In this episode of the Redwood Empire podcast, Phil and John Rushworth of Spark Plug Marketing discuss the importance of video content on LinkedIn, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. They explore how technology, particularly AI, impacts both parenting and marketing strategies, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to the attention economy. John shares insights on building a marketing team, the significance of networking, and the role of data in creating effective advertising campaigns. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of AI in marketing and its potential benefits.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Video on LinkedIn

03:07 Parenting in the Modern Age

05:59 Navigating Technology and AI with Kids

08:55 The Attention Economy and Marketing Strategies

11:51 Innovative Networking through Lyft

15:14 The Evolution of Advertising and Business Growth

30:05 Navigating Digital Marketing for Small Businesses

36:46 The Importance of Customer Engagement and Retargeting

42:47 Understanding Ad Platforms and Their Challenges

49:12 Building a Sustainable Business Model

52:08 Networking and Learning in the Digital Age

John Rushworth is a Novato-based digital marketer and founder of Spark Plug Marketing, a boutique agency focused on helping small businesses grow through practical, data-driven online marketing.bnisfbay+2

Bio

John launched Spark Plug Marketing to give local and small businesses an accessible “plug-in” marketing team, offering website development, social media growth, paid advertising, and email marketing that drive measurable revenue rather than vanity metrics. Drawing on earlier experience building startups like BottlesTonight and advising founders through communities such as Founders Dojo, he brings a test-and-learn mindset to campaigns, pairing strategy with hands-on execution. Based in Novato, California, John is active in regional business networks, including BNI, where he regularly shares practical marketing advice with fellow entrepreneurs.

Social and web links

Website (Spark Plug Marketing): https://www.sparkplugmarketing.combnisfbay+1
Personal/consulting site: https://www.consultrushworth.comconsultrushworth+1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrushworthlinkedin
Instagram (Spark Plug Marketing reel feature): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRUjCh6guiJ/instagram
Podcast appearance (“On the Flywheel”): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-small-scaling-smart/id1743614810podcasts.apple+1

https://bnisfbay.com/en-US/memberdetails?encryptedMemberId=KVxsYGl9d3%2Fpy80QNSaY0g%3D%3D&name=John+Rushworth