 Converting Presentations Across Platforms 36:58 Presentations Making the Case 38:37 Helping Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 41:49 The Duarte Academy and Its Origins 44:46 The Importance of Presentation Design 46:25 Starting a Project with Big Clients 49:49 Simplifying Complex Information 54:38 Tips for Effective Presentation Design 01:05:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Eric and Mike have a hunch that communications is more valuable than most organizations give it credit for. So they do what any good hosts would do and bring in Sheila Johnston, someone who can actually back that up. The conversation gets into why so many organizations treat marketing and communications as an afterthought, what it looks like when a company builds it into the foundation instead, and why that difference tends to show up directly in revenue and longevity. There is also a thread about brand equity, what it actually means, and why checking off a mission and values retreat does not quite cut it. If that was not enough, the episode also teases something new on the horizon that solo marketers will not want to miss. Links Mentioned in the show:   www.revenuespeaks.com _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________   01:08 Why ROI Gets Cut 02:38 Investing in Downturns 03:20 Meet Sheila Johnston 04:43 Comms as Strategy 06:25 Brand Equity and Trust 07:25 Mission Is Not Enough 09:14 North Star Messaging 11:46 Audit Budget and Culture 13:33 How Much to Spend 15:15 Status Quo vs Legacy 16:02 Comms As Infrastructure 16:46 Marketing Drives Revenue 17:34 Beyond Checkbox Marketing 18:48 Chasing Event Attendance 19:31 Case Study Associations West 21:10 Launching Revenue Speaks 22:50 Who The Show Serves 28:19 Systems Over Tactics 30:13 Clarity And Execution 33:00 Where To Subscribe 33:46 Revenue Test One Liners 34:29 Closing Thoughts And Outro

Vanessa Sapino, Senior Vice President and Partner at FleishmanHillard's Sacramento office, joins host Eric Grotenhuis to talk about the real work behind public relations and why she has spent 22 years doing it. From leading the Kubota account for 17 years to one career-defining moment with a celebrity client that she never saw coming, Vanessa has built a career around being ready for whatever comes next. She gets honest about how PR actually shows up for marketing teams, why the best-laid plans always need a Plan B, when to make a statement and when silence is the smarter play, and how she is putting AI to work without ever letting it leave her hands unchecked. If you have ever wondered what is happening behind the scenes when a brand handles a moment well (or scrambles when it does not), this one is for you. Links Mentioned in the show: https://fleishmanhillard.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessajsapino/ _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________ Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________ Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _________________________ 00:31 Meet Vanessa Sapino 01:30 PR Versus Marketing 03:35 Planning And Pivoting 08:09 Sacramento Niche Focus 11:55 Building Media Networks 16:25 Networking Habits 21:32 Weekly Workflow Systems 25:32 Crisis Story Hurricane 32:24 PR Timing Decisions 33:00 Crisis Plans and Messaging 36:35 When Silence Wins 39:45 PR Versus Marketing 41:16 Writing and Press Releases 42:08 Sponsored Content Mix 44:13 Trust in Local News 47:51 Responsible AI in PR 53:39 Career Lessons and Biz Dev 57:17 PR Team of One Advice 58:39 Connect and Wrap Up

When a fan messaged in with real frustration about being stretched too thin, Eric and Mike did what they do best: turned it into a conversation worth having. This one is all about the challenge of finding help when you're a marketing team of one, and why it is harder than it sounds. They dig into how to figure out what you actually need help with before you go looking, why handing everything to someone new on day one is a recipe for disappointment, and how to vet partners in a way that builds real trust over time. They also get into where to find the right people, from local creative communities to professional networks, and why investing in those relationships before you desperately need them is the move.   Links mentioned in the show:  https://dribbble.com/  https://www.behance.net/ _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________ Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________   00:00 Empowered To Network 00:20 Why Solo Marketers Need Help 01:18 Define The Help You Need 04:26 Build Trust With Small Tests 05:30 Find Partners In Communities 11:17 Online Platforms And Pitfalls 12:37 Marketplaces And Low Risk Trials 15:07 Network Pays Dividends 18:16 Build A Trusted Stable 20:53 Wrap Up And Where To Connect

What happens when you're the strategy lead, the project director, the brand cop, and the air traffic controller all in one? Monica Griffis, Director of Marketing and Communications at the California School Board Association, joins host Eric Grotenhuis to share how she stepped into a tough situation and built something she's proud of. Her team of about 10 people ran over 800 projects in a single year, sharing how she had to rebuild the foundation while keeping everything moving. She gets honest about the systems she put in place, the pushback she navigated, and what it actually looks like to bring a team back from the brink. If you've ever had to build the plane while flying it, this one's for you.   Links mentioned in the show: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicagriffis/ https://monicagriffis.com/ https://www.csba.org/   Project intake form: https://www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies/project-intake-form/ _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies/ _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________    Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii   _____________________________________   0:00 Introduction & Meet Monica Griffis 3:30 Inside the California School Board Association 12:00 Walking Into Chaos: Monica's First Days on the Job 15:45 Killing the Shiny Object Syndrome & Fixing Email Overload 20:00 Building Systems: Intake Forms, Timelines & Project Management 25:30 Policing the Brand & Getting Buy-In as the New Person 40:00 Tackling Legacy Tech & Serving Nearly 5,000 Trustees 52:45 Biggest Wins & the SOS for Student Achievement Campaign 1:03:00 Where to Find Monica & Wrap-Up

Eric sits down with Jennifer Bourn, graphic designer, business coach, and CMO of Motivation Code, and a marketing team of one herself, for a wide-ranging conversation about what's really working (and what isn't) in marketing right now. Jen gets real about the growing fatigue around social media, why more businesses are pulling back online and returning to offline tactics like networking and events, and how video and podcasts are becoming the new trust-builders. She also dives into the power of showing up with a real voice and perspective, why sharing your failures can actually win clients, and how she built smart systems (hello, 52 pre-scheduled emails!) to handle the stuff she hates so she can focus on what she loves. Whether you're stuck on what to post, struggling to stay consistent, or just tired of chasing algorithms, Jen's got the goods. Links Mentioned in the show: https://www.motivationcode.com https://jenniferbourn.com/ _____________________________________ Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________ Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________ Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.  _____________________________________ Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________ 02:10 Social Media Fatigue 03:59 Offline Networking Returns 06:17 Channels And Partnerships 09:42 Blogging To Video Trust 2:53 SEO Tools And Audits 16:33 AI For Strategy Not Copy 19:03 Keyword Strategy Basics 21:00 What Is Motivation Code 25:28 Using Assessments At Work 29:54 Auditing And Systemizing Work 31:35 Evergreen Email System 33:11 Sanity Through Focus 36:14 Prompts And Live Edits 39:53 Solo Work And Teaching 41:46 Books And Speaking Doors 44:28 Podcast And Video Trust 46:12 Pancakes And Personal Posts 49:11 LinkedIn Mix That Sells 54:40 Opinions And Comment Strategy 01:00:23 Closing And Where To Find

28,000 views. No images. Just Mike typing his thoughts about AI into LinkedIn and apparently hitting a nerve with a lot of people. In this episode, Eric pulls Mike into the studio to dig into what sparked that post and where the conversation leads from there. They get into AI branding, what certain tools are signaling about their intentions, and why some of it is starting to feel a little off. They also stumble into a side effect of AI that is quietly causing headaches for businesses right now, and it is not what most people are talking about. If you have been using AI tools in your workflow and something has felt slightly weird about the whole thing, this episode might be the one that puts words to it. _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________ Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.  Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________ 00:00 Creepy Running Ad Cold Open 00:26 Podcast Intro and Catch Up 01:11 Viral LinkedIn Post Setup 02:31 Why He Quit ChatGPT 05:47 Brand Vibes UI and Claude Contrast 08:21 Marketing Research and Fear Factor 09:36 AI Bubble and Agent Horror Story 13:09 RFP Flooding and Business Friction 15:38 Endgame Predictions and Guardrails 18:37 Why Claude Feels Safer 19:51 Wrap Up and Where to Subscribe

Eric sits down with Blair Enns, founder of Win Without Pitching and a respected authority in the sales and marketing world, to explore what it really means to sell expertise with confidence. Known for challenging traditional sales tactics, Blair shares how credibility is built before a sales call ever happens, why mindset matters as much as strategy, and how solo marketers can support sales efforts without slipping into vendor mode. With practical frameworks and clear, experience driven insights, this conversation offers a smarter, more strategic way to think about selling that aligns with how modern teams actually work. Links Mentioned in the show: https://www.winwithoutpitching.com/ https://2bobs.com/ https://pitchanything.com/   Books:  The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise https://a.co/d/00RP41VO   The Win Without Pitching Manifesto https://a.co/d/0e7haq66   _____________________________________   Subscribe to Our Channel: Don't miss out on future episodes filled with valuable insights and tips!  👉 http://www.youtube.com/@MarketingTeamofOne Subscribe to YouTube and hit the bell icon to stay updated.   Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Join our professional network and stay connected with the latest updates: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-hendry/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketingteamofone/   Download Free Tools: Enhance your marketing efforts with our exclusive free tools. Get access now! 📥 Download Free Tools - www.marketingteamofone.net/freebies _____________________________________   Join Our Reddit Community: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow marketers: 👾 https://www.reddit.com/r/marketingteamofone/   Visit Our Website: For more resources, articles, and information, check out our website: 🌐 www.marketingteamofone.com   Buy our Merch: If you want to show your support and represent the show, check out our merch store: 🧢 https://marketing-team-of-one-show.printify.me/ _____________________________________   Referral Links: If you are considering signing up for this service, please use our referral link to help out the channel. These are some of the many products we use daily, and you can trust that they will serve you well.    Fathom - The #1 rated AI notetaker. Instantly summarize your meetings so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. https://fathom.partnerlinks.io/2mzzhdo4ekii _____________________________________   01:52 Origin Story and First Book 03:36 Four Conversations Overview 05:55 Sales Is the Sample 11:03 Expert Mindset and Mantra 14:46 Probative Conversation Explained 18:31 Lead Gen Ladder and The Flip 22:42 Marketing vs Sales Handoff 30:26 Niching Down for Credibility 34:04 Pursue vs Take Business 34:27 Take the Odd Job 36:04 Qualifying Both Ways 40:47 Stay Clinical Not Needy 47:16 Value Before Price 54:12 Three Option Closing 57:43 Magic Email Follow Up 59:55 Embrace Silence 01:00:43 Wrap Up and Links