Marketing Made Simple (Powered by StoryBrand)

Small Business Flight School launches TODAY! Join now at SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.

If you want to implement a plan to double your revenue, this is your moment!

Sure, you could keep doing what you’re doing and hopefully grow your revenue at a decent pace.

OR… you could join Small Business Flight School where we’ll help you implement a plan to streamline your business and double your revenue.

If you’re serious about implementing a plan to grow your business and revenue, Flight School is for you! Join now at SmallBusinessFlightSchool.com.

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Most business owners play it safe when it comes to revenue goals. If you want to see growth, you need to set aggressive goals and reverse-engineer a plan to get there. But how can you know what’s going to actually move the needle? If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting a lot of time and energy that don’t make a significant impact on your bottom line.

In this bonus episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast, Donald Miller walks you through a practical worksheet that will help you reverse-engineer a plan to double your revenue. You’ll learn how to determine which products you should focus on selling more of  and get buy-in from the rest of your team to accomplish the goal. If you’re tired of being stuck at the same revenue year after year, this episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast is for you!

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ORDER DON'S NEW BOOK "HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS": GrowYourSmallBusiness.com

SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast 

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan.

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Writing a sales email may sound simple – but if you’ve ever sat down to write one, you know it’s not that simple! Or, maybe you’ve written a sales email you felt great about, only to realize later that it didn’t work. Sometimes, it helps to have a real-life example of what it looks like to write a great sales email, which is exactly what you’ll get in today’s episode!

Today, J.J. and April facilitate a marketing consultation between Wes Gay, StoryBrand Certified Guide, and Joseph Champa, founder of Elevate Health (ElevateHealthInc.com). Joseph has a brick-and-mortar store that serves as a one-stop-shop for health and fitness, but is ready to ramp up online sales of one of his most popular products. Listen in as Wes helps him clarify his goals, write a compelling sales email, and use attention hooks to ensure success!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/WesGay.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You started a business to help solve a problem. And in order to help as many people as possible, your marketing needs to be inclusive. But without knowing it, your message might be leaving out an important segment of your target audience. Fortunately there are easy steps you can do to fix this.

In today's conversation, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide Raj Lulla all about what you can do to create a more diverse and inclusive story in your marketing and messaging that will invite more customers, solve more problems and grow your business!

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Raj Lulla directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Fruitful. 

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WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705

DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

• Live keynotes from Donald Miller, Dr. J.J. Peterson, and Director of Certification Program, Macy Robison
• In-person collaboration and networking with Guides from across the country
• Hands-on training using Storybrand’s messaging and business growth frameworks

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Have you ever written something for your brand or someone else’s, only to re-read it and think it sounded “off?” When that happens, it’s usually because you strayed from the brand's personality. While clarity is the most important thing in marketing, marketers must also realize that having a consistent brand personality matters – and this becomes more and more important the larger your brand becomes.

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Jen Hatmaker and Heather Adams about why brand consistency matters. As a best-selling author, podcast host, and well-known speaker, Jen shares that as her platform grew, she realized she needed to invest in public relations. That’s where Heather came in! Heather is the Founder and CEO of Choice Media Communications and has helped Jen grow her platform while maintaining a consistent brand message. Tune in now for key insights on public relations, how to tell a cohesive story, and how staying “on-brand” can help you build trust and loyalty with your target audience.

Join Heather, Jen, and J.J. live at the Choice Summit April 13-14, 2023 in Nashville. Register at ChoiceMediaCommunications.com/Choice-Summit-1 and get the steps you need to grow as a busy entrepreneur. 

Take a deep dive with Jen Hatmaker's "Me Courses" covering categories where Jen has seen the most life change in herself and in others. Register now at MeCourse.org/Me-Course-Products.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

If you thought StoryBrand was only for messaging and copywriting, we're here to change your mind. Did you know you can also use the StoryBrand framework for building and strengthening your design projects? No matter if you're working on messaging or design, to be successful, you need to make the customer the hero of the story, while you play the guide.

In today's episode, J.J. and April are joined by StoryBrand Certified Guide Justin Ahrens. Justin talks about how you can implement the StoryBrand framework into every part of the process when it comes to building out a design for your business or a client. 

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Justin Ahrens directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Justin-Ahrens. 

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CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

For many businesses, the last quarter is where the *real* challenge begins. They're rushing to hit year-end targets, dealing with tight budgets, and planning for the next year – all while juggling holiday season challenges. So what’s the best way to hit your Q4 goals without adding more work to your plate?

Today, join J.J. and April as they chat with Matt Banker, an experienced StoryBrand Certified Guide. Matt reveals the hidden opportunities within your existing customer base and provides a clear plan to use them to your advantage. You’ll also discover the key question that can open up paths to major business growth. Listen in and learn how to turn your current clients into your biggest asset for Q4 so you can end the year with a bang!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Matt Banker directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/MattBanker.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

What was your favorite episode or actionable step of 2022? Call 615-649-0705 before Friday November, 11 and let us know! Your favorites could be included in the upcoming Marketing Mix Tape greatest hits episode closing out the year. 

If you're running a local business, you know your marketing strategy needs to look different than online businesses or location-agnostic companies. You may even find your tried and true marketing plays aren't working when your potential customers are all local, especially if you're in a small town.

In this episode, J.J. and April talk with talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide Laura Capes Terry all about how to market locally with a focus on word of mouth marketing. They share three keys to building trust within your community and creating hyper local ads so customers start spreading the word and more people show up at your door.  

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Laura Capes Terry directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Laura-Capes-Terry.

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CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY 2 DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND LIVE WORKSHOP HAPPENING DEC 6 & 7, 2022: StoryBrand.com/Live

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Every episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast is all about you, helping to make your marketing easy and make it work. And to celebrate our one year anniversary of the podcast, we are truly celebrating you by featuring your stories of success using the StoryBrand framework to clarify their marketing and messaging.

Today J.J. and April are sharing five amazing success stories from Hero Makers like you who are using StoryBrand within their businesses to win!

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WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705

ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Frustrated your marketing isn't working? Stuck wondering why customers aren't clicking "buy now"? Imagine turning that around in just five minutes. Get the help you need to clarify your message and grow your business with our free 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access to the 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series at StoryBrand.com/Marketing.

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The longer someone works in marketing, the more lessons they pick up along the way—from basic shortcuts and tips, to frameworks, to over-arching philosophies. Those who’ve been in the business a while have a full treasure chest of knowledge to share with marketers who are in their early career years. And in sharing their wisdom, these seasoned pros often find that it reignites their own way of looking at things. It’s a win-win situation for marketing pros and novices alike, and everyone in between.

In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, J.J. and April welcome special guest Macy Robison, Senior Director of the StoryBrand Certified Guide Program, to help them kick off a new series of incredible conversations. Over the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing from experts who will share their answers to the question: Throughout your years in marketing, what is something you’ve seen and learned that you know to be true? Listen in and learn – or rediscover – how marketing should be simple, the importance of having a clear message, and the one important tool that can bring clarity every time.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Making people laugh looks effortless, but behind every joke is an incredible amount of work and strategy. Great comedians deliver far more than entertainment—they offer a masterclass in human connection. They say the things we’re afraid to say, challenge cultural norms, and turn life’s absurdities into something we can laugh at. The best comedians have the power to shape culture and influence how we see the world. So, what makes them so effective?

In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dive into the craft, psychology, and business behind comedy. From Jerry Seinfeld’s relentless perfectionism to Nate Bargatze’s strategic rise, they uncover what makes comedians great, why their jokes land, and how they build massive audiences. Whether you’re a casual fan or a stand-up junkie,tune in to learn how comedy transforms the everyday into something unforgettable.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazonor wherever you buy books!

When people work hard to be great at their jobs, they often feel like they have to hide their personal problems, like dealing with loss, relationship changes, or personal setbacks. In jobs where you’re expected to be strong and capable, it's hard to show that you're struggling. This can make people feel alone and ashamed, especially those who are used to being the best in what they do.

In today’s episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Ashley Menzies Babatunde, creator and host of No Straight Path, a podcast aimed at exploring the human stories behind success. Ashley dives into the importance of embracing our humanity in the workplace, acknowledging that setbacks and emotional challenges are a natural part of life. Listen in and find out why it's important to be honest about our hard times if we want to alleviate the loneliness and find connection and strength at work.

Follow Ashley on Instagram @No_Straight_Path.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

As the holidays bring a whirlwind of demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what your customers really need. That’s why we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes from last year’s 5 Minute Marketing Challenge! This series is all about quick, actionable strategies to simplify your marketing and stay impactful—even when life feels chaotic.

In today’s replay of episode #127, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins unpack the key to making your marketing resonate: identifying the problems your customers face. By exploring the external, internal, and philosophical challenges your customers experience, you’ll learn how to position your product or service as the solution they’ve been searching for.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting this as a refresher, this episode will help you create meaningful, problem-solving marketing that keeps your business moving forward.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

In the world of marketing, it's often a delicate dance to strike the right balance between different messaging tensions. On one hand, you want to be clear and concise in your messaging, but on the other hand, you also want to be creative and engaging. You want to display authority, but you also want to demonstrate empathy and build connection with your audience.

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Tim Arnold, President of Leaders for Leaders and longtime friend of StoryBrand. Tim explains the 3 main tensions that marketers face when crafting their messaging and provides practical tips for finding the right balance. Listen in now to learn how embracing both sides of each tension will help you create marketing that both resonates with your audience and drives results.

Get more great insight from Tim around "both/and" thinking at TimArnold.ca. You can also access Tim's free PDF printout of the 3 Healthy Tensions discussed in today's episode here (or copy and paste the link below):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kqd3omvAMcWGLFC_CAHtG4VomsNGmuFx/view?usp=sharing

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

In competitive industries, it’s all too easy for great businesses to fade into the background. When everyone is saying the same thing, customers have a hard time sussing out who can actually help them. That's why the real challenge isn’t just being good at what you do—it’s making sure people know you’re the best choice for solving their specific problem. Are you clearly showcasing what sets you apart? If not, your customers might never find you.

In the next episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J. and April sit down with Sarah Cook, a former naturopathic clinician turned StoryBrand Certified Guide. She shares practical strategies for standing out in a crowded market—especially in competitive industries like health and wellness. Learn why niching down to a specific problem is the key to differentiation, and how to shift your messaging to highlight the unique way you solve your customer's pain points. Tune in for actionable tips on positioning yourself effectively, so you can raise your flag and attract the right audience!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Sarah Cook directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/WellnessWriter.

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Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey.

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What if you knew exactly what would motivate your customers to take action? Here’s a secret: you don’t have to guess at what that would be! There’s a science behind human behavior, and you can leverage it to get more curiosity, clicks, and customers. But you have to learn these psychological triggers before you can use them – and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this episode.

Listen in to hear J.J. and April’s conversation with Phill Agnew, host of Nudge, a podcast simplifying behavioral science, and expert in behavioral psychology. Phill walks you through specific behavioral science tools you can use to motivate customers to take action and convince them to buy. With examples from numerous studies with undeniable results, you’ll walk away from this episode with a scary amount of power to get people to act. Be sure to only use this new-found power for good!

Follow and listen to Nudge at NudgePodcast.com.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE AND GUIDE BUSINESSES TO CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide/

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING MAY 9 - 10, 2023:  StoryBrand.com/LIVE

StoryBrand is coming to London! Join Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson for a 2-day, in-person workshop to completely revamp your marketing in less than 48 hours. When you register by April 28th and use discount code LONDON2023, you’ll get $200 OFF your registration (approximately £161 off, subject to exchange rates). StoryBrand.com/London

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Does marketing yourself (or clients) on social media make you want to pull your hair out? We’ve all been there! Constantly coming up with original content can be both daunting and exhausting. It’s easy to run out of ideas and get burned out with the amount of content you have to crank out on a weekly basis. Even if you “batch” your content or use the help of AI, your content can start to feel stale very quickly.

This episode is about to change all of that! In today’s marketing conversation, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Annie Schiffmann, about a game she created to help you revolutionize your social media content strategy. All you need is your StoryBrand BrandScript, some dice to roll, and a coin to flip. Within minutes, you’ll have multiple compelling posts that speak directly to your target audience, bringing more awareness to your brand and making your content feel fun and exciting again!

Access the video of this conversation and follow gamify your BrandScript with April and Annie at Storybrand.com/gamify.

Contact Annie Schiffmann directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Annie-Schiffmann. 

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually doing to our brains?

In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why reality TV works—and why we can’t look away. They explore the psychology behind our obsession with drama, the tricks producers use to keep us engaged, and how reality TV has shaped everything from social media to politics. Plus, they reveal the surprising ways it’s rewiring our attention spans and expectations of real life. Tune in for a revealing look at the power (and the price) of reality TV.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Tech companies often struggle with the same challenge—making their complex solutions simple to understand. When customers can’t grasp how a product solves their problem, even the most innovative ideas can fall flat. How do you balance clarity and sophistication to attract buyers without sacrificing the technical depth that sets you apart?

In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, J.J. and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Sjol to discuss how she helps tech companies clarify their messaging to stand out in a crowded market. Drawing from her expertise in SaaS, Kelly shares how the StoryBrand framework transforms tech founders' messaging into clear, compelling stories that engage both buyers and users. Whether you’re a founder of a SaaS company or just tackling a complex product, tune in to learn how clear communication can be your biggest growth driver.

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Sjol directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kelly-Sjol.

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Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Ever wonder if you could make money with a marketing side hustle? If so, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation we hear from Elizabeth, a therapist from Chicago who has used the StoryBrand framework to grow her practice. Now she's wondering if she could start a side hustle helping other therapists with their marketing.

Listen in as Macy Robison, Head of the StoryBrand Guide program, joins J.J. and April to give practical tips on growing a great marketing business. Whether you are thinking of launching your own marketing agency or starting a side hustle to bring in extra cash, you don’t have to do it alone. StoryBrand has resources and a community ready to support you and your dream.

Go to GrowYourMarketingBusiness.com and get immediate access to our free resource: How to Grow a Great Marketing Business: The 10-Step Checklist.

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DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

HAVE A MARKETING QUESTION OR WANT TO CELEBRATE A MARKETING WIN AFTER IMPLEMENTING THE STORYBRAND FRAMEWORK? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your brand’s message failing to pack the punch you know it should? It’s easy to get stuck when you want to make a bold statement in your marketing but fear the potential backlash. Many business owners feel like they're holding back, worried that being too outspoken might turn people off. But this can water down your messaging, leaving you with a yawn-inducing brand voice and ineffective marketing. So how can you showcase your brand’s personality without the risk of alienating potential customers?

In this episode of our Getting Unstuck, host April Sunshine Hawkins responds to a questions from caller Holly Suter, founder of Masala Wala Chai, who’s grappling with this very issue. Holly wants to make a bold statement with her brand but is hesitant, concerned about crossing the line. April dives deep into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that Holly—and you—can use to confidently express your brand’s unique voice without turning off your audience. Tune in and get practical tips on finding the sweet spot between boldness and approachability to make sure your marketing resonates with the right buyers!

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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If you followed every piece of advice out there about your ideal morning routine, you'd probably spend eight hours every day doing mindfulness excercises and supplements and journaling and workouts and cold plunges and more. But morning routines can be both easy AND effective if you identify the right mission for your life.

In this episode, Kyle Reed and Donald Miller break down a new way to approach your morning routine—one that actually fits the demands of 2025. Whether you’re a high-performing entrepreneur, a working parent, or just trying to get your act together before 9am, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, unexpected insights, and a fresh mindset shift. You’ll learn:

• Why most morning routines fail (and what to do instead)

• How to reverse-engineer your day for better mornings

• The role of intention, simplicity, and rhythm in a sustainable routine

• What Kyle and Don are doing differently this year—and why it’s working

If you’ve struggled with consistency, motivation, or just hate mornings altogether, this episode will help you build a routine that serves your real life—not some influencer’s highlight reel.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

If you're tired of feeling unproductive and unmotivated, get clarity on your life goals and supercharge your productivity by visiting HeroOnAMission.com for your free planner!

Does your original brand messaging need a refresh? If so, it’s probably because your business is growing. Congratulations! Great businesses usually find new problems to solve for their customers and create new products as solutions. But this can create a problem for you: your original messaging no longer encompasses all that you have to offer.

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand certified guide Daniel Bussius about how to rework your messaging to more accurately represent your expanded line of products. Don’t worry – you don’t have to lose the part of your brand messaging that feels like “you.” When you step back and take a 30,000-foot view, you’ll find commonalities that can help you both maintain your brand identity and reach your new customer base effectively.

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Daniel Bussius directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/BuiltByLove

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WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

If you're like most business owners, you understand the value of a strong network. But in today's rapidly changing business environment, how do you leverage your connections for maximum impact? The answer might be simpler than you think: referrals. With the rise of digital marketing and the saturation of online ads, the age-old method of word-of-mouth referrals has regained its importance.

In this episode, J.J. and April sit down with Tyler Pigott, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and the brain behind Lone Fir Creative. Tyler delves into the art and science of building a referral-based business, emphasizing the importance of nurturing old relationships while fostering new ones. He shares actionable insights on how to approach potential clients, the power of simplicity in outreach, and the balance of new and old in business. Listen in to discover how you can leverage your existing network to drive business growth and set the stage for a profitable future!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Tyler Pigott at Lone Fir Creative directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Lone-Fir-Creative.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Looking to raise money to start your business or fund an upcoming product? Crowdfunding can be an effective way to hit the market with a bang. Not only do they provide the funds you need, crowdfunding campaigns can create unparalleled hype and awareness for your new product. But if you’ve never done it before, how can you avoid getting lost in the noise and ensure success around hitting your goal?

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand certified guide, Moses Mehraban about how to craft an effective crowdfunding campaign rooted in the StoryBrand framework that works. Listen in to learn key tips when it comes to crowdfunding so you can successfully hit your goal and launch your product into the marketplace!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Moses Mehraban directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/MosesMehraban.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND  A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

You're sitting on a goldmine of knowledge—and you know you could package it up into an online course and help people. But every time you think about actually doing it, you hit a wall. You don't have an audience. You have no idea how to find people who'd actually pay for your course. It all feels too overwhelming, and you're starting to think it's just not worth it. But what if you could launch your course without having a huge following? 

In this episode of the Getting Unstuck series, we're solving a conundrum from a listener named Robbie: how do you launch when you're starting from scratch? And we’ve brought in the big guns for an answer! Today, J.J. and April are joined by Amy Porterfield, the top digital course expert who's helped over 90,000 people launch their ideas. Amy divulges her proven strategies for building an audience, creating valuable content, and making your first sales – even if you don't have an email list. So tune in and get the confidence and clarity you need to get your knowledge out into the world!

Join Amy's upcoming Course Confident bootcamp at StoryBrand.com/CourseConfident.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Do you have a story about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework or building your sales funnel? We want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 615-649-0705 sharing your story of success, and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! Just call us at 615-649-0705 and share your story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you!

Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Did you know BusinessMadeSimple.com has a new community feature available for all members at no extra cost? Inside the community, you can connect with other small business owners facing similar challenges, and get practical advice on topics like marketing, messaging, and more. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to connect directly with StoryBrand Certified Guides who can answer your questions and help you take your business to the next level.

So, if you're looking for a valuable resource to help you grow your business, join the community at BusinessMadeSimple.com.

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If you’re not already using ChatGPT in your marketing, chances are you will be soon. This AI-powered tool has taken the business world by storm, accumulating a jaw-dropping 100 million users in just 2 months! It's no wonder why ChatGPT is making waves and transforming how people work, making content creation faster and more efficient than ever before. But like any other tool, ChatGPT should be used properly or it can do more damage than good.

Join J.J. and April for today’s episode where they chat with StoryBrand Certified Guides and Agency Owners, Katie Lantukh and Jay Owen, about how to use ChatGPT for marketing purposes. You’ll learn practical tips on how to use (and not use!) the chatbot to create your marketing copy. Katie and Jay share specific examples of how they would use ChatGPT to create collateral like social media posts and emails, including the prompts and edits they would use in the process. Tune in now to discover how ChatGPT can speed up your content creation, making your marketing easier and more efficient!

Access the video of this conversation and follow along with April, Katie and Jay at Storybrand.com/ai/.

Contact Katie Lantukh directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/KatieLantukh and Jay Owen at MarketingMadeSimple.com/BusinessBuilders.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Frustrated your marketing isn't working? Stuck wondering why customers aren't clicking "buy now"? Imagine turning that around in just five minutes. Get the help you need to clarify your message and grow your business with our free 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series. Get immediate access to the 5 Minute Marketing Makeover video series at StoryBrand.com/Marketing.

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In the rush to get noticed and grow, many businesses dive into marketing without really thinking it through. This often means they skip a very important step: making a plan. Jumping straight into marketing tactics without a clear strategy usually leads to wasted time, money, and effort—which of course we’d all like to avoid. But without a guiding light, it’s easy to get lost. So what’s the best way to create a solid strategy that ensures your marketing efforts will be effective, reach the right audience, and get results?

In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Jena Gribble, StoryBrand Certified Guide and founder of Blush Cactus, a boutique marketing and branding agency. Jena shares why it's so important to have a good plan before you start marketing and the tool she uses to fast-track the process. You'll learn how to make your message clear, identify your target audience, and set goals you can actually achieve. This approach not only saves you time and money but also boosts your marketing impact. Listen in and discover how to strengthen your marketing and grow your business by reaching the right people in the right way.

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jena Gribble directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Jena-Gribble.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Most of us are bored with the story we’re living. We’ve lost interest in our own lives, and as a result, we spend our days feeling anxious, restless or just flat out hopeless. But what if you stopped trusting fate to write the story of your life and started living like a character in an interesting story? Our new six-part limited podcast series, Hero on a Mission, will help you do just that! In this preview of an upcoming episode, host Donald Miller walks you through creating a morning ritual so you know exactly how you should be spending each day. 

Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed and every Thursday starting January 6th for six weeks we will unpack what you need to do to create a life plan that finally lets you live everyday with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. 

If you are ready to stop leaving your life up to fate and rediscover true purpose and meaning, the Hero on a Mission limited podcast series is exactly what you need. Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts and every Thursday for six weeks starting January 6th you will learn how to become a hero on a mission.

Too many businesses, whether large or small, established or new, make the mistake of leading with their own story. In other words, they’re trying to tell their audience all about what makes their business so great — and then they’re confused when their audience reacts with a shrug and says, “I don’t care.” How can businesses reach new customers when “I don’t care” is the prevailing mindset?

StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple help you answer that question. On the podcast today, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are continuing their series of discussions with veteran StoryBrand Certified Guides. Today’s guest is Jessie Congleton, certified since 2016, and she helps us with key insights into what customers want to read in your marketing copy. What should you consider about your audience before you start writing? What should you lead with in your copy? What is the biggest mistake companies (of all sizes) make when writing marketing copy? With answers to these questions and more, Jessie illuminates how to write marketing that makes customers care.

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/JessieCongleton.

Jessie has also appeared on the Marketing Made Simple podcast twice before. Listen to her past episodes:

#8: Save Your Customers from Failure - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/save-your-customers-from-failure/id1569923210?i=1000531685005

#70: How Do I Make My Copy Clear, But Not Boring? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-i-make-my-copy-clear-but-not-boring/id1569923210?i=1000583138137

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Needing to clarify your message so more customers engage? Register for our upcoming StoryBrand Marketing Workshop July 23-24, 2024 at StoryBrand.com/Workshop. In this virtual workshop you will learn directly from Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson how to create a clear message and walk away with a 5-part marketing plan to help boost revenue and grow your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com/Workshop.

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

AI's buzz in marketing has a lot of people feeling panicked, unsure of how to balance technology with genuine human connection. Many marketers are overwhelmed trying to sift through the noise to find what truly resonates with audiences without losing authenticity. So how do we approach AI in a way that makes us feel less scared and more curious?

Fresh from HubSpot's INBOUND 2023 conference, host Dr. J.J. Peterson shares valuable highlights from the event and excerpts from his AI panel discussion. In this episode, you’ll learn what’s working today with AI and where we’re likely going. J.J. shares real-world insights, cautioning against AI over-dependence while championing the power of human connection and clear messaging. Listen in and get the inside scoop on the future of marketing!

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TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

When it comes to social media, being intentional is important. But finding the time to engage with your customers on every platform can feel close to impossible, especially for small businesses. You need ways to work smarter, not harder, and that's what you'll get from this episode.

Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Bryan Switalski joins the conversation to show you how to take your short form video content and post across multiple platforms without adding more hours to your schedule. If you're ready to reevaluate how you spend your time promoting your brand over social media, this episode is for you!

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Bryan Switalski directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Bryan-Switalski.

Call 615-649-0705 and share your breakthrough moment or story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media for a chance to be featured on a future episode!

With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 and leave a voicemail telling us about your breakthrough moment, small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode! We can't wait to hear from you!

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

"I sell direct to businesses AND direct to customers. Will the StoryBrand framework actually work for me?"

In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work if you sell to businesses AND directly to customers?” And you’ll definitely like what we’ve got to say!
 
You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Hunter Davis. Hunter shares how he helped a client serving both businesses and individual customers differentiate between the problems they solved for each audience and how that increased engagement! You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Hunter Davis directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Hunter-Davis-B2B-Storybrand-Consultant-California.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

The coaching world is booming, but with thousands of new coaches and consultants entering the industry, it’s becoming a more crowded space. If you're looking to make an impact, the question quickly becomes: How do I get noticed? Many coaches get caught in a cycle of trying to copy what others are doing, hoping it will work for them, but it usually backfires. So how do you find your authentic voice and connect with clients who truly need you?

In this week’s episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide Eric Williams to discuss how coaches can clarify their message to stand out in a growing profession. Eric shares his top strategies for attracting the right clients by leaning into your unique style and avoiding the “business buzzword box.” You’ll learn how to use storytelling, personality, and specificity to connect with clients in a way that feels fully aligned. Tune in to get practical steps to building a coaching brand that’s authentically you!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Eric Williams directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/EricWilliams.

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Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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The Michelin Star is a restaurant rating system so powerful that a single star can launch careers, change cities, and even break chefs. So what makes one restaurant just “good” and another Michelin-worthy? The path to earning a Michelin Star isn’t just about making great food—it’s about precision, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But why do these stars hold so much weight?

Today’s episode pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of Michelin Stars. Hosts Don and Kyle explore how a tire company unexpectedly shaped the fine dining industry, why chefs dedicate their lives to earning (or desperately holding onto) these elusive stars, and what truly sets Michelin-caliber restaurants apart. Along the way, they share their own experiences—from unassuming hole-in-the-wall joints to world-famous dining rooms—and break down whether the chase for a star is worth the sacrifice. Listen in for a compelling look at the prestige, pressure, and obsession that fuel the Michelin Star legacy.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

• The three parts every one-liner needs

• Where to place your one-liner in your marketing and messaging

• Great examples you can refer to when creating your one-liner

As a brand, you must define what your customer wants. As soon as you define that, a story question forms in their mind: Can this brand really help me get what I want? Without this, the customer has very little interest in the story.

This week, J.J. and April guide you through the Character section of the StoryBrand framework and how you can:

-Define exactly what your customer wants

-Plug that specific language into your marketing

-Help transform your customer into the hero after they use your product or service to get what they want

April also talks with Stacey Moore, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares an example of how she redefined what her client's customer really wanted and how it not only clarified their message but grew their business.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win.

Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Our marketing guides, like Macy Robison, are the best marketers in the world. Hire one to help clarify your message at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.

What was your favorite episode or actionable step of 2022? Call 615-649-0705 before Friday November, 11 and let us know! Your favorites could be included in the upcoming Marketing Mix Tape greatest hits episode closing out the year. 

Does your company do so much that it’s hard to explain what you offer? If you try to communicate too many things to your audience, they won’t know what to do with your products and services. Instead of becoming a part of people's lives, you’ll go into the “junk drawer” of your audience’s minds! They won’t take action on your offer because they don’t understand where it belongs.

In today’s episode, April and J.J. talk with StoryBrand Certified Guide, Stacey Moore, about how companies with multiple products can simplify their marketing and get more conversions. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a website that is strategically designed to communicate multiple offers. Listen in to learn how a multi-product website should be structured differently than a regular one and how a few simple adjustments can make a big difference for your customers!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Stacey Moore directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Stacey-Moore-Studio.

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PRE-ORDER DONALD MILLER'S NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

When it comes to promoting events on social media, it's hard not to make the posts all about you. So how do you successfully promote your business's events without positioning your brand as the hero?

Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, Clark Campbell, CEO of StoryBrand Certified Agency RVRB, joins the conversation to show you how to create engaging social media content that helps your audience envision themselves fitting into your brand or event, drawing them in to take part in the future.

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Agency RVRB directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/RVRB.

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Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on February 22 and 23, 2022. Register now at StoryBrand.com.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Creating social media ads for your brand can feel like an infinite amount of guess work. Between trying to demystify platform algorithms, keeping up with OS updates, and targeting the right audience, you're often left feeling more confused than when you started!

Today J.J. and April continue our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide Mehrab Reza joins the conversation to help remove the mystery around the ever-changing world of social media ads. Mehrab breaks down how to target the right audience with your ads and convert them into paying customers. If you've been hesitant to start running ads for your business, or just haven't seen much success, this episode is for you.

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Mehrab Reza directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Adlantica.

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Even if you have the best product in the marketplace, you will lose to your competitor if they communicate more clearly. Clarify your message so more customers engage by creating a clear message and 5-part marketing plan for your business at the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream on February 22 and 23, 2022. Register now at StoryBrand.com.

Did you know we certify full-suite marketing agencies? That’s right! If you own a marketing agency, and you need your entire team to understand the StoryBrand framework, apply to become a Certified Agency at StoryBrand.com/Agency. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll get:

-onsite training on the StoryBrand Framework for your entire team (we do the training for you)

-an exclusive license for your team to use the StoryBrand framework with your clients (everyone will use the same proven framework to get results)

-access to our community of other certified agencies

-and much more

As a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll feel confident that your entire team knows how to create marketing that works. Apply today at StoryBrand.com/Agency.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

If you're like most people, you hate being sold to and hate selling to others – it just feels icky! But if you want your business to survive and thrive, you have to sell! Here’s the good news: Your sales conversations don’t have to feel awkward or manipulative. When you learn the storytelling framework for sales, you can stop pushing products and start inviting customers into a story where their problem gets solved.

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Donald Miller about Business Made Simple's newly released sales course, The Customer is the Hero. Listen in to learn a 5-step framework that will give you key talking points for every sales conversation so you can ease the tension and start confidently closing more sales.

Go to OnlineSalesScript.com/Podcast to access and create a SalesScript you can immediately use to invite customers into a story. As a Hero Maker, when you sign up you'll also get our bonus video series where Don walks you step-by-step how to create sales talking points that actually work!

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND  A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

When it comes to creating content for social media, most people come up with their posts in the moment. But trying to think of something that's new, creative, fun, entertaining, and educational on the spot is no easy feat. Especially when you're posting several times a week! Creating content in the moment leads to content that doesn't have a purpose or is boring, and often turns into just not posting at all. If you want to start creating engaging content AND make social media easier, you need a plan!

Today J.J. and April are continuing our series all about clarifying your messaging through social media. In this episode, StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan joins the conversation to break down how to build a content calendar for social media so your posts are intentional, timely, and meet your goals. If you want to make social media both higher quality and easier, this episode is for you!

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide James Hannan directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Results.

Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework to clarify your social media before Friday, January 28, 2022 for a chance to be featured on a future episode!

With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework within your social media and you could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, January 28, 2022 and share your social media story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

We all strive for success, but at what cost? Climbing the ladder often comes with unexpected challenges. As you work toward your goals, it’s easy to focus on the next milestone, only to realize that collecting more accolades leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled. Many high achievers find themselves grappling with stress, isolation, and a loss of purpose despite their accomplishments. Is it possible to chase your dreams without losing sight of what truly brings you joy and fulfillment? 

In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins kick off a special series focused on maintaining mental and emotional health in the midst of success. They’re joined by Al Andrews, a counselor with decades of experience working with artists and high achievers. Al shares wisdom on how to stay true to yourself, avoid the pitfalls of fame and fortune, and find fulfillment beyond just career success. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way to the top, this conversation will help you reflect on your journey and ensure you’re building a life that’s meaningful and balanced.

Here's another great episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast you can listen to, especially if you're feeling on the edge of burnout

#162: Let's Have a Heart to Heart—How Is Your Well-Being Affecting Your Creative Work? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000660290285

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

While your nurture email campaign adds value and builds trust with potential customers, it's your sales email campaign that will close the deal! Creating a sales email campaign provides the perfect opportunity for you to share the full story of how your product is going to help solve your customers' problems setting you up to ask them to buy it.

Welcome to Part Five in our How To Create Your Marketing Made Simple Sales Funnel series, where J.J. and April break down exactly how craft your sales email campaign. In this episode you'll learn:

-Six types of sales emails you can use

-How to ask for a commitment without being manipulative

-What every effective sales email needs to include

J.J. also talks with Kelley Hartnett, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who walks you step-by-step through an amazing sales email she wrote for her client. Get access to Kelley's sales email sample so you can follow along at Storybrand.com/SalesEmail.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

In this series, we’re answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you!

Whether you're a speaker, realtor, business coach, or any other service where you're really selling yourself, you might be feeling like it's a bit of a paradox to make the customer the hero. After all, what you sell is literally all about you! Fortunately, there is a way to still sell yourself and your services AND elevate your customer to hero status. In today's episode, J.J. and April will show you how to uniquely implement the Storybrand framework for your personal brand.

You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Ashley Falletta. Ashley shares some great practical marketing tips she used to help her client transform into a guide-minded personal brand. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ashley Falletta directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ashley-Falletta.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

You’ve done it, Hero Makers! You’ve reached the final episode in our StoryBrand framework series. Over the last nine episodes you crafted your Brandscript using each part of the framework to clarify your message by inviting customers into a beautiful story. Now you are ready to implement and put it into action!
 
You might be wondering how this actually plays out. Can it work for both small businesses and large brands? This week, you’ll learn how Brandon Hufstetler, Director of Sales and Business Development at Tempur-Sealy, and Brethany Robertson, VP at Debt Recovery Solutions of Ohio, used the StoryBrand framework to create and implement their Brandscripts to realign their team and position themselves for substantial growth like never before!

Align your team, clarify your message and grow your business with a private workshop. Just go to StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops to book a workshop today! 

You can also join us virtually for our upcoming two-day Livestream event. You’ll learn each part of the StoryBrand framework and how to implement them to clarify your message and build the sales funnel you need to thrive in the marketplace. Register for our next Livestream event on September 20 and 21 at StoryBrand.com

Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Marketing requires you to be creative, but that's easier said than done. It's tough to stand out and be different. And the more you try to be unique, the harder it can feel. That’s why many of us feel stuck, comparing ourselves to the big names and wondering how we can ever be as good. This comparison-fueled spiral can happen whether you’re new to marketing or you’ve been at it for years. So how do you find your own special way of doing things in a world full of the same old ideas?

In this episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins dive into this challenge with the help of renowned artist and photographer Jeremy Cowart. Known for his creativity and innovation, Cowart opens up about the difficulties he faces in marketing, despite being one of the most creative minds of our time. If you struggle to come up with exciting, new ideas in marketing, you’re not alone. Jeremy shares his tips on how to push through. Listen in and get a fresh look at how to be vulnerable, creative, and impactful in your marketing!

Follow Jeremy on Instagram at Instagram.com/JeremyCowart/. Book an in-studio photo session at bio.site/cowart.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEB 28 - MARCH 1, 2022:  StoryBrand.com/LIVE

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Does your business feel more like a prison than a playground? If so, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs feel like their business is sucking the life out of them and their dream of having freedom and flexibility has slowly slipped away. But most entrepreneurs get into business because they want to live life on their terms. How can you run a successful business and build the life you want simultaneously?

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Emily Thompson, host of the award-winning Being Boss podcast. Emily shares tips for how to run your business instead of your business running you. You’ll learn how finding clarity, making strategic choices, and taking a step back can help you pivot your business away from feeling like a prison so you can start making it feel like a playground. Listen in now to learn how to build the business and life you want!

Listen to and follow Being Boss at BeingBoss.club/Podcast. Click the link below to download and create your dream day using Emily's free PDF:

https://beingboss.club/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BeingBoss_IDEALDAY.pdf

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

What does the Enneagram have to do with marketing? A lot more than you might think! Your Enneagram type shows how you process information, make decisions, and approach creativity. From perfectionism to overthinking, these innate tendencies directly impact your marketing approach. If you’ve had trouble connecting with your audience or executing a winning strategy, your Enneagram type could be the key. So how can understanding your Enneagram type make your marketing more effective?

In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins are joined by Enneagram expert Ian Cron to explore how understanding your Enneagram type can transform your marketing. Ian breaks down each Enneagram type, highlighting the unique superpowers they bring to the table and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a well-versed pro, this conversation will empower you to tap into your authentic self. Listen in to discover your unique marketing superpower, improve your marketing, and make a greater impact!

Visit IanMorganCron.com to take his Enneagram assessment and order up a copy of The Story of You.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Football has a powerful grip on its fans, but have you ever stopped to think about why it works so well? Football has a remarkable history of uniting friends and families across generations. From the build-up to game day and the epic rivalries to the emotional highs-and-lows of every play, football delivers both the thrill of competition and the comfort of community. But what actually makes it so captivating?

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed are joined by Will Guidara, bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality and devoted Bills fan, to unpack the mechanics of football’s success. From its masterful storytelling structure to its role as a modern-day tribal tradition, they explore why football continues to dominate in a world of endless entertainment options. Tune in for insights that’ll deepen your appreciation for the sport—even if you only watch the Super Bowl for the snacks and half-time shows. 

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon  or wherever you buy books!

Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday, May 27 for a chance to be featured on our upcoming one year anniversary episode!

Hero Makers, our Marketing Made Simple Podcast one year anniversary is fast approaching and we want to celebrate by celebrating YOU! With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success for our upcoming one year anniversary episode.

Just call 615-649-0705 before Friday, May 27 and leave a voicemail sharing how the StoryBrand Framework has helped you win at marketing and you could be featured in our anniversary episode. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Even if you know you have the best product on the market, customers will be hesitant to purchase unless you build trust and authority with them first. One of the best ways to do this is through testimonies! But without a formula for doing it right, you may end up with material that doesn't actually help your future customers make a decision towards purchasing your product. So how do you get started?

On today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with StoryBrand Guide Mindy Cook all about the questions you need to ask and what you need to do to get the perfect testimony that builds trust and excites customers to buy from you.

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Mindy Cook directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/MindyCook.

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DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS AND START 2024 OF WITH A PLAN! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2023:  StoryBrand.com/LIVE

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Customers need to know that it’s easy to use your product or service. But a lot of businesses have trouble laying out a clear, easy-to-understand plan for their customers, which is a critical piece of the marketing puzzle. A lack of clarity on how to engage with your brand can cause confusion and delay, making it hard for potential customers to make the decision to buy. Without a clear path forward, customers might feel lost, leading to missed connections and fewer sales.

Today, we’re continuing our 5 Minute Marketing Challenge series, where you learn one simple marketing effort you can implement in under 5 minutes. In this series, you’ll streamline your marketing and bring back clarity using the StoryBrand framework. Today, hosts J.J. and April teach you how to provide a simple step-by-step plan to your customers, guiding them on how to interact with your business. Listen in and learn how to overcome marketing confusion and offer clear, decisive information to your customers!

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Never assume people will understand how your brand can change their lives. You need to clearly tell your customer how buying your product will end in their success. This is best way to offer them what they want most: a happy ending to their story where they become the hero!

This week, J.J. and April work the final section of the StoryBrand framework: Success. They’ll also show you: 

• How to cast a vision of a climactic scene for your customers 

• How to frame success against failure

• Examples of success language for your website

We also talk with Anthony Dicks, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how creating a “happily ever after” vision for his client’s marketing helped win more customers and increase sales. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Anthony Dicks directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Anthony-Dicks.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Follow us so you never miss weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Anthony Dicks, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

You've heard it time and and time again: once you begin to implement the StoryBrand framework into the ecosystem of your business, it makes your marketing, messaging and even team team communication seamless. But nothing will change unless take that leap, which is why today's conversation is all about giving you the confidence and permission you need to start.

In today's show, J.J. and April talk with Bill Allen, owner of 7 Figure Flipping, about how he's used the StoryBrand framework to completely rework his marketing and messaging. He also shares how the framework is helping him build a billion dollar brand! If you're still needing that extra push to start utilizing StoryBrand to help overhaul your marketing and grow your business, this episode is for you. 

Find out more about Bill Allen and 7 Figure Flipping at 7FigureFlipping.com.

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WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705

ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Showing your customer exactly how your product can transform their life is essential if you want your business to win! It's called identity transformation and in this upcoming episode of Marketing Made Simple, you'll learn what language to use in your messaging to engage your customer's identity transformation by inviting them into a beautiful story.

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Every Wednesday, starting June 23, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins will deliver practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework you can immediately apply to improve your marketing and get more cash in the door. 

On Marketing Made Simple we believe your marketing should be easy and it should work. Finally learn how to build your marketing the right way and SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Most of us are bored with the story we’re living. We’ve lost interest in our own lives, and as a result, we spend our days feeling anxious, restless or just flat out hopeless. But what if you stopped trusting fate to write the story of your life and started living like a character in an interesting story? Our new six-part limited podcast series, Hero on a Mission, will help you do just that!

Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed and every Thursday starting January 6th for six weeks we will unpack what you need to do to create a life plan that finally lets you live everyday with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

If you are ready to stop leaving your life up to fate and rediscover true purpose and meaning, the Hero on a Mission limited podcast series is exactly what you need. Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts and every Thursday for six weeks starting January 6th you will learn how to become a hero on a mission.

Do you need to get your marketing team on the same page or do better B2B marketing? The StoryBrand marketing framework has helped thousands of small businesses and solo marketers, but it is also highly effective for bringing consistency to large marketing teams or improving B2B marketing strategies.

In today’s episode, JJ and April talk with Jessica Embree, a team member of a StoryBrand certified marketing agency, about how businesses of any size or audience can get more results from their marketing with the StoryBrand framework. Listen in to learn how you can unify your team and develop B2B strategies that resonate with your audience and beef up your bottom line.

Be the next StoryBrand success story and register now for the StoryBrand Marketing Livestream happening on September 13th and 14th, 2022. Get your marketing strategy done so you can start scaling your business. Register now at StoryBrand.com.

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessica Embree directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Tulip-Media-Group.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Running a business can be exhausting and complex. As a business owner, you have to think about every aspect of your business including sales, finances, marketing, product development, and so much more! If you don’t take a step back every now and then to look at the big picture, you can get so lost in the details that you miss important opportunities for growth.

In this bonus episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast, you'll get the top business growth hacks highlighted from the best episodes of 2022. You’ll hear clips from four conversations Donald Miller had with four business owners (including Amy Porterfield!) about growing their business. Listen in to these fan-favorite coaching moments so you don’t miss out on key business growth strategies going into 2023!

Re-listen to the full episodes from today's show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:

Top Business Growth Hacks of 2022 Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3H9xRSqbX3vrXIrDtWriuz?si=82aa2ee168a54760

Direct Links on Apple Podcasts

#86: Scale Your Startup with 90 Minute Workdays

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scale-your-startup-with-90-minute-workdays/id1092751338?i=1000576911190

#56: Curing the Overworked, Overwhelmed Business Owner

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curing-the-overworked-overwhelmed-business-owner/id1092751338?i=1000548802730

#95: Will Guidara—Why a Culture of Hospitality Matters for Every Business

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/will-guidara-why-a-culture-of-hospitality-matters/id1092751338?i=1000583667492

#70: Amy Porterfield—How to Start a Successful Business From Scratch

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amy-porterfield-how-to-start-a-successful-business/id1092751338?i=1000559312149

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PRE-ORDER THE NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com

SUBMIT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GET COACHED ON THE PODCAST: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Podcast 

GET YOUR CUSTOMIZED FLIGHT PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SmallBusinessFlightPlan.com

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Starting and growing a podcast can feel like an uphill battle. There aren’t a lot of resources out there on how to grow a podcast and expand listenership. But if you know how to leverage a few key resources and use tried-and-true marketing techniques, you can grow your podcast audience and start impacting more people.

In today’s episode, April and J.J. chat with Aleya Harris, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and host of her own podcast, Flourishing Entrepreneur. Aleya shares insider tips on how getting on Listen Notes (a great podcast search engine), using lead generators, and viewing your podcast like “the baby on your hip” can help you get your podcast out to more people. Listen in now to learn podcast growth hacks from someone who’s been there, done that!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Aleya Harris directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Aleya-Harris.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

IS YOUR TEAM SCATTERED AND CONFUSED? ALIGN AROUND  A CLEAR MESSAGE AND PLAN THROUGH A STORYBRAND PRIVATE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Call 615-649-0705 and share your story of success after using the StoryBrand Framework before Friday October, 22 for a chance to be featured on a future episode!

With so many of you taking action to create marketing that works using the StoryBrand Framework, we want to hand you the microphone and feature your story of success on the show. Call 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and leave a voicemail telling us about your small victory or huge win after using the StoryBrand Framework or building your sales funnel and you could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Call us at 615-649-0705 before Friday, October 22 and share your story of success today. We can't wait to hear from you!

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We get this question all the time: “My business is unique and I help customers fix a very specific problem, but will the StoryBrand framework actually work for my marketing?”

You've been heard and we are answering! This is the first episode in our new series that answers the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you! In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work for your B2B business?” And you’ll definitely like what we’ve got to say!

You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Toth, who shares how he helped his B2B-based client stop wasting thousands of dollars each month trying boost their SEO, and instead rebuilt their website using the StoryBrand framework! The success that followed is mind blowing. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Toth directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ryan.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey.

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In the digital age, we have more content than ever at our fingertips. At any moment we can search for any given topic and find multiple sources and even products to purchase. As a marketer, you know that creating content is an important part of your marketing strategy. But have you considered that developing community and connection matters just as much – if not more – than content creation?

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Pat Flynn and Matt Gartland, CEO’s of Smart Passive Income (SPI) where they help people build their audience and monetize their work. They share how creating community and building relationships is a key component to a successful business. Instead of relying on content alone to connect with potential customers, listen in to learn how building a smaller, more intimate community can help you grow your business (and enrich your life in the process!).

Follow and listen to the SPI Podcast at SmartPassiveIncome.com/Shows/SPI/. You can also get the steps and tools you need to build and foster your community at SmartPassiveIncome.com/All-Access/.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Are you underestimating the impact of email marketing in today's digital landscape? Amidst the noise surrounding social media and other digital channels, email remains a crucial tool for connecting with your audience on a personal level, owning your customer list, and boosting sales.

In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, Macy Robison, Director of the StoryBrand Guide Program, returns to share invaluable insights and practical advice for leveraging the power of email to achieve remarkable results. Whether you're a business owner seeking cost-effective marketing strategies or a marketer looking to enhance your campaigns, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to harness the full potential of email marketing.

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Happy 2nd Anniversary Hero Makers! To celebrate two whole years of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we’re giving you a FREE 7-Day Trial of Business Made Simple, which includes the StoryBrand Messaging Framework Course and Marketing Made Simple Course. Just go to BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate.

Not only that, your 7-day trail also gives you complete access to the entire library of courses on business topics like leadership, sales, product optimization, and more.

Start your free 7-day trial now at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Celebrate.

This offer expires July 7th, so don’t wait!

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

We talk a lot about the importance of having a clear message in your marketing. After all, if you confuse, you'll lose! But did you know the same is true with design? Too many businesses focus on creating a flashy logo or sleek landing page and forget all about making it easy for your customer to buy your product. If your website or marketing materials have a design that is unclear or confusing, it's costing you.

In today's episode, J.J. and April are joined by StoryBrand and Business Made Simple's Kyle Reid, VP of Design and Development, who helps unpack the importance of design in your marketing and messaging. Kyle shares how to approach design to make sure it's working for you, not against you, and acting as an asset in getting more customers to buy. Whether you're a pro with Photoshop or have no clue where to start when it comes to design, this episode will help.

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Did you know we certify full-suite marketing agencies? That’s right! If you own a marketing agency, and you need your entire team to understand the StoryBrand framework, apply to become a Certified Agency at StoryBrand.com/Agency. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll get:

-onsite training on the StoryBrand Framework for your entire team (we do the training for you)

-an exclusive license for your team to use the StoryBrand framework with your clients (everyone will use the same proven framework to get results)

-access to our community of other certified agencies

-and much more

As a StoryBrand Certified Agency, you’ll feel confident that your entire team knows how to create marketing that works. Apply today at StoryBrand.com/Agency.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Building your own marketing business can be hard and lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. When you become a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you’ll join a like-minded community of marketers from all over the world. Apply before March 8 for our upcoming training at StoryBrand.com/ApplyNow.

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In today’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins explore the innovative marketing behind the band Jungle’s latest album, Volcano. They’re joined by guest Charlie Di Placido, the director and collaborator behind the viral music videos that propelled Jungle into the spotlight. Discover how Jungle used the power of viral moments, leveraged strategic collaborations (including a new international campaign with Gap), and made an entire movie for their album to get people interested. These unique strategies offer valuable lessons for marketers looking to elevate their game. Tune in and learn how creativity, collaboration, and the courage to dream big can change the way you do marketing!

Callouts from this episode:

Volcano - A Motion Picture by Jungle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU5tSF6k-m8

Jungle - Back on 74 (Live at the 2024 BRIT Awards): https://youtu.be/mPSt74adFnQ?si=sLEeAxi-91ggJ907

GAP x Jungle - Linen Moves Campaign (feat. Tyla): https://youtu.be/8unVMB-LoT8?si=tf8sWiTrarqPWaeE

Follow Jungle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungle4eva/

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

"I know the StoryBrand framework is great, but will it work for my premium products or luxury brand?"
 
In this series, we're answering the question, “Will it work for me?” Previously on the podcast, we explored each part of the StoryBrand framework, and now we’re showing you how to apply them directly into your specific business or organization. No matter if your business is B2B or B2C, for-profit or non-profit, a big corporation or a personal brand - the StoryBrand framework will work for you!

In this episode, J.J. and April dive deep to answer, “Will the StoryBrand framework work with your premium products or luxury brand?” They'll also walk you through shaping your messaging for your high end products so you're reaching the right customers who want to buy.

 
You’ll also hear from StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay. Wes guides you through how to craft your premium product's messaging around solving an identity problem and not a physical problem. You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Wes Gay directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/WesGay.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Every week on the Marketing Made Simple Podcast, we break down different ways you can use the StoryBrand framework to clarify your message and grow your business. But because your business is unique, so are your marketing problems! That is exactly why our newest series is all about giving you the specific answers you need around the specific problems holding you back when it comes to your marketing and messaging.

In today's episode, J.J. and April hear from Hero Makers like you about what's still holding them back when it comes to marketing and messaging and provide the solutions needed to break through to the other side. If you're still struggling with your marketing, we're here to give you some much needed relief!

Past Episodes Mentioned in Today's Conversation:

#1: Donald Miller—The Framework That Makes Marketing Easy

#24: Will StoryBrand Work if You're an Artist?

#26: Will StoryBrand Work for Your Personal Brand?

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WHICH PART OF YOUR MARKETING WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COVER ON A FUTURE EPISODE? CALL AND LET US KNOW: 615-649-0705

ALIGN YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH A STORYBRAND ON-SITE WORKSHOP: StoryBrand.com/PrivateWorkshops

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

DISCOVER WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING & GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Whether you are looking for your next opportunity or your business is on the search to hire amazing talent, the StoryBrand framework can set you up for success! Just like in your marketing, using the right message is critically important when you create a resume. At the same time, when you create a job posting looking for your next employee, using the wrong messaging can turn qualified candidates away.

Today on the podcast, J.J. and April talk to StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Rhoten all about how to use the StoryBrand framework in your resume and recruiting efforts to position yourself firmly as a guide to your potential employer or employees. Can StoryBrand help you find your dream job? Lean in and listen to this episode to find out.

You can contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Ryan Rhoten directly at www.ClarifyYourMessage.com/Ryan-Rhoten. 

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APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide 

APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency

CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Help us deliver even more value each episode by completing our Hero Maker survey at StoryBrand.com/Survey. What are you loving each week? What do you want more of? How else can we help make your marketing easy and make it work? Let us know! Just go to StoryBrand.com/Survey.

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Are you a podcast lover with a dream of starting your own show? You probably have a ton of questions: What equipment do I need? How do I record and upload episodes? How long will it take me to grow a following? Starting a podcast can seem intimidating and you may feel like you don’t have what you need to get started.

In today’s episode, J.J. and April talk with Benjamin Shapiro, producer and host of the MarTech podcast, about what it really takes to start a podcast. Ben shares how aspiring podcasters should think of growing their podcast in 3 distinct phases, and how knowing what the first phase looks like can free you to get started. Listen now to learn what you can start doing immediately to get started on your dream!

Listen to and follow the MarTech Podcast at MarTechPod.com.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Traditional productivity advice often assumes a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but for many people —especially those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits—that approach can actually slow you down. You may even feel ashamed of your inability to focus or stay organized, but the real problem might be that the traditional methods weren’t designed for you. Instead of forcing yourself into methods that don’t align with your natural strengths, it's important to recognize that you may need a different approach. So how do you work with your brain, not against it, to get things done?

In this week’s episode, hosts J.J. and April speak with licensed clinical professional counselor Isabelle Richards, an expert in ADHD and co-host of the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast. They explore how neurodivergent traits like ADHD can impact the way we work, especially in high-pressure roles like marketing. You’ll learn how to set up systems and environments that align with the way your brain works so you can thrive in your career and get more done with less stress. Tune in and get actionable strategies to help you harness your unique strengths without compromising your well-being.

Discover your path to getting things done and download your free Something Shiny ADHD Accommodations Finder at SomethingShinyPodcast.com/MMS.

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Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Setting goals can be both exciting and scary. If you find yourself setting big goals at the beginning of each year, only to feel overwhelmed and disappointed as time passes, you're not alone. Many people find it tough to stick to their goals, especially when they're afraid of failing. This isn't just about personal goals—it's true for work goals too, where the pressure can be even greater. 

In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April tackle the goal-setting issue head-on. They talk with Michael Hyatt, founder of Full Focus and author of Your Best Year Ever, who shares his expertise on the matter. Michael has been a long-time friend of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, and is a leading expert on effective goal setting. He'll help you avoid the 5 biggest mistakes people often make when setting goals. And you’ll walk away with practical tips and strategies to set goals that you can really achieve. Tune in and learn how to start the year off right and maintain momentum with your goals and resolutions!

Order the updated version of Michael's best-seller Best Year Ever, then go to YourBestYearEverBook.com to get loads of amazing bonuses!

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Every day, we’re surrounded by stories—on social media, in conversations, and even in our own heads. But have you ever stopped to wonder why stories are so powerful? They connect us, help us make sense of the world, and have been humanity’s most effective tool for survival. But how do they work their magic, and what happens when they’re used to manipulate rather than inspire?

In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why stories are more than just entertainment—they’re a survival mechanism hardwired into our brains. You’ll learn how storytelling influences everything from personal relationships to cult-like movements. Listen in to discover why stories are the key to living a more meaningful and intentional life.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck.

Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Building a database of warm prospects takes time and dedication. So many times, businesses miss the mark and fail to spot an opportunity that is right in front of them—leaving money on the table. When we have a potential customer’s attention but they’re not yet ready to buy, we want to be sure to keep that communication line open and find a way to follow up. But how do we do that? 

In this week's episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins welcome special guest Josh Taylor, a 7-year StoryBrand Certified Guide. They continue the conversation series: "What is something you’ve seen and learned in your marketing career that you know to be true?" You'll discover what Josh does to keep potential customers’ attention, what he offers them, and what he asks in return. Tune in and learn how to turn "not-yet" potential buyers into "take my money" customers!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Taylor directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Josh-Taylor.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

CLARIFY YOUR ALL OF YOUR MARKETING AND MESSAGING IN ONLY TWO DAYS! REGISTER NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORYBRAND MARKETING WORKSHOP HAPPENING FEB 28 - MARCH 1, 2022:  StoryBrand.com/LIVE

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Do you get overwhelmed when new technology starts sounding like a foreign language? That’s how a lot of people feel about Web 3.0. The concept isn’t easily understood, which makes people assume it’s probably going to be irrelevant to them. But the truth is, Web 3.0 is here to stay and is going to have a major impact on digital marketing.

In today’s episode, J.J. talks with Steph Taylor, host of the Imperfect Action podcast and owner of a million-dollar online business. Steph helps J.J. explore the exciting new world of Web 3.0 and why it's going to matter for marketers. If you’ve ever been frustrated by Instagram algorithms or the power that other digital marketing platforms have over your marketing efforts, you’ll love hearing how Web 3.0 is going to change all of that. Listen in now to learn why Web 3.0 matters for you and how you can leverage it to serve more customers!

Listen to and follow the Imperfect Action podcast at StephTaylor.co.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Now that you have a one-liner and website, your potential customer is curious about how you can help them solve their problem. That’s where your lead generator comes in. A lead generator is a free yet valuable asset you offer potential clients as a way of building authority and trust. Lead generators are also a key way to capture potential customers’ emails so you can continue guiding them on the journey to buying your product.

• The six things a great lead generator needs to do

• Examples of an effective lead generator

• How to get started building a lead generator

Many people are afraid to leave their full-time jobs because they're not sure they could ever make it on their own as a coach or consultant. The stakes are too high. There's too much to learn. Where do you even begin in such a crowded marketplace? Here's the truth: coaches with a clear plan and who follow the right steps to grow their businesses survive. Coaches without a plan don't. Our new nine-part Coach Builder limited podcast series is here to walk you through those steps! 

Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed, and every Tuesday starting February 6th for nine weeks, host Donald Miller will unpack how you can start turning your expertise into a thriving coaching business. In this preview of an upcoming episode, Don breaks down the very first step you need to take to start this journey.

If you're ready to put an end to feeling undervalued at work and embark down the path to becoming a successful coach, don't miss the upcoming Coach Builder limited podcast series. Follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts, and every Tuesday for nine weeks starting February 6th, you'll learn the essential steps to establish a thriving coaching business, allowing you to make more money by working less and build a career you love!

Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast.

You've probably heard how the StoryBrand framework can transform your marketing and messaging by inviting your customers into a compelling story where they become the hero with you as their guide. But did you know you can implement the framework into every part of your business?

In today's episode, J.J. and April talk with Brannon Bourland, Director of Marketing at Facility Solutions Group, all about how the StoryBrand framework has not only changed how his company talks about their products externally, but also its effectiveness when used internally. If you are wanting to strengthen your business from the inside out, today's conversation will show you how!

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APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE: StoryBrand.com/Guide 

APPLY TO BECOME A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED AGENCY: StoryBrand.com/Agency

CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Have you ever been stumped at how to create an effective sales funnel? From website messaging to lead generators to sales emails, we’ve got you covered! Download our free, step-by-step guide at StoryBrand.com/Sales-Funnel-Plan.

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Creating a lead magnet may seem like an easy project. But if you’re like most people, when you sit down to actually create one, your mind goes blank! Even worse, you start believing that maybe your business doesn’t have anything of value to give away in exchange for a lead’s email address. The result? Your business remains stuck with no way to capture leads and build an email list.

In today’s episode, you get an inside look at the nitty gritty process of creating a lead generator for a company that didn’t feel like they had anything to offer. You’ll get to hear StoryBrand Certified Guide, David Lillard, coach Gabe Morrison through creating a lead generator for his business. Gabe owns Vise and Virtue Woodworking (ViseVirtue.com) and is at a loss for what type of lead generator to offer his audience. Tune in now to hear how J.J. and David help Gabe create a lead generator that’s not only valuable to his audience – but helps takes his business where he wants it to go!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide David Lillard directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/David-Lillard.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Many businesses feel like they have something to prove and position themselves as the hero in their story. But customers aren't looking for another hero, they're looking for a guide! When you position yourself as the guide, showing customers exactly how your product can fix their problems and transform them into the hero, you're destined to win!

This week, J.J. and April unpack the Guide section of the StoryBrand framework and show how you can: 

-Use specific language throughout your marketing to position your brand as the guide

-Combine empathy and authority to build trust and engagement

-Craft your marketing tools, like a sales email, through the voice of a guide

J.J. also talks with Rob Hughes, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how he worked with a client to reposition themselves as the guide and how it completely transformed their business!

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Rob Hughes, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Begin applying the StoryBrand Framework to your marketing by creating your own BrandScript for FREE at MyStoryBrand.com.

Marketing that truly acknowledges and values diversity isn’t just important—it's imperative. Creating a welcoming space for everyone can seem complex, maybe even a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Simple accommodations and thoughtful options can go a long way. So what are some ways businesses are implementing inclusive marketing to make their customers feel seen and valued?

In this Deep Dive episode, host April Sunshine Hawkins delves into the realm of inclusive marketing, drawing inspiration from Sonia Thompson’s interview in our last episode (Episode #139). Through her recent experiences with Nashville Children's Theatre, April explores how marketing can be tailored to be more welcoming of neurodiverse audiences. She underscores the importance of embracing all diversity in marketing and offers creative strategies for businesses to help their customers feel a sense of belonging. Tune in for insight and ideas on how you can start expanding your efforts to cater to a wider audience!

Referenced in this episode:

Inclusion and Marketing Podcast Episode #85 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/85-lessons-in-belonging-from-beyonces-renaissance-world/id1604907821?i=1000635016030

Nashville Children's Theatre - https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Is your website failing to bring in sales? You may have a great looking site with a fancy tagline, but if it’s not selling, you’re probably missing the most important element: clear messaging that shows how you solve your customer’s problem. So what steps can you take to transform your website into a revenue-generating powerhouse?

In today’s episode, hosts J.J. and April are joined by Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, to discuss a simple formula for building a website that will generate leads and drive sales. You’ll also discover the reason why 65% of businesses fail and how you can avoid being one of them. Listen in and learn how to turn your website into a lean, mean sales machine!

Get free access to The Ultimate Website Template at BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website.

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START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Hero Makers, it's been a joy to serve you this year. We have been overwhelmed by the number of people in our listening community who have finally found clarity on how to craft marketing that works. We always say that marketing should be easy, so our gift to you this season is an episode that will make it even easier!

In this two-part series, we're revisiting some of our biggest "ah-ha" moments of the year. The moments that caused a lightbulb to go off in your brain. The moments that made you say, "I finally get it!" and "I can really do this!" So buckle up, Hero Makers! You're in for a jammed packed episode of "ah-ha".

In this episode, J.J. and April revisit our biggest "ah-ha" moment to date when they talked with Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple, about the StoryBrand framework, the framework that powers this podcast. Don will guide you through each part of the StoryBrand framework and how you can immediately use it to take action to clarify your message.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Feeling stuck with your marketing efforts? Maybe your emails aren't hitting the mark or crafting marketing materials is leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated. Well, we've got your back! Call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. If selected, your question could be featured in an upcoming episode where J.J. and April coach you through so you're finally unstuck.

Just call 615-649-0705 and let us your name, the name of your business, and what's got you stuck. We can't wait to hear from you!

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It’s no secret: so many people are exhausted and overwhelmed these days. So they have to make choices about where they’re putting their attention. Now, think about your brand’s messaging. How are you reaching out? What story are you telling? If people don’t feel like you understand them or care about them, they likely won’t give you any of their precious time. So how can you show them you care and you “get it,” so they will want to hear what you have to say?

In this week’s episode, J.J. and April ask special guest Daniel Bussius the question: “What is something you’ve seen and learned in your marketing career that you know to be true?” Daniel is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and owner of Built By Love, an award-winning digital marketing agency. He reveals the one truth that has remained constant over his 25+ years of experience, regardless of the industry, the size of the business, or what marketing strategies they use. You’ll also walk away with two expert tips that will give your marketing message the greatest impact. Listen in and learn the secrets to cutting through the busy-ness and overwhelm to make sure your customers receive the message they need to hear!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Daniel Bussius directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/built-by-love.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Social media is a very effective way of connecting with your customers and growing your brand, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s hard knowing which platform is right for your business, how often you should post, and most importantly, what kind of message to post.

Today’s episode starts off our newest series all about clarifying your messaging throughout the ecosystem of your business, and over the next few episodes J.J. and April are diving deep into all things social media. In this episode, StoryBrand’s Director of Marketing, Marlee Joseph, joins J.J. to break down three easy tips you can immediately implement within your social media messaging so it is clear and works.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework, the marketing framework that shows you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they are the hero with you as their guide.

Never miss an episode and follow Marketing Made Simple on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.

Many people are afraid to leave their full-time jobs because they're not sure they could ever make it on their own as a coach or consultant. The stakes are too high. There's too much to learn. Where do you even begin in such a crowded marketplace? Here's the truth: coaches with a clear plan and who follow the right steps to grow their businesses survive. Coaches without a plan don't. Our new nine-part Coach Builder limited podcast series is here to walk you through those steps!

Just follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed, and every Tuesday starting February 6th for nine weeks, host Donald Miller will unpack how you can start turning your expertise into a thriving coaching business.

If you're ready to put an end to feeling undervalued at work and embark on the journey to becoming a successful coach, don't miss the upcoming Coach Builder limited podcast series. Follow the Business Made Simple Podcast feed wherever you stream podcasts, and every Tuesday for nine weeks starting February 6th, you'll learn the essential steps to establish a thriving coaching business, allowing you to make more money by working less and build a career you love!

Pre-order Coach Builder, Donald Miller's new book, at CoachBuilderBook.com/Podcast.

Everyone procrastinates. It’s a thing. These days, people have more and more tasks to accomplish, while the days seem to get shorter and shorter—so putting things off is a natural end result. But delayed action often leads to inaction. And when your customers keep delaying the decision to purchase your product—sometimes indefinitely—it costs you money. So what can we do to light a fire under the leads who are dragging their feet?

In this episode of Marketing Made Simple, J.J. and April are chatting with special guest Josh Cantrell, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and a B2B marketing pro. Josh answers the question: “What is one thing you’ve learned that has changed the way you do marketing?“ He reveals the importance of creating a sense of urgency in marketing, how to make your customers more responsive, and the direct response strategies that can do just that. Listen in and discover how to inspire procrastinating customers to finally take action!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Josh Cantrell directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Josh-Cantrell.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

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Leading a business means constantly being pulled between competing demands. Should you focus on increasing profits or making a bigger impact? Should you embrace stability or push for innovation? When grappling with these either-or decisions, many people freeze up or choose one path at the expense of the other. But what if you didn’t have to pick? What if the best strategy is embracing both options?

In this week’s episode, Dr. JJ Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with leadership expert Tim Arnold, author of Lead with AND, to explore how embracing “both-and” thinking can help you manage tension instead of trying to solve it. Tim breaks down 6 key tensions leaders face and practical strategies to navigate them, so you don’t have to feel like you’re always choosing between opposites. Listen in and learn how to ditch the binary thinking and start leading with a mindset that grows your team, your business, and your impact.

Discover where you stand on the Both/And Leadership spectrum as well as how to navigate the 6 key tensions. Get your free assessment now at LeadWithAnd.com and start leading with balance and clarity.

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Does your company have a clear message? If not, it could be costing you thousands if not more. But don't worry because Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand and Marketing Made Simple, joins our inaugural episode to guide you through the StoryBrand framework which has already helped thousands of businesses clarify their message to turn browsers into buyers. 

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Every Wednesday starting June 23, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins, will deliver practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework you can immediately apply to improve your marketing to get more cash in the door! 

Your marketing should be easy and it should work! Subscribe today to the Marketing Made Simple podcast and learn how to build your marketing the right way.

Money stresses us out. Whether you're a small business owner or just trying to manage personal finances, it can feel like you’re always juggling competing priorities. Should you be saving more? Investing in your business? Can you even afford to? Add in the weight of societal pressures, and it’s easy to see why 73% of Americans rank finances as their top stressor. But what if getting clear on your money values (not just the numbers) could help relieve the stress and guide your financial decisions?

In this week’s episode, hosts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins sit down with financial therapist Dr. Sonya Lutter, who combines financial planning with family therapy to show how aligning your finances with your core values can change the game. You'll learn why getting organized and understanding your true priorities helps reduce financial stress—both personally and in your business. Tune in for practical steps to align your financial decisions with your values and start making your money work for you!

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Every business owner knows it: running a business can be crazy stressful. Between managing finances, handling sales and marketing, and keeping up with a never-ending to-do list, it can feel like you're drowning in things to do and decisions to make. To make matters worse, many of the solutions offered to small business owners cost a fortune and don’t work.

In today’s episode, our ultimate marketing crush, Donald Miller, joins J.J. and April for a special episode to show you that growing your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing. When you know how to grow the 6 key parts of your business, you can grow your business with confidence and ease. Listen in to learn the 6-step framework Donald Miller reveals in his upcoming book, "How to Grow Your Small Business", which releases next week!

This is the last week to pre-order "How to Grow Your Small Business" at GrowYourSmallBusiness.com/Podcast and get access to three amazing pre-order bonuses valued at over $1,000:

1) An Audio Summary of the Book:

Get a 70-minute audio summary delivered straight to your inbox when you pre-order.

2) The StoryBrand Website Checklist:

Turn your website into a sales machine that turns visitors into paying customers.

3) The Business Growth Bootcamp (Live Virtual Event): 

Ramp up your business growth with live training from Donald Miller, J.J. Peterson, and special guest Amy Porterfield.

Don't miss out and pre-order now at GrowYourSmallBusiness.com/Podcast.

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HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

APPLY TO BE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE SO YOU CAN GUIDE BUSINESSES THROUGH CREATING THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING THEY NEED TO GROW: StoryBrand.com/Guide

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

The StoryBrand framework is all about clarity. But will using the StoryBrand framework make you sound boring? In today’s episode, J.J. and April tackle this question with the help of Jessie Congleton, StoryBrand Certified Guide and professional copywriter and marketing strategist. As a copywriter who has crafted messaging for multiple brands, Jessie provides expert advice on how to create authentic, personality-packed copy without sacrificing clarity.

First, Jessie recommends writing with clarity first and infusing personality later. According to Jessie, the best way to build a clear message is by using the StoryBrand BrandScript. Once you have your core messaging nailed down, Jessie suggests bringing in your personality in these key areas on your website: 1) In the section where you explain the philosophical problem you solve and the why behind your brand 2) In the section where you lay out the plan for your customers to buy your product. Listen in to learn how you can infuse personality into these key areas and help your brand stand out in the market!

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/JessieCongleton.

Businesses Jessie referenced in this episode:

CornerPostMeats.com

KikiAndLuluco.com

BougieDawg.co

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PRE-ORDER DONALD MILLER'S NEW BOOK HOW TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AND GET A PROVEN 6-STEP PLAN FOR GROWTH: GrowYourSmallBusiness.com

START CLARIFYING YOUR MARKETING NOW AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: MyStoryBrand.com

WORRIED THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR MARKETING? GET A CUSTOMIZED PLAN TO FIX IT: StoryBrandMarketingReport.com

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Nonprofit leaders work hard and care deeply, but sometimes their message isn’t clear enough to get people excited and involved. The stories are powerful, and the mission is strong, but the message can get lost. It’s a frustrating reality for nearly every marketer involved in the nonprofit sector. So how do you communicate your vision in a way that gets your donors, volunteers, and supporters to rally behind you and make a real impact? 

In the newest episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins bring in StoryBrand Certified Guides Natasha Paradeshi and Christian Hinojosa, of Solace Media, to break down how to transform nonprofit messaging. You’ll learn how to create multiple brand scripts that speak directly to your different audiences—whether it’s your board, your volunteers, or your donors—so they feel seen, valued, and inspired to act. Plus, discover the power of ethical storytelling and why tapping into hope, vision, and strategic clarity is the game changer your nonprofit needs. Even if you’re running a for-profit business, these insights will challenge you to rethink how you engage your audience. Tune in and learn how clear messaging can turn your mission into a movement that changes lives.

Contact StoryBrand Certified Guides Natasha Paradeshi and Christian Hinojosa directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Solace or Solace.Media.

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Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast!

CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.

We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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Thought leaders influence the way we see the world, solve problems, and make decisions. But what makes someone a true thought leader? Are they original thinkers with unique worldviews, or can they be curators sharing their opinions and amplifying others’ ideas? With the rise of social media, it’s harder than ever to tell the difference. So how can we separate the trailblazers from those simply echoing the ideas of others?

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed unpack the art of thought leadership. They break down what sets true thought leaders apart, why their ideas stick, and how they inspire action on a deeper, almost tribal level. You’ll also learn the 3 steps to take if you want to become a thought leader yourself! Listen in and learn what makes thought leaders so influential and why their ideas catch fire.

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Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Being a scrappy entrepreneur is all about making the most of what you have. But when it comes to funding your business, it's easy to feel like you've hitting a brick wall. Financial realities can make your dream of starting a business seem unlikely, or worse: completely impossible. Have hope, heromaker! If you're bootstrapping your startup, you just need to know the right steps to launch without breaking the bank. 

In this episode of our Getting Unstuck series, hosts J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins respond to a question from listener Alonzo of Hourglass Productions. As a first-time LLC owner, he’s feeling stuck because he doesn't know how to fund his business. J.J. and April walk him through the steps he needs to take to get his business off the ground, including clarifying his message, creating an elevator pitch, building a website, and attracting investors. Tune in and learn how to fund your business without losing your shirt!

Need more clarity on how you can build out the ultimate marketing funnel for your business? Listen to our deep dive episodes below:

#148: The Power of a One-Liner to Unite Your Team and Transform Your Marketing
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-a-one-liner-to-unite-your-team/id1569923210?i=1000649837792

#13: How to Create a Website that Works
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-create-a-website-that-works/id1569923210?i=1000535392375

#14: Why You Need a Lead Generator and How to Build One
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-you-need-a-lead-generator-and-how-to-build-one/id1569923210?i=1000536254780

#114: How to Write Nurture Emails (The Right Way)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-write-nurture-emails-the-right-way/id1569923210?i=1000625367118

#116: The Ultimate “Non-Salesy” Sales Email Formula
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-made-simple/id1569923210?i=1000626928831

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CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7

HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com

HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey

STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

A story lives and dies based on one question: Will the hero succeed or will they fail? This is also true for your marketing. You need to tell your customer what’s at stake if they don’t buy your product. Without clearly showing that failure, your customer has no motivation to make a purchase.

This week, J.J. and April work through the Failure section of the StoryBrand framework and show you: 

• Exactly how to talk about failure without overwhelming your customer

• How to breakdown and show the consequences related to not buying your product

• Whether to use short-term vs. long-term failure in your messaging

We also talk with Jessie Congleton, one of our amazing StoryBrand Certified Marketing Guides, who shares how introducing failure in her client’s marketing actually inspired customer’s to take action and buy during what was typically a slow season.  Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Jessie Congleton directly at ClarifyYourMessage.com/JessieCongleton.

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, marketing experts Dr. J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins give you practical marketing tips rooted in the StoryBrand framework and show you how to invite customers into a beautiful story where they become the hero and you become their guide. And when you help your customers win, you win. Subscribe to weekly episodes, dropping every Wednesday in the Marketing Made Simple feed! Just search "Marketing Made Simple" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Our StoryBrand certified marketing guides, like Jessie Congleton, are the best marketers in the world. Hire a guide to help clarify your marketing and messaging at MarketingMadeSimple.com.