Nobody is Good at Everything

Today, we’re going to chat about why understanding your strengths and weaknesses is so important in marketing and business. I’ll touch on topics like:

• The power of perception 
• How overconfidence can hurt you
• Why marketing is more than just tactics
• How first impressions stick
• Why marketing is always a work in progress

Read the full transcript.

My goal here isn’t to lecture you but to have a straight talk about the realities of business and equip you to build an awesome, effective marketing strategy. 

Your Business Card: Crafting Your Perception in Marketing

Here’s the thing about marketing: it’s all about crafting a perception. The image you put out there is your business card to the world. 

Take our former president, Donald Trump. Putting politics aside, you’ve gotta admit the man understood the power of perception. Love him or hate him, he successfully branded himself as a savvy billionaire and decision-maker. 

True or not, the image stuck. 

And you need to be just as intentional about the perception you’re creating of your own business. Ask yourself, what’s the brand identity I’m putting out there? Who do I want people to think of when they hear my company name?

If you don’t actively shape your business’ perception, someone else will do it for you. And you may not love the image they create.

The Slippery Slope of Overconfidence

When you start crushing it in one area, it’s tempting to think you’ll effortlessly master all other parts of business. If only it were that easy. 

Overconfidence can actually be dangerous – it often leads entrepreneurs down the path of poor choices and wasted time and money.  

Just look at examples like Herschel Walker, Herman Cain, or Ben Carson. These guys were unstoppable forces in football, business, and medicine, respectively. 

But when they tried jumping into the world of politics? 

Total flop.

Their prowess in or on one field didn’t automatically transfer. So before you assume you’ll be a marketing rock star just because you aced operations or product development, check yourself.

Keeping Your Ego in Check

Success can sometimes inflate our egos. We start to believe that we’re superior and can handle any task, which can lead to arrogance and complacency. 

It’s essential to keep our ego in check, even when we’re successful. Make sure to stay working on what you are good at to become excellent. 

Marketing Is More Than a Buzzword 

Here’s a little marketing myth-busting for you: marketing isn’t about specific tactics. It’s not social media or SEO or whatever new buzzword you read about. 

Those are just tactics marketing is the big-picture strategy behind it all. 

True marketing is about shaping perception (remember what I said earlier?) and using that carefully crafted identity to build trust and loyalty with your audience. It’s about being the first thing that pops into someone’s head when they need what you offer.

Think about Red Bull. They don’t just run ads their marketing is aimed at cementing the perception that Red Bull gives you wings and energy whenever you need it. 

Don’t confuse random tactics for an intentional strategy.

Perception in Marketing is Built by First Impressions

Quick pop quiz: I say “burger restaurant,” what’s the first company that comes to mind? For most people, it’s probably McDonald’s. 

And that demonstrates the crazy power of first impressions when it comes to marketing. Big, established brands have already taken up residence in our brains. They claimed that territory first, and it’s really tough to change once those connections are made.

So, what’s the first impression your brand is making? The longer you wait to shape the perception of your business, the harder it will be to override existing notions people have. You’ve gotta get in there early.

First perceptions tend to stick like superglue, so be intentional.

Set It and Forget It? No Way.

A Constant Work in Progress

Some entrepreneurs think they can just set up their marketing once, let it ride, and be done. After all, everyone already knows your brand, right?

Wrong, my friend. Here’s why this strategy will backfire: the world changes quickly. Consumer interests and preferences change all the time. If you’re not actively adapting your marketing to reflect those changes, you’ll be left behind.

Even mega brands like Coca-Cola, which have been around forever, continue heavily marketing themselves. They know they have to stay top of mind even when everyone already knows who they are. What else would make someone reach for a Coke vs a Pepsi?

Marketing doesn’t end just because people are aware of your brand. You’ve got to continually reach out and manage perception.

The Role of Perception in Marketing

Perception in marketing is crucial because it can be just as important as the reality of what a product or service offers. 

If customers perceive your brand positively, they are more likely to purchase from you, recommend you to others, and stay loyal to your brand.

The Bottom Line of Perception in Marketing

Here’s the main takeaway about marketing I want you to walk away with being amazing at one thing in business does not automatically make you incredible at everything. 

Overconfidence kills. Stay humble and realistic about your abilities so you can set your business up for success.

And never underestimate the power of perception. How people view your brand is a reality when it comes to consumer choices. Craft your image intentionally and keep nurturing it through ongoing marketing.

Take a page from the masters of marketing like Coca-Cola and Red Bull. Factors like quality and price do matter but often, perception overrides those details when it comes time to make real purchasing decisions. 

So be honest with yourself, stay adaptable, and keep shaping that image. Marketing is always a work in progress. The second you get complacent is when you start losing ground.

Hopefully, this gave you some helpful insights into marketing perception and strategy. 

Let Two Brothers Creative Take Care of Your Marketing

For most entrepreneurs, managing marketing efforts can become overwhelming. Not only are business owners already juggling multiple tasks, but they may also lack the necessary skills or expertise in marketing.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a marketing guru. You can leave that job to Two Brothers Creative and keep focusing on what your business really needs.

If you want to learn more about how to grow and build your marketing strategy, download our free  6-step Marketing Plan pdf. 

The Easy Box

Don’t know where to start? With the Easy Box, you give us only 30 minutes of your time, and we give you 30 days’ worth of content. 

Forget all about long hours and marketing failure; this is marketing made easy. 

Dealing with Public Failure 

This story is a testament to the fact that public failures can happen even to the best of us, no matter how prepared we feel. 

As a business owner, our host was ready to ensure her employee’s safety, but an unfortunate and unexpected tragedy occurred when one of her employees lost their life due to a gas leak during a property inspection. To make matters worse, this event was widely spread over the news. 

Read Full Transcript

While this was not the company’s fault, this experience left the owner wondering if there was anything she could have done differently to prevent this tragedy from happening.

A few years ago, she also ran for political office and lost, but she not only lost her campaign, she lost track of herself, her goals, and who she really was. 

Both instances of public failure brought her spirit down, and even though these moments were definitely hard, they were also experiences that made her the powerful woman she is today. 

How She Dealt with Public Failure

What sets her apart from other entrepreneurs who have dealt with this type of problem is her ability to use them as fuel for future success. 

While it was certainly a dark and tragic moment, she was able to start her own business due to all the learning that came from running for political office. 

She also was able to put in place better safety protocols and procedures, which led to an overall safer environment for her employees and a wonderful company that cares for their team. 

This story is a powerful example of how failure and tragedy can be turned into a catalyst for growth and improvement.

Why Dealing with Public Failure, It’s a Job for the Marketing Department

So, what does failure have to do with marketing and a company’s overall growth? How does public failure relate to marketing?

In today’s world, public failure can have a significant impact on a company’s growth and reputation. 

Marketing plays a crucial role in managing public failure as it helps to shape public perceptions of the incident. 

By anticipating potential failures and having a plan in place to manage them, companies can minimize the impact of such incidents.

A well-planned marketing strategy can help to communicate the company’s values, brand, and mission, which can also help to restore the public’s trust after a failure.

Despite making decisions during her campaign that she regrets, she used these experiences to fuel the development of Anequim and create a better and stronger perception of her business and herself.

How to Achieve Business Success while Dealing with Public Failure:

How can you achieve business success even in the face of failure? Here are some Matt’s tips on how to achieve business success while dealing with failure

Give Yourself Time to Grieve while Dealing with Public Failure

Failure can be a traumatic experience, and it’s essential to give yourself time to grieve. 

Take the time to process your emotions and clear your mind before taking any significant action.

Remember Your Mission, Vision

When faced with failure, it’s easy to lose track of your goals and objectives. 

However, it’s crucial to remember your mission, vision, and values to stay focused on what’s important to you and your company. 

Make Choices Based on Your Core Values

Your core values should guide every decision you make, especially during difficult times. 

Making choices based on your core values will help maintain the integrity of your brand and reputation.

Be a Good Leader

Being a good leader means having processes and procedures in place to keep yourself and others accountable. 

This reduces the risk of failure and ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals.

Name Your Failure

It’s essential to own up to your failures and take responsibility for them. This means naming your failure and recognizing them for what it was instead of making excuses. 

Avoid blaming others. Was it weakness, or were you a bad leader or an absent boss? Own your failure and learn from it.

Learn From Your Failure: Reaching Success

Failure should not be a secret word. Instead, it should be an opportunity for growth and development. 

Learn from your mistakes and make them part of your growth story. By doing so, you’ll become a better leader and grow as an individual.

By following this action plan in a case of public failure, you can make sure your business doesn’t suffer the consequences of a badly handled public relationship matter. 

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. 

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

Download the 6-step Marketing Plan pdf to get your strategy started. Don’t make the same mistakes other businesses make, and thrive for years to come.

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Podcast Popularity 

In today’s fast-paced world, people are constantly on the lookout for efficient ways to utilize their time. Podcasts perfectly fit the bill as they can be consumed during commutes, workouts, or even while cooking or doing small chores. 

Moreover, the accessibility and affordability of podcasts – many of which are available for free – make them an attractive choice for a wide range of audiences. 

Read the full transcript.

For all these reasons, it is no surprise that podcasts are rising in popularity, number, and quality. But what else makes a podcast so different?

At their core, podcasts are more human and personal, like listening to friends or family, and thus, people have a different perception of the shows; they make us feel like we are part of an intimate conversation. 

The Power of Perception in Podcasting

Unlike platforms such as YouTube, where success is often gauged by the number of shares or downloads, the realm of podcasting operates differently. 

While metrics are important for internal tracking, users often don’t care about them. The focus shifts to the perception your audience forms about you and your brand. 

It is this perception that determines the true impact and success of your podcast.

This personal touch is what sets podcasts apart from other media. Your listeners feel like they’re part of a conversation rather than being mere receivers of information. 

The intimacy fosters loyalty and trust, turning your listeners into your brand advocates. In the world of podcasting, it’s the power of perception that truly counts, not numbers or subscribers.

Make Money From Podcasting: Adds

Contrary to traditional media, podcasts thrive on authenticity and originality. Advertisements or overly promotional content will lead to your audience clicking away. 

People are drawn to podcasts for their organic and unique content, free from the clutter of ads. Therefore, the key to generating revenue through podcasts lies in creating engaging and genuine content that resonates with your listeners.

While ads are a good way to make revenue for your podcast, it’s essential to make sure that they don’t seem too forced.

Make sure any ads you decide to include in your show are actually in line with your topic of conversation and that they aren’t too spammy or take innecessary time. 

Understanding Your Audience

The audiences of today are not the same anymore. Podcast listeners are highly selective and want content that truly interests them. 

To make a profit from your show, It’s crucial to understand your audience’s preferences and tailor your content accordingly to keep them hooked.

A podcast that has no specific audience or topic will have no regular listeners and, therefore, won’t be able to make revenue. 

The Power of Interviews To Make Money From Podcasting

Once you have original and unique content, as well as an audience, interviews are the next best thing to grow your podcast and make some money. 

Interviews can be a game-changer for your show. Not only do they add immense value to your episodes, but they also serve as excellent networking opportunities. 

They provide a better way to connect with potential prospects and influencers who can contribute to your business growth, far surpassing conventional methods like emails and cold calling.

Having a potential customer as a guest will most likely guarantee that they actually become loyal customers. 

This is a win-win situation for you and the guest since you are bringing value to your show, creating a connection, or winning a customer, and they get exposure to their business or brand. 

Make Money From Podcasting While Building Credibility

A well-executed podcast can significantly boost your credibility and position you as an industry expert. This helps in building trust with your audience, which in turn can translate into business growth.

When you become an expert in whatever topic you choose to be, people will be interested. Your podcast becomes more than just a platform for sharing content. It transforms into a vehicle for attracting new customers who are actively seeking the expertise you offer

Becoming the Expert

To position yourself as an expert, your podcast should be all about helping your listeners overcome specific challenges. 

Record solution-oriented episodes that actually help your listeners overcome specific challenges they face. 

It’s about taking them from point A to point B, showing them how to solve their problems and be of help to them. This approach not only engages your listeners but also subtly highlights the solutions your business provides.

Get Yourself Booked

Podcasts offer an innovative and effective way to grow your business. With the right strategy and content, you will be making more money than ever imagined. 

Finally, consider getting yourself booked on other podcasts. This will give you exposure to new audiences and extend your reach, further fueling your business growth.

Download our FREE checklist to get booked on shows and start positioning yourself as an expert in your industry today!  

Bad Publicity in Business

When we discuss negative publicity in this context, we’re not referring to a misfired marketing campaign or a social media strategy that didn’t quite hit the mark; we’re delving into the realm of business and entrepreneurial reputation.

When you own a business, you become an important part of the business’s public image. This public role means all eyes are on you, scrutinizing your every move. 

Read the full transcript.

Why Your Image Matters

When you have a business, you can sometimes become a public figure, and your actions carry weight. They can significantly influence how people perceive you and your business.

If your personal life is portrayed negatively, so does your business, especially in the age of the internet, where bad publicity can spread rapidly. So, how can you effectively manage this situation?

Matt’s Story with Bad Publicity 

A few years ago, Matt found himself in a sticky situation. He was being blackmailed with private photos stolen from his phone… you know, the kind you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see. 

The blackmailer demanded a hefty ransom, a ridiculous sum of money that was nearly impossible for a radio host to have. 

Matt felt everything from humiliation to panic, and he was left wondering, “What on earth am I going to do?” 

His options were limited, and after exploring various solutions, including considering a career as a fugitive, he found himself at the police station.

Facing Bad Publicity Head-On

However, Matt realized he had to face the problem head-on; there was not much that the police could do. 

So, he did the most logical thing he could when faced with impending public embarrassment: he formulated a strategic action plan for once his intimate picture hit the internet.

Armed with his damage control strategy, Matt bravely confronted his blackmailer. When the picture was finally leaked, it was undoubtedly challenging and embarrassing, but Matt was prepared. 

He managed to wipe the image from most devices, and the issue was quickly forgotten. 

Sure, the entire ordeal was a rollercoaster of emotions, but not many people ended up seeing the picture, thanks to Matt’s quick thinking and proactive measures. 

Life moved on, and to his surprise, this incident didn’t end his career. Instead, it served as a valuable lesson on overcoming bad publicity. Here are the five bulletproof steps he took to overcome his bad publicity streak

How to Deal With Bad Publicity

Sometimes, we can’t control how people perceive us or the way they talk about us, but we can survive it and stop letting it affect us. 

In business, we need to be prepared for these types of situations that are more common than we might think. 

Accept the Situation

The first step in managing bad publicity is acceptance. Acknowledge that there’s a problem and that it needs to be addressed. 

Ignoring the issue or hoping it will go away on its own is not an effective strategy. Instead, take a proactive approach and start planning your response.

Be Transparent to Yourself

Transparency is key when dealing with bad publicity. Be honest with yourself about what happened. 

If you or your company made a mistake, admit it and review how this can affect your business and the people in it. This self-awareness is crucial for crafting an authentic and sincere response.

Be Comprehensive and Prepare for What’s to Come

When responding to or dealing with negative press, it’s important to be comprehensive. Address all aspects of the issue and provide as much information as possible. 

If there’s nothing that you can do, that’s fine; don’t be so hard on yourself. This shows your audience that you take the situation seriously even when there might not be a solution.

Determine If It Is Even Worth It to Respond

Choose your battles. Not all negative press requires a response; this could be exhausting. Sometimes, it’s best to let minor issues fade away naturally. 

However, if the issue is serious or could significantly damage your reputation, it’s essential to respond swiftly and appropriately.

Review, Edit, and Post

Before releasing your response, review it carefully. Make sure it addresses the issue comprehensively, aligns with your brand values, and is respectful and professional. 

Editing is crucial to ensure clarity and prevent any potential misunderstandings. Once you’re confident in your statement, post it on the appropriate channels, whether that be social media, your company website, or a press release.

Dealing with bad publicity can be challenging, but it’s not the end of the world. Following Matt’s five steps, you can navigate through the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. 

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

If you want to start making these minor changes now, get our FREE daily planner and grow your business today! What do you have to lose? 

Stay tuned for more marketing insights and mindset shifts that will take your business to new heights on Midwest Mindset, where we are happy to help you and your business grow with more free tools, tips, and resources every week.

The Benefits of In-person Meetings: Visibility 

The effectiveness of in-person interaction lies in visibility: we engage with a hotel valet directly, while the housekeeper’s work remains unseen, so it’s harder to recognize. 

The same can be said for business interactions and sales. Meeting clients, coworkers, and colleagues in person provides a sense of human interaction, which can help build trust and make it easier to form effective business relationships. 

Read the full transcript.

In-person Meetings vs. Virtual Meetings

This doesn’t mean virtual meetings and phone calls aren’t effective; the truth is that cold-calling is still a powerful tool for sales and business.

However, virtual meetings and phone calls lack the emotional and human connection that face-to-face meetings provide. 

Adding in-person meetings to your sales and networking strategy will improve your business relationships and the connections you build with your clients. 

How to Make The Benefits of In-Person Meetings More Effective?

So, now that we have a clear understanding of why in-person interactions are the most effective tool to close sales and do business, how can we make sure that we are taking full advantage of face-to-face meetings?

Here are five things to keep in mind when meeting with a client, potential business partner, or any other strategic person. 

Building Stronger Relationships

In-person meetings help to establish a deeper and more personal connection with clients.

Face-to-face conversations allow salespeople to make a more personal impact.

This is your time to demonstrate your genuine interest in the client’s needs, which often boosts trust and strengthens the relationships.

Non-Verbal Signals

In-person meetings provide the opportunity to read and interpret non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions.

These clues can be critical in understanding a client’s intent or genuine feelings about a proposal, product, or service, which may be lost in digital communication.

Here are several key signs to look for when interpreting a client’s body language:

• Eye Contact
• Facial Expressions
• Posture
• Gestures
• Proximity

Greater Engagement

One-on-one meetings typically generate higher levels of engagement.

Attendees are more focused, without the distractions that often come with virtual meetings, such as multiple browser tabs or notifications.

This engagement increases the chances of effectively communicating your sales pitch and understanding the client’s needs.

Immediate Feedback and Resolutions

In-person meetings allow real-time conversation and instant feedback.

This can lead to quicker resolutions of objections or misconceptions that might otherwise delay or hinder the sales process in online communications.

Demonstrations and Presentations

Physical meetings offer an optimal environment to conduct live demonstrations or showcase physical products, prototypes, or samples– an aspect that’s particularly crucial in some industries.

Showcasing your product in person often leaves a stronger impression and stimulates more senses than a digital presentation.

Should We Forget About Video Meetings?

Having face-to-face meetings doesn’t mean forgetting all about virtual meetings. The reality is that virtual meetings still have advantages over in-person meetings.

Shifting initial sales meetings from in-person to video calls increases the number of potential clients a rep can engage with per week, making the process more efficient.

This efficiency boost, in turn, advances more prospects through the sales pipeline, increases deal closures, lowers prospect reluctance due to the perceived lower time commitment, and results in reduced travel costs.

So, what are you waiting to start your in-person and video meeting strategy?

Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box

Together, we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged.

Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.

If you want to start making these minor changes now, get our FREE daily planner and grow your business today! What do you have to lose? 

Stay tuned for more marketing insights and mindset shifts that will take your business to new heights on Midwest Mindset, where we are happy to help you and your business grow with more free tools, tips, and resources every week.

What Are the Little Things to Build a Successful Business?

If you’ve been neglecting the small details in your entrepreneurial journey, it’s time to make the biggest changes!

So, what do we mean when we say “little things”? We mean those daily little actions that we might think aren’t that important, like waking up early, going for a run, or having a healthy breakfast, which can make a huge difference in the long run. 

By doing minor adjustments and pivots that we often brush off because we think that we have more important thighs to do, we will find the secret sauce to taking your business to the next level.

Here are the main things that you can start doing to scale your company and be a successful entrepreneur. 

Read the full transcript

Successful Business Owners Get up Early and Make Their Bed

Starting with the right foot is essential for everyday success. You might think that the way we wake up and start our day isn’t that important, but something so mundane can actually be quite impactful.

Get up early and make your bed. Now, before you scoff at the idea, hear us out. Establishing quick wins for your day right out of the gate sets a positive tone and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, who doesn’t love returning to a tidy bed after a long day of conquering the business world?

Successful Business Owners Journal

Successful business owners and entrepreneurs journal every day. No, we’re not talking about pouring your heart out like you’re writing the next great American novel. Simply closing out your day by jotting down what you’ve accomplished can do wonders for your mindset.

It helps you reflect on your progress, celebrate your wins, and, most importantly, set intentions for the next day.

Successful Business Owners Are Always on Time

People make time for what is important, and being on time is how you show people they are important and that you respect them; of course, they won’t respect you if you don’t respect them.

Now, this one might seem obvious, but trust us, it’s worth mentioning. As business owners, we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking we’re the center of the universe. Spoiler alert: We’re not, and people have important things to do as well. Make sure to set time asaid to always be punctual; remember, if you don’t respect them, they won’t respect you either. It’s that simple.

Successful Business Owners Take Accountability 

Now, let’s talk about accountability. We all know that one person who loves playing the blame game. Well, guess what? Blaming someone on your team is nothing more than a scapegoat maneuver. 

True leadership lies in taking responsibility for your team’s actions, even when things go south. It’s easy to point fingers and deflect blame, but it takes a strong leader to step up and own up to any mistakes or shortcomings. When you hold yourself accountable, you demonstrate integrity and build a culture of trust within your team.

Then, you can set an example for the rest of your team to follow and make them also take accountability for their work. 

Taking responsibility for your team’s actions, even when things go south, demonstrates true leadership. Your team members will only do what you have taught them, so make sure you lead by example.

Reading Books and Learning

Last but not least, Read more books. Learning means being open to coaching, even if you’re at the top of your game.

Engaging with books stimulates our brains and enhances cognitive abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Books also have a unique ability to transport us into different worlds and perspectives, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. So grab that book, attend those seminars, and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Your business will thank you for it!

Minor Adjustments Today For a Major Difference Tomorrow

These minor adjustments can have a major impact on your company’s success. So don’t underestimate the power of making your bed, holding yourself accountable, and constantly learning. Embrace the little things, and watch them work their magic in your entrepreneurial journey.

If you want to start making these minor changes now, get our FREE daily planner and grow your business today! What do you have to lose? 

Stay tuned for more marketing insights and mindset shifts that will take your business to new heights on Midwest Mindset, where we are happy to help you and your business grow with more free tools, tips, and resources every week.