Ready to make your marketing smarter, not harder? In this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, Nicki Ong sits down with Dylan Bennett, fractional CMO and founder of DYB Media, to unpack practical strategies small businesses can use right now. From why digital marketing outperforms traditional in trackable ROI, to how storytelling and authenticity build trust, to the systems that keep your content consistent, Dylan shares what actually moves the needle. He also demystifies the f...

Are you living in alignment with your true gifts? On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Amber Cornwall, a soul embodiment mentor and soul purpose coach who helps people monetize their unique gifts and live their soul’s purpose. Amber shares her inspiring journey from a public education career to becoming a sought-after spiritual mentor, offering powerful lessons about alignment, authenticity, and transformation. If you’ve been searching for ...

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong chats with Melissa Delaney, a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in high-profile event management and legal marketing. Melissa shares her insights on creating purpose-driven events, leveraging authentic marketing, and building a career that aligns with your lifestyle. Melissa’s experience spans managing luxurious, unforgettable events and helping law firms enhance their digital presence. She reveals...

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong chats with Lauren Kim, a passionate marketing director, creative strategist, and team culture enthusiast. Lauren leads marketing at Team Orthodontics, an Arizona-based orthodontic practice known for their unforgettable experiences and creating beautiful, confident smiles. Lauren shares her inspiring career journey, from her early days in orthodontics to leading marketing and spearheading initiatives that drive both team and ...

In this episode, host Nicki Ong is joined by the inspiring Erica Roselius, personal trainer, fitness studio owner, and founder of Driven Fitness. For nearly two decades, Erica has been helping women maintain their health, with a special focus on navigating fitness through menopause. This episode dives deep into Erica’s fascinating entrepreneurial journey, the power of community in driving customer loyalty, and how professionalism, integrity, and transparency create a foundation for small bus...

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Allie Fisher, Head of Client Services and Strategy at ModGirl Marketing and Luminetics. Allie brings nearly 20 years of digital marketing expertise and a background in screenwriting to the table, making her approach to branding and content both strategic and deeply human. Throughout the conversation, Allie shares actionable insights on three hot topics every modern marketer and entrepreneur needs to master: So...

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Kevin Noyes, SEO strategist and digital growth consultant, to dig into the no-fluff reality of SEO today. With years of hands-on experience, Kevin shares invaluable insights on crafting effective SEO strategies, leveraging AI in marketing, and dominating local search rankings. Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, or just SEO-curious, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your on...

This week on the Simply Smart Business podcast, Nicki Ong sits down with Katie Merriman, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at the Impact Partnership, to share her incredible career story and invaluable insights into marketing. From her start in broadcast journalism to becoming a leader in financial marketing, Katie dives into the lessons she’s learned about flexibility, creativity, and staying curious. This episode is packed with actionable advice for professionals and entr...

Join Nicki as she chats with Claudia Varga, the Marketing Director and Spokesperson at Wellness Origin, based in Indianapolis. Claudia opens up about her inspiring career in marketing, blending her passion for wellness and business with a creative edge. From her time at the Kelley School of Business to co-creating a family wellness venture, she shares how a love for clean beauty, self-care, and music have shaped her professional and personal life. This episode dives into the unique serv...

Tune in as Nicki and Jessica deliver an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about navigating the ups and downs of career and life. Jessica, founder of Dragonfly Marketing, shares her unique entrepreneurial story – from leaving her job in 2008 to launching her own business and eventually transitioning to her current roles as a fractional CMO and Integrator. Jessica reflects on her background in psychology and how it shaped her approach to marketing, leadership, and personal growth. She ...

Join Nicki and Amy for an insightful conversation filled with personal stories, marketing wisdom, and actionable tips for simplifying your business growth strategy. This episode dives deep into Amy’s entrepreneurial journey, the underrated potential of Pinterest for marketing, and the upcoming launch of her exciting Pin Club membership. Along the way, they discuss the power of simplicity, data-driven decision-making, and how these principles can transform your marketing efforts. Key Tak...

Jennifer Dixson Hoff joins us to share her inspiring transition from a 30-year corporate career to launching her entrepreneurial venture, Violet Sunflower Solutions. Throughout this candid conversation, Jennifer opens up about her passion for investing in human capital, mentoring others, and her focus on impact investing, particularly in women-owned businesses. She also offers practical advice for working mothers, lessons learned from overcoming fear in career decisions, and strategies for b...

Join Nicki as she sits down with Dominic DeMaria for an enlightening conversation about their professional journeys and the lessons he's learned along the way. From growing up in a family business to managing marketing roles, Dominic shares his strategies for creating meaningful connections and staying authentic in the business world. This episode dives deep into the importance of work-life balance, building genuine relationships, and harnessing the power of trust in both partnerships and ...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Christine Fritz, a marketing expert and head of marketing at Mindful and Mindfulness. Christine shares her inspiring journey from aspiring professional musician to marketing leader, and how her experience fuels her passion for helping businesses thrive. Together, she and Nicki deep-dive into the power of mindfulness for managing stress, overcoming burnout, fostering authentic business relationships, and navigating the challenges of rapid growth....

In this inaugural episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong will take you on a personal and inspiring walk through her entrepreneurial path. From starting her career in a small web design and marketing company to pivoting into SEO and copywriting, Nicki shares the challenges and victories that shaped her business. She opens up about balancing work and family life, scaling her business, and the “why” behind launching this podcast. Nicki also unveils her vision for the...