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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Renee, a journalist-turned-storytelling strategist, to dive deep into the art and impact of storytelling for brands, solopreneurs, and content creators. Together, we explore how personal narratives not only humanize a business but can also be the most powerful marketing strategy available.

Renee shares her journey from Capitol Hill reporting to consulting business owners on how to shape and share stories that stick. We discuss:

Why Storytelling is a Marketing Superpower

Balancing Vulnerability and Credibility

Finding Stories in the Everyday

Turning Life Into Email Content

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Storytelling is both a practice and a mindset—start noticing, not just narrating
• Personal connection beats polished perfection when it comes to content
• Sharing your point of view and experience builds the know, like, and trust factor faster than any trend

Whether you’re a reluctant sharer or a natural open book, Renee’s practical storytelling tips will help you build authentic connections with your audience—and grow your business in the process.

Connect with Renee Frojo:
WEBSITE: https://www.reneelynnfrojo.com/
INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/reneelynnfrojo/
LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-lynn-frojo/
X - https://x.com/frojofeed

Are you ready to start seeing stories everywhere? Tune in for a fresh, real, and encouraging take on how to use storytelling as your marketing strategy.

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Want to Save 30+ Hours a Week and Future-Proof Your Business? Here's How Tech and AI Make It Happen with Tom Altman

If tech overwhelms you but you know it could change the way you work and market—this episode is your gateway to clarity.

Tom Altman, longtime CIO/CTO, tech strategist, and AI advocate, joins me to talk about how small businesses can stop drowning in complexity and start using technology to scale smartly. From cutting proposal time in half to turning AI into your standard operating procedure assistant, Tom shares no-fluff insights that save time, reduce stress, and help you grow—even as a team of one.

We cover:

🎯 How Small Businesses Can Leverage Tech to Scale
• Why shiny tools aren’t the problem—it’s lack of systems
• The real reason to start documenting your processes now
• How to use AI to create SOPs (even if you hate writing them)
• The “system map” every business owner should create

🤖 AI Tools That Make Marketing and Ops Smarter
• Why Copilot might be the most underutilized asset in Microsoft 365
• How to use Zoom, Teams, or Meet to create transcriptions that write themselves
• Why ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM are more than content tools
• How to use AI as your “empathetic lens” to improve messaging

🛠 Security, Automation, and the Risks You Might Be Overlooking
• The overlooked danger of file access in AI-assisted workspaces
• Why standardizing permissions is critical (and often skipped)
• The dotted-line system Tom uses to track manual vs. automated processes
• How to create automations that check on your automations

📈 Scaling with Purpose: Marketing Lessons from a Tech Leader
• Tom’s biggest SEO mistake—and how to never get your dev site indexed by Google
• Why your “top 10 proposals” should live in a folder right now
• How AI can turn your best client work into templates and time-savers
• Why legacy systems still matter—and how to bridge the gap with AI

Whether you’re a solopreneur, marketer, or small team ready to compete with the big dogs, Tom offers clear and actionable tips to transform how you work with technology (even if you don’t love it).

“AI doesn’t take your place—it gives you more time to do the things only you can do.” – Tom Altman

Tom Altman’s contact info and resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaltman/
Website: https://altuscxo.com/

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman welcomes podcasting coach and marketing expert Darren Saul to unpack the power of podcasting—not just as a content tool, but as a full-fledged marketing engine for business owners and entrepreneurs.

Darren shares his journey from corporate recruiting and photography to launching two podcasts and building a thriving content ecosystem. From simple tech setups to editing hacks and promotion strategies, this episode is your all-in-one starter guide to launching a podcast with imperfect action.

We explore:

Why Podcasting Still Works in 2025

• Darren's shift from traditional marketing to digital content—and why podcasting stood out
• The personal connection podcasts create by putting your voice in someone’s ear for 30–60 minutes
• Why guesting is a great first step—and how to make the most of it with repurposing

Getting Started Without the Overwhelm

• Why podcasting today is more accessible than ever (you can start for under $200)
• Recommended low-budget tools like Zoom, Podbean, Riverside, and simple mic setups
• There are no hard rules—your podcast can be as short or long, polished or raw as you want

Tackling the Tech and Editing

• Darren’s take on modern editing tools like Descript, iMovie, CapCut, and AI solutions
• Why you don’t need to edit every “um” and “ah”—natural is better than robotic
• Streamlining your workflow by editing video/audio together in one place

Promotion: The Most Important Piece

• The biggest mistake podcasters make (hint: not promoting enough!)
• Darren’s tips on ongoing podcast promotion using clips, snippets, quotes, newsletters, and more
• Tools he loves: Opus Clip, Canva, Riverside, ChatGPT for show notes and blogs

Making Your Podcast Content Work Harder

• Why podcasting creates five types of content: audio, video, images, quotes, and written
• Repurposing strategies to avoid “everything looking the same” on your social channels
• Darren’s advice: creativity is a muscle—exercise it regularly to stay fresh and inspired

The Business Value of Podcasting

• Why podcasting saves time and amplifies your marketing
• Building trust, authority, and audience connection with consistent publishing
• How podcasting helps you build relationships faster than a website ever could

Darren’s No-Fluff Advice

• You’re already creating content—why not podcast and kill two birds with one stone?
• Use AI to save hours of editing and content creation time
• Don’t chase perfection—launch with what you have and iterate

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Podcasting is more accessible, affordable, and effective than ever
• Imperfect action beats no action—just start
• Promotion is just as important as production
• Podcasting builds trust faster than most marketing channels

Whether you're a solopreneur thinking about launching a show or a business owner ready to maximize your content strategy, this episode will give you the real-world tools and encouragement you need to get started now—not later.

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Ever wonder what kind of email actually gets replies—and closes deals?

In this refreshingly personal episode, host Kendra Corman takes you behind the scenes of one of her most successful emails ever. Spoiler alert: it wasn't a sales pitch. It was a story about a 3 a.m. road trip, a surprise stop at Buc-ee's, and how one moment of gas station magic sparked real business results.

If you're struggling to make email marketing work for you, or if storytelling feels like a buzzword you can't quite harness, this one's a must-listen.

📨 What We Cover:

🎯 The Power of Storytelling in Email Marketing

📈 Real Results from One Relatable Email

🧠 Lessons for Marketers and Business Owners

🔥 Kendra’s Key Takeaways:

• Keep it real—your audience connects with you, not just your offer.
• Share stories that sound like you (and let someone else read them before you hit send).
• You don’t need wild stories every week—but you do need to be observant and intentional.

If you've been thinking, “I need to send more emails,” this is your permission slip—and your playbook—to do it in a way that connects, converts, and feels good to send.

🔗 Connect with Kendra:
Website: https://kendracorman.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendracorman

🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Imperfect Marketing for weekly inspiration on connecting with your audience—authentically.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman welcomes SEO strategist and content marketing expert Barb Davids to talk about the not-so-secret truths of SEO, demystifying the process for small business owners and marketers alike.

Barb shares her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneur life and what it really takes to build SEO credibility in a noisy digital world. From quirky SEO myths (like white text on white backgrounds!) to practical strategies that actually work, this episode is packed with wisdom and laughter.

We explore:

The Reality of SEO in 2025

• Why SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy—but also not as overwhelming as it seems
• The role of content marketing as the true heart of long-term SEO success
• Why SEO should be viewed more as audience trust-building than keyword trickery

What Google Actually Wants

• The power of E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust
• Why authenticity and transparency build credibility (and rankings!)
• How hidden tactics like keyword stuffing or invisible text backfire in the long run

Using AI Without Losing Your Voice

• How Barb uses both AI and human copywriters to scale content while keeping quality high
• Tips to avoid robotic, low-value content with AI—think anecdotes, real photos, and smart edits
• Google's evolving ability to read images, metadata, and credibility signals

Getting Your Content Strategy Right

• Simple keyword tools Barb recommends: Google autocomplete, People Also Ask, AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked.com, and Reddit
• Why asking your audience directly is still the best content research tool
• How forums, newsletters, and Facebook groups reveal search intent gold

Barb’s No-Nonsense SEO Advice for Business Owners

• Blog consistently and intentionally—don’t just create for creation’s sake
• Track your ROI with analytics (don’t guess if SEO is working)
• Focus on building trust: real contact info, privacy policies, testimonials, and value-rich content matter more than hacks

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• SEO is a long game, not a magic trick
• Don't believe everything you read—test, tweak, and track
• AI is a tool, not a replacement for your brand’s voice
• Real content that solves real problems will always win

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur juggling marketing hats or a marketer ready to clean up your SEO strategy, this episode gives you practical tools and a refreshing perspective. Barb’s honesty and humor will help you ditch the gimmicks and focus on what truly moves the needle.

🎧 Ready to finally understand SEO without the jargon?
Tune in to learn how to make SEO part of your marketing—not a mystery!

💬 Connect with Barb Davids and learn more about her SEO work.

Website: https://compassdigitalstrategies.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_2klgxETQWbSg

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with marketing strategist and educator Jessie Fernández, who brings 20+ years of experience across traditional and digital media. Together, they dive into the real, behind-the-scenes challenges of doing marketing the right way—strategically and with patience.

Jessie shares her story of evolving from local TV marketing in Honduras to teaching at a college and running her own strategic marketing brand. Their conversation peels back the glossy veneer of social media marketing myths and explores what really works in the modern marketing world.

The Reality of Modern Marketing

• How the flood of “quick-win” tactics on social media has damaged perceptions of what marketing really is
• Why strategy must come before execution—every time
• Why good marketing isn’t fast, easy, or cheap (despite what TikTok says)
• The importance of learning not just what works, but what doesn’t, through experience

Why Strategy Outweighs Tactics

• Why posting daily doesn’t equal success—and what to do instead
• The critical role of identifying the real problem before jumping to solutions
• Why strategy needs time, patience, and a client who’s willing to trust the process

The Unsung Hero: Project Management in Marketing

• How project management skills like setting deadlines and stakeholder coordination are essential for execution
• Why most marketing failures happen during execution—not strategy or planning
• Tools and mindset shifts that help marketing professionals stay organized and deliver results
• Jessie's #1 project management tip: “You set the deadlines, so don’t stress them.”

Key Takeaways for Marketers

• Strategy isn’t rigid—it’s flexible, iterative, and deeply rooted in understanding your audience
• Good marketing is a process of learning, testing, adjusting, and being patient with outcomes
• Execution matters just as much as planning, and both need structure and deadlines
• Give yourself grace—but don’t let it become an excuse

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, marketing team leader, or agency owner, this episode is a reminder that imperfect marketing is still powerful—when it’s strategic, intentional, and adaptable.

Connect with Jessie Fernandez:

Website: https://jessiefernandez.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyjessiefernandez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soyjessiefernandez/

🎧 Ready to ditch the marketing myths and learn how to build something that works? Tune in to hear Jessie’s insights and refresh your mindset on how real marketing success happens.

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Want to Get Featured on TV, Podcasts, or the News? Here's How to Build Real Authority with Mitch Carson

If you've ever dreamed of seeing yourself on TV or landing high-credibility media appearances—but have no idea where to start—this episode is for you.

Mitch Carson, marketing veteran, pitchman, and media trainer, joins me to break down exactly how to build authority the right way. From publishing your first book to landing your first local TV spot, Mitch shares the same strategies he uses to get clients featured on major media outlets—including guaranteed TV placements in Las Vegas.

We’re going beyond theory and into real talk about what actually works to build visibility, establish authority, and grow your business.

We cover:

🎯 How to Build Authority That Sticks
• Why being featured on real TV trumps logos from press release sites
• What separates a “nice person” from a recognized expert
• Why a book is still your most powerful business card
• The ascension model: podcasts, books, local TV → international visibility

📺 Landing Media Appearances That Matter
• Why producers won’t book you unless you're interesting
• How to pitch with purpose and tailor your message to media calendars
• Why preparation beats winging it (and what makes a great on-air guest)
• How Mitch helps clients land TV spots with guaranteed placement

📈 Turning Publicity into Profit
• The wild marketing campaign Mitch launched after 9/11
• How fax broadcasting (yes, faxes!) drove explosive sales
• Why speed, relevance, and bold messaging still win
• What Singaporean media looks for—and how U.S. TV helped open that door

💡 No-Fluff Marketing Lessons from the Field
• Why legacy media still works—and how to leverage it
• How to get your house in order locally before going international
• What podcasting, newspapers, and old-school sales have in common
• Why your biggest authority play is taking action before you're ready

Whether you're a speaker, consultant, or coach ready to take your visibility to the next level, Mitch offers real strategies that separate you from the noise—without relying on gimmicks.

Mitch Carson’s contact info and resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchcarsoninstantcelebrity/
Website: https://www.mitchcarson.com/

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Christina Lenkowski, podcast visibility expert and founder of Publicity by Christina, to dig into the real reasons your podcast pitches might be falling flat—and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about pitching yourself for podcast guest spots, or if you’re wondering whether podcast interviews are really worth it, this conversation is for you.

🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss:

Common Podcast Pitching Mistakes

• Why the “spray and pray” method won’t get you booked
• How generic, non-personalized pitches land in the delete pile
• Why not including specific topic ideas is a deal-breaker for most hosts

Mindset Blocks That Keep You from Showing Up

• Why being an introvert doesn’t disqualify you from being a great podcast guest
• What to do when you stumble, swear, or lose your place during an interview
• How to stop worrying about what people might think

Getting Visible Beyond Social Media

• Why social media doesn’t count as getting in front of new audiences
• The difference between building brand equity vs. gaining visibility
• How podcast guesting gets you in front of highly engaged, loyal audiences

The Power of Small Podcasts

• Why small shows with the right audience often outperform big-name podcasts
• How quality conversations with 10 ideal clients beat thousands of random views
• The unexpected value of local or niche podcasts

Tracking What Works

• How Christina uses a “Visibility KPI” to grow her business
• Setting visibility goals that align with your time and stage of business
• The marketing lesson Christina learned from finally tracking her own data

💡 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Marketers

• Podcast guesting is a visibility strategy, not a vanity metric.
• Authenticity beats perfection. Life happens—hosts get it.
• Follow-up matters. Respectful persistence gets results.
• Pitch with purpose. Bring tailored topics and make it easy for the host to say yes.
• Track your outreach. Visibility only works if you measure it.

✨ Whether you’re a coach, consultant, creative, or service provider, this episode will inspire you to:

• Get out of your head and start pitching
• Focus on real relationships, not follower counts
• Show up where your audience already is—in their earbuds.

Are you ready to grow your business by getting heard?

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to pitch podcasts like a pro and build visibility that actually moves the needle.

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From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain.

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