In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, the host welcomes SEO and copywriting expert Krista Walsh. They discuss the complexities and myths around SEO, especially in the context of AI's growing influence. Krista shares insights into effective SEO practices, cautioning against quick-fix methods, and highlights Google's recent updates targeting AI-generated content. They explore the importance of user experience (UX) and clear messaging in converting website visitors, particularly in the mental health sector. Krista also shares her personal journey into SEO, her focus on healthcare and mental health, and practical ways she uses AI to enhance, but not dominate, her content creation. The conversation includes thoughts on content strategies and the beneficial use of LinkedIn for B2B engagement.

Krista Walsh Copywriter Links:

https://kristawalshcopywriter.com/website-agency

https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-walsh-aa1b8a1a9/

https://www.instagram.com/kristawalshcopywriter/

SEO and AI in Marketing

• SEO remains confusing for many, especially practice owners and marketers unfamiliar with its intricacies.
• AI has added new complexities, often tempting businesses to use it as a quick fix to rank high on Google, similar to outdated "black-hat" SEO tricks.
• Recent Google algorithm updates target AI-generated content to demote low-quality, unhelpful content, reinforcing the need for user-focused, valuable information.

Sustainable SEO Strategies

• SEO should be viewed as a long-term strategy, aiming for steady, quality results instead of quick fixes.
• SEO’s value lies in bringing relevant users to websites, but effective user experience (UX) and compelling content are essential to convert visitors.
• Examples of valuable SEO approaches include optimizing content for clarity, ensuring helpful navigation, and refining titles or headlines to maintain user engagement.

Balanced Use of AI for Content Creation

• Krista outlines her approach to AI:
  • AI is useful for tasks like summarizing studies or rewriting specific sections but not for generating complete or first drafts.
  • Using AI sparingly in editing or research can streamline work while avoiding penalties from Google’s algorithms.
• The ultimate goal remains creating high-quality, user-centered content that AI alone cannot produce effectively.

The Power of Niche SEO and Personal Motivation

• Krista shares her journey into SEO, emphasizing her commitment to healthcare and mental health industries, driven by her personal experience and the desire to make a positive impact.
• Both hosts agree that having a niche and providing value within it attracts ideal clients, fosters credibility, and enables sustained business growth.

LinkedIn and Social Media in Professional Networking

• Krista highlights LinkedIn as a valuable platform for B2B marketing, offering a less video-intensive format compared to other social media platforms.
• The hosts discuss ethical concerns about TikTok, particularly for professionals in sensitive fields like mental health, and the potential risks of providing advice on such platforms.
• Instagram remains effective for targeting specific demographics like teens and parents, especially in contexts like addiction recovery.

Future Goals and Professional Growth

• Krista plans to continue refining her business offerings rather than expanding into new services, aiming for excellence and long-term impact.
• She values simplicity and focuses on producing high-quality, effective solutions tailored to the needs of h

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, CEO Adrienne Wilkerson dives into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: the transition from founder to CEO. Adrienne shares her personal journey with Beacon Media and Marketing, revealing the key traits and strategies needed to navigate the unique challenges of startup growth and leadership. Are you considering stepping into the CEO role, or maybe debating whether to hand off the reins? This episode is packed with insights on what it takes to lead, grow, and build resilience as a founder.

Chapters:

·  0:00 – Welcome to The Beacon Way Podcast

·  1:15 – The Founder to CEO Transition: A Unique Journey

·  2:45 – Sobering Stats: Why Most Founders Don’t Become CEOs

·  4:30 – The Two Types of Founders

·  7:00 – Key Traits for Successful Founders: Innovation, Flexibility, & Adaptation

· 9:30 – Getting Scrappy: Building with Limited Resources

·  11:15 – Innovation & Creativity: Thriving in a New Market

·  13:00 – Grit & Perseverance: Overcoming Startup Hurdles

·  15:10 – Vision & Passion: The Real Why Behind Founding a Company

·  17:50 – Founder Blind Faith: Embracing Naivety and Belief

·  20:00 – Can a Company Outgrow Its Founder?

·  21:30 – What’s Next? Preview of Part 2 on Transitioning Roles

Key Points:

·The Founder to CEO Transition: Adrienne reflects on the personal and professional journey founders take when stepping into a CEO role, including the challenges and growth involved.

·Statistics on Founder Longevity: Many founders don’t remain CEOs; Adrienne shares insights from a Harvard article, with only 25% of founders leading their companies to IPOs.

·Two Types of Founders:

·Technician Founders: Focus on craft and production, leveraging technical skills and product expertise.

·Visionary Founders: Focus on solving big problems, often driven by a desire to create change.

·Traits of Successful Founders:

·Innovation: Constantly creating new ideas to keep up with or stay ahead of market trends.

·Flexibility: Adapting to shifting demands and unexpected challenges.

·Adaptation: Continually testing, learning, and adjusting in response to market feedback.

·Scrappiness: Adrienne shares the importance of resourcefulness, especially in the early days, like tackling office renovations on a tight budget.

·Importance of Innovation in a New Market: As one of Alaska's first digital agencies, Adrienne explains how Beacon’s creativity, like offering free marketing classes, helped them educate clients and build credibility.

·Grit & Perseverance: Emphasizing resilience, Adrienne notes that startup life comes with many challenges, and perseverance is key to overcoming them.

·Vision & Purpose: For most founders, having a strong "why" is critical to staying committed through difficult times—money alone isn’t the driving force.

·Founder’s Blind Faith: Founders often need a certain level of faith and optimism, believing their vision will succeed despite the odds.

When a Company Outgrows Its Founder: Adrienne introduces the idea that some companies eventually evolve beyond what the founder alone can provide, leading to decisions about leadership transition. 

THE BEACON WAY PODCAST: EPISODE 55

Workaholism and Its Hidden Toll: Recognizing and Rebalancing for Healthier Lives

In this comprehensive episode, host Ken Okonek along with special guest Carmen Paredes, the first Latina vice president at a leading telecom company in Alaska, discuss the multifaceted issue of workaholism and the journey towards preventing burnout. The conversation explores the stark differences between being a hard worker and a workaholic, the role of dopamine, and the personal stories and underlying motivations behind excessive work habits. Key topics include recognizing work addiction early, the impact of upbringing on coping mechanisms, and practical strategies for setting professional boundaries and self-care. The episode also delves into the high costs of burnout on personal and organizational levels, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and healthy behaviors for leaders, and offers insights into balancing work with personal well-being. Additionally, the speakers elaborate on the global epidemic of workaholism, the serious health risks it encompasses, and the importance of quality time with loved ones and setting boundaries for holistic recovery.

About Our Guest: Carmen Perez

As the visionary behind Exceptional Leadership Solutions, Carmen’s mission is to elevate leaders and organizations maximize return on investment. Her intuitive and intentional leadership techniques are designed to transcend the existing inefficient dynamics in interactions between leaders and employees.
She’s passionate about sharing the leadership principles and actionable skills she refined in over two decades as a successful executive and passionate leader.  These very skills have enabled her to achieve remarkable results, fostering high performing and engaged teams in even the most demanding and challenging environments.
As a Latina leader recipient of the Volunteer Presidential Award, 2X TEDx speaker, award winning keynote speaker and best selling author, Carmen seamlessly integrates a diverse background, including an Engineering degree, an MBA, and a coaching certification accredited through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Key Points

·  Personal Journeys and Challenges: Stories of becoming high achievers and the struggles of maintaining a balanced life while dealing with work addiction. 

·  Recognizing Workaholism: Insights into identifying the signs of workaholism and its origins as a coping mechanism for emotional neglect. 

·  Impact on Relationships: Exploration of how prioritizing work affects personal relationships and the importance of self-reflection and pruning social circles.

·  Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for recognizing and combating burnout, including setting boundaries, managing energy, and finding mentors. 

·  Achieving Balance: Tips on enjoying leisure time, engaging in self-care, and realizing that external achievements don't equate to lasting happiness.

·  Practical Advice: Discussions on the benefits of managing workplace communications, shifting focus to outcomes over hours worked, and understanding personal peak energy times for better productivity. 

·  Global Perspective: Addressing workaholism as a global issue and sharing strategies for safeguarding against it, including taking quality time off and creating accountability systems. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how to achieve a healthier work-life balance and overcome the hustle mentality.

Join us in this insightful episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, where host Jennifer Christensen sits down with Sanjana, Co-Founder of Thrizer. Discover how Thrizer is transforming the therapy landscape by making out-of-network services straightforward and accessible for both therapists and clients. Dive into the origins of Thrizer, the challenges they've overcome, and the innovative solutions they're bringing to the mental health industry.

What you’ll learn:

· Insights into the bootstrap approach, product development phases, and strategic decisions that have shaped Thrizer.

· How Thrizer has achieved growth without venture capital and learn about their unique market approach and customer-centric focus.

·  Valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a significant impact in their industries.

Key Points:

· Inspiration for Thrizer: Personal challenges that led to the founding of Thrizer and its mission to improve the therapy process.

· Mission and Impact: How Thrizer simplifies the out-of-network therapy experience for both therapists and their clients.

· Product Development: Initial stages of building Thrizer, including key decision-making and the bootstrap approach to funding.

· Growth Strategy: How Thrizer has grown organically without venture capital and their customer-centric focus.

· Feedback and Market Response: The positive feedback from therapists and clients and how it has influenced Thrizer’s services.

· Expansion Plans: Future goals for expanding Thrizer’s services into other therapeutic areas beyond mental health.

· Advice for Entrepreneurs: Insights and practical advice for budding entrepreneurs on navigating challenges and enjoying the startup journey.

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, where host Jennifer Christensen explores the multifaceted journey of Peter House, Founder + CEO of DeepTree – an IT support service in Palmer, Alaska. Jennifer and Peter discuss real-world implications of starting and scaling a business, the critical importance of listening to the market, and how to leverage community and mentorship to propel business growth. Peter shares his personal experiences and the strategic decisions that have defined DeepTree's success, offering listeners a blend of motivational stories and practical advice.

Key Points:

·         Early Insights into IT and Education: Peter discusses his initial foray into the tech world, detailing how financial needs during his education led him to a tech support job.

· The Leap into Entrepreneurship: Exploration of Peter's decision to start his own IT firm after recognizing the limited job opportunities in academia.

· Challenges in Establishing DeepTree: Challenges faced and strategies employed in the initial stages of starting DeepTree, aligning IT services with evolving market demands.

· Adopting a Customer-Centric Business Model: The significance of adapting services to meet customer needs and strategies for building long-term relationships.

· Integrating Cybersecurity in Business Services: Discussion on the growing importance of cybersecurity within IT services and how DeepTree has responded.

· Resilience and Adaptability in Business: How overcoming operational challenges and strategic decisions have played a crucial role in DeepTree’s success.

· Leveraging Market Feedback for Business Adaptation: How DeepTree uses customer and market feedback to refine and adapt business services.

· Strategic Risk Management in IT: Insights into managing risk and uncertainty within the tech sector and the strategic thinking behind DeepTree’s operations.

· Mentorship’s Impact on Business Growth: The role of mentorship and professional communities in supporting Peter’s entrepreneurial journey and business growth.

· Anticipating Future IT Trends: Predictions for technological advancements and preparing businesses to adapt to forthcoming changes in the IT landscape.

· Entrepreneurial Advice for Aspiring Business Owners: Peter shares critical advice on adaptability, vision, and perseverance for success in the competitive IT industry.

Welcome back to The Beacon Way Podcast starring our Executive Team! Join Co-Founders Adrienne Wilkerson and Jennifer Christensen, and Partner, Ken Okonek as they unpack how successful executives harness the power of downtime to enhance their leadership and operational efficiency. Discover strategies from seasoned leaders who prioritize well-being to drive company success. Tune in as we explore the undeniable benefits of integrating rest into a demanding schedule, providing you with actionable insights to transform your approach to work and life balance. 

· Discussion on the scientific and psychological benefits of downtime.

· Insights into how downtime contributes to enhanced decision-making and creativity.

· Adrienne, a CEO, shares her journey towards incorporating downtime into her busy schedule. Specific changes she made and the positive impacts on her leadership and personal satisfaction. The challenges she faced in admitting the need for rest and how she overcame them.

·Jen recounts the health issues that arose from continuous work without breaks. The serious consequences she faced and the wake-up call that led her to prioritize her health. Steps she took to integrate downtime and the improvements in her health and work performance.

· Ken discusses the concept of "selfishness" in the context of self-care and why it is beneficial for the team and the organization as a whole. His views on how personal well-being impacts professional responsibilities and team dynamics. 

· Specific tips and strategies shared by the hosts for integrating downtime into a demanding schedule. Examples of small changes that can lead to significant benefits in both personal well-being and professional efficacy.

We’re back with another episode of The Beacon Way Podcast! In this executive series episode, Co-Founders Adrienne Wilkerson and Jennifer Christensen, and Partner, Ken Okonek delve into the advanced hiring strategies essential for any forward-thinking leader. This discussion provides a roadmap to securing top talent, crucial for a thriving workplace culture. Explore the art of hiring as we dissect practical insights influenced by notable leaders like Steve Jobs and Barbara Corcoran and integrate cutting-edge tools such as the Predictive Index. 

Key Points:

- Introduction to Hiring Excellence: Exploring the transformative approaches and importance of hiring top-tier talent for fostering a thriving workplace culture.

- Leveraging Steve Jobs' Legacy: How adopting Steve Jobs' strategy of hiring A-players at Apple can elevate company performance.

- Recruitment Strategies: Techniques and innovative solutions for attracting and engaging the best candidates in today's competitive job market.

- Automating Candidate Engagement: The impact of implementing automated systems to enhance communication with potential hires.

- Revitalizing Company Culture: Lessons from past mistakes and strategies to overcome a toxic workplace environment.

- Balancing Skills and Culture: Navigating the intersection of professional abilities and cultural fit in hiring decisions.

- Coaching for Peak Performance: How effective coaching can transform good employees into great ones and sustain high performance.

- Using Predictive Index: How this tool helps optimize hiring decisions by aligning candidate profiles with job requirements.

- Skill Matching in Recruitment: Addressing the challenges of aligning specific job roles with the right candidate skills.

- Continuous Improvement in Hiring: Strategies for refining hiring processes based on feedback and practical insights.

- Harnessing Soft Skills: The importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills in complementing technical abilities in the workplace.

Tune in to the second episode in our Executive Series of The Beacon Way Podcast with CEO/Co-Founder, Adrienne Wilkerson, CMO/Co-Founder, Jennifer Christensen, and CRO/Partner, Ken Okonek. Today, they’re talking about the vital role of constructive conflict in building resilient teams and fostering a culture of open communication. Learn from top executives as they share their personal experiences, the challenges they've faced, and the strategies that have transformed their approach to leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to manage a team, this episode offers valuable insights into turning conflict into a tool for growth and innovation.

Key Points:

·         Introduction to Constructive Conflict: Exploring the fundamental concepts and benefits of engaging in constructive conflict within teams.

·         Overcoming the Fear of Conflict: Strategies for addressing and alleviating common fears associated with conflict in professional settings.

·         The Role of Conflict in Organizational Strength: How conflict, when managed well, contributes to the resilience and growth of an organization.

·         Book Insights: Five Dysfunctions of a Team: Lessons and takeaways from the book that relate to harnessing conflict for team improvement.

·         Implementing Conflict Positively in Team Dynamics: Practical approaches to foster a culture where conflict leads to positive outcomes.

·         Real-Life Examples of Conflict Leading to Innovation: Case studies demonstrating how conflict has driven innovation and improvement.

·         Building Trust Through Healthy Conflict: Techniques for building and maintaining trust through the process of constructive disagreement.

·         Conflict Resolution: Offering practical tips and techniques for resolving disputes effectively.

·         The Importance of Perspective in Conflict Situations: Understanding different viewpoints to enrich the resolution process.

·         How to Encourage Constructive Disagreements: Encouraging team members to engage in healthy debates without damaging relationships.

·         Leadership and Conflict: Guidance for leaders on embracing conflict as a tool for personal and organizational growth.

·         Q&A Session: Addressing common questions and concerns about managing conflict in the workplace.

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Beacon Way Podcast as Adrienne Wilkerson, CEO and Co-Founder of Beacon Media and Marketing, discusses the transformative journey of becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse. Discover the core values and dynamic strategies that have shaped Beacon's success in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers valuable insights into cultivating a thriving, innovative company.

Key Points:

·         Entrepreneurial Spirit at Beacon: Adrienne discusses her personal journey and the core values that define Beacon as an entrepreneurial company.

·         Inspirational Insights: A revelation from Dan Sullivan's book that redefined Beacon's approach to entrepreneurship.

·         Learning by Doing: Emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge in digital marketing.

·         Adaptability in Workflows: How Beacon embraces adaptable workflows and results-focused objectives to stay competitive.

·         Flexibility Over Rigidity: The strategic advantage of embracing ambiguity and versatility in a rapidly changing industry.

·         Prioritizing People: Beacon’s commitment to putting people over profit, emphasizing employee well-being and a supportive culture.

·         Valuing Contributions from All: Recognizing and valuing input from team members at all levels to foster innovation.

·         Cultivating Relationships: The importance of building strong, genuine relationships both within the company and with clients.

·         Commitment to Innovation: Rejecting the comfort of the status quo by continuously seeking innovation and embracing change.

·         Knowledge Sharing: Advocating for a culture of openness and transparency in sharing knowledge, benefiting the entire industry.

·         Encouraging an Abundance Mindset: Promoting a culture where knowledge is shared freely, fostering an environment of growth and mutual benefit.

This week, we’re diving deep into the evolving world of AI in marketing with host Jennifer Christensen and special guest Michelle Williams in this engaging episode of The Beacon Way. We unpack the exciting and sometimes daunting aspects of AI, how it's being integrated into marketing strategies today, and what ethical challenges arise. This episode is packed with forward-thinking ideas, practical advice from industry insiders, and a peek into the future of digital marketing. Perfect for marketers, business owners, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology and marketing.

Key Points:

·         Introduction to AI in Marketing: Exploring the role and impact of AI technologies in current marketing strategies.

·         Insights from Macon Marketing AI Conference: Key takeaways and lessons from a major AI conference attended by industry leaders.

·         AI Policy Development: How different departments at Beacon are creating specific AI guidelines to streamline their operations.

·         Human Creativity vs. AI Automation: Balancing technological efficiency with the need for human creativity and intuition in content creation.

·         Ethical Use of AI: Discussing the ethical implications and responsibilities of using AI in marketing.

·         Future Predictions for AI: Speculations and expert opinions on the future developments in AI and its effects on marketing practices.

·         AI’s Impact on Jobs and Business Operations: How AI is transforming job roles and business processes within the marketing industry.

·         Interactive Q&A: Addressing audience questions and concerns about implementing AI in marketing strategies.

·         Conclusion: Summarizing the discussion and providing thoughts on responsible AI use in marketing going forward.

Welcome to the first episode of the Beacon Way Exec Series! Join Beacon Media and Marketing co-founders Jennifer Christensen and Adrienne Wilkerson, along with partner Ken Okonek, as they dive deep into the nuances of effective communication and conflict management within business leadership. Discover actionable insights on fostering a collaborative environment, utilizing personal growth for business success, and mastering the art of communication diversity to enhance team dynamics.

Key Points:

·Diverse Communication Styles: Discussion on managing different communication styles among business partners and their impact on company dynamics.

·Strengths and Communication Profiles: The implementation and benefits of using Gallup Strength Profiles to enhance team understanding and performance.

·Emotional Intelligence: The crucial role of emotional intelligence in leadership and its influence on company culture and success.

·Personal Growth for Professional Success: The intertwined relationship between personal development and professional advancement.

·Healthy Conflict: Strategies for navigating disagreements constructively and the importance of trust in fostering productive conflicts.

·Building Trust and Respect: How establishing trust and respect among partners is foundational to successful business operations.

·Impact of Personal Experiences on Professional Growth: How personal backgrounds and experiences influence professional behaviors and decisions.

·Closing Thoughts on Trust and Authenticity: Reflections on the importance of authenticity and trust in building a successful team and business.

Dive into the depths of Google Ads with host Jennifer Christensen and Emily Miles, a seasoned paid ads and reporting specialist, in this insightful episode of the Beacon Way podcast. Learn actionable strategies to boost your ad performance, understand crucial metrics, and leverage branding for higher conversions. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to optimize your digital campaigns effectively.

Key Points:

·Important Metrics for Google Ads: Discussion on various metrics like reach, clicks, impressions, cost per click (CPC), and cost per lead (CPL), focusing on how to measure the success of ads based on campaign goals.

·Significance of Quality Ad Scores: Explaining the importance of Google's quality ad scores and how they impact ad performance and algorithm interactions.

·Impact of Landing Pages on Ads: How well-designed landing pages that match ad content can significantly improve ad performance and user engagement.

·Branding and Its Influence on Ads: The substantial role of branding in ad recognition and conversion, including statistical insights on the effectiveness of branded content.

·Ad Optimization Tips: Practical advice on optimizing ads for better performance, including the use of descriptive headlines, unique descriptions, and relevant extensions.

·Favorite Aspects of Ad Management: Emily shares her personal enjoyment in identifying opportunities for improvement through data analysis.

·Starting with Google Ads on a Budget: Tips for small businesses or individuals looking to start with Google Ads without a significant initial investment.

·Future of Digital Advertising: Thoughts on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, including the role of generative AI and the increasing importance of brand trust.

Join our host Jennifer Christensen and special guest Brandon Dixon, our Lead Paid Ads Specialist, as they delve into the intricacies of Meta and Google Ads. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights designed to help both novice and advanced marketers enhance their ad performance and drive better results.

Key Points:

• Key Meta Ads Metrics: Importance of metrics like cost per lead and click-through rates for tracking ROI. Detailed explanation of which metrics matter and why.
• Meta vs. Google Ads: Comparison of the strengths of Meta and Google Ads. Strategies for integrating both platforms to enhance overall marketing efficacy.
• Optimizing Click-Through Rates: Tips on how to improve click-through rates using creative adjustments and precise targeting. Examples of successful creative strategies and common pitfalls.
• Understanding Meta's Relevance Score: Explanation of what the Relevance Score is and its significance in ad campaigns. Impact of ad relevance on campaign performance and audience engagement.
• Use of Instant Forms in Meta Ads: Discussion on the effectiveness of using instant forms on Meta, tailored to specific industries. Insights on when to keep potential customers on Meta for forms versus directing them to a website.
• Client Involvement in Campaign Success: The importance of client collaboration and accurate lead tracking for campaign success. How clients can help optimize advertising strategies through feedback and engagement.
• Listener Q&A: Interactive session where Brandon answers specific listener questions about digital advertising. Practical advice on common advertising issues and effective strategies.

Join host Jennifer Christensen on the Beacon Way Podcast as we delve into the transformative power of technology in business growth. This episode features CJ, a HubSpot specialist and the COO of 4Cast, who shares her expert insights on making HubSpot a cornerstone of business success.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Technology's Role in Business: Emphasizing how integrating technology can streamline operations and solve organizational problems.
• Choosing the Right Technology: Guidelines on how to evaluate and select the appropriate technologies that align with specific business needs.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Discussion on typical pitfalls in tech adoption and how to avoid them for more effective technology integration.
• Deep Dive into HubSpot: Insights into maximizing the use of HubSpot in various business environments, especially focusing on its impact in healthcare.
• Strategies for Effective Implementation: Key strategies to ensure successful adoption and implementation of new technologies across teams.
• The Importance of Specialization: Benefits of specializing in specific platforms like HubSpot over broader, less focused solutions.
• Future of AI in Business: Exploring how artificial intelligence is changing the business landscape and what businesses need to do to stay competitive.
• Expert Advice from CJ: Personal insights and professional strategies from CJ, a seasoned HubSpot specialist, on harnessing technology for business growth.

Join host Jennifer and Databox expert Fedor Simic as they dive deep into the power of benchmarking. Discover how businesses can leverage real-time data to set performance standards, optimize strategies, and achieve unparalleled success. Whether you're in marketing, sales, or finance, this episode has something valuable for you!

Key Points: 

• Introduction to DataBox and Benchmarking: Fedor Simic from DataBox explains the significance of benchmarking in modern business operations.
• Roles and Experiences at DataBox: Fedor shares his journey through various roles at DataBox, highlighting his transition from support roles to a partnership manager.
• Overview of Benchmarking Tool: An in-depth look at DataBox's benchmarking tool, which offers broad and narrow real-time benchmarks for different industries.
• Specific Application in Mental Health Industry: The episode discusses how benchmarking has revolutionized performance indicators for businesses specializing in mental health.
• Benefits of Benchmarking for Business Owners: Fedor discusses how benchmarking answers crucial performance questions and helps in setting realistic goals.
• Diverse Integrations for Comprehensive Benchmarking: The integration possibilities with DataBox, including Google Ads, Facebook Ads, HubSpot, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and Xero, are explored.
• Popular Trends in Benchmarking: Insights into the most utilized aspects of benchmarking, focusing on marketing, sales, and financial data.
• Creating Custom Benchmarks and Surveys: How businesses can use DataBox to create bespoke benchmarks and conduct surveys to gather industry-specific data.
• Using Data to Attract and Retain Clients: Strategies for using benchmark data to generate valuable content, establish thought leadership, and attract new clients.
• Real-world Impact of Benchmarks: Case studies and examples illustrating how companies have used benchmarks to make informed decisions and improve business outcomes.Accessing and Using DataBox: Guidance on how to start using DataBox, including free access options and the process of connecting data sources to gain insights.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

Join host Jennifer and guest expert Bob Hutchins as they delve deep into the transformative power of AI in business and marketing. In this episode of The Beacon Way podcast, they explore the intersection of technology, marketing strategies, and the future of business agility. Learn how businesses of all sizes can leverage AI for data-driven growth, enhance customer personalization, and navigate the ethical landscape of digital marketing. Whether you're a marketer, business owner, or AI enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable strategies. 

Key Points:

• Introduction to AI in Business: Overview of how AI is transforming business processes and marketing strategies.
• Rapid Evolution of AI: Discussion on the accelerated pace of AI development and its impact on various industries.
• Historical Lessons from Tech: Comparisons drawn from the dot-com bubble to current AI advancements.
• Data and AI Integration: The significance of integrating AI with business data for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy: Importance of establishing a governance framework for ethical AI usage and ensuring robust data privacy measures.
• Small Language Models: How businesses are using small language models to refine their marketing efforts and communication.
• Practical Steps for AI Adoption: Guidance on where businesses can start with AI implementation and the importance of data literacy.
• Future of Marketing: The potential for hyper-personalization at scale and how AI can enable businesses to tailor experiences uniquely to each customer.
• Cultural Shifts in Business: Encouraging a culture of AI adoption within organizations to foster innovation and strategic advancement.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

Bob Hutchins LinkedIn

Human Voice Media Website

Join us in this enlightening episode of The Beacon Way as we dive deep into the world of SEO with expert Zoe Ashbridge from Forank. Discover advanced SEO strategies, understand how to measure your SEO success, and explore the evolving role of AI in search engine optimization. Zoe shares invaluable insights and real-world examples that will help you elevate your SEO game. Whether you're an SEO beginner or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and cutting-edge knowledge. 

Key Points: 

• Introduction to Zoe Ashbridge: Insight into Zoe's background and her role at Forank, her company. 
• Measuring SEO Success: Discussion on different metrics to measure the effectiveness of SEO strategies, including clicks, impressions, revenue, and conversions. 
• Advanced SEO Tactics: Exploring deeper SEO strategies used by experts to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Impact of AI on SEO: Zoe's perspective on the integration of AI in SEO practices, including the benefits and potential drawbacks. 
• Real-world SEO Case Studies: Zoe shares specific examples and outcomes from her professional experience to illustrate successful and unsuccessful SEO strategies. 
• SEO Tools and Resources: Recommendations for essential tools and resources that can aid in improving SEO efforts, such as Google Search Console and SEO Ranking. 
• Ethical Considerations in SEO and AI: Discussion on maintaining integrity and ethical practices while using advanced technologies like AI in SEO.

Explore insights on leveraging AI for marketing with Austin Armstrong, focusing on his tool Syllaby for video content and tackling industry challenges.\

Show Notes

• Austin Armstrong, a digital marketing expert with a focus on AI and video marketing, shares insights from his experience.
• Discussion on Armstrong's AI tool, Syllaby, designed for video marketing, emphasizing its features like generating video scripts and scheduling content.
•  Addressing common issues like video resistance and content consistency, and how Syllaby helps overcome these.
•  Syllaby's primary users include service-based businesses like therapists and real estate agents, aiming to resonate with their audience's pain points.
• Plans for Syllaby include more personalization and features to enhance user engagement and content creation.

- **AI in Marketing**: The broader impact of AI on marketing and content creation, with a focus on ethical considerations and future potential.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

 Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90

https://socialtypro.com/

https://syllaby.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentalhealthmarketingconference/

https://wefunder.com/

Explore work-life balance strategies with Robert Fukui on The Beacon Way podcast, focusing on family dynamics and personal growth in entrepreneurship. 

Key Points This Episode:

-       Introduction of Robert Fukui as a coach working with entrepreneurs, particularly in family business dynamics.

-       The concept of "family business" extends beyond direct family involvement in the business operations.

-       Emphasis on balancing business growth with personal life, particularly family time.

-       The challenge many entrepreneurs face in becoming too engrossed in their business at the expense of personal freedom and family time.

-       The importance of delegating and focusing on one's strengths.

-       The role of identity and work ethic in personal and business development.

-       Strategies for achieving work-life balance and ensuring family priorities are maintained.

-       The impact of business decisions on personal relationships and family dynamics.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

linkedin.com/in/robertfukui

https://marriedentrepreneur.co/

marriedentrepreneur.co//blog 

thetandembook.com/ 

Jennifer Christensen explores Olya Clem's journey in mental health, her adoption of Brainspotting in therapy, and her insights on running a successful practice on The Beacon Way.


Key Points From This Episode:

- Introduction to Olya Clem, CEO and founder of Common Thread Counseling.

- Olya's journey from Russia to the U.S. and her passion for helping people with childhood trauma.

- Discussion on the importance of incorporating culture and personal experiences into therapy.

- Introduction to Brainspotting as a modality for deep healing.

- The unique approach of Brainspotting and its benefits for both clients and therapists.

- Olya's experience in private practice and the transition to group practice.

- The impact of specializing in a niche on business success.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

Olya Clem on LinkedIn

Improve your therapy marketing with Omar Ruiz, an experienced marriage and family therapist and Psychology Today marketing expert. Boost your private practice with essential strategies and tips for your Psychology Today profile optimization and effective social media use.

Show Notes

• Omar Ruiz's expertise as a licensed therapist specializing in couples therapy and infidelity issues.
• The transition from insurance-based to private pay practice: insights and impacts 
• Self-education journey: learning marketing through YouTube University
• Business creation: coaching services for therapists focused on online private practice
• Optimizing a Psychology Today profile: importance of profile image, opening lines, additional photos, and introduction video
• Crafting an effective Psychology Today profile: strategies including using leading statements, offering value, inspiring hope, and incorporating a call to action
• The highlight feature on Psychology Today: the significance of keyword usage
• Online resource: Omar Ruiz's YouTube channel "Online Private Practice" for therapists seeking marketing support and profile reviews. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

 Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

linkedin.com/in/omar-a-ruiz-lmft-ab1b8738

talkthinkthrive.com 

Online Private Practice, LLC 

https://www.youtube.com/@onlineprivatepractice

Join Jennifer Christensen and LinkedIn expert, Andy Pondillo, as they share success strategies & valuable tips for digital marketing.


Key Points from This Episode:

• Andy Pondillo, a LinkedIn enthusiast and expert, concentrates on LinkedIn for his consulting work. 
• Became proficient with LinkedIn during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding success with his approach.
• Advocates for the significance of immediacy in social media content, to grab audience's attention.
• Stresses the importance of testing and experimentation in successful marketing.
• Advises the allotment of 5-10% of budget to test new strategies and platforms.
• Appreciates the unique perspectives and collaboration between different generations and roles in the marketing industry.
• Available on LinkedIn for queries and assistance. 
• Runs a podcast named "The Making of a Marketer" discussing various marketing topics.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

 Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

linkedin.com/in/andy-pondillo

Jennifer Christensen explores Sales Recruitment alongside Dan Fantasia. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of recruitment while emphasizing the significance of human capital.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

FACEBOOK (PERSONAL): https://www.facebook.com/dan.fantasia
FACEBOOK (BUSINESS): https://www.facebook.com/TreelineInc       
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treelineinc/ 
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/treelineinc/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TreelineInc
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TreelineInc

Jennifer Christensen and Valerie Van Galder discuss the journey of the Depressed Cake shop, promoting mental health awareness through community bake sales and sharing experiences.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to Valerie Van Galder, founder of Depressed Cake Shop, a unique initiative using pop-up bake sales to raise both funds and awareness for mental health.
• A brief overview of Valerie's professional background, including her experience in corporate marketing and the film industry.
•  Personal connection to mental health issues: How Valerie's father's struggle inspired her advocacy and creation of a platform for sharing stories.
•  Details about the Depressed Cake Shop: How it is a community-driven project, allowing people to host their own bake sales, with proceeds benefiting local mental health charities.
•  Valerie's belief in the power of community and connection as tools to fight loneliness and foster mental well-being.
• Encouragement for individuals to tap into their passions as therapeutic outlets, with examples such as art and baking.
• The potential of small and grassroots movements to make major impacts on mental health issues.
• A call to action from Valerie: pushing for increased advocacy, research, and improved treatments for mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder.
•  Emphasizing the intersection of mental health and basic needs, including housing and safety.
• Final words of encouragement from Valerie, urging listeners to take proactive steps such as reaching out to others, participating in community events, and supporting mental health initiatives.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

linkedin.com/in/valerie-van-galder-a5737943

depressedcakeshop.com 

depressedcake

The Beacon Way talks with Shelby Robbins, founder of Antelope Recovery, about her virtual mental health program for teens and the journey of bootstrapping growth.

Show Notes:

• Antelope Recovery, a virtual intensive outpatient program for teens with substance use and mental health struggles, is founded by Shelby Robbins.
• Located in Boulder, Colorado, Antelope Recovery is bridging the gap between once-a-week therapy and residential treatment for teens.
• The program offers support for teens following recent mental health crises without long-term care options and also those in need of preventative care.
• The adoption of the virtual care model in the mental health sector has increased, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Antelope Recovery strives to maintain high-quality care while reaching as many teens as possible.
• The program uses innovative virtual products to engage teens, including therapy groups in a Minecraft space and conducting group sessions during walks.
• The issue of teens not completing treatment is a major challenge in mental health care; Antelope Recovery is specifically addressing this problem.
• The organization is founded on transparency and is focused on building a robust startup team.
• Antelope Recovery has successfully raised a small friends-and-family round of investment, with considerations of a series A round in the future.
  
   

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn

Jennifer Christensen on Twitter

Beacon Media + Marketing

Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm

https://www.anteloperecovery.com/

linkedin.com/in/shelbyrobbins1