The Guiding Brands Podcast
The Guiding Brands Podcast

The Guiding Brands Podcast

Karen Vick

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Guiding Brands Podcast hosted by Chief Guide Karen Vick is for small business owners who want to learn more about how to use marketing to grow their businesses. Each episode offers practical tips, strategies, and insights from Karen and guests that will help you take your business to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your marketing efforts, The Guiding Brands Podcast is the go-to resource for small business owners looking to succeed. Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and success stories in the world of small business marketing.

Recent Episodes

Understanding Why People Give Pt. 1
OCT 30, 2025
Understanding Why People Give Pt. 1

In this episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick welcomes Adam Ortman — consumer psychologist, CEO, and founder of Kinetic 319 Marketing, a Denver-based marketing and advertising agency rooted in consumer psychology. Adam shares his insights on leveraging psychological principles for more effective nonprofit marketing and fundraising, drawing from his experiences with clients ranging from big names like Nike, American Express, and the American Red Cross, to small and midsize nonprofits.


Key points discussed in this episode:

 What is consumer psychology, and how does it influence purchasing, donating, and brand interaction?  Why people give: The personal, emotional, and empathetic drivers behind donations of time, money, and support.  The critical role of empathy—how people want to see themselves reflected in the causes they support.  Common nonprofit marketing mistakes, including the “projection fallacy” (assuming decision-makers’ preferences reflect the wider audience) and “compassion fade” (how big numbers can actually decrease giving).  The four pillars of trust: Authenticity, Empathy, Relevancy, and Consistency—for nonprofit and small business marketing alike.  Practical steps for small businesses and nonprofits to discover what their audience actually cares about—through surveys, feedback, and focus groups.  Harnessing the power of AI tools (like ChatGPT) to easily craft effective surveys and question prompts.


Resources mentioned in the episode:

Next steps & actions for listeners:

 Ask your customers or donors what matters to them! Whether you use a formal survey, a quick email, or a simple conversation—dig deeper for specifics and look for patterns in their feedback.  Chunk your goals into achievable milestones. When fundraising, share the big vision but highlight the realistic steps donors can help achieve.  Focus your communication: Be authentic, empathetic, relevant, and consistent to build trust and stronger relationships.  Don’t be afraid to leverage technology! Use AI tools to help you shape targeted questions and streamline outreach.

Subscribe for future episodes and more marketing and branding insight for service-based small businesses and nonprofits!

 The Guiding Brands Podcast: https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

Leave a review & share this episode with a fellow nonprofit or small business owner who’d benefit from a bit of marketing psychology!

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24 MIN
Why Podcasting Is the New Brand Superpower Part 2
OCT 20, 2025
Why Podcasting Is the New Brand Superpower Part 2

In this motivating episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick welcomes Christine Blosdale: podcast strategist, media coach, and author of Podcastonomics. Christine shares practical tips for starting a podcast as a powerful marketing tool for small businesses and personal brands. They dive deep into how to land guest spots on meaningful podcasts—even without a big budget. 

 Why podcasting is a superpower for brands:

  • Break down barriers to reach audiences worldwide

  • Build expert authority, credibility, and visibility

  • “If you’re not seen and heard, you’re not hired.” – Christine


 How to get started with your own podcast:

  • Collaborate with an experienced podcaster or coach for guidance

  • Invest in quality tools, especially a good microphone 

  • Learn the basics: cover art, podcast name, editing, and publishing

  • Overcome “imposter syndrome” and simply start


 DIY Podcasting Tips:

  • Christine’s book Podcastonomics, walks you through every step

  • Don’t skimp on sound quality

  • Use simple, affordable editing tools

  • Market your show once it’s live—creation is only the beginning!


 Becoming a guest on podcasts:

  • Build a strong media kit that showcases your expertise & suggested topics

  • Personalize your outreach—listen to the show and reference it when contacting the host

  • Use platforms like PodMatch, PodPitch, and Matchmaker.fm to connect

  • Practice your speaking skills (video, Toastmasters, etc.) so you shine on air

  • Leverage social media, networking groups, and personal connections


 Monetizing & Marketing Your Podcast:

  • Cleverly promote your own products/services in your podcast ad breaks

  • Seek sponsors among your own network or local businesses

  • Use podcast analytics and lead magnets (like quizzes!) to measure results and grow your email list

  • Start your podcast now: Don’t wait for perfection or a big budget—use what you have and learn as you go.

  • Get booked as a guest: Build a compelling media kit and start reaching out authentically.

  • Practice your speaking: Create short videos, rehearse conversations, and join speaking groups—your confidence will grow.

  • Market smart: Promote your own services and use analytics/lead magnets to track success and build relationships.

  • Connect with Christine: Book a free discovery call & take her expert authority quiz to find out where you stand.

“Get seen, get heard, and get hired!” 
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Guiding Brands Podcast and leave a review. See you next week!

Key points to note from the Conversation:Tools and Resources To Help You on Your Podcasting JourneyKey Actions & Next Steps:

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33 MIN
Why Podcasting Is the New Brand Superpower Part 1
OCT 16, 2025
Why Podcasting Is the New Brand Superpower Part 1

Welcome to a new season of The Guiding Brands Podcast! Chief Guide Karen Vick is joined by Christine, a branding and authority coach known for her dynamic personality, 25+ years in media, and expertise in broadcasting and business growth. Christine shares how she helps women entrepreneurs worldwide find their voice, define their brand, and shine as thought leaders—whether through podcasts, websites, or personal branding.

Key Discussion Points
 Christine’s Journey

  • Broadcasting background: radio in Los Angeles, writing for America Online & MSN

  • Shifted focus to supporting women entrepreneurs, especially coaches, solopreneurs, and thought leaders

  • Realized the importance of giving clients what they need—not just what she wants to offer (e.g., expanding beyond only podcast creation services)

 The Power of Podcasting

  • Podcasting as a key visibility tool—but not the only one

  • Importance of aligning your brand and message with your audience’s real needs

  • Podcast guesting: a powerful way to build searchability, authority, and reach new audiences, even if you don’t start your own show

  • Podcast content can be strategically repurposed into books, blogs, and courses

 Branding Tips for Entrepreneurs

  • YOU are the brand: Authenticity and relatability matter most

  • Don’t strive for perfection—taking action and learning from mistakes leads to mastery

  • Embrace failure as a natural part of the growth process

 Podcast Format & Approach

  • Variety works: from micro-podcasts (5 min) to traditional interviews

  • Short attention spans make bite-sized episodes highly effective

  • Series or seasonal formats are valid—your show doesn’t have to last forever!

Resources Mentioned

  • Christine’s podcasts (including "The Micro Podcast on Podcasting")

  • The value of email, social media, and blogging—but how podcasting can help you stand out

  • Example of "It’s Time to Pray" (1-minute daily podcast Karen listens to)

Connect with Christine

http://www.expertauthoritycoach.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-blosdale-579697168/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christineblosdale/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristineBlosdale

Podcasts: https://www.christineblosdale.com/mypodcasts


Connect with The Guiding Brands Podcast
 
https://guidingbrandspodcast.com

Next Steps / Actions Suggested
 For Listeners:

  • Consider guesting on podcasts in your industry before committing to hosting your own

  • Experiment with micro-episodes if you’re intimidated by long-form content

  • Show up authentically, focus on bringing value—not just selling

  • Repurpose your podcast content for books, blogs, or courses

  • Don’t wait for perfection—start, learn, and grow as you go!

 For Potential Podcasters:

  • Remember, your podcast doesn’t have to be video or an hour long; audio-only and short formats are great options

  • Use podcasts as a strategic networking tool to connect with others in your field

  • Think of podcast episodes as assets—potential chapters in a future book or stand-alone pieces for marketing

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Thank you for listening and see you next week! 


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29 MIN
Monetize Your Expertise: A Guide to Knowledge Commerce with Nicole Johnson
FEB 21, 2025
Monetize Your Expertise: A Guide to Knowledge Commerce with Nicole Johnson

Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode of The Guiding Brands Podcast, Chief Guide Karen Vick is joined by Nicole Johnson, the multifaceted founder of Digital Made Simple. They dive into the fascinating world of knowledge commerce, exploring how entrepreneurs can monetize their expertise and create passive income by sharing what's 'between their ears.' Tune in to discover how you can transform your unique skills and experiences into valuable offerings for your audience. 


Key Points Discussed:

  • Introduction to Knowledge Commerce:

    Understanding the concept of monetizing your knowledge and skills. 

  • Journey of Nicole Johnson:

    From chemical engineering to a digital marketing strategist, bringing a unique operational perspective to branding and design. 

  • Importance of Knowledge Commerce:

    Explored its potential to generate passive income and discussed its major forms such as online courses, podcasts, and masterminds. 

  • Marketing and Branding:

    Strategies to effectively market knowledge-based products, ensuring they are well-packaged and targeted to the right audience. 

  • Challenges and Opportunities:

    Common challenges entrepreneurs face in entering the knowledge commerce space and the opportunities presented by technology and AI. 


Resources Mentioned:

Next Steps:

  • Connect with Nicole Johnson:

  • Michelle’s Offer: Unlock potential in knowledge commerce with Nicole’s special $289 offer for a DFY course outline and coaching session! Limited time only. 

Action Items:

  • If you're inspired to transform your knowledge into a digital product, reach out to Nicole for a comprehensive strategy session.

  • Visit the website for more insights and grab the offer while it's available.


Closing: If you find value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with your network. Your support helps us continue bringing insightful conversations to the forefront of business development. 


 The Guiding Brands Podcast:guidingbrandspodcast.com


Thank you for listening! We look forward to guiding you in the next episode. 

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65 MIN