The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

I chat with Len Silverman—seasoned entrepreneur, longtime Learning Center owner, and author of Mesh: Aligning Your Personal Brand with Gen Z. With over 30 years of business experience and a front-row seat to Gen Z's development, Len offers expert insights into how businesses can attract, engage, and retain Gen Z employees. We explore what makes this generation tick, why traditional hiring practices fall short, and how aligning your company culture with Gen Z values can be a game-changer. If you're struggling to connect with the next generation of workers—or customers—this episode delivers the mindset and tools to bridge the gap.Today we discussed:[00:00] Opening[00:09] Introduction to Len Silverman[00:53] What is the Personal Brand of Gen Z[02:56] Common Stereotypes of Genz[04:16] The Old Ways Aren't Going to Work[06:39] The Employee Journey[08:35] Importance of Cultural Consistency[10:39] Changing Mindsets[12:44] Gen Z Customers[14:19] Common Mistakes Trying to Align with Gen Z[17:11] Turning Gen Z into A PlayersMore About Len Silverman:Check out Len Silverman's Website: https://uptoelevenmarketing.comConnect with Len Silverman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/up-to-eleven-len/Read MESH: Aligning the Personal Brand of Gen Z with your Company Culture by Len Silverman: https://amzn.to/3DKURsCRate, Review, & FollowIf you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode.Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

I chat with Keith Lauver—serial entrepreneur, product launch veteran, and founder of Atomic Elevator, the company behind the high-definition marketing platform Ella. With over $34 million raised for product launches and clients like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, Keith brings deep expertise in strategic marketing and AI tools for entrepreneurs. We dive into how AI is transforming small business marketing—not by replacing people, but by freeing them to focus on what they do best. If you're curious about practical AI, marketing automation, and how to rethink your business structure for the future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Keith Lauver [01:52] Understanding the Practical Uses of AI [04:17] What are AI Agents? [07:45] How Does AI Affect Organizational Structure [11:46] AI Doesn't Change Human Value [16:22] Personalized Marketing [17:37] Ella AI [21:22] Privacy Concerns with AIMore About Keith Lauver: Check out Keith Lauver's Website: https://www.atomicelevator.com Connect with Keith Lauver's on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdlauver/Rate, Review, & FollowIf you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode.Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freepromptsThis episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Ad CritterTV ads aren't just for the big guys! Ad Critter makes it easy and affordable to run connected TV ads that drive real results. Try it out for yourself at https://adcritter.com

Struggling to navigate uncertainty in your business? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Bill Canady, seasoned business leader and author of From Panic to Profit. With over 30 years of experience driving business growth and optimizing operations, Bill shares how the 80/20 rule can help you focus on what truly drives profitability and efficiency. We discuss strategies for scaling smart, maximizing profits, and leading with confidence.Today we discussed:[00:00] Opening[00:09] Introducing Bill Canady[01:01] What is Panic Mode for a Business?[03:54] The Stockdale Paradox[06:22] The 80/20 Principle[10:59] Small Customers that Need Much Attention[12:58] Earning the Right to Grow[15:11] Where to Start When Fixing Panic Mode[16:44] How Will AI Affect Business?More About Bill Canady:Check out Bill Canady's Website: https://billcanady.comConnect with Bill Canady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-canady/Read From Panic to Profit - Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle by Bill Canady: https://amzn.to/4bsxUH9Rate, Review, & FollowIf you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode.Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

Join Sam Dunning, the founder of Breaking B2B and an SEO expert, as he shares insights on outranking big competitors. He emphasizes the importance of targeting revenue-generating keywords over mere traffic, warning against the 'traffic trap.' Sam explains why SEO is a long-term commitment, particularly for small businesses, and debunks myths about its decline in an AI-driven world. He also offers practical tips for effective local SEO and discusses how podcast appearances can boost visibility and enhance backlink strategies.

Want to know what it really takes to build a successful business? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Lori Rosenkopf, Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School and author of Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value Through Innovation. Lori shares insights on the seven different paths to startup success, from bootstrapping and business pivots to disruptive innovation and venture capital. Whether you're a small business owner, startup founder, or entrepreneur looking for growth strategies, this conversation will help you navigate challenges, leverage your strengths, and find your own unique path to success.Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Lori Rosenkopf [00:53] Telling Real Entrepreneur Stories [03:59] The Six R's [06:33] The Realities of Disrupting the Market [07:37] Bootstrapping [09:58] Technology Commercializers [11:17] Accidental Entrepreneur [15:20] Defining InnovationMore About Lori Rosenkopf:Check out Lori Rosenkopf's Website: https://executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/lori-rosenkopf/Connect with Lori Rosenkopf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-rosenkopf-5453a3b6/Read Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovationl Guide by Lori Rosenkopf: https://amzn.to/41vVJKzRate, Review, & FollowIf you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode.Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

Bruce Clay, the "Father of SEO" and founder of BruceClay.com, shares his vast expertise on the future of search engine optimization. He discusses the critical evolution from basic SEO to the growing importance of quality content and usability. With AI reshaping content creation, Bruce emphasizes the value of a human touch in marketing strategies. He also highlights innovative tactics like guest podcasting to enhance SEO visibility in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

Max Traylor, an agency growth consultant and author, dives into the importance of nurturing existing client relationships to boost agency profitability. He shares innovative strategies for improving client retention through smarter pricing and positioning agencies as leaders. Max discusses navigating the evolving agency landscape, the need for strong leadership, and how to effectively upsell and cross-sell services. His insights aim to help agency owners thrive without the constant chase for new clients, ensuring sustainable growth in a competitive industry.

Jim Squires, Reddit's EVP of Business Marketing and Growth, shares insights on leveraging Reddit for small businesses. He discusses the unique community-driven culture of Reddit and how brands can genuinely connect with niche audiences. Jim reveals best practices for smart ad campaigns and the value of organic engagement. He emphasizes the importance of authentic interactions over aggressive selling and highlights strategies for measuring success on the platform. This insider perspective provides game-changing tactics for those eager to tap into Reddit's potential.

In this discussion, Chuck Blakeman, a prolific entrepreneur who has started 13 businesses and authored "Sell Less, Earn More," reveals the power of relationship-driven sales. He argues traditional selling is outdated, advocating instead for trust and genuine connections. Chuck shares actionable strategies for leveraging networks, building referrals, and engaging clients through meaningful communication. He emphasizes that focusing on relationships leads to sustainable growth and greater revenue, transforming the sales landscape for modern businesses.

Join Rand Fishkin, co-founder and CEO of SparkToro and a leading voice in SEO, as he tackles the implications of the zero-click internet on marketing strategies. Discover how 60% of Google searches now end without a click and learn actionable strategies to adapt. Rand emphasizes the importance of engaging content that thrives amidst search engine ecosystems. He also discusses the challenges of traditional marketing attribution and the need for innovative tools to refine strategies in today's digital landscape.