Rocky Mountain Marketing

Running a business on sticky notes, late nights, and last-minute decisions? I’ve been there. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down once again with my operational other half and COO, Shawn Quintero, to share the behind-the-scenes journey of turning Next Step Social & Podcasting from a founder-dependent business into a scalable, framework-driven company.We get real about what it takes to stop doing it all and start leading intentionally. From the CEO-COO relationship, to daily huddles, GWC evaluations, and how we use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to guide every move—we're pulling back the curtain on the systems and rhythms that power sustainable growth.Whether you're a solopreneur with a team or a visionary ready to scale, this episode is your blueprint.In this episode, we discuss:The turning point when we shifted from solopreneurship to a true business modelHow hiring for growth (not relief) changes everythingWhat it really means to become a CEO vs. just being a founderWhy EOS became our growth frameworkHow we run our business with vision, data, and process clarityDaily huddle structure that keeps our team aligned and efficientChapters:00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling00:00:00 Introduction to Business Scaling00:03:00 Transitioning from Solopreneurship00:06:00 Strategic Hiring and Systematization 00:09:00 Understanding EOS and Its Components00:12:00 Building a Strong Business Partnership00:15:00 The Role of Vision and Delegation00:18:00 Implementing Daily Huddles and GWC Test00:21:00 The Importance of Complementary Skills00:24:00 Maintaining Alignment and Communication00:27:00 Scaling with Structure and Systems00:30:00 Conclusion and Call to ActionVisit Shawn Quintero online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Matthew Rouse—author, agency owner, and AI startup founder—to talk about the real state of AI in business. Forget the hype—Matt and I dive into practical AI tools, how to build better automations, and how small businesses can scale smarter without sacrificing authenticity.We explore:What AI is actually doing for businesses right nowCreative AI workflows that go beyond social media postsWhy automating your reporting could save you hundreds of hoursHow to train AI to support your team without replacing themThe #1 automation every small business should implement before the year endsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to AI and Job Security00:30 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing01:00 Meet Matt Rouse: AI Expert and Entrepreneur01:26 The Reality of AI for Entrepreneurs06:18 AI Tools and Their Applications14:03 Using AI for Creative Processes18:32 Automating Business Tasks with AI23:28 The Future of AI in Business28:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMatt also shares insights from his book Will AI Take My Job Too?, plus his approach to building powerful AI agents and automations that actually move the needle.Tune in to learn how to stop fearing AI—and start using it to make your business more efficient, impactful, and human.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to subscribe! Visit Matt Rouse online:Website: https://matthewrouse.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/SMB Autopilot: https://smbautopilot.ai/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Take-Job-Predictions-Corporations/dp/B0CL9NWGGLLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and a personal branding strategist, to unpack what it really means to build an authentic brand in today’s AI-saturated world.Kelly shares how she accidentally built her personal brand over 15 years ago, and how that journey led her to help other professionals turn their expertise into influence. We dive into the importance of authenticity, how AI tools like ChatGPT and Quso can elevate your voice—not replace it—and why your story still matters more than ever.We also explore:What the “Authority X-Factor” is and how to find yoursWhy AI-generated content lacks the human touchHow to use AI tools the right way for repurposing your contentWhether writing a book still holds power in building thought leadership (spoiler: YES)Tactical tips to grow your personal brand using speaking, podcasting, and LinkedInTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to AI and Personal Branding00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing00:54 Meet Today's Guest: Kelly Schuknecht01:25 The Importance of Personal Branding in the Age of AI02:36 Kelly's Journey to Personal Branding04:14 Challenges in Defining Personal Brand08:47 The Role of AI in Content Creation14:56 AI Tools for Personal Branding18:51 The Power of Writing a Book for Personal Branding25:06 Getting Started with Personal Branding28:40 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWant to know if your personal brand is working for you? Take Kelly’s Thought Leadership Scorecard at twomilehighmarketing.comVisit Kelly Kelly Schuknecht online:Website: https://kellyschuknecht.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyschuknecht/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kellyschuknechtLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

What does it really take to scale your business without losing your sanity?In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with my friend, business partner, and COO of Next Step Social & Podcasting, Shawn Quintero. Shawn pulls back the curtain on the systems, strategy, and mindset shifts that have helped us scale Next Step Social & Podcasting —and support clients doing the same.We talk about:How to shift from founder-dependence to system-dependenceWhat makes a marketing campaign actually workWhy our VIP Day is a game-changer for businesses of all sizesWhat it takes to turn your podcast into a lead-generating machineThe one business principle that will eliminate overwhelmTimestamps00:00 Introduction: Scaling Your Business01:02 Meet the COO: Shawn Quintero01:57 The Importance of Systems in Business03:34 Challenges of Founder-Dependent Businesses10:18 Strategic Incentives and Marketing Campaigns12:53 VIP Day: A Game Changer for Businesses17:14 Client Success Stories21:20 Finding Clarity and Solving Problems25:13 Looking Ahead: Scaling in 202626:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWhether you're a solo business owner or managing a full team, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the intentional design that drives real business growth.Ready to take the next step? Book your VIP Day now at yournextstep.agency and let’s build your custom growth strategy.Visit Shawn Quintero online:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyshawnq/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyShawnQ/Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

I’ll be honest—most business owners and marketers I talk to think their tracking is dialed in… but they’re still flying blind. Why? Because they’re trusting platforms like Google or Meta to tell them what’s working.In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sat down with Zeke Camusio, founder of Data Speaks, to talk about why your tracking pixels might be lying to you—and how to fix it.Zeke breaks down the flaws in traditional tracking methods and shares a smarter, AI-powered approach to marketing attribution. We dive into the three pillars of unified measurement (media mix modeling, incrementality testing, and attribution) and how they help you make confident, data-driven decisions that actually move the needle.Whether you’re spending $2K or $200K a month on ads, this conversation will help you:Stop wasting budget on campaigns that aren’t convertingUnderstand how attribution really works across platformsClean up your tracking for more accurate insightsLearn how to implement AI-powered analytics without needing a data science teamIt’s time to stop guessing and start scaling with accurate marketing data. You won’t want to miss this one.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Tracking Pixels00:24 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing00:59 The Inaccuracy of Tracking Pixels01:43 Introducing Zeke Muccio and Data Speaks02:30 Are Tracking Pixels Reliable?05:03 Challenges with Tracking Pixels08:21 Unified Measurement Framework11:19 AI in Marketing Analytics14:48 Practical Steps for Business Owners17:32 The Role of UTM Tags and Pixels22:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit Zeke Camusio online:Website: https://dataspeaks.ai/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zekemuccioFree tools: https://dataspeaks.ai/resourcesLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/

What if your website could generate leads while you sleep?In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about what most business owners get wrong about their websites—and how to fix it. Wes shares his innovative approach to Search Everywhere Optimization, explains how to build an AI-proof content strategy, and breaks down how to make your website your #1 salesperson.We also unpack:The future of SEO in an AI-powered search worldWhy your website’s design may be costing you conversionsHow to create content that gets picked up by AI and voice searchWhy human-first branding still matters—and how to lead with itTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Hardest Working Sales Rep00:44 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing01:18 Meet Wes Towers: Embracing AI and Human Connection02:37 The Importance of Your Website as a Sales Rep06:31 Search Everywhere Optimization Explained11:06 Practical Tips for an Effective Website20:02 Leveraging AI While Doubling Down on Human Connection22:03 Key Takeaways and ConclusionIf you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner who wants to future-proof your brand and actually see results from your website, this episode is your game plan.Visit Wes Towers:Website: https://uplift360.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uplift_360Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

When crisis strikes, will your business be ready?In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I sit down with Mike Swenson to uncover what every small and mid-sized business must know about crisis management. Mike shares his 30+ years of experience in public relations and walks us through a five-step framework for creating a crisis plan that actually works. From social media slip-ups to data breaches, we explore real-world scenarios that can put your reputation at risk—and how to protect it before it's too late.We also talk about why a crisis communication plan should be considered part of your marketing strategy, not just your PR playbook.What You’ll Learn:The biggest mistake small businesses make when it comes to crisis planningWhy your credibility is your most valuable asset—and how to protect itThe five must-have steps in a crisis management planThe importance of designating a crisis team (even if you’re a team of 5!)How communication can make or break your business during a crisisTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: Facing a Business Crisis00:45 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing01:23 Meet Mike Swensen: Crisis Management Expert03:02 The Importance of a Crisis Plan08:01 Steps to Create an Effective Crisis Plan12:05 Real-World Examples and Lessons18:25 Actionable Steps for Entrepreneurs22:28 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWhether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a business, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how to prepare for the unexpected.Visit Mike Swenson:Website: https://crisistrak.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswenson1/Learn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

If your business isn’t ranking on Google Maps, you might as well be invisible. In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I am joined by local SEO expert Josh Thompson, founder of Bright Beam SEO. They dive deep into practical strategies that local business owners can implement today to rank higher in local search results.Josh shares his powerful OCTBR SEO framework—Optimize, Content, Targeting, Backlinks, and Reviews—and explains why focusing on bottom-of-the-funnel searchers leads to real, revenue-generating results. From the future of AI in search to the simple tweaks you can make to your Google Business Profile, this episode is a masterclass for business owners who want to get found by customers ready to buy.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Google Maps rankings matter more than everThe most common local SEO mistakes (and how to avoid them)The real deal on backlinks—and how to earn quality onesHow to future-proof your business against AI-driven searchJosh’s go-to SEO strategies for immediate visibility gainsTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Google Search00:29 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing01:06 Understanding Local SEO with Josh Thompson02:19 The Importance of Google Maps for Small Businesses05:49 SEO Strategies: Optimize, Content, Target, Backlinks, Reviews09:38 Impact of AI on Local SEO14:02 Building Effective Backlinks19:26 Quick Wins for Improving Local SEO22:28 Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid26:59 Conclusion and Contact InformationDon’t miss this chance to turn Google into your best lead generator. Tune in now and walk away with a game plan for better visibility, stronger reviews, and more ideal customers.Visit Joshua Thompson:Website: https://brightbeamseo.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualinkedYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@brightbeamseoLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab

In this episode of Rocky Mountain Marketing, I’m joined by Bradford Carlton, an AI automation strategist helping entrepreneurs take back their time using low-code and no-code AI agents.Bradford explains how AI agents—think “digital employees”—can handle repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and even replace entire job functions… all for pennies on the dollar. We discuss what platforms to start with (like Zapier, Make, and n8n), what kind of tasks to automate first, and how solopreneurs can scale without burnout.If you're ready to delegate to tech instead of hiring more staff, this episode will show you the way.What You’ll Learn:What AI agents actually are and how they workThe difference between AI tools and AI agentsHow to get started with no-code/low-code automation (no tech skills needed!)Why this isn’t just about productivity—but profitabilityWhy the future of entrepreneurship requires AI literacyWhat You’ll Learn:00:00 Introduction to the Ultimate Team Member00:12 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing00:47 The Burden of Repetitive Tasks01:31 Introducing Dr. Bradford Carlton02:15 The Future of AI in Business03:13 Understanding AI Agents04:48 Real-World Applications of AI05:48 Common Myths and Fears About AI07:29 Getting Started with AI Automation12:06 Practical Tools for AI Automation14:14 The Future of AI Agents and Automation16:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action19:33 Conclusion and FarewellIf you're a small business owner feeling buried in busy work, it's time to let AI step in. Tune in to this episode and learn how to turn hours of admin into a few clicks—and reclaim your time for what matters most. Subscribe for more future-focused marketing episodes every week!Visit Bradford Carlton:Website: https://www.bradfordcarlton.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordcarltonYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradfordSCarltonFree Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/automate-business-ai/aboutLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialprofitlab#AIagents #businessautomation #entrepreneurmindset #lowcode #nocode #marketingautomation #AItools #smallbusinessgrowth #digitalproductivity #solopreneurtools #workflowautomation #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #timemanagement