Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast, your go-to guide for everything marketing, aimed specifically at small businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and coaches. I'm Katie Brinkley, your host and navigator in this journey, sharing my expertise and inviting savvy guests to dissect the nitty-gritty of social media, entrepreneurship, email marketing, and all things digital marketing.
Imagine having a friend who's been there, done that, and is now ready to let you in on the secrets of what's working right now in the marketing world. That's exactly what you'll get when you tune into the podcast. I cut through the noise and give you real, actionable advice, proven strategies, and innovative approaches that can help you scale your business and maximize your impact.
Whether it's a deep dive into the latest trends in social media, a breakdown of successful email marketing campaigns, or exploring novel marketing strategies, I'm all about giving you practical knowledge that you can apply right away. My goal is to make your marketing journey less of a guessing game and more of a strategic endeavor.
So, whether you're fine-tuning your existing marketing plan, looking for fresh ways to reach your audience, or just starting to get your feet wet in the vast sea of digital marketing, the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast is your trusty map and compass.
Join me, Katie Brinkley, as we build a lively community of go-getter marketers and visionary business leaders, tackling the exciting challenges of marketing together. Ready to take a bold step forward in your marketing adventure? You're in the right place.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast, your go-to guide for everything marketing, aimed specifically at small businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and coaches. I'm Katie Brinkley, your host and navigator in this journey, sharing my expertise and inviting savvy guests to dissect the nitty-gritty of social media, entrepreneurship, email marketing, and all things digital marketing.
Imagine having a friend who's been there, done that, and is now ready to let you in on the secrets of what's working right now in the marketing world. That's exactly what you'll get when you tune into the podcast. I cut through the noise and give you real, actionable advice, proven strategies, and innovative approaches that can help you scale your business and maximize your impact.
Whether it's a deep dive into the latest trends in social media, a breakdown of successful email marketing campaigns, or exploring novel marketing strategies, I'm all about giving you practical knowledge that you can apply right away. My goal is to make your marketing journey less of a guessing game and more of a strategic endeavor.
So, whether you're fine-tuning your existing marketing plan, looking for fresh ways to reach your audience, or just starting to get your feet wet in the vast sea of digital marketing, the Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast is your trusty map and compass.
Join me, Katie Brinkley, as we build a lively community of go-getter marketers and visionary business leaders, tackling the exciting challenges of marketing together. Ready to take a bold step forward in your marketing adventure? You're in the right place.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes some creators cut through the noise while others just… fade into the scroll?
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jay Acunzo, international speaker, storytelling coach, and the mastermind behind the “resonance over reach” philosophy. Jay has worked with brands like Google, HubSpot, and ESPN—and today, he shares what really helps coaches, creators, and business leaders connect with their audience in a meaningful, profitable way.
We talk about how to uncover clarity in your message, why most “signature talks” miss the mark, and how you can structure your communication to inspire change—not just attention.
If you’re trying to grow your thought leadership, book speaking gigs, or create content that sticks, this conversation is a masterclass.
What you'll learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effortless Attention
00:27 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
00:58 Introducing Jay Acunzo: Master of Clarity
06:43 The Importance of Public Speaking
14:12 Crafting Memorable Stories
19:19 The Four Beats of Storytelling
19:54 Align: Understanding Your Audience
20:07 Agitate: Highlighting the Problems
21:00 Assert: Presenting Your Solution
21:32 Invite: Engaging Your Audience
22:36 The Importance of Personal Branding
23:14 Finding Your Unique Speaking Voice
24:28 The Role of Authenticity in Speaking
25:59 Developing and Refining Your Ideas
28:37 Practical Tips for Nervous Speakers
31:17 The Power of a Creative Practice
33:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tune in now, and let’s help you build a message that actually moves people.
Visit Jay Acunzo online:
Website: https://jayacunzo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-stories-happen/id1736586770
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jayacunzo
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Ready to stop doing it all yourself and build a high-performing team?
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, Katie Brinkley sits down with Shawn Quintero, COO and co-owner of Next Step Social & Podcasting, to share exactly how they scaled a remote team that runs on clarity, collaboration, and strong company culture.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Real Challenge in Business
00:45 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
01:19 Meet the COO: Sean Quintero
02:38 The Importance of Hiring and Onboarding
04:01 Building Effective Systems and Culture
05:27 Managing People: Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence
06:35 Making Tough Decisions: Letting Go and Hiring Right
15:16 Onboarding and Training: Setting Up for Success
20:09 Addressing Performance Issues
24:03 Creating a Positive Remote Work Culture
29:10 Conclusion: People Are People
30:20 Outro: Subscribe and Stay Connected
If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or agency owner who’s tired of bottlenecking your business, this is the episode that will help you step fully into your leadership role.
Don’t miss it—hit play now and discover what it takes to scale your team with confidence.
Visit Shawn Quintero online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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Every time Austin Armstrong joins me on the show, he’s leveled up—and this time is no different. From billions (yes, billions) of organic views to launching tools like Syllabi and ThreadMaster, Austin’s name is now synonymous with AI-powered content creation and repeatable virality.
In this episode, we dive into the systems, frameworks, and mindset behind Virality—his new book that breaks down how to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real business leverage with your content.
You’ll hear about:
Austin also unpacks what’s actually working right now on social—and how you can implement the same systems to grow your brand, your revenue, and your reach.
If you’re tired of posting with no results, this episode is for you.
Visit Austin Armstrong online:
Website: https://syllaby.io/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Owwstin/
Virality! (Book): https://a.co/d/4UnuJ0x
Threadmaster.AI: https://threadmaster.ai/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialtyPro
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with the incredible Jenn Herman—Instagram strategist, author of Instagram for Dummies, and founder of the Profit Your Profile community. We unpack what’s actually working for organic Instagram growth in 2025 and beyond.
If you’ve ever felt like your content isn’t gaining traction or that the Instagram algorithm is working against you, this episode is your wake-up call. Jenn reveals:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Is Organic Reach Dead on Instagram?
01:09 Guest Introduction: Jen Herman on Instagram Strategy
02:36 The Evolution of Instagram: Features and Functions
05:48 Adapting to Algorithm Changes
08:31 Creating Authentic and Engaging Content
16:56 Leveraging Instagram Stories and AI
24:45 Building Private Communities and Memberships
29:55 Future Trends and Final Thoughts
We also talk about how micro-communities, subscriber-only content, and even Stories are still the highest-converting tools on Instagram when done right.
Ready to future-proof your Instagram strategy? Tune in to hear how you can grow with less, stay real, and leverage what’s actually working right now.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.
Visit Jenn Herman online:
Website: https://jennstrends.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenns_trends/
Profit Your Profile Community: https://profityourprofile.com/
Jenn Herman's Books: https://jennstrends.com/books/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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Running a business on sticky notes, late nights, and last-minute decisions? I’ve been there. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my operational other half and COO, Shawn Quintero, to share the behind-the-scenes journey of turning Next Step Social & Podcasting from a founder-dependent business into a scalable, framework-driven company.
We get real about what it takes to stop doing it all and start leading intentionally. From the CEO-COO relationship, to daily huddles, GWC evaluations, and how we use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to guide every move—we're pulling back the curtain on the systems and rhythms that power sustainable growth.
Whether you're a solopreneur with a team or a visionary ready to scale, this episode is your blueprint.
In this episode, we discuss:
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling
00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling
00:03:00 Transitioning from Solopreneurship
00:06:00 Strategic Hiring and Systematization
00:09:00 Understanding EOS and Its Components
00:12:00 Building a Strong Business Partnership
00:15:00 The Role of Vision and Delegation
00:18:00 Implementing Daily Huddles and GWC Test
00:21:00 The Importance of Complementary Skills
00:24:00 Maintaining Alignment and Communication
00:27:00 Scaling with Structure and Systems
00:30:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
Visit Shawn Quintero online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Matthew Rouse—author, agency owner, and AI startup founder—to talk about the real state of AI in business. Forget the hype—Matt and I dive into practical AI tools, how to build better automations, and how small businesses can scale smarter without sacrificing authenticity.
We explore:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to AI and Job Security
00:30 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
01:00 Meet Matt Rouse: AI Expert and Entrepreneur
01:26 The Reality of AI for Entrepreneurs
06:18 AI Tools and Their Applications
14:03 Using AI for Creative Processes
18:32 Automating Business Tasks with AI
23:28 The Future of AI in Business
28:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Matt also shares insights from his book Will AI Take My Job Too?, plus his approach to building powerful AI agents and automations that actually move the needle.
Tune in to learn how to stop fearing AI—and start using it to make your business more efficient, impactful, and human.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to subscribe!
Visit Matt Rouse online:
Website: https://matthewrouse.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/
SMB Autopilot: https://smbautopilot.ai/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Take-Job-Predictions-Corporations/dp/B0CL9NWGGL
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and a personal branding strategist, to unpack what it really means to build an authentic brand in today’s AI-saturated world.
Kelly shares how she accidentally built her personal brand over 15 years ago, and how that journey led her to help other professionals turn their expertise into influence. We dive into the importance of authenticity, how AI tools like ChatGPT and Quso can elevate your voice—not replace it—and why your story still matters more than ever.
We also explore:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Branding
00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
00:54 Meet Today's Guest: Kelly Schuknecht
01:25 The Importance of Personal Branding in the Age of AI
02:36 Kelly's Journey to Personal Branding
04:14 Challenges in Defining Personal Brand
08:47 The Role of AI in Content Creation
14:56 AI Tools for Personal Branding
18:51 The Power of Writing a Book for Personal Branding
25:06 Getting Started with Personal Branding
28:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Want to know if your personal brand is working for you? Take Kelly’s Thought Leadership Scorecard at twomilehighmarketing.com
Visit Kelly Kelly Schuknecht online:
Website: https://kellyschuknecht.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyschuknecht/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kellyschuknecht
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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What does it really take to scale your business without losing your sanity?
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my friend, business partner, and COO of Next Step Social & Podcasting, Shawn Quintero. Shawn pulls back the curtain on the systems, strategy, and mindset shifts that have helped us scale Next Step Social & Podcasting —and support clients doing the same.
We talk about:
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Scaling Your Business
01:02 Meet the COO: Shawn Quintero
01:57 The Importance of Systems in Business
03:34 Challenges of Founder-Dependent Businesses
10:18 Strategic Incentives and Marketing Campaigns
12:53 VIP Day: A Game Changer for Businesses
17:14 Client Success Stories
21:20 Finding Clarity and Solving Problems
25:13 Looking Ahead: Scaling in 2026
26:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Whether you're a solo business owner or managing a full team, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the intentional design that drives real business growth.
Ready to take the next step? Book your VIP Day now at yournextstep.agency and let’s build your custom growth strategy.
Visit Shawn Quintero online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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I’ll be honest—most business owners and marketers I talk to think their tracking is dialed in… but they’re still flying blind. Why? Because they’re trusting platforms like Google or Meta to tell them what’s working.
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Zeke Camusio, founder of Data Speaks, to talk about why your tracking pixels might be lying to you—and how to fix it.
Zeke breaks down the flaws in traditional tracking methods and shares a smarter, AI-powered approach to marketing attribution. We dive into the three pillars of unified measurement (media mix modeling, incrementality testing, and attribution) and how they help you make confident, data-driven decisions that actually move the needle.
Whether you’re spending $2K or $200K a month on ads, this conversation will help you:
It’s time to stop guessing and start scaling with accurate marketing data. You won’t want to miss this one.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Tracking Pixels
00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
00:59 The Inaccuracy of Tracking Pixels
01:43 Introducing Zeke Muccio and Data Speaks
02:30 Are Tracking Pixels Reliable?
05:03 Challenges with Tracking Pixels
08:21 Unified Measurement Framework
11:19 AI in Marketing Analytics
14:48 Practical Steps for Business Owners
17:32 The Role of UTM Tags and Pixels
22:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Visit Zeke Camusio online:
Website: https://dataspeaks.ai/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zekemuccio
Free tools: https://dataspeaks.ai/resources
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
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What if your website could generate leads while you sleep?
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about what most business owners get wrong about their websites—and how to fix it. Wes shares his innovative approach to Search Everywhere Optimization, explains how to build an AI-proof content strategy, and breaks down how to make your website your #1 salesperson.
We also unpack:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Hardest Working Sales Rep
00:44 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
01:18 Meet Wes Towers: Embracing AI and Human Connection
02:37 The Importance of Your Website as a Sales Rep
06:31 Search Everywhere Optimization Explained
11:06 Practical Tips for an Effective Website
20:02 Leveraging AI While Doubling Down on Human Connection
22:03 Key Takeaways and Conclusion
If you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner who wants to future-proof your brand and actually see results from your website, this episode is your game plan.
Visit Wes Towers:
Website: https://uplift360.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uplift_360
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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When crisis strikes, will your business be ready?
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Mike Swenson to uncover what every small and mid-sized business must know about crisis management. Mike shares his 30+ years of experience in public relations and walks us through a five-step framework for creating a crisis plan that actually works. From social media slip-ups to data breaches, we explore real-world scenarios that can put your reputation at risk—and how to protect it before it's too late.
We also talk about why a crisis communication plan should be considered part of your marketing strategy, not just your PR playbook.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Facing a Business Crisis
00:45 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
01:23 Meet Mike Swensen: Crisis Management Expert
03:02 The Importance of a Crisis Plan
08:01 Steps to Create an Effective Crisis Plan
12:05 Real-World Examples and Lessons
18:25 Actionable Steps for Entrepreneurs
22:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how to prepare for the unexpected.
Visit Mike Swenson:
Website: https://crisistrak.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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If your business isn’t ranking on Google Maps, you might as well be invisible. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I am joined by local SEO expert Josh Thompson, founder of Bright Beam SEO. They dive deep into practical strategies that local business owners can implement today to rank higher in local search results.
Josh shares his powerful OCTBR SEO framework—Optimize, Content, Targeting, Backlinks, and Reviews—and explains why focusing on bottom-of-the-funnel searchers leads to real, revenue-generating results. From the future of AI in search to the simple tweaks you can make to your Google Business Profile, this episode is a masterclass for business owners who want to get found by customers ready to buy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Google Search
00:29 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
01:06 Understanding Local SEO with Josh Thompson
02:19 The Importance of Google Maps for Small Businesses
05:49 SEO Strategies: Optimize, Content, Target, Backlinks, Reviews
09:38 Impact of AI on Local SEO
14:02 Building Effective Backlinks
19:26 Quick Wins for Improving Local SEO
22:28 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information
Don’t miss this chance to turn Google into your best lead generator. Tune in now and walk away with a game plan for better visibility, stronger reviews, and more ideal customers.
Visit Joshua Thompson:
Website: https://brightbeamseo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualinked
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightbeamseo
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Bradford Carlton, an AI automation strategist helping entrepreneurs take back their time using low-code and no-code AI agents.
Bradford explains how AI agents—think “digital employees”—can handle repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and even replace entire job functions… all for pennies on the dollar. We discuss what platforms to start with (like Zapier, Make, and n8n), what kind of tasks to automate first, and how solopreneurs can scale without burnout.
If you're ready to delegate to tech instead of hiring more staff, this episode will show you the way.
What You’ll Learn:
What You’ll Learn:
00:00 Introduction to the Ultimate Team Member
00:12 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
00:47 The Burden of Repetitive Tasks
01:31 Introducing Dr. Bradford Carlton
02:15 The Future of AI in Business
03:13 Understanding AI Agents
04:48 Real-World Applications of AI
05:48 Common Myths and Fears About AI
07:29 Getting Started with AI Automation
12:06 Practical Tools for AI Automation
14:14 The Future of AI Agents and Automation
16:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
19:33 Conclusion and Farewell
If you're a small business owner feeling buried in busy work, it's time to let AI step in. Tune in to this episode and learn how to turn hours of admin into a few clicks—and reclaim your time for what matters most. Subscribe for more future-focused marketing episodes every week!
Visit Bradford Carlton:
Website: https://www.bradfordcarlton.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordcarlton
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradfordSCarlton
Free Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/automate-business-ai/about
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
#AIagents #businessautomation #entrepreneurmindset #lowcode #nocode #marketingautomation #AItools #smallbusinessgrowth #digitalproductivity #solopreneurtools #workflowautomation #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #timemanagement
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I spoke with Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, to explore the often-overlooked risks and opportunities in building AI strategies for business.
Hunter shares expert guidance on:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Risks of AI Data
00:28 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing
00:58 Today's Topic: Secure and ROI-Driven AI Strategy
01:19 Meet Hunter Jensen: AI and Data Science Expert
02:43 The Importance of Secure AI Tools
05:55 Steps to Implementing a Secure AI Strategy
06:37 The Role of AI Governance and Internal Tools
15:58 Custom AI Solutions for Your Business
18:58 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice
24:23 Conclusion and How to Connect
They also dig into how machine learning supports predictive analytics, and the importance of fostering innovation within your company culture to fully leverage AI.
Whether you're a founder, CIO, or digital marketer, this episode delivers the tactical and strategic insights you need to build a secure, scalable, and ROI-positive AI roadmap.
Visit Hunter Jensen:
Website: https://www.barefootsolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterjensen/
Email: hunter@barefootsolutions.com
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
#AISecurity #AIStrategy #Chatgpt
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Ever wonder why your marketing isn’t attracting the right audience—even when your product is great? In this episode, I sit down with Lisanne Murphy, creator of Lumina Growth Lab and a master of scaling businesses using psychology-driven strategies. We explore what “dream traffic” actually means, why not all leads are created equal, and how understanding your audience’s behavior can cut acquisition costs in half.
You’ll learn:
Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to Psychological Marketing
01:04 Meet Lizanne Murphy: Scaling Businesses with Psychology
02:07 Understanding Dream Traffic
09:12 Psychological Triggers for Immediate Action
17:06 The Importance of Slowing Down for Business Success
22:50 Conclusion and Ways to Connect
If you’re a business owner, coach, or entrepreneur looking to grow smarter—not harder—this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in now to discover how to turn dream traffic into loyal clients.
Visit Lisanne Murphy:
Website: https://themarketingmatrixpodcast.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisanne-murphy
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Mike Montague, creator of the Avenue 9 AI Tools list and a leading voice in ethical, human-first marketing with AI. We dive into the tools, mindset shifts, and ethical considerations every business owner needs to navigate the evolving AI landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just testing the waters with ChatGPT, this episode will help you better understand how to use AI—and more importantly, why your voice still matters.
From improving productivity to saving hours of admin work, we talk through Mike’s favorite tools (including which ones are worth paying for), how to maintain authenticity when automating, and the three “C’s” every business owner should remember in the age of AI: Creativity, Curation, and Coaching.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Transforming Your AI Experience
01:06 Meet the Expert: Mike from Avenue Nine
02:19 Philosophy of Human-First AI Marketing
05:09 AI Tools for Small Business Owners
10:35 Zoom AI Companion: Perfect Attendance Award
14:26 Notebook LM: Most Organized and Best Banter
17:04 Podcasting and Presentation Tools
22:19 Grammarly and Whisper: Enhancing Your Writing
25:09 Sales Connector: LinkedIn Networking
27:06 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
If you're ready to work with AI (instead of competing against it), this episode is your roadmap. Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing for fresh, human-centered strategies that actually move the needle—and don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow creator or coach who’s ready to scale smarter.
Visit Mike Montague:
Website: https://avenue9.com/mike-montague/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedmontague
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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Starting a podcast is easy—but building one that shortens your sales cycle, drives high-ticket leads, and supports your business? That’s a different game.
In this episode, Katie sits down with Megan Dougherty of One Stone Creative to unpack the business strategy behind podcasting. They dive into podcast value math, why most shows fail to convert, and how to create episodes that become evergreen sales tools.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Strategy Overview
01:08 Guest Introduction: Megan Doherty
02:06 Common Misconceptions About Podcasting
03:47 Designing a Podcast for Business Outcomes
05:10 Shortening the Sales Cycle with Podcasts
08:05 Entertainment vs. Business Podcasts
09:56 Measuring Podcast Success
13:54 Business Podcast Blueprints and State of Business Podcasting Report
21:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Want to create a podcast that does more than entertain? Visit podcastingforbusiness.com for Megan’s full blueprint. DM Katie on LinkedIn if you want help bringing your podcast strategy to life.
Visit Megan Dougherty online:
Website: http://podcastingforbusiness.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughertymegan/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-podcast-spotlight/id1801282981
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, host Katie Brinkley speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies and a seasoned attorney who helps startups and growing businesses navigate the tricky legal terrain of entrepreneurship. They dive into the most common legal mistakes founders make, such as skipping trademark registration, not having the right agreements in place, and relying too heavily on AI-generated contracts.
Jeff explains why legal protection isn't just for "later" and how foundational documents like founder agreements and offer letters can save entrepreneurs time, money, and stress down the road. From trademark myths to fractional legal teams, this episode is packed with actionable insights for small business owners ready to scale smart and safe.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
03:15 – Why trademarks matter more than you think
08:40 – Avoiding partnership disasters
14:00 – The AI trap: what not to DIY legally
20:00 – How to structure legal support as you grow
28:15 – What questions to ask during your first legal consult
34:00 – Closing thoughts and next steps
Ready to stop guessing and start protecting your business the right way?
Hit play on this episode and walk away with actionable legal strategies that every founder, coach, or creator must know. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your brand deserves to be protected from the start.
Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Marketing for more expert-backed tips on growing your business with confidence.
And if you found this episode valuable, share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear this today.
Your business is worth protecting—start now.
Visit Jeff Holman online:
Website: https://www.intellectualstrategies.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holman/
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Sara Nay—CEO at Duct Tape Marketing—to dive into a smarter, more sustainable way to grow your business with strategy-first content.
We’re talking about what most business owners get wrong when it comes to content, how the Marketing Hourglass can change the way you view your sales journey, and how AI and automation can elevate—not replace—your marketing.
Whether you're a solopreneur, service provider, or marketer stuck in the "post more!" cycle, this episode will show you how to simplify your efforts and focus on what actually moves the needle.
What You’ll Learn:
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Sara Nay
02:10 – What is the Marketing Hourglass?
06:45 – Common mistakes in content strategy
10:30 – How to use AI for smarter marketing
13:50 – Automating the customer journey
18:15 – Turning customers into referral machines
22:00 – Final advice for simplifying your strategy
Tune in now and stop creating content that goes nowhere!
Visit Sara Nay online:
Website: https://ducttapemarketing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saranay
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ducttapemarketingvideo
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
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If you’ve been pouring money into Facebook ads with zero return or relying on Google only to end up buried on page three, it’s time for a shift. In this episode, I sit down with digital marketing veteran Marilyn Jenkins, founder of MJ Media Group, who’s been helping local businesses scale since before most people had email.
She breaks down exactly how local businesses are getting 14X ROI using streaming TV ads, how to target zip codes like a sniper, and why Google Business Profile is your make-or-break moment.
If you want your business in front of your ideal customer while they’re binge-watching Roku or Tubi, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
Timestamps:
00:03 – Why your digital ads aren’t converting
02:00 – Meet Marilyn Jenkins: Digital OG with 14X ROI results
04:08 – Why brand visibility is more important than ever
06:44 – Streaming ads are the new TV gold rush
08:40 – How to get started (even with a small budget)
10:05 – Targeting by zip code, language, and behavior
13:00 – The streaming networks you need to know
14:22 – Cost comparison: Streaming TV vs Facebook vs Google
20:53 – Biggest mistake small businesses make with TV ads
22:41 – Why your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable
24:12 – Final thoughts and how to get started
Here’s a challenge for you - audit your digital presence—starting with your Google Business Profile.
Follow Rocky Mountain Marketing and share this episode with someone still running ads without a plan.
Visit Marilyn Jenkins online:
Website: https://marilynjenkins.online/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynjenkins/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawmarketingzone/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawmarketingzone
Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:
Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/
Website: https://yournextstep.agency/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.