What if you could transform your career and your life by taking a leap of faith? That's exactly what Christina Williams did when she transitioned from corporate marketing to becoming a thriving solopreneur. Join us on the Marketing Happy Hour podcast as Christina, founder of Christina Williams Consulting LLC and Canva with Christina, shares her remarkable journey. You'll learn how she strategically balanced a remote job while meticulously planning her business, waited an entire year before unveiling it, and secured her first clients through bold pitches, including one for an interim PR manager role for her city. Christina’s story is a testament to the power of patience and determination in building a passion-driven business.

Effective collaboration and client selection can make or break a business, and Christina offers invaluable insights on these topics. We discuss the crucial distinctions between planners and doers, emphasizing how recognizing your strengths can foster successful partnerships. Discover the importance of having a trusted PR person for crisis situations and the benefits of being part of a referral network like BNI. Plus, you'll hear about the three follow-up rule in marketing, preferred communication methods, and the frustrations of social media engagement that doesn’t convert into business responses. Finally, get the inside scoop on "Canva with Christina," where Christina offers webinars, one-on-one training, and an informative LinkedIn newsletter to help you master Canva. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and inspiring stories for entrepreneurs and business owners alike!

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Ever wondered how the right shade of blue or a well-organized room can transform your mental health? In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, we promise you'll uncover the secrets behind creating spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance your well-being. Adrienne Meachum from Whitcross Interiors joins us to share her incredible journey from stay-at-home mom to a celebrated interior designer. She dives into how color theory and thoughtful organization can significantly reduce stress and boost daily efficiency. Adrienne also discusses the value of designing spaces that truly reflect your personality, rather than chasing fleeting social media trends, ensuring long-term happiness without constant updates.

We also tackle the real-life balance between DIY projects and professional help. I share my own experiences with hands-on projects and the joy of seeing a personal touch come to life in my home. Adrienne provides valuable insights on when it's best to roll up your sleeves and when to call in the experts. Plus, we introduce an interior design course that equips you with the skills to create magazine-worthy spaces with personalized feedback and expert advice. Wrapping up, we encourage you to live boldly in both design and life, with Adrienne's inspiring tips on pursuing your creative ideas with confidence. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivation to transform your living spaces and uplift your spirit.

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Join us for a heartfelt journey on the Marketing Happy Hour as Teresa Gaikema, a beacon of wellness and growth, offers up her life's fragrant tapestry woven with essential oils. Her dedication to education over mere selling breathes fresh air into the bustling marketplace, guiding individuals to combat stress and insomnia naturally. Teresa's unwavering faith and commitment to authentic living shine through, inspiring listeners to embark on their own quests for genuine well-being.

As your host Shelby McFarland, I've always believed that the richest connections stem from authenticity, and Teresa's approach to marketing is a testament to this creed. We discuss the art of relationship-building in business, the impact of living generously, and how Teresa's strategy of valuing personal connections over transactions has cultivated not just a thriving business but a community rooted in care. Let's celebrate the idea that prosperity blooms fullest when we prioritize people, planting seeds of encouragement and positivity along the way.

Our exchange turns reflective as we consider the role of encouragement in our daily lives. Discover how a simple compliment can spark a chain reaction of positivity, and learn about the pivotal moments at places like David's Burgers, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through human connection. Teresa and I invite you to continue this enriching dialogue online, where we delve deeper into the transformative world of essential oils and the pursuit of a life lived with intention and kindness.

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Ever wondered what it's like to leap from the familiar ledge of accounting into the vibrant pool of marketing and operations? That's exactly what Bailey Clark, VP of Operations at Flexion Point, and I, Shelby McFarland, discuss over a Marketing Happy Hour. Bailey shares her transformative journey, from recognizing the need for expert marketing help to the pivotal social media shout-out that led to our dynamic partnership. As we clink glasses, we unfold the story of how genuine relationships can enhance professional collaboration and turn business branding into an art form.

Picture this: an extroverted accountant with an itch for something more—yours truly—stumbles into a world where finance finesse meets operational expertise. I open up about the birth of Flexion Point and the passion behind offering fractional services during transitional periods. We uncover the essence of our approach to service delivery and the importance of authenticity in our work, all while navigating the complex dance between backing up a business and respecting its legacy.

Now imagine stepping into the shoes of a leader in a family business, with the weight of generational expectations on your shoulders. Our conversation wades through the intricacies of succession and the value of coaching for new leaders. I highlight how Flexion Point is carving out new paths in executive transition management, with a good dose of coaching, camaraderie, and strategic guidance. Tune in and let's raise our glasses to the power of connections and the thrill of navigating change with grace and expertise.

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Get ready to crack the PR code with the wisdom of Michelle Rupp, a seasoned pro who's turning the tide on how we perceive traditional media's role in the digital age. In our latest Marketing Happy Hour podcast, we're not just chatting about the harmonious blend of PR and social media – we're proving it's a game-changer for small businesses and nonprofits. Michelle, a former journalist turned PR whiz, joins me to debunk myths and share how hitting the airwaves can still make waves in a sea of streaming and social platforms.

Imagine your business or nonprofit capturing the limelight and converting a single media appearance into a nationwide sensation. That's the story I recount with Michelle, showcasing the untapped potential of local news in rocketing online traffic and solidifying trust with your audience. We'll reveal how a smartly angled pitch can not only secure valuable airtime but also weave your message into the fabric of the community, creating a lasting impact that social channels alone can't match.

Roll up your sleeves for a behind-the-scenes glance at the world of DIY PR and crisis communication – no hefty budget required. We dive into the essentials of crafting a compelling narrative, the art of timely pitching, and how to make your on-camera debut shine. And for those unexpected challenges, we've got your back with strategies to weather any storm. Join Michelle and me for a toast to the power of PR as we equip you with the insider knowledge to confidently command the media spotlight. Cheers to your marketing success!

Find her course at: www.memorableresultsmedia.com

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Crack open the secrets to marketing success with Shelby McFarlane and guest mastermind Schell Gower as we pour out our insights over cocktails in the latest episode of the Marketing Happy Hour podcast. Discover how zooming in on your niche can catapult your brand above the digital din, and why making friends within the industry can be your best business move. We'll take you behind-the-scenes of our own marketing journeys, sharing tales of triumph and collaborative cheers that prove when you narrow your focus, your opportunities widen.

Ever wondered how setting your prices can spell out the caliber of your clientele? Raise your glass and your expectations as we discuss how catering to customers who crave quality over cost can redefine your business's prosperity. We'll reveal why charging your worth and avoiding the price war can draw in those who appreciate exclusivity, and how high stakes can mean high rewards. Get ready to clink to the psychology of pricing and the magnetic pull of luxury that's sure to bring the ideal customers to your yard.

Serving up the final round, we spill the must-knows of vetting potential clients and the art of owning your business's worth. Saying no to misfit clients isn't just a power move—it's a strategic dance that leads to more desirable partnerships. Hear how letting go of a demanding client led to a tripled income, and why guarding your business assets, like your stronghold website, is non-negotiable. We also tap into the wisdom of strategic outsourcing, because when it comes to running a successful business, it's about working smarter, not harder. Join us for this episode where we mix up a cocktail of marketing savvy, storytelling, and strategy to get you toasting to your own success. Cheers to that!

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Shelby talks with her dad, Shaun McFarland about the differences in technology and marketing in the past 30 years. Listen in for some funny stories and great victories!

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Noelle Stephens and Shelby go back a few years...like 6 years. They first connected through a Rotary Leadership Class and soon became friends. Noelle opened her State Farm Agency in 2022 with the marketing help of Shelby and her team! They talk about being intentional in marketing and how to succeed at the small things!

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