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.
42episodes
Episodes
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AI Work Slop And How To Stop It
Jan 800:25:00Tap to summarizeSend a textWork Slop: Why AI Shortcuts Are Costing Teams More Than They SaveEver get an email, doc, or deck from someone and instantly think, “This is… not it”? In this episode, we’re digging into the rise of work slop—the vague, messy, low-quality output that shows up when AI is used as a replacement for thinking instead of a tool for support.Kendra sits down with Sue Justice, founder of Emory HR, to talk about why this isn’t just an AI problem—it’s a performance, communication, and leadership problem that businesses can’t afford to ignore. We explore:What “Work Slop” Is (and Why It’s Growing)How AI-generated work becomes unclear, incorrect, or incompleteWhy “slapping something together” shifts work to the next personThe difference between using AI as an assistant vs. letting it do the job This Isn’t a Tool Issue—It’s a Behavior IssueHow people have always “phoned it in,” but AI makes it faster and more visibleWhy audiences and teammates can sense when work lacks human touchThe real question leaders must ask: workload problem or character problem?What Leaders Should Do About ItWhen to coach and when to treat it as a performance issueWhy a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) matters before cutting tiesHow industry risk, trust, and legal exposure shape your response Where AI Helps—and Where It Shouldn’t LeadUsing AI for brainstorming or templates vs. high-stakes decisionsWhy contracts and policies need human tone, context, and accountabilityThe risk of letting AI output become “authority” without review Sue’s Biggest Marketing LessonWhy business owners shouldn’t try to do everything themselvesHow doing the wrong work wastes more time than it savesThe sustainability link between delegation and quality Whether you’re leading a team, outsourcing work, or using AI in your own business, this episode is a clear reminder: AI can save time, but only if humans own the standard. If the quality drops, the cost doesn’t disappear—it just lands on someone else. “AI is meant to be an assistant… not the end-all ‘I’ll do it for you’ solution.” – Sue Justice 00:00:00 Introduction to Sue Justice and why HR belongs in this conversation 00:02:06 What “work slop” is and how it shows up at work 00:03:39 Why AI misuse is really a people/performance issue 00:06:53 Skill gap vs. character flaw: how to tell the difference 00:09:57 When work slop becomes a firing-level problem 00:13:05 Transparency, AI policies, and setting clear standards 00:19:01 AI adoption is everywhere—whether companies admit it or not 00:23:04 Sue’s biggest marketing lesson as a business ownerConnect with Sue Justice:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanajustice/Website: https://emeryhr.com/ 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 →312: Why You Don't Need More Leads (Do This Instead)
Oct 900:18:48Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman dives into a common challenge many business owners face: the constant pursuit of new leads at the expense of nurturing existing relationships. Drawing from multiple client experiences, Kendra shares why hiring another salesperson isn’t always the answer—and how email marketing can be a game-changing solution.We explore:The Burnout of Always ChasingWhy relentless networking can drain your time and energyThe hidden costs of depending on a salesperson to replicate your passionHow inconsistent follow-up causes valuable connections to slip through the cracksThe Power of NurturingWhy your best salesperson will always be youHow email marketing bridges the gap between networking events and lasting relationshipsThe difference between one-to-one meetings and building relationships at scaleMaking Email Marketing Work for YouThe importance of writing like you’re talking to one person—your ideal clientHow consistency (weekly or bi-weekly emails) keeps you top of mindUsing stories, examples, and even AI to make the writing process easierWhy “B+ work” and consistency beat waiting for perfection every timeKey Takeaways for Business OwnersGreat relationships beat relentless hustle—every single daySystems will always outperform people when it comes to consistencyEmail marketing is not automation—it’s relationship building at scaleStaying visible and top of mind means being the first call when clients are readyWhether you’re an introverted business owner tired of nonstop networking or a leader wondering if you should hire a new salesperson, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach. Instead of chasing, learn how nurturing your existing connections through email marketing can transform your business.Are you ready to stop chasing and start nurturing? Tune in now and discover how consistent, authentic communication can help you grow without the burnout. 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 Podcast Ads Work Better Than Facebook & Google Ads
Oct 200:23:09Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Eric Smith, President & COO of Incremental Media, to explore the world of podcast advertising and how businesses can leverage it effectively.Eric shares his journey from Vox Media to building Incremental Media’s podcast division from the ground up. We discuss:The Evolution of Podcast AdvertisingHow podcast ads connect to traditional marketing like package insertsWhy host-read endorsements deliver stronger trust and engagementThe rise of podcasts as a core channel for brands seeking diversificationDemystifying Podcast AttributionWhy promo codes only tell part of the storyHow tools like Podscribe bring digital-style tracking to podcastsUnderstanding the real ROI of podcast campaignsFinding the Right Fit for BrandsWhy “considered purchases” outperform impulse buysHow niche podcasts often deliver stronger results than large showsThe importance of testing across multiple categories—not just your own industryGetting Started with Podcast AdvertisingPractical steps to launch a test campaignBudget flexibility and how to avoid overspendingWhy partnering with experts can help you identify the right showsKey Takeaways for MarketersStorytelling and authenticity make podcast ads powerfulData and attribution tools are critical for measuring successDiversification matters—sometimes the best-performing shows aren’t what you expectConnect with Eric Smith:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-smith-a0a07b54/Website: https://www.incrementalmedia.com/Whether you’re a small business owner curious about podcast advertising or a seasoned marketer looking to diversify your media mix, this episode offers valuable insights into harnessing the power of podcast audiences.Are you ready to explore how podcast advertising could transform your business? Tune in to learn how to navigate this fast-growing and effective marketing channel. 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 →How to Build a Lean Marketing Team That Actually Works
Sep 2500:27:08Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Alex Love—VP of Marketing and Communications, adjunct professor, and co-host of the podcast Mastering the Art of Failing. We dive into her unexpected journey into marketing, the lessons learned from failure, and the art of building small but mighty teams.Alex shares how her career evolved from writing grants at a nonprofit to leading marketing teams and teaching the next generation of marketers. We explore:The Power of Learning and TeachingWhy a love of learning keeps marketers adaptable and relevantHow Alex turned her passion for education into a teaching role at GWThe challenges (and joys) of engaging students who just want to “check the box”Lessons in Failure and ResilienceThe rise and fall of Digital District, a pioneering social media communityWhy Alex considers it both her biggest success and her biggest failureHow failure becomes fuel for future opportunities and growthBuilding and Leading Lean TeamsWhy relationship-building is the secret weapon of small marketing departmentsThe importance of hiring for ambition and drive over technical skills aloneHow to communicate that no single marketer can “do it all”Why outsourcing and specialized support free teams to focus on strategyCreativity, Risk-Taking, and Viral WinsHow one “crazy idea” born on a dog walk turned into an award-winning campaignWhy sometimes the riskiest ideas resonate the most with your audienceRedefining what “going viral” really means for niche organizationsKey Takeaways for MarketersMarketing is as much about relationships as it is about tacticsLean teams thrive when curiosity and problem-solving lead the wayFailure is inevitable—but also invaluable in shaping future successSometimes the boldest, quirkiest ideas lead to the greatest impactWhether you’re a solo marketer, part of a lean team, or leading communications at a larger organization, this conversation is full of insights into how to stay creative, scrappy, and resilient in an ever-changing landscape.Connect with Alex Love:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslove/Website: https://rivasolutionsinc.com/🎧 Ready to rethink failure and lean into creativity? Tune in now to hear Alex’s inspiring journey and actionable lessons. 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 You Should Email 3x Per Week (Email Expert Shares)
Sep 1800:29:43Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Zack Zeller, an expert in email marketing, AI, and copywriting. We dive into the evolving role of email as a marketing powerhouse—why it’s still one of the most effective strategies for businesses today and how to do it well.Zack shares how his journey began by accident, sending daily emails to support his college’s fitness club (without the pizza bribes). From there, he built a thriving career working with major names like Jay Shetty, Jordan Belfort, and Agora, discovering firsthand the power of consistent, high-value email communication.The Power of Email MarketingWhy email remains the single tactic that works for nearly every businessHow even a small list of 600 can generate $15,000 in a monthWhy sending three emails a week hits the sweet spot for most businessesThe underrated role of email in building deep relationships versus the fast reach of social mediaUsing AI the Right WayWhy AI can speed up content creation but can also push you backwards if misusedThe “dirty sponge” effect of repetitive, low-quality AI-driven contentHow Zack uses AI to track patterns, test subject lines, and refine campaignsWhy real expertise, experience, and thought leadership must still shine throughReal Results from Real CampaignsA client with just 600 subscribers who saw $15K in sales in 30 daysAn agency owner whose daily emails turned $3K into $181K in just 90 daysHow nurturing leads over time (30, 60, 90+ days) consistently drives 4–5x more salesKey Takeaways for MarketersDon’t fear being “salesy”—the problem is usually not enough marketing, not too muchEmail accelerates the know, like, and trust factorConsistency, case studies, and valuable insights are what make your emails worth openingThe sales question changes from if they’ll buy to when they’ll buyWhether you’re sending monthly newsletters or considering moving to three times a week, this episode will show you why email marketing is still the backbone of lasting success.Are you ready to rethink how often and how well you’re showing up in inboxes? Tune in and discover why email may be the most valuable marketing channel you’re not fully leveraging yet.Connect with Zack:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zackzeller22Website: https://thisshouldntwork.com/test 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 →308: From 2 Days to 20 Minutes: My AI Presentation Workflow That Actually Works
Sep 1100:18:24Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I share how I cut presentation prep time from two days to just twenty minutes by leveraging AI tools and workflows. What used to feel overwhelming and time-consuming has become streamlined, consistent, and—dare I say—fun.We explore the common mistakes most people make when creating presentations, why AI is a game-changer, and the exact five-step process I use to create polished, professional decks without losing days of productivity.The Problem with PresentationsWhy most people waste hours designing slides manuallyHow perfectionism and starting from scratch slows everything downThe pitfalls of relying only on minimal AI features in PowerPoint or Google SlidesThe Two Biggest Mistakes with AINot using AI at all, sticking to manual workNot giving AI enough content and context (remember—AI is not psychic!)My Five-Step Presentation WorkflowFeed AI everything you have: old decks, transcripts, blogs, emails, or even a quick brain dumpBuild and refine the outline: let AI create the structure, then adjust for audience and flowFormat in Markdown: create a clean hierarchy for importing into toolsImport to Gamma.app: edit slides, swap visuals, and customize to your styleExport to PowerPoint or Google Slides: finalize, add extras, and present offline with confidencePro Tips for Saving TimeUse dictation to brain-dump ideas into ChatGPT or Claude on the goAlways verify AI-sourced information (tools like Perplexity can help)Edit primarily in Gamma.app before exporting for the smoothest workflowRepurpose your presentations into worksheets, handouts, or future contentKey Takeaways for MarketersAI can turn presentation prep from days into minutesProviding enough context ensures authentic, tailored slidesConsistency across decks comes naturally when building on your own existing contentEfficiency doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—you’ll gain bothWhether you’re a business owner, marketer, or professional who’s tired of wasting days on slide decks, this episode shows how to reclaim your time and still deliver presentations that wow.Are you ready to stop spending days on presentations and start letting AI do the heavy lifting? Tune in and learn how to transform your workflow today. 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 'When' Converts Better Than 'If' in Marketing
Sep 400:31:01Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Nikki Rausch, sales strategist, coach, and master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). We explore how understanding communication at a deeper level can transform the way you sell, market, and connect with others.Nikki shares her unexpected journey into NLP—beginning with a mentor’s observation about her body language—and how this one insight set her on a path to over 1,200 hours of NLP training. Along the way, we discuss:Understanding NLP and Its Power in CommunicationWhat NLP really is (and what it isn’t)The three categories of communication—words, body language, and voice quality—and why words alone make up just 7%How to adjust your communication style to create stronger connection and trustUsing NLP in Sales and MarketingThe role of “toward” vs. “away from” motivational traits in persuasive messagingHow to balance benefit-focused and pain-point-driven language to appeal to more of your ideal audienceWhy repelling the wrong audience is just as important as attracting the right oneStrategic Word Choices That Make or Break ConversionsThe hidden sales-killer in your copy: why “if” slows down buying decisionsThe simple shift to “when” for stronger embedded commandsHow small tweaks in language can make your offers more compellingKey Takeaways for Marketers and Sales ProfessionalsMarketing is for the buyer who is ready now—stop holding back for fear of judgmentFlexibility in communication attracts more of the right clients without diluting your messageWhy NLP techniques work hand-in-hand with AI-generated content to personalize and convertWhether you’re a marketer looking to fine-tune your messaging, a sales professional aiming to increase conversions, or simply someone who wants to communicate with greater influence, this episode offers actionable insights you can start using immediately.Are you ready to unlock the hidden potential in your words, body language, and delivery? Tune in to discover how NLP can transform the way you connect, sell, and market.Connect with NIKKI RAUSCH: WEBSITE: https://yoursalesmaven.com/CONTACT INFO: nikki@yoursalesmaven.com|Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yoursalesmaven/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/your_sales_maven/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerauschFREE RESOURCE: Free Training: Seal The Deal: Questions that close sales https://yoursalesmaven.com/imperfect 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 4As That Help Businesses Survive Digital Marketing Changes
Aug 2800:26:24Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Melih Oztalay, a veteran marketer and CEO of a 38-year-old digital agency based in Michigan. With roots going back to the earliest days of the internet, Melih brings a seasoned perspective on how marketing has evolved—and where it's headed next.We dive deep into the realities of marketing in the AI age, practical steps small businesses can take to improve their visibility, and why emotional resistance to change can be the biggest barrier to progress.The 4 A’s of Change FrameworkMelih shares his powerful 4 A’s framework, developed after witnessing how clients struggled to adapt to SEO changes:Anticipate Change: Understand it’s coming.Accept Change: Let go of emotional resistance.Adapt to Change: Adjust your strategies and tools.Adopt the Change: Implement and move forward.This mindset shift is essential for staying competitive in a constantly evolving digital world.The Impact of AI on MarketingHow AI-powered search results may now be 4x more valuable than traditional Google searchesReal-world examples of using ChatGPT and Perplexity to boost productivity—from building Mac backups to creating towel product imagesWhy schema markup is now more crucial than ever for both traditional SEO and AI sourcingTips on using AI to generate Q&A schema from your podcast transcripts and blog contentCommon Marketing Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemWhy skipping the marketing foundation sabotages salesThe dangers of keyword stuffing and outdated SEO tactics (like white text on white backgrounds!)Why every page on your website needs to have a clear focus and intentThe importance of not being afraid to use AI tools—even if you’re just getting startedActionable AI and SEO Tips for Small BusinessesUse ChatGPT to generate schema markup from blog URLsAsk AI why your business isn’t showing up in AI search results—and follow the suggestions to improveBuild “notability” by publishing press releases, getting quoted in industry publications, and appearing in directories like WikipediaLet AI help interpret your analytics and recommend next steps for improvementKey Takeaways for MarketersMarketing is a starting point, not an end point—your job is never truly doneUse AI to learn, test, and optimize, not to replace thinkingDon’t ignore change—lean into it with the right mindset and toolsWhether you’re a marketer trying to navigate AI disruption, or a small business owner seeking practical ways to improve your online presence, this episode offers a wealth of ideas and a grounded approach to digital transformation.Connect with Melih OztalayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melihoztalay/Website: https://smartfindsmarketing.com/ 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 Your CRM Implementation is Failing (Start with Goals, Not Tech)
Aug 2100:24:34Tap to summarizeSend us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman welcomes Paul Schmidt, a digital marketing strategist and CRM optimization expert from SmartBug Media. Paul brings a unique perspective to the conversation, having transitioned from a career in music to becoming a full-funnel marketer focused on solving complex customer challenges.Together, they dive into how businesses—especially small to mid-sized ones—can better leverage CRMs and customer marketing to drive real business growth.Common Pitfalls in CRM ImplementationWhy choosing a CRM based on competitors’ choices can backfireThe importance of mapping out goals and processes before selecting a toolHow poor data hygiene sabotages CRM successWhy your CRM must reflect where your business is today, not 10 years agoRethinking the Role of CRMThe value of a “single source of truth” for customer dataHow a CRM bridges marketing, sales, and customer successThe cost of fragmented data: lost productivity and missed opportunitiesWhy understanding the customer journey post-sale is just as importantBuilding a Culture Around Customer MarketingWhy most companies underinvest in current customers and social proofHow to shift from new-logo obsession to full-lifecycle marketingThe challenges of measuring customer marketing—and why it’s still worth itReal-world strategies to surface and capture meaningful client storiesCreating a Case Study PipelineTreating case studies like a sales process: stages, approvals, publishingHow five-star reviews can feed your customer story engineManaging internal alignment with CSMs and account managers to gather testimonialsWhat to do when clients say “no” to using their logo (hint: anonymize it!)Key Takeaways for Marketers and Business OwnersAlways start with your goals, not the techUse CRM to unify and elevate—not just automateCustomer success stories are marketing gold, but require intention and processEveryone on your team—from sales to support—can contribute to your social proof engineBonus Wisdom: Discovering Your Marketing SuperpowerPaul shares his biggest lesson learned in marketing: the importance of discovering and developing your "superpower"—whether that’s SEO, CRM implementation, or AI. He encourages professionals at every stage of their career to become known for something specific, then evolve it over time to stay relevant and valuable.Whether you’re just starting with a CRM or ready to scale your customer marketing efforts, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.Are you ready to stop phoning in your CRM and start building a foundation for future growth? Tune in now and learn how!Connect with Paul Schmidt:Website: https://www.smartbugmedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drumming/Youtube: 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 →Stop Being Afraid of Being Annoying
Aug 1400:20:01Tap to summarizeSend us a textStop Being Afraid of Annoying People: Just Send the EmailIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down (solo!) to talk about one of the biggest email marketing myths: the fear of being annoying. If you've ever hesitated to send emails to your list because you don’t want to "bother" people—this one’s for you.I’m sharing real client stories and lessons from my own experience with weekly emails, including how I got over my own fears and how email marketing has driven serious growth for my business. We discuss:The Fear Factor in Email MarketingWhy being afraid to send emails is holding your business backHow unsubscribes can actually help your businessWhat it really means to add “value” in your emailsReal Stories, Real ResultsA client who started emailing weekly and saw direct replies and engagementWhy staying top of mind matters, even with a 24-month sales cycleHow relatable personal stories (yes, even stubbing your toe!) build stronger connectionsStrategies to Stay Consistent and RelevantHow weekly emails turned my “sometimes” list into a revenue generatorMy approach to writing emails that feel like coffee chats, not sales pitchesThe “Homework for Life” technique to never run out of storiesKey Takeaways for Email MarketersUnsubscribes = market research, not rejectionEmail marketing doesn’t have to be epic—everyday stories connect bestConsistency is more important than perfectionYour audience wants to hear from you—don’t make that decision for themWhether you're new to email marketing or trying to get back on track, this episode is your permission slip to show up, send the email, and stop worrying about being annoying.Are you ready to ditch the fear and grow your business through simple, authentic emails? Tune in and find out how.Connect with Kendra CormanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendracorman/Website: KendraCorman.com 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
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