Brand Rescue: Marketing & PR Guidance for Small Businesses

🚨 Hot take: not running ads might be the most expensive mistake your business is making.In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney cuts through the noise on paid advertising—calling out the four boneheaded moves that are draining wallets and stunting growth. (Don’t worry, if you’ve made one of these mistakes… you’re in good company.)From why “dabbling” in ads is a total waste, to how negotiation can change the game, Whitney dishes out some tough love every brand needs to hear.⚡ Spoiler: ads aren’t just about quick sales—they’re about building something bigger, longer, and way more profitable.------------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes Website

🎙️ Buckle up, because Whitney’s sitting down with a guy who basically went from running a marketing agency to steering two media powerhouses you’ve definitely heard of: Featured.com and the newly revived HARO (yep, that HARO).Brett Farmiloe drops into Brand Rescue to talk about what it’s like breathing new life into a platform that connects journalists with sources, why trust in media is more important than ever, and how AI is both shaking things up and holding the door open for new opportunities.But it’s not just all SaaS talk and buzzwords. Brett keeps it real about the messiness of transitioning from agency life to building a tech platform, finding that elusive product-market fit, and why sometimes success comes down to doing one thing really, really well.👉 Curious about where journalism, AI, and media are headed? Or maybe just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run two big-name platforms without losing your mind? This episode’s got your name on it.-------Featured.comFeatured on LinkedIn--------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on InstagramYour Marketing Heroes

Here’s the deal: people don’t want to buy from faceless logos anymore—they want to buy from humans. In this episode, we're breaking down why thought leadership isn’t just some fluffy buzzword, but the make-or-break factor for connecting with millennials and Gen Z.We’ll get into how to humanize your brand (without cringey corporate-speak), how to actually build trust in a world of nonstop scrolling, and why aligning your values with your audience isn’t optional anymore—it’s survival.From hospitality to tech, retail to real estate, this episode is your no-BS guide to making thought leadership work for your business.----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInYour Marketing Heroes WebsiteYour Marketing Heroes on Instagram

Big things are happening around here. Whitney is pulling back the curtain on a brand-new chapter — one that’s all about growth, evolution, and helping more businesses thrive. And yes, there are a few surprises you won’t want to miss.---------Your Marketing Heroes Website Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story Website

Why did we skip an episode this week? Whitney’s got something new up her sleeve, and this episode gives you just enough of a peek to get curious.Be sure to tune in next week for the big reveal! ----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR on Instagram True Story Website

Think strategy is just a buzzword? Think again.In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down why strategic planning deserves its own line item in your business budget—and how skipping it can seriously stunt your growth. She shares real talk from her own experience investing in coaching and the powerful perspective that comes from bringing in outside experts.You’ll learn:Why strategy, goals, and tactics are not the same thingHow to build long-term plans that stay flexible in a changing worldThe ROI of investing in strategic support (yes, it’s worth it)How to stop reacting and start leading your business with intentionIf you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure where to go next—this episode is your roadmap to thinking bigger and budgeting smarter.-----Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

What does it really take to grow a successful PR agency—and keep it thriving through the ups, downs, and plot twists?In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessy Klein-Fafana, founder and CEO of LaRue PR, for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the industry. From the early days of building her agency to leading a team through the chaos of COVID-19, Jessy opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity, navigate client dynamics, and stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly evolving.You’ll hear:How LaRue PR has evolved—and what’s stayed the sameThe lessons Jessy learned about leadership, team building, and client managementWhat the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinventionHer honest take on the ever-changing PR landscapeWhether you're in PR, running a business, or just love a good entrepreneurial story—this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.------LaRue PR on LinkedInJessy on Instagram LaRue PR on Instagram LaRue PR Website------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on Instagram

Running a restaurant takes grit, heart, and hustle—and when it comes to filling seats and staying relevant, smart marketing is a key piece of the puzzle.In this episode, Whitney Lee shares insights from years in the restaurant industry, diving into the real work of building a brand that goes beyond just great food. From defining your unique identity to leveraging PR, events, and digital strategy, she breaks down what it takes to grow a loyal following and keep guests coming back.You’ll learn:Why a strong digital presence is non-negotiableHow to use PR to boost visibility and credibilityTips for creating events that actually move the needleWhat consistency and creativity look like in a successful strategyWhether you're behind the pass or behind the scenes in marketing, this episode is full of actionable advice to help your restaurant thrive.-----Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and trying to force it can lead to stress, burnout, and frustrated clients.In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with marketing strategist Lauren Peachie for a candid conversation about what really goes into building strong client relationships and marketing systems that actually work. Lauren shares her journey through the industry, the lessons she’s learned about strategy, communication, and why flexibility is one of the most underrated skills in marketing.You’ll hear about:How to navigate tricky client expectations with confidenceWhy a rigid proposal might be hurting your resultsThe power of perspective—and how to meet clients where they areWhat it means to truly guide a client, not just “do marketing” for themIf you’ve ever felt caught between a client’s vision and what you know is right—this one will hit home.---------Visit Lauren's WebsiteConnect with Lauren on Instagram---------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

Ever feel like you're throwing money at marketing and just hoping something sticks? You’re not alone—and it’s time to change that.In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the difference between doing marketing stuff and actually having a strategy. She shares why data should drive your decisions (not just gut feelings), and how building trust with clients starts with showing you know what’s working—and what’s not.You’ll hear about:The difference between tactics vs. true strategyHow to read your data without getting overwhelmedWhy course correction isn’t failure—it’s smart marketingHow to stop the "spray and pray" mindset for goodIf you're ready to tighten up your budget, get more out of your marketing efforts, and build client confidence in the process—hit play.-----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website