In this raw, real, and reflective episode, Myke Connolly Sr. jumps back into flow with Marketing and Cupcakes™ Random Zoom Call —an unscripted moment that turned into a full-on revival. From battling burnout and ego to rediscovering the original assignment behind Marketing and Cupcakes™, this episode dives deep into: • Why it's not about views—it's about starfish • How copy-paste leprechauns drain your energy • The difference between self-care and selfishness • Why your circle should hold you accountable • Powerful lessons from Mychal Connolly Jr. on stage, self-worth, and staying the course This is for the entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders who forgot the magic behind their mission. Remember: You don’t prepare when you’ve been preparing. 🔁 Share with someone stuck in their own head. 🎯 Learn more at RealisticCEO.com 📚 Support the 500K book giveaway mission: Donate or sponsor at RealisticCEO.com/donate

Join Myke Connolly, the Stand Out Truck King, on a journey through the innovative world of marketing and recruitment in "Marketing and Cupcakes." In each episode, we delve into the sweet spot where marketing meets talent acquisition, exploring cutting-edge strategies for engaging top talent, building culture, and transforming careers. With special guests like Tiffany Tranghese from Pasco Workforce Solutions, we uncover the secrets to attracting and retaining the best employees, all while giving back to the community and elevating your business to new heights. Whether you're a startup looking for your first hire or a seasoned business seeking to refresh your recruitment approach, this podcast serves up the perfect mix of insights and inspiration—topped with a sprinkle of fun!

Join us on a deep-sea dive into the world of entrepreneurship with our special 'Whale Talk' episode on the 'Marketing and Cupcakes' podcast. Our guest, a seasoned business owner, Frank Nataloni. He shares invaluable insights on marketing, business strategies, and the path to 50 years of success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your business game. Tune in now for a taste of cupcake-infused wisdom!

Join us on the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast as we sit down with the legendary John Sortino, the man behind the iconic Vermont Teddy Bear brand. Discover the secrets to creating a successful brand, from the power of simplicity to expanding into new markets. Gain insights into John's unconventional journey, including a surprising NASCAR sponsorship that transformed his business. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast or a business owner, you'll find valuable lessons in this conversation with one of America's greatest CEOs.

In this episode of the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast, host Myke and John dive deep into the importance of understanding market size and need. John shares his experience in the teddy bear industry, where a shift from teddy bears to gifts transformed his business. They discuss the significance of recognizing the market you're in, how it impacts your marketing strategies, and how you can tap into various occasions to expand your business reach. Tune in for valuable insights on making your business thrive by aligning with market demand.

Join Myke Connolly and John Sortino on the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast as they dive into the world of features and benefits in marketing. Discover how understanding this essential concept can transform your marketing strategy, whether you're selling fitness trackers, salon services, or furniture. Learn from real-world examples and gain insights to craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience. If you're ready to take your marketing to the next level, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to another episode of The Market and the Cupcakes podcast, where we dive into the essential strategies and tactics that can sweeten your business success. In this episode, John and Myke discuss the often-overlooked power of having a meeting with yourself, specifically on Mondays. They explore the importance of self-meetings for entrepreneurs and how it can impact your business's growth, particularly in the realm of marketing. Learn how to set monthly and quarterly marketing goals, fine-tune your marketing strategies, and measure your marketing efforts effectively. Plus, discover the GSD formula that can help you prioritize tasks and achieve your business objectives. Tune in and revolutionize your approach to self-reflection and business success.

Join Myke Connolly and John Sortino on the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast as they tackle a pressing question faced by businesses of all sizes: "How long does good marketing take?" In this insightful episode, they explore the importance of patience, crafting effective messages, and understanding your target audience. Discover the secrets to marketing success and why it's a journey that requires time, strategy, and a dash of creativity.

Welcome to the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast, where we serve up sweet insights into the world of marketing. In today's episode, Myke and John delve into the realm of radio marketing, demystifying its potential for businesses of all sizes. John, a seasoned expert, shares his invaluable experience and tips on leveraging radio advertising effectively. Discover how radio ads can be tailored to target specific audiences, why timing matters, and the three types of ads that can make or break your campaign. From live reads by radio personalities to recorded ads and creatively produced messages, you'll learn how to craft compelling messages that resonate with your target market. If you're looking to optimize your marketing strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the intricacies of radio marketing and provide practical insights that can help your business thrive. Tune in and get ready to elevate your marketing game!

Welcome to the Marketing and Cupcakes Podcast, where Mychal Connolly and John Sortino dive into the world of entrepreneurship and marketing, sprinkled with insights and a dash of humor. In this episode, we step away from traditional marketing and delve into a topic that's equally important for business success – landscaping. Have you ever thought about quitting your full-time job to pursue your dream business? Our hosts share valuable advice and experiences, along with practical steps to consider before taking that leap. They discuss the importance of crafting the right marketing message, finding your niche, and understanding your potential customers' needs. John and Myke also draw from their own experiences and share anecdotes about how simple yet effective marketing strategies can help you acquire your first customers and grow your business. Whether you're in the landscaping industry or any other, the lessons in this episode can be applied to help you achieve entrepreneurial success. If you have burning questions about business, marketing, or entrepreneurship, don't hesitate to reach out to us at podcast@marketingcupcakes.com. Your questions may be featured in the Marketing and Cupcakes magazine column!

Join us for an enlightening WHALE TALK episode as we dive into the captivating journey of Dr. Ned Barowsky, the visionary owner of Venture X Holyoke, a thriving coworking space fostering innovation and collaboration among professionals. In this episode, we explore the remarkable trajectory of a man whose entrepreneurial spirit ignited at the age of 13, shaping a career spanning over 50 years. Discover how Ned's humble beginnings, including a paper route and early ventures, laid the foundation for his unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. We delve into the core values that led him to establish personal relationships with clients, a philosophy seamlessly integrated into the vibrant community at Venture X Holyoke. Ned's insights into the convergence of formal education and hands-on experience offer valuable lessons for aspiring business leaders. We explore his dedication to hard work, continuous learning, and the pivotal role of seeking advice from mentors during challenging times. Uncover the power of embracing both luck and calculated risks, as he narrates the serendipitous moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path. Venture X Holyoke, a testament to Ned's strategic vision, has become a haven for professionals spanning diverse industries. Listen in as we share success stories from within the collaborative space, showcasing the transformative impact of networking, mentorship, and interdisciplinary connections. Through his experiences as both mentor and mentee, Ned illuminates the symbiotic nature of knowledge sharing. He discusses his thriving partnership with Mychal Connolly of Stand Out Truck®, underscoring the value of learning from peers with varied expertise. The episode culminates in a journey through the inception and evolution of Venture X Holyoke. Ned's candid insights into challenges overcome during the transformation of the space provide listeners with an inside look at the meticulous planning that fosters an environment of growth and innovation. Tune in to "Unveiling Success Stories: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Insights with Ned Barowsky" as we uncover the pearls of wisdom that have propelled Ned's extraordinary career. Gain inspiration from his lifelong commitment to building relationships, embracing opportunities, and creating spaces that empower professionals to flourish. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode offers a wealth of lessons to elevate your journey to new heights. Subscribe now to catch this illuminating conversation and unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success.

In the fast-paced world of business, finding effective strategies for growth and success can be a challenging endeavor. However, in the Marketing and Cupcakes podcast, hosts Myke Connolly and John Sortino introduce a unique approach called the Swiss Cheese Method. This method encourages entrepreneurs, business owners and business professionals to identify and address various components of their business through continuous improvement. In this podcast, we will delve deeper into the Swiss Cheese Method and explore how it can revolutionize your business journey.

Join us on "Cracking the Marketing Math Code" as we dive into the world of business numbers and reveal the true importance of marketing. In this podcast, we explore how many entrepreneurs overlook the crucial role of their marketing number and instead focus solely on sales and profit. We dissect the three essential numbers that every business must consider: administrative costs, cost of goods sold/services, and the often underestimated marketing number. Hosted by industry experts, Mychal Connolly and John Sortino, we unravel the complexities of these numbers and highlight why the marketing number takes center stage in driving business success. We share real-life examples, from the challenges of determining the true cost of goods sold to the transformative impact of effective marketing campaigns. Discover why administrative costs are more significant than you may think and why tracking your time investment is crucial. Explore the intricacies of cost of goods sold/services, uncovering the hidden expenses beyond the price tag. Most importantly, unlock the secrets of the marketing number and how it can propel your business to new heights. Whether you're a startup founder, a small business owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast provides invaluable insights and practical advice for understanding the math behind successful marketing. Don't miss out on this opportunity to master the art of Play-Doh Math and revolutionize your business strategy. Tune in to "Cracking the Marketing Math Code" now!

Join Myke Connolly on the Marketing and Cupcakes podcast as he sits down with John Sortno, the legendary godfather of radio ads, to discuss finding your audience for products and services. John shares his insights on defining your audience as potential customers and focusing on building your customer base within your market. He reveals his experience with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, where he shifted his target audience from the general teddy bear market to men looking for gifts during Valentine's Day. They also explore how different businesses, such as pizza shops and service-based businesses like hair salons, can identify and reach their specific audiences.

In this episode, John and Myke explore the question of what makes a great marketing campaign. Our John shares his experience in traditional and internet marketing and emphasizes that the key to success lies in the message. We discuss the importance of repetition in advertising and the challenges of reaching different audiences. We also explain the concept of support advertising and how it can reinforce the message in other mediums. John shares their most successful campaign, which involved a simple two-word message and a phone number. Ultimately, the episode provides valuable insights into the world of marketing and highlights the importance of crafting a clear and effective message that resonates with the target audience.

In this podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur who started out with a failed business idea and turned it into a multi-million dollar company. John, the founder of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, shares his journey of starting from scratch, building a unique selling proposition, and growing his business by following a simple but effective formula. He discusses the importance of putting customers first, empowering employees to manage their own time, and building a company culture of fair pay and respect. He also shares his insights on creative marketing strategies, niche markets, and the benefits of being an American manufacturer in today's business landscape. Join us as we learn from John's experiences and gain valuable knowledge on how to build and grow a successful business. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their business to the next level.

Join us for a Monday morning motivational call where we discuss the topic of imposter syndrome. In this episode, Myke passionately shares his thoughts on the idea of imposter syndrome and why it's not valid for those who have put in the work and mastered their craft. With examples from his own experience and the journeys of famous professionals like Michael Jordan, Myke argues that imposter syndrome is for imposters and should not be a narrative accepted by anyone who has put in the time and effort to succeed. Tune in for a motivational talk on how to stay "sucka free" and keep creating dope stuff.

Mac 10 was all about separating your audience into different categories and building systems to target and engage with those different groups. The main focus of the event was on identifying your "true audience," Worm, Mackerel Tuna and Whale. And how to effectively communicate with them. To join MACRED visit: https://www.marketingandcupcakes.com/join

Social media is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes to grow their brands and reach new customers. It has the potential to revolutionize how you market your business, but if it’s not used correctly, it can have a negative impact on your business. Here are some tips on how to use social media for maximum effect. Link to the blog article: https://www.marketingandcupcakes.com/blog/3-simple-steps-to-market-your-business-using-social-media

If you're looking to get a better understanding of the various aspects of marketing, look no further than the Mac 9 recap. In this episode of the show, we explain the difference between branding, marketing, advertising, sales and closing as if they were a family. This is an essential listen for anyone in business or considering a career in marketing. Not only will you gain a greater understanding of each element, but you'll also learn how they all work together to drive results. You won't find a more entertaining or informative recap on the market today. So don't wait any longer, Tune in now!