• MWR#6 - Matt Thibeau - Do Ads Even Work?
    Jan 4 2025

    In this episode of the Marketing Without Rules podcast, Lewis is joined by Matt Thibeau of Savant Marketing Agency (https://www.savantmarketingagency.com/) to discuss the effectiveness of ads, with a particular focus on Facebook ads.

    The conversation delves into key factors that contribute to successful ad campaigns, including the importance of having the right budget, diversity in ad creatives, clear messaging, proper targeting, and effective call to actions.

    Matt emphasizes the necessity of quick follow-ups with leads and shares insights into pipeline management and lead nurturing. He also offers strategies for addressing common problems like bad-quality leads and the impact of rising ad costs.

    This episode is packed with actionable tips for both DIY advertisers and those considering hiring an agency.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:47 The Reality of Running an Agency

    01:23 Do Ads Work for Businesses?

    01:47 Why Focus on Facebook Ads?

    06:20 Effective Facebook Ad Strategies

    08:47 Common Mistakes in Facebook Ads

    17:18 Targeting and Call to Action

    26:00 Lead Form Follow-Up

    26:07 Google Ads Horror Stories

    26:20 Click Fraud and Protection

    28:49 Display Ads Mismanagement

    30:22 Lead Form Issues and Solutions

    34:02 Speed to Lead Importance

    38:53 Pipeline Management Strategies

    39:22 Reactivation Campaigns

    43:04 Effective CRM Usage

    46:50 Genuine Connection in Ads

    50:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations


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    53 mins
  • MWR #5 PJ Hickenbottom - Business Takeovers, More Domination
    Dec 28 2024

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions welcomes back PJ for part two of their conversation about unconventional marketing strategies.

    Having built his junk removal business from sleeping in U-Haul trucks to becoming a central figure in his community, PJ shares how he's transformed traditional business relationships into powerful marketing opportunities.

    PJ details his company's innovative approaches, from restaurant takeovers that reimagine Chamber of Commerce mixers to community-nominated giveaways that build lasting relationships. He reveals how these strategies helped reduce his dependence on Google advertising from 95% to less than 50% of leads - all while maintaining the same Google performance. Through compelling examples, including a current initiative to give away a refurbished car to someone in need, PJ demonstrates how businesses can create meaningful community impact while gaining authentic publicity.

    The conversation explores practical steps for implementing community-focused marketing, detailed explanations of press release strategies, and insights into managing a consistent social media presence. Despite requiring significant time investment (20+ hours weekly), PJ backs each approach with real-world results, showing how authentic community engagement can transform both a business's growth trajectory and its market position.

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    54 mins
  • MWR #4 - Clifton Muckenfuss, Building Raving Fans
    Dec 24 2024

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions is joined by Clifton, an entrepreneur who transformed a guerrilla-style fax marketing campaign into a blueprint for building customer relationships that last a lifetime.

    They dive deep into unconventional marketing strategies that challenge the traditional focus on ROI, introducing instead the concept of ROR - Return on Relationship.

    Through real-world case studies, including a deck-building company that slashed marketing costs from 20% to 2.5% while approaching eight figures in revenue, Clifton details how businesses can create "raving fans" through systematic relationship building. He shares actionable insights about the psychology of appreciation, the pitfalls of branded merchandise, and how simple handwritten notes can transform customer loyalty.

    The conversation explores what Clifton calls "automating happiness," demonstrating how businesses can combine high-tech automation with high-touch personal connection to create memorable customer experiences. Despite going against conventional marketing wisdom, Clifton backs each approach with concrete results, showing how businesses from home services to engineering firms can achieve 60%+ referral rates with minimal marketing spend.

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    50 mins
  • MWR #3 - Frankie Fihn Chats Marketing - Why Should Someone Care?
    Dec 21 2024

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions is joined by Frankie, a digital marketing veteran who's been mastering online business since 2007.

    They dive deep into unconventional digital marketing strategies, particularly focusing on how traditional in-person sales processes can be transformed into automated, video-based systems. Frankie shares his journey from selling real estate courses online to discovering breakthrough marketing techniques that challenge conventional wisdom.

    Through compelling case studies, including a game-changing plastic surgery campaign that achieved 13x industry-standard conversion rates, Frankie details how businesses can optimize their digital presence to generate leads 24/7. He shares actionable insights about pricing transparency, the "shoe buyer philosophy," and a simple one-hour content creation system that consistently delivers results.

    The conversation explores the untapped potential of digital assets, what Frankie calls "Manhattan real estate being thrown in the garbage," and practical steps for turning your website into your hardest-working employee. Despite the counterintuitive nature of some strategies, Frankie backs each approach with real-world examples and results, demonstrating how businesses can thrive by breaking away from traditional marketing constraints.


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    56 mins
  • MWR #2- Client Multiplication Made Easy: Exclusive Strategies from Brad Akers
    Dec 10 2024

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, Lewis Vandervalk of Blue Crocus Solutions is joined by Brad Akers, who shares his journey from roofing distribution to running a marketing and consulting agency.

    They discuss effective strategies for customer acquisition, emphasizing the importance of good communication, customer service, and creating processes that turn customers into promoters.

    Brad details how businesses can optimize their sales and marketing efforts by engaging their clients, neighbors, and other stakeholders. He shares actionable steps to leverage referrals, including practical role-play scenarios and ways to incentivize customers for referral-generating activities.

    The conversation highlights the importance of systematic approaches in marketing, the significance of word-of-mouth, and the psychology behind customer trust and satisfaction. Despite potential challenges, Brad guarantees success for those adopting these methodologies while sharing anecdotes and results from his own client experiences.


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    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:47 Brad's Background and Journey

    02:53 Client Acquisition Mindset

    04:23 Role-Playing Sales Scenarios

    05:51 Proactive Communication Strategies

    08:32 Extending Customer Service to Neighbors

    19:05 Referral Programs and Generating Activities

    28:52 Elevating Customer Experience

    29:24 Stacking the Yeses

    30:11 Incentivizing Sales Reps

    31:20 Handling Cold Leads

    32:33 Proven Sales Strategies

    36:59 Implementing Effective Processes

    41:41 Common Mistakes to Avoid

    45:22 The Power of Social Proof

    52:02 Final Thoughts and Resources


    Visit BlueCrocus.ca if you have marketing questions we can help with!


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    53 mins
  • MWR #1 - Local Market Takeovers with PJ Hickenbottom
    Dec 4 2024

    In this episode of Marketing Without Rules, we dive into the transformative marketing strategies of PJ Hickenbottom, a junk removal business owner who has redefined community-focused marketing. From leveraging Facebook giveaways to partnering with local businesses and nonprofits, PJ shares how he built a standout brand in a small rural market.

    Key takeaways include:

    • How to engage your community with social media giveaways.
    • The power of collaborating with local businesses for mutual success.
    • Creative ideas like branded drink coasters and restaurant takeovers to expand reach.
    • Using nonprofit partnerships to gain recognition and give back to the community.
    • Why genuine engagement and networking—both online and offline—are the future of marketing.

    PJ’s innovative strategies prove that being a “hunter,” not a “gatherer,” is essential to dominating any market. Whether you're running a small-town business or a large-scale operation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to grow your brand through community-driven efforts.

    Tune in and get inspired to think outside the box, engage authentically, and take your marketing to the next level!

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    33 mins