More than a Few Words

#1128 Podcasts, Pitches, and Perfect Guests - Land (and Nail) Your Next Interview | Angel Tuccy

I love podcasts! As a host and a guest, I’ve seen firsthand how they spark connections, showcase expertise, and open doors to new opportunities. But being a podcast guest isn’t just about showing up—it’s about building relationships, adding value, and promoting your appearance long after the recording ends.
That’s why I was so excited to chat with Angel Tuccy, who knows the podcasting world inside and out. With 15 bestselling books and a knack for connecting hosts and guests through her Need a Guest Facebook community, Angel shared some practical, no-nonsense advice on how to make the most of podcast guesting as a marketing strategy.
Key Points from the Conversation:
Quality Over Quantity in Podcast Pitches: Instead of cold-emailing dozens of podcast hosts, focus on building genuine relationships. Engage with hosts by listening to their shows, sharing their content, and interacting meaningfully before pitching yourself as a guest.
Promote Your Appearances: Don’t let your podcast interviews fade into obscurity. Angel suggests creating a Google spreadsheet to track your appearances and repurposing the content through blog posts, social media, and email campaigns to keep the buzz alive long after the episode airs.
Be Relatable and Authentic: Great podcast conversations aren’t perfectly polished—they’re human. Be ready for unscripted moments, embrace the quirks of live dialogue, and let your personality shine through.
Add Value to the Audience: Whether it’s sharing actionable insights or telling stories that resonate, focus on providing meaningful content that helps listeners. This builds trust and encourages them to follow both you and the podcast host.
Leverage Communities Like Need a Guest: Joining networks where podcast hosts actively seek guests can dramatically improve your booking rate. Being part of a vetted community often leads to more natural connections and opportunities.
Your Next Steps:
Build a database of your podcast appearances to reuse content creatively across platforms.
Prioritize meaningful connections with podcast hosts rather than sending generic pitches.
Promote your interviews through posts, emails, and even bundled articles on related topics.
Let go of perfection during interviews—authenticity wins over a polished script every time.
Explore communities like Need a Guest to streamline your efforts and connect with hosts.
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#1127 How to Simplify Your LinkedIn Strategy | Nina Froriep

Consistency, Community, and Credibility
There’s this common myth that as a business owner, you’ve got to do it all. LinkedIn can feel overwhelming, but today, Nina Froriep debunked that myth and showed us how to simplify and thrive on the platform. Her approach is a breath of fresh air—practical, doable, and built for business owners who’d rather spend time serving clients than battling algorithms.
Key Takeaways:
Consistency Beats Frequency: Posting once a week at the same time and day yields better results than flooding the platform randomly. Think of it as training both the algorithm and your audience—regularity builds recognition.
Engagement Builds Credibility: Your LinkedIn feed is a virtual business card. Posts with thoughtful comments and genuine engagement show potential clients and collaborators that you’re active and respected in your field.
Small Groups, Big Impact: Nina’s LinkedIn engagement group thrives because members prioritize reciprocity and accountability. They comment on each other’s posts within an hour, creating authentic connections and visibility.
Invest in the Process: Paid groups tend to see higher participation. People value what they pay for, and Nina’s group offers more than just engagement—it’s a supportive community with resources and learning opportunities.
Actionable Next Steps:
Start by posting once a week consistently. Choose a day and time that works for you.
Build a small, engaged network of LinkedIn connections who genuinely support each other’s content.
Prioritize quality over quantity—focus on meaningful interactions, not just likes.
If you’re ready to elevate your LinkedIn strategy, connect with Nina Froriep on LinkedIn to see how her approach could work for you.
Looking for more resources for your business?  Check out the MTFW Resource Page

#1126 - Ignore Good Advice and Other Marketing Mistakes with Matt Nettleton

You know that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve been ignoring great advice or giving up on something that actually worked? We’ve all been there, myself included. That’s why I loved this conversation with Matt Nettleton. As my most frequent podcast guest, Matt brought his signature blend of insight and candor to our “What Went Wrong?” series. Together, we revisited the missteps that taught us valuable lessons—like ditching a successful accountability group, setting goals that feel more like a prison sentence than a roadmap, and stubbornly resisting good advice. If you’ve ever tripped over your own decisions, this one’s for you.
Actionable Takeaways
Stick With What Works: If a process, group, or habit is driving success, don’t abandon it just because things are going smoothly. Consistency beats complacency.
Shrink Your Timeframe: Break those massive annual goals into manageable chunks. Try a “12-week year” approach to stay motivated, track progress, and pivot as needed.
Listen to Advice (Even When It’s Hard): Pay attention to the advice of trusted colleagues and mentors—and maybe your spouse, too. The sooner you act on good suggestions, the faster you’ll see results.
Celebrate and Course-Correct: Mark your milestones, reassess your direction, and give yourself permission to change the plan if it’s no longer serving you.
Want to hear the full conversation and laugh along at our shared “oops” moments? Tune in to this episode—it might just save you from making the same mistakes!
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#1125 Goals Make a Plan Real | Small Business Tips

When I was Vice President of Creative Services at Conseco, we were always out of literature for key products. In the insurance business literature is all you have to sell, so these outages would cripple our sales team. Out out of stock list was routinely close to 300 different items and climbing. While we had numerous meetings on the subject nothing ever changed.
So I stopped talking about procedures and policy and asked a simple question "If our goal was a back order level of 100 what would we do?" Defining a specific target, instead of vague "get better" gave a focus to our discussions. Every day we knew exactly how far we were from our target.
As an added incentive, I offered to take the print team to any restaurant in town if we reduced our back orders to 100  by September. 1. The date gave us the sense of urgency we needed to keep this in the forefront of our discussions.
We kicked off every production meeting with a brief conversation about the back-order list and the ideas started flowing.  We instituted a "red flag" for any project associated with back order items. Every team, editors, designers, writers and account executives agreed if a red tag landed on their desk it was their first priority.
Slowly the numbers started to improve;  We posted the daily results on the way so we could see our progress in real time. . On September 1, we went to lunch at Cafe Nora. There are several important lessons for small business owners in this story:
Define your goals, with a specific time line
If you are serious create and follow an action plan
Track your progress
Involve others, do not assume you can do it on your own.  We would never have succeeded with out the support of the printer, inventory team, and other managers.
 

#1124 Let's Play a Game | Rob Alvarez

I love games. Whether it’s playing cards with family, a quick round of trivia, or even the occasional video game, there’s something so engaging about the world of play. But I’ve never really thought about applying the principles of games to business—until I spoke with Rob Alvarez of Professor Game. Gamification, as Rob explains it, is about using elements of play to motivate action and achieve goals, and it’s not just for big companies. From language apps to skincare quizzes, the possibilities are endless.
Gamification Defined: At its core, gamification uses elements of play and game design to achieve goals that would otherwise be difficult to reach. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about motivating people toward meaningful actions.
Two Approaches to Gamification: Rob shared examples of gamification in action:
Duolingo: This language-learning app gamifies the process with streaks, leaderboards, and rewards, encouraging daily engagement in small increments rather than overwhelming sessions.
Skin Care Quiz: A simple questionnaire that mimics personality quizzes (e.g., “Which Disney princess are you?”) to recommend tailored skincare routines, combining fun with practical marketing.
The Player-Centric Perspective: Effective gamification starts by understanding what motivates your audience—what excites and moves them to action. Viewing your audience as "players" or protagonists can shift the way you design experiences and tailor your strategies.
Psychological Strategies: Small changes can have a significant impact. For example, LinkedIn’s progress bar motivates users to complete their profiles step by step, illustrating how even simple features can enhance engagement.
Designing for Connection: Gamification can foster community and social interaction. Whether it’s forming teams in Fortnite or creating shared experiences at a gym or salon, the sense of connection can be a powerful motivator.
LEARN MORE
 
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#1123 Organic + Ads = Marketing Magic | Alex Thoric

Good marketing isn’t all one thing or another. It’s really about creating a hybrid approach, pulling together the best elements of different strategies to move your brand forward. In today’s episode, I spoke with Alex Thoric, a seasoned digital marketer and entrepreneur, about how combining organic content and paid advertising can create a winning formula. Our conversation reaffirmed something I’ve believed for a long time: successful marketing isn’t just about tools and tactics; it’s about understanding people—how they think, what they trust, and how they engage.
Here are the key points from our conversation:
Trust Takes Time and TouchpointsAlex shared a fascinating framework: on average, it takes 7 hours of content, 11 interactions, and 4 different channels for a potential customer to trust your brand enough to make a purchase. This means marketers need to think long-term, building relationships over time rather than chasing quick wins.
Short Content for Quick Wins, Long Content for LoyaltyShort-form content, like Instagram Reels and TikToks, captures attention quickly and builds initial interest. Longer-form videos, though, are where deep engagement happens. Alex found that people who stick around for 5- or 10-minute videos are much more likely to convert into loyal customers.
Boost Organic Content with Paid AdsOrganic content is essential, but it’s a guessing game in terms of reach. Adding ad spend to your best-performing posts ensures your message gets in front of the right audience, giving you more control and consistency. Plus, combining the two helps address today’s trust issues by showing up repeatedly for potential customers in authentic and helpful ways.
Hooks Are EverythingThe first 3–5 seconds of any video are critical. Whether it’s a surprising visual, a bold question, or simply calling out your audience, grabbing attention early ensures your content has a fighting chance.
Retarget StrategicallyRetargeting works best when it feels personal. For example, Alex suggested calling out the viewer directly with messages like, “Looks like you enjoyed our content—here’s something else you might love.” This approach makes your ads feel like an extension of your content rather than just another pitch.
Actionable Takeaways:
Think beyond the immediate click or sale—build relationships with consistent, trustworthy content across multiple platforms.
Experiment with both short and long-form videos to see what resonates with your audience.
Use paid ads strategically to amplify your organic efforts and build trust faster.
Always start your videos with a compelling hook—attention spans are shorter than ever.
Make retargeting personal and helpful, not pushy.
Hybrid marketing isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset. It’s about meeting your audience where they are and guiding them step by step. If you’re curious about Alex’s work, check out his website https://www.buildingincomeondemand.com/
And if you are looking for other resources for your business check out https://morethanafewwords.com
 

1122 Emily Aborn | What Went Wrong

Failure can feel like a four-letter word for entrepreneurs, but it doesn’t have to be. It can also be an opportunity to learn and grow, but let's face it failure is painful, so sometimes it is nice to learn from other people's mistakes. That's why I decided to launch the What Went Wrong series, I wanted to create a space for honest conversations about missteps and miscalculations—and the incredible lessons they teach us.
For the first episode, I invited Emily Aborn, a copywriter, speaker, and podcast host, to share her entrepreneurial journey. From opening a non-toxic mattress store to building a successful women’s entrepreneurship community before finding her true calling, Emily’s experiences are a masterclass in learning to pivot, listen to your gut, and embrace the opportunities hiding in what might feel like a dead end.
Key Points from the Conversation
Follow Your Passion, Not Someone Else’s Path: Emily’s entrepreneurial journey began in health education but veered into unexpected territory when she ignored her instincts and tried to conform to others’ expectations. Her advice? Be honest about what excites you—and what doesn’t.
Mistakes Are a Roadmap: Whether it was running a retail mattress store or managing a large entrepreneurial community, Emily’s ventures taught her valuable lessons about boundaries, focus, and what she truly loves to do.
Pivot When It’s Not Working: Closing her store wasn’t a failure—it was a realization that led Emily to rediscover her passion for writing and helping others with their messaging. She emphasizes the importance of assessing what’s working and what isn’t before moving forward.
Test the Waters First: Before diving headfirst into a new business idea, gain hands-on experience. Emily credits working in a mattress store for showing her the potential—and pitfalls—of the retail world.
Create a Business That Aligns With You: Emily encourages entrepreneurs to design businesses that reflect their strengths and preferences, rather than forcing themselves into roles they dislike.
Actionable Takeaways
Assess Your Strengths and Interests: Take the time to understand what you love and what drains you before launching a business.
Learn from Others: Work in a similar business or shadow an expert to understand the industry’s day-to-day realities.
Embrace Mistakes: Look for lessons in every misstep. Each failure is an opportunity to refine your approach.
Be Willing to Pivot: If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change course. Closing one door often opens another.
Trust Your Gut: Listen to your instincts when making big decisions, even if they lead you away from the original plan.
Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about learning from them. Emily’s journey proves that even when things go sideways, there’s always a way forward.
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#1121 Be the Honey Crisp | Stand Out by Finding Your Unique Flavor

Stand Out by Finding Your Unique Flavor
How often have you been told that the first step to creating marketing is getting crystal clear on your customer. Who are they? What do they need?
 
That's just the starting point. The real magic happens when you figure out how to be different. And I'm not talking about different for the sake of being different. I'm talking about leaning into what makes you unique.
 
It's like choosing what kind of apple you want to be. If you just say you're an "apple" in general, you'll get lost in the crowd. But if you decide, "You know what? I'm going to be a Honeycrisp" - now you're really getting somewhere.
Because the pears and oranges of the world can't compete with your Honeycrisp flavor. You've carved out your own niche, and you're owning it.
 
The same goes for your business. When you get clear on what makes you special - your origin story, your values, your signature process - that's when the magic starts to happen.
 
Sure, it might mean turning away some customers along the way. But you can't be everything to everyone. And the funny thing is, when you stop trying to blend in and instead lean into your unique flavor, that's when the perfect-fit clients start to find you.
 
They're drawn to your authenticity, your confidence, your refusal to be like everyone else. And there's nothing more powerful than working with people who truly "get" you.
 
So, the next time you're tempted to play it safe, ask yourself - what makes me different? Because that's where the real magic lies.
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#1120 Avoiding Burnout with Rob Tracz

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself working so hard on your business that burnout feels inevitable. That’s why I was excited to talk with Rob Tracz, a performance coach who helps entrepreneurs transition from burnout to breakthrough. With his holistic Prime Performance Coaching framework, Rob tackles the physical, mental, and emotional hurdles entrepreneurs face. Together, we unpacked strategies for navigating burnout, building resilience, and sustaining success.
3 Key Insights from the Conversation
Avoiding Burnout Starts with AwarenessRob shared that the first step in overcoming burnout is recognizing where you are on your journey. Reflect on the stressors you’ve been managing, how long you’ve been juggling them, and how much longer you can keep going. Setting clear deadlines can create a mental finish line, helping you endure challenges more effectively. As Rob reminded me, you’ve survived 100% of your tough moments so far—you’re stronger than you think.
The Team Triangle: Your Built-In Support SystemRob’s "Team Triangle" framework is a game-changer. At the top, you have your coach—a mentor to guide and inspire you. In the middle, there are captains—peers who collaborate and keep you moving forward. At the base is your crowd—cheerleaders who provide motivation and encouragement. Each plays a unique role, and knowing who to lean on and when can make all the difference.
Slowing Down to Break ThroughWhen life feels overwhelming, Rob advocates for slowing things down and focusing on what’s essential. Prioritize the tasks that matter most and set your own timelines to regain control. This approach not only prevents burnout but ensures you’re working smarter, not harder. His mantra? Don’t let timelines dictate your life—take control and build your business on your terms.
Actionable Takeaways
Set Clear Deadlines: Whether it’s a short-term goal or a break in sight, having an endpoint can give you the stamina to keep going.
Identify Your Team: Lean on your coach, captains, and crowd for guidance, collaboration, and encouragement.
Prioritize and Simplify: Focus on one or two tasks that move the needle, and don’t hesitate to delegate when needed.
Invest in Yourself: Rob’s “looking good, feeling good, doing great things” philosophy reminds us to prioritize physical and emotional well-being. Fuel your body with nutritious food and your mind with uplifting media to stay strong and focused.
Rob’s insights are a reminder that success isn’t about grinding endlessly—it’s about creating a sustainable path forward. If you want to learn more about his Prime Performance Coaching program, you can find Rob at robtracz.com and across social media.
Feeling inspired? Look for conversations and so much more at www.morethanafewwords.com for practical advice and insights to grow your business.

#1119 - Your Next Hire | Lisa McDonald

Why did I invite Lisa McDonald, a certified career coach  to join me for a conversation?  You are not looking for a job, but you are probably looking for employees,
And Lisa is probably working with those potential employees, telling them not to apply for a job with your company.
In this lively conversation, we talk about the mistakes employers make starting with job descriptions that don’t really reflect the company to interviews that go completely off the rails.
This is one conversation you need to listen to, before you try to hire your next employee.
 
Lisa explains that crafting a compelling job description is as much about storytelling as writing a great ad for your business. It’s not just a list of tasks; it’s your chance to paint a picture of what it’s like to work with you. And let’s be honest, if you’re on the hunt for a “purple squirrel,” you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
Here are the key takeaways:
Ditch the Bucket List: Stop trying to find the impossible candidate who checks every box. Instead, focus on the core skills and values you need. Hiring for potential can often yield better results than sticking to an unrealistic wish list.
Think Like a Candidate: Just as you’d tailor your resume to highlight your strengths, craft your job description to attract the right person. Use language that reflects your company’s personality, values, and culture. A good job description should read more like an invitation than a set of rules.
Avoid the Extremes: Don’t sound too outdated or overly trendy. The goal is to sound authentic—like the kind of team a candidate would actually want to join.
It’s All Marketing: Your job description isn’t just a list of responsibilities; it’s an ad for your company. Think about the words you’d use to sell your product or service and apply the same principles to your hiring process. Remember, you’re selling the idea of working with you.
Mirror Your Culture: Make sure your job description aligns with how your team communicates and operates. If your workplace is warm and collaborative, let that shine through in your wording.
If you’re struggling to hire, take a hard look at your job descriptions. Are they telling the right story? Or are they pushing people away before you’ve even had a chance to meet them? Start fresh, focus on the essentials, and don’t be afraid to let your company’s personality come through. You might just find that the right candidate has been waiting for a job posting that finally speaks their language.
 
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