Mastering the balance between marketing efforts and sales follow up is key to sustainable business growth. Jeremy Shapiro, seasoned serial entrepreneur and author of Your Business Growth Playbook, shares hard-won insights on scaling beyond hustle to predictable revenue streams.

In this episode, Kristi and Jeremy unpack the common mistake of relying too heavily on one lead source, how to spot diminishing returns, and the crucial importance of tracking data to make informed marketing decisions. Jeremy shares practical advice on building cohesive marketing and sales alignment, diversifying lead sources, and the power of knowing your numbers.

You’ll learn:

• Why chasing one lead source without diversification can derail your growth
• How to use data to identify diminishing returns and pivot your marketing strategy
• The importance of customer lifetime value and acquisition costs for budgeting
• How to align marketing messaging with sales efforts and delivery for customer satisfaction
• The difference between marketing to features vs. marketing to client problems
• Why tracking key metrics drives better marketing decisions
• Practical tips to build a scalable, data-driven sales and marketing system

If you want to unfudge your marketing by applying proven systems and data insights for meaningful growth, this episode offers valuable guidance.

Connect with Jeremy Shapiro:

• Website: yourbusinessgrowthplaybook.com
• Connect on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jeremyshapiro

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Building a strong online presence is more than just launching a website. Greg Mandile, founder of Mandile Digital Marketing, brings over two decades of experience helping businesses create mobile-friendly, SEO optimized websites that actually drive traffic and growth.

In this episode, Kristi Mitchell and Greg discuss common misconceptions about websites… including the mistaken belief that “if you build it, they will come.” Greg shares practical advice on optimizing your Google Business listing, maintaining directory consistency, and understanding search engine optimization for sustainable, effective marketing.

You’ll learn:

• Why a website alone is not enough and the importance of driving targeted traffic
• How to claim and maintain your Google Business listing to boost local visibility
• The role of complete and consistent directory listings in building your online footprint
• SEO basics for business owners and why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach
• Questions to ask potential website providers to ensure they prioritize SEO and user experience
• How to identify red flags with marketing and web development vendors
• Practical tips for getting more website traffic without a huge budget

If you want to unfudge your marketing by mastering your website’s role in your sales funnel and improving your digital visibility, this episode is packed with actionable guidance.

Connect with Greg:

• Website: www.mandilewebdesign.com
• LinkedIn: Greg Mandile

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Struggling to convert your email list into loyal clients? Lisa Klein, business coach and email strategist, teaches coaches and service providers how to fix common email marketing mistakes that quietly cost them clients.

In this episode, Kristi and Lisa discuss why generic lead magnets don’t convert, how misalignment between freebies and paid offers sabotages sales, and the vital role of clear, strategic marketing funnels to guide prospects smoothly from awareness to commitment. Lisa shares practical advice on crafting irresistible lead magnets, building trust through consistent, authentic email nurture sequences, and evolving your marketing as your business grows.

You’ll learn:

• Why a great lead magnet must align with your core offer and ideal client
• The dangers of attracting freebie seekers who don’t convert
• How to build a marketing funnel that bridges freebies to paid offers
• Tips for teaching clients to nurture rather than hard sell through emails
• The value of testing, refining, and evolving your lead magnets over time
• Why multiple lead magnets can be a smart strategy as your business grows
• How strategic marketing rooted in audience understanding drives sustainable growth

If you’re ready to unfudge your marketing, build real audience trust, and turn leads into clients, this episode offers actionable insights to get you started.

Connect with Lisa Klein:

• LinkedIn: Lisa Klein
• Website: lisakleinco.com

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Is your marketing out of sync with your sales? Adam Rojas, founder of Bellmoore Consulting, works with founder-led early stage companies to build practical, data-driven sales systems that scale predictably.

In this episode, Kristi Mitchell and Adam dive deep into the common disconnects between marketing messaging and sales execution. Drawing on over 25 years of leadership experience, Adam shares real-world examples of where misalignment hurts results and how aligning sales, marketing, and delivery creates a cohesive, scalable growth system.

You’ll learn:

• Why marketing and sales must sit at the same table and share the same language
• How misaligned messaging can attract the wrong audience or confuse ideal clients
• The importance of crafting marketing collateral that supports the sales process
• Why articulating client problems and impacts beats feature dumping in messaging
• How operational delivery must align with promises to prevent customer churn
• Practical steps to document, measure, and scale your sales process effectively
• Real examples demonstrating the power of clarity and communication

If you want to unfudge your marketing by building a unified, customer-centered sales and marketing engine, this episode offers actionable insights and expert advice.

Connect with Adam Rojas:

• LinkedIn: Adam Rojas
• Website: bellmooreconsulting.com

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Branding is the foundation for effective marketing, yet many business owners overlook its power, leading to disengaged audiences and missed opportunities. Kim Marie McKernan, international marketing leader and founder of Inspired Outcomes, shares her expertise on how clarifying your brand strategy creates authentic connections that truly resonate.

In this episode, Kristi and Kim explore why so many businesses struggle because they market what they want to say instead of what their clients need to hear. They discuss the importance of aligning your messaging with your ideal client’s pain points, leveraging customer language, and approaching marketing with conscious intent — especially in today’s noisy landscape.

You’ll learn:

• Why building your brand around your client’s perspective is critical
• How to discover and use the language your clients use to describe your value
• The pitfalls of chasing shiny marketing tactics without a solid brand foundation
• Why authenticity and trust are the heart of effective marketing
• Tips for gathering feedback directly from your best clients to refine your messaging
• How to balance strategy with creativity to craft compelling, meaningful marketing
• The long game of trust-building in B2B and B2C marketing landscapes

If you want to unfudge your marketing by starting with a clear, client-conscious brand strategy that cuts through the noise, this episode is full of insightful advice.

Connect with Kim Marie McKernan:

• Website: https://www.inspiredoutcomesnow.com/
• LinkedIn newsletter sign-up available on website

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Sometimes the hardest conversations are the most necessary. In this episode, Kristi Mitchell flips the script and becomes the guest, while sales expert Bryan McDonald takes the host seat. Bryan, partner at On Purpose Growth, helps leaders master sales — a skill many small business owners find intimidating yet essential.

Together, they unpack the often overlooked sales side of business growth. Kristi shares her personal realization about neglecting sales follow-up, and Bryan reveals why following up is more about guiding prospects to decisions, not fearing rejection. They discuss building clear, simple sales processes, trusting the timing of prospects, and leading conversations with direct next steps.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between marketing and sales and why both need attention
• How fear of rejection can sabotage sales follow-up
• Why getting a decision — yes, no, or “need another conversation” — is the goal
• Strategies to simplify and lead prospects through your sales process
• How to balance persistence without being pushy or desperate
• The importance of framing sales conversations as peer-to-peer partnerships
• Ways to build confidence and consistency in your sales outreach

If you want to unfudge your marketing by masterfully integrating sales into your growth process, this candid conversation offers real-world insights and encouragement.

Connect with Bryan McDonald:

• LinkedIn: Bryan McDonald
• Community: On Purpose Growth

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Email marketing is a powerful tool… if you understand how to use it correctly. Karen Grill, email strategist and business coach, dives deep into the often overlooked world of email deliverability, authentication, and how to treat email as a valuable, revenue driving asset rather than just a task to check off.

In this episode, Kristi and Karen unpack the recent industry shifts affecting inbox placement, debunk myths about email marketing being “dead,” and share practical advice to help you protect your sender reputation and connect genuinely with your audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why email authentication and deliverability matter and how to check if you’re set up right
• What SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are and why they’re essential
• How to spot warning signs like declining open rates or spam complaints
• Why buying email lists or adding contacts without permission hurts your brand
• Tips to maintain a clean, engaged email list and avoid spam traps
• How to segment your audience and send targeted, relevant content
• Why quality trumps quantity in email marketing
• The importance of setting clear goals before building your email list

Connect with Karen Grill:

• Free Email Resource: emailwithkaren.com
• LinkedIn: Karen Grill

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

As we step into 2026, the marketing landscape is noisier and busier than ever.

To kick off the new year, Kristi shares four vital checkpoints to help you move beyond overwhelm and build marketing that’s strategic, authentic, and sustainable.

In this solo episode, Kristi uncovers the biggest marketing challenges she saw in 2025… including the pitfalls of generic content, lack of clear strategy, ignoring the power of email marketing, and trying to do too much at once. She shares pragmatic advice to help you create a focused plan that aligns with your unique business and audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why ditching generic content is crucial to show your authentic voice and stand out
• The importance of anchoring your marketing in strategy focused on your ideal client’s pain points
• Why email marketing is NOT dead, and how to use it successfully for nurturing your audience
• How to phase your marketing rollouts to avoid burnout and maximize results
• Tips for building momentum through manageable, intentional marketing habits
• Why strategic planning beats chasing every shiny new tactic or quick fix

If you want to unfudge your marketing and set yourself up for a strong year ahead, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

In this episode, host Kristi sits down with Susan Harper, founder of Sharper Creative, to unravel the honest, behind-the-scenes story of a marketing pro navigating her own business growth. Susan shares the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of rebranding, tackling LinkedIn, and finding what really works (and what doesn’t) when you’re your own client.

What You’ll Learn:

Why even seasoned branding experts struggle with their own marketing—and how Susan overcame analysis paralysis.

The reality of “shiny object syndrome” and how to focus on what truly moves the needle.

Susan’s experiment with LinkedIn, direct mail, and a two-pronged approach to reaching nonprofit clients.

The power of repurposing content and building a sustainable, manageable marketing system.

Actionable advice for business owners: just start, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things (even if it means a few awkward posts along the way).

Key Takeaways:

• The LinkedIn rabbit hole: what happens when you try to do it all.
• How direct mail and email can work together for creative outreach.
• The importance of knowing your audience and choosing the right platform.
• Why repurposing content is a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs.

About the Guest:

Susan Harper is the creative force behind Sharper Creative, with 23 years of experience helping organizations brand boldly. When she’s not building brands, you’ll find her painting, gardening, or dreaming up her next creative project.

Connect with Susan:

Website: sharpernet.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/susan-harper

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com

Marketing your business is a journey full of learning, missteps, and, most importantly, lessons learned. Barlyssa, the dynamic duo behind Homemade Events and the Margs and Mindset podcast, understands the power of authentic marketing and the importance of building real community connections.

In this episode, Kristi chats with Barlyssa about their early marketing struggles, their decision to take control with a strategic, customized approach, and how their framework helped them build trust and scale sustainably.

You’ll learn:

• Why outsourcing marketing means owning the process, not just handing it off
• How building a tailored marketing strategy empowers confident decision-making
• The value of consistency and clarity across multiple business ventures
• How to leverage your existing marketing framework for new opportunities
• The importance of trusting your marketing partner and believing in yourselves
• How to move marketing from a dreaded task to an empowering, aligned tool
• Lessons on sustainable growth through authentic and intentional marketing

If you want to unfudge your marketing by using proven strategies and fostering authentic connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights to get you started.

Connect with Barlyssa:

• Podcast: Margs and Mindset (available on Instagram and YouTube)
• Instagram: @homemadeeventsROC

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review so you never miss a chance to unfudge your marketing.

Learn more about Kristi and get in touch with her to learn how to Unf*dge YOUR marketing: kristimitchell.com