Imperfect Marketing

Kendra Corman
  • 5.0 (23)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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

  2. May 21

    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

  3. May 14

    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

  4. May 7

    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

  5. Apr 30

    SEO Is Dead. Search Everywhere Optimization Is Here | Wes Towers

    Send us Fan Mail Are you still relying on Google alone to get found? Wondering why your website traffic is shifting—but your leads aren’t? Or why your marketing feels like it’s working… but you can’t quite track it anymore? If this episode resonates with you, make sure to follow Imperfect Marketing so you don’t miss future conversations that break down what’s actually working right now. SEO hasn’t disappeared—but it has evolved in a big way. In this episode, Kendra talks with Wes Towers about the shift from traditional search engine optimization to what he calls “search everywhere optimization.” Today’s buyers aren’t just Googling—they’re using AI tools, voice search, and multiple platforms to find answers, often before they ever visit your website.  That shift means the old playbook—keywords, rankings, and traffic reports—doesn’t tell the full story anymore. Instead, it’s about building quality content, simplifying your message, and creating trust signals that validate your business when someone is ready to buy. From reviews to website clarity to consistent visibility, this episode breaks down how to stay relevant and competitive in a noisy, fast-changing digital world.  This episode will show you: • How SEO is evolving in the age of AI and multi-platform search • A smarter approach to creating content that actually gets found • The role of trust signals (like reviews) in driving conversions • Why simplifying your website can increase leads • How consistency and personality impact your marketing results If you stop chasing rankings and start focusing on clarity, trust, and consistency, you’ll create a marketing strategy that not only gets you found—but gets you chosen 👤 About Our Guest – Wes Towers: Wes is the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency specializing in websites and search optimization. While his agency works across industries, he’s recently niched into construction—helping companies stand out in a highly competitive space through smarter, more strategic online visibility. Website: https://uplift360.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uplift360Aus 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

    26 min

  6. Apr 23

    AI Tools I Actually Use and the Ones I Dropped

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve actually been using AI in my day-to-day marketing work—beyond the hype, beyond the shiny tools. I share what’s in my current tech stack, what didn’t live up to expectations, and what genuinely made me more efficient (and what didn’t).  If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of new AI tools, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters. The Reality of Today’s AI Landscape  New AI tools are launching constantly—sometimes faster than we can evaluate them  It’s easy to get distracted by “shiny object syndrome”  You don’t need every tool—you need the right tool for the job  The goal isn’t to use AI everywhere, but to use it where it truly helps What’s in My Current AI Stack I break down the tools I’m consistently using and why: Claude: My main workhorse for writing, strategy, and even presentations Perplexity: Go-to for research, comparisons, and step-by-step answers ChatGPT: Primarily for building and sharing custom GPTs with clients NotebookLM: Powerful for handling large amounts of context and research Built-in AI (Loom, Riverside): Helpful for content production workflows Surprising AI Tools Worth Exploring Some tools exceeded expectations: Branding 5: A strong positioning tool that helps clarify messaging Vocable AI: Useful for generating social content ideas (especially for clients) NanoBanana Pro: Solid for image generation Claude for presentations: Surprisingly powerful—even rivaling tools like Gamma What Didn’t Work (or Didn’t Stick) Not every tool is a win—and that’s okay: AI assistants that lacked context or usefulness Asana AI: Underwhelming (possibly due to limited input/context) Ubooks: Poor experience for nonfiction writing Gamma.app: Still useful, but possibly being replaced by Claude Microsoft Copilot: More of a habit issue than a tool issue Key insight: Sometimes it’s not the tool—it’s fit, timing, or how you’re using it. How to Actually Use AI Effectively  Test tools on real work, not demo projects  Compare tools against each other to find the best fit  Give tools a fair shot—but don’t force them into your workflow  The best tools become invisible—they just workAI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Enhancing You  AI won’t replace thinking—it enhances it  Use AI for:  Brainstorming  Strategy pressure-testing  “Shadow boxing” ideas to find gaps  Your expertise and judgment still matter more than ever Practical Advice to Get Started If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed:  Pick one task that drains you each week  Test one AI tool on that task  Don’t try five tools at once  Give yourself permission to drop what doesn’t work Key Takeaways  You don’t need one perfect tool—you need the right mix  AI should support your thinking, not replace it  Efficiency comes from alignment, not accumulation  The goal is smarter work, not more tools Curious how AI could fit into your workflow without adding more overwhelm?   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

    13 min

  7. Apr 16

    Why Sales Feels Icky (And How to Fix It) | Jonny Holsten

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Jonny Holsten of BridgeSelling to unpack why sales gets such a bad reputation—and how to fix it. We dive into what actually works in modern sales conversations (hint: it’s not scripts or pressure). Jonny shares his journey from marketing into sales strategy and how that shift led to his book Fix Your Broken Sales Calls. Together, we explore how to move from chasing leads to building meaningful, problem-solving conversations. Here’s what we cover: From Leads to “Best Fit” Clients  Why all leads are not worth your time  The 4-part framework for identifying a true “best fit” customer  How narrowing your focus actually increases conversions Why Sales Feels “Icky” (and How to Fix It)  The real reason selling feels uncomfortable for so many people  Why belief in what you’re selling changes everything  The difference between pushing a sale and solving a problem The Power of Better Questions  How great sales conversations start with curiosity, not pitching  Why most salespeople skip identifying the real problem  A simple technique to get prospects to open up more Handling Inbound Leads the Right Way  Why inbound leads aren’t always qualified (and that’s okay)  How to guide conversations like a consultant, not a salesperson  The importance of setting expectations and taking control early Knowing When to Walk Away  How to gracefully exit conversations with poor-fit prospects  Why referring someone elsewhere can actually grow your business  The mindset shift: serving first, selling second Improving Sales Without More Leads  Why most teams lack a clear plan for sales calls  How small tweaks to discovery calls can drive massive revenue growth  The importance of reviewing and learning from your own calls Key Takeaways  Selling should feel like helping—not convincing  Clarity in your message makes everything easier  The better your questions, the better your results Connect with Jonny: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyholsten/ If sales has ever felt uncomfortable, awkward, or forced—this episode will change how you think about it. Ready to make sales feel natural (and actually work)? Tune in. 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

  8. Apr 9

    5 Human Skills That Make You Irreplaceable in the AI Era

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Stephanie Sylvestre, founder of Avatar Buddy, to explore how AI is reshaping the way businesses operate—and why human skills matter more than ever. Stephanie shares her fascinating journey from corporate IT leadership to building an AI-powered company, along with the lessons she’s learned along the way (including a few hard-earned ones she hopes you won’t have to repeat). We dive into how businesses can actually use AI effectively—without losing their values, their culture, or their competitive edge. In this conversation, we discuss: The Human Skills That Matter Most in an AI World  Why resilience is essential when working with AI (hint: your first output isn’t your best)  How creativity and resourcefulness give you a competitive advantage—especially in fast-changing environments  The critical role of problem-solving and critical thinking when AI sounds right… but isn’t  Why these “human skills” are becoming the real differentiator in an AI-driven world Demystifying AI for Businesses  What AI agents actually are—and how they can streamline your workflows  How AI can save massive amounts of time when used strategically  Why understanding your data is just as important as understanding the technology  The biggest mistake organizations make when adopting AI too quickly Responsible AI: Where Ethics Meet Execution  Why responsible AI starts with people—not the technology  How your data directly shapes your AI outcomes (for better or worse)  Practical ways to build ethical guardrails into your AI systems  Why transparency, ownership, and respect for content matter more than ever AI, Leadership, and Company Culture  How AI can actually strengthen (not weaken) your company culture  Why leaders need to treat AI like any other business initiative—with clear goals and strategy  The importance of starting small, iterating, and evolving your AI implementation  How AI can reduce internal friction and improve team dynamics Key Takeaways for Marketers and Leaders  You’re not selling AI—you’re selling trust  AI won’t replace people, but people who use AI effectively will have a clear advantage  Your values should guide how you implement and use AI  Success with AI comes from clarity, strategy, and continuous iteration Whether you're just starting to explore AI or looking to refine how you’re using it in your business, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on what it really takes to succeed. Are you ready to use AI in a way that actually supports your business—and your values? Tune in to learn how to make AI work with you, not instead of you. Connect with Stephanie Website: https://avatarbuddy.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avatar_buddyai/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avatar_buddyai?lang=en 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
    345
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Imperfect Marketing
  • Show Website
    Imperfect Marketing