This week, Joe is joined by Sarah Dayes, Chief Client Officer at Acceleration Partners, a global award-winning affiliate management agency that works with a variety of top brands. Sarah discusses her background in e-commerce and digital marketing and how she got to where she is today. She and Joe also dive into what affiliate marketing partnerships are, as well as how the affiliate marketing landscape has grown and changed over the years. They also discuss the role of technology in affiliate marketing, as well as advice for brands considering starting an affiliate program.

A Look Into Affiliate Marketing

In this episode, Joe is joined by John McGhee, Managing Partner at Webconsuls, a digital marketing agency with offices in Nashville and Los Angeles. In this episode, Joe and John dive into his background doing PPC, and discuss what it takes to ensure digital marketing clients are successful. Are there key tips & tricks you should know about when it comes to digital marketing? Find out in this episode!

You can find John at john@webconsuls.com or at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcghee-5239a517/

Digital Marketing 101: How to Ensure Success for Your Clients

In this episode, Joe is joined by Jaci Russo, CEO and co-founder of brandRUSSO. Jaci shares the agency’s four-step process called “Razor Branding™” and details on how to build a brand that changes the conversation. Jaci also gives us the scoop on the book she wrote with her husband and co-founder, “He Said, She Said: Branding”.

Razor Branding™

In this episode, Joe is joined by Sarah Schlafly from Mighty Cricket. Sarah is the founder of Mighty Cricket, a company she that uses insects as a healthy and more environmentally friendly form of protein. The two discuss how Sarah started her business and her marketing techniques.

Marketing Mighty Cricket

In this episode, Joe is joined by Vladimir Stanishevskii, a 3D animator at Neighbor Animation. Vladimir talks about his upbringing in Russia and his education in Italy and Florida. While on a hiatus in Russia during the pandemic, Vladimir worked on “Masha and the Bear” a popular children’s show. He’s now back working at Neighbor Animation doing animation for education, trade shows, digital commercials and more. The two also talk about misconceptions in animation and technology world and how AI can be utilized to support the creative process. 

Find Vladimir on LinkedIn and at 
https://neighboranimation.com/

A Wordly Perspective on 3D Animation

In this episode, Joe is joined by Don Berg, President of MaxMedia who shares his path from the film industry, to advertising and landing in the President role at MaxMedia.   Don shares his 20+ years of experience sharing stories about how his team continues to drive value for their clients,  and how he uses the theory of the untouchable day to remain focused.

MaxMedia and the untouchable day

This episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business features Alex Olivero, founder and owner of Curio Digital, a digital agency specializing in Webflow development and design. The conversation explores Alex's career path, his agency's unique offerings, and his predictions for the future of design and development.

The Cohesion of Design + Development - Alex Olivero

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Marketing Business podcast, Joe Barsness interviewed Gary Stockert, CMO of Toovio. The conversation delved into the power of AI in revolutionizing marketing strategies.

Stockert emphasized the importance of hyper-personalized marketing and how Toovio’s platform leverages AI to achieve this. By analyzing customer data and predicting individual preferences, Toovio enables businesses to deliver highly targeted messages. The podcast also explored the concept of dynamic discounting, where discount offers are tailored to specific customers based on their behavior and purchase history.

Overall, the episode offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing and the potential of AI to drive significant improvements in customer engagement and ROI.

The Future of Personalized Marketing with Gary Stockert from Toovio

n today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Ryan Mitchell, founder of In The Flow. Ryan, a seasoned digital agency veteran, shares his insights on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.
With the industry becoming increasingly saturated, Ryan emphasizes the importance of differentiating oneself through strategic thinking and outcomes-focused approaches. He discusses how his own journey led him to this realization and how he's helping other agencies shift their mindset from tactical execution to strategic partnership. Tune in to learn how you can stand out in a crowded market and drive sustainable growth for your marketing business.

Learn how you can stand out in a crowded market with Ryan Mitchell from In The Flow

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Marketing Business podcast, host Joe Barsness sits down with Jason Nyhus, the North American GM at Shopware, a rapidly growing ecommerce platform. 

With a background in marketing and sales, Jason shares his journey from small-town Iowa to his current role at Shopware, a German-based company that has already captured a significant market share in Europe and is now expanding into the U.S. Together, they dive into the world of e-commerce, discussing how Shopware is uniquely positioned to support businesses with complex needs, from pricing models to B2B challenges, and why it stands out from other e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Jason also touches on the emerging trends in B2B commerce, the consumerization of B2B sales, and how Shopware is helping merchants unlock new revenue potential with features such as their digital sales rooms.

B2B Ecommerce Challenges with Jason Nyhus from Shopware

In this episode of the Mind Your Own Marketing Business podcast, host Joe Barsness sits down with Emily Youngblood from Mercury Creative Group. They delve into the powerful synergy between brand strategy and digital infrastructure, exploring how these two elements can propel organizations forward. Emily shares insights into Mercury Creative's approach to brand design and marketing, emphasizing the importance of a strong brand foundation.
The conversation highlights the common pitfalls businesses face when attempting to handle their brand and digital needs internally or with inexperienced partners. Emily and Joe discuss the benefits of strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration between Mercury Creative and fjorge, which can lead to more successful outcomes. They also explore the importance of budgeting and time investment in brand and digital initiatives, as well as the significance of understanding the target audience and tailoring strategies 


Investing in Brand Foundations and Digital Infrastructure with Emily Youngblood from Mercury Creative Group

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with John Geletka, founder of Geletka+, a thriving 26-person independent agency based in Chicago. John shares his unconventional journey into the agency world, starting with his background in IT and design at Navistar, through pivotal roles at major agencies like DDB and Deutsch LA, and finally, his leap into entrepreneurship with Geletka+. With transparency, collaboration, and innovation as cornerstones, John explains how Galetka+ delivers creative solutions for complex industries like AI, Web3, and software, all while staying grounded in the vibrant arts community.

Together, Joe and John explore the evolution of the agency model, dispelling common myths and shedding light on the industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. They also discuss the recent news of a mega-merger between two major holding companies and its implications for clients and smaller independent agencies. Whether you're curious about agency life, the importance of execution in creative ideas, or how to maintain the integrity of a vision through complex stakeholder dynamics, this conversation is packed with insights for marketing professionals and creatives alike

From Tech to Creative: Building an Agency That Thrives on Innovation with John Geletka from Geletka+

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Brian Massey, the founder of Conversion Sciences, to explore the fascinating world of conversion rate optimization (CRO). Brian shares his unique journey from computer programming to corporate sales and ultimately becoming a leader in data-driven marketing. With a blend of science and creativity, he explains why so many businesses struggle to create high-performing websites and how biases often cloud decision-making.
Brian and Joe dive into the importance of experimentation, data-driven decision-making, and the tools that help businesses optimize their digital experiences. From A/B testing strategies to AI-driven messaging improvements, they discuss how marketers can refine their websites for better conversions without making costly mistakes. Whether you're considering a site redesign or looking for ways to increase revenue from existing traffic, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter marketing decisions. Tune in now!


Optimizing Conversions with Data-Driven Experimentation Featuring Brian Massey

On this episode of the Mind Your Own Marketing Business Podcast, host Joe Barsness chats with Todd Leyse, President of Adams Pest Control and Blu Star Software. Todd shares his unique journey from computer science to leading a successful pest control business, including the development of their proprietary CRM software, Blu Star. They discuss the evolution of marketing in the pest control industry, from the days of yellow pages to today's digital landscape, and how Adams Pest Control has adapted and thrived.
The conversation delves into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding pest control, including the perceived toxicity of chemicals and the importance of customer education. Todd also reveals how Adams Pest Control is leveraging AI to improve operations, from transcribing and summarizing customer calls to developing a sophisticated chatbot for employee support. They explore the future of AI in the pest control industry and how it will likely shape customer service and operational efficiency in the coming years. 


AI-Powered Pest Control and the Future of Customer Service

In this episode, host Joe Barsness chats with Justin Komosa from Videospan, exploring the critical role of video in today's digital landscape. They discuss how Google's algorithm changes, particularly the "Hidden Gems Update," have prioritized short-form, vertical video, making it essential for businesses to adapt. Justin shares his journey from Groupon and Kind Snacks to Uber and Zoom, ultimately leading him to Videospan, where he's helping B2B brands create impactful video content at scale.
Justin explains how Videospan simplifies video creation, addressing the common challenges of time, cost, and creative ideation. He details how their platform uses AI and customizable templates to produce branded videos in minutes, eliminating the need for extensive editing or dedicated video teams. They delve into the differences between B2B and B2C video marketing, highlighting why Videospan focuses on empowering B2B brands to capture attention and drive engagement with authentic, user-generated content. Tune in to learn how to leverage video effectively and stay ahead in the competitive marketing arena.

Videospan: Effortless B2B Video Marketing

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Nick Grzechowiak from The Ricochet Moment podcast to dive deep into the pivotal moments that have reshaped some of the world’s most iconic brands. Nick, a self-proclaimed brand nerd and seasoned creative leader, shares how his passion for legacy branding has led him to uncover the stories behind bold decisions that altered the course of companies like Netflix, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and even Birkenstock. From the power of storytelling to the role of risk-taking in brand evolution, Nick illustrates how these ricochet moments often separate brands that thrive from those that fade away.
Listeners will be inspired by Nick’s unique lens on branding and the importance of recognizing opportunities for reinvention. Whether it’s navigating plateaus, challenging internal “permissions,” or crafting new narratives, this episode is packed with insights for marketers, business leaders, and creatives alike who are looking to make bold moves and future-proof their brands.


Ricochet Moments: How Bold Decisions Transform Brands

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Tim Berney, founder and CEO of VI Marketing and Branding. With over three decades of experience in the advertising world, Tim shares how a twist of fate in 1989 led him to start his own agency and how his passion for marketing began long before that. From mowing lawns at age 10 to building a nationally recognized firm in Oklahoma City, Tim’s journey offers insights into staying relevant and impactful in an evolving industry.
Together, Joe and Tim explore the emotional core of consumer decision making. Highlighting the staggering statistic that 95% of purchasing choices are emotion driven. They discuss how brands that tap into emotion consistently outperform those relying solely on logic. Tim also offers a behind-the-scenes look at VI’s unique verticals, including behavior change, tourism, and B2B marketing.


Marketing That Moves People: Insights from Tim Berney

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Michael George, technology leader at Avoq. Michael shares his fascinating career journey, from an early start in the airline industry to pioneering travel tech solutions and now driving innovation at a top PR and government relations agency. Along the way, he discusses how his diverse background, including public speaking and authorship, has shaped his leadership style and team culture.
Joe and Michael also explore how technology and PR increasingly intersect, from advanced data targeting to navigating the political landscape in Washington, DC. Listeners will hear insights on team building, leveraging big data for smarter marketing, and maintaining bipartisan collaboration within an agency. It’s an engaging conversation packed with practical takeaways for marketers and technologists alike.

Blending Tech, PR, and Leadership with Michael George from Avoq

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Joe Skibbie, founder of JRS Mar/Com, to explore the realities of marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. From his early fascination with advertising to launching his agency during the 2008 economic downturn, Joe shares how a deep curiosity and drive for measurable results led him to build a nimble, results-driven team that serves as a full-scale marketing department for clients who can’t afford the Super Bowl but still want Super Bowl-level impact.

Joe dives into how his agency helps small businesses punch above their weight by focusing on smart strategy, cost-effective content, and data-driven results. Whether it’s bringing legacy businesses online, building SEO and social strategies from scratch, or competing against VC-backed national brands.  Joe and his team are proving that "doing something" often leads to significant gains. From classic car washes to community colleges, this conversation is packed with insights for any business looking to modernize their marketing without losing their roots.

Marketing Small, Winning Big with Joe Skibbie from JRS Mar/Com

 In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Dan Smink, Founder and CEO of Refract ROI, a Denver-based digital marketing agency that helps mid-sized companies turn marketing into a measurable revenue driver. Dan shares his unique journey from high school teacher to product manager in the medical device world, and ultimately, to agency owner, explaining how each step shaped his approach to marketing strategy and business growth.
Dan dives deep into the philosophy behind Refract ROI’s full-funnel, omnichannel approach and why so many B2B companies are still relying on outdated sales-driven models. He discusses the financial case for shifting marketing from a cost center to a growth engine, how to balance short-term conversions with long-term brand building, and why pairing execution with true strategic leadership (via fractional CMOs) is a game changer. Whether you’re leading a marketing team or trying to scale your agency, this episode is full of actionable insights.


Turning Strategy into Sales: Refract ROI's Full-Funnel Marketing Playbook

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Ross Phernetton of Shinebox Agency for a candid conversation about the power of strategy, storytelling, and staying true to your creative point of view. Ross shares how an early career pivot from English major to agency leader shaped his path, and why Shinebox’s commitment to deep strategy and singular creative concepts has driven their success over 15 years. From moving into their new Minneapolis office to producing live-action films in a 48-hour challenge, Ross gives listeners an inside look at how Shinebox’s passion and culture fuel their work.

The discussion also dives into some of today’s hottest industry topics, including the hype around artificial intelligence and the risks of brands losing their authenticity in a world of misinformation. Ross explains why a beginner’s mindset and a clear, shared belief system are critical for brands hoping to build trust and stand out in the market. Tune in for valuable insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.


Disrupting for Good: A Conversation with Shinebox Agency

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness from fjorge sits down with Kristen Sweeney, founder of Every Little Word, a boutique content and communications agency. Kristen shares her unique path from the world of musical theater to building a thriving B2B content firm. Through freelancing, self-education, and a deep passion for meaningful storytelling, she’s carved out a niche helping organizations earn attention and build trust with expert-led content.
Listeners will gain insights into how Kristen’s team collaborates with subject-matter experts to transform complex ideas into authentic, high-value marketing content. We explore the challenges of brand voice, the importance of internal knowledge sharing, and why effective B2B content starts with real conversations. Whether you're on the marketing team or leading strategy, you’ll walk away with ideas to improve how your organization communicates its expertise.


From Broadway to B2B: Kristen Sweeney’s Journey to Expert-Led Content

In this episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, host Joe Barsness sits down with Sidney Blank, Head of Digital at MBLM Agency. Sidney shares his fascinating journey from studying architecture in Germany to becoming a leader in digital media and brand communication in New York. He reflects on his creative roots, his passion for interactive design, and how architecture shaped his approach to crafting compelling brand experiences.

The conversation dives deep into MBLM’s  philosophy of brand intimacy, the science and strategy behind building meaningful relationships between people and brands. Sidney explains how his team uses research, design, and digital innovation to create lasting connections, and highlights memorable projects like the American Airlines brand rollout. This episode is full of insights for marketers, agency leaders, and creatives who want to better understand how design and intimacy drive brand success.

Exploring Brand Intimacy and Digital Design with Sidney Blank from MBLM Agency

On this week’s episode of Mind Your Own Marketing Business, Tim speaks to Tim Brandt of Murray Road Agency, an agency focused on the outdoor industry/space. They discuss the effort of starting a new business - the benefits of corporate experience, the unique struggles of the first few years, among other things! They delve into the value of various digital advertising and content. Lastly they look at some real world situations involving micro-influencers and advertising.

Developing and Strengthening a New Agency

On this week’s episode of MYOMB Tim is joined by Michael Ferranti, Founder & CEO of BuyerGenomics. BuyerGenomics is an autonomous database marketing technology tailored to acquire & nurture the most valuable customers. They discuss Michael’s company & history and then go into the weeds on some of the nuances of acquiring and extracting value from customer data. Lastly they touch on two real world stories regarding the power of great customers and the value of relevance over personalization in sales.

Acquiring Great Customers

Navigate and manage your brand to get the attention you are looking for with advice from the Managing Partner of OzComm Marketing, Don Osmond. OzComm works with businesses brands by applying principles of authentic marketing through developing genuine story-based marketing. Osmond is the son of legendary entertainer Donny Osmond and he shares his takes aways from what he learned from his family being in the entertainment business.

Avoid the mistakes most B2B Executives often struggle with, by utilizing and integrating Social Media Channels and Management Fundamentals to establish brand positioning, avoid commoditization, and increase profit margins and market share.

Navigate and Manage Your Brand to Get the Attention You Are Looking For

Tim talks to Mike Arce of LoudRumor about Tips and Tricks for Niche Lead Generation, Like Understanding terminology Niche Lead Generation to improve marketing as well as, understanding Customer pay points with experience inside a niche. They also chat on getting to know your customer's customer as well as the huge difference between a sales team and a marketing team.

Tips and Tricks for Niche Lead Generation

Today on Fjorgecast Tim is joined by Leigh Dow about her boutique marketing agency, 48 West Agency. Everything they do is about unlocking possibilities for ambitious brands. The leaders of the new school trust 48 West to build their brand and create value. They enjoy a reputation for delivering creative PR and Communications campaigns for some of the world’s most ambitious and innovative companies. Leigh discusses how she started in politics and then transitioned her career into a PR and Marketing career. Tim also asks for pointers on how to do her type of work effectively and some common myths or misconceptions about work in that field.

Unlocking Possibilities for Ambitious Brands

Today on fjorgecast Tim Barsness we will be talking with Sara Bacon about her ecommerce agency, Command C. Since 2004 they have been helping online retailers build and grow their ecommerce stores. Their sweet spot is serving brands that have $1 – $10 million per year in online sales and a group of loyal fans. They talk about everything from creating the company to the complex nature of ecommerce itself. Also a deep dive into Sara's background and some of the exciting things she has accomplished in her career.

Command C: Helping Online Retailers Build and Grow Their E-Commerce Stores

This week, Joe is joined by Adam Smartschan, Chief Strategy Officer at B2B marketing agency, Altitude Marketing. They discuss his background in the newspaper industry and eventual transition into marketing as a writer, and eventually finding his way to strategy. Adam provides insight on why it is important to not just create something that "looks good", and shares some of the useful tools Altitude uses on a day-to day basis such as Hemingway and Unbounce.

Adam - Smartschan

In this week's episode, Joe is joined by President of Prime Digital Academy, Mark Hurlburt. They discuss what Prime is all about, including its holistic approach and making technical training more accessible and more human for everyone. Mark talks about current trends in admissions and hiring, and how it fits into the context of today's landscape. They also delve into their career day, and what to expect, as well as what organizations can expect when hiring Prime graduates.

All About Prime Digital Academy

This week, Joe is joined by Joe Scartz, Chief Digital Commerce Officer of Velocity Commerce Group. He talks about his start at an ad agency in Las Vegas, and his eventual shift to TPN, where he focused on digital marketing and e-commerce. Scartz shares tips and tricks on how to navigate the world of e-commerce. He also talks about common misconceptions regarding how people are doing sales in the e-comm world. They also dive into the future of e-commerce, as well as who should be selling on Amazon and whether or not it is a monopoly.

Navigating E-Commerce: Tips, Misconceptions, & The Future

Step into the worlds of advertising, digital innovation and web development with the Mind Your Own Marketing Business podcast series. Our hosts Joe and Tim Barsness connect with top advertising and digital minds to discuss and predict the most important trends.

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