#186: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Solve Your Customer’s Problems
As the holidays bring a whirlwind of demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what your customers really need. That’s why we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes from last year’s 5 Minute Marketing Challenge! This series is all about quick, actionable strategies to simplify your marketing and stay impactful—even when life feels chaotic. In today’s replay of episode #127, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins unpack the key to making your marketing resonate: identifying the problems your customers face. By exploring the external, internal, and philosophical challenges your customers experience, you’ll learn how to position your product or service as the solution they’ve been searching for. Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting this as a refresher, this episode will help you create meaningful, problem-solving marketing that keeps your business moving forward. -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
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#185: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—What Do My Customers Want?
As the holiday season ramps up, maintaining clear and impactful marketing becomes more important than ever. That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most powerful series: the 5 Minute Marketing Challenge! Originally released last year, this series is designed to help you cut through the noise with simple, actionable tips you can implement in just minutes. In today’s replay of episode #126, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins guide you through the first step: crafting a clear message that connects with your customers and positions you as the trusted guide they’re looking for. Using the proven strategies of the StoryBrand framework, you’ll discover how to stay focused and effective—even during the busiest time of the year. Whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it as a refresher, this episode lays the foundation for creating impactful marketing that drives real results. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
Tech companies often struggle with the same challenge—making their complex solutions simple to understand. When customers can’t grasp how a product solves their problem, even the most innovative ideas can fall flat. How do you balance clarity and sophistication to attract buyers without sacrificing the technical depth that sets you apart? In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, J.J. and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Sjol to discuss how she helps tech companies clarify their messaging to stand out in a crowded market. Drawing from her expertise in SaaS, Kelly shares how the StoryBrand framework transforms tech founders' messaging into clear, compelling stories that engage both buyers and users. Whether you’re a founder of a SaaS company or just tackling a complex product, tune in to learn how clear communication can be your biggest growth driver. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Sjol directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Kelly-Sjol. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
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#183: Talkin’ Shop—The Counterintuitive Way to Thrive in Crowded Industries
In competitive industries, it’s all too easy for great businesses to fade into the background. When everyone is saying the same thing, customers have a hard time sussing out who can actually help them. That's why the real challenge isn’t just being good at what you do—it’s making sure people know you’re the best choice for solving their specific problem. Are you clearly showcasing what sets you apart? If not, your customers might never find you. In the next episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J. and April sit down with Sarah Cook, a former naturopathic clinician turned StoryBrand Certified Guide. She shares practical strategies for standing out in a crowded market—especially in competitive industries like health and wellness. Learn why niching down to a specific problem is the key to differentiation, and how to shift your messaging to highlight the unique way you solve your customer's pain points. Tune in for actionable tips on positioning yourself effectively, so you can raise your flag and attract the right audience! Contact StoryBrand Certified Guide Sarah Cook directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/WellnessWriter. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
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#182: Talkin’ Shop—Why Your Nonprofit's Message Isn’t Connecting (And How to Fix It)
Nonprofit leaders work hard and care deeply, but sometimes their message isn’t clear enough to get people excited and involved. The stories are powerful, and the mission is strong, but the message can get lost. It’s a frustrating reality for nearly every marketer involved in the nonprofit sector. So how do you communicate your vision in a way that gets your donors, volunteers, and supporters to rally behind you and make a real impact? In the newest episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J. Peterson and April Sunshine Hawkins bring in StoryBrand Certified Guides Natasha Paradeshi and Christian Hinojosa, of Solace Media, to break down how to transform nonprofit messaging. You’ll learn how to create multiple brand scripts that speak directly to your different audiences—whether it’s your board, your volunteers, or your donors—so they feel seen, valued, and inspired to act. Plus, discover the power of ethical storytelling and why tapping into hope, vision, and strategic clarity is the game changer your nonprofit needs. Even if you’re running a for-profit business, these insights will challenge you to rethink how you engage your audience. Tune in and learn how clear messaging can turn your mission into a movement that changes lives. Contact StoryBrand Certified Guides Natasha Paradeshi and Christian Hinojosa directly at MarketingMadeSimple.com/Solace or Solace.Media. -- Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand