Growth can be tough to sustain without the right strategies in place. Whether you're a fledgling startup or an established company, understanding how to effectively market and scale is key to success.

In this episode, I’m joined by Zack Dugow, founder and CEO of The COOL Company. Zack has spent over a decade helping brands navigate the complexities of advertising and marketing technology. We break down how startups can optimize their marketing budgets, demystify adtech and martech, and discuss the importance of storytelling in branding. Zack also shares his personal journey, including the challenges he faced

We also explore how companies can scale their efforts once they’ve built a strong foundation. Zack’s candid insights and examples offer a practical guide for startups looking to master marketing and sales without breaking the bank.

Tune in to learn how you can transform your marketing strategy and start building real growth today!

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• The essentials of adtech and martech for startups
• Practical tips for crafting a budget-friendly marketing strategy
• The role of storytelling in building a strong brand presence

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Zack Dugow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackarydugow
• Check out Zack’s website: https://www.zackdugow.com
• Follow Zack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackdugow/?hl=en
• Learn more about The COOL Company: https://cool.co
• Learn more about Irresistible Company: https://www.irresistible-company.com
• 
  

Subscribe to the Podcast:

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9bUTMg9jfqa64r9Nn-e-w
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3i7QBY1kuqMegX3MaKZmvC
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irresistible-

Follow us on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiepodcast_?utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090429932666
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t.i.e_podcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIEPodcast_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-irresistible-company

Being an entrepreneur is tough enough, but what happens when everything you’ve built is at risk?

I’m joined by Michael Dermer, the founder and CEO of The Lonely Entrepreneur and a recognized leader in the healthcare rewards space. Back in 2008, Michael faced a monumental challenge when the financial crisis nearly destroyed his company overnight.

In our conversation, he shares the creative solutions, resilience, and strategies that helped him navigate those tough times. We also discuss the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding ways to stay grounded under pressure.

Tune in to hear his strategies and insights for surviving the toughest of times.

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• How to structure a survival plan during a business crisis
• Creative problem-solving to manage costs and resources
• Mental health strategies for entrepreneurs under pressure

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Michael Dermer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldermer
• Learn more about The Lonely Entrepreneur: https://lonelyentrepreneur.com
• Subscribe to The Lonely Entrepreneur YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LonelyEntrepreneur
• Follow The Lonely Entrepreneur on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_lonely_entrepreneur/?hl=en
• Learn more about Irresistible Company: https://www.irresistible-company.com

Subscribe to the Podcast:

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9bUTMg9jfqa64r9Nn-e-w
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3i7QBY1kuqMegX3MaKZmvC
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irresistible

Follow us on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiepodcast_?utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090429932666
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t.i.e_podcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIEPodcast_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-irresistible-company

==== Time Stamps ====

00:00 - Introduction

01:22 - About Michael Dermer

04:24 - 2008 crisis devastated us; Fortune 500 bankrupt

09:42 - Negotiated gift card purchase at significant discount

11:29 - Channel panic into planning for success

16:47 - Consider pivoting if there’s no unique value

19:42 - Sleep prioritized to maintain peak performance

23:01 - Experience elevated them beyond their previous selves

26:13 - Helping entrepreneurs channel passion into success

26:58 - Building platform for entrepreneurs' organized resources access

30:17 - One-stop platform for entrepreneurs' learning and support

What makes a message resonate amidst all the noise?

In this episode we explore the art and power of storytelling. I've got Aundrea Cline-Thomas with me, a brilliant three-time Emmy award-winning journalist who's made waves in helping fellow journalists transition into new careers.

We talk about the decline in journalism jobs and the rise of social media marketing, the magic of storytelling in business, and embracing public failure to build resilience.

Andrea also shares insights on using platforms like LinkedIn effectively. Stick around; you won't want to miss this!

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• The PENS storytelling framework and its practical applications.
• Overcoming insecurities and building confidence in storytelling.
• Using storytelling as a powerful tool in business and personal branding

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Aundrea Cline-Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aundreact
• Subscribe to Aundrea’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBestThingACT
• Listen to Aundrea’s on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-best-thing/id1680095327
• Listen to Aundrea’s on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7rnOpmJnXgcGtaaKdw1c2n
• Check out Aundrea’s website - https://aundreact.com/
• Follow Aundrea’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aundreact/?hl=en
• Follow Aundrea’s on X (Twitter): https://x.com/aclinethomas
• Follow Aundrea’s on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AundreaCT
• Learn more about Irresistible Company: https://www.irresistible-company.com
• 
  

Subscribe to the Podcast:

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9bUTMg9jfqa64r9Nn-e-w
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3i7QBY1kuqMegX3MaKZmvC
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irresistible-

Follow us on Social Media:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiepodcast_?utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090429932666
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t.i.e_podcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIEPodcast_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-irresistible-company

==== Time Stamps ====

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - About Aundrea Cline-Thomas

04:13 - Storytelling helps attract and connect with customers

07:17 Personal brand success: credibility attracts attention

10:07 - Identify and confront your personal barriers honestly

13:46 - Valuable feedback from family is crucial

17:24 - Ground ideas in numbers; don't overwhelm

20:53 - Joined new entrepreneurial community for support

24:49 - Advertising dollars shifted to social media platforms

28:17 - Weekly LinkedIn posts boost solopreneur visibility significantly

31:36 - Explore different platforms for audience success

34:36 - TikTok's algorithm simplifies reaching your audience

36:54 - Consider delivery, content truth: Separate criticism elements