Imperfect Marketing

Hosted by Kendra Corman

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Episodes

356

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Join Kendra Corman and her guests as they provide small business owners and solopreneurs actionable tips and insights about how to do more effective and efficient marketing that drives results.

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60 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 35724 min

Why Are Your Meta Ads Not Converting? Fix These 3 Things First

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to scale effortlessly while others hit a wall, even after investing more money into marketing? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman welcomes growth strategist Kathie Feng to discuss one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make: trying to scale before they've truly validated their product, audience, and pricing. Kathie shares her Winning Triangle framework, a simple but powerful way to evaluate whether your business is actually ready for growth. Drawing from her experience implementing Fortune 500 growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses, she explains why product-market fit is only one piece of the puzzle and how pricing and customer feedback often determine whether a business thrives or stalls. The conversation also dives into the realities of paid advertising. If you've ever felt frustrated after spending money on Meta ads that didn't produce results, you'll appreciate Kathie's practical approach to diagnosing what's really happening inside your marketing funnel. From creative strategy and audience targeting to A/B testing and conversion optimization, she shares actionable insights that help business owners make smarter marketing decisions based on data instead of assumptions. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why businesses plateau even after increasing their marketing budget ✔️ The three elements of the Winning Triangle and why they matter ✔️ How to tell whether your product, audience, or pricing is holding your business back ✔️ Common mistakes entrepreneurs make with Meta advertising ✔️ How A/B testing helps improve marketing performance ✔️ Why customer feedback should guide your marketing strategy ✔️ The balance between creativity and data in successful marketing About Kathie Feng Kathie Feng is the Founder and Growth Architect of Signal Growth, where she helps entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses build scalable growth using AI-powered systems and proven Fortune 500 frameworks. Connect with Kathie: Website: https://signalgrowth.webflow.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathiefeng/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who is ready to grow their business with greater confidence and clarity. Connect with Kendra Corman for more practical marketing strategies and conversations with industry experts who believe progress beats perfection every time. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

August 13, 2026Episode 35613 min

The One-Person Marketing Team Survival Guide

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever looked up and realized it's been weeks, or even months, since you last posted? You're not alone. Many business owners don't stop marketing because they don't care. They stop because they're exhausted, overwhelmed, and trying to do everything themselves. Unfortunately, when your audience stops seeing you, they may assume your business has disappeared too. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman shares a personal story about the time she unintentionally went completely dark and nearly lost business opportunities because people assumed she had closed her business. She explains why consistent visibility matters more than constant content and offers a practical framework for marketing that works in real life, especially when you're a team of one. You'll discover how to simplify your marketing, stop chasing every platform, and create a sustainable plan that keeps your business visible without leading to burnout. In this episode, you'll learn: Why disappearing from your marketing can quietly cost you business The hidden pressure of being a one person marketing team How to choose one primary marketing channel and use it effectively Why batching content can save time and reduce stress How to build a minimum viable marketing routine you can maintain Smart ways to use AI to support your marketing while keeping your authentic voice Three simple action steps to help you stay consistently visible If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with marketing, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters so you can show up consistently and confidently. Connect with Kendra Corman If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could use a reminder that sustainable marketing always beats burnout. Learn more about Kendra and her marketing resources at her website , and connect with her on LinkedIn for more practical marketing strategies. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

August 6, 2026Episode 35422 min

How Do You Stop Charging Hourly and Price for Value Instead?

Send us Fan Mail Are you charging for your time instead of your expertise? Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of hourly pricing because it feels like the obvious place to start. But as your skills grow, charging by the hour can actually hold your business back, leading to burnout, resentment, and an income ceiling. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman sits down with Joel Miller, co-founder of SkyFloor, to discuss how businesses can shift from selling hours to selling outcomes. Joel shares the lessons he and his twin brother learned while building their agency, including the mistakes they made with pricing, how they transitioned to value-based pricing, and why positioning is the foundation of premium pricing. They also dive into the role AI plays in today's service businesses. Rather than replacing expertise, Joel explains how AI can become a powerful collaborative tool that helps professionals deliver better results more efficiently, while reinforcing the importance of human experience, strategic thinking, and client trust. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hourly pricing often creates burnout and limits business growth. How to determine the true value of your services. The importance of asking better questions during discovery calls. How positioning influences pricing more than most business owners realize. Why raising your prices can temporarily reduce leads, and why that's often a good sign. How AI can enhance your work without diminishing your value. The mindset shifts needed to confidently charge premium prices. About Joel Miller Joel Miller is the co-founder of SkyFloor, a digital strategy and web agency he has built alongside his twin brother for more than 17 years. Joel helps businesses clarify their positioning, develop effective digital strategies, and create websites that focus on measurable business outcomes. Connect with Joel Website: https://www.theskyfloor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelelliottmiller/ Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

July 30, 2026Episode 35425 min

Where Are Your Best Clients Actually Making Buying Decisions?

Send us Fan Mail Trying to keep up with every social media platform can feel like a full-time job. The truth is, your best marketing strategy may not be posting more. It may simply be showing up in the right place. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman talks with travel advisor Ali Raymer about how she rebuilt her marketing strategy after COVID by asking one simple question: Where are my best clients making buying decisions? Instead of chasing every new platform, Ali focused on understanding her ideal clients, choosing platforms that aligned with both her audience and her own strengths, and creating a marketing system she could actually sustain. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by social media, this conversation will help you simplify your approach and build a strategy that attracts the right customers without burning you out. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you don't need to be on every social media platform How to determine where your ideal clients actually make purchasing decisions The importance of consistency over constant expansion How to know when a platform is worth investing your time in Why your current clients are your best source of marketing research Practical ways to build a marketing routine that supports your business instead of taking it over Ali also shares the story of how one missed client opportunity completely changed the way she approached branding and marketing, ultimately helping her attract the exact type of clients she wanted. If you've ever wondered whether you're spending time on the wrong platforms, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and actionable ideas you can put into practice immediately. Connect with Ali Raymer LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/alipicturethistravel Website: www.peaceandpearltravel.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Imperfect Marketing and leave a review. It helps more business owners discover practical, honest marketing conversations that actually make a difference. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

July 23, 2026Episode 35326 min

Why Your Messaging Isn't Working (And It's Probably Not the Words)

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like people just don't "get" what your business does? You tweak your website. Rewrite your copy. Experiment with AI. Yet somehow your message still isn't connecting with the right people. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman welcomes messaging strategist Katie Turner to unpack why messaging problems are rarely about finding better words. Instead, they often begin with unclear positioning, an evolving audience, or an offer that's no longer aligned with what buyers actually need. Katie shares why storytelling isn't about telling your personal story. It's about helping customers clearly see the journey from the challenge they're facing today to the transformation they'll experience by working with you. Together, Kendra and Katie discuss: • Why messaging problems usually start long before copywriting begins. • The connection between your offer, audience, positioning, and messaging. • How storytelling creates clarity and trust in B2B marketing. • Why AI is only as good as the context you provide. • How to differentiate your business, even in crowded industries. • Why understanding your buyer is the most valuable marketing skill you can develop. • Katie's biggest marketing lesson after more than 20 years in the industry. Whether you're a consultant, coach, agency owner, or service-based business, this episode will help you think differently about your messaging and give you practical ideas to make it resonate with the people you most want to serve. About Katie Turner Katie Turner is a messaging strategist and marketing consultant who helps B2B professional service firms clarify their positioning, strengthen their storytelling, and create messaging that attracts the right clients. Connect with Katie: Website : https://kateturnermarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateturnermarketing/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Imperfect Marketing and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more business owners looking for practical marketing strategies that actually work. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

July 16, 2026Episode 35212 min

Clips Are the Content | The Mindset Shift Every Podcaster Needs

Send us Fan Mail For years, podcasters have treated clips as marketing. Record the episode. Pull out a few highlights. Share them on social media. Hope people click through to listen to the full conversation. But what if that's no longer how audiences consume content? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra shares a story that completely changed her perspective on podcasting and content creation. After hearing a fellow podcast host describe being recognized for his clips rather than his actual podcast episodes, Kendra realized something important: for many people, the clip is the show. Today's audiences are discovering creators through TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn video. Many will never listen to a full episode, yet they still become part of your audience through short-form content. That realization raises an important question: If clips are often someone's first and only experience with your content, why are so many creators treating them as an afterthought? In this episode, Kendra explores: Why podcast clips have evolved from promotional assets into primary content The mindset shift every podcaster and content creator needs to make Why "finding clips in editing" isn't a reliable content strategy How to identify your strongest clip moments before you hit record Creating hooks that capture attention and stop the scroll Using intentional clip cues during recording Building self-contained ideas that work both inside and outside the full episode How short-form content is becoming the new discovery engine for podcasts Whether you're creating podcasts, videos, webinars, or social media content, this episode will help you rethink how your audience discovers and consumes what you create. Connect with Kendra What makes you stop scrolling and watch a podcast clip? Kendra would love to hear your thoughts. Connect with her on LinkedIn or send her a message and share what grabs your attention when you're consuming content online. If you found this episode helpful, share it with another podcaster, marketer, or business owner who is looking to get more value from their content. Remember: the clips aren't just marketing anymore. They're the content. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

July 9, 2026Episode 35127 min

Why Clarity Is What Your Marketing Has Been Missing

Send us Fan Mail What if your biggest marketing challenge isn't your strategy, your website, or even your content? What if it's a lack of clarity? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra Corman sits down with Charlie Sells, founder of Clarity Over Everything, to explore how unclear messaging creates confusion for customers, frustration for teams, and inconsistency across your brand. Charlie shares his unique journey from ministry to marketing and explains why so many business owners get stuck trying to perfect their messaging before taking action. Together, they unpack the difference between clarity and certainty, why leaders often assume they're being clear when they aren't, and how businesses can stop relying on random acts of marketing and start making intentional decisions. You'll also hear practical advice on creating consistency across your website, emails, social media, and customer experience. Plus, Charlie explains why successful brands don't need more tactics. They need better alignment. Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, marketing leader, or someone trying to make sense of AI-generated content and marketing noise, this conversation will help you simplify your message and strengthen your brand. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why clarity matters more than certainty in marketing and leadership • The common ways businesses unintentionally create confusion • How unclear messaging impacts customer trust and brand growth • Why consistency is one of the most powerful marketing tools available • How to identify and eliminate "random acts of marketing" • The role leadership plays in creating alignment across teams • A simple framework for making better branding and marketing decisions About Charlie Sells Charlie Sells is the founder of Clarity Over Everything, where he helps businesses reduce confusion, improve positioning, and create messaging that connects with the right audience. Connect with Charlie Website: https://www.clarityovereverything.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlie-sells Be sure to check the links in the show notes to connect with Charlie and learn more about his work. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

July 2, 2026Episode 35024 min

How to Book More Meetings With Cold Email in 2026

Send us Fan Mail Is cold email still one of the most effective ways to generate leads, book meetings, and grow your business? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra Corman sits down with Adam Rosen, Founder and CEO of EOC Works, to discuss why cold email continues to deliver results even as marketing channels become more crowded and AI-generated content floods inboxes. Adam shares how he used cold email to land customers like Amazon, Apple, Disney, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock, raise funding, grow his first startup, and ultimately sell the company. He also explains what has changed dramatically in the email landscape over the past few years and why businesses need a much more sophisticated approach than they did even a few years ago. Together, Kendra and Adam explore the importance of deliverability, targeting, messaging, lead nurturing, and patience. They discuss why email remains one of the few marketing channels where businesses can directly reach their ideal prospects and why relevance is the key to getting responses. In this episode, you'll learn: • What cold email marketing is and how it differs from traditional email marketing • Why deliverability is now one of the biggest challenges marketers face • The three essential components of a successful cold email strategy • How to identify and target the right prospects • Why lead nurturing often generates results long after a prospect first enters your pipeline • Common mistakes that can damage your domain reputation • Why patience is one of the most important factors in marketing success Whether you're a business owner, marketer, consultant, or entrepreneur looking for new ways to generate qualified leads, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. About Adam Rosen Adam Rosen is the Founder and CEO of EOC Works, a cold email marketing agency that helps businesses generate qualified meetings through strategic outbound email campaigns. After building and selling his first startup, Adam launched EOC Works and has since helped nearly 200 clients improve their lead generation through modern cold email strategies. Connect with Adam: Website: https://eocworks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamirosen/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who wants to improve their marketing and lead generation efforts. #EmailMarketing #ColdEmail #LeadGeneration #B2BMarketing #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SalesStrategy #MarketingPodcast Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

June 25, 2026Episode 34933 min

How to Hear More Yeses Using the Science of Persuasion

Send us Fan Mail Why People Don't Decide: The Science of Ethical Persuasion with Patrick Van Der Burght Have you ever presented a great idea, made a compelling offer, or shared a logical argument only to hear... nothing? Many people assume a lack of action means someone said "no." But what if they simply didn't make a decision? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra Corman welcomes back persuasion expert Patrick Van Der Burght to explore the science behind how people actually make decisions and why understanding that process can dramatically improve your communication, marketing, sales, leadership, and business results. Patrick is a Founding Member of the Cialdini Institute, a Cialdini Certified Trainer and Coach, business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini, and author of How to Hear Yes More Often . Drawing on decades of research and real-world experience, he explains why most decisions are made intuitively rather than logically and how businesses can ethically influence outcomes without manipulation. Together, Kendra and Patrick discuss: • The difference between System 1 and System 2 thinking • Why logical arguments alone often fail to persuade • The hidden cost of customer indecision • The Seven Universal Principles of Persuasion • Practical ways to apply persuasion in presentations, marketing, sales, and leadership • How reciprocity, social proof, authority, liking, unity, consistency, and scarcity influence behavior • Why ethical persuasion builds long-term trust and loyalty • Common mistakes businesses make when trying to influence decisions • How to communicate value without sounding pushy • The dangers of manufactured scarcity and misleading marketing tactics One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that influence isn't about convincing people to do something they don't want to do. It's about understanding how people naturally make decisions and communicating in ways that help them confidently move forward when your solution aligns with their needs. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, salesperson, leader, speaker, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights you can start applying immediately. Be sure to listen to Patrick's previous appearance on Imperfect Marketing (Episode 337) for even more examples and strategies from the world of ethical persuasion. Connect with Patrick Van Der Burght Patrick Van Der Burght is a Founding Member of the Cialdini Institute, Cialdini Certified Trainer and Coach, and author of How to Hear Yes More Often . Since 2000, he has helped organizations and professionals apply the science of ethical persuasion to improve communication, influence, leadership, and business performance. Website: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasion For more marketing insights, business strategies, and expert interviews, subscribe to Imperfect Marketing and never miss an episode. #Persuasion #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Sales #Communication #Influence #Entrepreneurship #CustomerPsychology #MarketingStrategy Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

June 18, 2026Episode 34811 min

The Email You're Not Sending Is Costing You Money

Send us Fan Mail Most business owners know email marketing matters. So why are so many still avoiding it? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing , Kendra shares two recent conversations with business owners from completely different industries who were facing the exact same challenge: email marketing. One business wasn't sending emails at all because they were worried about annoying customers. The other, a multi-million-dollar company with a long sales cycle, viewed email continuity as one of their most important marketing priorities. The lesson? Whether your customers buy every few weeks or every few years, staying top of mind matters. Kendra breaks down the biggest misconceptions business owners have about email marketing, why open rates aren't the whole story, and how simply showing up consistently can make a significant difference in your growth. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels available • The real purpose of email marketing beyond clicks and conversions • Why fear of being annoying is holding many businesses back • How staying visible helps customers remember and choose you • A simple action step you can take this week to reconnect with your audience If you've been putting off sending emails because you don't know what to write, you're worried about bothering people, or you're waiting for the "perfect" message, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Imperfect Marketing for practical marketing strategies that help you grow your business without chasing perfection. Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage? Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here