More Than A Few Words

Sometimes, managing social media can feel like you are on a hamster wheel. As a small business owner you’re running fast, but it doesn't seem as if you are getting anywhere? In my chat with Peg Fitzpatrick, we focused on simple and practical tips.  From rethinking which platforms are worth your time to using Pinterest as a hidden traffic booster,  we covered a lot of ground in just 10 minutes   Here’s what Peg had to say: Skip TikTok—It’s Not Worth the Hassle Peg tackled TikTok head-on and made a great point: while TikTok can be fun, it’s also a huge time commitment. And with ongoing political concerns around the platform, it could disappear tomorrow. If you’re already stretched thin, focus on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts instead. Both offer the same short-form video format but require less time and carry fewer risks. It’s like choosing a dependable truck over a flashy sports car—you know it’ll get you where you need to go. LinkedIn: Your Secret Networking Goldmine LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunters

I know you own your own business. You're in there working it all the time, but I'm going to let you in on a secret, smart business owners don't do it alone, we. We find partners who are focused on the same markets and have similar objectives. Sometimes that's an interview on a podcast, and sometimes it's collaborating on a bundle. I wanted to know more about what makes bundles so effective, so I spent some time chatting with Jennie Wright,  co-founder of Many Bundles. Talking with her gave me new ideas for how to partner with others, bundle resources, and build stronger connections with audiences. Bundles and Summits: What's the Difference   - Summits are essentially collections of expert interviews shared over a few days, with contributors promoting the event to their audiences. Bundles, on the other hand, skip the interviews and focus on offering high-value products—like courses, masterclasses, or tools—available exclusively for the bundle's duration. Both approaches drive organic growth, giving participant

I've noticed lately that no matter what social platform I'm on there is lots of video.  There are video shorts and more video and more video. Obviously it's being driven by the rise of TikTok as every other platform is trying to get in on that short format and the shorts are great. They get a lot of engagement. And so it becomes a little addictive. The more you do, the more engagement you get ...  until you don't.  I have noticed everybody is doing it and all the video looks alike. So we are starting to see a little bit of video fatigue setting in. I've always been one to recommend going against the grain, but I'm not telling you to stop doing video. Clearly,  I'm doing video, but  I want you to do is mix it up. Start dropping more long form content into social media articles, for example longer introductions to your video. Then do something else. Take the extra five minutes, to edit your video into Canva or some other editing tool to put a distinctive frame around it. Make your video look different and avoid

Every message you send shapes your brand—make it count Chris Moore and I explored the importance of crafting communication that aligns with your company’s vision. Chris is a leadership expert who has spent over 25 years guiding both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses toward building strong, results-driven cultures. As he explains, every message you send—whether it’s to a customer, employee, or partner—has the power to shape how people see your brand. But how do you make sure those messages truly reflect your vision?  Here are the main takeaways: Vision Is More Than a Dream    We often think of our vision in terms of personal goals or financial success, but a powerful vision includes everyone it touches. When you expand your vision to benefit your customers and team, it becomes a shared mission, making it easier to bring people on board and turn that vision into reality. Communicate Consistently and Clearly    Business owners sometimes assume that repeating their message is overkill, but if you think y

Your vibe attracts your tribe. Show up with purpose every day. Chatting with Jaclyn Strominger had me rethinking what it means to build genuine connections with an audience. Her energy is infectious, and her insights are spot on. In her decades of coaching, she’s seen one thing over and over: real business growth isn’t about flashy marketing tactics or big ad budgets—it’s about the vibe you put out and the community you create. If you want people to buy from you, they need to feel drawn to your energy and know who you are at your core. Here’s what stood out to me most in our conversation: 1.Crafting a Magnetic “Vibe: We all radiate energy, whether we realize it or not, and that energy can either attract or repel. Building a community starts with putting out a vibe that feels welcoming, confident, and authentic. This isn’t about pretending to be upbeat all the time—it’s about intentionally choosing the energy you bring into interactions, especially on tough days. That consistent, positive vibe is what builds t

These days, content has jumped off the page. There are podcasts, there are videos and pros and cons to those formats. You don't have to worry about your grammar and your spelling. You can just talk and that's great. And, you can let a little bit of your personality come through. But there is a line.  As I listen to podcasts, I listen for that line. Is there a moment where they go from sharing a little bit of who they are, their sense of humor to just talking about themselves? So as you're creating content, especially if you're doing it for your business, you must watch that line. You don't want to be too stiff. Nobody wants to see that. But you also need to respect that your viewers are coming to you for information.  Make sure that you're balancing personality with content.  If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

Do you ever find yourself lying awake, thinking of all the things you need to do tomorrow? Elizabeth Louis, neuropsychology expert and mindset coach, has a solution. In this conversation  she breaks down why planning your day the night before is a game-changer, especially for high achievers who can’t seem to switch off.  Along the way she shares practical tools to stay focused, adapt to change, and, yes, finally get some good sleep. Here are a few of her best tips: Plan Your Day Before Bed: Instead of running through tomorrow’s to-dos as your head hits the pillow, jot down three to five tasks before you leave work. Not only does this clear your mind, but it primes your brain for a more relaxed, productive morning. Tap Into “Sensory-Based Thinking”: The brain’s quick, sensory-based thinking mode is four times faster than verbal reasoning. Planning ahead helps shift tasks into that mode, so your brain’s already working on solutions while you sleep. Be Adaptable: When your day goes sideways (as it does!), d

Sitting down with Robert Downey, CEO of Simply Be Found, I discovered a new way of looking at AI—not just as a marketing tool, but as a powerful sales ally. We dove into how AI can help small businesses boost their local SEO, streamline social media efforts, and make the most of website content. Robert’s insights on AI’s role in digital marketing made me think back to the early days of the internet. Back then, businesses were just dipping their toes into the online world, figuring out how it all worked. Now, though, it feels like the pressure’s really on. With AI reshaping the entire landscape, companies have to keep up with these changes—or risk getting left behind. Key Takeaways: Make AI Your Sales Partner: AI can enhance sales strategies, from drafting follow-up emails to refining content for better lead generation. But Robert emphasizes that AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement for genuine interaction. The SEO Pixel Advantage: Robert's SEO pixel is a game-changer, tracking real-time user beha

Some of the content that's doing really well on LinkedIn right now are the multi image posts putting together two or three related images and putting that in your feed like a carousel or just a collage really grabs the attention because it's different than the single images that everyone else is putting out there. Those multiple images allow you to tell a more complete story. The second thing that is dominating LinkedIn right now is video. Video, video. The beautiful thing is that you do not need to create video just for LinkedIn. You can use the same shorts that you're putting on YouTube and TikTok and Facebook and share them. On LinkedIn to create that brand exposure and deliver your message.    If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/

I had so much fun welcoming back Kendra Corman back to the show.  An accomplished marketing strategist whose insights are as practical as they are powerful. Kendra’s worked with everyone from small businesses to global brands like Jeep, bringing her marketing expertise to a range of clients. Today, we dug into the ever-evolving world of AI and how it can be a real game-changer for social media and email marketing. Now, if you know me, you know my relationship with AI is complicated. I love the possibilities, but I’m a bit wary of giving up too much control, especially when it comes to my voice. But Kendra shared some great tips and tricks to get the best of both worlds—leveraging AI to streamline content creation while keeping it uniquely “you.”   Training AI in Your Voice: Start by “teaching” AI how you sound. Share real content, like podcast transcripts to help AI learn your unique tone. The result? Content that’s in your voice, whether you’re crafting a LinkedIn post, a Facebook update, or an email newsle

If you've been around business as long as I have—or even half as long—you know the cycles are inevitable. There are highs, there are lows, and the real question is: how prepared are you for the downturns? That’s the heart of this conversation from my archive, with  than Matt Nettleton, a sales powerhouse and founder of DTB Sandler Training. Matt’s seen it all, from both the trenches and the boardroom, and he knows exactly how to help salespeople elevate their game. In fact, he’s the reason my own business took off years ago when he was my sales coach. Here are just a few of the key points from our conversation:    Maximize Your CRM: A CRM only helps if it’s used effectively. Make sure it’s tracking meaningful data and guiding your sales efforts—not just sitting idle. Follow a Consistent Sales Process: Having a structured sales process moves prospects predictably from strangers to loyal clients. Don’t rely on luck; create repeatable steps for success. Refine Your Story: Your story should resonate with

If you are like me, you work hard to get a prospect. There's marketing to get them interested and usually a series of conversations and proposal before you close the sale. So when you have an interested prospect, it is hard to let go, but sometimes you should. Years ago I was approached by the marketing manager at a fairly large company looking to outsource some of their work to a smaller firm, like mine. He was very impressed with his credentials and the fact that he had this big company behind him. Right from the beginning of our conversation he began to throw the weight of his company around. He was arrogant and quite honestly, a bit rude. I started out being polite, trying to overlook his rudeness. After a few minutes, however, my internal alarm began to sound. I realized our communication was not going to improve if we worked together. The warning bells rang louder and louder in my head. I didn’t like him. I didn’t like his arrogance or his attitude or his unrealistic expectations that I would drop every

I had a chance to sit down with Facebook ad expert Carol Kabaale to demystify Meta's advertising platform. Whether you’re a social media newbie or someone who’s been burned by past ad campaigns, Carol offers practical advice on how to navigate the Meta algorithm and create ads that actually work. As an advocate for women entrepreneurs, Carol breaks it down step by step, making Facebook ads less intimidating and more accessible for business owners at any level. Start with What’s Already Working Carol’s first piece of advice is simple: look at your best-performing organic content and turn it into an ad. Whether it's a reel, carousel, or post, your winning content is likely already sitting on your page. Why reinvent the wheel when you can put a small budget behind what’s proven to resonate? Pay to Play: Why It’s Worth It Meta platforms are no longer a free-for-all when it comes to organic reach. Even a small budget—think as little as $5—can make a significant difference. It's about getting more eyes on your cont

Are you taking advantage of the LinkedIn newsletter tool? If not, you're missing a huge opportunity. Sure, you've been creating newsletters for years and you have your audience. But there are people you are connected to on LinkedIn who will never subscribe to your newsletter. By taking that same content and moving it to this platform, you have an opportunity to deliver your message to a much wider audience, connecting and engaging with an entirely different group of people. When you are using the LinkedIn newsletter tool your newsletter is delivered from LinkedIn. So you have that umbrella of a much larger organization backing and supporting your content.  In a way they are endorsing your message. If you’ve enjoyed this conversation sign up for a weekly newsletter get links to episodes you might have missed and other resources for your business   https://morethanafewwords.com/avoid-fomo/    

Are you curious about the power of curiosity itself? If so, this conversation with Emily Aborn, an experienced copywriter, speaker, and podcast host, will draw you in. Emily shares her insights on the art of curiosity marketing—a strategy that builds intrigue by inviting people to wonder, engage, and connect deeper. In our interview, she unveils the process of creating content that is compelling, relatable, and keeps people coming back for more. Key Takeaways: Curiosity Marketing Defined: Emily describes curiosity marketing as the creation of a gap between what we know and what others are curious about. She emphasizes that striking the right balance between curiosity and clarity avoids confusion and keeps audiences engaged and wanting to know more. Knowing Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s background is essential. Emily shares that by grasping what your audience already knows, as well as their challenges, you can build content that speaks directly to their interests and keeps them intrigued.

I had a great conversation about what it really takes to start a business and build it into something successful—even if the odds seem stacked against you. My guest Jeanne Omlor, went from being a 54-year-old single mom in debt to a multi-seven-figure online business owner—all without spending a dime on ads! Key Takeaways: Take the First Step: Instead of getting overwhelmed by a to-do list, focus on the one thing you can do today to start moving forward. Jeanne calls it "getting your foot in the door." Focus on Revenue-Generating Actions: Before worrying about websites or business cards, prioritize actions that lead directly to a sale—like talking to people and making offers. Start Without Ads or Fancy Tech: Jeanne proves you can scale a business without expensive ads or complicated tech. Use free tools like social media to connect with your audience. The Power of Imperfection: Don't wait for things to be perfect. Start selling your product or service now, and perfect it as you go. Embrace Fear as Motivation:

I've been podcasting for 15 years. And in the early days of the show, I experimented with a lot of different formats.. But I have to admit over the last few years, I've kind of fallen into a rut. And when I look at my listener data, it shows. So it's time to shake it up a little bit with  feedback from you. What would you like to hear? What would get you excited about another episode of more than a few words in your feed? DM me on any social platform, drop me a note at hello@morethanafewords.com or take a minute to complete this  survey https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/AWHOIJ0/MTFW

 Many small business owners might think that outdoor ads are only for big brands or political campaigns with massive budgets, but Charlie breaks down how businesses of all sizes can benefit from this often-overlooked channel. We talked about the creative flexibility of outdoor advertising—it’s not just billboards! From wrapping cars to printing ads on pizza boxes, the opportunities to grab attention in unique ways are endless. And here’s the best part—outdoor advertising is measurable. Gone are the days when you'd throw an ad out into the world and hope for the best. With today’s tools, you can track impact, using methods like mobile IDs and even pixel tracking on websites. We also dove into the importance of simplicity in outdoor ad creative—sometimes less is more. For a billboard, you've got about five seconds to make an impression, so a concise, punchy message works best. And no, don’t even think about using long URLs or QR codes on highway billboards—Charlie and I agree that’s just dangerous! Overall, it

If you've been in business for any length of time, what I want you to do is answer a simple question. If you could only work with three clients, who would it be? Go back, look at all of the companies that you've worked with, all the people you've worked with, and pick your top three. It's not easy because there might be lots of favorites. When you narrow it down and you identify those three customers, because of the projects that you did with them, because of who they were, or how you worked together whether you realize it or not, you've identified your niche.  This is your your sweet spot. Now what you need to do is figure out how did they become clients and how can you get more customers just like them? If you're ready to start narrowing in on your niche, give me a buzz. We can set up an office hour conversation and figure it out together. https://morethanafewwords.com/office-hours/  

Everybody loves a getaway, and retreats offer the perfect opportunity to renew, refresh, and learn something new. But what if you're a coach or consultant looking to host a retreat? How do you package your knowledge and skills into a transformative experience that draws in your ideal clients?  Michelle Perad, an intuitive guide, consultant, and founder of Multi-Dimensional Leaders (MDL) shared her expert tips on planning a successful retreat that’s not only impactful but also a five-figure opportunity. Collaborate to Share Costs and Expertise Planning a retreat can feel overwhelming, especially when you think about all the logistics—location, content, and invitations. Michelle suggests considering a collaborative retreat model. By partnering with someone who complements your expertise, you can share costs and responsibilities while offering attendees a more holistic experience. This not only eases the financial burden but also allows both you and your partner to play to your strengths. For example, if you're