Imperfect Marketing

Kendra Corman
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Marketing
  • Updated weekly

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.

  1. 4 days ago

    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

    34 min

  2. 18 Jun

    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

    11 min

  3. 11 Jun

    Why Soft Skills Are Your Biggest Asset in an AI World

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when AI starts doing the work humans used to spend hours on every week? According to longtime tech innovator Scott Abbott, the answer isn’t that humans become less important. It’s the opposite. In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra Corman sits down with Scott Abbott to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, communication, and human connection. After nearly four decades in technology, Scott has witnessed the rise of the internet, mobile technology, social platforms, and now AI. His perspective brings both excitement and realism to the conversation around where business and leadership are headed next. Together, they unpack why soft skills are becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world, why companies may be failing younger employees instead of developing them, and how systems and automation can actually create more freedom, creativity, and connection. You’ll hear practical insights on: • Why communication and professionalism still matter more than ever • The growing importance of human-centered leadership • How AI can free up time for deeper thinking and better collaboration • Why companies should reinvest AI efficiencies back into employee development • The difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony • How personal branding impacts leadership and career growth • Why systemization can help businesses scale without burnout Scott also shares lessons from more than 10,000 coaching sessions with leaders and business owners, revealing the common struggles people face with communication, confidence, burnout, accountability, and growth. If you’ve been curious about how AI and humanity can work together instead of against each other, this episode offers a grounded and refreshing perspective. About Scott Abbott: Scott Abbott is a technology leader, systems strategist, coach, and founder of Boss Up Coaching Solution Academy. With nearly 40 years in tech, Scott has worked at the forefront of major technological shifts including the internet, social media, mobile innovation, and AI. Today, he helps leaders and organizations combine systems, leadership, AI, and human-centered growth to build stronger businesses and better teams. Connect with Scott Abbott: Website: https://scottabbottabc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottabbottabc/ #AILeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipSkills #SoftSkills #PersonalBranding #WorkplaceCulture #Entrepreneurship 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

    28 min

  4. 4 Jun

    Can an AI Receptionist Actually Build Customer Trust?

    Send us Fan Mail Are missed phone calls quietly costing your business customers and trust? In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra sits down with Laurent to talk about the rapidly evolving world of AI, specifically voice AI, and why it’s becoming one of the most important tools for small businesses. Laurent shares his perspective after more than 20 years in digital marketing, SEO, e-commerce, and technology. Together, they explore how businesses are using AI to improve customer communication, create stronger trust, and avoid losing opportunities through missed calls and poor customer experiences. This conversation goes beyond prompts and automation. It dives into the human side of AI, including emotional intelligence, customer trust, and why understanding your audience still matters more than any tool. You’ll also hear: Why voice AI is making a comeback in business communicationHow AI receptionists can support local businessesThe surprising SEO benefits of voice AIWhy AI should enhance humans, not replace themPractical advice for business owners who feel overwhelmed by AILaurent also shares one of the best perspectives on AI adoption we’ve heard yet: if you missed one wave of technology, don’t worry, another train is always coming. If you’ve been wondering how AI can actually help your business in a practical, customer-focused way, this episode is packed with insight. About Our Guest Laurent is an entrepreneur and AI innovator specializing in voice AI technology for local businesses. With more than two decades of experience in digital marketing, SEO, SEM, e-commerce, and web ventures, he now focuses on helping businesses improve customer trust and communication through AI-powered voice solutions. Connect with Laurent Laurent welcomes questions and conversations from listeners. Visit the website above to connect through their social channels. 🔗 Learn more at: https://getoblick.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-cohen-usa/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetOblic 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

    24 min

  5. 28 May

    Why Word of Mouth Referrals Aren't Enough Anymore

    Send us Fan Mail What are you actually known for… and is it helping or hurting your business? Are you trying to do too many things—and confusing your audience in the process? What if narrowing your focus could actually bring you more opportunities, not fewer? If this episode helps you rethink your marketing and positioning, be sure to follow the show and share it with a business owner who needs more clarity in their message. Most entrepreneurs resist narrowing their focus. It feels risky. It feels limiting. And if we’re honest—it can feel like turning away opportunities. In this episode, Kendra and Ed unpack why being known for one thing is actually the fastest way to grow your business. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, the real power comes from clarity—because clarity makes you memorable, referable, and easier to trust. They also dive into the practical side of this: how to figure out what you’re already known for (even if you don’t realize it yet), how to spot patterns in your conversations, and why documenting your interactions can unlock insights you’ve been missing. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about paying attention and building simple systems that support your growth. This episode will show you: How to become more memorable and referable in your business A simple framework for discovering what you’re already known for A strategy to identify patterns in client conversations and messaging Why focusing on one thing actually expands your opportunities How to build habits and systems that support long-term marketing successIf you’ve been trying to do all the things and still not seeing consistent results, this approach gives you a clearer, more focused path to growth. About our guest Ed Troxell is a strategic advisor who helps entrepreneurs simplify their business, clarify their message, and focus on what truly moves the needle. Starting his journey in tech support and web design, Ed evolved into a marketing and visibility expert, now known for helping clients identify what they should be known for—and how to leverage that for sustainable growth. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtroxell/ Website: EdTroxell.com 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

    23 min

  6. 21 May

    Why I Stopped Sending Pretty Emails (And You Should Too)

    Send us Fan Mail Are your “beautiful” emails actually hurting your results? When was the last time you replied to a perfectly designed newsletter? What if the thing you’re spending the most time on… is the reason your emails aren’t working? If this episode shifts how you think about email marketing, be sure to follow the show and share it with a business owner who needs to simplify their strategy. For years, we’ve been told that email marketing should look polished, branded, and visually impressive. But what if that’s exactly what’s getting in the way? In this episode, Kendra breaks down why she stopped sending “pretty” emails—and started seeing better results. Instead of spending time on templates, graphics, and formatting, she focused on writing simple, text-based emails that feel like a real conversation. The shift led to more engagement, more replies, and stronger connections with her audience. When emails look like marketing, people treat them like marketing—they skim, ignore, or delete. But when your message feels personal and direct, it creates a different experience. People read it. They respond. And they stay connected to you over time.  This episode will show you: How to increase engagement without spending hours on designA simple framework for writing emails that feel personal and naturalWhy plain text emails often outperform designed newslettersThe mindset shift from “email blast” to meaningful conversationHow to get more replies and stay top of mind with your audienceIf you’re tired of overthinking your emails and still not seeing results, this approach offers a simpler, more effective way to connect and convert. About the host Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist and host of Imperfect Marketing, where she helps business owners simplify their marketing and focus on what actually works. With over 20 years of experience, she shares practical, no-fluff strategies that help entrepreneurs take action and get results.  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

    10 min

  7. 14 May

    Why Do Productivity Hacks Work for Men but Not Women?

    Send us Fan Mail Are you forcing productivity… when your body is asking for something different? What if your “inconsistent” energy is actually your biggest advantage? And what if working with your body—not against it—could make everything easier? If this episode changes how you think about productivity and business, be sure to follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Most business advice tells you to stay consistent, push through, and keep going—no matter how you feel. But what if that approach is exactly what’s holding you back? In this episode, we dive into a completely different way of working—one that aligns your business with your natural energy cycles instead of fighting against them. Renae shares how understanding hormonal rhythms can transform how women approach content creation, decision-making, and productivity. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. When you start aligning your work with your body, everything shifts. You gain clarity, confidence, and a more sustainable way to grow your business without burnout.  This episode will show you: How to work with your energy instead of constantly pushing through A simple framework for aligning your business with your cycle The best times to create content, plan, and execute Why traditional productivity advice often fails women How to feel more confident and effective in your workIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not getting the results you want, this approach offers a smarter, more aligned way forward. About our guest Renae Fieck is a coach and entrepreneur who helps women align their businesses with their natural hormonal rhythms. After experiencing burnout while trying to do it all, she discovered a more sustainable way to work—one that honors how women’s bodies actually function. Today, she teaches women how to use their cycles as a powerful tool for productivity, clarity, and success Website: https://renaefieck.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingmoms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaefieck 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

    29 min

  8. 7 May

    Marketing Is Community (And Community Is Marketing)

    Send us Fan Mail Are you trying to grow your business… but feel like no one is paying attention? Do you think you need a big audience before you can build real momentum? What if the real secret to growth isn’t more followers—but stronger community? If you’ve been chasing growth but craving connection, this conversation will shift how you think about marketing—follow the show for more real, practical insights. What if everything you’ve been told about growing your business is backwards? In this episode, Kendra sits down with Elizabeth Henson to unpack why community is marketing—and why the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the loudest or most polished… they’re the most intentional. Elizabeth shares how she built her first six-figure business by documenting her journey (not perfecting it) and how that same approach still works today. You’ll learn why “magnetic leadership” isn’t about charisma, why showing up for one person matters just as much as showing up for one hundred, and how letting go of perfection can actually accelerate your growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the “right moment” or a bigger audience—this conversation will give you a new way forward. This episode will show you: • How to build a business through community (even with a small audience) • A simple framework for “magnetic leadership” that attracts people naturally • Why sharing your journey builds trust faster than polished content • The mindset shift that removes fear of judgment and rejection • How small, intentional connections lead to real growth and referrals Opportunity positioning sentence If you’re ready to stop chasing algorithms and start building meaningful connections that actually convert, this episode will show you how. About our guest Elizabeth Henson is a business coach, community builder, and host of the Messy Success Podcast. She helps creatives and entrepreneurs build profitable businesses by embracing imperfection, sharing their journey, and creating intentional communities that drive real growth. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhensonco/ Website: https://elizabethhenson.co/ 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

    27 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kendra Corman
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    349
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Imperfect Marketing
  • Show Website
    Imperfect Marketing