Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind successful agency ownership? Join Norm Farrar and Kevin Kane in this enlightening episode of The Marketing Misfits, where they sit down with Josh Johnson, a renowned agency owner and consultant who has navigated the tumultuous waters of the e-commerce landscape. Together, they dive deep into the common pitfalls of starting an agency, revealing that the key to entrepreneurial success lies not just in the founder's skills, but in robust leadership and operational systems. This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Timestamps 00:00 Agency Building Challenges 01:06 Marketing Misfits Billboard 02:37 Meet Josh Johnson and His Agency 04:38 Starting an Agency: The Reality 08:35 Vetting and Standing Out as an Agency 26:00 Strategies for Client Retention 34:16 About the Agency Owner 35:10 Scaling Challenges 36:06 SOPs and Training Matter 36:47 Staying Ahead of Industry Changes 38:59 Client Stories and Recommendations 44:19 How AI is Shaping Agencies 51:35 Pricing Models and Equity Deals 57:04 Expanding Services with Vertical Integration Josh shares his firsthand experiences from the direct-to-consumer e-commerce space, where he built a million-dollar agency from the ground up before successfully exiting. This episode is packed with invaluable insights into agency growth dynamics, the critical challenges of client retention, and the necessity of effective onboarding processes to minimize churn rates. As the conversation unfolds, our hosts and Josh explore innovative marketing strategies that can set your agency apart in a competitive market. But that's not all! The discussion takes an intriguing turn as they examine the impact of AI on the agency landscape. While AI is poised to enhance efficiency, the consensus is clear: human oversight remains irreplaceable. Discover how to leverage marketing innovation while maintaining the human touch that clients crave. As the episode wraps up, listeners will gain practical advice on pricing agency services, the importance of niche specialization, and how to build a strong brand presence that resonates with conscious consumers. This is more than just a marketing podcast; it’s a treasure trove of business growth strategies and stories of successful entrepreneurs who have made their mark in the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned agency owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode of The Marketing Misfits offers a wealth of knowledge that you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a conversation that promises to inspire and equip you with the tools necessary for navigating the ever-evolving world of marketing. Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews with entrepreneurs and insights into viral marketing techniques that can elevate your business to new heights! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King are joined by Melisa Vong, a dynamic entrepreneur who’s turned her expertise in Amazon FBA into a masterclass in brand building and creative marketing. Melisa shares her journey from launching a successful beauty brand to scaling and selling multiple businesses, all while navigating the challenges of the supplement and consumables space. She offers insights into subscription models, partnerships with manufacturers, and leveraging TikTok and social media for organic growth. Melisa’s scrappy marketing techniques, including viral campaigns and building personal connections, highlight the importance of innovation and relationships in growing a thriving business. If you’re looking for fresh ideas to elevate your brand, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Timestamps 00:00 The Lottery Ticket Analogy 00:23 Introduction to Marketing Misfits 01:15 Kevin's Amazon Business Story 02:25 The Value of Connections in Business 03:41 Vegas Adventures and Taxi Strategies 04:59 Introducing Melissa 20:07 Melisa's Journey in E-commerce 23:31 Building and Exiting Brands 25:20 Challenges in the Supplement Industry 30:18 Effective Marketing Strategies 36:25 Added Value Bonuses and Customer Retention 39:25 Challenges in Marketing Supplements 40:51 Leveraging AI in Marketing 42:46 Gathering and Utilizing Testimonials 44:53 Exploring Multiple Sales Channels 50:00 The Power of Networking and Connections 59:16 Creative Marketing Strategies 01:02:35 The Escape Room Venture 01:04:59 Final Thoughts and Tips Check out collectivemindsociety.com (http://collectivemindsociety.com) for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce. Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them. From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of TikTok marketing that could propel your brand into the viral spotlight? Join Norm Farrar and Kevin King in this exciting episode of The Marketing Misfits as they delve into the dynamic world of marketing on TikTok, specifically tailored for big brands facing unique challenges. Drawing from their recent experiences at the Big Smoke cigar event in Las Vegas, where they networked and gathered insights while enjoying premium cigars, the hosts reveal how authenticity reigns supreme on TikTok compared to the polished content often found on Instagram. This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits TImestamps 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:08 Cigar Adventures in Las Vegas 04:34 Customer Service Strategies 07:37 Welcome Michelle Barnum Smith 10:02 Michelle's Background 35:51 Work from Home Wardrobe Woes 36:57 Gender Disparities in Business 39:06 The Evolution of Personal Branding 45:38 TikTok's Impact on Marketing 01:04:43 Getting Started with TikTok Shop As they dissect the struggles that large corporations encounter in adapting to TikTok's casual and spontaneous nature, they uncover the surprising success stories driven by individual creators who have harnessed the platform's potential. This episode features an inspiring interview with guest Michelle Barnum-Smith, a former corporate marketing professional turned TikTok Shop expert. Michelle shares her transformative journey and emphasizes the importance of personal branding in today’s fast-paced social media landscape. Listeners will gain invaluable business insights as the trio discusses how TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse for eCommerce, providing actionable marketing strategies that sellers can implement right away. The conversation is packed with viral marketing techniques and innovative approaches that empower entrepreneurs to embrace flexibility and creativity in their marketing efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode of The Marketing Misfits is your gateway to understanding the evolving landscape of social media marketing. Discover how to leverage TikTok for entrepreneurial success and learn from stories of successful entrepreneurs who have navigated the challenges of solo entrepreneurship. With insights from marketing experts like Kevin King and Norm Farrar, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need for business growth strategies that resonate with conscious consumers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your marketing game! Tune in to The Marketing Misfits and transform your approach to capturing the attention of your audience in a world where authenticity is key and traditional strategies may fall short. Join us for a journey filled with entrepreneurial success stories, career development in marketing, and the innovative insights that can turn your brand into a million-dollar success! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King dive into the importance of customer service and how going the extra mile can make all the difference in building brand loyalty. They share personal stories about exceptional (and not-so-exceptional) customer service experiences, from companies that go above and beyond to those that cut corners. The conversation covers how small gestures—like a bonus item or a fast response—can turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. Norm and Kevin also debate when it’s worth firing a client or letting a customer go, underscoring the value of focusing on those who align with your brand’s vision. Tune in for a candid discussion packed with insights on what really matters in building lasting customer relationships. This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Marketing Misfits 00:31 Weather Talk and Metric System Confusion 01:49 Customer Service Anecdotes 05:36 Birthday Celebrations and Gifts 11:28 The Importance of Exceptional Customer Service 24:59 Exclusive Offer from StackInfluence 25:19 The Bluebell Ice Cream Story 26:33 The Psychology of Settling for Less 30:10 Amazon's Customer Service Excellence 38:59 The Importance of Customer Retention Check out collectivemindsociety.com (http://collectivemindsociety.com) for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce. Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them. From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Misfits, hosts Norm Farrar and Kevin Kane dive deep into the evolving landscape of consumerism and logistics with the insightful Mike Robinson. As the world shifts towards conscious consumerism, this episode sheds light on how sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming paramount in the purchasing decisions of today’s consumers. The discussion opens with a compelling overview of the current retail environment, where consumers are not just looking for products but are increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the planet. This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/   Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Timestamps 00:00 Fast-Paced Consumer Culture 00:56 Cigar Conversations and Austin Nights 03:17 Introducing Mike Robinson 04:01 The Vintage Cigar Experience 05:28 Cigar Events and Traditions 06:39 Marketing and Perceived Value 09:34 Conscious Consumerism and Delivery Logistics 11:42 Sustainable Delivery Practices 16:32 The Future of Retail Delivery 30:43 The Carbon Savings Opportunity 31:35 Retailer and Carrier Collaboration 32:41 Consumer Experience and Logistics 33:29 Financial and Environmental Impact 35:42 Marketing Strategies for Sustainability 38:29 Challenges and Opportunities in Logistics 40:46 Expanding Beyond the U.S. Market 46:55 Gamifying Sustainability Efforts 52:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mike shares his extensive experience in the retail sector, introducing his innovative company that is dedicated to optimizing the delivery process. This optimization is crucial in reducing carbon footprints, a topic that resonates deeply with environmentally conscious consumers. The hosts and Mike explore the importance of synchronizing deliveries to minimize the number of trucks on the road, illustrating how this approach not only benefits retailers but significantly contributes to environmental sustainability. As the conversation unfolds, Norm and Kevin delve into the psychological aspects of marketing, emphasizing how retailers can foster a sense of responsibility and pride among consumers regarding their purchasing decisions. They discuss the challenge of changing consumer expectations around delivery speed. While some consumers will always demand immediate gratification, a growing segment is emerging that is willing to wait for more sustainable options. This shift presents a unique opportunity for brands to align their marketing strategies with the values of their customers. The episode also tackles the pressing question of how marketing can evolve to effectively communicate these values to consumers. Norm and Kevin highlight the need for brands to make sustainability a core aspect of their messaging, ensuring that consumers feel a connection not only to the products they purchase but also to the positive impact those products can have on the environment. By integrating sustainability into their marketing strategies, retailers can cultivate loyalty and trust among consumers who are eager to support brands that prioritize the planet. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King chat with Rachel Miller, a social media and traffic expert who built massive online communities from scratch. Rachel shares the unconventional strategies she used to turn a personal struggle into a thriving business, growing her first online community to over a million followers. She dives into the key lessons behind creating engaging content that resonates with your audience and explains why understanding the identity of your customers is more important than just promoting features and benefits. Tune in to hear Rachel's practical tips for driving social traffic, making your content go viral, and navigating the ever-changing world of online marketing.   This episode is brought to you by:   Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/   Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits (https://get.levanta.io/misfits)   Timestamps 0:00 Intro 6:07 Skip the Banter 7:35 Building Giant Audiences 9:55 Being the Face 18:10 AI Faces 25:21 Virality Stars 35:50 Rachel's Growth 44:20 Action Steps for Growth 54:04 Geo Location 1:01:35 Profile and Business Pages   Check out collectivemindsociety.com for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce.   Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them.   From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King welcome Vandana Puranik, a seasoned marketer and strategist who has built brands for some of the biggest companies in the world. Vandana shares her inspiring journey, from overcoming personal challenges like breast cancer to using creative problem-solving to help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. She dives into her unique approach to brand building, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, strategic thinking, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Vandana also introduces her new initiative, "What She Said," aimed at empowering women to achieve success in their businesses through a supportive community and results-driven collaboration. This episode is packed with real-world insights and inspiring lessons on resilience, business growth, and creative strategy.   This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ (https://stackinfluence.com/) Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits   Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:20 Skip the Banter 5:45 Vandana's Story 9:26 Anniversary in the ER 17:26 Age of Aquarius 18:25 Lifting Women Up 22:24 Inventory of Skills 24:15 Women Groups for Results 36:21 The Outcome Approach 45:02 Different IQs 49:00 Fostering Curiosity 1:06:43 Vandana's Misfit   Check out collectivemindsociety.com for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates!   Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce. Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them.   From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King sit down with Elaine Pofeldt, author of The Million Dollar, One-Person Business. Elaine dives into the rise of million-dollar businesses run by solo entrepreneurs and explores how technology and AI are helping individuals scale up to six and seven figures without a team. They discuss what it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur, the challenges of growing a business without a traditional workforce, and how to balance innovation with practical execution. Elaine shares some surprising industry insights, her thoughts on navigating the new wave of AI tools, and why being a small business can sometimes be a big advantage. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how solo entrepreneurs are shaking up the business world! This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ (https://stackinfluence.com/) Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits (https://get.levanta.io/misfits) Timestamps 0:00 Welcome 6:08 Skip the Banter 6:33 Elaine's Background 9:08 Entrepreneurship Groups 11:08 In Person or Online Groups 17:00 Characteristics of Entrepreneur 19:34 What Investors Are Looking For 28:00 Non Employer Businesses 37:30 No More College? 51:20 Hiring Around The World 52:50 Success Without Failure is Luck 59:35 When Your Business Needs Money 1:08:51 Elaine's Misfit   Check out collectivemindsociety.com for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce.   Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them. From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently.   Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King sit down with Janelle Page, an incredibly dynamic marketer with a knack for turning complex strategies into relatable stories that sell. Janelle shares her journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a powerhouse in the marketing world, where her unique approach to breaking down complex topics has helped brands create deeper connections with their audiences. They discuss everything from how to identify your brand’s core identity and stand out in a crowded market, to the impact of a strong story on building loyal customer bases. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to differentiate your product or want to learn how to create a narrative that resonates, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-life examples.  This episode is brought to you by: Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Timestamps 0:00 Intro 4:57 Skip the Banter 8:28 Simplifying Concepts 12:44 When Time Disappears 20:18 What is a Brand 28:13 Understanding Your Audience 34:50 Story of a Brand 44:09 Don't Be Left Behind 53:54 Being Silent 1:00:20 Understanding Your Brand 1:10:20 Janelle's Misfit   Check out collectivemindsociety.com for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce. Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them. From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King share their cigar-filled stories of how building genuine relationships has led to unexpected business opportunities. They explore the power of informal networking over cigars, how to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and how these personal connections have turned into business partnerships. Join Norm and Kevin for a lighthearted but insightful conversation on the unconventional side of business networking. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 2:31 Big Smoke 4:30 Find Your Niche 9:30 More Than Cigar 18:27 Stop Talking Business 25:20 Different Opinions No Problem 31:30 Big Moves in Vegas 40:35 Ronald McDonald 44:10 Be Different Check out collectivemindsociety.com for networking events with Norm and Kevin. Follow @marketingmisfitspodcast on Instagram and YouTube for updates! Welcome to the Marketing Misfits Podcast YouTube Channel! Hosted by Norm Farrar and Kevin King, two entrepreneurs who've carved paths of success by thinking outside the traditional business box. Here, we're all about celebrating the unconventional, the trailblazers, and the rebels of ecommerce. Norm and Kevin have spent years navigating the choppy waters of the business world, turning left when everyone else turned right, and they’ve got the success stories to prove it. Now, they're on a mission to uncover other Marketing Misfits just like them. From genius marketing hacks to the most unexpected growth strategies, our guests share it all. This is not your standard, by-the-book marketing talk; it's a peek into the minds of those who dare to do things differently. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, or a newbie in the digital marketplace, Subscribe to join Norm, Kevin. Welcome to the Marketing Misfits family! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.