Marketing the 912

Dr. Jan Southern

Welcome to Marketing the 912 – the podcast built specifically for South Georgia's thriving business community in Savannah, Bryan County, and Effingham County.  Each episode brings you candid conversations with local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs who share their real-world experiences navigating the exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges of running a business in our region.  But we don't stop at stories. Every episode delivers actionable business and marketing strategies you can implement immediately to accelerate your own growth. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, Marketing the 912 gives you the local insights and proven tactics you need to succeed in South Georgia's unique market.

  1. Savannah Actor Mark McCullough on Hollywood, Risk, and the Business of Branding | Marketing the 912

    10/13/2025

    Savannah Actor Mark McCullough on Hollywood, Risk, and the Business of Branding | Marketing the 912

    How does a Savannah-born actor end up in Hollywood blockbusters alongside Tom Cruise and Captain America? In this episode of Marketing the 912, we uncover what South Georgia businesses can learn from his story. Episode Summary Mark McCullough grew up near Savannah and worked his way from Effingham County to the big screen. Today, he shares lessons from Hollywood that every business owner in South Georgia can apply — from consistent marketing to finding your authentic brand. Host Jan Southern and Mark explore how the acting business mirrors entrepreneurship: building a personal brand, networking the right way, and turning rejection into momentum. With over 35 years of marketing experience, Jan connects Mark’s story to what works right here in Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham County. If you’re growing a business in the 912, this episode is full of powerful takeaways about risk-taking, persistence, and knowing your value. Key Takeaways • Why personal branding matters for both actors and business owners • The power of consistent marketing — even when results take time • How to handle imposter syndrome and keep moving forward • The importance of mentorship and learning from successful people • Why authenticity is your biggest marketing advantage Guest Bio Mark McCullough is a Savannah native and Hollywood actor known for roles in Captain America, American Made, and Free State of Jones. He also founded The Working Actor’s Lab, coaching actors across the U.S. and abroad. Resources Mentioned J. DelSUR Marketing Website Effingham Magazine Pooler Magazine Bryan County Magazine #MarketingThe912 #SouthGeorgiaBusiness #SavannahMarketing #912Marketing #EffinghamCounty #PoolerBusiness

    55 min
  2. 07/23/2025

    Marketing the 912: Growth in South Georgia

    Welcome to Marketing the 912 where we focus on the south Georgia area and provide  marketing insight and interviews with local leaders and business owners.  In this episode of Marketing the 912, Jan Southern discusses the significant growth occurring in South Georgia and how local businesses can leverage this opportunity through effective marketing strategies.  Emphasizing the importance of targeted marketing, understanding the audience, and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, Jan outlines several key strategies for business growth. She highlights the necessity of having a solid marketing plan, being open to change, and utilizing both online and offline marketing channels to reach potential customers.  The conversation also touches on the value of community involvement and collaboration among local businesses to enhance visibility and engagement. Takeaways Growth in South Georgia presents a unique opportunity for businesses. Targeted marketing is essential in a crowded market. A solid marketing plan can significantly improve business efficiency. Understanding your audience leads to more effective marketing strategies. Brand identity and messaging are crucial for standing out. An omnichannel approach is necessary to reach potential customers. Creating a welcoming environment for newcomers can enhance customer loyalty. Collaboration with other businesses can expand reach and visibility. Community involvement is key to building local relationships. Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer engagement.

    35 min

About

Welcome to Marketing the 912 – the podcast built specifically for South Georgia's thriving business community in Savannah, Bryan County, and Effingham County.  Each episode brings you candid conversations with local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs who share their real-world experiences navigating the exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges of running a business in our region.  But we don't stop at stories. Every episode delivers actionable business and marketing strategies you can implement immediately to accelerate your own growth. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, Marketing the 912 gives you the local insights and proven tactics you need to succeed in South Georgia's unique market.