Podcast
Imperfect Marketing
Hosted by Kendra Corman · EN
Join Kendra Corman and her guests as they provide small business owners and solopreneurs actionable tips and insights about how to do more effective and efficient marketing that drives results.
30episodes
Episodes
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Why Do Productivity Hacks Work for Men but Not Women?
3d ago00:28:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre you forcing productivity… when your body is asking for something different?What if your “inconsistent” energy is actually your biggest advantage?And what if working with your body—not against it—could make everything easier?If this episode changes how you think about productivity and business, be sure to follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear this.Most business advice tells you to stay consistent, push through, and keep going—no matter how you feel. But what if that approach is exactly what’s holding you back?In this episode, we dive into a completely different way of working—one that aligns your business with your natural energy cycles instead of fighting against them. Renae shares how understanding hormonal rhythms can transform how women approach content creation, decision-making, and productivity.This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. When you start aligning your work with your body, everything shifts. You gain clarity, confidence, and a more sustainable way to grow your business without burnout. This episode will show you:How to work with your energy instead of constantly pushing through A simple framework for aligning your business with your cycle The best times to create content, plan, and execute Why traditional productivity advice often fails women How to feel more confident and effective in your workIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not getting the results you want, this approach offers a smarter, more aligned way forward.About our guestRenae Fieck is a coach and entrepreneur who helps women align their businesses with their natural hormonal rhythms. After experiencing burnout while trying to do it all, she discovered a more sustainable way to work—one that honors how women’s bodies actually function. Today, she teaches women how to use their cycles as a powerful tool for productivity, clarity, and successWebsite: https://renaefieck.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingmomsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaefieck Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →Marketing Is Community (And Community Is Marketing)
1w ago00:26:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre you trying to grow your business… but feel like no one is paying attention?Do you think you need a big audience before you can build real momentum?What if the real secret to growth isn’t more followers—but stronger community?If you’ve been chasing growth but craving connection, this conversation will shift how you think about marketing—follow the show for more real, practical insights.What if everything you’ve been told about growing your business is backwards?In this episode, Kendra sits down with Elizabeth Henson to unpack why community is marketing—and why the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the loudest or most polished… they’re the most intentional. Elizabeth shares how she built her first six-figure business by documenting her journey (not perfecting it) and how that same approach still works today.You’ll learn why “magnetic leadership” isn’t about charisma, why showing up for one person matters just as much as showing up for one hundred, and how letting go of perfection can actually accelerate your growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the “right moment” or a bigger audience—this conversation will give you a new way forward.This episode will show you: • How to build a business through community (even with a small audience) • A simple framework for “magnetic leadership” that attracts people naturally • Why sharing your journey builds trust faster than polished content • The mindset shift that removes fear of judgment and rejection • How small, intentional connections lead to real growth and referralsOpportunity positioning sentence If you’re ready to stop chasing algorithms and start building meaningful connections that actually convert, this episode will show you how.About our guest Elizabeth Henson is a business coach, community builder, and host of the Messy Success Podcast. She helps creatives and entrepreneurs build profitable businesses by embracing imperfection, sharing their journey, and creating intentional communities that drive real growth.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhensonco/Website: https://elizabethhenson.co/ Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →SEO Is Dead. Search Everywhere Optimization Is Here | Wes Towers
2w ago00:26:09Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre you still relying on Google alone to get found? Wondering why your website traffic is shifting—but your leads aren’t? Or why your marketing feels like it’s working… but you can’t quite track it anymore?If this episode resonates with you, make sure to follow Imperfect Marketing so you don’t miss future conversations that break down what’s actually working right now.SEO hasn’t disappeared—but it has evolved in a big way. In this episode, Kendra talks with Wes Towers about the shift from traditional search engine optimization to what he calls “search everywhere optimization.” Today’s buyers aren’t just Googling—they’re using AI tools, voice search, and multiple platforms to find answers, often before they ever visit your website. That shift means the old playbook—keywords, rankings, and traffic reports—doesn’t tell the full story anymore. Instead, it’s about building quality content, simplifying your message, and creating trust signals that validate your business when someone is ready to buy. From reviews to website clarity to consistent visibility, this episode breaks down how to stay relevant and competitive in a noisy, fast-changing digital world. This episode will show you: • How SEO is evolving in the age of AI and multi-platform search • A smarter approach to creating content that actually gets found • The role of trust signals (like reviews) in driving conversions • Why simplifying your website can increase leads • How consistency and personality impact your marketing resultsIf you stop chasing rankings and start focusing on clarity, trust, and consistency, you’ll create a marketing strategy that not only gets you found—but gets you chosen👤 About Our Guest – Wes Towers:Wes is the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency specializing in websites and search optimization. While his agency works across industries, he’s recently niched into construction—helping companies stand out in a highly competitive space through smarter, more strategic online visibility.Website: https://uplift360.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uplift360Aus Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →AI Tools I Actually Use and the Ones I Dropped
3w ago00:12:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve actually been using AI in my day-to-day marketing work—beyond the hype, beyond the shiny tools. I share what’s in my current tech stack, what didn’t live up to expectations, and what genuinely made me more efficient (and what didn’t). If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of new AI tools, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.The Reality of Today’s AI Landscape New AI tools are launching constantly—sometimes faster than we can evaluate them It’s easy to get distracted by “shiny object syndrome” You don’t need every tool—you need the right tool for the job The goal isn’t to use AI everywhere, but to use it where it truly helps What’s in My Current AI StackI break down the tools I’m consistently using and why:Claude: My main workhorse for writing, strategy, and even presentations Perplexity: Go-to for research, comparisons, and step-by-step answers ChatGPT: Primarily for building and sharing custom GPTs with clients NotebookLM: Powerful for handling large amounts of context and research Built-in AI (Loom, Riverside): Helpful for content production workflows Surprising AI Tools Worth ExploringSome tools exceeded expectations:Branding 5: A strong positioning tool that helps clarify messaging Vocable AI: Useful for generating social content ideas (especially for clients) NanoBanana Pro: Solid for image generation Claude for presentations: Surprisingly powerful—even rivaling tools like Gamma What Didn’t Work (or Didn’t Stick)Not every tool is a win—and that’s okay:AI assistants that lacked context or usefulness Asana AI: Underwhelming (possibly due to limited input/context) Ubooks: Poor experience for nonfiction writing Gamma.app: Still useful, but possibly being replaced by Claude Microsoft Copilot: More of a habit issue than a tool issue Key insight: Sometimes it’s not the tool—it’s fit, timing, or how you’re using it.How to Actually Use AI Effectively Test tools on real work, not demo projects Compare tools against each other to find the best fit Give tools a fair shot—but don’t force them into your workflow The best tools become invisible—they just workAI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Enhancing You AI won’t replace thinking—it enhances it Use AI for: Brainstorming Strategy pressure-testing “Shadow boxing” ideas to find gaps Your expertise and judgment still matter more than ever Practical Advice to Get StartedIf you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed: Pick one task that drains you each week Test one AI tool on that task Don’t try five tools at once Give yourself permission to drop what doesn’t work Key Takeaways Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →Why Sales Feels Icky (And How to Fix It) | Jonny Holsten
Apr 1600:23:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Jonny Holsten of BridgeSelling to unpack why sales gets such a bad reputation—and how to fix it. We dive into what actually works in modern sales conversations (hint: it’s not scripts or pressure).Jonny shares his journey from marketing into sales strategy and how that shift led to his book Fix Your Broken Sales Calls. Together, we explore how to move from chasing leads to building meaningful, problem-solving conversations.Here’s what we cover:From Leads to “Best Fit” Clients Why all leads are not worth your time The 4-part framework for identifying a true “best fit” customer How narrowing your focus actually increases conversions Why Sales Feels “Icky” (and How to Fix It) The real reason selling feels uncomfortable for so many people Why belief in what you’re selling changes everything The difference between pushing a sale and solving a problem The Power of Better Questions How great sales conversations start with curiosity, not pitching Why most salespeople skip identifying the real problem A simple technique to get prospects to open up more Handling Inbound Leads the Right Way Why inbound leads aren’t always qualified (and that’s okay) How to guide conversations like a consultant, not a salesperson The importance of setting expectations and taking control early Knowing When to Walk Away How to gracefully exit conversations with poor-fit prospects Why referring someone elsewhere can actually grow your business The mindset shift: serving first, selling second Improving Sales Without More Leads Why most teams lack a clear plan for sales calls How small tweaks to discovery calls can drive massive revenue growth The importance of reviewing and learning from your own calls Key Takeaways Selling should feel like helping—not convincing Clarity in your message makes everything easier The better your questions, the better your results Connect with Jonny:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyholsten/If sales has ever felt uncomfortable, awkward, or forced—this episode will change how you think about it.Ready to make sales feel natural (and actually work)? Tune in. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →5 Human Skills That Make You Irreplaceable in the AI Era
Apr 900:26:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Stephanie Sylvestre, founder of Avatar Buddy, to explore how AI is reshaping the way businesses operate—and why human skills matter more than ever.Stephanie shares her fascinating journey from corporate IT leadership to building an AI-powered company, along with the lessons she’s learned along the way (including a few hard-earned ones she hopes you won’t have to repeat).We dive into how businesses can actually use AI effectively—without losing their values, their culture, or their competitive edge.In this conversation, we discuss:The Human Skills That Matter Most in an AI World Why resilience is essential when working with AI (hint: your first output isn’t your best) How creativity and resourcefulness give you a competitive advantage—especially in fast-changing environments The critical role of problem-solving and critical thinking when AI sounds right… but isn’t Why these “human skills” are becoming the real differentiator in an AI-driven world Demystifying AI for Businesses What AI agents actually are—and how they can streamline your workflows How AI can save massive amounts of time when used strategically Why understanding your data is just as important as understanding the technology The biggest mistake organizations make when adopting AI too quickly Responsible AI: Where Ethics Meet Execution Why responsible AI starts with people—not the technology How your data directly shapes your AI outcomes (for better or worse) Practical ways to build ethical guardrails into your AI systems Why transparency, ownership, and respect for content matter more than ever AI, Leadership, and Company Culture How AI can actually strengthen (not weaken) your company culture Why leaders need to treat AI like any other business initiative—with clear goals and strategy The importance of starting small, iterating, and evolving your AI implementation How AI can reduce internal friction and improve team dynamics Key Takeaways for Marketers and Leaders You’re not selling AI—you’re selling trust AI won’t replace people, but people who use AI effectively will have a clear advantage Your values should guide how you implement and use AI Success with AI comes from clarity, strategy, and continuous iteration Whether you're just starting to explore AI or looking to refine how you’re using it in your business, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on what it really takes to succeed.Are you ready to use AI in a way that actually supports your business—and your values? Tune in to learn how to make AI work with you, not instead of you.Connect with StephanieWebsite: https://avatarbuddy.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avatar_buddyai/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avatar_buddyai?lang=en Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →The Science of Getting People to Say Yes (Ethically)
Apr 200:34:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Patrick Van Der Burght, a Cialdini Certified Trainer and expert in ethical persuasion. We explore how understanding the psychology of decision-making can transform the way we approach marketing, sales, and communication.Patrick shares how discovering the science behind persuasion helped him move from struggling sales results to becoming a trusted authority on ethical influence. We discuss:How People Actually Make DecisionsWhy most decisions happen subconsciouslyThe difference between intuitive thinking and logical thinkingHow short attention spans affect modern marketingThe Seven Principles of PersuasionReciprocity, liking, unity, and social proofAuthority, consistency, and scarcityWhy these principles work across cultures and industriesPractical Persuasion StrategiesHow testimonials and social proof influence buyersWhy framing messages around avoiding loss can be more persuasiveThe surprising power of leading with a weaknessKey Takeaways for MarketersEthical persuasion builds trust and long-term relationshipsSmall language changes can dramatically increase resultsUnderstanding human psychology makes marketing more effectiveWhether you're in marketing, sales, or leadership, this episode reveals how small shifts in messaging can lead to stronger influence and better outcomes.Connect with Patrick:Website: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/ Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →When to Turn OFF the AI (And Trust Yourself Instead)
Mar 2600:16:36Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra talks about the growing misuse of AI in marketing and why relying on it too heavily can actually damage your credibility and connection with your audience. While AI can be a powerful tool, Kendra explains why it should support your ideas—not replace your thinking, voice, or experiences. Drawing from real examples with clients and her own marketing experiments, Kendra explores the difference between AI-generated content and AI-assisted content—and why that distinction matters more than ever.The Problem with “AI Slop”How businesses are using AI to generate content without reviewing or editing itWhy generic AI-written blogs and posts weaken credibilityWhat happens when marketing strategy is replaced by automationAI as a Tool, Not a ReplacementWhy AI still needs human insight, direction, and editingThe difference between AI-assisted content and AI-generated contentHow AI can save time without sacrificing authenticityThe Power of Human Stories in MarketingWhy personal stories and experiences connect with audiencesHow unique moments—like real-life anecdotes—create authenticityWhy AI can’t replicate your quirks, voice, or lived experiencesWhat Happens When You Trust Your VoiceHow Kendra saw stronger engagement after shifting from AI-generated to AI-assisted emailsWhy audiences respond to content that feels human and personalHow authentic marketing leads to better results and new clientsKey Takeaways for MarketersWhy strategy and audience understanding must come from you—not AIThe importance of reviewing and editing every piece of AI-assisted contentHow to audit your recent marketing to make sure your voice is still presentIf you’re using AI in your marketing—or wondering if you’re relying on it too much—this episode offers a practical reminder that the real value in your content comes from your perspective, stories, and strategic thinking.AI can help you move faster, but your voice is what makes your marketing meaningful. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →Is AI Killing SEO? What Small Businesses Need to Know Now
Mar 1900:25:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra Corman sits down with SEO expert Kyle Bailey to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the search landscape—and what businesses should really focus on to stay visible online.Kyle shares his journey from growing up around construction trades to building an SEO agency focused on helping home service businesses succeed online. Along the way, the conversation dives into the realities of modern SEO, the myths around AI replacing search, and why understanding your customer still matters more than any algorithm update. The Evolution of SEO in the Age of AIAI tools like ChatGPT are changing how people search for information—but they haven’t replaced traditional search engines.Kyle explains:Why Google still has a major advantage because it can crawl and understand websites more effectivelyHow AI platforms currently rely on signals like reviews and third-party sources (Yelp, Google Reviews, etc.)Why businesses need to expand their reputation across multiple platforms—not just GoogleThe risks of “gaming the system” with SEO shortcuts that create short-term gains but long-term damage The takeaway? Solid SEO fundamentals still matter—and probably always will.The Right Way to Approach SEO StrategyOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make is chasing SEO “cheat codes.”Kyle describes the smarter approach:80% solid SEO fundamentals20% experimentation with new tacticsThis balance allows businesses to stay competitive without risking their entire marketing strategy on short-lived hacks. If you put all your effort into shortcuts, you may see quick wins—but you’ll likely lose everything when algorithms update.Does Blogging Still Matter for SEO?The answer, like many things in marketing, is: it depends.Blogging isn’t just about stuffing keywords anymore. Instead, it should help customers make better decisions.Effective blog content should:Address customers’ biggest fears about working with your businessExplain how your process prevents common problemsEducate buyers so they feel confident choosing youDemonstrate expertise through real-world examplesWhen content answers real questions, it improves both the customer experience and your search visibility. Why Your Website Strategy Matters More Than EverMany businesses try to save money by piecing together website tools or building sites themselves using drag-and-drop builders.Kyle explains why this can create problems:DIY website builders often lack advanced SEO capabilitiesBusinesses may not truly own their domains or dataPiecemeal marketing strategies lead to inconsistent resultsA holistic approach—website, content, reviews, and SEO—creates stronger long-term growthIn other words, your website shouldn’t just exist. It should function as the foundation of your entire marketing strategy. The Most Important Marketing LessonAt the end of the episode, Kyle shares a powerful question every business should ask:“If you c Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →Are You Marketing to the Wrong People? How to Find Your Moose
Mar 1200:25:55Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Kay Miller — sales expert, author of Uncopyable Sales Secrets, and co-creator of the “Be Uncopyable” movement. Kay shares how businesses can stop blending in and start standing out by identifying their ideal customer — or as she calls it, their “moose.”From her early days in male-dominated sales industries to building a brand around differentiation, Kay breaks down why strategy must come before tactics — and why chasing everyone often leads to serving no one.We discuss:Why Most Businesses Struggle with Their Ideal CustomerThe danger of trying to be “all things to all people”Why having business doesn’t always mean having profitable businessHow defining your “moose” clarifies your message and increases resultsThe power of focusing on the 20% that drives 80% of your revenueThe “Moose” Framework ExplainedWhat a moose is — and why you shouldn’t waste time chasing squirrelsHow to identify customers who bring both revenue and long-term valueWhy some audiences may look ideal but lack motivation to buyWhen and how to pivot if you’ve targeted the wrong marketStrategy Before TacticsWhy sending a mailing without clear strategy is a mistakeThe temptation to “just do something” in marketingHow to evaluate your ideal customer through a dollars-and-cents lensWhy profitability and alignment matter more than volumeThe Power of Offline & DifferentiationWhy physical, offline marketing stands out more than everHow targeted “shock and awe” packages can create major ROIWhy branding goes beyond your product or serviceHow to position yourself as uncopyable — even in crowded marketsKey Takeaways for MarketersStart with strategy, not tactics.Define your ideal customer before refining your offer.Being different is not optional — it’s essential.The right customers make your business more profitable and more enjoyable.Marketing works best when it’s aligned, intentional, and focused.Whether you’re just starting your business or re-evaluating your direction, this episode is a reminder to pause, reassess, and ask:Who is my moose — and am I actually speaking to them?If you’re ready to stop blending in and start building a business that’s truly uncopyable, this conversation is for you. Tune in and rethink the way you approach your marketing strategy.Resources & LinksConnect with Kay:🎁 Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millerkay/ 📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millerkay/👉 Download: https://www.beuncopyable.com/action-steps📚 Uncopyable Sales Secrets by Kay Miller: https://amzn.to/4ljeQA9 Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here
Transcribe →